bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High species richness and genetic diversity of the genus Caloglossa (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kamiya Mitsunobu , West John A. , Zuccarello Giuseppe C.
Published: May 2018

Distribution patterns and genetic diversity of Caloglossa species have been studied in various regions but are still poorly understood around the tropical western Pacific where many marine organisms show high species richness. We explored the diversity of Caloglossa species in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea using morphological and genetic analyses. Seven species of Caloglossa (C. adhaerens, C. leprieurii, C. ogasawaraensis, C. bengalensis, C. postiae, C. saigonensis and C. vieillardii) were collected from eight sites; the latter four species are new records in Papua New Guinea. All specimens collected were cultured to compare their morphology under the same culture condition. Reproductive structures of gametophytes and/or sporophytes were described for the first time in some species from these collections. In C. leprieurii, gall‐like structure appeared in most gametophyte strains but not in tetrasporophytes. Such galls were produced from wing cells, and spermatangia and/or procarps were formed on many galls. The LSU rDNA and rbcL analyses revealed high intraspecific diversity in many species although the number of samples was limited and the sampling sites were within 200 km. We revealed high species richness and intraspecific genetic variation in Papua New Guinea, suggesting a hot spot for the diversity of Caloglossa.
How Do Neoliberal Policies Affect Income Inequality? Exploring the Link Between Liberalization, Finance, and Inequality
Authors: Kwon Roy
Published: May 2018

It is commonly asserted that economic liberalization increases income inequality in advanced industrial societies. However, the empirical evidence is inconclusive. The current investigation thus attempts to shed light on this important topic by presenting the argument that economic liberalization indirectly augments income inequality given its tendency to expand financial activity. This contention is tested using a panel dataset of 20 developed economies for the years 1988 to 2009. According to the fixed effects two‐stage least squares models, economic liberalization is positively associated with financialization, while financial activity is positively connected to income inequality. These results are found to be consistent across a variety of regression parameters and robustness checks.
Buying a Voice: Gendered Contribution Careers among Affluent Political Donors to Federal Elections, 1980–2008
Authors: Heerwig Jennifer A. , Gordon Katie M.
Published: May 2018

Early work in feminist theory hypothesized that differences in women and men's social and institutional roles might be reflected in the ways they participate in the political sphere. However, past empirical research has found scant evidence of a gender gap in the participatory strategies or motivations of women and men who become active in politics. But significantly less is known about the gender gap among a more select and increasingly significant player in American politics—political donors. In this article, we utilize a novel big data set—called the Longitudinal Elite Contributor Database (LECD)—that contains the population of all itemized donations made in federal elections between 1980 and 2008. Using this novel big data set supplemented with Social Security Administration (SSA) data on the gender of first names, we provide original estimates of the long‐term evolution of gender representation in the donor pool, vis‐à‐vis when, how often, and to whom affluent men and women have made political contributions over nearly 30 years. We find that large and persistent gendered inequalities of political voice continue to characterize this significant form of political influence. We theorize the potential implications of these findings for the representation of women's interests in the political sphere.
Duodenoduodenostomy for obstruction of the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum in cattle
Authors: Hackett Eileen S. , Lang Hayley M. , Desrochers Andre , Nichols Sylvain , Fubini Susan Lawson
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with duodenoduodenostomy for treatment of duodenal obstruction secondary to adhesions associated with the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum.

Study design

Retrospective study (1996‐2016).

Animals

Fourteen Holstein cattle.

Methods

Medical records of cows treated at 3 academic surgical referral centers with duodenoduodenostomy for duodenal obstruction secondary to adhesions associated with the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum were reviewed. Data that were collected included signalment, physical examination results, laboratory results, diagnostic findings, treatments, and survival to discharge. Owners were contacted for follow‐up information.

Results

Affected cattle ranged in age from 4 months to 5 years. Electrolyte abnormalities, including severe hypochloremia, were present in all cases. Abnormalities included cranial duodenal distension without concurrent distension of the descending duodenum and palpable focal adhesions in the region of the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum. Duodenoduodenostomy involved a stapled (n = 11) or sutured (n = 3) side‐to‐side anastomosis between the cranial duodenum and descending duodenum. Thirteen of 14 cattle that were treated with duodenoduodenostomy survived to hospital discharge. Long‐term follow‐up was available in 8 cows, and 7 of those 8 survived for at least 1 year.

Conclusion

Short‐ and long‐term survival were favorable after duodenoduodenostomy in cattle with adhesions associated with the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum.

Clinical significance

Duodenoduodenostomy results in acceptable survival and future productivity in cows with obstruction at the sigmoid flexure of the duodenum.
Sodium nitroglycerin induces middle cerebral artery vasodilatation in young, healthy adults
Authors: Schulz Jenna M. , Al‐Khazraji Baraa K. , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: May 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Nitric oxide causes dilatation in peripheral vessels; however, whether nitric oxide affects basal cerebral artery dilatation has not been explored.

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study demonstrated that vasodilatation occurs in the right middle cerebral artery in response to exogenous nitric oxide. However, blood velocity decreased and, therefore, overall cerebral blood flow remained unchanged. This study provides new insight into the role of nitric oxide in cerebral blood flow control.

