bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior response to infliximab and early serum drug concentrations predict effects of adalimumab in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Baert F. , Vande Casteele N. , Tops S. , Noman M. , Van Assche G. , Rutgeerts P. , Gils A. , Vermeire S. , Ferrante M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Data for adalimumab in ulcerative colitis after prior use of infliximab are scarce.

Aims

To study adalimumab response rates and predictors of response in ulcerative colitis, including drug concentrations.

Methods

In this single centre cohort study 73 UC patients, previously exposed to infliximab, were assessed for response to adalimumab at weeks 12 and 52. Serum samples prior to week 12 were available and included in multivariate analysis to predict response.

Results

Overall clinical response at week 12 and 52 were 75% and 52%, respectively. Adalimumab was continued without need for dose escalation throughout year 1 in 16 patients, 22 needed dose escalation and 35 discontinued treatment within 1 year. Prior response to infliximab and early serum concentrations correlated with response. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis yielded optimal adalimumab concentrations of 4.58 μg/mL for week 12 and 7.0 μg/mL for week 52. Independent predictors for response at week 12 were primary response to infliximab [odds ratio (OR) 8.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–33.3; P = 0.006] and an adalimumab concentration ≥4.58 μg/mL at week 4 (OR 4.85; 95% CI 1.3–18.6; P = 0.009). Positive predictors for week 52 response were primary response to infliximab (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.14–23.8; P = 0.034) and adalimumab concentration at week 4 of ≥7 μg/mL (OR 3.56; 95% CI 1.17–10.79; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Prior response to infliximab and high early adalimumab serum concentrations predict week 12 and year 1 responses to adalimumab in ulcerative colitis.
A Survey of Scientist and Policy Makers' Attitudes Toward Research on Stored Human Biological Materials in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Vajira H.W. , Sumathipala Dulika S. , Kariyawasam U.G.A.C. , Jayamanne J.M.D.N.M.M. , Nisansala P.K.D.S. , Lie Reidar
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Stored human samples and the establishment of biobanks are increasing in the world. Along with this there are the questions of ethics that arise such as the correct method of obtaining informed consent for research on stored samples and the policies involved in collaborative research using collected samples. This study is an attempt to evaluate the researchers, academics and policy makers' views on these ethical aspects.

Methods

This was an anonymised study involving a Sri Lankan population of researchers, ethics committee members, and policy makers. A self administered questionnaire was utilised as the study instrument. The questionnaire captured four major areas of interest: demographic characteristics of respondents, their attitudes on informed consent policy, their opinion on rights of collaborating researchers, their attitudes on dealing with international differences in regulatory frameworks.

Results

The study included 55 responders with 40/55 (73%) agreeing that donors should receive the option of giving informed consent for future research, with 31/55 (56%) considering multiple‐ type consent options most appropriate. Regarding the issue of shared samples in collaborative research majority agreed that source country ethics review committee approval was necessary 53/55 (96%).

Conclusion

The study concludes that sample donors should be given the option of giving advance consent to unspecified future research provided that future research is approved by an ethics committee. In collaborative research, it is necessary to involve ethics committees from donor countries in the research approval process.
Distinct chromatin organization in the germ line founder cell of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo
Authors: Vágnerová Lenka , Gombitová Adriána , Cmarko Dušan , Lanctôt Christian
Published: October 2014

Cells belonging to the germ lineage segregate physically and molecularly from their somatic neighbors during embryogenesis. While germ line‐specific chromatin modifications have been identified at later stages in the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode, none have been found in the single P4 germ line founder cell that arises at the beginning of gastrulation. Using light and electron microscopy, we now report that the chromatin organization in the germ line founder cell of the early C. elegans embryo is distinct from that in the neighboring somatic cells. This unique organization is characterized by a greater chromatin compaction and an expansion of the interchromatin compartment. The ultrastructure of individual chromatin domains does not differ between germ line and somatic cells, pointing to a specific organization mainly at the level of the whole nucleus. We show that this higher order reorganization of chromatin is not a consequence of the P4 nucleus being smaller than somatic nuclei or having initiated mitosis. Imaging of living embryos expressing fluorescent markers for both chromatin and P granules revealed that the appearance of a distinct chromatin organization in the P4 cell occurs approximately 10 min after its birth and coincides with the aggregation of P granules around the nucleus, suggesting a possible link between these two events. The higher order reorganization of chromatin that is reported here occurs during the establishment of definitive germ cell identity. The changes we have observed could therefore be a prerequisite for the programming of chromatin totipotency.
Making in‐roads across the youth mental health landscape in Singapore: the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT)
Authors: Poon Lye Yin , Tay Eugene , Lee Yi Ping , Lee Helen , Verma Swapna
Published: October 2014

Aim

Adolescence and early adulthood is marked by physical, emotional and psychological changes, and is the peak onset of mental disorders. Internationally, one‐fifth of children and adolescents have serious mental health problems, yet services catering to them are scarce. Locally, traditional mental health services are associated with much stigma. In 2009, the Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT), a youth‐focused outreach and assessment service, was set up to address service gaps and care barriers.

