bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocortical components of anticipation and consumption in a monetary incentive delay task
Authors: Angus Douglas J. , Latham Andrew J. , Harmon‐Jones Eddie , Deliano Matthias , Balleine Bernard , Braddon‐Mitchell David
Published: July 2017

In order to improve our understanding of the components that reflect functionally important processes during reward anticipation and consumption, we used principle components analyses (PCA) to separate and quantify averaged ERP data obtained from each stage of a modified monetary incentive delay (MID) task. Although a small number of recent ERP studies have reported that reward and loss cues potentiate ERPs during anticipation, action preparation, and consummatory stages of reward processing, these findings are inconsistent due to temporal and spatial overlap between the relevant electrophysiological components. Our results show three components following cue presentation are sensitive to incentive cues (N1, P3a, P3b). In contrast to previous research, reward‐related enhancement occurred only in the P3b, with earlier components more sensitive to break‐even and loss cues. During feedback anticipation, we observed a lateralized centroparietal negativity that was sensitive to response hand but not cue type. We also show that use of PCA on ERPs reflecting reward consumption successfully separates the reward positivity from the independently modulated feedback‐P3. Last, we observe for the first time a new reward consumption component: a late negativity distributed over the left frontal pole. This component appears to be sensitive to response hand, especially in the context of monetary gain. These results illustrate that the time course and sensitivities of electrophysiological activity that follows incentive cues do not follow a simple heuristic in which reward incentive cues produce enhanced activity at all stages and substages.
Activation of serotonergic neurons in the medullary caudal raphe shortens the laryngeal chemoreflex in anaesthetized neonatal rats
Authors: Donnelly William T. , Xia Luxi , Bartlett Donald , Leiter J. C.
Published: July 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does activation of serotonergic neurons in the caudal medullary raphe, some of which project to the nucleus of the solitary tract, shorten the laryngeal chemoreflex?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that serotonin originating from neurons in the caudal raphe acts through a 5‐HT3 receptor located in the nucleus of the solitary tract to terminate reflex apnoea. Failure or deficiency of this arousal‐related process is likely to be relevant to the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome.

Failure to terminate apnoea and arouse is likely to contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Serotonin is deficient in the brainstems of babies who have died of SIDS. We tested the hypothesis that activation of serotoninergic neurons in the caudal medullary raphe, some of which project to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), would shorten the laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR). We studied anaesthetized neonatal rat pups between postnatal days 9 and 17. We injected 5–40 μl of water into the larynx to elicit the LCR and measured the duration of respiratory disruption. Microinjection of 50 nl of 100 μm AMPA into the caudal medullary raphe shortened the apnoeas (P < 0.001) and respiratory inhibition (P < 0.005) associated with the LCR. When 50 nl of 30 mm ondansetron, a 5‐HT3 antagonist, was microinjected bilaterally into the NTS, AMPA microinjected into the caudal raphe no longer shortened the LCR. After bilateral microinjection of vehicle into the NTS, AMPA microinjection into the caudal raphe significantly shortened the LCR. AMPA, a glutamate receptor agonist, may activate many neurons within the caudal raphe, but blocking the 5‐HT3 receptor‐dependent responses in the NTS prevented the shortening of the LCR associated with AMPA microinjections into the caudal raphe. Thus, serotonin originating from neurons in the caudal raphe acts through a 5‐HT3 receptor located in the NTS to terminate or shorten the LCR. Serotonin is deficient in the brainstems of babies who have died of SIDS, and deficient serotonergic termination of apnoea is likely to be relevant to the pathogenesis of SIDS.
In Vitro
Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Francisella tularensis Determined by Broth Microdilution following CLSI Methods
Authors: Heine Henry S. , Miller Lynda , Halasohoris Stephanie , Purcell Bret K.
Published: July 2017

In vitro
susceptibilities for 47 antibiotics were determined in 30 genetic diverse strains of
Francisella tularensis
by the broth microdilution method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. The
F. tularensis
strains demonstrated susceptibility to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. There was a distinct difference in macrolide susceptibilities between A and B type strains, as has been noted previously. The establishment and comparison of antibiotic susceptibilities of a diverse but specific set of
F. tularensis
strains by standardized methods and the establishment of population ranges and MIC
50/90
values provide reference information for assessing new antibiotic agents and a baseline to monitor any future emergence of resistance, whether natural or intentional.
First Report of Klebsiella oxytoca Strain Simultaneously Producing NDM-1, IMP-4, and KPC-2 Carbapenemases
Authors: Wang Juan , Yuan Min , Chen Hai , Chen Xia , Jia Yuanchun , Zhu Xiong , Bai Li , Bai Xue , Fanning Séamus , Lu Jinxing , Li Juan
Published: July 2017