Recent evidence indicates that basal cerebral conduit vessels dilate with hypercapnia, with a nitric oxide (NO) mechanism explaining one way in which parenchymal cerebral arterioles dilate. However, whether NO affects basal cerebral artery dilatation remains unknown. This study quantified the effect of an exogenous NO donor [sodium nitroglycerin (NTG); 0.4 mg sublingual spray] on the right middle cerebral artery (rMCA) cross‐sectional area (CSA), blood velocity and overall blood flow. Measures of vessel CSA (7 T magnetic resonance imaging) and MCA blood velocity (transcranial Doppler ultrasound) were made at baseline (BL) and after exogenous NTG or placebo (PLO) administration in young, healthy individuals (n = 10, two males, age range 20–23 years). The CSA increased in the rMCA [BL, 5.2 ± 1.2 mm2; PLO, 5.4 ± 1.5 mm2; NTG, 6.6 ± 1.5 mm2, P < 0.05; mean ± SD]. Concurrently, rMCA blood velocity decreased from BL during NTG compared with PLO (BL, 67 ± 10 cm s−1; PLO, 62 ± 10 cm s−1; NTG, 59 ± 9.3 cm s−1, P < 0.05; mean ± SD]. However, total MCA blood flow did not change with NTG or PLO [BL, 221 ± 37.4 ml min−1; PLO, 218 ± 35.0 ml min−1; NTG, 213 ± 46.4 ml min−1). Therefore, exogenous NO mediates a dilatory response in the rMCA, but not in its downstream vascular bed.
Endocytosis-mediated siderophore uptake as a strategy for Fe acquisition in diatoms
Authors: Kazamia Elena , Sutak Robert , Paz-Yepes Javier , Dorrell Richard G. , Vieira Fabio Rocha Jimenez , Mach Jan , Morrissey Joe , Leon Sébastien , Lam France , Pelletier Eric , Camadro Jean-Michel , Bowler Chris , Lesuisse Emmanuel
Published: May 2018

We report a new strategy uncovered for iron acquisition in globally important unicellular photosynthetic organisms.
The broad socioeconomic benefits of vaccination
Authors: Bloom David E. , Fan Victoria Y. , Sevilla J. P.
Published: May 2018

Evaluating vaccination programs according to their broad socioeconomic benefits, beyond their health benefits, will help to address the twin problems of vaccine underutilization and weak incentives for vaccine innovation.
Targeted complement inhibition salvages stressed neurons and inhibits neuroinflammation after stroke in mice
Authors: Alawieh Ali , Langley E. Farris , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: May 2018

Local inhibition of complement activation after stroke in mice prevents degenerative microglial activation and improves chronic recovery.
Metarrestin, a perinucleolar compartment inhibitor, effectively suppresses metastasis
Authors: Frankowski Kevin J. , Wang Chen , Patnaik Samarjit , Schoenen Frank J. , Southall Noel , Li Dandan , Teper Yaroslav , Sun Wei , Kandela Irawati , Hu Deqing , Dextras Christopher , Knotts Zachary , Bian Yansong , Norton John , Titus Steve , Lewandowska Marzena A. , Wen Yiping , Farley Katherine I. , Griner Lesley Mathews , Sultan Jamey , Meng Zhaojing , Zhou Ming , Vilimas Tomas , Powers Astin S. , Kozlov Serguei , Nagashima Kunio , Quadri Humair S. , Fang Min , Long Charles , Khanolkar Ojus , Chen Warren , Kang Jinsol , Huang Helen , Chow Eric , Goldberg Esthermanya , Feldman Coral , Xi Romi , Kim Hye Rim , Sahagian Gary , Baserga Susan J. , Mazar Andrew , Ferrer Marc , Zheng Wei , Shilatifard Ali , Aubé Jeffrey , Rudloff Udo , Marugan Juan Jose , Huang Sui
Published: May 2018

A compound that reduces the prevalence of perinucleolar compartment in cancer cells inhibits metastasis in vivo.
Fasting the microbiome to treat diabetes
Authors: Cohen Louis J.
Published: May 2018

Intermittent fasting helps to reduce diabetes-associated retinopathy through changes in microbiome bile acid metabolism.
Slow and steady wins the race
Authors: Jay Steven M.
Published: May 2018

A biomaterial-based approach to sustained delivery of therapeutic extracellular vesicles leads to cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction in rats.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae
×
Saccharomyces kudriavzevii HA1836 Interspecies Hybrid Yeast
Authors: Lopandic Ksenija , Tafer Hakim , Sterflinger Katja
Published: May 2018

