bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterine and Placental Expression of Canine Oxytocin Receptor During Pregnancy and Normal and Induced Parturition
Authors: Gram A , Boos A , Kowalewski MP
Published: June 2014

Contents

Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role as an inducer of uterine contractility, acting together with its receptor (OTR) to increase synthesis of prostaglandins. Although OT is commonly used in the treatment for dystocia and uterine inertia in the bitch, little attention has been paid to the role of OT in mechanisms regulating parturition in the dog, so that knowledge about the expression of OTR in the canine uterus and placenta is sparse. Consequently, the expression and cellular localization of OTR were investigated in canine utero/placental compartments and interplacental sites throughout pregnancy and at normal and antigestagen‐induced parturition, by real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry, western blot and in situ hybridization. The utero/placental and interplacental expression of OTR was constant from pre‐implantation until mid‐gestation, with a significant increase observed at prepartum luteolysis. In antigestagen‐treated mid‐pregnant dogs, OTR was upregulated in both interplacental and utero/placental samples. Besides clear myometrial signals, cellular localization of OTR was evident in the endometrial surface epithelial, stromal and vascular endothelial cells. Weaker signals were observed in superficial and deep uterine glandular epithelial cells. Placental OTR was localized in maternal decidual cells and capillary pericytes. Finally, OTR was colocalized with the progesterone receptor (PGR) in maternal decidual cells, coinciding with previously reported increased availability of prostaglandins in the foetal part of the placenta during normal and induced parturition. These findings suggest involvement of OTR in the signalling cascade leading to the prepartum release of prostaglandins from the pregnant canine uterus.
Diagnosis of Common Prostatic Conditions in Dogs: an Update
Authors: Lévy X , Niżański W , von Heimendahl A , Mimouni P
Published: June 2014

Contents

Prostatic diseases account for 3–10% of intact male dogs presented to veterinary surgeons. Conditions vary according to severity and frequency ranging from the most common, such as prostatic hyperplasia and cysts to the rarer conditions such as prostatic abcesses and neoplasia. Different causes of prostatic disease can often not be distinguished by evaluation of clinical signs, as these are not very distinctive and may be similar for many prostatic conditions. Understanding which additional diagnostic tools to use for each of the possible conditions is essential in making a correct diagnosis leading to the proper treatment. This article will discuss the different etiologies, age groups of dogs and the decision‐making process which will help the practitioner to choose the right investigative tools, treatments and prognosis when dealing with prostatic disease.
Urinary Incontinence in the Bitch: An Update
Authors: Reichler IM , Hubler M
Published: June 2014

Contents

Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine during the filling phase of the bladder (Abrams et al. 2002), is a commonly seen problem in veterinary practice. Urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) after spaying is the most common micturition disorder, and its medical treatment is normally successful, even though the underlying pathophysiological mechanism is not fully understood. Hormonal changes inducing structural and functional alterations in the bladder, as well as in the urethra composition, are discussed. To manage incontinent patients successfully, possible underlying abnormalities besides USMI should be ruled out. In the majority of cases, history, physical examination and simple tests including urinalysis and urine bacterial culture lead to a presumed aetiology. If USMI is the most likely cause, then the advantage of further diagnostic tests should be discussed with the owner before starting a trial therapy with alpha‐adrenergic drugs. Potential side effects of this therapy have to be mentioned even though they rarely occur. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the success of the initial treatment. Its failure should lead to further diagnostic testing. Specialized clinical assessments may provide an aetiological diagnosis, and this could serve as a basis for discussing further treatment options. Surgical procedures, which may in rare cases cause irreversible side effects, may be instituted. If incontinence reoccurs after initial treatment was successfully performed, the diagnostic work‐up including urinalysis should always be repeated. As results of urinalysis did not correlate well with results of bacterial culture, a urine culture is recommended (Comer and Ling 1981). Cystocentesis is the preferred method of urine collection (Bartges 2004). Equivocal results of quantitative cultures of urine samples obtained during midstream voiding or by catheterization require repeat collection by cystocentesis (Comer and Ling 1981).
Current Knowledge on the Transport and Fate of Spermatozoa in the Reproductive Tract of the Bitch
Authors: Rijsselaere T , England GCW , Freeman SL , Maes D , Van Soom A
Published: June 2014

Contents

Canine sperm transport, distribution, storage and detachment is a complex, dynamic and highly regulated process. Transport of sperm within the bitch's reproductive tract is rapid and is influenced by the method of semen deposition (natural mating or artificial insemination) and by the timing of breeding in relation to the day of ovulation. The fertile lifespan of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of the bitch is considerably longer than in most other domestic species, and the main sperm reservoirs appear to be the uterine crypts and the distal part of the uterotubal junction, where spermatozoa attach by their heads to uterine epithelium. While severalin vitrostudies demonstrated prolonged motility and viability of canine spermatozoa after coincubation with uterine tube explants, spermatozoal storage has not been documented in the canine uterine tube isthmus or ampullain vivo. Several factors, including exposure to progesterone, solubilized zona pellucida proteins and post‐ovulation uterine tube fluid, appear to trigger membrane events resulting in capacitation‐like changes with subsequent motility pattern changes (transitional and hyperactivated) that are associated with sperm detachment. After mating or insemination, a normal low‐magnitude post‐mating uterine inflammatory response occurs, evidenced by an influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), increased uterine contractions and an increased uterine artery blood flow. Recently, it was also shown that normal dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia develop a more significant endometritis, show fewer mating‐induced uterine contractions, a decreased ability of spermatozoa to bind to uterine explantsin vitroand a slower uterine clearance after mating.
Control of Reproduction in Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents
Authors: Risi E
Published: June 2014