The nucleotide sequences of five plasmids from one
Klebsiella oxytoca
isolate were determined using the PacBio RS II system. Plasmid analysis revealed that
bla
NDM-1
was carried on an IncX3 plasmid. The
bla
IMP-4
and
bla
KPC-2
genes were located on IncN and IncP-6 plasmids, respectively. Comparative sequence analysis highlighted the successful spread of carbapenemase-harboring plasmids among different enterobacterial species. We report for the first time, to our knowledge, coproducing NDM-1, KPC-2, and IMP-4 carbapenemases on a
K. oxytoca
isolate.
Role of
sapA
and
yfgA
in Susceptibility to Antibody-Mediated Complement-Dependent Killing and Virulence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Ondari Edna M. , Heath Jennifer N. , Klemm Elizabeth J. , Langridge Gemma , Barquist Lars , Goulding David A. , Clare Simon , Dougan Gordon , Kingsley Robert A. , MacLennan Calman A.
Published: July 2017

The ST313 pathovar of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium contributes to a high burden of invasive disease among African infants and HIV-infected adults. It is characterized by genome degradation (loss of coding capacity) and has increased resistance to antibody-dependent complement-mediated killing compared with enterocolitis-causing strains of
S
. Typhimurium. Vaccination is an attractive disease-prevention strategy, and leading candidates focus on the induction of bactericidal antibodies. Antibody-resistant strains arising through further gene deletion could compromise such a strategy. Exposing a saturating transposon insertion mutant library of
S
. Typhimurium to immune serum identified a repertoire of
S
. Typhimurium genes that, when interrupted, result in increased resistance to serum killing. These genes included several involved in bacterial envelope biogenesis, protein translocation, and metabolism. We generated defined mutant derivatives using
S
. Typhimurium SL1344 as the host. Based on their initial levels of enhanced resistance to killing,
yfgA
and
sapA
mutants were selected for further characterization. The
S
. Typhimurium
yfgA
mutant lost the characteristic
Salmonella
rod-shaped appearance, exhibited increased sensitivity to osmotic and detergent stress, lacked very long lipopolysaccharide, was unable to invade enterocytes, and demonstrated decreased ability to infect mice. In contrast, the
S
. Typhimurium
sapA
mutants had similar sensitivity to osmotic and detergent stress and lipopolysaccharide profile and an increased ability to infect enterocytes compared with the wild type, but it had no increased ability to cause
in vivo
infection. These findings indicate that increased resistance to antibody-dependent complement-mediated killing secondary to genetic deletion is not necessarily accompanied by increased virulence and suggest the presence of different mechanisms of antibody resistance.
Major Tom to Ground Control: How Lipoproteins Communicate Extracytoplasmic Stress to the Decision Center of the Cell
Authors: Laloux Géraldine , Collet Jean-François
Published: July 2017

The envelope of bacteria is a complex multilayered shield that ensures multiple essential functions, including protecting the cell from external assaults. Hence, bacterial cells have evolved intricate mechanisms called envelope stress response systems (ESRS) to monitor all kinds of perturbations affecting the integrity of their envelope and to mount an appropriate response to contain or repair the damage. In the model bacterium
Escherichia coli
, several ESRS are built around a two-component system, in which envelope stress triggers a phosphotransfer between a sensor protein in the inner membrane of the envelope and a response regulator in the cytoplasm. In this review, we focus on two major ESRS in
E. coli
, the Rcs and Cpx pathways, in which additional proteins not directly involved in the phosphotransfer modulate signal transduction. Both the Rcs and Cpx systems can be turned on by a lipoprotein anchored in the outer membrane, RcsF and NlpE, respectively, providing a molecular connection between the most exterior layer of the envelope and the ground control center in the cytoplasm. Here, we review how these two lipoproteins, which share a striking set of features while being distinct in several aspects, act as sentinels at the front line of the bacterium by sensing and transducing stress to the downstream components of the Rcs and Cpx systems.
Genome Scale Mutational Analysis of Geobacter sulfurreducens Reveals Distinct Molecular Mechanisms for Respiration and Sensing of Poised Electrodes versus Fe(III) Oxides
Authors: Chan Chi Ho , Levar Caleb E. , Jiménez-Otero Fernanda , Bond Daniel R.
Published: July 2017

Geobacter sulfurreducensgenerates electrical current by coupling intracellular oxidation of organic acids to the reduction of proteins on the cell surface that are able to interface with electrodes. This ability is attributed to the bacterium's capacity to respire other extracellular electron acceptors that require contact, such as insoluble metal oxides. To directly investigate the genetic basis of electrode-based respiration, we constructedGeobacter sulfurreducenstransposon-insertion sequencing (Tn-Seq) libraries for growth, with soluble fumarate or an electrode as the electron acceptor. Libraries with >33,000 unique insertions and an average of 9 insertions/kb allowed an assessment of each gene's fitness in a single experiment. Mutations in 1,214 different genomic features impaired growth with fumarate, and the significance of 270 genes unresolved by annotation due to the presence of one or more functional homologs was determined. Tn-Seq analysis of −0.1 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) electrode-grown cells identified mutations in a subset of genes encoding cytochromes, processing systems for proline-rich proteins, sensory networks, extracellular structures, polysaccharides, and metabolic enzymes that caused at least a 50% reduction in apparent growth rate. Scarless deletion mutants of select genes identified via Tn-Seq revealed a new putative porin-cytochrome conduit complex (extABCD) crucial for growth with electrodes, which was not required for Fe(III) oxide reduction. In addition, four mutants lacking components of a putative methyl-accepting chemotaxis–cyclic dinucleotide sensing network (esnABCD) were defective in electrode colonization but grew normally with Fe(III) oxides. These results suggest thatG. sulfurreducenspossesses distinct mechanisms for recognition, colonization, and reduction of electrodes compared to Fe(III) oxides.

