bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic and Pathotypic Diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Strains in Taiwan
Authors: Deng Wen‐Ling , Lin Heng‐An , Shih Yu‐Cyuan , Kuo Chien‐Chih , Tzeng Jen‐Yu , Liu Li‐yu D. , Huang Shu‐Tzu , Huang Chi‐Ming , Chung Chia‐Lin
Published: June 2016

Rice bacterial leaf blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae [(Ishiyama) Swings et al. 1990] (Xoo), is a major rice disease of the second crop season in Taiwan. A total of 88 Xoo strains collected from 10 major rice cultivating areas in Taiwan from 1986, 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2011 were characterized by repetitive‐element PCR (REP‐PCR) fingerprinting and virulence analyses. Among the five genetic clusters identified by the pJEL1/pJEL2 (IS1112‐based) and REP1R‐Dt/REP2‐D [repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP)‐based] primer sets, clusters A, C and D contained Xoo strains from geographically distant regions, which suggests a high frequency of Xoo dispersal in Taiwan. The 88 Xoo strains were evaluated by inoculations on IRBB near‐isogenic lines and five Taiwan rice cultivars. A subset of 45 moderately or highly virulent strains were classified into 15 pathotypes by their compatible or incompatible reactions on IR24 and 12 IRBB near‐isogenic lines, each containing a single resistance gene. Analysis of molecular haplotypes and pathotypes revealed a partial relationship. IRBB5, IRBB21 and IRBB4 were incompatible with 96%, 96% and 73% of the strains, so xa5, Xa21 and Xa4 can recognize most of the Xoo strains in Taiwan and elicit resistance. In contrast, IRBB3 (Xa3), IRBB8 (xa8), IRBB10 (Xa10), IRBB11 (Xa11), IRBB13 (xa13) and IRBB14 (Xa14) were susceptible to almost all of the 45 Xoo strains. Inoculation trials revealed significant differences in the susceptibility of five Taiwan cultivars to Xoo (from high to low susceptibility: Taichung Sen 10 >  IR24, Taichung Native 1 >  Taichung 192, Taikeng 9, Tainan 11). This study provides useful information for resistance breeding and the development of disease management strategies against bacterial blight disease of rice.
Understanding Maternal Support for Autonomy in Young Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Gilmore Linda , Ryan Belinda , Cuskelly Monica , Gavidia‐Payne Susana
Published: June 2016

Prior research has highlighted the importance of supporting the autonomy of children with Down syndrome from early childhood. There is some evidence to suggest that mothers of children with Down syndrome are more directive than those whose children are developing typically. However, the factors that contribute to maternal autonomy supportive vs. directive behaviors are not well understood. The current study aimed to explore the value and importance that mothers place upon their child's autonomy, as well as the specific factors that influence the support they provide. Interviews were conducted with 14 mothers of young children with Down syndrome. It was revealed that mothers held aspirations for their children's future that included autonomy and independence; however, their capacity to promote autonomy was sometimes constrained by a range of child and family factors, as well as by their focus on developing skills for independent functioning. Understanding the factors that may constrain support for autonomy represents an essential step in the process of designing interventions for promoting maternal support for autonomy in families of children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Tree of life for the genera of Chinese vascular plants
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Duan , Yang Tuo , Lin Li , Lu Li‐Min , Li Hong‐Lei , Sun Miao , Liu Bing , Chen Min , Niu Yan‐Ting , Ye Jian‐Fei , Cao Zhi‐Yong , Liu Hong‐Mei , Wang Xiao‐Ming , Wang Wei , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Meng Zhen , Cao Wei , Li Jian‐Hui , Wu Sheng‐Dan , Zhao Hui‐Ling , Liu Zhong‐Jian , Du Zhi‐Yuan , Wang Qing‐Feng , Guo Jing , Tan Xin‐Xin , Su Jun‐Xia , Zhang Lin‐Jing , Yang Lei‐Lei , Liao Yi‐Ying , Li Ming‐He , Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Chung Shih‐Wen , Zhang Jian , Xiang Kun‐Li , Li Rui‐Qi , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Zhou Shi‐Liang , Ran Jin‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Quan , Jin Xiao‐Hua , Chen You‐Sheng , Gao Tian‐Gang , Li Jian‐Hua , Zhang Shou‐Zhou , Lu An‐Ming ,   China Phylogeny Consortium
Published: June 2016

We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree of Chinese vascular plants (Tracheophyta) using sequences of the chloroplast genes atpB, matK, ndhF, and rbcL and mitochondrial matR. We produced a matrix comprising 6098 species and including 13 695 DNA sequences, of which 1803 were newly generated. Our taxonomic sampling spanned 3114 genera representing 323 families of Chinese vascular plants, covering more than 93% of all genera known from China. The comprehensive large phylogeny supports most relationships among and within families recognized by recent molecular phylogenetic studies for lycophytes, ferns (monilophytes), gymnosperms, and angiosperms. For angiosperms, most families in Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV are supported as monophyletic, except for a paraphyletic Dipterocarpaceae and Santalaceae. The infrafamilial relationships of several large families and monophyly of some large genera are well supported by our dense taxonomic sampling. Our results showed that two species of Eberhardtia are sister to a clade formed by all other taxa of Sapotaceae, except Sarcosperma. We have made our phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants publically available for the creation of subtrees via SoTree (http://www.darwintree.cn/flora/index.shtml), an automated phylogeny assembly tool for ecologists.
Acceleration‐Based Automated Vehicle Classification on Mobile Bridges
Authors: Yeum Chul Min , Dyke Shirley J. , Basora Rovira Ricardo E. , Silva Christian , Demo Jeff
Published: June 2016