Contents

Reproduction control of small mammals is challenging. The purposes are the control of fertility and the reduction of sexual behaviour, aggressiveness and odour. Moreover, some species like ferret females need to be neutered to prevent bone marrow suppression caused by hyperoestrogenism. Many methods of sterilization have been reported, including surgical and chemical techniques. This article describes the reproductive physiology of ferrets and the techniques used to control their reproduction. Some aspects of the use of long‐acting deslorelin implants in rabbits and rodents are also described.
Suppression of Fertility in Adult Cats
Authors: Goericke‐Pesch S , Wehrend A , Georgiev P
Published: June 2014

Contents

Cats are animals with highly efficient reproduction, clearly pointing to a need for suppression of fertility. Although surgical contraception is highly effective, it is not always the method of choice. This is predominantly because it is cost‐intensive, time‐consuming and irreversible, with the latter being of major importance for cat breeders. This article reviews the use of progestins, scleroting agents, immunocontraception, melatonin, GnRH antagonists and finally, GnRH agonists, in adult male and female cats in detail, according to the present state of the art. By now, various scientific and clinical options are available for the suppression of fertility in adult cats and the decision as to which should be chosen – independent of the legal registration of any state – depends on different facts: (i) feral or privately owned animal? (ii) temporary or permanent suppression of fertility wanted/needed? (iii) sex of the animal? New effective and available methods for hormonal contraception include melatonin implants for short‐term post ponement of oestrus in adult queens and slow‐release GnRH‐agonist implants containing deslorelin (Suprelorin®) for short‐ and long‐term contraception in male and female companion and breeding cats.
Suppression of Fertility in Pre‐pubertal Dogs and Cats
Authors: Schäfer‐Somi S , Kaya D , Gültiken N , Aslan S
Published: June 2014

Contents

Pre‐pubertal gonadectomy in dogs and cats is still controversially discussed because some consequences cause health problems. Nevertheless, postponement of puberty, that is, prevention of an increase in sexual hormones and thereby prevention of their manifold effects, is of major importance, not only in controlling overpopulation but also to preserve the genetic base for future breeding stock and pets. Therefore, alternatives for surgical suppression of fertility in pre‐pubertal animals were critically reviewed. As a promising alternative, the slow‐releaseGnRHagonist deslorelin and otherGnRHanalogues have been investigated. In female dogs and cats, puberty could be significantly postponed without initial flare‐up effect and without disturbance of body development. First trials to delay puberty in female and male cats by application of a 4.7‐mg deslorelin implant 24 h after birth so far are promising. In female dogs, a previous investigation showed that when the implant was inserted at the age of 4 months, the initial flare‐up effect was prevented. Body development was normal in the studies reviewed here, and with the 9.4‐mg implant, puberty was significantly delayed until the age of 21 months or older. In one study, bitches either received a 4.7‐ or a 9.4‐mg implant at the age of 4 months and the epiphyses were mostly closed before the time of first oestrus. Using a 4.7‐mg deslorelin implant in pre‐pubertal male dogs significantly postponed puberty, and age at puberty was >2 years when a 9.4‐mg implant was used. However, further investigations are required, especially concerning the effect of differentGnRHagonist dosages and resorption rates on the duration of postponement of puberty as well as long‐term effects in both dogs and cats.
The strange antiquity of Francis Bacon'sNew Atlantis
Authors: Hartmann Anna‐Maria
Published: June 2014

The antiquity of Francis Bacon's utopian state Bensalem in New Atlantis has mostly been ignored by critics who avoided stressing the past in a text so focussed on the future. This article, however, is a detailed interpretation of the antiquity of Bensalem, concentrating on its intertextual relationship with Plato's Timaeus and the fictional chronology Bacon invented for this most ancient culture. The article argues that the antiquity of Bensalem is a reaction to Bacon's growing concern about recurring intellectual decline in world history. My analysis of Bensalem's chronology shows how Bacon imagined a triumph over time might be possible. It offers insights into his mental map of intellectual history as well as into the narrative structure of the utopia. By using Timaeus as an intertext for New Atlantis, Bacon aims to demonstrate its victory over older intellectual cultures. However, I suggest, the intertextuality of New Atlantis proves ambiguous. It invites doubts about both Bensalem's claims to longevity and Bacon's confidence in the future of the Great Instauration.
When Can Scientific Studies Promote Consensus Among Conflicting Stakeholders?
Authors: Small Mitchell J. , Güvenç Ümit , DeKay Michael L.
Published: June 2014

