bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Soft Magnetic Composites for electromagnetic applications with improved mechanical properties
Authors: Ferraris Luca , Pošković Emir , Franchini Fausto
Published: March 2016

The chance to move from 2D to 3D approach in the design of the electrical machines is made possible by the availability of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMC), iron based powders, insulated and pressed to realize shapes otherwise impossible with the traditional lamination sheets technology. Some commercial products are available on the market as “ready to press” powders, which presents good magnetic and energetic properties but are sometimes weak under the mechanical point of view; other products aim at improving this aspect but with considerable process complications and relative cost. The experience of the Authors in the realization of bonded magnets with the adoption of selected organic resins has been partly transferred in the research field of the SMC in order to investigate the possibility to obtain good mechanical properties maintaining the magnetic characteristics of the Insulated Iron Powder Compounds (I.I.P.C.) taken as reference. The paper presents the activity that has been carried out in the realization of SMC mixing iron powders and phenolic resin, in different weight percentages and mold pressures. The obtained results are considered satisfactory under the point of view of the compromise between magnetic and mechanical properties, considering also that the required productive process is simpler. The comparison of the obtained results with those related to commercial products encourages to carry on the research, also because of the reduced cost of the proposed SMC at parity (or better) performance.
Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 5. Cow genotype affects feed efficiency and maternal productivity
Authors: Hebart M. L. , Accioly J. M. , Copping K. J. , Deland M. P. B. , Herd R. M. , Jones F. M. , Laurence M. , Lee S. J. , Lines D. S. , Speijers E. J. , Walmsley B. J. , Pitchford W. S.
Published: March 2016

Cow bodyweight gain, calf weaning weight, feed intake and maternal productivity of 500 Angus cows, in 64 replicate groups, were measured over three parities at two locations (Struan and Vasse) as part of the Beef CRC Maternal Productivity Project. The cows were sourced as heifers from the top and bottom 10% of BREEDPLAN Rib Fat EBV (High-Fat and Low-Fat), and from High and Low residual feed intake (RFI) selection lines (High-RFI and Low-RFI). Each of the four genotypes were run under High- and Low-Nutrition (measured as feed on offer) at both sites. The High-Fat cows were 7% more efficient at producing weaner calves under Low-Nutrition than were the Low-Fat cows. This was driven primarily by the 4% difference between the lines in weaning rate. When weaning rate differences were accounted for (as covariate), there was no difference between the Fat lines in the efficiency of weaner weight production. When the weight gain of the cow was included as an output in addition to calf weaning weight, there was also no difference between the Fat lines in efficiency. Low-RFI cows were always more efficient at producing weaner calves than were the High-RFI cows. This was primarily driven through a 7% reduction in annual feed intake (across both nutrition treatments). However, the Low-RFI cows were leaner, had 6.3% lower weaning rate and calved on average 5.4 days later than did the High-RFI cows. Furthermore, the largest differences in feed intake were in spring when feed availability is greatest. In the context of the results herein, a balanced breeding program should include selection for improved reproduction and low RFI.
Deprotonation of Large Calixarenes – Cation Binding and Conformations
Authors: Harrowfield Jack M. , Koutsantonis George A. , Ogden Mark I. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , White Allan H.
Published: March 2016

Single crystal X-ray studies of p-t-butylcalix[10]arene·2dmso·7H2O (1) and [NMe4][p-t-butylcalix[9]arene-H]·2dmso·H2O (2), provide new data on these large macrocycles and their conformations, that of 2 being the first where an encapsulated [NMe4]+ cation is present, while 1 contains the neutral ligand. Both were obtained as crystalline products of the reactions of the calixarenes with tetramethylammonium hydroxide after prolonged standing. The structure of [NEt4][calix[4]arene-H], in which the cation approaches inclusion in the shallow cone of the anion, is also defined and compared with various other alkylammonium derivatives of calixarenes as well as that of p-t-butylcalix[9]arene.
Enhancing salt tolerance in quinoa by halotolerant bacterial inoculation
Authors: Yang Aizheng , Akhtar Saqib Saleem , Iqbal Shahid , Amjad Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Zahir Zahir Ahmad , Jacobsen Sven-Erik
Published: March 2016

Quinoa is a facultative halophytic seed crop of increasing interest worldwide. Its performance declines under high salinity but can be improved by using halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) containing multi-traits, i.e. ACC-deaminase activity, exopolysaccharide secretion and auxin production. This study focussed on improving the productivity of quinoa through the use of six plant growth-promoting bacterial strains (both endophytic and rhizosphere). These were screened by conducting osmoadaptation assay, and the two most halotolerant strains (Enterobacter sp. (MN17) and Bacillus sp. (MN54)) were selected. These two strains were evaluated for their effects on growth, physiological characters and yield of quinoa. At the five leaf stage plants were irrigated with saline water having either 0 or 400 mM NaCl. The results indicated that saline irrigation significantly decreased the growth of quinoa, whereas inoculation of plants with MN17 and MN54 mitigated the negative effects of salinity by improving plant water relations and decreasing Na+ uptake, which consequently, reduced osmotic and ionic stress. Strain MN54 performed better than MN17, which might be because of its better growth promoting traits and higher rhizosphere colonisation efficiency than MN17. Our results suggest that growth and productivity of quinoa could be improved by inoculating with highly tolerant PGPB strain in salt-affected soils.
Serial transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the porcine corpus luteum in vivo
Authors: Björkman S. , Yun J. , Niku M. , Oliviero C. , Soede N. M. , Peltoniemi O. A. T.
Published: March 2016