Methods

CHAT's key offering is a free and confidential mental health assessment service to facilitate help‐seeking individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 gain access to early treatment. Young persons' profile and assessment outcomes were collected and entered into a database.

Results

Between May 2009 and March 2013, CHAT received 601 referrals: 40.1% (241/601) from young persons themselves and 40.9% (246/601) from school or community counsellors. 79.2% (313/395) of those assessed had mental health issues. 61.5% (243/395) were referred to specialist clinics and 28.6% (113/395) to school or community counsellors.

Conclusion

There is a steady increase in our referrals; majority are self‐referred or referred from school and community counsellors. This attests to the success of our general outreach and targeted capacity‐building efforts. Cognizant of young persons' distress, CHAT continues to work with downstream services for continuity of care, which also presents opportunities to consolidate and expand our network of specialist and community partners. Future directions seek to address current challenges: having a mobile platform to complement our face‐to‐face assessments, and building collaborations to provide holistic services for young persons.
The efficacy and tolerability of pharmacologic treatment options forLennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Montouris Georgia D. , Wheless James W. , Glauser Tracy A.
Published: October 2014

Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy that appears in childhood.LGSis characterized by a slow spike‐wave pattern on electroencephalogram (EEG), cognitive impairment, and multiple seizure types. This mixture of seizure types, along with the need to use more than one type of medication, makesLGSone of the most complicated epilepsies to treat successfully. Recent developments in approved therapies for the treatment ofLGSoffer physicians more options, but also make developing a treatment strategy that minimizes adverse events more challenging. There are currently 5 treatment options forLGS: felbamate, lamotrigine, topiramate, rufinamide, and clobazam, and several others that are used off‐label, each of which has benefits and limitations. There are several factors that must be considered when determining which medication to use when treating patients withLGS, including efficacy, which is assessed by seizure frequency, tolerability, and the anticipated duration of treatment. In this article, data supporting current treatment options are discussed, and important considerations about the treatment ofLGSare reviewed.
Nonlinear thermal gradients shape broad‐scale patterns in geographic range size and can reverse Rapoport's rule
Authors: Tomašových Adam , Jablonski David , Berke Sarah K. , Krug Andrew Z. , Valentine James W.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Species living at latitudes that have greater annual temperature variations are expected to achieve broader geographic ranges than species living at latitudes that have smaller annual temperature variations, generating a positive relationship between range size and latitude (Rapoport's rule). However, this prediction fails to take into account the greater latitudinal extent of tropical temperatures relative to those at higher latitudes. Here we model the contributions of the broader latitudinal extent of equal‐temperature habitats at low latitudes and the greater annual temperature variation at high latitudes to the range size–latitude relationship, and test whether the latitudinal variation in geographic range size in marine bivalves can be explained by models that account for both annual temperature variation and the steepness of latitudinal thermal gradients.

Location

Western Pacific, eastern Pacific and western Atlantic.

Methods

We use a null model where geographic ranges are placed on the ocean surface independently of thermal gradients, and a range‐expansion model where the minimum and maximum temperatures encompassed by the geographic range of a species (macroecological thermal ranges) are positively related to annual temperature minima and maxima at the location where the species originated. We compare results with a database containing 40,820 occurrences of 4760 marine bivalve species.

Result

Models incorporating temperature‐limited range expansion along realistic thermal gradients predict an inverse relationship between range size and latitude, in opposition to Rapoport's rule. The distribution patterns of marine bivalves match this prediction.

Main conclusions

The poleward trend in latitudinal range size is determined by the nonlinearity of the latitudinal gradient of temperature minima and maxima and less by the latitudinal gradient of the local seasonal range in temperatures. Although tropical species do have narrower macroecological thermal ranges than high‐latitude species, the nearly constant temperatures over wide areas of the tropics allow tropical species to achieve broad latitudinal ranges.
Wind conditions experienced during the day predict nocturnal restlessness in a migratory songbird
Authors: Eikenaar Cas , Schmaljohann Heiko
Published: October 2014

A variety of methods have been used to study the relationship between wind conditions and departure decisions of migrant birds at stopover sites. These methods are either costly or suffer from inaccuracy in determining whether or not an individual has resumed migration. Here we present a novel and simple approach to studying the relationship between wind conditions and departure likelihood. Northern Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe caught during stopover were temporarily caged to measure their nocturnal migratory restlessness, which is an accurate proxy for their individual departure likelihood. We then related the degree of nocturnal restlessness to wind conditions prevailing at the time of capture. Confirming the general pattern from previous studies of departure, the intensity of nocturnal migratory restlessness, and hence departure likelihood, increased with increasing wind support towards the migratory goal. This suggests that approximating the propensity to depart by measuring nocturnal migratory restlessness is a reliable way to study the effect that wind conditions experienced during stopover has on the departure decision of migrants. Our study also shows that nocturnal migrants possess the ability to use information gathered during the day for their departure decisions at night. Because measuring migratory restlessness is straightforward and inexpensive, our approach is ideally suited to test hypotheses regarding spatio‐temporal variation in wind selectivity in migrating birds.
The antioxidant activities and the xanthine oxidase inhibition effects of walnut (Juglans regia L.) fruit, stem and leaf
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan , Cai Mengsen , Zhou Chunming , Huang Jiayi , Lin Lianzhu
Published: October 2014

