bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of histone deacetylase 1 or 2 reduces induced cytokine expression in microglia through a protein synthesis independent mechanism
Authors: Durham Benjamin S. , Grigg Ronald , Wood Ian C.
Published: August 2017

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors prevent neural cell death in in vivo models of cerebral ischaemia, brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. One mechanism by which HDAC inhibitors may do this is by suppressing the excessive inflammatory response of chronically activated microglia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this anti‐inflammatory effect and the specific HDAC responsible are not fully understood. Recent data from in vivo rodent studies have shown that inhibition of class I HDACs suppresses neuroinflammation and is neuroprotective. In our study, we have identified that selective HDAC inhibition with inhibitors apicidin, MS‐275 or MI‐192, or specific knockdown of HDAC1 or 2 using siRNA, suppresses the expression of cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in BV‐2 murine microglia activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, we found that in the absence of HDAC1, HDAC2 is up‐regulated and these increased levels are compensatory, suggesting that these two HDACs have redundancy in regulating the inflammatory response of microglia. Investigating the possible underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanisms suggests an increase in protein expression is not important. Taken together, this study supports the idea that inhibitors selective towards HDAC1 or HDAC2, may be therapeutically useful for targeting neuroinflammation in brain injuries and neurodegenerative disease.

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Perceptions of caregivers and providers regarding the potential introduction of the varicella vaccine to the childhood immunisation schedule in New Zealand: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Charania Nadia A , Watson Donna G , Turner Nikki M
Published: August 2017

Aim

The varicella vaccine has been proposed to be added to the childhood immunisation schedule in New Zealand as the fourth injectable at the 15‐month event. We sought to understand the perceptions of caregivers and health‐care providers regarding the potential introduction of routine varicella vaccination.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi‐structured interviews with caregivers and providers (N = 20) in Auckland. Key themes from the interviews were identified through thematic analysis using a combination of deductive and inductive coding.

Results

All of the participants were aware of varicella but levels of awareness varied among caregivers regarding the varicella vaccine. Participants expressed positive support towards universal varicella vaccination and a high intention to vaccinate if available as a routine vaccine. However, many concerns were raised about multiple injections at a single immunisation visit, and participants suggested alternative scheduling options.

Conclusion

The results indicated a need to raise awareness among caregivers about the varicella vaccine, focusing on positive health beliefs about vaccination in terms of protecting the child's health and reducing the impact of a child getting varicella on the family. Health‐care providers and government health authorities may play an important role in increasing positive health beliefs about the varicella vaccine. Should the varicella vaccine be introduced as proposed, our findings recommend an educational campaign to address both caregiver and provider concerns about multiple injections and how to manage alternative immunisation schedules. These insights may help inform national strategies for the proposed addition to increase acceptance of the varicella vaccination.
Secular Tolerance? Anti‐Muslim Sentiment in Western Europe
Authors: Ribberink Egbert , Achterberg Peter , Houtman Dick
Published: August 2017

The literature about secularization proposes two distinct explanations of anti‐Muslim sentiment in secularized societies. The first theory understands it in terms of religious competition between Muslims and the remaining minority of orthodox Protestants; the second understands it as resulting from value conflicts between Muslims and the nonreligious majority. The two theories are tested by means of a multilevel analysis of the European Values Study 2008. Our findings indicate that, although more secularized countries are on average more tolerant towards Muslims and Islam, strongest anti‐Muslim attitudes are nonetheless found among the nonreligious in these countries.
Religion in Public Institutions: Comparative Perspectives from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe
Authors: Cadge Wendy , Griera Mar , Lucken Kristen , Michalowski Ines
Published: August 2017

Much is known historically about the formal place for religion and spirituality in various countries. Less is known sociologically about the actual ways religion and spirituality are present in public institutions or about the conceptual and methodological assumptions that underlie how scholars approach the study of religion within public institutions. We conceive of public institutions broadly as those institutions that need to follow state regulations, are publicly accountable, and are supported (totally or partially) with state funds. We aim in this symposium to begin to develop a comparative analytical framework for analyzing ways religion and spirituality shape and are shaped by public institutions across three distinct sectors—hospitals, the military, and prisons—in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We outline three questions—the descriptive, the analytic, and the methodological—and suggest points of analytic comparison that might facilitate a systematic comparison of public institutions across several countries.
A Contest for Legitimacy: The Divestment Movement and the Fossil Fuel Industry
Authors: Ayling Julie
Published: August 2017

The divestment movement has sought to influence attitudes to fossil fuels by framing producer companies as pariahs and as unnecessary and redundant. In response, the fossil fuel industry has engaged in a direct and aggressive attack on the divestment movement. This article considers the relationship between the movement and the industry as a contest for legitimacy for both the organizations and the norms they advocate. Through a case study of the coal discourse in Australia from 2013 to 2016, it explores how each party has attempted to undermine the other's legitimacy and to build or defend its own. It concludes that the contest for legitimacy is complex, being conducted at multiple levels (pragmatic, moral, legal, and cognitive) and before multiple audiences. For the movement to “win” the contest, it will require more than a simple rebalancing of the legitimacy scales.
Structural uplift and ejecta thickness of lunar mare craters: New insights into the formation of complex crater rims
Authors: Krüger Tim , Kenkmann Thomas , Hergarten Stefan
Published: August 2017