IMPORTANCESince metal oxide electron acceptors are insoluble, one hypothesis is that cells sense and reduce metals using the same molecular mechanisms used to form biofilms on electrodes and produce electricity. However, by simultaneously comparing thousands ofGeobacter sulfurreducenstransposon mutants undergoing electrode-dependent respiration, we discovered new cytochromes and chemosensory proteins supporting growth with electrodes that are not required for metal respiration. This supports an emerging model whereG. sulfurreducensrecognizes surfaces and forms conductive biofilms using mechanisms distinct from those used for growth with metal oxides. These findings provide a possible explanation for studies that correlate electricity generation with syntrophic interspecies electron transfer byGeobacterand reveal many previously unrecognized targets for engineering this useful capability in other organisms.
Attention Seeker: Production, Modification, and Release of Inflammatory Peptidoglycan Fragments in Neisseria Species
Authors: Chan Jia Mun , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: July 2017

Maintenance of the structural macromolecule peptidoglycan (PG), which involves regulated cycles of PG synthesis and PG degradation, is pivotal for cellular integrity and survival. PG fragments generated from the degradation process are usually efficiently recycled by Gram-negative bacteria. However,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
and a limited number of Gram-negative bacteria release PG fragments in amounts sufficient to induce host tissue inflammation and damage during an infection. Due to limited redundancy in PG-modifying machineries and genetic tractability,
N. gonorrhoeae
serves as a great model organism for the study of biological processes related to PG. This review summarizes the generation, modification, and release of inflammatory PG molecules by
N. gonorrhoeae
and related species and discusses these findings in the context of understanding bacterial physiology and pathogenesis.
Bacillus subtilis Intramembrane Protease RasP Activity in Escherichia coli and
In Vitro
Authors: Parrell Daniel , Zhang Yang , Olenic Sandra , Kroos Lee
Published: July 2017

RasP is a predicted intramembrane metalloprotease of
Bacillus subtilis
that has been proposed to cleave the stress response anti-sigma factors RsiW and RsiV, the cell division protein FtsL, and remnant signal peptides within their transmembrane segments. To provide evidence for direct effects of RasP on putative substrates, we developed a heterologous coexpression system. Since expression of catalytically inactive RasP E21A inhibited expression of other membrane proteins in
Escherichia coli
, we added extra transmembrane segments to RasP E21A, which allowed accumulation of most other membrane proteins. A corresponding active version of RasP appeared to promiscuously cleave coexpressed membrane proteins, except those with a large periplasmic domain. However, stable cleavage products were not observed, even in
clpP
mutant
E. coli
. Fusions of transmembrane segment-containing parts of FtsL and RsiW to
E. coli
maltose-binding protein (MBP) also resulted in proteins that appeared to be RasP substrates upon coexpression in
E. coli
, including FtsL with a full-length C-terminal domain (suggesting that prior cleavage by a site 1 protease is unnecessary) and RsiW designed to mimic the PrsW site 1 cleavage product (suggesting that further trimming by extracytoplasmic protease is unnecessary). Purified RasP cleaved His
6
-MBP-RsiW(73–118)
in vitro
within the RsiW transmembrane segment based on mass spectrometry analysis, demonstrating that RasP is an intramembrane protease. Surprisingly, purified RasP failed to cleave His
6
-MBP-FtsL(23–117). We propose that the lack of α-helix-breaking residues in the FtsL transmembrane segment creates a requirement for the membrane environment and/or an additional protein(s) in order for RasP to cleave FtsL.

IMPORTANCE
Intramembrane proteases govern important signaling pathways in nearly all organisms. In bacteria, they function in stress responses, cell division, pathogenesis, and other processes. Their membrane-associated substrates are typically inferred from genetic studies in the native bacterium. Evidence for direct effects has come sometimes from coexpression of the enzyme and potential substrate in a heterologous host and rarely from biochemical reconstitution of cleavage
in vitro
. We applied these two approaches to the
B. subtilis
enzyme RasP and its proposed substrates RsiW and FtsL. We discovered potential pitfalls and solutions in heterologous coexpression experiments in
E. coli
, providing evidence that both substrates are cleaved by RasP
in vivo
but, surprisingly, that only RsiW was cleaved
in vitro
, suggesting that FtsL has an additional requirement.
Dietary and physical activity strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes in South Asian adults: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Muilwijk Mirthe , Stronks Karien , Qureshi Samera Azeem , Beune Erik , Celis-Morales Carlos , Gill Jason , Sheikh Aziz , Jenum Anne Karen , van Valkengoed Irene GM
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major health concern among populations of South Asian ethnicity. Although dietary and physical activity interventions may reduce the risk of T2D, the effectiveness has been moderate among South Asians. This might (in part) be because this subgroup follows strategies that were originally developed for interventions among other populations. Therefore, this review aims to assess the evidence for the current dietary and physical activity strategies recommended in T2D prevention intervention studies and guidelines for South Asians.