The aims of the present study was to develop and describe a transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy method for luteal tissue in the porcine and to evaluate the effects of the method on the reproductive tract, ovarian status and pregnancy status. Biopsies were performed in four multiparous sows on Days 9 and 15 of three consecutive oestrous cycles; the size and histological composition of the samples obtained were evaluated and the reproductive tract of the sows was monitored. Furthermore, biopsies were performed in 26 multiparous sows on Days 10 and 13 after insemination, and the pregnancy rate, gestation length and subsequent litter size were evaluated. RNA was extracted from the samples obtained and the quality and quantity were determined. Altogether, 76 biopsies were performed and 38 samples were obtained. Compared with sows from which no samples were obtained (n = 6), sows from which one or more samples were obtained (n = 24) were older (parity 5.0 ± 2.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, mean ± s.d.), heavier (290 ± 26 vs 244 ± 27 kg) and had higher back fat (11.4 ± 2.7 vs 6.4 ± 2.5 mm; P < 0.05 for all). No effect of the biopsies (P > 0.05) was observed on the cyclicity and reproductive organs of the sows, or on corpus luteum diameter on Day 13 (8.9 ± 1.0 vs 9.2 ± 1.1 mm), pregnancy rate (95% vs 96%), gestation length (115 ± 1 vs 115 ± 1 days) and subsequent litter size (12.7 ± 2.5 vs 13.3 ± 2.8) between sows from which samples were obtained and those from which no samples were obtained. The samples obtained had a diameter of 1 mm and contained heterogeneous tissue with various cell types. The RNA quantity was 520 ± 160 µg per sample and the RNA integrity number was 8.5 ± 1.0. In conclusion, an ultrasound-guided biopsy method for ovarian tissue, which can be used for gene expression studies, was established in the porcine. No effect on corpus luteum function was found.
Chemical composition of Salicornia arabica (L.), a potential halophyte for arid rangelands
Authors: Nedjimi Bouzid , Beladel Brahim
Published: March 2016

This assessment of the chemical composition of Salicornia arabica (L.) (Amaranthaceae) for grazing ruminants was carried out in the arid steppe of Algeria. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to determine the levels of some essential (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Co) and potentially toxic elements (Ba, Cs and Sc). Results showed that S. arabica had sufficient levels of Ca, K, Co and Fe to meet the requirements of small ruminants. However, this halophyte shrub also had a high Na content (~7%) exceeding the requirements of the animals, and which could limit its DM intake and digestibility. Consequently, provided fresh drinking water is readily available, then mixing this halophyte with other succulent plants like Cactus sp., is a promising strategy to enhance livestock intake. Toxic elements were within the safety baseline of all the assayed elements recommended by the National Research Council.
Propagation probability and spread rates of self-sustained smouldering fires under controlled moisture content and bulk density conditions
Authors: Prat-Guitart Nuria , Rein Guillermo , Hadden Rory M. , Belcher Claire M. , Yearsley Jon M.
Published: March 2016

The consumption of large areas of peat during wildfires is due to self-sustained smouldering fronts that can remain active for weeks. We studied the effect of peat moisture content and bulk density on the horizontal propagation of smouldering fire in laboratory-scale experiments. We used milled peat with moisture contents between 25 and 250% (mass of water per mass of dry peat) and bulk densities between 50 and 150 kg m–3. An infrared camera monitored ignition, spread and extinction of each smouldering combustion front. Peats with a bulk density below 75 kg m–3 and a moisture content below 150% self-sustained smouldering propagation for more than 12 cm. Peat with a bulk density of 150 kg m–3 could self-sustain smouldering propagation up to a critical moisture content of 115%. A linear model estimated that increasing both moisture content and bulk density significantly reduced the median fire spread rate (which ranged between 1 and 5 cm h–1). Moisture content had a stronger effect size on the spread rate than bulk density. However, the effect of bulk density on spread rate depends upon the moisture content, with the largest effect of bulk density at low moisture contents.
Ensemble lightning prediction models for the province of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Blouin Karen D. , Flannigan Mike D. , Wang Xianli , Kochtubajda Bohdan
Published: March 2016