We investigate the elevated crater rims of lunar craters. The two main contributors to this elevation are a structural uplift of the preimpact bedrock and the emplacement of ejecta on top of the crater rim. Here, we focus on five lunar complex mare craters with diameters ranging between 16 and 45 km: Bessel, Euler, Kepler, Harpalus, and Bürg. We performed 5281 measurements to calculate precise values for the structural rim uplift and the ejecta thickness at the elevated crater rim. The average structural rim uplift for these five craters amounts to SRU = 70.6 ± 1.8%, whereas the ejecta thickness amounts to ET = 29.4 ± 1.8% of the total crater rim elevation. Erosion is capable of modifying the ratio of ejecta thickness to structural rim uplift. However, to minimize the impact of erosion, the five investigated craters are young, pristine craters with mostly preserved ejecta blankets. To quantify how strongly craters were enlarged by crater modification processes, we reconstructed the dimensions of the transient crater. The difference between the transient crater diameter and the final crater diameter can extend up to 11 km. We propose reverse faulting and thrusting at the final crater rim to be one of the main contributing factors of forming the elevated crater rim.
Baby‐Friendly Hospital designation has a sustained impact on continued breastfeeding
Authors: Spaeth Anna , Zemp Elisabeth , Merten Sonja , Dratva Julia
Published: August 2017

The Baby‐Friendly Hospital (BFH) Initiative has led to an increase in breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide. But little is known about whether the beneficial effects persist beyond a facility's designation as a BFH. To investigate the association of BFH designation (current, former, and never) and compliance with Baby‐Friendly (BF) practices on breastfeeding in Switzerland, this study combined nationwide survey data on breastfeeding with BFH monitoring data. In this cross‐sectional study, 1,326 children were born in 34 current (N = 508), 28 former (N = 425), and 34 never designated BFHs (N = 393). We compared exclusive and any breastfeeding according to BFH designation over the first year of life, using Kaplan‐Meyer Survival curves. Logistic regression models were applied to analyse breastfeeding prevalence, and Cox‐regression models were used for exclusive (0–6 months) and continued (6–12 months) breastfeeding duration. Average duration of exclusive breastfeeding (13.1 weeks, 95% confidence interval [12.0, 17.4]) and any breastfeeding (32.7 weeks, 95% confidence interval [30.5, 39.2]) were the longest for babies born in currently accredited BFHs. Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with high compliance with monitored BF practices in current BFHs and with the number of BF practices experienced in all hospitals. Continued breastfeeding was significantly longer when babies were born in current BFHs (cessation hazard ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval [0.42, 0.84]) or in former BFHs (cessation hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval [0.48, 0.97]). Overall, the results support continued investment into BFHs, because babies born in current BFHs are breastfed the most and the longest, whereas a former BFH designation shows a sustained effect on continued breastfeeding.
Schoenberg and Liszt: Hexatonic Collections across the Great Tonal Divide
Authors: ARGENTINO JOE
Published: August 2017

This article explores passages from Liszt's and Schoenberg's compositions that share the versatile hexatonic collection which can function within, without or somewhere in between a tonal harmonic framework. The underlying harmonic structure of the hexatonic‐based passages from Liszt's oratorioSt. Stanislaus(1875), Schoenberg's ‘Nacht’ fromPierrot lunaire(1912), andModern Psalm, Op. 50c (1950), are almost identical, even though the works were written in distinctly different genres and at very different times. The extramusical associations in these works, in which the sublime or supernatural is represented by hexatonic‐based symmetry, recurs in the compositions examined here.
The potential of the spectral ‘water balance index’ (WABI) for crop irrigation scheduling
Authors: Rapaport Tal , Hochberg Uri , Cochavi Amnon , Karnieli Arnon , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: August 2017

Hyperspectral sensing can detect slight changes in plant physiology, and may offer a faster and nondestructive alternative for water status monitoring. This premise was tested in the current study using a narrow‐band ‘water balance index’ (WABI), which is based on independent changes in leaf water content (1500 nm) and the efficiency of the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) photo‐protective mechanism (531 nm).

The hydraulic, photo‐protective and spectral behaviors of five important crops – grapevine, corn, tomato, pea and sunflower – were evaluated under water deficit conditions in order to associate the differences in stress physiology with WABI suitability.