Mobile bridges have been used for a broad range of applications including military transportation or disaster restoration. Because mobile bridges are rapidly deployed under a wide variety of conditions, often remaining in place for just minutes to hours, and have irregular usage patterns, a detailed record of usage history is important for ensuring structural safety. To facilitate usage data collection in mobile bridges, a new acceleration‐based vehicle classification technique is proposed to automatically identify the class of each vehicle. Herein we present a new technique that is based on the premise that each class of vehicles produces distinctive dynamic patterns while crossing this mobile bridge, and those patterns can be extracted from the system's acceleration responses. Measured acceleration signals are converted to time–frequency images to extract two‐dimensional patterns. The Viola–Jones object detection algorithm is applied here to extract and classify those patterns. The effectiveness of the technique is investigated and demonstrated using laboratory and full‐scale mobile bridges by simulating realistic scenarios.
Global warming without global mean precipitation increase?
Authors: Salzmann Marc
Published: June 2016

Robust response of the hydrological cycle to aerosol has thus far suppressed global mean precipitation increase.
Gravel-bed river floodplains are the ecological nexus of glaciated mountain landscapes
Authors: Hauer F. Richard , Locke Harvey , Dreitz Victoria J. , Hebblewhite Mark , Lowe Winsor H. , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Nelson Cara R. , Proctor Michael F. , Rood Stewart B.
Published: June 2016

Gravel-bed rivers are disproportionately important to regional biodiversity, species interactions, connectivity, and conservation.
Modeling and Validation of the Ecological Behavior of Wild-Type Listeria monocytogenes and Stress-Resistant Variants
Authors: Metselaar Karin I. , Abee Tjakko , Zwietering Marcel H. , den Besten Heidy M. W.
Published: June 2016

Listeria monocytogenes
exhibits a heterogeneous response upon stress exposure which can be partially attributed to the presence of stable stress-resistant variants. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the presence of stress-resistant variants of
Listeria monocytogenes
and their corresponding trade-offs on population composition under different environmental conditions. A set of stress robustness and growth parameters of the wild type (WT) and an
rpsU
deletion variant was obtained and used to model their growth behavior under combined mild stress conditions and to model their kinetics under single- and mixed-strain conditions in a simulated food chain. Growth predictions for the WT and the
rpsU
deletion variant matched the experimental data generally well, although some deviations from the predictions were observed. The data highlighted the influence of the environmental conditions on the ratio between the WT and variant. Prediction of performance in the simulated food chain proved to be challenging. The trend of faster growth and lower stress robustness for the WT than for the
rpsU
variant in the different steps of the chain was confirmed, but especially for the inactivation steps and the time needed to resume growth after an inactivation step, the experimental data deviated from the model predictions. This report provides insights into the conditions which can select for stress-resistant variants in industrial settings and discusses their potential persistence in food processing environments.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
exhibits a heterogeneous stress response which can partially be attributed to the presence of genetic variants. These stress-resistant variants survive better under severe conditions but have, on the other hand, a reduced growth rate. To date, the ecological behavior and potential impact of the presence of stress-resistant variants is not fully understood. In this study, we quantitatively assessed growth and inactivation behavior of wild-type
L. monocytogenes
and its stress-resistant variants. Predictions were validated under different conditions, as well as along a model food chain. This work illustrates the effects of environmental factors on population dynamics of
L. monocytogenes
and is a first step in evaluating the impact of population diversity on food safety.
The Microbiota of Breast Tissue and Its Association with Breast Cancer
Authors: Urbaniak Camilla , Gloor Gregory B. , Brackstone Muriel , Scott Leslie , Tangney Mark , Reid Gregor
Published: June 2016

In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Along with genetics, the environment contributes to disease development, but what these exact environmental factors are remains unknown. We have previously shown that breast tissue is not sterile but contains a diverse population of bacteria. We thus believe that the host's local microbiome could be modulating the risk of breast cancer development. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we show that bacterial profiles differ between normal adjacent tissue from women with breast cancer and tissue from healthy controls. Women with breast cancer had higher relative abundances of
Bacillus
,
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Staphylococcus
.
Escherichia coli
(a member of the
Enterobacteriaceae
family) and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, isolated from breast cancer patients, were shown to induce DNA double-stranded breaks in HeLa cells using the histone-2AX (H2AX) phosphorylation (γ-H2AX) assay. We also found that microbial profiles are similar between normal adjacent tissue and tissue sampled directly from the tumor. This study raises important questions as to what role the breast microbiome plays in disease development or progression and how we can manipulate this for possible therapeutics or prevention.