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
×
Saccharomyces kudriavzevii
interspecies hybrid yeasts have frequently been isolated from alcoholic fermentation environments. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the
S. cerevisiae
×
S. kudriavzevii
HA1836 strain isolated from grapes from an Austrian vineyard.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Fungus (Fusarium tricinctum) Cultured from a Monoisolate Native to the Himalayas
Authors: Meena Narendra , Vasundhara M. , Reddy M. Sudhakara , Suravajhala Prashanth , Raghavender U. S. , Medicherla Krishna Mohan
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the draft
de novo
genome sequence assembly of
Fusarium tricinctum
(strain T6), using IonTorrent sequencing chemistry and an Ion 530 chip ExT kit for sequencing. The genome assembly resulted in 42,732,204 bp from a total 6.62 Gb, with a median read length of 386 bp.
Genome Sequence of the Self-Flocculating Strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae SPSC01
Authors: Xu Jian-Ren , He Lei-Yu , Liu Chen-Guang , Zhao Xin-Qing , Bai Feng-Wu
Published: May 2018

The self-flocculation of yeast cells presents advantages for continuous ethanol fermentation such as their self-immobilization within fermenters for high density to improve ethanol productivity and cost-effective biomass recovery by gravity sedimentation. We sequenced and analyzed the genome of the self-flocculating
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
SPSC01 for the industrial production of fuel ethanol.
Draft Genome Sequences for a Diverse Set of Isolates from 10 Neisseria Species
Authors: Nichols Megan , Topaz Nadav , Wang Xiong , Wang Xin , Boxrud Dave
Published: May 2018

Neisseria
is a diverse genus that includes commensal and pathogenic species that pose a public health threat. While the pathogenic species have been studied extensively, many of the commensals have limited genomic information available. Here, we present draft genome sequences for a diverse set of 37 isolates from 10
Neisseria
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of a New Vibrio Strain with the Potential To Produce Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances, Isolated from the Gut Microflora of Scallop (Argopecten purpuratus)
Authors: Serrano Wilbert , Tarazona Ulrike I. , Olaechea Raul M. , Friedrich Michael W.
Published: May 2018

A new
Vibrio
strain, V7A, was isolated from the intestinal tract of the Peruvian scallop (
Argopecten purpuratus
). Strain V7A clusters within the Mediterranei clade of the genus
Vibrio
and has the potential to produce bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio mediterranei
strain V7A.
Draft Genome Sequence of a “
Candidatus
Liberibacter europaeus” Strain Assembled from Broom Psyllids (Arytainilla spartiophila) from New Zealand
Authors: Frampton Rebekah A. , Thompson Sarah M. , Kalamorz Falk , David Charles , Addison Shea M. , Smith Grant R.
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter europaeus” ASNZ1, assembled from broom psyllids (
Arytainilla spartiophila
) from New Zealand. The assembly comprises 15 contigs, with a total length of 1.33 Mb and a G+C content of 33.5%.
Cytosolic Delivery of Multidomain Cargos by the N Terminus of Pasteurella multocida Toxin
Authors: Clemons Nathan C. , Bannai Yuka , Haywood Elizabeth E. , Xu Yiting , Buschbach James D. , Ho Mengfei , Wilson Brenda A.
Published: May 2018

The zoonotic pathogen
Pasteurella multocida
produces a 146-kDa modular toxin (PMT) that enters host cells and manipulates intracellular signaling through action on its Gα protein targets. The N terminus of PMT (PMT-N) mediates cellular uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis, followed by the delivery of the C-terminal catalytic domain from acidic endosomes into the cytosol.
A Cell Surface Aggregation-Promoting Factor from Lactobacillus gasseri Contributes to Inhibition of Trichomonas vaginalis Adhesion to Human Vaginal Ectocervical Cells
Authors: Phukan Niha , Brooks Anna E. S. , Simoes-Barbosa Augusto
Published: May 2018

Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is commonly symptomatic in women. The causative agent is
Trichomonas vaginalis
, an extracellular protozoan parasite.
Phenotypic Assessment Suggests Multiple Start Codons for HetN, an Inhibitor of Heterocyst Differentiation, in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120
Authors: Rivers Orion S. , Beurmann Silvia , Dow Allexa , Cozy Loralyn M. , Videau Patrick
Published: May 2018

The proper placement of different cell types during a developmental program requires the creation and maintenance of a biological pattern to define the cells that will differentiate. Here we show that the HetN inhibitor, responsible for pattern maintenance of specialized nitrogen-fixing heterocyst cells in the filamentous cyanobacterium
Anabaena
, may be produced from two different start methionine codons. This work demonstrates that the two start sites are individually involved in a different HetN function, either membrane localization or inhibition of cellular differentiation.
The Major Tegument Protein of Bovine Herpesvirus 1, VP8, Interacts with DNA Damage Response Proteins and Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Afroz Sharmin , Garg Ravendra , Fodje Michel , van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk Sylvia
Published: May 2018

To our knowledge, the effect of BoHV-1 infection on the DNA damage response has not been characterized. Since BoHV-1ΔU
L
47 was previously shown to be avirulent
in vivo
, VP8 is critical for the progression of viral infection. We demonstrated that VP8 interacts with DNA damage response proteins and disrupts the ATM-NBS1-SMC1 pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of DNA repair proteins NBS1 and SMC1. Furthermore, interference of VP8 with DNA repair was correlated with decreased cell viability and increased DNA damage-induced apoptosis. These data show that BoHV-1 VP8 developed a novel strategy to interrupt the ATM signaling pathway and to promote apoptosis. These results further enhance our understanding of the functions of VP8 during BoHV-1 infection and provide an additional explanation for the reduced virulence of BoHV-1ΔU
L
47.
Long-term effects of bariatric surgery on acute kidney injury: a propensity-matched cohort in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Koppe Uwe , Nitsch Dorothea , Mansfield Kathryn E , Mathur Rohini , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Batterham Rachel L , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian J
Published: May 2018

Objective

Bariatric surgery is an effective method of weight reduction and has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) as a perioperative event. However, the long-term effects of the weight reduction after surgery on AKI are unknown. The objective of this study is to quantify the association of bariatric surgery with later risk of AKI.