Lightning is a major cause of wildland fires in Canada. During an average year in the province of Alberta, 330 000 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur. These strikes are responsible for igniting 45% of reported wildfires (~450 fires) and 71% of area burned (~105 000 ha). Lightning-caused wildland fires in remote areas have large suppression costs and a greater chance of escaping initial attack when compared with human-caused fires, which are often located close to infrastructure and suppression resources. In this study, geographic and temporal covariates were paired with meteorological reanalysis and radiosonde observations to generate a series of 6-h and 24-h lightning prediction models valid from April to October. These models, based on cloud-to-ground lightning from the Canadian Lightning Detection Network, were developed and validated for the province of Alberta, Canada. The ensemble forecasts produced from these models were most accurate in the Rocky Mountain and Foothills Natural Regions, achieving hits rates of 85%. The Showalter index, latitude, elevation, longitude, Julian day and convective available potential energy were found to be highly important predictors. Random forest classification is introduced as a viable modelling method to generate lightning forecasts.
Fuxianhuiid ventral nerve cord and early nervous system evolution in Panarthropoda
Authors: Yang Jie , Ortega-Hernández Javier , Butterfield Nicholas J. , Liu Yu , Boyan George S. , Hou Jin-bo , Lan Tian , Zhang Xi-guang
Published: March 2016

Significance

Understanding the evolution of the CNS is fundamental for resolving the phylogenetic relationships within Panarthropoda (Euarthropoda, Tardigrada, Onychophora). The ground pattern of the panarthropod CNS remains elusive, however, as there is uncertainty on which neurological characters can be regarded as ancestral among extant phyla. Here we describe the ventral nerve cord (VNC) in
Chengjiangocaris kunmingensis
, an early Cambrian euarthropod from South China. The VNC reveals extraordinary detail, including condensed ganglia and regularly spaced nerve roots that correspond topologically to the peripheral nerves of Priapulida and Onychophora. Our findings demonstrate the persistence of ancestral neurological features of Ecdysozoa in early euarthropods and help to reconstruct the VNC ground pattern in Panarthropoda.
Self-assembly of alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine amphiphiles into nanostructures via steric control and metal–metal interactions
Authors: Leung Sammual Yu-Lut , Wong Keith Man-Chung , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: March 2016

Significance

Metallosupramolecular π-conjugated amphiphiles have emerged as a building block for supramolecular architectures owing to their interesting luminescence behavior and their propensity to form noncovalent metal–metal interactions. This work represents the first example, to our knowledge, of the alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine system that can undergo supramolecular assembly into tubular nanostructures. The modulation on the steric bulk of the moieties could control the formation of the designated molecular architectures, ranging from nanotubes to helical ribbons. In addition, the uniqueness of the chromophores has allowed the study of their assembly processes, in which a mechanism of cooperative supramolecular polymerization into nanotubes has been elucidated. This study has provided an in-depth understanding into the supramolecular polymerization that occurs through noncovalent Pt···Pt and π−π stacking interactions.
Confusion is corruptive belief in false identity
Authors: Unnsteinsson Elmar
Published: March 2016

Speakers are confused about identity if they mistake one thing for two or two things for one. I present two plausible models of confusion, the Frege model and the Millikan model. I show how a prominent objection to Fregean models fails and argue that confusion consists in having false implicit beliefs involving the identity relation. Further, I argue that confused identity has characteristic corruptive effects on singular cognition and on the proper function of singular terms in linguistic communication.
Transforming growth factor-β1 induces cholesterol synthesis by increasing HMG-CoA reductase mRNA expression in keratinocytes
Authors: Yamane Takumi , Muramatsu Aimi , Shimura Mari , Kobayashi-Hattori Kazuo , Oishi Yuichi
Published: March 2016

In this study, we investigated the effect of TGF-β1 on cholesterol synthesis in human keratinocytes. TGF-β1 increased the level of cholesterol and the mRNA level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in human keratinocytes. These results show that TGF-β1 induces cholesterol synthesis by increasing HMG-CoA reductase mRNA expression in human keratinocytes.
Branding like a State: Establishing Catalan Singularity at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Authors: Woolard Kathryn A.
Published: March 2016

The designation of Catalan culture as guest of honor at the 2007 Frankfurt Book Fair raised controversy over whether Catalan culture is expressed in one language or two. This was an opportunity for elites to promote Catalan industry internationally but also to compete over visions of Catalonia for domestic political purposes. An analysis of media texts from the controversy shows that national branding emerged as a key trope in the official defense of emphasizing Catalan over Castilian-medium literature. As a discourse sanctioned in the global political economy, branding was strategically revoiced by Catalan officials to parry Castilian critics’ free-marketeer accusations of illiberal essentialist protectionism. This analysis uses Silverstein’s concept of indexical order to argue that branding functioned not only as a sign of Catalonia’s distinctiveness in the global marketplace but also at a higher order as a brand in itself to index the Catalan administration’s cosmopolitan, contemporary, and rationalist character.
The Indexical Reordering of Language in Times of Crisis: Nation, Region, and the Rebranding of Place in Shetland and Western Ireland
Authors: Brennan Sara C. , Wilson James Costa
Published: March 2016

