bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Transfer via Tunneling Nanotubes is an Important Mechanism by Which Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Macrophage Phagocytosis in the In Vitro and In Vivo Models of ARDS
Authors: Jackson Megan V. , Morrison Thomas J. , Doherty Declan F. , McAuley Daniel F. , Matthay Michael A. , Kissenpfennig Adrien , O'Kane Cecilia M. , Krasnodembskaya Anna D.
Published: April 2016

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been reported to improve bacterial clearance in preclinical models of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis. The mechanism of this effect is not fully elucidated yet. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the antimicrobial effect of MSC in vivo depends on their modulation of macrophage phagocytic activity which occurs through mitochondrial transfer. We established that selective depletion of alveolar macrophages (AM) with intranasal (IN) administration of liposomal clodronate resulted in complete abrogation of MSC antimicrobial effect in the in vivo model of Escherichia coli pneumonia. Furthermore, we showed that MSC administration was associated with enhanced AM phagocytosis in vivo. We showed that direct coculture of MSC with monocyte-derived macrophages enhanced their phagocytic capacity. By fluorescent imaging and flow cytometry we demonstrated extensive mitochondrial transfer from MSC to macrophages which occurred at least partially through tunneling nanotubes (TNT)-like structures. We also detected that lung macrophages readily acquire MSC mitochondria in vivo, and macrophages which are positive for MSC mitochondria display more pronounced phagocytic activity. Finally, partial inhibition of mitochondrial transfer through blockage of TNT formation by MSC resulted in failure to improve macrophage bioenergetics and complete abrogation of the MSC effect on macrophage phagocytosis in vitro and the antimicrobial effect of MSC in vivo. Collectively, this work for the first time demonstrates that mitochondrial transfer from MSC to innate immune cells leads to enhancement in phagocytic activity and reveals an important novel mechanism for the antimicrobial effect of MSC in ARDS.
Study of Potential Energy Surfaces towards Global Reaction Route Mapping
Authors: Ohno Koichi
Published: April 2016

The potential energy surface (PES) is just a theoretical construct based on the Born‐Oppenheimer approximation, but it underlies various phenomena, including molecular vibrations, collisional ionizations, and chemical reactions. This account describes how a new idea for global reaction route mapping (GRRM), which had seemed to be impossible for chemical systems with more than three atoms, was born and has been developed during the course of the study of the PES. GRRM has pioneered new fields of chemistry. Furthermore, techniques for GRRM are still developing, and GRRM is further extending its application to various areas of chemistry and chemical physics.
Effect of donepezil and kamikihito combination therapy on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease: Retrospective study
Authors: Ishida Kazuyuki
Published: April 2016

Aim

Kamikihito (KKT) is a herbal drug used in traditional Japanese medicine (kampo medicine) to treat psychological symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, and fear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination of KKT extract and donepezil (DPZ) on the cognitive function of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

The effect of this combination therapy (CBT) was analyzed retrospectively using Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). AD patients were treated with DPZ (5 mg/day). Those with psychological symptoms, such as insomnia, were also given the KKT extract (7.5 g/day), beginning 3 months after the initiation of DPZ.

Results

Medical records of patients who visited the outpatient department for the first time between May 2010 and January 2013 were retrospectively evaluated, and six patients from each group selected as candidates for this study. Changes in total MMSE score for the DPZ and CBT groups were unremarkable until 6 months; at 12 months the scores were markedly, but non‐significantly, different: cognitive function was maintained in the CBT group while it deteriorated in the DPZ group. On MMSE subscale analysis, delayed memory recall score in the CBT group was sustained in a statistically significant manner.

Conclusion

CBT may prolong the effect of DPZ and, thus, CBT may be more beneficial than monotherapy using DPZ.
Effect of nanoclay and silica on mechanical and morphological properties of jute cellulose polyethylene biocomposites
Authors: Rahman Rezaur , Rahman Mizanur , Hamdan Sinin , Hossen Faruk , Lai Josephine Chang Hui , Liew Fui Kiew
Published: April 2016

In this study, jute cellulose/polyethylene (PE) biocomposites were prepared using a hot press machine. Silica and nanoclay act as reinforcing agents in the composite system. The effects of clay and silica addition on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of jute cellulose/PE biocomposites with different fiber loadings (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt %) were investigated. The biocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties were investigated using a universal testing machine. From FTIR results, it indicates that the CO stretching vibration had disappeared, while the intensity of peaks at 1718 and 1716 cm−1 appeared after addition of silica. The better interfacial bonding between jute cellulose/PE/silica biocomposites are reflected in the enhancement of the mechanical properties as well as thermal stability. The tensile strength and modulus had shown the highest values as well as higher activation energy for thermal decomposition. The surface area analysis result showed that the jute cellulose/PE/silica biocomposites have higher surface area and pore volume with less pore size. The manufactured biocomposites can be used in interior and exterior applications as well as a construction material. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:E113–E118, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Illuminating elimination: public perception and the production of potable water reuse
Authors: Ormerod Kerri Jean
Published: April 2016