Design

This study uses a propensity score-matched cohort of patients from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink database with and without bariatric surgery to compare rates of AKI episodes derived from linkage to the Hospital Episode Statistics.

Setting

England, UK.

Participants

We included 2643 patients with bariatric surgery and 2595 patients without.

Results

Results were compatible with an increased risk of AKI in the first 30 days following surgery compared with patients without surgery, but AKI incidence was substantially decreased in patients with bariatric surgery during long-term follow-up (rate ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.61) even after accounting for chronic kidney disease status at baseline. Over the whole period of follow-up, bariatric surgery had a net protective effect on risk of AKI (rate ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.72).

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery was associated with protective effects on AKI incidence during long-term follow-up. While the risk of AKI may be increased within the first 30 days, the net effect seen was beneficial.
White matter hyperintensities and their subtypes in patients with carotid artery stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Huirong , Wang Yujie , Qiu Jianting , Wu Qing , Xu Mengmeng , Wang Jian
Published: May 2018

Objective

We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the association between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and carotid artery (CA) stenosis.

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Participants

CA stenosis was set at ≥50%, and WMHs were assessed by MRI and evaluated quantitatively or semiquantitatively.

Data sources

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for studies evaluating the association between WMHs and CA stenosis ≥50% from inception to 13 September 2017.

Main outcomes and measures

Standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was used to evaluate the association between WMHs and CA stenosis. Results were presented in a forest plot with a fixed-effects model or random-effects model. We assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Funnel plots and Egger’s and Begg’s tests were conducted to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of each individual study.

Results

Eight studies enrolling 677 patients were included. There was a positive relationship between the total WMHs and CA stenosis, with a pooled fixed-effects SMD of 0.326 (95% CI 0.194 to 0.459, p=0.000). Heterogeneity and publication bias were low among these studies. Subgroup analysis of three studies enrolling 225 patients showed an association between periventricular WMHs and CA stenosis, with a pooled fixed-effects SMD of 0.412 (95% CI 0.202 to 0.622, p=0.000).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed that the total WMHs and periventricular WMHs were associated with CA stenosis. WMHs may be considered as an individual risk stratification score when choosing a proper plan for therapy of CA stenosis.
Fatal strongyloidiasis in a puppy from France
Authors: Bourgoin Gilles , Jacquet‐Viallet Pierre , Zenner Lionel
Published: May 2018

The present case report describes fatal strongyloidiasis in a three‐month‐old male dog born in France without any travel history. It presented unconscious and in hypothermia at the clinic, without any prodromal symptoms the hour before. The animal was hospitalised and treatments were initiated. Investigations revealed blood eosinophilia and first‐stage larvae ofStrongyloides stercoralison stool smear. Following these results, treatment with fenbendazole was initiated. After a short‐lived improvement of the puppy’s clinical condition, it rapidly deteriorated, leading to the death of the animal. The necropsy revealed congestion of the small intestine mucosa and the presence of different stages ofS. stercoralis. This parasitic disease is poorly described in France and might be underdiagnosed. Our clinical case should serve as a reminder to veterinary clinicians of its occurrence in Europe and potential fatal evolution and to discuss the difficulties of its diagnosis and treatment.
Evidence of trapped claws in poultry with suffering in transit
Authors: Cranley John James
Published: May 2018

Broilers are excluded from the protection of an antemortem inspection and Annex II.2 welfare protection. However, broilers in abattoirs are protected under EC Regulation 1099/2009, Article 14/15 and related Annex II and Annex III. Furthermore, under Annex III 1.3, birds delivered in containers must have perforated flexible floors. There are risks to welfare as 10 mm2 perforations may create a hazard for bird claw entrapment. The perforations were not defined, this may be critical, as bird claw reflexes grasp any floor bar, to stabilise themselves. Their claws may become trapped as the perforated floor gaps open and narrow while the drawer floors fluctuate, with the trailer vibration or movement. Observations confirmed that bird claws may become trapped or torn. Pressure to fill lines resulted in staff wrenching trapped vocalising birds free in a painful manner. Claw trapping in grid holes may be avoided by reducing the size/shape of grid perforations.
Internal fixation of a comminuted metacarpal fracture in a bull
Authors: Gillespie Amy , Connolly Niall , Scarabelli Stefania , Lipreri Giulia , Singer Ellen
Published: May 2018