This article analyzes how under conditions of crisis certain social actors shift the metasemiotic frames through which minority languages may be approached in order to suit place-branding purposes and to make them more widely accessible for business usage. In the cases we investigate in Shetland and Western Ireland, the new meanings associated with language are connected with how crises are framed and constructed in discourse. We thus examine two types of crises in which certain social actors view language as part of the solution to ward off specific trouble: economic recession (Ireland) and depopulation (Shetland). With the branding potential of these languages then positioned as part of the solutions to “crises,” new indexical alignments exemplify the neoliberal metasemiotic framework through which all elements of social and cultural life may be strategically made marketable—in this case on the intra- and international markets on which people themselves are vied for.
Branding the Alsatian Oxymoron: The Production of Ambivalent Identity
Authors: Burdick Christa
Published: March 2016

The regional government of Alsace, France, first commissioned the development of a regional brand in 2010 with the hopes of enhancing the region’s presence in the European and international market. Yet drawing on contentious histories and communities in a region historically beset by perceived linguistic, national, and cultural difference, the brand became a platform through which to resolve and promote particular versions of historical conflict. This article traces the semiotic labor involved in one such production of ambivalent identity, which took the form of the so-called Alsatian oxymoron. Through the Alsatian oxymoron, meant to signify historical Alsatian duality, consumers, tourists, and even Alsatian citizens themselves were invited to reencounter Alsace as a place of attractive ambiguity, exotic difference, and irreducible complexity. This essay tracks this brand labor, seeking to reveal the semiotic strategies involved in such production. Particularly, I rely on Susan Gal’s (2012) formulation of axes of differentiation to elucidate the ways in which the Alsatian oxymoron both draws on and reconfigures historical processes of differentiation in Alsace.
Nation Brands and the Politics of Difference
Authors: Del Percio Alfonso
Published: March 2016

This article documents the debates surrounding the policing of the brand “Switzerland.” It demonstrates that debating nation brands—particularly within the framework of a state policy of economic expansion—seems to be about who gets to produce and consume the desires that nations are imagined to stand for as much as about who gets to capitalize on the imagined value that these nations seem to have in specific markets. I also argue that if brands effectively seem to be precious sources of added value that can be exchanged with other forms of capital, not everybody is considered to have equal access to this capital. Because of their capability to produce and naturalize hierarchies between commodities, nation brands—and the entire institutional apparatus within which they are anchored and regulated—have also to be understood as key technologies of a state infrastructure governing the distribution of capital under current capitalistic conditions.
Writing the Book of Judges
Authors: Slotnick Elliot , Schiavoni Sara , Goldman Sheldon
Published: March 2016

Building on the empirical portrait of federal judicial selection processes and outcomes in the 113th Congress published in part 1, we now turn to in-depth analyses, drawing on extensive interview data, of the confirmation battle over confirmations to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, filibuster reform (the nuclear option) and its consequences, the role of the blue slip system in contemporary judicial selection, case studies of selection successes and failures, and the historic impact of the Obama appointments record on patterns of diversity and partisanship on the federal bench.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K1 of the air-kerma standards of the NIM, China and the BIPM in 60Co gamma radiation
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D , Wang K , Fan Y , Jin S , Yang X
Published: March 2016

An indirect comparison of the standards for air kerma of the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China and of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was carried out in the 60Co radiation beam of the BIPM in November 2015. The comparison result, evaluated as a ratio of the NIM and the BIPM standards for air kerma, is 0.9997 with a combined standard uncertainty of 2.7 × 10−3. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Non-inductive initiation of closed flux surfaces by ECH/ECCD on KSTAR using an oblique fundamental O-mode injection from the low-field side
Authors: Tanaka H. , Uchida M. , Maekawa T. , Bae Y.-S. , Joung M. , Jeong J.H.
Published: March 2016

An experiment on non-inductive plasma current start-up by electron cyclotron (EC) heating and current drive (ECH/ECCD) has been carried out on KSTAR by injecting the fundamental O-mode wave from the low-field side obliquely to the toroidal magnetic field. A plasma current up to 14.5 kA is generated by 180 kW of 84 GHz microwave power and the magnetic measurement shows the formation of a large last-closed flux surface with a diameter of 0.4 m. The soft x-ray emission profile and fast CCD images also support the existence of closed flux surfaces. The current of the cross-field-passing electrons (CFPEs) is calculated according to the paper Nucl. Fusion
52 083008 in these experimental conditions, and it is shown that a CFPE current can produce the initial closed flux surfaces. The observed large increase of EC emission supports the generation of energetic electrons, like CFPEs. After the formation of the closed flux surfaces, the pressure-driven current and CFPE current do not flow in the closed flux surfaces. EC-driven current should flow in these surfaces and ramp up the plasma current. It is estimated that an EC-driven current of about one third of the total plasma current flows in the closed flux surface at the last stage.
Clustering of Fe atoms in liquid Li and its effect on the viscosity of liquid Li
Authors: Gan Xianglai , Xiao Shifang , Deng Huiqiu , Li Xiaofan , Hu Wangyu
Published: March 2016