Given the scope of water and sanitation challenges posed by climate change and continued urbanization, potable water recycling is gaining traction as a means to expand urban water supply and decrease wastewater disposal into waterways. No longer regarded as a system by‐product without value, planners increasingly consider wastewater a displaced resource in need of recirculation. The literature suggests that public perception and institutional barriers are the limiting factors to greater recapture and reuse of wastewater. Implicitly accepting water recycling as a sustainable alternative, much of the research is aimed at overcoming public opposition. However, the trend toward potable water recycling disrupts the normally hidden processes of urban water delivery, treatment, and disposal. In doing so, it provides a rare opportunity to contemplate taken‐for‐granted technologies of waterborne sanitation and to recognize alternative modes of managing human excrement, including composting toilets and dry sanitation. WIREs Water 2016, 3:537–547. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1149

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Reflections on climate change communication research and practice in the second decade of the 21st century: what more is there to say?
Authors: Moser Susanne C.
Published: April 2016

Appreciable advances have been made in recent years in raising climate change awareness and enhancing support for climate and energy policies. There also has been considerable progress in understanding of how to effectively communicate climate change. This progress raises questions about the future directions of communication research and practice. What more is there to say? Through a selective literature review, focused on contributions since a similar stock‐taking exercise in 2010,1 the article delineates significant advances, emerging trends and topics, and tries to chart critical needs and opportunities going forward. It describes the climate communication landscape midway through the second decade of the 21st century to contextualize the challenges faced by climate change communication as a scientific field. Despite the important progress made on key scientific challenges laid out in 2010, persistent challenges remain (superficial public understanding of climate change, transitioning from awareness and concern to action, communicating in deeply politicized and polarized environments, and dealing with the growing sense of overwhelm and hopelessness). In addition, new challenges and topics have emerged that communication researchers and practitioners now face. The study reflects on the crucial need to improve the interaction between climate communication research and practice, and calls for dedicated science‐practice boundary work focused on climate change communication. A set of new charges to climate communicators and researchers are offered in hopes to move climate change communication to a new place—at once more humble yet also more ambitious than ever before, befitting to the crucial role it could play in the cultural work humanity faces with climate change. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:345–369. doi: 10.1002/wcc.403

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication
Trinuclear Cobalt(II) and Zinc(II) Salamo‐type Complexes: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Fluorescent Properties
Authors: Dong Wen‐Kui , Zhang Fan , Li Na , Xu Li , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Li‐Chun
Published: April 2016

Two trinuclear CoII and ZnII complexes, [(CoL)2(OAc)2Co] and [(ZnL)2(OAc)2Zn], with an asymmetric Salen‐type bisoxime ligand [H2L = 4‐(N,N‐diethylamine)‐2,2′‐[ethylenediyldioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV/Vis, and fluorescent spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the CoII and ZnII complexes were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. The CoII atom is pentacoodinated by N2O2 donor atoms from the (L)2– unit and one oxygen atom from the coordinated acetate ion, resulting in a trigonal bipyramid arrangement. With the help of intermolecular hydrogen bonding C–H···O and C–H···π interactions, a self‐assembled continual zigzag chain‐like supramolecular structure is formed. The ZnII atom is pentacoodinated by N2O2 donor atoms from the (L)2– unit and one oxygen atom from the coordinated acetate ion, resulting in an almost regular trigonal bipyramid arrangement. A self‐assembled continual 1D supramolecular chain‐like structure is formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonding C–H···O and C–H···π interactions. Additionally, the photophysical properties of the CoII and ZnII complexes were discussed.
Meeting physical activity recommendations may be protective against temporal lobe atrophy in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dougherty Ryan J. , Ellingson Laura D. , Schultz Stephanie A. , Boots Elizabeth A. , Meyer Jacob D. , Lindheimer Jacob B. , Van Riper Stephanie , Stegner Aaron J. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Oh Jennifer M. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Dowling Maritza N. , Gallagher Catherine L. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Rowley Howard A. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Asthana Sanjay , Hermann Bruce P. , Sager Mark A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Cook Dane B.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is associated with brain health in older adults. However, it is unknown whether the current physical activity recommendations (PAR) impart substantive benefit. The objective of this study was to compare temporal lobe volumes between older adults who met PAR and those who did not.

Methods

Ninety‐one enrollees from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days to quantify their PA behaviors and underwent a T‐1 anatomic magnetic resonance imaging scan. Participants were categorized as either having met PAR or not based on the US Department of Health and Human Services recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity per week.

Results

Participants who met PAR possessed significantly greater inferior (η2P = .050) and anterior (η2P = .055) temporal lobe volumes compared with those who did not (P < .05).