An 11‐month‐old pedigree Simmental bull weighing 450 kg was presented with a closed, displaced, oblique, comminuted fracture of the left metacarpal III/IV bone. The two main bone fragments were reduced using two 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion across the oblique portion of the fracture. A 4.5 mm broad dynamic compression plate was then used to stabilise the fracture site. General anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100 per cent oxygen and multimodal analgesia during surgery was provided with a ketamine constant rate infusion and ulnar nerve block. The limb was cast for a total of 12 weeks following surgery, with one cast change carried out at four weeks postoperatively. The bull was used successfully for natural service from nine months postoperatively. The high cost of treatment means that internal fracture fixation is only commercially viable in valuable pedigree animals. Availability of facilities for anaesthetising large animals is another limiting factor.
Orbital motion of test particles in regular Hayward black hole space–time
Authors: Hu Jian-Ping , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2018

In this paper, all possible orbits of test particles are investigated by using the phase plane method in regular Hayward black hole space–time. Our results show that the time-like orbits are divided into four types: unstable circular orbits, separates stable orbits, stable hyperbolic orbits, and elliptical orbits in regular Hayward black hole space–time. We find that the orbital properties vary with the change of ℓ (a convenient encoding of the central energy density 3/8πℓ2). If ℓ = 1/3 and b < 3.453 21, the test particles moving toward the black hole will definitely plunge into the black hole. In addition, it is obtained that the innermost stable circular orbit happens at rmin = 5.930 55 for b = 3.453 21.
Biological nitrogen fixation by irrigated dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes
Authors: Akter Z. , Pageni B.B. , Lupwayi N.Z. , Balasubramanian P.M.
Published: May 2018

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is usually considered to be poor at biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), but large variations in this trait have been observed among bean genotypes. We evaluated 16 bean genotypes for N2 fixation ability in four N treatments: (i) uninoculated in low-N soil (30 kg N ha−1), (ii) inoculated with commercial Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli inoculant Nitrastik-D® in low-N soil, (iii) inoculated with commercial R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli inoculant Nodulator® in low-N soil, and (iv) uninoculated in high-N soil (100 kg N ha−1). There were differences between genotypes in all the plant parameters that were measured, but only nodulation was affected by N treatment. The 100 kg N ha−1 treatment suppressed nodulation. Seven genotypes nodulated well with either inoculant, two genotypes nodulated better with Nitrastik-D than with Nodulator, three nodulated better with Nodulator than with Nitrastik-D, and four nodulated poorly with either inoculant. Cultivars AC Redbond, Island, and Resolute, all currently commercially grown, did not fix much N2 at flowering (4–8 kg N ha−1) or maturity (19–34 kg N ha−1). By contrast, germplasm lines PI 136692 (red bean), GH-196 (pinto bean), and LEF2RB (carioca bean) had high BNF capability at flowering (10–11 kg N ha−1) and especially at maturity (60–72 kg N ha−1), in addition to high seed yield (2778–2897 kg ha−1), indicating their superior ability to support both of these economically important traits throughout plant growth. These three genotypes would be valuable to breeders for the genetic improvement of BNF in dry bean cultivars.
Molecular cloning and induced expression of the plasma membrane intrinsic protein gene and promoter from mulberry (Morus multicaulis)
Authors: Heng Wang , Dandan Chen , Hong Zhou , Afriyie Ackon Justice , Kotoka Dominic Kwame , Rongfang Li , Renjie Sun , Long Li , Weiguo Zhao
Published: May 2018

To isolate the plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2 (PIP2) gene and its promoter from mulberry (Morus multicaulis), and to analyse its expression under stress conditions using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, the mulberry MmPIP2 gene was cloned and sequenced. The putative MmPIP2 protein was 282 amino acids long and contained Asn–Pro–Ala signature motifs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MmPIP2 is highly conserved, exhibiting strong homology with other plant PIP2s. The 5′ flanking sequence was cloned by genome walking and numerous transcription factor binding sites were identified. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of MmPIP2 differed with changes in abiotic stress, indicating that PIP2 is a multifunctional molecule in mulberry. Studying the molecular mechanisms behind adaptations to stress and strengthening stress tolerance in plants are of fundamental importance to mulberry production.
Chaos Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Optimization Problems
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Luo Nengsheng , Pan Guo , Ouyang Aijia
Published: May 2018

A chaos particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm based on the chaos operator (CS) is proposed for global optimization problems and parameter inversion of the nonlinear sun shadow model in our study. The CPSO algorithm combines the local search ability of CS and the global search ability of PSO algorithm. The CPSO algorithm can not only solve the global optimization problems effectively, but also address the parameter inversion problems of the date of sun shadow model location successfully. The results of numerical experiment and simulation experiment show that the CPSO algorithm has higher accuracy and faster convergence than the-state-of-the-art techniques. It can effectively improve the computing accuracy and computing efficiency of the global optimization problems, and also provide a novel method to solve the problems of integer parameter inversion in real life.
A Knowledge-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Support System Encompassing Cascading Effects for Disaster Management
Authors: Caroleo Brunella , Palumbo Enrico , Osella Michele , Lotito Antonio , Rizzo Giuseppe , Ferro Enrico , Attanasio Antonio , Chiusano Silvia , Zuccaro Giulio , Leone Mattia , De Gregorio Daniela
Published: May 2018