The antioxidant activities and xanthine oxidase inhibition effects of walnut fruit, stem and leaf were studied in this work. The total phenolic contents were in a descending sequence: shell extract > leaf extract > stem extract > defatted walnut kernel (DWK) extract > green husk extract (GHE). The sequence of total phenolic contents was in agreement with the sequence of antioxidant capacities evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays except for DWK extract. The walnut shell extract showed the highest phenolic content (14.81 gallic acid equivalent g/100 g dry extract) and the best antioxidant activity (the ORAC value was 3423.44 ± 142.52 μmol Trolox equivalents g−1). All tested samples possessed xanthine oxidase inhibitory (XOI) effects, the inhibition percentages of which were >50% at 2 mg mL−1 except for stem and DWK extracts. The contents of the major compound (hydrojuglone) in all extracts were in a descending order: GHE > walnut stem extract > walnut shell extract > walnut leaf extract > DWK extract.
Does adherence therapy improve medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia? A systematic review
Authors: Hegedüs Anna , Kozel Bernd
Published: October 2014

Non‐adherence to medication is highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Adherence therapy aims to improve medication adherence of these patients by applying techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho‐education, and motivational interviewing. Even though adherence therapy is frequently discussed and researched, its effectiveness is still uncertain. This paper aims to review the effectiveness of adherence therapy on the medication adherence of patients with schizophrenia. To this end, six electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized, controlled trials on adherence therapy from January 2002 to March 2013. Four trials met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the review. The findings suggest that adherence therapy does not improve patients' medication adherence in comparison to treatment as usual or a control intervention. However, all the studies reviewed showed high‐adherence ratings at baseline. Thus, further well‐designed studies that target adherence therapy to patients who are non‐adherent to their medication are needed for a more profound understanding of its effectiveness. In addition, if adherence therapy is aimed not only at improving medication adherence, but also to reach an agreement whereby the patient's decision not to take his medication is accepted, the shared decision‐making process needs to be assessed as well.
Strength Under Pressure/A World without Statistics
Authors: Hartman Katherine , Habermann Hermann , Harris-Kojetin Brian , Jones Christa , Louis Tom , Gelman Andrew
Published: October 2014

Official statisticians need help to deal with the ethical dilemmas they face, say Katherine Hartman, Hermann Habermann, Brian Harris-Kojetin, Christa Jones and Tom Louis.

How would science, society and technology have evolved if we did not have statistics? Andrew Gelman imagines what might have been.
E2F1 in neurons is cleaved by calpain in an NMDA receptor‐dependent manner in a model of HIV‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Zyskind Jacob W. , Wang Ying , Cho Giyong , Ting Jenhao H. , Kolson Dennis L. , Lynch David R. , Jordan‐Sciutto Kelly L.
Published: October 2014

The transcription factor E2F1 activates gene targets required for G1‐S phase progression and for apoptosis, and exhibits increased expression levels in neurons in several CNS diseases including HIV encephalitis, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson's Disease. While E2F1 is known to regulate cell viability through activation of caspases, here we present evidence supporting the involvement of E2F1 in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐dependent, HIV‐induced neuronal death mediated by calpains. Using an in vitro model of HIV‐induced neurotoxicity that is dependent on NMDA receptor and calpain activation, we have shown that cortical neurons lacking functional E2F1 are less susceptible to neuronal death. In addition, we report that neuronal E2F1 is cleaved by calpain to a stable 55‐kiloDalton fragment following NR2B‐dependent NMDA receptor stimulation. This cleavage of E2F1 is protein conformation‐dependent and involves at least two cleavage events, one at each terminus of the protein. Intriguingly, the stabilized E2F1 cleavage product is produced in post‐mitotic neurons of all ages, but fails to be stabilized in cycling cells. Finally, we show that a matching E2F1 cleavage product is produced in human fetal neurons, suggesting that calpain cleavage of E2F1 may be produced in human cortical tissue. These results suggest neuronal E2F1 is processed in a novel manner in response to NMDA receptor‐mediated toxicity, a mechanism implicated in HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders pathogenesis as well as several other diseases of the CNS.