IMPORTANCE
This study shows that different bacterial profiles in breast tissue exist between healthy women and those with breast cancer. Higher relative abundances of bacteria that had the ability to cause DNA damage
in vitro
were detected in breast cancer patients, as was a decrease in some lactic acid bacteria, known for their beneficial health effects, including anticarcinogenic properties. This study raises important questions as to the role of the mammary microbiome in modulating the risk of breast cancer development.
LsbB Bacteriocin Interacts with the Third Transmembrane Domain of the YvjB Receptor
Authors: Miljkovic Marija , Uzelac Gordana , Mirkovic Nemanja , Devescovi Giulia , Diep Dzung B. , Venturi Vittorio , Kojic Milan
Published: June 2016

The Zn-dependent membrane-located protease YvjB has previously been shown to serve as a target receptor for LsbB, a class II leaderless lactococcal bacteriocin. Although
yvjB
is highly conserved in the genus
Lactococcus
, the bacteriocin appears to be active only against the subspecies
L. lactis
subsp.
lactis
. Comparative analysis of the YvjB proteins of a sensitive strain (YvjB
MN
) and a resistant strain (YvjB
MG
) showed that they differ from each other in 31 positions. In this study, we applied site-directed mutagenesis and performed directed binding studies to provide biochemical evidence that LsbB interacts with the third transmembrane helix of YvjB in susceptible cells. The site-directed mutagenesis of LsbB and YvjB proteins showed that certain amino acids and the length of LsbB are responsible for the bacteriocin activity, most probably through adequate interaction of these two proteins; the essential amino acids in LsbB responsible for the activity are tryptophan (Trp
25
) and terminal alanine (Ala
30
). It was also shown that the distance between Trp
25
and terminal alanine is crucial for LsbB activity. The crucial region in YvjB for the interaction with LsbB is the beginning of the third transmembrane helix, particularly amino acids tyrosine (Tyr
356
) and alanine (Ala
353
).
In vitro
experiments showed that LsbB could interact with both YvjB
MN
and YvjB
MG
, but the strength of interaction is significantly less with YvjB
MG
.
In vivo
experiments with immunofluorescently labeled antibody demonstrated that LsbB specifically interacts only with cells carrying YvjB
MN
.

IMPORTANCE
The antimicrobial activity of LsbB bacteriocin depends on the correct interaction with the corresponding receptor in the bacterial membrane of sensitive cells. Membrane-located bacteriocin receptors have essential primary functions, such as cell wall synthesis or sugar transport, and it seems that interaction with bacteriocins is suicidal for cells. This study showed that the C-terminal part of LsbB is crucial for the bacteriocin activity, most probably through adequate interaction with the third transmembrane domain of the YvjB receptor. The conserved Tyr
356
and Ala
353
residues of YvjB are essential for the function of this Zn-dependent membrane-located protease as a bacteriocin receptor.
Elucidation of Taste- and Odor-Producing Bacteria and Toxigenic Cyanobacteria in a Midwestern Drinking Water Supply Reservoir by Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis
Authors: Otten Timothy G. , Graham Jennifer L. , Harris Theodore D. , Dreher Theo W.
Published: June 2016

While commonplace in clinical settings, DNA-based assays for identification or enumeration of drinking water pathogens and other biological contaminants remain widely unadopted by the monitoring community. In this study, shotgun metagenomics was used to identify taste-and-odor producers and toxin-producing cyanobacteria over a 2-year period in a drinking water reservoir. The sequencing data implicated several cyanobacteria, including
Anabaena
spp.,
Microcystis
spp., and an unresolved member of the order
Oscillatoriales
as the likely principal producers of geosmin, microcystin, and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), respectively. To further demonstrate this, quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting geosmin-producing
Anabaena
and microcystin-producing
Microcystis
were utilized, and these data were fitted using generalized linear models and compared with routine monitoring data, including microscopic cell counts, sonde-based physicochemical analyses, and assays of all inorganic and organic nitrogen and phosphorus forms and fractions. The qPCR assays explained the greatest variation in observed geosmin (adjusted
R
2
= 0.71) and microcystin (adjusted
R
2
= 0.84) concentrations over the study period, highlighting their potential for routine monitoring applications. The origin of the monoterpene cyclase required for MIB biosynthesis was putatively linked to a periphytic cyanobacterial mat attached to the concrete drinking water inflow structure. We conclude that shotgun metagenomics can be used to identify microbial agents involved in water quality deterioration and to guide PCR assay selection or design for routine monitoring purposes. Finally, we offer estimates of microbial diversity and metagenomic coverage of our data sets for reference to others wishing to apply shotgun metagenomics to other lacustrine systems.