Discussion

Individuals at‐risk for AD experience accelerated rates of brain atrophy. These results suggest that regular engagement in PA at or above PAR could attenuate this decline.
Expanding the phenotypic associations of globular glial tau subtypes
Authors: Burrell James R. , Forrest Shelley , Bak Thomas H. , Hodges John R. , Halliday Glenda M. , Kril Jillian J.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Clinicopathologic correlation in non‐Alzheimer's tauopathies is variable, despite refinement of pathologic diagnostic criteria. In the present study, the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of globular glial tauopathy (GGT) were examined to determine whether subtyping according to consensus guidelines improves clinicopathologic correlation.

Methods

Confirmed GGT cases (n = 11) were identified from 181 frontotemporal tauopathy cases. Clinical and neuroimaging details were collected, and cases sub‐typed according to the consensus criteria for GGT diagnosis. Relationships between clinical syndrome and GGT subtype were investigated.

Results

In total, 11 patients (seven males, four females, mean age = 67.3 +/− 10.6 years) with GGT were included. Most, but not all, presented with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, but none had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Subtyping of GGT proved to be difficult and did not improve clinicopathologic correlation.

Discussion

Sub‐classification of GGT pathology may be difficult and did not improve clinicopathologic correlation. Better biomarkers of tau pathology are needed.
Tool path planning of hole-making operations in ejector plate of injection mould using modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm
Authors: Dalavi Amol M. , Pawar Padmakar J. , Singh Tejinder Paul
Published: April 2016

Optimization of hole-making operations in manufacturing industry plays a vital role. Tool travel and tool switch planning are the two major issues in hole-making operations. Many industrial applications such as moulds, dies, engine block, automotive parts etc. requires machining of large number of holes. Large number of machining operations like drilling, enlargement or tapping/reaming are required to achieve the final size of individual hole, which gives rise to number of possible sequences to complete hole-making operations on the part depending upon the location of hole and tool sequence to be followed. It is necessary to find the optimal sequence of operations which minimizes the total processing cost of hole-making operations. In this work, therefore an attempt is made to reduce the total processing cost of hole-making operations by applying relatively new optimization algorithms known as shuffled frog leaping algorithm and proposed modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm for the determination of optimal sequence of hole-making operations. An industrial application example of ejector plate of injection mould is considered in this work to demonstrate the proposed approach. The obtained results by the shuffled frog leaping algorithm and proposed modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm are compared with each other. It is seen from the obtained results that the results of proposed modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm are superior to those obtained using shuffled frog leaping algorithm.

Highlights Tool travel and tool switch scheduling are major issues in optimization of hole-making operations. Many industrial applications such as moulds, engine block, automotive parts etc. requires machining of number of holes. It is necessary to achieve a correct sequence of hole-making operations to minimize tool travel and tool switch and finally to minimize total processing cost. In the present work, we have attempted an industrial application example of ejector plate of injection mould using shuffled frog leaping algorithm and modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm.
Clinical effects of transobturator tape procedure with porcine small intestine submucosa for female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Wang Chiu‐Lin , Shen Ching‐Ju , Lin Kun‐Ling , Long Cheng‐Yu
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the transobturator tape (TOT) procedure using porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Forty‐two consecutive patients with SUI who underwent the TOT procedure with porcine SIS were enrolled. The surgical outcomes, and data of urodynamic study and a questionnaire prior to and after surgery were collected and analyzed retrospectively. SUI was reported subjectively cured in 34 of the 42 patients (81.0%) 1 year after surgery, and declined to the rate of 66.7% at 5 years postoperatively. The subjective symptoms of frequency and nocturia also improved significantly (p < 0.01). Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) developed in four patients, but without major complications. Despite the bladder volume at first desire to void increased significantly after surgery (p < 0.01), the remaining urodynamic parameters did not differ in a significant manner. In conclusion, the long‐term cure rate of the TOT procedure with SIS is lower than with synthetic materials, but with relatively lower morbidity.
Experimental and Computational Studies of the Mechanisms of Hydroamination/Cyclisation of Unactivated α,ω-Amino-alkenes with CCC-NHC Pincer Zr Complexes
Authors: Clark Wesley D. , Leigh Katherine N. , Webster Charles Edwin , Hollis T. Keith
Published: April 2016

Four new CCC-NHC pincer Zr complexes have been synthesised, characterised, and used in mechanistic studies in the hydroamination/cyclisation of unactivated amino-alkenes. These Zr pre-catalysts will cyclise a primary amino-alkene, but no reaction was observed for a secondary amino-alkene even in the presence of a primary amine. The empirical rate law, experimentally determined activation parameters, and kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) are reported. Several possible mechanisms, including amido- versus imido-insertion and concerted-insertion versus [2 + 2] cycloaddition mechanisms, were modelled computationally at the PBEPBE level of theory with double-zeta quality basis sets. The formation of a catalytically relevant imido complex via the monoamido complexes was accompanied by in situ formation of ammonium salts of the substrates. The experimental and computational data are consistent with an imido-[2 + 2] cycloaddition mechanism for the CCC-NHC pincer diamido Zr complexes that follow saturation kinetics under catalytically relevant concentrations.
Tools4miRs – one place to gather all the tools for miRNA analysis
Authors: Lukasik Anna , Wójcikowski Maciej , Zielenkiewicz Piotr
Published: April 2016