While scientific studies may help conflicting stakeholders come to agreement on a best management option or policy, often they do not. We review the factors affecting trust in the efficacy and objectivity of scientific studies in an analytical‐deliberative process where conflict is present, and show how they may be incorporated in an extension to the traditional Bayesian decision model. The extended framework considers stakeholders who differ in their prior beliefs regarding the probability of possible outcomes (in particular, whether a proposed technology is hazardous), differ in their valuations of these outcomes, and differ in their assessment of the ability of a proposed study to resolve the uncertainty in the outcomes and their hazards—as measured by their perceived false positive and false negative rates for the study. The Bayesian model predicts stakeholder‐specific preposterior probabilities of consensus, as well as pathways for increasing these probabilities, providing important insights into the value of scientific information in an analytic‐deliberative decision process where agreement is sought. It also helps to identify the interactions among perceived risk and benefit allocations, scientific beliefs, and trust in proposed scientific studies when determining whether a consensus can be achieved. The article provides examples to illustrate the method, including an adaptation of a recent decision analysis for managing the health risks of electromagnetic fields from high voltage transmission lines.
Evaluating Weight of Evidence in the Mystery of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy
Authors: Bui‐Klimke Travis , Wu Felicia
Published: June 2014

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic, progressive wasting disease of the kidneys, endemic in certain rural regions of the Balkan nations Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. It is irreversible and ultimately fatal. Though this disease was first described in the 1950s, its causes have been a mystery and a source of much academic and clinical contention. Possible etiologic agents that have been explored include exposure to metals and metalloids, viruses and bacteria, and the dietary toxins aristolochic acid (AA) and ochratoxin A (OTA). AA is a toxin produced by weeds of the genus Aristolochia, common in Balkan wheat fields. Aristolochia seeds may intermingle with harvested grains and thus inadvertently enter human diets. OTA is a mycotoxin (fungal toxin) common in many foods, including cereal grains. In this study, we analyzed the weight of evidence for each of the suspected causes of BEN using the Bradford Hill criteria (BHC): nine conditions that determine weight of evidence for a causal relationship between an agent and a disease. Each agent postulated to cause BEN was evaluated using the nine criteria, and for each criterion was given a rating based on the strength of the association between exposure to the substance and BEN. From the overall available scientific evidence for each of these suspected risk factors, AA is the agent with the greatest weight of evidence in causing BEN. We describe other methods for testing causality from epidemiological studies, which support this conclusion of AA causing BEN.
Managing the Fukushima Challenge
Authors: Suzuki Atsuyuki
Published: June 2014

The Fukushima Daiichi accident raises a fundamental question: Can science and technology prevent the inevitability of serious accidents, especially those with low probabilities and high consequences? This question reminds us of a longstanding challenge with the trans‐sciences, originally addressed by Alvin Weinberg well before the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents. This article, revisiting Weinberg's issue, aims at gaining insights from the accident with a special emphasis on the sociotechnical or human behavioral aspects lying behind the accident's causes. In particular, an innovative method for managing the challenge is explored referring to behavioral science approaches to a decision‐making process on risk management; such as managing human behavioral risks with information asymmetry, seeking a rational consensus with communicative action, and pursuing procedural rationality through interactions with the outer environment. In short, this article describes the emerging need for Japan to transform its national safety management institutions so that these might be based on interactive communication with parties inside and outside Japan.
Simultaneous Inference for Model Averaging of Derived Parameters
Authors: Jensen Signe M. , Ritz Christian
Published: June 2014

Model averaging is a useful approach for capturing uncertainty due to model selection. Currently, this uncertainty is often quantified by means of approximations that do not easily extend to simultaneous inference. Moreover, in practice there is a need for both model averaging and simultaneous inference for derived parameters calculated in an after‐fitting step. We propose a method for obtaining asymptotically correct standard errors for one or several model‐averaged estimates of derived parameters and for obtaining simultaneous confidence intervals that asymptotically control the family‐wise Type I error rate. The performance of the method in terms of coverage is evaluated using a simulation study and the applicability of the method is demonstrated by means of three concrete examples.
Examining Public Trust in Risk‐Managing Organizations After a Major Disaster
Authors: Nakayachi Kazuya
Published: June 2014

This research investigates the public's trust in risk‐managing organizations after suffering serious damage from a major disaster. It is natural for public trust to decrease in organizations responsible for mitigating the damage. However, what about trust in organizations that address hazards not directly related to the disaster? Based on the results of surveys conducted by a national institute, the Japanese government concluded, in a White Paper on Science and Technology, that the public's trust in scientists declined overall after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. Because scientists play a key role in risk assessment and risk management in most areas, one could predict that trust in risk‐managing organizations overall would decrease after a major disaster. The methodology of that survey, however, had limitations that prevented such conclusions. For this research, two surveys were conducted to measure the public's trust in risk‐managing organizations regarding various hazards, before and after the Tohoku Earthquake (n = 1,192 in 2008 and n = 1,138 in 2012). The results showed that trust decreased in risk‐managing organizations that deal with earthquakes and nuclear accidents, whereas trust levels related to many other hazards, especially in areas not touched by the Tohoku Earthquake, remained steady or even increased. These results reject the assertion that distrust rippled through all risk‐managing organizations. The implications of this research are discussed, with the observation that this result is not necessarily gratifying for risk managers because high trust sometimes reduces public preparedness for disasters.
Juraphididae, a new family of aphids and its significance in aphid evolution
Authors: ŻYŁA DAGMARA , BLAGODEROV VLADIMIR , WEGIEREK PIOTR
Published: June 2014