IMPORTANCE
Cyanobacterial toxins and microbial taste-and-odor compounds are a growing concern for drinking water utilities reliant upon surface water resources. Specific identification of the microorganism(s) responsible for water quality degradation is often complicated by the presence of co-occurring taxa capable of producing these undesirable metabolites. Here we present a framework for how shotgun metagenomics can be used to definitively identify problematic microorganisms and how these data can guide the development of rapid genetic assays for routine monitoring purposes.
Survival, Biofilm Formation, and Growth Potential of Environmental and Enteric Escherichia coli Strains in Drinking Water Microcosms
Authors: Abberton Cathy L. , Bereschenko Ludmila , van der Wielen Paul W. J. J. , Smith Cindy J.
Published: June 2016

Escherichia coli
is the most commonly used indicator for fecal contamination in drinking water distribution systems (WDS). The assumption is that
E. coli
bacteria are of enteric origin and cannot persist for long outside their host and therefore act as indicators of recent contamination events. This study investigates the fate of
E. coli
in drinking water, specifically addressing survival, biofilm formation under shear stress, and regrowth in a series of laboratory-controlled experiments. We show the extended persistence of three
E. coli
strains (two enteric isolates and one soil isolate) in sterile and nonsterile drinking water microcosms at 8 and 17°C, with
T
90
(time taken for a reduction in cell number of 1 log
10
unit) values ranging from 17.4 ± 1.8 to 149 ± 67.7 days, using standard plate counts and a series of (reverse transcription-)quantitative PCR [(RT-)Q-PCR] assays targeting 16S rRNA,
tuf
,
uidA
, and
rodA
genes and transcripts. Furthermore, each strain was capable of attaching to a surface and replicating to form biofilm in the presence of nutrients under a range of shear stress values (0.6, 2.0, and 4.4 dynes [dyn] cm
−2
; BioFlux system; Fluxion); however, cell numbers did not increase when drinking water flowed over the biofilm (
P
> 0.05 by
t
test). Finally,
E. coli
regrowth within drinking water microcosms containing polyethylene PE-100 pipe wall material was not observed in the biofilm or water phase using a combination of culturing and Q-PCR methods for
E. coli
. The results of this work highlight that when
E. coli
enters drinking water it has the potential to survive and attach to surfaces but that regrowth within drinking water or biofilm is unlikely.

IMPORTANCE
The provision of clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to society. WDS deliver water to consumers via a vast network of pipes
. E. coli
is used as an indicator organism for recent contamination events based on the premise that it cannot survive for long outside its host. A key public health concern therefore arises around the fate of
E. coli
on entering a WDS; its survival, ability to form a biofilm, and potential for regrowth. In particular, if
E. coli
bacteria have the ability to incorporate and regrow within the pipe wall biofilm of a WDS, they could reinoculate the water at a later stage. This study sheds light on the fate of environmental and enteric strains of
E. coli
in drinking water showing extended survival, the potential for biofilm formation under shear stress, and importantly, that regrowth in the presence of an indigenous microbial community is unlikely.
Yersinia enterocolitica-Specific Infection by Bacteriophages TG1 and ϕR1-RT Is Dependent on Temperature-Regulated Expression of the Phage Host Receptor OmpF
Authors: Leon-Velarde Carlos G. , Happonen Lotta , Pajunen Maria , Leskinen Katarzyna , Kropinski Andrew M. , Mattinen Laura , Rajtor Monika , Zur Joanna , Smith Darren , Chen Shu , Nawaz Ayesha , Johnson Roger P. , Odumeru Joseph A. , Griffiths Mansel W. , Skurnik Mikael
Published: June 2016

Bacteriophages present huge potential both as a resource for developing novel tools for bacterial diagnostics and for use in phage therapy. This potential is also valid for bacteriophages specific for
Yersinia enterocolitica
. To increase our knowledge of
Y. enterocolitica
-specific phages, we characterized two novel yersiniophages. The genomes of the bacteriophages vB_YenM_TG1 (TG1) and vB_YenM_ϕR1-RT (ϕR1-RT), isolated from pig manure in Canada and from sewage in Finland, consist of linear double-stranded DNA of 162,101 and 168,809 bp, respectively. Their genomes comprise 262 putative coding sequences and 4 tRNA genes and share 91% overall nucleotide identity. Based on phylogenetic analyses of their whole-genome sequences and large terminase subunit protein sequences, a genus named
Tg1virus
within the family
Myoviridae
is proposed, with TG1 and ϕR1-RT (R1RT in the ICTV database) as member species. These bacteriophages exhibit a host range restricted to
Y. enterocolitica
and display lytic activity against the epidemiologically significant serotypes O:3, O:5,27, and O:9 at and below 25°C. Adsorption analyses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and OmpF mutants demonstrate that these phages use both the LPS inner core heptosyl residues and the outer membrane protein OmpF as phage receptors. Based on RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics, we also demonstrate that temperature-dependent infection is due to strong repression of OmpF at 37°C. In addition, ϕR1-RT was shown to be able to enter into a pseudolysogenic state. Together, this work provides further insight into phage-host cell interactions by highlighting the importance of understanding underlying factors which may affect the abundance of phage host receptors on the cell surface.