Summary: MiRNAs are short, non-coding molecules that negatively regulate gene expression and thereby play several important roles in living organisms. Dozens of computational methods for miRNA-related research have been developed, which greatly differ in various aspects. The substantial availability of difficult-to-compare approaches makes it challenging for the user to select a proper tool and prompts the need for a solution that will collect and categorize all the methods. Here, we present tools4miRs, the first platform that gathers currently more than 160 methods for broadly defined miRNA analysis. The collected tools are classified into several general and more detailed categories in which the users can additionally filter the available methods according to their specific research needs, capabilities and preferences. Tools4miRs is also a web-based target prediction meta-server that incorporates user-designated target prediction methods into the analysis of user-provided data.

Availability and Implementation : Tools4miRs is implemented in Python using Django and is freely available at tools4mirs.org.

Contact : piotr@ibb.waw.pl

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Tree inference for single-cell data
Authors: Jahn Katharina , Kuipers Jack , Beerenwinkel Niko
Published: April 2016

Understanding the mutational heterogeneity within tumours is a keystone for the development of efficient cancer therapies. Here, we present SCITE, a stochastic search algorithm to identify the evolutionary history of a tumour from noisy and incomplete mutation profiles of single cells. SCITE comprises a exible MCMC sampling scheme that allows the user to compute the maximum-likelihood mutation history, to sample from the posterior probability distribution, and to estimate the error rates of the underlying sequencing experiments. Evaluation on real cancer data and on simulation studies shows the scalability of SCITE to present-day single-cell sequencing data and improved reconstruction accuracy compared to existing approaches.
Formation of novel PRDM9 allele by indel events as possible trigger for tarsier-anthropoid split
Authors: Heerschop Sacha , Zischler Hans , Merker Stefan , Perwitasari-Farajallah Dyah , Driller Christine
Published: April 2016

PRDM9is currently the sole speciation gene found in vertebrates causing hybrid sterility probably due to incompatible alleles. Its role in defining the double strand break loci during the meiotic prophase I is crucial for proper chromosome segregation. Therefore, the rapid turnover of the loci determining zinc finger array seems to be causative for incompatibilities. We here investigated the zinc finger domain-containing exon ofPRDM9in 23 tarsiers. Tarsiers, the most basal extant haplorhine primates, exhibit two frameshifting indels at the 5’-end of the array. The first mutation event interrupts the reading frame and function while the second compensates both. The fixation of this peculiar allele variant in tarsiers led to hypothesize that de‐ and reactivation of the zinc finger domain drove the speciation in early haplorhine primates. Moreover, the high allelic diversity withinTarsiuspoint to multiple effects of genetic drift reflecting their phylogeographic history since the Miocene.
Evaluation of positron emission tomography imaging to detect lymph node metastases in patients with high‐risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fujiwara Masao , Suzuki Takahiro , Takiguchi Tetsuya , Fukamizu Hidekazu , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: April 2016

Ten to twenty percent of high‐risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Detection of nodal metastasis is mandatory to manage high‐risk cSCC. This study was aimed to evaluate the 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging to assess lymph node (LN) metastasis of high‐risk cSCC patients. Twenty‐six patients with histologically proven primary cSCC were enrolled. All patients underwent whole‐body PET prior to lymphoscintigraphy and subsequent sentinel LN biopsy. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of more than 2.5 is generally evaluated as a positive PET finding indicative of malignancy. On the basis of the histopathological and PET findings, 30 LN from 26 patients were categorized into four groups: (i) histologically negative and PET negative (true‐negative; n = 22); (ii) histologically positive and PET negative (false‐negative; n = 0); (iii) histologically positive and PET positive (true‐positive; n = 3); and (iv) histologically negative and PET positive (false‐positive; n = 5). The mean SUVmax was significantly higher in the true‐positive cases (11.0 ± 2.8) than in the false‐positive cases (3.4 ± 0.6). In the false‐positive cases, the number of tumor‐infiltrating inflammatory cells at the primary skin site was highest among the four groups, suggesting that inflammation contributed to the false‐positive uptake of FDG. Although we cannot negate the possibility of the presence of PET‐undetectable micrometastasis, the SUVmax value may be useful for avoidance of excess performance of sentinel LN biopsy.
Cyclic AMP signaling enhances lipopolysaccharide sensitivity and interleukin‐33 production in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Sato Shizuka , Yanagawa Yoshiki , Hiraide Sachiko , Iizuka Kenji
Published: April 2016