image

After crossing the blood–brain barrier, HIV‐infected monocytes differentiate into macrophages and release excitotoxins and inflammatory factors including glutamate into the brain parenchyma (1). These factors stimulate neuronal N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (2), causing calcium influx (3) and subsequent activation of the cysteine protease calpain (4). Activated calpain cleaves multiple substrates including E2F1, producing a stabilized protein fragment with truncations at the N‐ and C‐terminus (5). Calpain‐cleaved E2F1 may contribute to calpain‐mediated neuronal damage observed in NMDA receptor‐mediated neurotoxicity (6).
Tolfenamic acid reduces tau and CDK5 levels: implications for dementia and tauopathies
Authors: Adwan Lina , Subaiea Gehad M. , Basha Riyaz , Zawia Nasser H.
Published: October 2014

Tau and its aggregates are linked to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies and, therefore, are explored as therapeutic targets for such disorders. Tau belongs to a family of microtubule‐associated proteins that promote microtubule assembly. When hyperphosphorylated, tau becomes prone to forming aggregates. Increased brain levels of hyperphosphorylated tau correlate with dementia. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1), a transcription factor elevated in AD, is responsible for the transcription of AD‐related proteins including the amyloid precursor protein, tau, and its cyclin‐dependent kinase‐5 (CDK5) activators. Tolfenamic acid promotes the degradation of Sp1, our previous studies demonstrated its ability to down‐regulate transcriptional targets of Sp1 like amyloid precursor protein and reduce amyloid beta (Aβ), the main component of AD plaques. In this study, we administered tolfenamic acid daily to hemizygous R1.40 transgenic mice for 34 days, and examined tau and CDK5 gene and protein expression within the brain. Our results demonstrate that tolfenamic acid lowers tau mRNA and protein, as well as the levels of its phosphorylated form and CDK5. Thus, we present a drug candidate that inhibits the transcription of multiple major intermediates in AD pathology, thereby helping uncover a new mechanism‐based approach for targeting AD.

image

A new approach for targeting Alzheimer's disease through a transcriptional based mechanism is presented. Tolfenamic acid lowers the levels of tau, which forms pathological aggregates in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, by promoting the degradation of the transcription factor specificity protein 1 which regulates tau transcription.
Regulation of emotional memory by hydrogen sulfide: role of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptor in the amygdala
Authors: Wang Can‐Ming , Yang Yuan‐Jian , Zhang Jie‐Ting , Liu Jue , Guan Xin‐Lei , Li Ming‐Xing , Lu Hai‐Feng , Wu Peng‐Fei , Chen Jian‐Guo , Wang Fang
Published: October 2014

As an endogenous gaseous molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has attracted extensive attention because of its multiple biological effects. However, the effect of H2S on amygdala‐mediated emotional memory has not been elucidated. Here, by employing Pavlovian fear conditioning, an animal model widely used to explore the neural substrates of emotion, we determined whether H2S could regulate emotional memory. It was shown that the H2S levels in the amygdala of rats were significantly elevated after cued fear conditioning. Both intraamygdala and systemic administrations of H2S markedly enhanced amygdala‐dependent cued fear memory in rats. Moreover, it was found that H2S selectively increased the surface expression and currents of NMDA‐type glutamate receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B)‐containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in lateral amygdala of rats, whereas blockade of GluN2B‐containing NMDARs in lateral amygdala eliminated the effects of H2S to enhance amygdalar long‐term potentiation and cued fear memory. These results demonstrate that H2S can regulate amygdala‐dependent emotional memory by promoting the function of GluN2B‐containing NMDARs in amygdala, suggesting that H2S‐associated signaling may hold potential as a new target for the treatment of emotional disorders.

image

In our study, the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on amygdala‐mediated emotional memory was investigated. It was found that H2S could enhance amygdala‐dependent emotional memory and long‐term potentiation (LTP) in rats by selectively increasing the function of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors in the amygdala. These results suggest that H2S‐associated signaling may be a new target for the treatment of emotional disorders.
Latent virus‐like infections are present in a diverse range of Symbiodinium spp. (Dinophyta)
Authors: Lawrence Scott A. , Wilson William H. , Davy Joanne E. , Davy Simon K.
Published: October 2014

Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by disease outbreaks, which affect the coral animal and/or its algal symbionts (Symbiodinium spp.) and can cause mass mortalities. Currently around half of the recognized coral diseases have unknown causative agents. While many of the diseases are thought to be bacterial in origin, there is growing evidence that viruses may play a role. In particular, it appears that viruses may infect the algal symbionts, causing breakdown of the coral‐algal mutualism. In this study, we screened a wide range of Symbiodinium cultures in vitro for the presence of latent viral infections. Using flow cytometry and electron microscopy, we found that many types of Symbiodinium apparently harbor such infections, and that the type of putative virus varied within and among host types. Furthermore, the putative viral infections could be induced via abiotic stress and cause host cell lysis and population decline. If similar processes occur in Symbiodinium cells in hospite, they may provide an explanation for some of the diseases affecting corals and other organisms forming symbioses with these algae.
Pattern and process in the largest primeval beech forest of Europe (Ukrainian Carpathians)
Authors: Hobi Martina L. , Commarmot Brigitte , Bugmann Harald
Published: October 2014

Questions

Are the structural characteristics of natural beech forests predominant on small monitoring plots representative of the large‐scale features of these forests? Do the findings of our large‐scale investigation support the hypothesis that this primeval beech forest is shaped by fine‐scale processes, or is there evidence that high‐severity disturbance events have affected its structure?