IMPORTANCE
Only a small number of bacteriophages infecting
Y. enterocolitica
, the predominant causative agent of yersiniosis, have been previously described. Here, two newly isolated
Y. enterocolitica
phages were studied in detail, with the aim of elucidating the host cell receptors required for infection. Our research further expands the repertoire of phages available for consideration as potential antimicrobial agents or as diagnostic tools for this important bacterial pathogen.
Regulation of Gene Expression in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 during Electron Acceptor Limitation and Bacterial Nanowire Formation
Authors: Barchinger Sarah E. , Pirbadian Sahand , Sambles Christine , Baker Carol S. , Leung Kar Man , Burroughs Nigel J. , El-Naggar Mohamed Y. , Golbeck John H.
Published: June 2016

In limiting oxygen as an electron acceptor, the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteriumShewanella oneidensisMR-1 rapidly forms nanowires, extensions of its outer membrane containing the cytochromes MtrC and OmcA needed for extracellular electron transfer. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was employed to determine differential gene expression over time from triplicate chemostat cultures that were limited for oxygen. We identified 465 genes with decreased expression and 677 genes with increased expression. The coordinated increased expression of heme biosynthesis, cytochrome maturation, and transport pathways indicates thatS. oneidensisMR-1 increases cytochrome production, including the transcription of genes encoding MtrA, MtrC, and OmcA, and transports these decaheme cytochromes across the cytoplasmic membrane during electron acceptor limitation and nanowire formation. In contrast, the expression of themtrAandmtrChomologsmtrFandmtrDeither remains unaffected or decreases under these conditions. TheompWgene, encoding a small outer membrane porin, has 40-fold higher expression during oxygen limitation, and it is proposed that OmpW plays a role in cation transport to maintain electrical neutrality during electron transfer. The genes encoding the anaerobic respiration regulator cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) and the extracytoplasmic function sigma factor RpoE are among the transcription factor genes with increased expression. RpoE might function by signaling the initial response to oxygen limitation. Our results show that RpoE activates transcription from promoters upstream ofmtrCandomcA. The transcriptome and mutant analyses ofS. oneidensisMR-1 nanowire production are consistent with independent regulatory mechanisms for extending the outer membrane into tubular structures and for ensuring the electron transfer function of the nanowires.

IMPORTANCEShewanella oneidensisMR-1 has the capacity to transfer electrons to its external surface using extensions of the outer membrane called bacterial nanowires. These bacterial nanowires link the cell's respiratory chain to external surfaces, including oxidized metals important in bioremediation, and explain whyS. oneidensiscan be utilized as a component of microbial fuel cells, a form of renewable energy. In this work, we use differential gene expression analysis to focus on which genes function to produce the nanowires and promote extracellular electron transfer during oxygen limitation. Among the genes that are expressed at high levels are those encoding cytochrome proteins necessary for electron transfer.Shewanellacoordinates the increased expression of regulators, metabolic pathways, and transport pathways to ensure that cytochromes efficiently transfer electrons along the nanowires.
Few-Layered MoS2 Nanostructures for Highly Efficient Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Li Dan , Li Jianwei , Han Caiqin , Zhao Xinsheng , Chu Haipeng , Lei Wenyan , Liu Xinjuan
Published: June 2016

Few-layered MoS2 nanostructures were successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method without the addition of any catalysts or surfactants. Their morphology, structure and photocatalytic activity were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectra and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. These results show that the MoS2 nanostructures synthesized at 180[Formula: see text]C exhibit an optimal visible light photocatalytic activity (99%) in the degradation of Rhodamine B owing to the relatively easier adsorption of pollutants, higher visible light absorption and lower electron–hole pair recombination.
Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Immunosensor Using Ferroferric Oxide–Manganese Dioxide–Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as Label for α-Fetoprotein Detection
Authors: Jian Wensi , Wang Chunping , Chen Zuanguang , Yu Yanyan , Sun Duanping , Han Liping , Shi Lijuan
Published: June 2016

A novel nonenzymatic electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for quantitative detection of [Formula: see text]-fetoprotein (AFP). The immunosensor was constructed by modifying gold electrode with electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide-carboxyl multi-walled carbon nanotube composites (ERGO–CMWCNTs) and electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for effective immobilization of primary antibody (Ab[Formula: see text]. Ferroferric oxide–manganese dioxide–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Fe3O4@MnO2–rGO) were designed as labels for signal amplification. On one hand, the excellent electroconductivity and outstanding electron transfer capability of ERGO–CMWCNTs/AuNPs improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. On the other hand, introduction of rGO could not only increase the specific surface area for immobilization of secondary antibody (Ab[Formula: see text] but also build a synergetic effect to reinforce the electrocatalytic properties of catalysts. Fe3O4@MnO2–rGO nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using AFP as a model analyte, the proposed sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01–50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] with a low detection limit of 5.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. Moreover, the Fe3O4@MnO2–rGO-based peroxidase mimetic system displayed an excellent analytical performance with low cost, satisfactory reproducibility and high selectivity, which could be further extended for detecting other disease-related biomarkers.
Twinkle overexpression prevents cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction by alleviating impaired mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Inoue Takahiro , Ikeda Masataka , Ide Tomomi , Fujino Takeo , Matsuo Yuka , Arai Shinobu , Saku Keita , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: June 2016