A revision of the Jurassic aphid family Genaphididae revealed that the type genus Genaphis did not have the characteristics usually attributed to this family. This discovery led to a series of taxonomic decisions. The diagnosis of the family Genaphididae is emended. The genera Aphaorus, Juraphis and Pterotella are moved to the Juraphididae, fam.n. The new family is included in the superfamily Palaeoaphidoidea. Additionally, two new species, Juraphis karataviensis sp.n. and Pterotella shartegensis sp.n., are described. Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Juraphididae, the position of the family, and the distribution and palaeoecology of the taxa are discussed.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:411C1D8C‐AA45‐4311‐AA2D‐4469E44B6EDF.
How cold‐adapted flightless flies dispersed over the northern hemisphere: phylogeny and biogeography of the snow fly genus ChioneaDalman (Diptera: Limoniidae)
Authors: DE JONG HERMAN , CILIBERTI PASQUALE
Published: June 2014

A phylogeny of the 37 known species and subspecies of the micropterous snow fly genus Chionea Dalman is presented using adult morphological characters. The genus contains two major clades: a strictly Palaearctic clade, and a combined Nearctic‐Palaearctic clade with representatives in the Nearctic and Western Palaearctic regions. As there is little congruence between the recovered phylogeny of Chionea and the currently used subgeneric division in Chionea s.s. and Sphaeconophilus Becker, we propose to abandon the use of subgeneric taxa in Chionea. A strictly morphological analysis appears to be insufficient to fully resolve the phylogeny of the genus at the species level, and future molecular work should provide additional evidence for the establishment of relationships among the members of Chionea. The large‐scale historical biogeography of Chionea was analysed using dispersal‐vicariance analysis. The initial distribution area of the genus probably extended in the Eastern Palaearctic, and the Nearctic and the origin of Chionea could be dated in the Late Cretaceous. The various dispersal and vicariance events that led to the major speciation events in the genus are set against major paleogeographic developments. The ancestor of the Western Palaearctic group in the second major clade originated from the Nearctic. The presence of the cold‐adapted Chionea in currently temperate to warm climatic zones in the southern parts of its distribution was analysed using ecological niche modelling. It appears that prolonged periods of climate cooling, as occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum, enabled Chionea to cover large parts of central and southern Europe and reach the southern distribution areas where the genus is present today. A similar biogeographic pattern was less evident in the Nearctic region.
Management of BU–HIV co‐infection
Authors: O'Brien D. P. , Ford N. , Vitoria M. , Christinet V. , Comte E. , Calmy A. , Stienstra Y. , Eholie S. , Asiedu K.
Published: June 2014

Background

Buruli Ulcer (BU)–HIV co‐infection is an important emerging management challenge for BU disease. Limited by paucity of scientific studies, guidance for management of this co‐infection has been lacking.

Methods

Initiated by WHO, a panel of experts in BU and HIV management developed guidance principles for the management of BU–HIV co‐infection based on review of available scientific evidence, current treatment experience, and global recommendations established for management of HIV infection and tuberculosis.

Results

The expert panel agreed that all BU patients should be offered quality provider‐initiated HIV testing and counselling. In areas with high prevalence of malaria and/or bacterial infections, all patients with HIV co‐infection should be started on cotrimoxazole preventative therapy. Combination antibiotic treatment for BU should be commenced before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) and provided for 8 weeks duration. The suggested combination is rifampicin (10 mg/kg daily up to a maximum of 600 mg/day) plus streptomycin (15 mg/kg daily). An alternative regimen is rifampicin plus clarithromycin (7.5 mg/kg twice daily up to a maximum of 1000 mg daily) although due to drug interactions with antiretroviral drugs this regimen should be used with caution. ART should be initiated in all BU–HIV co‐infected patients with symptomatic HIV disease (WHO clinical stage 3 or 4) regardless of CD4 cell count and in asymptomatic individuals with CD4 count ≤500 cells/mm3. If CD4 count is not available, BU–HIV co‐infected individuals with category 2 or 3 BU disease should be offered ART. For eligible individuals, ART should be commenced as soon as possible within 8 weeks after commencing BU treatment, and as a priority in those with advanced HIV disease (CD4 ≤ 350 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4 disease). All co‐infected patients should be actively screened for tuberculosis before commencing BU treatment and before starting ART. Programmes should implement a monitoring and reporting system to document the outcomes of BU–HIV interventions.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the clinical and epidemiological interactions between BU and HIV disease is limited. While awaiting more urgently needed evidence, current management practice of both diseases has been useful to build simple ‘common sense’ preliminary guidance on how to manage BU–HIV co‐infection.
On the Importance of a Rich Embodiment in the Grounding of Concepts: Perspectives From Embodied Cognitive Science and Computational Linguistics
Authors: Thill Serge , Padó Sebastian , Ziemke Tom
Published: June 2014