Methods and analysis

Included will be all studies and guidelines on dietary and/or physical activity strategies to prevent T2D in adult South Asians. Two reviewers will search online databases from their start until the present date for published and unpublished experimental/quasiexperimental studies, with at least an abstract in English. References of identified articles and key reviews will be screened for additional studies. Guidelines will be identified by searches in online databases and websites of public organisations. Finally, expert consultations will be held to supplement any missing information. Trial quality will be assessed with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies Data, and guidelines with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II. Data on the strategies recommended, targeting and evidence on effectiveness will be extracted by two reviewers and presented in tabular and narrative forms. Recommendations will be compared with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines [PH35]. Overall findings on dietary and physical activity recommendations, as well as findings for specific subgroups (eg, by sex), will be discussed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics assessment is not required. Start date: 1 January 2016, finishing and reporting date 31 July 2016. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the project report of EuroDHYAN (www.eurodhyan.eu) and in a PhD dissertation.

Trial registration number

The protocol is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42015027067.
Effectiveness of recruitment to a smartphone-delivered nutrition intervention in New Zealand: analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Volkova Ekaterina , Michie Jo , Corrigan Callie , Sundborn Gerhard , Eyles Helen , Jiang Yannan , Mhurchu Cliona Ni
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Delivery of interventions via smartphone is a relatively new initiative in public health, and limited evidence exists regarding optimal strategies for recruitment. We describe the effectiveness of approaches used to recruit participants to a smartphone-enabled nutrition intervention trial.

Methods

Internet and social media advertising, mainstream media advertising and research team networks were used to recruit New Zealand adults to a fully automated smartphone-delivered nutrition labelling trial (no face-to-face visits were required). Recruitment of Māori and Pacific participants was a key focus and ethically relevant recruitment materials and approaches were used where possible. The effectiveness of recruitment strategies was evaluated using Google Analytics, monitoring of study website registrations and randomisations, and self-reported participant data. The cost of the various strategies and associations with participant demographics were assessed.

Results

Over a period of 13 months, there were 2448 registrations on the study website, and 1357 eligible individuals were randomised into the study (55%). Facebook campaigns were the most successful recruitment strategy overall (43% of all randomised participants) and for all ethnic groups (Māori 44%, Pacific 44% and other 43%). Significant associations were observed between recruitment strategy and age (p<0.001), household size (p<0.001), ethnicity (p<0.001), gender (p=0.005) and interest in healthy eating (p=0.022). Facebook campaigns resulted in the highest absolute numbers of study registrations and randomisations (966 and 584, respectively). Network strategies and Facebook campaigns cost least per randomised participant (NZ$4 and NZ$5, respectively), whereas radio advertising costs most (NZ$179 per participant).

Conclusion

Internet and social media advertising were the most effective and least costly approaches to recruiting participants to a smartphone-delivered trial. These approaches also reached diverse ethnic groups. However, more culturally appropriate recruitment strategies are likely to be necessary in studies where large numbers of participants from specific ethnic groups are sought.

Trial registration

ACTRN12614000644662; Post-results.
Associations between interarm differences in blood pressure and cardiovascular disease outcomes: protocol for an individual patient data meta-analysis and development of a prognostic algorithm
Authors: Clark Christopher E , Boddy Kate , Warren Fiona C , Taylor Rod S , Aboyans Victor , Cloutier Lyne , McManus Richard J , Shore Angela C , Campbell John L
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Individual cohort studies in various populations and study-level meta-analyses have shown interarm differences (IAD) in blood pressure to be associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, key questions remain, such as follows: (1) What is the additional contribution of IAD to prognostic risk estimation for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality? (2) What is the minimum cut-off value for IAD that defines elevated risk? (3) Is there a prognostic value of IAD and do different methods of IAD measurement impact on the prognostic value of IAD? We aim to address these questions by conducting an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis.

Methods and analysis

This study will identify prospective cohort studies that measured blood pressure in both arms during recruitment, and invite authors to contribute IPD datasets to this collaboration. All patient data received will be combined into a single dataset. Using one-stage meta-analysis, we will undertake multivariable time-to-event regression modelling, with the aim of developing a new prognostic model for cardiovascular risk estimation that includes IAD. We will explore variations in risk contribution of IAD across predefined population subgroups (eg, hypertensives, diabetics), establish the lower limit of IAD that is associated with additional cardiovascular risk and assess the impact of different methods of IAD measurement on risk prediction.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not include any patient identifiable data. Included datasets will already have ethical approval and consent from their sponsors. Findings will be presented to international conferences and published in peer reviewed journals, and we have a comprehensive dissemination strategy in place with integrated patient and public involvement.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015031227.
Physicians are more likely than non-physicians to use brand-name drugs to treat their chronic conditions
Authors: Carrera Mariana , Skipper Niels
Published: July 2017

Background

Little is known about the treatments physicians choose for themselves compared with how they treat their patients. We determine if physicians prescribe different treatments to patients than to themselves.