Rapid alterations in both leaf water content and NPQ were observed in grapevine, pea and sunflower, and were effectively captured by WABI. Apart from water status monitoring, the index was also successful in scheduling the irrigation of a vineyard, despite phenological and environmental variability. Conversely, corn and tomato displayed a relatively strict stomatal regime and/or mild NPQ responses and were, thus, unsuitable for WABI‐based monitoring.

WABI shows great potential for irrigation scheduling of various crops, and has a clear advantage over spectral models that focus on either of the abovementioned physiological mechanisms.
A limited evaluation of the association of race and anesthetic medication administration: A single‐center experience with appendectomies
Authors: Rosenbloom Julia M. , Senthil Kumaran , Long Alexander S. , Robinson Whitney R. , Peeples Kenneth N. , Fiadjoe John E. , Litman Ronald S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Although it is known that a patient's race may influence their medical care, racial patterns of medication administration in pediatric anesthesia have not been well‐studied. The aim of this study was to determine if differences exist between Black and White children with regard to administration of anesthetic and analgesic medications for a single procedure at our institution.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medications administered to patients for emergency appendectomies at a large academic children's hospital from 2010 to 2015. We examined the association between patient race and administration of preoperative midazolam and intraoperative ondansetron, lidocaine, ketorolac, and weight‐based doses of fentanyl and morphine.

Results

During the study period, 1680 patients (1329 White, 351 Black) underwent emergency appendectomy. There were no significant racial differences in administration of intraoperative anesthetic medications between Black and White children. In unadjusted analysis, Black children were less likely to receive preoperative midazolam than White children (OR=0.74 [95% CI, 0.58‐0.94], P=.012). After adjusting for confounders, there was no evidence of racial differences in administration of preoperative or intraoperative medications.

Conclusion

We did not find a significant difference in preoperative or intraoperative medication administration based on race when we adjusted for age, gender, and attending anesthesiologist practice patterns. We encourage all institutions to monitor their own practice patterns with regard to race.
Transfer of tomato immune receptor Ve1 confers Ave1‐dependent Verticillium resistance in tobacco and cotton
Authors: Song Yin , Liu Linlin , Wang Yidong , Valkenburg Dirk‐Jan , Zhang Xianlong , Zhu Longfu , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: August 2017

Verticillium wilts caused by soilborne fungal species of the Verticillium genus are economically important plant diseases that affect a wide range of host plants and are notoriously difficult to combat. Perception of pathogen(‐induced) ligands by plant immune receptors is a key component of plant innate immunity. In tomato, race‐specific resistance to Verticillium wilt is governed by the cell surface‐localized immune receptor Ve1 through recognition of the effector protein Ave1 that is secreted by race 1 strains of Verticillium spp. It was previously demonstrated that transgenic expression of tomato Ve1 in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana leads to Verticillium wilt resistance. Here, we investigated whether tomato Ve1 can confer Verticillium resistance when expressed in the crop species tobacco (Nicotiana tabcum) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). We show that transgenic tobacco and cotton plants constitutively expressing tomato Ve1 exhibit enhanced resistance against Verticillium wilt in an Ave1‐dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that the functionality of tomato Ve1 in Verticillium wilt resistance through recognition of the Verticillium effector Ave1 is retained after transfer to tobacco and cotton, implying that the Ve1‐mediated immune signalling pathway is evolutionary conserved across these plant species. Moreover, our results suggest that transfer of tomato Ve1 across sexually incompatible plant species can be exploited in breeding programmes to engineer Verticillium wilt resistance.
A selective insecticidal protein from Pseudomonas mosselii for corn rootworm control
Authors: Wei Jun‐Zhi , O'Rear Jessica , Schellenberger Ute , Rosen Barbara A. , Park Young‐Jun , McDonald Mark J. , Zhu Genhai , Xie Weiping , Kassa Adane , Procyk Lisa , Perez Ortega Claudia , Zhao Jian‐Zhou , Yalpani Nasser , Crane Virginia C. , Diehn Scott H. , Sandahl Gary A. , Nelson Mark E. , Lu Albert L. , Wu Gusui , Liu Lu
Published: August 2017

The coleopteran insect western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) is an economically important pest in North America and Europe. Transgenic corn plants producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins have been useful against this devastating pest, but evolution of resistance has reduced their efficacy. Here, we report the discovery of a novel insecticidal protein, PIP‐47Aa, from an isolate of Pseudomonas mosselii. PIP‐47Aa sequence shows no shared motifs, domains or signatures with other known proteins. Recombinant PIP‐47Aa kills WCR, two other corn rootworm pests (Diabrotica barberi and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and two other beetle species (Diabrotica speciosa and Phyllotreta cruciferae), but it was not toxic to the spotted lady beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) or seven species of Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Transgenic corn plants expressing PIP‐47Aa show significant protection from root damage by WCR. PIP‐47Aa kills a WCR strain resistant to mCry3A and does not share rootworm midgut binding sites with mCry3A or AfIP‐1A/1B from Alcaligenes that acts like Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1. Our results indicate that PIP‐47Aa is a novel insecticidal protein for controlling the corn rootworm pests.
Single‐base methylome analysis reveals dynamic epigenomic differences associated with water deficit in apple
Authors: Xu Jidi , Zhou Shasha , Gong Xiaoqing , Song Yi , van Nocker Steve , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: August 2017