The recent trend in cognitive robotics experiments on language learning, symbol grounding, and related issues necessarily entails a reduction of sensorimotor aspects from those provided by a human body to those that can be realized in machines, limiting robotic models of symbol grounding in this respect. Here, we argue that there is a need for modeling work in this domain to explicitly take into account the richer human embodiment even for concrete concepts that prima facie relate merely to simple actions, and illustrate this using distributional methods from computational linguistics which allow us to investigate grounding of concepts based on their actual usage. We also argue that these techniques have applications in theories and models of grounding, particularly in machine implementations thereof. Similarly, considering the grounding of concepts in human terms may be of benefit to future work in computational linguistics, in particular in going beyond “grounding” concepts in the textual modality alone. Overall, we highlight the overall potential for a mutually beneficial relationship between the two fields.
WRKY41 controls Arabidopsis seed dormancy via direct regulation of ABI3 transcript levels not downstream of ABA
Authors: Ding Zhong Jie , Yan Jing Ying , Li Gui Xin , Wu Zhong Chang , Zhang Shu Qun , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: June 2014

Although seed dormancy is an important agronomic trait, its molecular basis is poorly understood. ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) plays an essential role in the establishment of seed dormancy. Here, we show that the lack of a seed‐expressed WRKY transcription factor, WRKY41, confers reduced primary seed dormancy and thermoinhibition, phenotypes resembling those for a lack of ABI3. Loss‐of‐function abi3‐17 and wrky41 alleles also both confer reduced sensitivity to ABA during germination and early seedling growth. Absence of WRKY41 decreases ABI3 transcript abundance in maturing and imbibed seeds, whereas transgenically overexpressing WRKY41 increases ABI3 expression. Moreover, transgenic overexpression of ABI3 completely restores seed dormancy phenotypes on wrky41. ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA reveal that WRKY41 binds directly to the ABI3 promoter through three adjacent W–boxes, and a transactivation assay indicates that these W–boxes are essential for ABI3 expression. Whilst RT‐qPCR analysis shows that the regulation of ABI3 by WRKY41 is not through ABA and other factors known to promote ABI3 transcription during seed maturation and germination, we also show that high concentrations of ABA might promote negative feedback regulation of WRKY41 expression. Finally, analysis of the wrky41 aba2 double mutant confirms that WRKY41 and ABA collaboratively regulate ABI3 expression and seed dormancy. In summary, our results demonstrate that WRKY41 is an important regulator of ABI3 expression, and hence of seed dormancy.
Familial pseudohyperkalemia in blood donors: a novel mutation with implications for transfusion practice
Authors: Bawazir Waleed M. , Flatt Joanna F. , Wallis Jonathan P. , Rendon Augusto , Cardigan Rebecca A. , New Helen V. , Wiltshire Michael , Page Lizanne , Chapman Catherine E. , Stewart Gordon W. , Bruce Lesley J.
Published: June 2014

Background

Familial pseudohyperkalemia (FP) is a dominantly inherited condition in which red blood cells (RBCs) have an increased cold‐induced permeability to monovalent cations. Potassium leaks into the supernatant of all stored blood with time, but FP RBCs leak potassium more rapidly. We investigated two unrelated blood donors whose RBC donations demonstrated unexpectedly high potassium after 5 and 6 days' storage. We matched the observed pattern of RBC cation leak to a previously recognized family with FP (FP‐Cardiff) and investigated the likely cause with targeted DNA analysis.

Study Design and Methods

Cation leakage from the donor RBCs and from standard donor units was measured. DNA analysis of donors and family members with FP‐Cardiff was performed. Allele frequencies were obtained from human variation databases.

Results

Both implicated donors were found to have increased cold‐induced potassium leak identical in pattern to affected members of the family with FP‐Cardiff. We found a heterozygous substitution Arg723Gln in the ATP‐binding cassette, Subfamily B, Member 6 protein that segregated with FP in the Cardiff family and was also present in both blood donors. Arg723Gln is listed in human variation databases with an allele frequency of approximately 1:1000.