Methods

Population-based cohort study from 2004 to 2012 examining prescription claims of all Danish primary care physicians (PCP; n=3088) and all other Danish adults (n=2 334 590) who received a first-time prescription from a PCP for a statin (n=455 586), calcium channel blocker (CCB, n=330 369), serotonin-norepinephrine/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SN/SSRIs, n=423 740), proton pump inhibitor (PPI, n=671 965) or antihistamine (n=456 018). The main outcome is the brand-name or generic status of the first prescribed drug. A logistic regression model compared outcomes, unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and coverage information.

Results

For drugs that require chronic treatment (statins, CCBs, SN/SSRIs), the relative risk (RR) for PCPs (PCP patients) being treated with a brand drug was 3.86 (95% CI 3.33 to 4.47; p<0.001). This difference remained significant when adjusting for covariates (adjusted RR=2.51 (95% CI 2.16 to 2.92; p<0.001)). For non-chronic drugs (PPIs, antihistamines), the RR for PCP patients was (RR=1.13 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.20; p<0.001)), and this difference was explained by higher income. Physicians are not more likely than non-physicians, however, to be treated with brand-name versions of drugs that are available as generics.

Conclusion

Physicians are more likely than non-physicians to be treated with brand-name drugs without generic equivalents in three chronic treatment drug classes but not in two acute treatment drug classes. Guidelines can lead to lower brand-name drug use than physicians prefer for themselves.
Linkage disequilibrium, natural selection, and epistatic gene interaction in Drosophila nasuta
Authors: Kumar Arun , Gupta J. P.
Published: July 2017

The data of linkage disequilibrium between III-2 and 111-35 gene arrangements in natural populations of Drosophila nasuta is presented. The results demonstrated that there was significant linkage disequilibrium between the above gene arrangements in natural populations. Among all nine possible karyotypic combinations, only four combinations were seen. The absence of some combinations might be because of sublethal combinations of genes that reduced the viabilities of their carriers. The frequency of double inversion heterozygotes was always in excess and only 1.29% single hetrozygotes were observed. Based on these findings, we suggest that natural selection acting through the suppression of recombination and epistatic gene interaction providing fitness are the main factor for the maintenance of linkage disequilibrium between the above linked gene arrangements in natural populations of D. nasuta.Key words: linkage disequilibrium, selection, epistasis, Drosophila nasuta.
Environmental, genotypic, and ploidy effects on endopolyploidization within a genotype of Solanum phureja and its derivatives
Authors: Owen H. R. , Veilleux R. E. , Levy D. , Ochs D. L.
Published: July 2017

Flow-cytometric analyses of DNA content were performed on chopped in vivo, in vitro, and protoplast-derived in vitro nuclei of Solanum phureja. An anther-derived monoploid genotype and a diploid and tetraploid clone, derived from callus culture of the monoploid genotype, were used to characterize the influence of in vivo and in vitro environment and explant ploidy level on the extent of endopolyploidization. In addition, protoplast-derived nuclei, from nine anther-derived monoploid genotypes, were examined for genotypic influences on endopolyploidization. DNA distributions of the anther-derived monoploid and callus-derived clones in vivo contained peaks corresponding to 1C, 2C, and 4C DNA levels. By comparison, diploid and tetraploid clones cultured in vitro did not contain 1C DNA peaks. Nuclear DNA content beyond the 4C level was not observed in any of the samples tested. The frequency of monoploid nuclei did not vary significantly among protoplast-derived nuclei from the monoploid genotypes; however, significant differences were detected between replications over time. Variability among the monoploid genotypes was shown for frequency of endoreplicated (4C) nuclei, indicating a genotypic influence on monoploid stability.Key words: potato, monoploid, anther culture, callus culture, protoplast culture, flow cytometry.
Performance of tetraploid progeny derived from 2x–4x intersubspecific crosses in Dactylis glomerata L.
Authors: Casler M. D. , Hugessen P. M.
Published: July 2017