Cytosine methylation is an essential feature of epigenetic regulation and is involved in various biological processes. Although cytosine methylation has been analysed at the genomic scale for several plant species, there is a general lack of understanding of the dynamics of global and genic DNA methylation in plants growing in environments challenged with biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we mapped cytosine methylation at single‐base resolution in the genome of commercial apple (Malus x domestica), and analysed changes in methylation patterns associated with water deficit in representative drought‐sensitive and drought‐tolerant cultivars. We found that the apple genome exhibits ~54%, ~38% and ~8.5% methylation at CG, CHG and CHH sequence contexts, respectively. We additionally documented changes in gene expression associated with water deficit in an attempt to link methylation and gene expression changes. Global methylation and transcription analysis revealed that promoter‐unmethylated genes showed higher expression levels than promoter‐methylated genes. Gene body methylation appears to be positively correlated with gene expression. Water deficit stress was associated with changes in methylation at a multitude of genes, including those encoding transcription factors (TFs) and transposable elements (TEs). These results present a methylome map of the apple genome and reveal widespread DNA methylation alterations in response to water deficit stress. These data will be helpful for understanding potential linkages between DNA methylation and gene expression in plants growing in natural environments and challenged with abiotic and biotic stresses.
The genetic architecture of amylose biosynthesis in maize kernel
Authors: Li Changsheng , Huang Yongcai , Huang Ruidong , Wu Yongrui , Wang Wenqin
Published: August 2017

Starch is the most abundant storage carbohydrate in maize kernel. The content of amylose and amylopectin confers unique properties in food processing and industrial application. Thus, the resurgent interest has been switched to the study of individual amylose or amylopectin rather than total starch, whereas the enzymatic machinery for amylose synthesis remains elusive. We took advantage of the phenotype of amylose content and the genotype of 9,007,194 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 464 inbred maize lines. The genome‐wide association study identified 27 associated loci involving 39 candidate genes that were linked to amylose content including transcription factors, glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, as well as hydrolases. Except the waxy gene that encodes the granule‐bound starch synthase, the remaining candidate genes were located in the upstream pathway of amylose synthesis, while the downstream members were already known from prior studies. The linked candidate genes could be transferred to manipulate amylose content and thus add value to maize kernel in the breeding programme.
Hookworm excretory/secretory products modulate immune responses to heterologous and species‐specific antigens
Authors: Diliani N. , Dondji B.
Published: August 2017

Approximately one billion people are currently infected with hookworm. Despite its high prevalence and the concomitant immune suppression seen in infected individuals, little research has been performed on the mechanism of immunosuppression by hookworm. Our study focused on characterizing mechanisms utilized by hookworm to suppress the host immune response. Splenocytes and draining lymph node cells from mice injected with hookworm excretory/secretory (ES) proteins showed decreased proliferation in response to both heterologous and species‐specific antigens while also having increased nitric oxide secretion. Analysis by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting revealed that mice injected with ES had reduced percentages of CD4+ T cells indicating potential effects of ES proteins on lymphocyte homeostasis. Antibody and cytokine response analyses demonstrated that immunization with ES proteins decreased IgG and IgG1 levels, also decreased interleukin (IL‐)‐4 and increased IL‐12 and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) cytokine production suggesting impairment of B‐cell activation and a shift towards a nonhealing IL‐12 directed T helper‐1 immune response. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time that host immunosuppression by hookworms is orchestrated by ES proteins and provide mechanisms underlying the shift towards a nonhealing Th‐1 profile as seen in humans suffering from hookworm infection.
Risk, Precaution, Responsibility, and Equal Concern
Authors: Herwig Alexia , Simoncini Marta
Published: August 2017