Cardiac rupture is a fatal complication after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the detailed mechanism underlying cardiac rupture after MI remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondria in the pathophysiology of cardiac rupture by analyzing Twinkle helicase overexpression mice (TW mice). Twinkle overexpression increased mtDNA copy number approximately twofold and ameliorated ischemic cardiomyopathy at day 28 after MI. Notably, Twinkle overexpression markedly prevented cardiac rupture and improved post-MI survival, accompanied by the suppression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the MI border area at day 5 after MI when cardiac rupture frequently occurs. Additionally, these cardioprotective effects of Twinkle overexpression were abolished in transgenic mice overexpressing mutant Twinkle with an in-frame duplication of amino acids 353–365, which resulted in no increases in mtDNA copy number. Furthermore, although apoptosis and oxidative stress were induced and mitochondria were damaged in the border area, these injuries were improved in TW mice. Further analysis revealed that mitochondrial biogenesis, including mtDNA copy number, transcription, and translation, was severely impaired in the border area at day 5. In contrast, Twinkle overexpression maintained mtDNA copy number and restored the impaired transcription and translation of mtDNA in the border area. These results demonstrated that Twinkle overexpression alleviated impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in the border area through maintained mtDNA copy number and thereby prevented cardiac rupture accompanied by the reduction of apoptosis and oxidative stress, and suppression of MMP activity.
Myocardial reverse remodeling after pressure unloading is associated with maintained cardiac mechanoenergetics in a rat model of left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Ruppert Mihály , Korkmaz-Icöz Sevil , Li Shiliang , Németh Balázs Tamás , Hegedűs Péter , Brlecic Paige , Mátyás Csaba , Zorn Markus , Merkely Béla , Karck Matthias , Radovits Tamás , Szabó Gábor
Published: June 2016

Pressure unloading represents the only effective therapy in increased afterload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as it leads to myocardial reverse remodeling (reduction of increased left ventricular mass, attenuated myocardial fibrosis) and preserved cardiac function. However, the effect of myocardial reverse remodeling on cardiac mechanoenergetics has not been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to provide a detailed hemodynamic characterization in a rat model of LVH undergoing pressure unloading. Pressure overload was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by abdominal aortic banding for 6 (AB 6th wk) or 12 wk (AB 12th wk). Sham-operated animals served as controls. Aortic debanding procedure was performed after the 6th experimental week (debanded 12th wk) to investigate the regression of LVH. Pressure unloading resulted in significant reduction of LVH (heart weight-to-tibial length ratio: 0.38 ± 0.01 vs. 0.58 ± 0.02 g/mm, cardiomyocyte diameter: 18.3 ± 0.1 vs. 24.1 ± 0.8 μm debanded 12th wk vs. AB 12th wk, P < 0.05), attenuated the extracellular matrix remodeling (Masson's score: 1.37 ± 0.13 vs. 1.73 ± 0.10, debanded 12th wk vs. AB 12th wk, P < 0.05), provided protection against the diastolic dysfunction, and reversed the maladaptive contractility augmentation (slope of end-systolic pressure-volume relationship: 1.39 ± 0.24 vs. 2.04 ± 0.09 mmHg/μl, P < 0.05 debanded 12th wk vs. AB 6th wk, P < 0.05). In addition, myocardial reverse remodeling was also associated with preserved ventriculoarterial coupling and increased mechanical efficiency (50.6 ± 2.8 vs. 38.9 ± 2.5%, debanded 12th wk vs. AB 12th wk, P < 0.05), indicating a complete functional and mechanoenergetic recovery. According to our best knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the regression of LVH is accompanied by maintained cardiac mechanoenergetics.
Parasite-related modification of mating behaviour and refuge use in the aquatic isopod Caecidotea intermedius: neurological correlates
Authors: Kopp Darin A. , Bierbower Sonya M. , Murphy Alexandrea D. , Mormann Kimberly , Sparkes Timothy C.
Published: June 2016

The acanthocephalanAcanthocephalus dirusis a trophically transmitted parasite that infects freshwater isopods as intermediate hosts and fish as definitive hosts. Using a laboratory-based experiment, we examined if parasite infection was associated with changes in mating behaviour, refuge use and neurochemical levels of infected isopods (Caecidotea intermedius). Infected isopods were less likely to engage in mating behaviour and more likely to be located in the open than uninfected isopods. Infected isopods also contained lower levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) and had a greater mass of neural tissue (CNS) than uninfected isopods. We propose that the parasite-related changes in mating behaviour and refuge use may be modulated by the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. We also suggest that the parasites could potentially be modulating these behavioural changes by exploiting the neural-immune system of the hosts through their neuroinflammatory responses.
Learning to assert themselves: Small states in asymmetrical dyads – two Scandinavian dogs barking at the Russian bear
Authors: Mellander Maria , Mouritzen Hans
Published: June 2016