The Dactylis glomerata L. species complex is a genetically diverse group of naturally occurring diploid (2n = 2x = 14), tetraploid (2n = 4x = 28), and hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42) subspecies. The diploid subspecies tend to be geographically isolated and genetically distinct. Each subspecies probably possesses alleles for adaptation to specific environmental regimes. The objective of this research was to evaluate tetraploid progeny from 2x–4x intersubspecific crosses for forage yield and quality relative to their tetraploid parent. Progeny were developed by two stages of hybridization; intra- and inter-subspecific hybrids were generated from 2x–2x crosses, after which selected diploid progeny were mated, as females, to adapted tetraploid genotypes. From 14 2x–4x crosses, utilizing diploids known to produce 2n eggs, 59 tetraploid progeny were identified. These tetraploid progeny and their parents were vegetatively cloned and established in pots in two greenhouses. Forage was harvested from two replicates of each plant in each greenhouse for a total of six cuttings. Vigor, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were determined. Parent–progeny regressions indicated evidence of heritable variation for vigor and IVDMD, but not for NDF. Favorable heterosis (relative to the tetraploid parent) on a family mean basis was significant only for IVDMD in one family. When selection among progeny within families was possible (in six families), favorable transgressive segregants were observed for all traits in at least one family and in a total of five families. The favorable performance of some tetraploid progeny, combined with the diverse nature of the species, indicate that improvements to cultivated orchard grass are possible. Selection at both the diploid and tetraploid levels will be necessary to achieve these goals.Key words: Dactylis glomerata L., gametic nonreduction, heterosis, heterozygosity, orchard grass, polysomic polyploids.
Discontinuity Induced Hopf and Neimark–Sacker Bifurcations in a Memristive Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua Circuit
Authors: Ahamed A. Ishaq , Lakshmanan M.
Published: July 2017

We report using Clarke’s concept of generalized differential and a modification of Floquet theory to nonsmooth oscillations, the occurrence of discontinuity induced Hopf bifurcations and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations leading to quasiperiodic attractors in a memristive Murali–Lakshmanan–Chua (memristive MLC) circuit. The above bifurcations arise because of the fact that a memristive MLC circuit is basically a nonsmooth system by virtue of having a memristive element as its nonlinearity. The switching and modulating properties of the memristor which we have considered endow the circuit with two discontinuity boundaries and multiple equilibrium points as well. As the Jacobian matrices about these equilibrium points are noninvertible, they are nonhyperbolic, some of these admit local bifurcations as well. Consequently when these equilibrium points are perturbed, they lose their stability giving rise to quasiperiodic orbits. The numerical simulations carried out by incorporating proper discontinuity mappings (DMs), such as the Poincaré discontinuity map (PDM) and zero time discontinuity map (ZDM), are found to agree well with experimental observations.
Spectroscopy of light baryons in a semi-relativistic constituent three-quark model
Authors: Aslanzadeh M. , Rajabi A. A.
Published: July 2017

We studied the non-strange baryon spectroscopy by presenting a simple semi-relativistic constituent three-quark model. Assuming a separation of the interaction potential in terms of a leading SU(6) symmetric component and a subleading SU(6) breaking term, we treated the baryons as a spin-independent three-quark system and presented the analytical solution for the problem. Using perturbative and approximative approaches in order to deal with problematic linear confining term in SU(6)-invariant interaction, we obtained analytical formulas for energy levels and the hyperradial wave functions and the average energy values of the nonstrange resonances are reproduced. To describe the hyperfine structure of the baryon, the splittings within the SU(6)-multiplets are produced by the perturbative spin- and isospin-dependent terms. The resulting description of the baryon spectrum for both approaches are given and compared with the experimental spectrum.
PREVALENCE OF LOW BACK PAIN AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN KERMAN, IRAN
Authors: Mohammadi Ghorbanali
Published: July 2017

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent occupational health problems and accounts for a large number of losses in working days and disability for workers in modern industrialized countries. The aim of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of lower back problem and to associate risk factors among high school teachers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among high school teachers using self-administered questionnaires, which were distributed to randomly selected school teachers of 7 boys’ and 10 girls’ high schools across the city of Kerman and collected between October and November 2010. A total of 296 teachers returned completed questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 78.9%. The 12-month prevalence of LBP was 68.8%, which reporting with moderate disability. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that females [odds ratio (OR): 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51–2.00] were positively correlated to LBP. Awkward arm posture (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24–2.62) and awkward body posture (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.87–1.49) were significantly associated with LBP. Psychosocial job demands and job dissatisfaction were also significantly associated with LBP. Smoking cigarette was three times more likely to develop lower back pain when compared with non-smokers. The prevalence of LBP was high among high school teachers. A wide variety of LBP risk factors were identified in the current study. The present study indicates that the high prevalence of lower back pain may lose difficulty to teachers in getting to work and “performing” the work required of them, resulting in work absenteeism, which may decrease work productivity.
Automatic Reverse Engineering of Private Flight Control Protocols of UAVs
Authors: Ji Ran , Wang Jian , Tang Chaojing , Li Ruilin
Published: July 2017

The increasing use of civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has the potential to threaten public safety and privacy. Therefore, airspace administrators urgently need an effective method to regulate UAVs. Understanding the meaning and format of UAV flight control commands by automatic protocol reverse-engineering techniques is highly beneficial to UAV regulation. To improve our understanding of the meaning and format of UAV flight control commands, this paper proposes a method to automatically analyze the private flight control protocols of UAVs. First, we classify flight control commands collected from a binary network trace into clusters; then, we analyze the meaning of flight control commands by the accumulated error of each cluster; next, we extract the binary format of commands and infer field semantics in these commands; and finally, we infer the location of the check field in command and the generator polynomial matrix. The proposed approach is validated via experiments on a widely used consumer UAV.
A Case of an Insufficiency Fracture of the Medial Proximal Tibia Secondary to Osteomalacia Associated with Long-Term Saccharated Ferric Oxide Administration
Authors: Ishimaru Daichi , Sumi Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