Systemic risks are risks produced through interconnected non‐wrongful actions of individuals, in the sense that an individual's action is a negligible cause of the risk. Due to scale effects of interaction, their consequences can be serious but they are also difficult to predict and assess via a risk assessment. Since we can have good reason to engage in the interconnected activities giving rise to systemic risk, we incur a concurrent collective responsibility to ensure that the risks are fairly distributed and well regulated. James argues that fairness in this context requires taking reasonably available precautions ensuring for each risk‐bearer a favourable ratio of expected benefits over expected losses. In sections2and3we argue that such a conception of fairness applies but only on the condition that the systemic risks created are irreversible risks and that the general background conditions of justice are imperfectly fair. When risks are reversible, compensatory justice can correct for unfairness in risk imposition. Where risks are irreversible, compensatory justice necessarily fails, giving rise to a collective responsibility to regulate fairly ex ante. Additionally, where background conditions of justice are fully fair and the systemic risk is well understood, risk bearers can be said to have consented to the systemic risk. If they are not fair, we argue that the primary political obligation should lie in fixing the fairness of the backgrounds of justice. A related reason for addressing the general background conditions of fairness is that James’ account of fairness in systemic risk imposition encounters a baseline problem. If expected risks and benefits are calculated again an unfair historic background condition, systemic risk imposition would not be fully fair. Section4shows why differences in evidentiary uncertainty as to probability and levels of harm and effective responses require a normatively appropriate response in the form of additional precautions. We show that the evidentiary standards set for risk‐based cost‐benefit analysis have a connection with deontology because they express a postulate of equal treatment in formal terms. Systemic risks can have different possible degrees of epistemological certainty due to factors of social and natural origin, such as more available research funding or higher degrees of complexity for some systemic risks but not others. These differences have to be mitigated by taking even greater precautions in difficult‐to‐research systemic risks.
Predicting the Risk of Biological Invasions Using Environmental Similarity and Transport Network Connectedness
Authors: Cope Robert C. , Ross Joshua V. , Wittmann Talia A. , Watts Michael J. , Cassey Phillip
Published: August 2017

Understanding the risk of biological invasions associated with particular transport pathways and source regions is critical for implementing effective biosecurity management. This may require both a model for physical connectedness between regions, and a measure of environmental similarity, so as to quantify the potential for a species to be transported from a given region and to survive at a destination region. We present an analysis of integrated biosecurity risk into Australia, based on flights and shipping data from each global geopolitical region, and an adaptation of the “range bagging” method to determine environmental matching between regions. Here, we describe global patterns of environmental matching and highlight those regions with many physical connections. We classify patterns of global invasion risk (high to low) into Australian states and territories. We validate our analysis by comparison with global presence data for 844 phytophagous insect pest species, and produce a list of high‐risk species not previously known to be present in Australia. We determined that, of the insect pest species used for validation, the species most likely to be present in Australia were those also present in geopolitical regions with high transport connectivity to Australia, and those regions that were geographically close, and had similar environments.
Statistical Inference Based on Randomly Generated Auxiliary Variables
Authors: Schouten Barry
Published: August 2017

In most real life studies, auxiliary variables are available and are employed to explain and understand missing data patterns and to evaluate and control causal relationships with variables of interest. Usually their availability is assumed to be a fact, even if the variables are measured without the objectives of the study in mind. As a result, inference with missing data and causal inference require some assumptions that cannot easily be validated or checked. In this paper, a framework is constructed in which auxiliary variables are treated as a selection, possibly random, from the universe of variables on a population. This framework provides conditions to make statistical inference beyond the traces of bias or effects found by the auxiliary variables themselves. The utility of the framework is demonstrated for the analysis and reduction of non-response in surveys. However, the framework may be more generally used to understand the strength of association between variables. Important roles are played by the diversity and diffusion of the population of interest, features that are defined in the paper and the estimation of which is discussed.
Effect of conjugated linoleic acids and omega‐3 fatty acids with or without resistance training on muscle mass in high‐fat diet‐fed middle‐aged mice
Authors: Lee Sang‐Rok , Khamoui Andy V. , Jo Edward , Zourdos Michael C. , Panton Lynn B. , Ormsbee Michael J. , Kim Jeong‐Su
Published: August 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

This study examined the effects of 20 weeks of administration of conjugated linoleic acids/omega‐3 fatty acids with or without programed resistance exercise training on body composition, skeletal muscle properties and functional capacity in middle‐aged mice fed a high‐fat diet.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Chronic daily administration of conjugated linoleic acids/omega‐3 fatty acids with resistance exercise training can help to blunt fat gain, alleviate loss of myogenic capacity and sensorimotor function and lower tissue inflammation in middle‐aged mice during chronic high‐fat diet‐induced catabolism.

This study investigated the effects of 20 weeks of combined conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)/omega‐3 fatty acid (n‐3) administration independently or combined with resistance exercise training (RET) on skeletal muscle in middle‐aged mice consuming a high‐fat diet (HFD). Nine‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (H, high‐fat diet; HE, H + RET; HCN, H + CLA/n‐3; and HECN, H + CLA/n3 + RET). Body composition and functional capacity were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention. Muscle tissues were collected at 14 months of age. ANOVA was used, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Fat mass significantly increased in H (+74%), HE (+142%) and HECN (+43%) but not in HCN. Muscle wet weights were significantly lower in H and HCN than in HE and HECN. Grip strength substantially declined in H (−15%) and HCN (−17%), whereas sensorimotor function significantly declined only in H (−11%). HECN exhibited improvement in strength (+22%) and sensorimotor coordination (+17%). In comparison to H, muscle tumour necrosis factor‐α mRNA expression was significantly lower in HE (−39%), HCN (−24%) and HECN (−21%), respectively. Mean myofibre cross‐sectional areas were markedly lower in H and HCN than in HE and HECN. H showed significantly lower satellite cell abundance and numbers of myonuclei than all other groups. Our findings suggest that long‐term daily CLA/n‐3 intake with resistance training improved sensorimotor function, ameliorated fat gain and prevented loss of myogenic capacity while lowering tumour necrosis factor‐α expression during chronic HFD.
Investigation of Air Injection and Cavity Size Within a Circumferential Combustor to Increase G-Load and Residence Time
Authors: Cottle Andrew E. , Polanka Marc D. , Goss Larry P. , Goss Corey Z.
Published: August 2017