While it has been suggested that IL‐33 plays pathogenic roles in various disorders, the factors that stimulate IL‐33 production are poorly characterized. In the present study, the effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling on IL‐33 production in RAW264.7 macrophages in response to various doses of LPS was examined. High‐dose LPS treatment induced IL‐33 and TNF protein production in RAW264.7 macrophages. In contrast, low‐dose LPS failed to induce IL‐33 production while significantly inducing TNF production. In the presence of the membrane‐permeable cAMP analog 8‐Br‐cAMP, low‐dose LPS induced vigorous IL‐33 production. This phenomenon was consistent with amounts of mRNA. Similarly, the cAMP‐increasing agent adrenaline also enhanced the sensitivity of RAW264.7 macrophages to LPS as demonstrated by IL‐33 production. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 blocked the effects of 8‐Br‐cAMP and adrenaline on IL‐33 production, suggesting that PKA is involved in IL‐33 induction. Taken together, cAMP‐mediated signaling pathway appears to enhance the sensitivity of RAW264.7 macrophages to LPS with respect to IL‐33 production. Our findings suggest that stress events and the subsequent secretion of adrenaline enhance macrophage production via IL‐33; this process may be associated with the pathogenesis of various disorders involving IL‐33.
Monitoring fluid substitution in rock samples from noise correlation
Authors: Barbouteau Sandra , Rasolofosaon Patrick , Dubos‐Sallée Noalwenn , Vassil Virginie , Nauroy Jean‐François
Published: April 2016

An alternative laboratory technique to measure the elastic constants of solid samples, based on the analysis of the cross‐correlation spectra of the vibratory response of randomly excited short solid cylinders, has been recently proposed. The aim of this paper is to check the ability of the technique called passive ultrasonic interferometry to monitor fluid substitution in different rock samples. Velocity variations due to fluid substitution are easily measured if the wave attenuation in the fluid‐saturated rock is not too large (typically in rocks with few cracks or microfractures).

The experimental results are in agreement with the predictions of Biot–Gassmann poroelastic theory. The effect of substituting water with a stiffer saturating fluid, such as ethylene glycol, is to increase the overall bulk modulus of the rock, without any substantial effect on shear modulus. Furthermore, the experimental results compare well with those obtained independently with conventional pulse‐transmission technique using ultrasonic transducers. However, the measured pulse‐transmission bulk moduli are slightly larger than the corresponding measured ultrasonic interferometry moduli, with the deviation increasing with increasing fluid viscosity. This can be explained by dispersion due to wave‐induced flow of the viscous fluid since pulse‐transmission experiments involve higher frequencies than ultrasonic interferometry experiments.
Regularized tomographic inversion with geological constraints
Authors: Lipari Vincenzo , Urbano Domenico , Spadavecchia Emmanuel , Panizzardi Jacopo , Bienati Nicola
Published: April 2016

Reflection tomography is the industry standard tool for velocity model building, but it is also an ill‐posed inverse problem as its solution is not unique. The usual way to obtain an acceptable result is to regularize tomography by feeding the inversion with some a priori information. The simplest regularization forces the solution to be smooth, implicitly assuming that seismic velocity exhibits some degree of spatial correlation. However, velocity is a rock property; thus, the geometry and structure of rock formations should drive correlation in velocity depth models. This observation calls for constraints driven by geological models.

In this work, we present a set of structural constraints that feed reflection tomography with geometrical information. These constraints impose the desired characteristics (flatness, shape, position, etc.) on imaged reflectors but act on the velocity update. Failure to respect the constraints indicates either velocity inaccuracies or wrong assumptions concerning the constraints.

Reflection tomography with structural constraints is a flexible framework that can be specialized in order to achieve different goals: among others, to flatten the base of salt bodies or detachment surfaces, to recover the horizontalness of oil–water contacts, or to impose the co‐location of the same imaged horizon between PP and PS images.

The straightforward application of structural constraints is that of regularizing tomography through geological information, particularly at the latest stages of the depth imaging workflow, when the depth migration structural setting reached a consistent geological interpretation. Structural constraints are also useful in minimizing the well‐to‐seismic mis‐ties. Moreover, they can be used as a tool to check the consistency of interpreters' hypothesis with seismic data. Indeed, inversion with structural constraints will preserve image focusing only if the interpreters' insights are consistent with the data.

Results from synthetic and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of reflection tomography with structural constraints.
Response of migrating raptors to an increasing number of wind farms
Authors: Cabrera‐Cruz Sergio A. , Villegas‐Patraca Rafael
Published: April 2016

Flying birds have been documented to respond in different ways to the presence of wind farms. Such responses are species‐ and site‐specific, with wind farm design playing an important role. Between 2009 and 2014, the length of rows of wind turbines within our study area increased from 3·4 km to ∼7·5 km, and the total area occupied by wind farms increased from 6·47 km2to 14·21 km2. This area is located on an important migratory corridor in southern Mexico.