Conclusions

We describe a novel FP mutation that may affect 1:500 European blood donors and causes rapid loss of potassium from stored RBCs. This finding has implications for neonates and infants receiving large‐volume RBC transfusions. Genomic screening of donors could be used to identify donors with this mutation and potentially improve the quality and safety of donor units.
Crown competition in the selection forests with the different tree species composition
Authors: Jaďuď J. , Saniga M. , Balanda M.
Published: June 2014

The presented paper is oriented on the analysis of interspecific crown competition within the middle and upper layer of the selection forest. The research was conducted in the Norway spruce and silver fir dominated selection forest (demonstration object Donovaly-Mistríky) and in the common beech dominated selection forest in the territory of School Forestry Enterprise of the Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia. We intended to evaluate the species specific crown-stem relation through the tightness of correlation between the crown volume and the stem volume. Our research confirmed the obvious effect of crown capacity on the production of stem biomass in the selection forest. The analysis revealed significant differences between coniferous and broadleaved species. However the low correlation for both middle and upper layers did not exceed r2 = 0.46 for common beech, the high significant correlations were for spruce and fir (r2 = 0.82 and 0.78, respectively). There were also significant differences between separated canopy layers. In the middle layer, the crown-stem correlations were lower than in the upper layer, what points out the obvious spatial competitiveness in the middle canopy layer, despite the relatively autonomous position of tree crowns within the canopy.
Random Matrix Approach: Toward Probabilistic Formulation of the Manipulator Jacobian
Authors: Sovizi Javad , Das Sonjoy , Krovi Venkat
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we formulate the manipulator Jacobian matrix in a probabilistic framework based on the random matrix theory (RMT). Due to the limited available information on the system fluctuations, the parametric approaches often prove to be inadequate to appropriately characterize the uncertainty. To overcome this difficulty, we develop two RMT-based probabilistic models for the Jacobian matrix to provide systematic frameworks that facilitate the uncertainty quantification in a variety of complex robotic systems. One of the models is built upon direct implementation of the maximum entropy principle that results in a Wishart random perturbation matrix. In the other probabilistic model, the Jacobian matrix is assumed to have a matrix-variate Gaussian distribution with known mean. The covariance matrix of the Gaussian distribution is obtained at every time point by maximizing a Shannon entropy measure (subject to Jacobian norm and covariance positive semidefiniteness constraints). In contrast to random variable/vector based schemes, the benefits of the proposed approach now include: (i) incorporating the kinematic configuration and complexity in the probabilistic formulation; (ii) achieving the uncertainty model using limited available information; (iii) taking into account the working configuration of the robotic systems in characterization of the uncertainty; and (iv) realizing a faster simulation process. A case study of a 2R serial manipulator is presented to highlight the critical aspects of the process.
A New Class of Adaptive Parallel Robots
Authors: Coppola Gianmarc , Zhang Dan , Liu Kefu
Published: June 2014

In this manuscript, a novel class of parallel manipulators for flexible manufacturing is described. A parallel manipulator that is part of this class is proposed and studied. The proposed manipulator possesses machine flexibility such that it can adapt its properties to a multitude of future and unknown functional requirements. Notably, a combination of redundancy and a hybrid topology is utilized in this class. A systematic analysis is conducted that involves mobility, kinematics, instantaneous kinematics, Jacobian formulation, workspace, traditional and conservative stiffness mapping as well as optimal force distribution. These properties are discussed as their relation to flexibility. The proposed manipulator is also compared to the Stewart platform in force distribution circumstances. It is illustrated that the proposed robotic system is able to adapt and change its properties by changing its motion manifold or internal preloads actively.
A Novel Tip-Retraction Mechanism for Puncture Devices1
Authors: Begg Nikolai
Published: June 2014

Puncture access procedures are frequent in medicine but can lead to complications due to over-puncture. When tissue membranes yield under applied stress, the device suddenly accelerates forward into the patient. Factors contributing to greater acceleration and increased risk of over-puncture are identified. A novel flexure-based tip-retraction mechanism is proposed and relevant analysis presented. A preload feature improves functionality and ease of use, and accompanying modified design equations are presented. Prototypes are tested to validate analysis and reliability. The proposed device has the potential to improve safety during puncture access procedures by actively opposing forward acceleration of the device upon break-through thus reducing over-puncture incidents.
Zero Emission Temporary Habitation: A Passive Container House
Acclimatized by Geothermal Water
Authors: Dumas Antonio , Trancossi Michele , Madonia Mauro , Coppola Michele
Published: June 2014

A container mobile housing system denominated ZETHa (zero energy temporary habitation) is acclimatized by water circulation inside the external walls of the building. A general design of the building has presented and constructive solutions are presented to minimize thermal bridges. Energy dispersions calculations have been performed both for the wall and the whole building. Energetic contribution by renewable energy plants has evaluated to get the condition of passive building. This evaluation will also consider appliances needs. Wellness conditions have evaluated with satisfactory results.
Integrated Framework for Enhancing Software Development Methodologies With Comparative Analysis
Authors: Vijayakumaran Vinod , Radhamani G. , Ranjit Jeba Thangaiah P.
Published: June 2014

The delivery process of any IT organization depends on the effective software development methodologies. Along with conventional software development methodologies, corporates are also found to adopt various quality standards in order to enhance their development methodologies. Although there were substantial researches work carried out in past, majority of the study discusses about the theoretical implementation of quality standards. Due to various intermittent impediments, e.g., requirement volatility, skill gap, schedule slippage, etc., the standard quality models are very often violated in real time environment leading to degradation in development methodologies. Hence, this manuscript discusses an integrated framework using Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, and Agile which has been formulated on the basis on existing flaws in software development methodologies and propose some of the potential features to enhance it.
Numerical Simulation of Three-Dimensional Flow Past a Cylinder Oscillating at the Strouhal Frequency
Authors: Peppa S. , Kaiktsis L. , Triantafyllou G. S.
Published: June 2014