A gas turbine combustion process subjected to high levels of centrifugal acceleration has demonstrated the potential for increased flame speeds and shorter residence times. Ultracompact combustors (UCC) invoke the high-g phenomenon by introducing air and fuel into a circumferential cavity which is recessed radially outboard with respect to the primary axial core flow. Upstream air is directed tangentially into the combustion cavity to induce bulk circumferential swirl. Swirl velocities in the cavity produce a centrifugal load on the flow that is typically expressed in terms of gravitational acceleration or g-loading. The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has developed an experimental facility in which g-loads up to 2000 times the earth’s gravitational field (“2000 g’s”) have been demonstrated. In this study, the flow within the combustion cavity is examined to determine factors and conditions which invoke responses in cavity g-loads. The AFIT experiment was modified to enable optical access into the primary combustion cavity. The techniques of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and particle streak emission velocimetry (PSEV) provided high-fidelity measurements of the velocity fields within the cavity. The experimental data were compared to a set of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions. Improved cavity air and fuel injection schemes were evaluated over a range of air flows and equivalence ratios. Increased combustion stability was attained by providing a uniform distribution of cavity air drivers. Lean cavity equivalence ratios at a high total airflow resulted in higher g-loads and more complete combustion, thereby showing promise for utilization of the UCC as a main combustor.
Thermal and Transport Properties for the Simulation of Direct-Fired sCO2 Combustor
Authors: Manikantachari K. R. V. , Martin Scott , Bobren-Diaz Jose O. , Vasu Subith
Published: August 2017

The direct-fired supercritical CO2 (sCO2) cycle is currently considered as a zero-emission power generation concept. It is of interest to know how to optimize various components of this cycle using computational tools; however, a comprehensive effort in this area is currently lacking. In this work, the behavior of thermal properties of sCO2 combustion at various reaction stages has been investigated by coupling real gas CHEMKIN (CHEMKIN-RG) (Schmitt et al., 1994, Chemkin Real Gas: A Fortran Package for Analysis of Thermodynamic Properties and Chemical Kinetics in Nonideal Systems, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA) with an in-house premixed conditional moment closure code (Martin, 2003, “The Conditional Moment Closure Method for Modeling Lean Premixed Turbulent Combustion,” Ph.D. thesis, University of Washington, Seattle, WA) and the high-pressure Aramco 2.0 kinetic mechanism. Also, the necessary fundamental information for sCO2 combustion modeling is reviewed. The Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state (SRK EOS) is identified as the most accurate EOS to predict the thermal states at all turbulence levels. Also, a model for the compression factor Z is proposed for sCO2 combustors, which is a function of mixture inlet conditions and the reaction progress variable. This empirical model is validated between the operating conditions 250–300 bar, inlet temperatures of 800–1200 K, and within the currently designed inlet mole fractions, and the accuracy is estimated to be less than 0.5% different from the exact relation. For sCO2 operating conditions, the compression factor Z always decreases as the reaction progresses, and this leads to the static pressure loss between inlet and exit of the sCO2 combustor. Further, the Lucas et al. and Stiel and Thodos methods are identified as best suitable models for predicting the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the sCO2 combustion mixtures.
Six species in one: evidence of cryptic speciation in the Hygrobates fluviatilis complex (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Asadi Mahdieh , Cimpean Mirela , Dabert Miroslawa , Esen Yunus , Gerecke Reinhard , Martin Peter , Savić Ana , Smit Harry , Stur Elisabeth
Published: August 2017

Water mites of the genus Hygrobates are widely distributed in all biogeographic regions except the Antarctic. Palaearctic Hygrobates species with reticulated soft integument generally have been considered as representatives of one common and widely distributed species, Hygrobates fluviatilis Strøm, 1768. Based on partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) and statistical analysis of morphological data, we show that these mites belong to six distinct lineages. Two of them are widely distributed in Central Europe: Hygrobates fluviatilis here redescribed based on a neotype designated from the type locality in Norway, and a species new to science, H. arenarius Smit & Pešić. The four remaining lineages represent additional species new to science that appear to have more restricted distributions: H. corsicus Pešić & Smit (Corsica, Sardinia), H. marezaensis Pešić & Dabert (Montenegro, Albania, Croatia), H. turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert (Turkey), and H. persicus Pešić & Asadi (Iran, E Turkey). Statistical morphometric analysis reveals that the latter two species cannot be separated on morphological characters and should be considered true cryptic species. We provide data concerning biology and geographical distributions together with a key to all species of the complex.
A new species of Sonotetranychus (Acariformes: Tetranychidae) from China
Authors: Yi Tianci , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: August 2017