Location

Ukrainian Carpathians, Uholka‐Shyrokyi Luh, the largest primeval beech forest in Europe, covering 102.8 km2.

Methods

On 314 (500 m2) circular plots, systematically distributed across the forest, all living and dead trees with a DBH ≥6 cm were assessed. Lying deadwood, tree regeneration, the size of canopy gaps and the number of canopy layers were recorded. Spatial analyses were conducted using Moran's I. Dendrochronological analysis was used to reconstruct tree ages and growth patterns.

Results

The forest is characterized overall by a density of 435.0 ± 12.2 ha−1 (mean ± SE) living trees, a basal area of 36.6 ± 0.8 m2·ha−1, a volume of living trees of 582.1 ± 13.5 m3·ha−1 and a total deadwood volume of 162.5 ± 8.4 m3·ha−1. Beech is the dominant species (97.3 ± 0.7%, by basal area), interspersed with mostly deciduous species with moderate shade tolerance. The forest canopy is multi‐layered, with a high abundance of old trees, and with canopy gaps rarely larger than the crown projection area of a few trees.

Conclusions

The results lend support to findings from small monitoring plots, but our landscape approach allows a reliable estimation of key forest characteristics such as basal area and standing volume, which tend to be overestimated in studies on subjectively placed small monitoring plots. We conclude that disturbance events of moderate or higher severity have left only few discernible traces in forest structure or species composition. All findings suggest that this forest is characterized by a mainly small‐scale disturbance regime, leading to a homogeneity of forest characteristics of the living stand at larger spatial scales and causing only minor fluctuations around the average values of forest parameters observed.
Physiological, structural and molecular traits activated in strawberry plants after inoculation with the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3
Authors: Guerrero‐Molina M. F. , Lovaisa N. C. , Salazar S. M. , Martínez‐Zamora M. G. , Díaz‐Ricci J. C. , Pedraza R. O.
Published: October 2014

The plant growth‐promoting strain REC3 of Azospirillum brasilense, isolated from strawberry roots, prompts growth promotion and systemic protection against anthracnose disease in this crop. Hence, we hypothesised that A. brasilense REC3 can induce different physiological, structural and molecular responses in strawberry plants. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study these traits activated in Azospirillum‐colonised strawberry plants, which have not been assessed until now. Healthy, in vitro micropropagated plants were root‐inoculated with REC3 under hydroponic conditions; root and leaf tissues were sampled at different times, and oxidative burst, phenolic compound content, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, callose deposition, cell wall fortification and gene expression were evaluated. Azospirillum inoculation enhanced levels of soluble phenolic compounds after 12 h post‐inoculation (hpi), while amounts of cell wall bound phenolics were similar in inoculated and control plants. Other early responses activated by REC3 (at 24 hpi) were a decline of lipid peroxidation and up‐regulation of strawberry genes involved in defence (FaPR1), bacterial recognition (FaFLS2) and H2O2 depuration (FaCAT and FaAPXc). The last may explain the apparent absence of oxidative burst in leaves after bacterial inoculation. Also, REC3 inoculation induced delayed structural responses such as callose deposition and cell wall fortification (at 72 hpi). Results showed that A. brasilense REC3 is capable of exerting beneficial effects on strawberry plants, reinforcing their physiological and cellular characteristics, which in turns contribute to improve plant performance.
Mutation of the rice ASL2 gene encoding plastid ribosomal protein L21 causes chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death
Authors: Lin D. , Jiang Q. , Zheng K. , Chen S. , Zhou H. , Gong X. , Xu J. , Teng S. , Dong Y.
Published: October 2014

The plastid ribosome proteins (PRPs) play important roles in plastid protein biosynthesis, chloroplast differentiation and early chloroplast development. However, the specialised functions of individual protein components of the chloroplast ribosome in rice (Oryza sativa) remain unresolved. In this paper, we identified a novel rice PRP mutant named asl2 (Albino seedling lethality 2) exhibiting an albino, seedling death phenotype. In asl2 mutants, the alteration of leaf colour was associated with chlorophyll (Chl) content and abnormal chloroplast development. Through map‐based cloning and complementation, the mutated ASL2 gene was isolated and found to encode the chloroplast 50S ribosome protein L21 (RPL21c), a component of the chloroplast ribosome large subunit, which was localised in chloroplasts. ASL2 was expressed at a higher level in the plumule and leaves, implying its tissue‐specific expression. Additionally, the expression of ASL2 was regulated by light. The transcript levels of the majority of genes for Chl biosynthesis, photosynthesis and chloroplast development were strongly affected in asl2 mutants. Collectively, the absence of functional ASL2 caused chloroplast developmental defects and seedling death. This report establishes the important role of RPL21c in chloroplast development in rice.
Current Status of In Vitro Embryo Production in Sheep and Goats
Authors: Paramio M‐T , Izquierdo D
Published: October 2014