The clustering processes of Fe atoms in liquid Li at different temperatures and the effect from the Fe clusters on the viscosity of liquid Li are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation combined with the embedded atom method. The clustering processes are vividly captured by the microstructure evolution snapshots and the details are uncovered by the cluster analysis results. The cluster analysis results indicate the higher the temperature the faster the clustering process, and the temperature-dependent mixing enthalpy of Li–Fe (solute) dilute solution also suggests that high temperature is beneficial to Fe atoms’ clustering. In addition, our results show that the Fe clusters can dramatically increase the viscosity of liquid Li by lowering the diffusivity of the Li atoms around it, and the larger the clusters the larger the viscosity increment.
How to make a red flower: the combinatorial effect of pigments
Authors: Ng Julienne , Smith Stacey D.
Published: March 2016

Red flowers have evolved repeatedly across angiosperms and are frequently examined in an ecological context. However, less is known about the biochemical basis of red colouration in different taxa. In this study, we examine the spectral properties, anthocyanin composition and carotenoid expression of red flowers in the tomato family, Solanaceae, which have evolved independently multiple times across the group. Our study demonstrates that Solanaceae typically make red flowers either by the sole production of red anthocyanins or, more commonly, by the dual production of purple or blue anthocyanins and orange carotenoids. In using carotenoids to modify the effect of purple and/or blue anthocyanins, these Solanaceae species have converged on the same floral hue as those solely producing red anthocyanins, even when considering the visual system of pollinators. The use of blue anthocyanins in red flowers appears to differ from other groups, and suggests that the genetic changes underlying evolutionary shifts to red flowers may not be as predictable as previously suggested.
The Impact of Infectious Disease Specialist Consultation for Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paulsen Julie , Solligård Erik , Damås Jan Kristian , DeWan Andrew , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Bracken Michael B.
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of severe bloodstream infection. We performed a systematic review to assess whether consultation with infectious disease specialists decreased all-cause mortality or rate of complications of S aureus bloodstream infections. The review also assessed parameters associated with the quality of management of the infection. We searched for eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and clinical trials.gov as well as the references of included studies. We identified 22 observational studies and 1 study protocol for a randomized trial. A meta-analysis was not performed because of the high risk of bias in the included studies. The outcomes are reported in a narrative review. Most included studies reported survival benefit, in the adjusted analysis. Recommended management strategies were carried out significantly more often among patients seen by an infectious disease specialist. Trials, such as cluster-randomized controlled trials, can more validly assess the studies at low risk of bias.
Important Skills for Internship and the Fourth-Year Medical School Courses to Acquire Them: A National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Pereira Anne G. , Harrell Heather E. , Weissman Arlene , Smith Cynthia D. , Dupras Denise , Kane Gregory C.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To obtain feedback from internal medicine residents, a key stakeholder group, regarding both the skills needed for internship and the fourth-year medical school courses that prepared them for residency. This feedback could inform fourth-year curriculum redesign efforts.

Method

All internal medicine residents taking the 2013–2014 Internal Medicine In-Training Examination were asked to rank the importance of learning 10 predefined skills prior to internship and to use a dropdown menu of 11 common fourth-year courses to rank the 3 most helpful in preparing for internship. The predefined skills were chosen based on a review of the literature, a national subinternship curriculum, and expert consensus. Chi-square statistics were used to test for differences in responses between training levels.

Results

Of the 24,820 internal medicine residents who completed the exam, 20,484 (83%) completed the survey, had complete identification numbers, and consented to have their responses used for research. The three skills most frequently rated as very important were identifying when to seek additional help and expertise, prioritizing clinical tasks and managing time efficiently, and communicating with other providers around care transitions. The subinternship/acting internship was most often selected as being the most helpful course in preparing for internship.

Conclusions

These findings indicate which skills and fourth-year medical school courses internal medicine residents found most helpful in preparing for internship and confirm the findings of prior studies highlighting the perceived value of subinternships. Internal medicine residents and medical educators agree on the skills students should learn prior to internship.
ATYPICAL MACULOPATHY IN A PATIENT WITH LIGHT CHAIN DEPOSITION DISEASE MIMICKING ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY
Authors: Crawford Courtney , Oshry Lauren J. , Reichel Elias
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

To report a previously unreported presentation of advanced geographic atrophy of the macula mimicking nonneovascular (dry) age-related macular degeneration in a patient with light chain deposition disease.

Methods:

Ocular examination included dilated fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence, full-field electroretinography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Patients:

Single-patient case report.

Results:

Dilated fundus examination demonstrated diffuse loss of the retinal pigment epithelium in a geographic atrophy pattern in the macula and drusenlike deposits localized to the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium. There were no signs of choroidal neovascularization or retinal pigment epithelium detachments. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated wide areas of retinal pigment epithelium loss. Full-field electroretinography was normal. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography displayed atrophy of the outer retinal layers.