We used marine radar and hawk‐watch monitoring stations to collect data during six consecutive autumn seasons from a single wind farm. We analysed the response of migrating raptors to the presence of two new wind farms by comparing the mean bearing of flight trajectories and the number of intersections km−1of trajectories with wind farm areas between 2009–2011 and 2012–2014, representing the pre‐ and post‐construction stages of the new wind farms.

Mean raptor count was >600 000 individuals for the six seasons. The most abundant species were Turkey VultureCathartes aura, Swainson's HawkButeo swainsoniand Broad‐winged hawkButeo platypterus. Between 79% and 97% of migration occurred in October. Radar monitoring overlapped with the peak migratory activity each season.

We observed significant differences between periods, involving more scattering in flight bearings and less intersections km−1of trajectory in the post‐ than in the pre‐construction period, implying an avoidance of the new wind farms.

Synthesis and applications. We show that migrating raptors adjusted their flight trajectories to avoid new wind farms, but also discuss the extent and limitations of our findings. Our results from our hawk‐watch monitoring station, which represent the first published account about the seasonality and intensity of raptor migration in the area, could be used by decision‐makers for careful planning of future wind energy developments in the area. Our results might aid in the conservation of those species of raptors that migrate through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Latitudinal variation in herbivory: hemispheric asymmetries and the role of climatic drivers
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Keming
Published: April 2016

In the past, it was widely accepted that herbivory decreased with latitude. However, several empirical studies have failed to support this hypothesis, leading to strong debate. In addition to providing a quantitative assessment of the latitudinal gradient in herbivory, our study aims to provide new information about the role of climatic factors in shaping the latitudinal gradient in herbivory.

Through the collection and analysis of published data on herbivory, we tested the latitudinal herbivory hypothesis (LH hypothesis) and the relationship of temperature and precipitation to herbivory.

Based on 1890 data points distributed world‐wide from more than 1000 plant species, our results show that herbivory decreased with latitude and increased with temperature only in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere, herbivory did not have a relationship with latitude and tended to decrease with temperature.

Synthesis. This study shows the LH hypothesis is supported only in the Northern Hemisphere and highlights the importance of temperature in explaining the pattern of herbivory at the global scale. These possible hemispheric asymmetries in herbivory should not be overlooked in future studies.
Latitudinal variation in suppression of flower bud formation at high temperature in four native dandelions (Taraxacum spp.) with different distributions and genetic structures in Japan
Authors: Yoshie Fumio
Published: April 2016

The control of the response of flowering to temperature plays a key role in successful range‐expansion of plants. A previous study showed that the suppression of flower‐bud formation at high temperature in Taraxacum officinale decreases genetically with latitude from north to south in Japan. The present study investigated whether similar trait variation occurs among populations of native Taraxacum species in Japan. Seedlings of T. albidum (a low‐ and mid‐latitude allopolyploid), T. japonicum (a mid‐latitude diploid) and T. venustum (a high‐latitude autopolyploid) were grown at three temperatures. Time to flower‐bud appearance increased with temperature in T. japonicum and T. venustum, but did not increase in T. albidum. Time to flower‐bud appearance did not differ significantly among the three species at 14°C, but it was shorter in T. albidum than in the other two species at 19°C and 24°C. The early appearance of buds of T. albidum was confirmed by another experiment in which plants of 18 populations from the three species and T. platycarpum (a mid‐latitude diploid) grown at 19°C were used. The results clearly indicate that high‐temperature suppression of flower‐bud formation was lower in low‐latitude species than in high‐latitude species. This interspecific variation is analogous to the intraspecific variation in T. officinale. Time to bud appearance of five populations in T. albidum was homogeneous within and between the populations. The results suggest that the five populations are monoclonal and lack the sensitivity of suppression of flower‐bud formation to high temperature.
In situ or ex situ seed conservation: which is the more effective way to maintain seed longevity of an endangered cactus?
Authors: Nascimento Joana Paula Bispo , Meiado Marcos Vinicius
Published: April 2016

With restricted populations and a small number of individuals, Discocactus bahiensis Britton & Rose (Cactaceae) is an endangered species in Brazil and its capacity for the formation of seed banks in the soil and the maintenance of seed viability remains unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the most efficient way to maintain viability during storage of seeds of
D. bahiensis
. Seeds were stored in paper bags and either kept in a cold chamber (7 ± 2°C) in the dark (ex situ conservation) or buried in the soil to a depth of 5 cm in an area of natural occurrence of the species (in situ conservation). Germinability of the seed banks was evaluated monthly for 20 months. During the first 10 months of storage, germinability of the seeds conserved in situ and ex situ was similar to that of recently collected seeds. After this period, a 70% reduction in germinability was found for the seeds maintained in situ and there was nearly complete loss of viability after 12 months of storage in the field (germinability < 10% in the last 8 months of the experiment), indicating the ability to form persistent soil seed banks. In contrast, the seeds stored in the cold chamber maintained greater than 70% germinability throughout the entire analysis period, demonstrating that ex situ conservation is the most efficient way to maintain the viability of the seeds of this endangered species.
Genetic and functional characterization of a novel meta‐pathway for degradation of naringenin in Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1
Authors: Maria Marin Anelis , de la Torre Jésus , Ricardo Marques Oliveira Alfredo , Barison Andersson , Satie Chubatsu Leda , Adele Monteiro Rose , de Oliveira Pedrosa Fabio , Maltempi de Souza Emanuel , Wassem Roseli , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: April 2016