This paper describes a knowledge-based decision support system (KB-DSS) to improve the preparedness of crisis situations induced by natural and technological hazards. The proposed KB-DSS aims to manage the potential cascading effects generated by a triggering hazard assessing the possible event time histories based on interconnected probabilistic simulation models. From a methodological point of view, a decision model based on two Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) algorithms follows a cascading effect simulation model. This combination allows to support the decision maker in comparing a set of mitigation strategies on the basis of their expected impacts and his priorities. The algorithm is based on an ensemble approach, which combines decisions over an array of possible impact scenarios, instead of only relying on the average impact scenario. An application of the KB-DSS to the case of a possible reactivation of Nea Kameni volcano in Santorini is presented to show how the proposed architecture could be applied to a real case. The proposed methodology supports the emergency planners in making the best decisions supporting them also in the choice of the best timing for the intervention.
A New Noninvasive Method for Determining the Local (True) Wave Speed: Application to Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Ayadi Asma , Sahtout Wassila , Baledent Olivier
Published: May 2018

Local wave speed plays an interesting role in investigating cardiovascular diseases and arterial wall stiffness. The aim of this study was to implement a novel method based on cepstral analysis for noninvasive determination of local wave speed in the carotid artery. To show the precision of the proposed method, we specially focused on the effect of age. In addition, we intended to compare the obtained results to those obtained by the foot-to-foot method. Our method consists in measuring the instantaneous blood velocity in the internal carotid by using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in 20 healthy subjects distributed as follows: 10 young subjects aged between 22 and 41 years, and 10 old subjects aged between 50 and 86 years. The cepstral analysis was used to determine the arrival time of the reflection wave and the wave speed in the carotid artery. A statistical test analysis was conducted in order to establish the relation between the wave speed and the age in the sample under investigation. Our main finding was that there was a high significant difference between the two groups forming the studied sample ([Formula: see text]). In terms of the internal carotid arterial branch, our experimental results were in total agreement with reference values by the invasive method reported in the literature. Moreover, the wave speed detected using our method correlated with that detected using foot-to-foot analysis ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). We can conclude that the new technique described in this paper offers a promising, convenient and efficient method to measure wave speed noninvasively.
Phanerozoic magmatism in the Parnaíba Basin: characterization of igneous bodies (well logs and 2D seismic sections), geometry, distribution and sill emplacement patterns
Authors: Trosdtorf I. , Morais Neto J. M. , Santos S. F. , Portela Filho C. V. , Dall Oglio T. A. , Galves A. C. M. , Silva A. M.
Published: May 2018

The Parnaíba Basin, like other Brazilian Paleozoic intracratonic basins, contains intrusive igneous bodies in its sedimentary section in the form of dykes and, mainly, thick sills. The identification of the geometry and the emplacement mechanism are important for the determination of the traps controlling gas and/or oil accumulations. A variety of models available in the literature suggests a complex relationship between the magma and the host rock. Several factors, such as the density and pressure of the magma injection, steam generation, regional and local stress fields, and the rheology of the host rock, work together controlling emplacement, expansion and the final geometry of intrusions in the sedimentary column. Well logs show a conspicuous signature (e.g. gamma-ray curve with paunchy feature) for the igneous bodies (sills). Many sills occur parallel to the bedding, generally intruding thick sections of shales along the contact of the lithostratigraphic units of the Longá-Poti, Pimenteiras-Cabeças and Tianguá-Jaicós formations. Seismic sections reveal a variety of geometries, including layer parallel, saucer-shaped, planar transgressive and fault block. By far the most common sill geometry is the layer parallel, which is able to reach up to hundreds of kilometres in extent, and has minimal thickness ranging between 2 and 5 m, and with a maximum of around 250 m.
Early Cenozoic thickening and reworking of the eastern Gangdese arc, south Tibet: constraints from the Oligocene granitoids
Authors: Ding Huixia , Zhang Zeming
Published: May 2018

The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Gangdese arc, formed by juvenile crustal growth during the Mesozoic, remains ambiguous. Here, we conducted a petrological, geochronological and geochemical study of Oligocene (32–24 Ma) granitoids with protolith ages of 57–49 and 27 Ma from the eastern Gangdese arc. Geochemically, these rocks are divided into three groups. Group I has high CaO and Sr, and low REE contents, representing plagioclase-rich cumulates. Group II contains relatively high K
2
O, Pb and REE, and low Na
2
O contents, and is crystallized from evolved magmas. Group III has relatively high Al
2
O
3
and Sr, and low MgO, Y, Yb, Cr and Ni concentrations, and is thickened lower-crust-derived adakitic rocks. The inherited zircon magmatic cores of these rocks have distinctly different

ε

Hf

(
t
)

values (−9.88 to +8.50), whereas the magmatic rims have a narrow range of

ε

Hf

(
t
)

values (−3.29 to +5.22). The Hf isotopic homogenization indicates intensive mixing of melts derived from the old and juvenile crustal materials. We concluded that the Cenozoic magmatic or sedimentary rocks were buried into the thickened lower crust and melted to generate the Oligocene granitoids, and that the Gangdese arc experienced lasting Paleogene crustal thickening and reworking.
Experimental simulation of contact metamorphism using natural quartzphyllite materials: advantages and pitfalls
Authors: Tropper Peter
Published: May 2018