The genus Sonotetranychus Tuttle, Baker & Abbatiello is recorded from mainland China for the first time. Sonotetranychus neosalicis sp. nov. is described from females collected on the leaves of Salix chaenomeloides Kimura (Salicaceae) in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China. This new species can be distinguished from other members of Sonotetranychus by femora I–IV with 8-6-3-2 tactile setae, genu III with three tactile setae, tibiae III–IV with 5-5 tactile setae and transverse striae between dorsal setae e. The key to Sonotetranychus species of the world is updated.
Linguistic initiation signals increase auditory feedback error correction
Authors: Alsius Agnès , Mitsuya Takashi , Latif Nida , Munhall Kevin G.
Published: August 2017

Previous research has shown that speakers can adapt their speech in a flexible manner as a function of a variety of contextual and task factors. While it is known that speech tasks may play a role in speech motor behavior, it remains to be explored if the manner in which the speaking action is initiated can modify low-level, automatic control of vocal motor action. In this study, the nature (linguistic vs non-linguistic) and modality (auditory vs visual) of the go signal (i.e., the prompts) was manipulated in an otherwise identical vocal production task. Participants were instructed to produce the word “head” when prompted, and the auditory feedback they were receiving was altered by systematically changing the first formants of the vowel /ε/ in real time using a custom signal processing system. Linguistic prompts induced greater corrective behaviors to the acoustic perturbations than non-linguistic prompts. This suggests that the accepted variance for the intended speech sound decreases when external linguistic templates are provided to the speaker. Overall, this result shows that the automatic correction of vocal errors is influenced by flexible, context-dependant mechanisms.
In situ generation of N-unsubstituted imines from alkyl azides and their applications for imine transfer via copper catalysis
Authors: Hu Lu , Liu Yahu A. , Liao Xuebin
Published: August 2017

Multisubstituted pyridines or indoles were synthesized using N-unsubstituted imines in situ–generated from alkyl azides.
Potential of High-Affinity, Slow Off-Rate Modified Aptamer Reagents for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Proteins as Tools for Infection Models and Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Russell Theresa M. , Green Louis S. , Rice Taylor , Kruh-Garcia Nicole A. , Dobos Karen , De Groote Mary A. , Hraha Thomas , Sterling David G. , Janjic Nebojsa , Ochsner Urs A.
Published: August 2017

Direct pathogen detection in blood to diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) has been difficult due to low levels of circulating antigens or due to the lack of specific, high-affinity binding reagents and reliable assays with adequate sensitivity. We sought to determine whether slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMAmer) reagents with subnanomolar affinity for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
proteins (antigens 85A, 85B, 85C, GroES, GroEL2, DnaK, CFP10, KAD, CFP2, RplL, and Tpx) could be useful to diagnose tuberculosis. When incorporated into the multiplexed, array-based proteomic SOMAscan assay, limits of detection reached the subpicomolar range in 40% serum. Binding to native
M. tuberculosis
proteins was confirmed by using
M. tuberculosis
culture filtrate proteins and fractions from infected macrophages and via affinity capture assays and subsequent mass spectrometry. Comparison of serum from culture-positive pulmonary TB patients and TB suspects systematically ruled out for TB revealed small but statistically significant (
P
< 0.0001) differences in the median
M. tuberculosis
signals and in specific pathogen markers, such as antigen 85B. Samples where many
M. tuberculosis
aptamers produced high signals were rare exceptions. In concentrated, protein-normalized urine from TB patients and non-TB controls, the CFP10 (EsxB) SOMAmer yielded the most significant differential signals (
P
< 0.0276), particularly in TB patients with HIV coinfection. In conclusion, direct
M. tuberculosis
antigen detection proved difficult even with a sensitive method such as SOMAscan, likely due to their very low, subpicomolar abundance. The observed differences between cases and controls had limited diagnostic utility in serum and urine, but further evaluation of
M. tuberculosis
SOMAmers using other platforms and sample types is warranted.
Redefining Memory: Building the Case for Adaptive NK Cells
Authors: Paust Silke , Blish Catherine A. , Reeves R. Keith
Published: August 2017