By measuring foreign policy assertion, we document that Danish and Swedish Russia policies have fluctuated widely in the 21st century, as well as in relation to each other. Specifically, big assertion leaps took place in 2002 (Denmark) and 2008 (Sweden). Having conceptualised and operationalised small state assertion, we proceed to the explanation of these leaps. The same factor turns out to be the efficient explanation in both cases: an individual policy-maker’s so-called ‘lesson of the past’ – what he believes ‘history teaches us’. It is shown how existing theory of lessons of the past can contribute to the understanding of small state assertion in asymmetrical dyads, but only if the proper permissive circumstances are identified. First and foremost these amount to the presence of a reasonable foreign policy action space.
The psychic life of policy: Desire, anxiety and ‘citizenisation’ in Britain
Authors: Fortier Anne-Marie
Published: June 2016

This article empirically grounds the ‘psychic life of power’ (Butler, 1997) by demonstrating the psychic form that power takes as immigrants or agents of the state make their way through the British ‘citizenisation’ policy – i.e. the ‘integration’ policy that requires noncitizens to acquire ‘citizen-like’ skills and values in view of seeking citizenship or other statuses (e.g. settlement). The framing argument is that an ambivalent relationship between desire and anxiety mediates the state-citizen relationship (following Honig, 2001). Taking this argument further, the article offers an in-depth analysis of how citizenisation policy’s frames of desire (the assumed desirability of citizenship and the desire for desirable citizens) also take the form of anxieties. Drawing on a multi-sited study of citizenisation in Britain, the article explores some of the different forms anxiety takes: fetishisation, enervation, and uncertainty. The analysis reveals how the uneven distribution of anxiety between agents of the state and immigrants not only mediates the state–citizen relationship but also variously enacts the state itself. Attending to the psychosocial dynamics of citizenisation reveals how hierarchies are (re)produced not only discursively and materially, but also through different ‘anxious states’.
Towards more sustainable management of European food waste: Methodological approach and numerical application
Authors: Manfredi Simone , Cristobal Jorge
Published: June 2016

Trying to respond to the latest policy needs, the work presented in this article aims at developing a life-cycle based framework methodology to quantitatively evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of European food waste management options. The methodology is structured into six steps aimed at defining boundaries and scope of the evaluation, evaluating environmental and economic impacts and identifying best performing options. The methodology is able to accommodate additional assessment criteria, for example the social dimension of sustainability, thus moving towards a comprehensive sustainability assessment framework. A numerical case study is also developed to provide an example of application of the proposed methodology to an average European context. Different options for food waste treatment are compared, including landfilling, composting, anaerobic digestion and incineration. The environmental dimension is evaluated with the software EASETECH, while the economic assessment is conducted based on different indicators expressing the costs associated with food waste management. Results show that the proposed methodology allows for a straightforward identification of the most sustainable options for food waste, thus can provide factual support to decision/policy making. However, it was also observed that results markedly depend on a number of user-defined assumptions, for example on the choice of the indicators to express the environmental and economic performance.
The Mediating Role of School Motivation in Linking Student Victimization and Academic Achievement
Authors: Fan Weihua , Dempsey Allison G.
Published: June 2016

This study examined the mediating role of student school motivation in linking student victimization experiences and academic achievement among a nationally representative sample of students in 10th grade. Structural equation modeling supported that there were significant associations between student victimization and academic achievement for high school students. Give these significant associations, identification of the cognitive mechanisms that underlie these relationships is critical to understanding the plight of repeated victims. Our results indicated that students who reported frequent peer victimization also reported reduced school motivation (self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation), resulting in lower achievement in both reading and math. These pathways existed after accounting for differences in achievement that may be due to socioeconomic status and gender.
The Impact of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 on Trends in Federal Sex Trafficking Cases
Authors: Judge Shana M. , Boursaw Blake
Published: June 2016

In this study, we addressed the need for empirical research on human trafficking by compiling unique data relating to criminal charges filed in federal judicial districts and using these data to examine trends in sex trafficking-related cases, as well as the impact on those trends of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). Results from our regression models indicate that the proportion of all charges filed by federal prosecutors that involved sex trafficking and related cases increased significantly between 1994 and 2007. The rate of increase, however, slowed in the time period following the passage of the TVPA, suggesting that the TVPA may have helped to mitigate increases in new cases. In addition, our results show statistically significant inverse relationships between immigration and sex trafficking-related charges filed, providing new evidence to support the possibility that some sex trafficking-related cases may be being prosecuted as immigration cases instead.
The crime of innocence and the depths of sorriness: Notes on apologies and reparations in the United States
Authors: Benson Peter
Published: June 2016