The paper presents computational results of 3D flow past a cylinder forced to oscillate: (a) transversely with respect to a uniform stream and (b) both transversely and in-line with respect to a uniform stream, following a figure-eight trajectory. For a flow from left to right the figure-eight is traversed counterclockwise in the upper half-plane. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the Navier–Stokes equations for 3D flow is performed using a spectral element code. Computations are carried out for a Reynolds number equal to 400, at a transverse oscillation frequency equal to the natural frequency of the Kármán vortex street. For both oscillation modes, the transverse oscillation amplitude is varied from 0 to 0.60 cylinder diameters. The forces on the cylinder are calculated and related to flow structure in the wake. The results indicate that, in general, the presence of in-line oscillation increases the magnitude of forces acting on the cylinder, as well as the power transfer from the flow to the structure. Flow visualizations indicate that, for the figure-eight mode, low-amplitude forcing tends to reduce the wake three-dimensionality. However, at high oscillation amplitudes, the wake structure is found to become more complex at increasing amplitude.
Dissipative particle dynamics simulation of dilute polymer solutions—Inertial effects and hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: Zhao Tongyang , Wang Xiaogong , Jiang Lei , Larson Ronald G.
Published: June 2014

We examine the accuracy of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations of polymers in dilute solutions with hydrodynamic interaction (HI), at the theta point, modeled by setting the DPD conservative interaction between beads to zero. We compare the first normal-mode relaxation time extracted from the DPD simulations with theoretical predictions from a normal-mode analysis for theta chains. We characterize the influence of bead inertia within the coil by a ratio Lm/Rg, where Lm is the ballistic distance over which bead inertia is lost, and Rg is the radius of gyration of the polymer coil, while the HI strength per bead h* is determined by the ratio of bead hydrodynamic radius (rH) to the equilibrium spring length. We show how to adjust h* through the spring length and monomer mass, and how to optimize the accuracy of DPD for fixed h* by increasing the friction coefficient (γ ≥ 9) and by incorporating a nonlinear distance dependence into the frictional interaction. Even with this optimization, DPD simulations exhibit deviations of over 20% from the theoretical normal-mode predictions for high HI strength with h* ≥ 0.20, for chains with as many as 100 beads, which is a larger deviation than is found for Stochastic rotation dynamics simulations for similar chains lengths and values of h*.
Molecular basis for disruption of E-cadherin adhesion by botulinum neurotoxin A complex
Authors: Lee Kwangkook , Zhong Xiaofen , Gu Shenyan , Kruel Anna Magdalena , Dorner Martin B. , Perry Kay , Rummel Andreas , Dong Min , Jin Rongsheng
Published: June 2014

Breaking through the epithelial barrier

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) poisons its host when it crosses the intestinal epithelial barrier. To help it cross this barrier, the toxin forms a large complex with three bacterial proteins called hemagglutinins (HAs). To find out what happens when this complex binds to a cell-adhesion protein called E-cadherin, Lee
et al.
crystallized the bound complex and protein. Toxin binding disrupted the way E-cadherin maintains the epithelial barrier. When the researchers prevented the toxin complex from binding to E-cadherin, mice were protected from the toxin's deadly effects.

Science
, this issue p.
1405
How to build a Neandertal
Authors: Hublin Jean-Jacques
Published: June 2014

Fossils from Sima de los Huesos show a mixture of Neandertal and more ancient features.

[Also see Research Article by

Arsuaga
et al.

]
Warming U.S.-Russia relations
Authors: Campbell Cathleen A.
Published: June 2014

The ups and downs in the political relationship between the United States and Russia are clearly deteriorating scientific cooperation between the two nations. However, it is scientists who can and should lead a reversal in this situation.
‘Right to Try’ laws bypass FDA for last-ditch treatments
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: June 2014

But companies may be reluctant to supply unapproved drugs.
Was America ‘discovered’ in medieval Central Asia?
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2014

Ancient texts suggest Silk Road polymath inferred the existence of unknown continents.
New tools, new targets: Novel approaches for identifying and characterizing epigenetic modifications
Authors: Zhang Yan-Ling , Janzen William P.
Published: June 2014

Since the successful sequencing of the human genome, interest in the group of genes encoding proteins responsible for DNA remodeling has grown exponentially. Included in this group are enzymes that methylate and demethylate DNA, as well as those that modify histones by adding chemical groups through acetylation, methylation, and sumoylation reactions, amongst others. Epigenetic enzymes are now among the most important pharmaceutical targets due to their involvement in numerous key cellular processes and in the etiology of many devastating diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and developmental disorders. Significant efforts are under way in both academic and industrial laboratories to identify and validate new so-called reader, writer, and eraser enzymes as well as their histone substrates. Understanding the functions of these proteins may lead to a new generation of therapeutics. While various molecular biology techniques were initially used to identify and validate epigenetics enzymes and their substrates, novel approaches are now available to perform pharmacological characterization of histone-modifying enzymes. During this webinar, our expert panelists will describe these methods and present breakthrough research data obtained using novel experimental approaches, including immunoassays, microfluidics-based techniques, and high-content screening immunophenotypic assays.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Strain Isolated in Southern China
Authors: Xie Zhixun , Fan Qing , Xie Zhiqin , Liu Jiabo , Pang Yaoshan , Deng Xianwen , Xie Liji , Luo Sisi , Khan M. I.
Published: June 2014