This article presents a case of insufficiency fracture of medial proximal tibia caused by long-term administration of saccharated ferric oxide (SFO) in a 77-year-old female. In this case, 2-year administration of SFO for iron deficit anemia induced hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and finally resulted in an insufficiency fracture of medial proximal tibia. Hypophosphatemia and pain due to the insufficiency fracture were recovered promptly by withdrawing SFO administration and rest. This case represented varus deformity of the knee associated with osteoarthritis, which may also cause the insufficiency fracture of medial proximal tibia in addition to osteomalacia due to long-term administration of SFO. Long-term SFO administration should be avoided because of a definitive risk of osteomalacia and fragile fracture.
Synergistic Sintering of Lignite Fly Ash and Steelmaking Residues towards Sustainable Compacted Ceramics
Authors: Karayannis V. G. , Moutsatsou A. K. , Baklavaridis A. N. , Katsika E. L. , Domopoulou A. E.
Published: July 2017

The development of value-added ceramic materials deriving only from industrial by-products is particularly interesting from technological, economic, and environmental point of views. In this work, the synergistic sintering of ternary and binary mixtures of fly ash, steelmaking electric arc furnace dust, and ladle furnace slag for the synthesis of compacted ceramics is reported. The sintered specimens’ microstructure and mineralogical composition were characterized by SEM-EDS and XRD, respectively. Moreover, the shrinkage, apparent density, water absorption, and Vickers microhardness (HV) were investigated at different sintering temperatures and raw material compositions. The characterization of the sintered compacts revealed the successful consolidation of the ceramic microstructures. According to the experimental findings, the ceramics obtained from fly ash/steel dust mixtures exhibited enhanced properties compared to the other mixtures tested. Moreover, the processing temperature affected the final properties of the produced ceramics. Specifically, a 407% HV increase for EAFD and a 2221% increase for the FA-EAFD mixture were recorded, by increasing the sintering temperature from 1050 to 1150°C. Likewise, a 972% shrinkage increase for EAFD and a 577% shrinkage increase for the FA-EAFD mixture were recorded, by increasing the sintering temperature from 1050 to 1150°C. The research results aim at shedding more light on the development of sustainable sintered ceramics from secondary industrial resources towards circular economy.
An Experimental Study of the Formation of Talc through CaMg(CO3)2–SiO2–H2O Interaction at 100–200°C and Vapor-Saturation Pressures
Authors: Wan Ye , Wang Xiaolin , Chou I-Ming , Hu Wenxuan , Zhang Yang , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2017

The metamorphic interaction between carbonate and silica-rich fluid is common in geological environments. The formation of talc from dolomite and silica-rich fluid occurs at low temperatures in the metamorphism of the CaO–MgO–SiO2–CO2–H2O system and plays important roles in the formation of economically viable talc deposits, the modification of dolomite reservoirs, and other geological processes. However, disagreement remains over the conditions of talc formation at low temperatures. In this study, in situ Raman spectroscopy, quenched scanning electron microscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction, and thermodynamic calculations were used to explore the interplay between dolomite and silica-rich fluids at relatively low temperatures in fused silica tubes. Results showed that talc formed at ≤200°C and low CO2partial pressures (PCO2). The reaction rate increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasingPCO2. The major contributions of this study are as follows:(1)we confirmed the formation mechanism of Mg-carbonate-hosted talc deposits and proved that talc can form at ≤200°C;(2)the presence of talc in carbonate reservoirs can indicate the activity of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids; and (3) the reactivity and solubility of silica require further consideration, when a fused silica tube is used as the reactor in highP–Texperiments.
Elevated Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen, Cytokeratin 19 Fragment, and Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Chen Jianzhong , Tao Feng , Zhang Bin , Chen Qingguang , Qiu Yan , Luo Qian , Gen Yanna , Meng Jiali , Zhang Jue , Lu Hao
Published: July 2017

Objective. We aimed to explore whether squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra21-1), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are elevated in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the association between urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and tumor markers in diabetic patients.Methods. Nondialysis patients with diabetes (n=261) and 90 healthy controls were enrolled. DN was defined as an UACR ≥ 30 mg/g in the absence of a urinary tract infection or other renal abnormalities.Results. Patients with DN had significantly higher serum SCC, Cyfra21-1, and CEA levels than those with normoalbuminuria and healthy controls. The rates of positive SCC, Cyfra21-1, and CEA significantly increased with increasing urinary albumin excretion (allPfor trend < 0.001). In contrast, NSE was not affected by DN. SCC, Cyfra21-1, and CEA were significantly and positively correlated with UACR. In logistic regression, after multivariable adjustment, increased UACR was associated with increased odds ratio of elevated tumor marker levels (allPfor trend < 0.05).Conclusions. Serum levels of SCC, Cyfra21-1, and CEA are markedly increased with increasing urinary albumin excretion, which affects the specificity for diagnosis for lung cancer. Appropriate interpretation of tumor markers in diabetic patients is mandatory to avoid unnecessary and even hazardous biopsies.
Cellulose Fiber-Reinforced PLA versus PP
Authors: Graupner Nina , Müssig Jörg
Published: July 2017