Contents

Sheep and goat production is an important economic activity in Spain with an increasing interest in milk production. Multiovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) and In vitro Embryo Production (IVEP) are assisted reproductive technologies aimed at increasing the genetic diffusion of females. In vitro embryo production is a multi‐step methodology comprising the following procedures: (i) In vitro Maturation (IVM) of oocytes recovered directly from the follicles, (ii) In vitro Fertilization (IVF) or co‐incubation of capacitated spermatozoa with in vitro matured oocytes and (iii) In vitro culture (IVC) of zygotes up to the blastocyst stage. In vitro embryo production from oocytes recovered from prepubertal females is called JIVET (Juvenile in vitro Embryo Transfer) and allows shortened generation intervals and increased genetic gain. Embryo production together with embryo cryoconservation would allow large‐scale embryo marketing, a pathogen‐free genetic movement and easier and cheaper germplasm commercial transactions. Commercial Embryo activity in small ruminants is low compared to cows in the European Union (data from the European Embryo Transfer Association) and in the world (data from the International Embryo Transfer Association). There is less IVEP research in small ruminants compared to other livestock species. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the current status of IVEP of small ruminant with an emphasis on (i) description of the main methodologies currently used for IVM, IVF and IVC of embryos (ii) comparing procedures and outputs from JIVET and IVEP of adult females and (iii) the future research perspectives of this technology.
Use of Colour and Spectral Doppler Ultrasonography in Stallion Andrology
Authors: Ortega‐Ferrusola C , Gracia‐Calvo LA , Ezquerra J , Pena FJ
Published: October 2014

Contents

Doppler ultrasonography is an important tool in the andrological evaluation in humans; however, this method is not so extensively used by equine andrologists. Spectral or pulse Doppler is a useful non‐invasive method for the early diagnosis of subfertility problems in the male, especially those triggered by vascular disturbance. The identification of any disturbance in the blood flow of the testis is crucial for a correct diagnosis of various testicular and scrotal disorders but also to monitor the therapeutic outcome following treatment. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current use of colour and spectral Doppler ultrasound in stallion andrology, and to promote the use of this technique during the soundness reproductive examination of the stallion, as this particular branch of reproductive medicine is receiving increasing interest.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging: a powerful tool for probing the molecular topology of plant cutin polymer
Authors: Veličković Dušan , Herdier Hélène , Philippe Glenn , Marion Didier , Rogniaux Hélène , Bakan Bénédicte
Published: October 2014

The cutin polymers of different fruit cuticles (tomato, apple, nectarine) were examined using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) after in situ release of the lipid monomers by alkaline hydrolysis. The mass spectra were acquired from each coordinate with a lateral spatial resolution of approximately 100 μm. Specific monomers were released at their original location in the tissue, suggesting that post‐hydrolysis diffusion can be neglected. Relative quantification of the species was achieved by introducing an internal standard, and the collection of data was subjected to non‐supervised and supervised statistical treatments. The molecular images obtained showed a specific distribution of ions that could unambiguously be ascribed to cutinized and suberized regions observed at the surface of fruit cuticles, thus demonstrating that the method is able to probe some structural changes that affect hydrophobic cuticle polymers. Subsequent chemical assignment of the differentiating ions was performed, and all of these ions could be matched to cutin and suberin molecular markers. Therefore, this MALDI‐MSI procedure provides a powerful tool for probing the surface heterogeneity of plant lipid polymers. This method should facilitate rapid investigation of the relationships between cuticle phenotypes and the structure of cutin within a large population of mutants.
The role of models for multicriteria evaluation and multiobjective design of cropping systems for managing weeds
Authors: Colbach N , Biju‐Duval L , Gardarin A , Granger S , Guyot S H M , Mézière D , Munier‐Jolain N M , Petit S
Published: October 2014