In this study, a random mutant library of Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1 was constructed by Tn5 insertion and a mutant incapable of utilizing naringenin as a carbon source was isolated. The Tn5 transposon was found to be inserted in the fdeE gene (Hsero_1007), which encodes a monooxygenase. Two other mutant strains in fdeC (Hsero_1005) and fdeG (Hsero_1009) genes coding for a dioxygenase and a putative cyclase, respectively, were obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis and then characterized. Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)/MS analyses of culture supernatant from the fdeE mutant strain revealed that naringenin remained unaltered, suggesting that the FdeE protein is involved in the initial step of naringenin degradation. LC‐MS/MS analyses of culture supernatants from the wild‐type (SmR1) and FdeC deficient mutant suggested that in H. seropedicae SmR1 naringenin is first mono‐oxygenated by the FdeE protein, to produce 5,7,8‐trihydroxy‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)−2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one, that is subsequently dioxygenated and cleaved at the A‐ring by the FdeC dioxygenase, since the latter compound accumulated in the fdeC strain. After meta‐cleavage of the A‐ring, the subsequent metabolic steps generate oxaloacetic acid that is metabolized via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This bacterium can also modify naringenin by attaching a glycosyl group to the B‐ring or a methoxy group to the A‐ring, leading to the generation of dead‐end products.
Thioredoxins are involved in the activation of the PMK1 MAP kinase pathway during appressorium penetration and invasive growth in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Jiang Cong , Zhang Qiang , Qi Linlu , Li Chaohui , Xu Jin‐Rong
Published: April 2016

In Magnaporthe oryzae, the Mst11‐Mst7‐Pmk1 MAP kinase pathway is essential for appressorium formation and invasive growth. To determine their roles in Pmk1 activation and plant infection, we characterized the two thioredoxin genes, TRX1 and TRX2, in M. oryzae. Whereas the Δtrx1 mutants had no detectable phenotypes, deletion of TRX2 caused pleiotropic defects in growth, conidiation, light sensing, responses to stresses and plant infection progresses. The Δtrx1 Δtrx2 double mutant had more severe defects than the Δtrx2 mutant and was non‐pathogenic in infection assays. The Δtrx2 and Δtrx1 Δtrx2 mutant rarely formed appressoria on hyphal tips and were defective in invasive growth after penetration. Pmk1 phosphorylation was barely detectable in the Δtrx2 and Δtrx1 Δtrx2 mutants. Deletion of TRX2 affected proper folding or intra‐/inter‐molecular interaction of Mst7 and expression of the dominant active MST7 allele partially rescued the defects of the Δtrx1 Δtrx2 mutant. Furthermore, Cys305 is important for Mst7 function and Trx2 directly interacts with Mst7 in co‐IP assays. Our data indicated that thioredoxins play important roles in intra‐cellular ROS signalling and pathogenesis in M. oryzae. As the predominant thioredoxin gene, TRX2 may regulate the activation of Pmk1 MAPK via its effects on Mst7.
Impact of an intense water column mixing (0–1500 m) on prokaryotic diversity and activities during an open‐ocean convection event in the NW Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Severin Tatiana , Sauret Caroline , Boutrif Mehdi , Duhaut Thomas , Kessouri Fayçal , Oriol Louise , Caparros Jocelyne , Pujo‐Pay Mireille , Durrieu de Madron Xavier , Garel Marc , Tamburini Christian , Conan Pascal , Ghiglione Jean‐François
Published: April 2016

Open‐ocean convection is a fundamental process for thermohaline circulation and biogeochemical cycles that causes spectacular mixing of the water column. Here, we tested how much the depth‐stratified prokaryotic communities were influenced by such an event, and also by the following re‐stratification. The deep convection event (0–1500 m) that occurred in winter 2010–2011 in the NW Mediterranean Sea resulted in a homogenization of the prokaryotic communities over the entire convective cell, resulting in the predominance of typical surface Bacteria, such as Oceanospirillale and Flavobacteriales. Statistical analysis together with numerical simulation of vertical homogenization evidenced that physical turbulence only was not enough to explain the new distribution of the communities, but acted in synergy with other parameters such as exported particulate and dissolved organic matters. The convection also stimulated prokaryotic abundance (+21%) and heterotrophic production (+43%) over the 0–1500 m convective cell, and resulted in a decline of cell‐specific extracellular enzymatic activities (−67%), thus suggesting an intensification of the labile organic matter turnover during the event. The rapid re‐stratification of the prokaryotic diversity and activities in the intermediate layer 5 days after the intense mixing indicated a marked resilience of the communities, apart from the residual deep mixed water patch.
Investing in Not‐for‐Profit Sector Capacity: The Australian Capital Territory's Community Sector Development Program (CSDP)
Authors: Butcher John R.
Published: April 2016