We report here the full-length RNA genomic sequence of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) strain GX4, isolated from a cow in southern China. Studies indicate that BVDV GX4 belongs to the BVDV-1b subtype. This report will help in understanding the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of BVDV in southern China cattle.
Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter siccitolerans 4J27, a Xeroprotectant-Producing Desiccation-Tolerant Microorganism
Authors: Manzanera M. , Santa-Cruz-Calvo L. , Vílchez J. I. , García-Fontana C. , Silva-Castro G. A. , Calvo C. , González-López J.
Published: June 2014

We report the first genome sequence for
Arthrobacter siccitolerans
4J27, a newly described desiccation-tolerant species. The complete genome of
A. siccitolerans
4J27 has been sequenced and is estimated to be around 5.3 Mb in size, with an average GC content of 65.13%. We predict 4,480 protein-coding sequences (CDSs).
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia
sp. Strain RPE67, a Bacterial Gut Symbiont of the Bean Bug
Riptortus pedestris
Authors: Takeshita Kazutaka , Shibata Tomoko F. , Nikoh Naruo , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Fukatsu Takema , Shigenobu Shuji , Kikuchi Yoshitomo
Published: June 2014

Burkholderia
sp. strain RPE67 is a bacterial symbiont isolated from a field-collected bean bug,
Riptortus pedestris
. To understand the genetic basis of the insect-microbe symbiosis, we performed whole-genome sequencing of the
Burkholderia
strain, revealing an 8.69-Mb genome consisting of three chromosomes and three plasmids.
Genome Sequences of Two Carbapenemase-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 Isolates
Authors: Ramirez Maria Soledad , Xie Gang , Johnson Shannon , Davenport Karen , van Duin David , Perez Federico , Bonomo Robert A. , Chain Patrick , Tolmasky Marcelo E.
Published: June 2014

Klebsiella pneumoniae
, an ESKAPE group (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
species) pathogen, has acquired multiple antibiotic resistance genes and is becoming a serious public health threat. Here, we report the genome sequences of two representative strains of
K. pneumoniae
from the emerging
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) outbreak in northeast Ohio belonging to sequence type 258 (ST258) (isolates Kb140 and Kb677, which were isolated from blood and urine, respectively). Both isolates harbor a
bla
KPC
gene, and strain Kb140 carries
bla
KPC-2
, while Kb677 carries
bla
KPC-3
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the
p
-Nitrophenol-Degrading Bacterium Pseudomonas putida DLL-E4
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Wang Jue , Wang Fei , Chen Qiongzhen , Huang Yan , Cui Zhongli
Published: June 2014

The first complete genome sequence of a
p
-nitrophenol (PNP)-degrading bacterium is reported here.
Pseudomonas putida
DLL-E4, a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from methyl-parathion-polluted soil, can utilize PNP as the sole carbon and nitrogen source.
P. putida
DLL-E4 has a 6,484,062 bp circular chromosome that contains 5,894 genes, with a G+C content of 62.46%.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Rabies Virus Isolated from a Human in Central African Republic
Authors: Tricou Vianney , Berthet Nicolas , Nakouné Emmanuel , Kazanji Mirdad
Published: June 2014

To validate the feasibility of using next-generation sequencing in an African context, the complete genome of a rabies virus isolated from a human patient was obtained by high-throughput sequencing after virus isolation in mice and random unbiased amplification. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this virus belongs to the Africa II clade.
Characterization of an Avian Influenza Virus H9N2 Strain Isolated from a Wild Bird in Southern China
Authors: Xu Qian , Xie Zhixun , Xie Liji , Xie Zhiqin , Deng Xianwen , Liu Jiabo , Luo Sisi
Published: June 2014

We isolated an avian influenza virus H9N2 strain from a wild bird in the Guangxi Province of southern China in 2013 named A/turtledove/Guangxi/49B6/2013(H9N2) (GX49B6). We aimed to understand the genetic characters of the GX49B6 strain by analyzing the complete genome sequence. The results showed that our isolated strain has features of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses and viruses that infect humans. The discovery of the complete genome sequence of the GX49B6 strain may be helpful to further the understanding of the epidemiology and surveillance of avian influenza viruses in the field.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis strain KATMIRA1933
Authors: Karlyshev Andrey V. , Melnikov Vyacheslav G. , Chikindas Michael L.
Published: June 2014

In this report, we present a draft sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
KATMIRA1933. Previous studies demonstrated probiotic properties of this strain partially attributed to production of an antibacterial compound, subtilosin. Comparative analysis of this strain's genome with that of a commercial probiotic strain,
B. subtilis
Natto, is presented.