Discussion:

This is the first documented case of drusenlike deposits and maculopathy in a patient with light chain deposition disease that mimics advanced geographic atrophy that is typically observed in nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration. Physicians should be aware of the macular changes that can be associated with light chain deposition disease, and patients with light chain deposition disease should be regularly evaluated for associated macular disease.
Chemerin, visfatin, and vaspin serum levels in relation to bone mineral density in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Terzoudis Sotirios , Malliaraki Niki , Damilakis John , Dimitriadou Daphne A. , Zavos Christos , Koutroubakis Ioannis E.
Published: March 2016

Background

There is evidence that fat mass is correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but data on the role of adipokines on this association are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of chemerin, visfatin, and vaspin, hormones that act as adipokines, in relation to BMD in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Patients and methods

Serum from 120 IBD patients (68 CD, 52 UC) and 98 matched healthy controls (HC) was collected. Chemerin, visfatin, and vaspin levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine and the proximal femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Full-body composition scans were analyzed using enCORE software based on the absorptiometry system.

Results

Serum chemerin was higher in IBD patients than HC [CD 13.67.1±5.8, UC 13.9±4.3 vs. HC 7.8±2.6 ng/ml, odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–0.98, P<0.0001]. Serum visfatin levels in CD patients were significantly higher than those in UC patients (9.3±14.01 vs. 6.5±7.2 ng/ml, OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92, P=0.039). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant independent association of osteoporosis (T-score ≤2.5 SD) with age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, P=0.02), visfatin (OR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.63–0.97, P=0.02), and chemerin levels (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.98, P=0.03), but not with BMI or body composition, was found.

Conclusion

Serum visfatin and chemerin levels are associated with the development of osteoporosis in IBD. These results suggest a role of visfatin and chemerin in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis in IBD.
Association of Coagulation Factors VIII/XI/XIII Polymorphisms With Coagulation Factor Activities and Deep Vein Thrombosis After Artificial Joints Replacement
Authors: Su Wei , Lv Meirong , Xu Xiaodong , Li Bin , Liu Hai-Yan , Ning Bo , Li Ye
Published: March 2016

The study aims at investigating the effects of coagulation factors VIII/XI/XIII polymorphisms in coagulation factor activities and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A total of 130 patients with history of artificial joint replacement surgery were recruited, including 65 patients with DVT (cases) and 65 patients without DVT (controls). Cases and controls had comparable age, sex, and body mass index. Activities of VIII/XI and XIII were, respectively, detected by 1 phase anticoagulation method and microtitrimetry. Polymorphisms of VIII rs1800291 (3591C>G), XI rs2289252 (25264C>T), and XIII rs5985 (103G>T) were detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Activities of VIII/XI were significantly increased in cases than in controls (P < 0.001 for VIII, P = 0.024 for XI). Activity of XI was significantly increased by 11.11% in CT + TT mutant type (25264C>T) compared with wild-type CC (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.28–19.95). In univariate analysis, incidence of DVT for CT mutant was 2.41-fold compared with wild-type CC (95% CI, 1.16–5.03). T allele had 1.83-fold increased risk of DVT than C allele (95% CI, 1.06–3.14). In multivariate analysis, incidence of DVT for CT + TT mutant type was 2.39-fold compared with wild type (95% CI, 1.07–5.35). Distributions of VIII gene 3951C>G and genotypes were not significant between groups (both P > 0.05). The mutation rate of VIII gene 103G>T was low in study population (0.77%) and was not significant between groups. XI 25264C>T genotype is significantly associated with XI activity. T mutation of this locus significantly increases XI activity and is a risk factor for DVT.
A Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Dose That Models Human Use and Its Effect on Vaginal SHIV Acquisition Risk
Authors: Butler Katherine , Ritter Jana M. , Ellis Shanon , Morris Monica R. , Hanson Debra L. , McNicholl Janet M. , Kersh Ellen N.
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

Hormonal contraception with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may increase HIV acquisition risk, but observational human studies are inconclusive, and animal models can help investigate this risk. In this study, we test the impact of a low DMPA dose, designed to resemble human contraceptive use, on Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV) acquisition risk in pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina).

Methods:

Macaques metabolize DMPA faster than humans. We previously identified a per-weight DMPA dose and administration frequency that achieves long-lasting suppression of ovulation in macaques. Eight macaques were given 1.5-mg/kg DMPA monthly, whereas 11 were untreated controls. For comparison, women receive 150 mg (approximately 2 mg/kg) every 3 months. We exposed monkeys to 20 suboptimal SHIV challenges, designed to slowly infect half of controls and allow increased infection in the DMPA group.

Results:

It took a median 5.5 viral challenges to infect DMPA-treated macaques and 9 challenges for controls (P = 0.27; exact conditional logistic regression). The exact odds ratio was 2.2 (CI: 0.6 to 8.3). Ovulation was suppressed, and the vaginal epithelium was thinned after DMPA treatment in all animals (mean, 30 and 219 mm in DMPA-treated and control macaques, respectively, P = 0.03, t test using the Satterthwaite degrees-of-freedom approximation).