In 2013 the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government's Community Services Directorate (CSD) initiated a suite of projects designed to address the not‐for‐profit (NFP) community services sector's capacity to adapt to a rapidly changing policy and operational environment. In common with other Australian governments, the ACT relies upon NFP organisations to deliver a wide range of community‐based human/social services. The procurement of services rendered to, or on behalf of, government by a third party provider under contract accounts for about 94% of the CSD's investment in the NFP community services sector. The ACT government, therefore, has a vested interest in ensuring that NFP providers are operationally capable, financially viable, and economically sustainable. Accordingly, the government launched a Community Sector Reform Program (CSRP) focussing on red tape reduction, sector development, and the establishment of a community sector outcomes framework. What lessons might the CSRP offer for other jurisdictions?
Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum LS5 on oxidative stability and lipid modifications of Doogh
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Shahidi Fakhri , Mortazavi Seyed Ali , Milani Elnaz , Eshaghi Zarrin
Published: April 2016

The oxidative stability and lipid modifications of Doogh prepared with Lactobacillus plantarum LS5 and control Doogh were compared during storage for 22 days. In vitro scavenging activity against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals showed that L. plantarum LS5 had radical scavenging activities (49.6%). Peroxide value, conjugated diene value and anisidine value measurements in Doogh lipid samples in combination with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that Doogh prepared with L. plantarum LS5 was more stable than the control against formation of primary and secondary oxidation products. Furthermore, higher concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (butyric and caproic) and unsaturated fatty acids were found in Doogh treated with L. plantarum LS5. Changes in the thermograms of all samples were also observed. Results of differential scanning calorimetry indicated that melting points of lipids from treated Doogh were lower than for the control. It was concluded that L. plantarum LS5 could be used as a natural preservative in functional dairy products and could beneficially affect the consumer by providing dietary sources of antioxidants.
Bacterial diversity dynamics of traditional Turkish Ezine Cheese as evaluated by PCR‐DGGE and SSCP analysis
Authors: Sofu Aytül , Ekinci Fatma Yeşim
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial ecosystem of milk and Ezine cheese by PCR amplification of the V3 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and by monitoring the bacterial diversity dynamics using PCR single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. PCR‐DGGE analysis revealed that 17 different bands and strains belonging to the Lactococcus lactis group and Streptococcus thermophilus were predominant during manufacturing and ripening. SSCP analysis revealed that the bacterial profiles of the two cheese samples were similar.
Farmer Participation, Entry and Exit Decisions in the Italian Crop Insurance Programme
Authors: Santeramo F. G. , Goodwin B. K. , Adinolfi F. , Capitanio F.
Published: April 2016

The factors affecting the demand for agricultural insurance in theUSAhave been extensively studied over the last two decades. However, the determinants of a farm's entry and exit decisions in the insurance market have received relatively little attention. Turnover in the insurance book of business is an important issue in most private and public crop insurance plans. Moreover, insurance markets in theEUare still largely under‐investigated. We investigate empirically the determinants of crop insurance participation in Italy. We show that the participation rate is high for large firms and that it is negatively correlated with crop diversification, which is itself a form of insurance. High premiums tend to inhibit both entry and exit from the insurance market. Larger and wealthier farms are more likely to adopt insurance and renew coverage over time. We discuss implications of our results for public intervention and the private industry. In particular, we demonstrate that the decision to drop coverage by an insured grower may differ significantly from the corresponding decision to enroll in an insurance programme by an uninsured farmer. To the extent that policymakers want to encourage participation in subsidized crop insurance programmes, education and outreach efforts toward uninsured farmers may differ substantially from those directed toward keeping insured farmers enrolled in the programme. We investigate these differences.
Measuring House Price Bubbles
Authors: Bourassa Steven C. , Hoesli Martin , Oikarinen Elias
Published: April 2016

Using data for six metropolitan housing markets in three countries, this article provides a comparison of methods used to measure house price bubbles. We use an asset pricing approach to identify bubble periods retrospectively and then compare those results with results produced by six other methods. We also apply the various methods recursively to assess their ability to identify bubbles as they form. In view of the complexity of the asset pricing approach, we conclude that a simple price–rent ratio measure is a reliable method both ex post and in real time. Our results have important policy implications because a reliable signal that a bubble is forming could be used to avoid further house price increases.