Experimental investigations on metamorphic processes can be viewed as an alternative forward modelling approach of the pressure–temperature–composition (
P–T–X
) evolution of a rock. To obtain results as close as possible to natural observations one can use natural rocks as starting materials. The disadvantage of this method is the complex chemical compositions of the rocks and therefore these whole-rock experiments need to be evaluated not only (1) in terms of their ability to reproduce the natural observations but also (2) in their ability to reproduce theoretical calculations. In this contribution high-
T
low-
P
experiments (550–780°C and 0.15–0.6 GPa) simulating contact metamorphism of metapelites at the rims of the Permian Brixen Granite and Klausen Diorite are evaluated with respect to the points discussed above. The agreement between the experimental results and the observed mineral assemblages and mineral compositions (plagioclase, biotite) from the contact aureoles is very good. Thermodynamic testing of the experiments showed, however, a variable match between observed and calculated assemblages, ranging from satisfactory to rather poor. Finally, observed and calculated mineral compositions showed a very poor match.

Overall there is good agreement between the experiments and the natural observations, but theoretical calculations are still hampered by the complex nature of the starting materials.
Organic Amendments, Beneficial Microbes, and Soil Microbiota: Toward a Unified Framework for Disease Suppression
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Lorito Matteo , Vinale Francesco , Woo Sheridan L.
Published: May 2018

Organic amendments (OAs) and soilborne biocontrol agents or beneficial microbes (BMs) have been extensively studied and applied worldwide in most agriculturally important plant species. However, poor integration of research and technical approaches has limited the development of effective disease management practices based on the combination of these two bio-based strategies. Insights into the importance of the plant-associated microbiome for crop productivity, which can be modified or modulated by introducing OAs and/or BMs, are providing novel opportunities to achieve the goal of long-term disease control. This review discusses novel ways of functionally characterizing OAs and how they may be used to promote the effect of added biocontrol agents and/or beneficial soil microbiota to support natural suppressiveness of plant pathogens.
Occupations, Organizations, and Intragenerational Career Mobility
Authors: Kalleberg Arne L. , Mouw Ted
Published: May 2018

Intragenerational mobility—persistent or secular upward or downward changes in individuals’ economic positions or occupational standing over their working lives—is intimately related both to intergenerational mobility and inequality as well as to labor market theories and behaviors. Careers are job sequences or patterns of mobility/immobility within and between occupations and organizations, the two major work structures that shape the opportunities available in the labor market. This article reviews research that links occupations and organizations to careers and intragenerational mobility. We emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of contributions to this topic and focus on integrating research by sociologists and economists. We also highlight cross-national research and emphasize the literatures that address questions related to social stratification and labor markets. Finally, we suggest fruitful areas for future research.
CoCl2 induces apoptosis via a ROS-dependent pathway and Drp1-mediated mitochondria fission in periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: He Yuting , Gan Xueqi , Zhang Ling , Liu Beilei , Zhu Zhuoli , Li Tao , Zhu Junfei , Chen Junsheng , Yu Haiyang
Published: May 2018

Oxygen deficiency is associated with various oral diseases, including chronic periodontitis, age-related alveolar bone loss, and mechanical stress-linked cell injury from orthodontic appliances. Nevertheless, our understanding of the impact of hypoxia on periodontal tissues and its biochemical mechanism is still rudimentary. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the effects of hypoxia on the apoptosis of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro and the underlying mechanism. Herein, we showed that cobalt chloride (CoCl2) triggered cell dysfunction in human PDLSCs in a concentration-dependent manner and resulted in cell apoptosis and oxidative stress overproduction and accumulation in PDLSCs. In addition, CoCl2 promoted mitochondrial fission in PDLSCs. Importantly, CoCl2 increased the expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), the major regulator in mitochondrial fission, in PDLSCs. Mitochondrial division inhibitor-1, pharmacological inhibition of Drp1, not only inhibited mitochondrial fission but also protected against CoCl2-induced PDLSC dysfunction, as shown by increased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP level, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, N-acety-l-cysteine, a pharmacological inhibitor of ROS, also abolished CoCl2-induced expression of Drp1 and protected against CoCl2-induced PDLSC dysfunction, as shown by restored mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, inhibited mitochondrial fission, and decreased apoptosis. Collectively, our data provide new insights into the role of the ROS-Drp1-dependent mitochondrial pathway in CoCl2-induced apoptosis in PDLSCs, indicating that ROS and Drp1 are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of CoCl2-induced PDLSC dysfunction.
G protein pathway suppressor 2 enhanced the renal large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channel expression via inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhuang Zhizhi , Xiao Jia , Chen Xinxin , Hu Xiaohan , Li Ruidian , Chen Shan , Feng Xiuyan , Shen Saier , Ma He-Ping , Zhuang Jieqiu , Cai Hui
Published: May 2018

G protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) is a multifunctional protein and transcriptional regulation factor that is involved in the G protein MAPK signaling pathway. It has been shown that the MAPK signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of renal large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels. In this study, we investigated the effects of GPS2 on BK channel activity and protein expression. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) BK stably expressing cells transfected with either GPS2 or its vector control, a single-cell recording showed that GPS2 significantly increased BK channel activity ( NPo), increasing BK open probability ( Po), and channel number ( N) compared with the control. In Cos-7 cells and HEK 293 T cells, GPS2 overexpression significantly enhanced the total protein expression of BK in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of GPS2 expression significantly decreased BK protein expression, while increasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Knockdown of ERK1/2 expression reversed the GPS2 siRNA-mediated inhibition of BK protein expression in Cos-7 cells. Pretreatments of Cos-7 cells with either the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A1 or the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of GPS2 siRNA on BK protein expression. In addition, feeding a high-potassium diet significantly increased both GPS2 and BK protein abundance in mice. These data suggest that GPS2 enhances BK channel activity and its protein expression by reducing ERK1/2 signaling-mediated degradation of the channel.
Protective effect of the BET protein inhibitor JQ1 in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Sun Liping , Liu Jing , Yuan Yanggang , Zhang Xinzhou , Dong Zheng
Published: May 2018

As a potent chemotherapy drug, cisplatin is also notorious for its side-effects including nephrotoxicity in kidneys, presenting a pressing need to identify renoprotective agents. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity involves epigenetic regulations, including changes in histone acetylation. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins are “readers” of the epigenetic code of histone acetylation. Here, we investigated the potential renoprotective effects of JQ1, a small molecule inhibitor of BET proteins. We show that JQ1 significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice as indicated by the measurements of kidney function, histopathology, and renal tubular apoptosis. JQ1 also partially prevented the body weight loss during cisplatin treatment in mice. Consistently, JQ1 inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis in renal proximal tubular cells. Mechanistically, JQ1 suppressed cisplatin-induced phosphorylation or activation of p53 and Chk2, key events in DNA damage response. JQ1 also attenuated cisplatin-induced MAP kinase (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) activation. In addition, JQ1 enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1, while diminishing the expression of the nitrosative protein inducible nitric oxide synthase. JQ1 did not suppress cisplatin-induced apoptosis in A549 nonsmall cell lung cancer cells and AGS gastric cancer cells. These results suggest that JQ1 may protect against cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppressing DNA damage response, p53, MAP kinases, and oxidative/nitrosative stress pathways.
Typical visual-field locations enhance processing in object-selective channels of human occipital cortex
Authors: Kaiser Daniel , Cichy Radoslaw M.
Published: May 2018

Natural environments consist of multiple objects, many of which repeatedly occupy similar locations within a scene. For example, hats are seen on people’s heads, while shoes are most often seen close to the ground. Such positional regularities bias the distribution of objects across the visual field: hats are more often encountered in the upper visual field, while shoes are more often encountered in the lower visual field. Here we tested the hypothesis that typical visual field locations of objects facilitate cortical processing. We recorded functional MRI while participants viewed images of objects that were associated with upper or lower visual field locations. Using multivariate classification, we show that object information can be more successfully decoded from response patterns in object-selective lateral occipital cortex (LO) when the objects are presented in their typical location (e.g., shoe in the lower visual field) than when they are presented in an atypical location (e.g., shoe in the upper visual field). In a functional connectivity analysis, we relate this benefit to increased coupling between LO and early visual cortex, suggesting that typical object positioning facilitates information propagation across the visual hierarchy. Together these results suggest that object representations in occipital visual cortex are tuned to the structure of natural environments. This tuning may support object perception in spatially structured environments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the real world, objects appear in predictable spatial locations. Hats, commonly appearing on people’s heads, often fall into the upper visual field. Shoes, mostly appearing on people’s feet, often fall into the lower visual field. Here we used functional MRI to demonstrate that such regularities facilitate cortical processing: Objects encountered in their typical locations are coded more efficiently, which may allow us to effortlessly recognize objects in natural environments.
Interorgan Metabolic Crosstalk in Human Insulin Resistance
Authors: Gancheva Sofiya , Jelenik Tomas , Álvarez-Hernández Elisa , Roden Michael
Published: May 2018

Excessive energy intake and reduced energy expenditure drive the development of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic signals derived from dietary intake or secreted from adipose tissue, gut, and liver contribute to energy homeostasis. Recent metabolomic studies identified novel metabolites and enlarged our knowledge on classic metabolites. This review summarizes the evidence of their roles as mediators of interorgan crosstalk and regulators of insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism. Circulating lipids such as free fatty acids, acetate, and palmitoleate from adipose tissue and short-chain fatty acids from the gut effectively act on liver and skeletal muscle. Intracellular lipids such as diacylglycerols and sphingolipids can serve as lipotoxins by directly inhibiting insulin action in muscle and liver. In contrast, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids have been recently shown to exert a series of beneficial effects. Also, ketoacids are gaining interest as potent modulators of insulin action and mitochondrial function. Finally, branched-chain amino acids not only predict metabolic diseases, but also inhibit insulin signaling. Here, we focus on the metabolic crosstalk in humans, which regulates insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis in the main insulin-sensitive tissues, skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.