Conclusions:

SHIV infections in DMPA-treated macaques were 2.2 times those of controls, but this was not statistically significant. The result is remarkably similar to studies of human DMPA use, which have shown HIV risk increases of a similar magnitude and of variable significance. Taken together with previous studies of higher DMPA doses in macaques, the results suggest a dose-dependent effect of DMPA on Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) or SHIV acquisition.
‘Venus trapped, Mars transits': Cu and Fe redox chemistry, cellular topography and
in situ
ligand binding in terrestrial isopod hepatopancreas
Authors: Kille P. , Morgan A. J. , Powell K. , Mosselmans J. F. W. , Hart D. , Gunning P. , Hayes A. , Scarborough D. , McDonald I. , Charnock J. M.
Published: March 2016

Woodlice efficiently sequester copper (Cu) in ‘cuprosomes' within hepatopancreatic ‘S' cells. Binuclear ‘B’ cells in the hepatopancreas form iron (Fe) deposits; these cells apparently undergo an apocrine secretory diurnal cycle linked to nocturnal feeding. Synchrotron-based µ-focus X-ray spectroscopy undertaken on thin sections was used to characterize the ligands binding Cu and Fe in S and B cells of
Oniscus asellus
(Isopoda). Main findings were: (i) morphometry confirmed a diurnal B-cell apocrine cycle; (ii) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping indicated that Cu was co-distributed with sulfur (mainly in S cells), and Fe was co-distributed with phosphate (mainly in B cells); (iii) XRF mapping revealed an intimate morphological relationship between the basal regions of adjacent S and B cells; (iv) molecular modelling and Fourier transform analyses indicated that Cu in the reduced Cu
+
state is mainly coordinated to thiol-rich ligands (Cu–S bond length 2.3 Å) in both cell types, while Fe in the oxidized Fe
3+
state is predominantly oxygen coordinated (estimated Fe–O bond length of approx. 2 Å), with an outer shell of Fe scatterers at approximately 3.05 Å; and (v) no significant differences occur in Cu or Fe speciation at key nodes in the apocrine cycle. Findings imply that S and B cells form integrated unit-pairs; a functional role for secretions from these cellular units in the digestion of recalcitrant dietary components is hypothesized.
The visual gamma response to faces reflects the presence of sensory evidence and not awareness of the stimulus
Authors: Perry Gavin
Published: March 2016

It has been suggested that gamma (30–100 Hz) oscillations mediate awareness of visual stimuli, but tests of this hypothesis have produced differing results. We used phase scrambling to vary the perceptibility of face stimuli in order to determine whether gamma is indeed linked to perceptual awareness. Magnetoencephalography was used to measure the gamma response in 25 participants while viewing three conditions in which faces were presented either above, below or at the threshold for detection. In each of 400 trials (100 each for the sub- and suprathreshold conditions, 200 for the threshold condition), participants indicated whether they perceived a face in the stimulus. Gamma-band activity during the task was localized to bilateral ventral occipito-temporal cortex. For the threshold condition, we failed to find a significant difference in gamma amplitude between trials in which a face was perceived relative to those in which no face was perceived. However, we did find that gamma amplitude was significantly increased for threshold relative to subthreshold stimuli and for suprathreshold relative to threshold stimuli. This leads us to conclude that the gamma response to faces is primarily modulated by the presence of sensory evidence of a face rather by perceptual awareness.
DNA barcoding to identify leaf preference of leafcutting bees
Authors: MacIvor J. Scott
Published: March 2016

Leafcutting bees (Megachile: Megachilidae) cut leaves from various trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses to partition and encase brood cells in hollow plant stems, decaying logs or in the ground. The identification of preferred plant species via morphological characters of the leaf fragments is challenging and direct observation of bees cutting leaves from certain plant species are difficult. As such, data are poor on leaf preference of leafcutting bees. In this study, I use DNA barcoding of the rcbL and ITS2 regions to identify and compare leaf preference of threeMegachilebee species widespread in Toronto, Canada. Nests were opened and one leaf piece from one cell per nest of the nativeM. pugnataSay (N=45 leaf pieces), and the introducedM. rotundataFabricius (N=64) andM. centuncularis(L.) (N=65) were analysed. From 174 individual DNA sequences, 54 plant species were identified. Preference byM. rotundatawas most diverse (36 leaf species,H′=3.08, phylogenetic diversity (pd)=2.97), followed byM. centuncularis(23 species,H′=2.38,pd=1.51) thenM. pugnata(18 species,H′=1.87,pd=1.22). Cluster analysis revealed significant overlap in leaf choice ofM. rotundataandM. centuncularis. There was no significant preference for native leaves, and onlyM. centuncularisshowed preference for leaves of woody plants over perennials. Interestingly, antimicrobial properties were present in all but six plants collected; all these were exotic plants and none were collected by the native bee,M. pugnata. These missing details in interpreting what bees need offers valuable information for conservation by accounting for necessary (and potentially limiting) nesting materials.
Food limitation of sea lion pups and the decline of forage off central and southern California
Authors: McClatchie Sam , Field John , Thompson Andrew R. , Gerrodette Tim , Lowry Mark , Fiedler Paul C. , Watson William , Nieto Karen M. , Vetter Russell D.
Published: March 2016