Classically, natural killer (NK) cells have been defined by nonspecific innate killing of virus-infected and tumor cells. However, burgeoning evidence suggests that the functional repertoire of NK cells is far more diverse than has been previously appreciated, thus raising the possibility that there may be unexpected functional specialization and even adaptive capabilities among NK cell subpopulations. Some of the first evidence that NK cells respond in an antigen-specific fashion came from experiments revealing that subpopulations of murine NK cells were able to respond to a specific murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) protein and that in the absence of T and B cells, murine NK cells also mediated adaptive immune responses to a secondary challenge with specific haptens. These data have been followed by demonstrations of NK cell memory of viruses and viral antigens in mice and primates. Herein, we discuss different forms of NK cell antigen specificity and how these responses may be tuned to specific viral pathogens, and we provide assessment of the current literature that may explain molecular mechanisms of the novel phenomenon of NK cell memory.
An Epstein-Barr Virus MicroRNA Blocks Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Signaling by Targeting IL-1 Receptor 1
Authors: Skinner Camille M. , Ivanov Nikita S. , Barr Sarah A. , Chen Yan , Skalsky Rebecca L.
Published: August 2017

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encodes >44 viral microRNAs (miRNAs) that are differentially expressed throughout infection, can be detected in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive tumors, and manipulate several biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune responses. Here, we show that EBV BHRF1-2 miRNAs block NF-κB activation following treatment with proinflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Analysis of EBV PAR-CLIP miRNA targetome data sets combined with pathway analysis revealed multiple BHRF1-2 miRNA targets involved in interleukin signaling pathways. By further analyzing changes in cellular gene expression patterns, we identified the IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) as a direct target of miR-BHRF1-2-5p. Targeting the IL1R1 3′ untranslated region (UTR) by EBV miR-BHRF1-2-5p was confirmed using 3′-UTR luciferase reporter assays and Western blot assays. Manipulation of EBV BHRF1-2 miRNA activity in latently infected B cells altered steady-state cytokine levels and disrupted IL-1β responsiveness. These studies demonstrate functionally relevant BHRF1-2 miRNA interactions during EBV infection, which is an important step in understanding their roles in pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
IL-1 signaling plays an important role in inflammation and early activation of host innate immune responses following virus infection. Here, we demonstrate that a viral miRNA downregulates the IL-1 receptor 1 during EBV infection, which consequently alters the responsiveness of cells to IL-1 stimuli and changes the cytokine expression levels within infected cell populations. We postulate that this viral miRNA activity not only disrupts IL-1 autocrine and paracrine signaling loops that can alert effector cells to sites of infection but also provides a survival advantage by dampening excessive inflammation that may be detrimental to the infected cell.
Nidovirus-Associated Proliferative Pneumonia in the Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)
Authors: Dervas Eva , Hepojoki Jussi , Laimbacher Andrea , Romero-Palomo Fernando , Jelinek Christine , Keller Saskia , Smura Teemu , Hepojoki Satu , Kipar Anja , Hetzel Udo
Published: August 2017

In 2014 we observed a noticeable increase in the number of sudden deaths among green tree pythons (
Morelia viridis
). Pathological examination revealed the accumulation of mucoid material within the airways and lungs in association with enlargement of the entire lung. We performed a full necropsy and histological examination on 12 affected green tree pythons from 7 different breeders to characterize the pathogenesis of this mucinous pneumonia. By histology we could show a marked hyperplasia of the airway epithelium and of faveolar type II pneumocytes. Since routine microbiological tests failed to identify a causative agent, we studied lung tissue samples from a few diseased snakes by next-generation sequencing (NGS). From the NGS data we could assemble a piece of RNA genome whose sequence was <85% identical to that of nidoviruses previously identified in ball pythons and Indian pythons. We then employed reverse transcription-PCR to demonstrate the presence of the novel nidovirus in all diseased snakes. To attempt virus isolation, we established primary cultures of
Morelia viridis
liver and brain cells, which we inoculated with homogenates of lung tissue from infected individuals. Ultrastructural examination of concentrated cell culture supernatants showed the presence of nidovirus particles, and subsequent NGS analysis yielded the full genome of the novel virus Morelia viridis nidovirus (MVNV). We then generated an antibody against MVNV nucleoprotein, which we used alongside RNA
in situ
hybridization to demonstrate viral antigen and RNA in the affected lungs. This suggests that in natural infection MVNV damages the respiratory tract epithelium, which then results in epithelial hyperplasia, most likely as an exaggerated regenerative attempt in association with increased epithelial turnover.

IMPORTANCE
Novel nidoviruses associated with severe respiratory disease were fairly recently identified in ball pythons and Indian pythons. Herein we report on the isolation and identification of a further nidovirus from green tree pythons (
Morelia viridis
) with fatal pneumonia. We thoroughly characterized the pathological changes in the infected individuals and show that nidovirus infection is associated with marked epithelial proliferation in the respiratory tract. We speculate that this and the associated excess mucus production can lead to the animals' death by inhibiting normal gas exchange in the lungs. The virus was predominantly detected in the respiratory tract, which renders transmission via the respiratory route likely. Nidoviruses cause sudden outbreaks with high rates of mortality in breeding collections, and most affected snakes die without prior clinical signs. These findings, together with those of other groups, indicate that nidoviruses are a likely cause of severe pneumonia in pythons.