The present study focuses on a comparison between different cellulose fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. Composites were produced with 30 mass-% lyocell fibers and a PLA or PP matrix with either an injection (IM) or compression molding (CM) process. Significant reinforcement effects were achieved for tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and Shore D hardness by using lyocell as reinforcing fiber. These values are significantly higher for PLA and its composites compared to PP and PP-based composites. Investigations of the fiber/matrix adhesion show a better bonding for lyocell in PLA compared to PP, resulting in a more effective load transfer from the matrix to the fiber. However, PLA is brittle while PP shows a ductile stress-strain behavior. The impact strength of PLA was drastically improved by adding lyocell while the impact strength of PP decreased. CM and IM composites do not show significant differences in fiber orientation. Despite a better compaction of IM composites, higher tensile strength values were achieved for CM samples due to a higher fiber length.
Podophyllotoxin Extracted from Juniperus sabina Fruit Inhibits Rat Sperm Maturation and Fertility by Promoting Epididymal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Xie Shuwu , Li Guoting , Qu Lijuan , Zhong Ruihua , Chen Ping , Lu Zhigang , Zhou Jieyun , Guo Xiangjie , Li Zhao , Ma Aying , Qian Yueying , Zhu Yan
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to investigate the antifertility effect of Juniperus sabina fruit on male rats and its possible mechanism, and hence it might be developed as a potential nonhormonal male contraceptive. Male rats were intragastrically fed for consecutive 8‐week and 4‐week recovery with the fruit of J. Sabina, and sperm maturation, serum testosterone level, and histopathology were analyzed. Epididymal epithelial cell culture was prepared for detection of podophyllotoxin activities. Furthermore, cell proliferation, transmission electron microscopy, Annexin V/Propidium iodide, TUNEL, RT‐PCR, ELISA, and western blotting were examined. The results showed that rat sperm motility and fertility were remarkably declined after feeding the fruit. Moreover, the fruit targeted the epididymis rather than the testis. After 4‐week recovery, more than half of the male rats resumed normal fertility. It was found that podophyllotoxin significantly inhibited epididymal epithelial cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and increased the mRNA and protein levels of TNF‐α and the expression levels of cytochrome c, caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3. Our findings suggest that the fruit of J. sabina could inhibit male rat sperm maturation and fertility. The potential mechanism might be related to podophyllotoxin, inducing epididymal epithelial cell apoptosis through TNF‐α and caspase signaling pathway.
Orthodontic Treatment and Maxillary Anterior Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis of a Subject with Williams–Beuren Syndrome and Isolated Cleft Palate: A Long-Term Follow-Up from the Age of 5 to 24 Years
Authors: Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Shirota Tatsuo , Adel Mohamed , Takahashi Masahiro , Haga Shugo , Nagahama Ryo , Nakashima Misato , Furuhata Mayu , Kamatani Takaaki , Maki Koutaro
Published: July 2017

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare multisystem disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of the elastin gene on chromosome 7q11.23. WBS patients have characteristic skeletal features and dental anomalies accompanied by mental retardation, a friendly outgoing personality, and mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems. In this case report, we present the combined orthodontic and surgical treatment of a WBS patient with an isolated cleft palate through a long-term follow-up from the age of 5 to 24 years. During the period of active treatment, comprehensive orthodontic treatment combined with maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis and prosthetic treatment using dental implants were effective in dramatically improving the patient’s malocclusion. The patient’s mental abilities and the cooperation shown by the patient and her family were crucial for the success of this complex and long-term treatment course.
The Oxidative Stress Response in Elite Water Polo Players: Effects of Genetic Background
Authors: Vecchio Mercurio , Currò Monica , Trimarchi Fabio , Naccari Sergio , Caccamo Daniela , Ientile Riccardo , Barreca Davide , Di Mauro Debora
Published: July 2017

Acute exercise is known to induce oxidative stress. Here we assessed the effects of gene polymorphisms SOD2 A16V, CAT −844 G>A, and GPx-1 rs1800668 C>T on oxidative stress markers in 28 elite water polo male players prior to and after a routinely programmed friendly match. The mean plasma concentrations of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs), as well as lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, creatine kinase (CK) activity, CK-MB, and myoglobin, were significantly increased after exercise, while blood antioxidant potential (BAP) and total free thiols were significantly decreased, compared with those measured before exercise. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were also increased after exercise but not significantly. We observed that water polo players having either AV16 or VV16 SOD genotype exhibited a significant increase of postexercise AOPP, LDH, CK, and myoglobin plasma levels in comparison with wild-type athletes. Water polo players having either CAT −844 GA or GPx1 CT genotype showed a significant increase of postexercise dROMs plasma levels and, respectively, GPx and CAT enzyme activities in comparison with wild-type subjects. These preliminary results suggest that the screening for gene variants of antioxidant enzymes could be useful to assess individual susceptibility to oxidative stress and muscle damage in water polo players.