California sea lions increased from approximately 50 000 to 340 000 animals in the last 40 years, and their pups are starving and stranding on beaches in southern California, raising questions about the adequacy of their food supply. We investigated whether the declining sea lion pup weight at San Miguel rookery was associated with changes in abundance and quality of sardine, anchovy, rockfish and market squid forage. In the last decade off central California, where breeding female sea lions from San Miguel rookery feed, sardine and anchovy greatly decreased in biomass, whereas market squid and rockfish abundance increased. Pup weights fell as forage food quality declined associated with changes in the relative abundances of forage species. A model explained 67% of the variance in pup weights using forage from central and southern California and 81% of the variance in pup weights using forage from the female sea lion foraging range. A shift from high to poor quality forage for breeding females results in food limitation of the pups, ultimately flooding animal rescue centres with starving sea lion pups. Our study is unusual in using a long-term, fishery-independent dataset to directly address an important consequence of forage decline on the productivity of a large marine predator. Whether forage declines are environmentally driven, are due to a combination of environmental drivers and fishing removals, or are due to density-dependent interactions between forage and sea lions is uncertain. However, declining forage abundance and quality was coherent over a large area (32.5–38° N) for a decade, suggesting that trends in forage are environmentally driven.
From tissue to silicon to plastic: three-dimensional printing in comparative anatomy and physiology
Authors: Lauridsen Henrik , Hansen Kasper , Nørgård Mathias Ørum , Wang Tobias , Pedersen Michael
Published: March 2016

Comparative anatomy and physiology are disciplines related to structures and mechanisms in three-dimensional (3D) space. For the past centuries, scientific reports in these fields have relied on written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) illustrations, but in recent years 3D virtual modelling has entered the scene. However, comprehending complex anatomical structures is hampered by reproduction on flat inherently 2D screens. One way to circumvent this problem is in the production of 3D-printed scale models. We have applied computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to produce digital models of animal anatomy well suited to be printed on low-cost 3D printers. In this communication, we report how to apply such technology in comparative anatomy and physiology to aid discovery, description, comprehension and communication, and we seek to inspire fellow researchers in these fields to embrace this emerging technology.
Segregated water observed in a putative fish embryo cryopreservative
Authors: Kirichek O. , Soper A. K. , Dzyuba B. , Holt W. V.
Published: March 2016

Development of new cryopreservation strategies has major potential in medicine and agriculture and is critical to the conservation of endangered species that currently cannot be preserved. A critical property of any potential cryopreservative solution is its ability to prevent cell-damaging ice formation during cooling and subsequent heating. This study focuses on the freezing behaviour of promising model cryoprotective solutions. We perform neutron scattering analysis, combined with computer modelling, of the water structure after quench cooling these solutions. It is found that water in this solution forms nano-clusters encapsulated by the surrounding matrix of cryoprotectant solute molecules. We posit that these small volumes inhibit ice formation, because water does not have space for the structural relaxation required to crystallize on the timescale of the cooling process.
Beauty is in the efficient coding of the beholder
Authors: Renoult Julien P. , Bovet Jeanne , Raymond Michel
Published: March 2016

Sexual ornaments are often assumed to be indicators of mate quality. Yet it remains poorly known how certain ornaments are chosen before any coevolutionary race makes them indicative. Perceptual biases have been proposed to play this role, but known biases are mostly restricted to a specific taxon, which precludes evaluating their general importance in sexual selection. Here we identify a potentially universal perceptual bias in mate choice. We used an algorithm that models the sparseness of the activity of simple cells in the primary visual cortex (or V1) of humans when coding images of female faces. Sparseness was found positively correlated with attractiveness as rated by men and explained up to 17% of variance in attractiveness. Because V1 is adapted to process signals from natural scenes, in general, not faces specifically, our results indicate that attractiveness for female faces is influenced by a visual bias. Sparseness and more generally efficient neural coding are ubiquitous, occurring in various animals and sensory modalities, suggesting that the influence of efficient coding on mate choice can be widespread in animals.
Toroidal insulating inhomogeneity in an infinite space and related problems
Authors: Radi E. , Sevostianov I.
Published: March 2016

An analytic solution for the steady-state temperature distribution in an infinite conductive medium containing an insulated toroidal inhomogeneity and subjected to remotely applied uniform heat flux is obtained. The temperature flux on the torus surface is then determined as a function of torus parameters. This result is used to calculate the resistivity contribution tensor for the toroidal inhomogeneity required to evaluate the effective conductive properties of a material containing multiple inhomogeneities of this shape.
Response to commentary by Morawiec
Authors: Sutton A. P.
Published: March 2016

The points raised in Morawiec's commentary are considered carefully. The question of the shortest distance between two grain boundaries remains unresolved and requires further research.