Weeds are both harmful for crop production and important for biodiversity, while herbicides can pollute the environment. We thus need new cropping systems optimising all cultural techniques, reconciling agricultural production, herbicide reduction and biodiversity conservation. Here, we show how to (i) develop models quantifying the effects of cropping systems on weed dynamics, (ii) integrate interactions between weeds and other organisms, (iii) predict the impact on production and biodiversity and (iv) use the model for multicriteria evaluation and multiobjective design of cropping systems. Among the existing weed dynamics models, we chose the one closest to our requirements to illustrate these different steps, that is, FlorSys which predicts multispecific weed dynamics as a function of cultural techniques and pedoclimate. We have illustrated the development of interaction submodels with the example of a crop pathogen whose propagation is increased when infecting grass weeds. To evaluate the weed flora impact, predicted weed densities were translated into indicators of harmfulness (crop yield loss, technical harvest problems, harvest pollution, field infestation, crop disease increase) and biodiversity (weed species richness and equitability, trophic resources for birds, insects and pollinators). Simulations were run over several years and with different weather scenarios (i) to optimise cultural techniques to control harmful weeds, (ii) to analyse the impact of changing agricultural practices (e.g. simplified tillage and rotations, no‐till, temporary crops) on weed density, species and trait composition and (iii) to evaluate cropping systems for their ability to reconcile agricultural production and biodiversity, thus identifying levers for designing sustainable cropping systems.
Review on Phase-Field Modeling of Microstructure Evolutions: Application to Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sahoo Seshadev , Chou Kevin
Published: October 2014

Powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) is a relatively new technology to produce metallic parts in a layer by layer fashion by melting and fusing metallic powders. EBAM is a rapid solidification process and the properties of the parts depend on the solidification behavior as well as the microstructure of the build material. Thus, the prediction of part microstructures during the process may be an important factor for process optimization. Nowadays, the increase in computational power allows for direct simulations of microstructures during materials processing for specific manufacturing conditions. Among different methods, phase-field modeling (PFM) has recently emerged as a powerful computational technique for simulating microstructure evolutions at the mesoscale during a rapid solidification process. PFM describes microstructures using a set of conserved and non-conserved field variables and the evolution of the field variables are governed by Cahn-Hilliard and Allen-Cahn equations. By using the thermodynamics and kinetic parameters as input parameters in the model, PFM is able to simulate the evolution of complex microstructures during materials processing. The objective of this study is to achieve a thorough review of PFM techniques used in various processes, attempted for an application to microstructure evolutions during EBAM. The concept of diffuse interfaces, phase field variables, thermodynamic driving forces for microstructure evolutions and the kinetic phase-field equations are described in this paper.
Effects of Ultrasonic Nano-Crystal Surface Modification on the Microstructure and Properties of 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ye Chang , Telang Abhishek , Gill Amrinder S. , Suslov Sergey , Zhou Zhong , Qian Dong , Mannava Seetha R. , Vasudevan Vijay K.
Published: October 2014

In this study, the effects of Ultrasonic Nano-crystal Surface Modification (UNSM) on the microstructure changes and the mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel 304 were studied. Due to the dynamic impacts induced by the multiple strikes during UNSM, surface nanocrystallization and transformation to martensite has been achieved. The work-hardened surface layers (3.5 times the original hardness) lead to significant improvement in the mechanical properties as measured by nano-indentation and tensile test. The results demonstrate that UNSM is a powerful surface processing technique that can improve component mechanical properties and performance.
Fabrication of Hierarchical Micro-Nano Structures and Structural Coloring Effect of Polymer Substrate
Authors: Jang Woong Ki , Park Yong Min , Seo Young Ho , Kim Byeong Hee
Published: October 2014

Recently, structural coloring using hierarchical micro-nano structures as a technical field to implement a color without using a chemical colourants and dye is being developed as an attentional technology. The principle of structural coloring is that by the diffraction or multi-interference of light from a material containing a periodic or quasiperiodic structure on the length scale of the wavelength of visible light. For these reason, our research have verified the structural coloring effect on the polymer substrate by fabricate a hierarchical micro-nano structures. Firstly, we have fabricate a nano and hierarchical micro-nano structured mold for verify the structural size effect. Through the replication of structures on the PMMA substrate, we have measured optical properties in the range of visible light. As a results, the surface of nano structured PMMA showed a blue color according to induced the light. Furthermore, color intensity was increased according to increase the aspect ratio and diameter. In contrast, hierarchical micro-nano patterned surface showed iridescent colors.
X-Abilities and Attributes Based Decision Making in Evaluation and Selection of a Turbine Blade Material
Authors: Chaganti Phaneendra Kiran , Clement Shibu
Published: October 2014

The evaluation and selection of a turbine blade material involves several x-abilities and attributes. A designer should consider lifecycle issues as well as design and manufacturing strategies simultaneously at conceptual design stage without missing any of the information. In the proposed methodology the comparison is made between different turbine blade materials based on different x-abilities and attributes. The proposed methodology compares the materials using concurrent engineering approach and multi attribute decision making approach (MADM). In the concurrent engineering approach four x-abilities namely quality, manufacturing, environment and cost are considered. To maintain uniformity attributes considered in MADM approach are same as concurrent engineering approach. Both the methodologies show that ST12TE is the best material for turbine blade for the given set of attributes and x-abilities.
Development and Validation of CFD Methodology to Simulate Water Quenching Process
Authors: Jan James , Prabhu Eben , Lasecki John , Weiss Ulrich , Kaynar Aslihan Mulayim , Eroglu Sinan
Published: October 2014

A computer simulation methodology is developed to model the water quenching process for engine block and cylinder head. The methodology is based on the Eulerian-Eulerian two-fluid method implemented in existing commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Due to the complex physics involved in the phase change and mass transfer, one of the prime objectives is to search and evaluate CFD tools that are capable of modeling the water quenching processes. Then the methodology is validated by comparing the CFD result with thermocouple data from lab experiments conducted in a controlled environment. Thorough comparison of results from various quench orientations indicated that the methodology is robust enough to produce reasonable and consistent results. The temperature history obtained by this methodology could be mapped to FEA model to predict residual stress, which in turn can be used to study the durability of the engine components.
Predicting the Hermeticity of Compression Seals in Microchannel Hemodialysers
Authors: Paul Brian K. , Ward Dustin K.
Published: October 2014

Most end stage renal disease patients receive kidney hemodialysis three to four times per week at central medical facilities. At-home kidney dialysis increases the convenience and frequency of hemodialysis treatments which has been shown to produce better patient outcomes. One limiting factor in realizing home hemodialysis treatments is the cost of the hemodialyser. Microchannel hemodialysers produced using compression sealing techniques show promise for reducing the size and cost of hemodialysers. Challenges include the use of a 25 μm thick elastoviscoplastic mass transfer membrane for gasketing. This paper provides a framework for predicting the hermeticity of these compression seals. The mechanical properties of a Gambro AN69ST membrane are determined and used to establish limits on the dimensional tolerances of the polycarbonate laminae containing sealing boss used to seal the hemodialyser. The resulting methods are applied to the fabrication of a hemodialysis device showing constraints on the scaling of this method to larger device sizes. The resulting hemodialysis device is used to perform urea mass transfer experiments without leakage.
Analytical Methodology for the Process and Joint Design of Form-Fit Joining by Die-Less Hydroforming
Authors: Weddeling C. , Gies S. , Ben Khalifa N. , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: October 2014

In modern lightweight concepts, for example in automotive engineering, structures are increasingly composed of several dissimilar materials. Due to the different material properties of the joining partners, conventional and widely used joining techniques often reach their technological limits when applied in the manufacturing of such multi-material structures. This leads to an increasing demand for appropriate joining technologies, like joining by die-less hydroforming (DHF) for connecting tubular workpieces. The present work introduces an analytical model to determine the achievable joint strength of this connection type. This approach, taking into account the material parameters as well as the groove and tube geometry, is based on a membrane analysis with constant wall thickness. Additionally, bending stresses and friction are considered locally. Besides a fundamental understanding of the load transfer mechanism, this analytic approach allows a reliable joining zone design. To validate the model, experimental investigations using aluminum specimens were performed.
Magnetic Field Assisted Growth of High Dense Hematite Nanosheets and Their Application in Water Treatment
Authors: Lin Dong , Deng Biwei , Cheng Gary J.
Published: October 2014

This paper describes an approach combining thermal stress and magnetic force in order to generate α-Fe2O3 nanosheets on the surface of various iron substrates that include plate and powder and their application of nanosheets on water treatment. A typical procedure involved the thermal oxidation of these substrates on the hot plate with magnetic field in air and with fixed temperature of 500°C for different times. A possible mechanism — magnetic force adding on iron ions — was proposed to explain the growth of nanosheet at the width direction. Electron microscopic studies indicate that these nanosheets show a parabolic relation with time of thermal oxidation for the growth at width direction. A comparison of heavy metal (As, Cr) ion adsorption effect of nanosheets and nanowires was also investiged, which show that nanosheets have a much better adsorption ratio than nanowires.
Composition Optimization for Functionally Gradient Parts Considering Manufacturing Constraints
Authors: Ghazanfari Amir , Leu Ming C.
Published: October 2014

Being able to design and fabricate parts made of Functionally Gradient Materials (FGMs) with optimum properties is of prime importance. Very limited research has been carried out thus far regarding the optimization of composition of different constituent materials throughout the part. In this paper, a technique is introduced to maximize the stiffness of parts made of FGM by determining the material composition for each small element inside the part. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique, two examples are examined. In the first one, a two dimensional cantilever beam made of two materials is considered and a Sequential Approximate Optimization method is used to determine the optimum composition of materials for the beam so that the global stiffness is maximized. The only applied force on the beam is a nodal force acting at the tip. One of the constituent materials is stiffer and heavier than the other material. The optimization constraint is the total mass of the beam predetermined by the engineer. The problem is how to distribute materials throughout the beam so as to have the maximum stiffness. The second example is a simply supported beam under a uniform pressure. The same methodology is employed for this example to maximize the stiffness of the beam. The results show a considerable increase in the stiffness of the beams after optimization as compared to the beams with uniformly distributed materials. Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods that are capable of fabricating the designed parts and their constraints are also discussed.