In this article, I reflect on apologies and reparations as these themes relate to “sorriness,” a vernacular discourse which attributes blame for social problems onto African Americans. Drawing on an anthropological case study of White tobacco growers in North Carolina, I show how talk of sorriness reflects an emphasis on personal responsibility that is widespread in American culture and helps to legitimize punitive public policies and constrain efforts to address an astonishing wealth gap. Extending a critical analysis of how aspects of American culture impede apologies and reparations to specifically examine a dynamic of racialization that colors meanings and models of citizenship and status in tobacco country, I assess a textual economy of how saying “sorry” does something other than apologize and connect an intensive case study to a critique of how a broad culture of whiteness has a hard time with apologies and reparations. This article addresses the construction of American “innocence” on multiple levels and speaks to the politics of race and innocence amid deep historical burdens and debates and contestations that arise around affirmative action and reparations in the United States.
Delayed Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Missed, Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries
Authors: Cassinelli Spenser J. , Moss Lewis K. , Lee David C. , Phillips Jayme , Harris Thomas G.
Published: June 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of delayed presentation (at least 6 weeks from the time of injury) of low-energy Lisfranc injuries limited to the first and second tarsometatarsal joints treated with open reduction internal fixation.

Methods:

8 patients with an average age at surgery of 39.8 years were retrospectively reviewed with a mean time to surgery from injury of 15.1 (range of 6.3 to 31.1) weeks. We used radiographic measurements, physical examination, SF-12 scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, VAS scores and return to work or sports as outcome measures. Patients were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation as opposed to a formal arthrodesis with a variety of internal fixation. All 8 patients were available for follow-up and outcome reporting at an average of 3.1 years (minimum 2.0) postoperatively.

Results:

The mean VAS improved from 8.5 to 2.8 postoperatively. The mean postoperative physical and mental SF-12 scores were 46.8 and 57.1, respectively. The mean postoperative overall and sports FAAM scores were 75.4 and 65.9, respectively. There were no radiographic signs of a late diastasis at the Lisfranc joint. All patients including 2 workers compensation cases returned to work and all were able to return to their prior sporting activity.

Conclusion:

A delayed open reduction internal fixation of patients with missed, low-energy Lisfranc injury was performed and resulted in decreased pain. In this series, a fair to good functional outcome was observed, and the ability to return to work or previous sport was possible for all patients studied.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Process Tracing and Bayesian Updating for impact evaluation
Authors: Befani Barbara , Stedman-Bryce Gavin
Published: June 2016

Commissioners of impact evaluation often place great emphasis on assessing the contribution made by a particular intervention in achieving one or more outcomes, commonly referred to as a ‘contribution claim’. Current theory-based approaches fail to provide evaluators with guidance on how to collect data and assess how strongly or weakly such data support contribution claims. This article presents a rigorous quali-quantitative approach to establish the validity of contribution claims in impact evaluation, with explicit criteria to guide evaluators in data collection and in measuring confidence in their findings. Coined ‘Contribution Tracing’, the approach is inspired by the principles of Process Tracing and Bayesian Updating, and attempts to make these accessible, relevant and applicable by evaluators. The Contribution Tracing approach, aided by a symbolic ‘contribution trial’, adds value to impact evaluation theory-based approaches by: reducing confirmation bias; improving the conceptual clarity and precision of theories of change; providing more transparency and predictability to data-collection efforts; and ultimately increasing the internal validity and credibility of evaluation findings, namely of qualitative statements. The approach is demonstrated in the impact evaluation of the Universal Health Care campaign, an advocacy campaign aimed at influencing health policy in Ghana.
Playing hard: Young men’s experiences of drinking in inner-city Melbourne
Authors: Murphy Dean A. , Wilson James C. , Moore David
Published: June 2016

In recent years, the concept of ‘calculated hedonism’ has dominated sociological understandings of young people’s drinking practices. However, while contributing some important insights, this conceptualisation has not sufficiently considered the affective and embodied aspects of alcohol consumption. Our analysis explores the meanings and understandings of alcohol consumption among male participants in an 18-month study of young adults living in inner-city Melbourne. Data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews and participant observation during drinking events. We draw on Roger Caillois’ notion of ‘play’ to analyse sessional drinking among these men. The four categories of play identified by Callois – competition, chance, simulation and vertigo – were all present in the accounts of these men’s drinking practices. This analysis offers a way of conceptualising men’s alcohol consumption in more nuanced ways that acknowledge the affective and embodied aspects of drinking as part of pleasure-seeking.
An investigation of unpaid crowdsourcing
Authors: Borromeo Ria Mae , Toyama Motomichi
Published: June 2016

The continual advancement of internet technologies has led to the evolution of how individuals and organizations operate. For example, through the internet, we can now tap a remote workforce to help us accomplish certain tasks, a phenomenon called crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is an approach that relies on people to perform activities that are costly or time-consuming using traditional methods. Depending on the incentive given to the crowd workers, crowdsourcing can be classified as paid or unpaid. In paid crowdsourcing, the workers are incentivized financially, enabling the formation of a robust workforce, which allows fast completion of tasks. Consequently, in unpaid crowdsourcing, the lack of financial incentive potentially leads to an unpredictable workforce and indeterminable task completion time. However, since payment to workers is not necessary, it can be an economical alternative for individuals and organizations who are more concerned about the budget than the task turnaround time. In this study, we explore unpaid crowdsourcing by reviewing crowdsourcing applications where the crowd comes from a pool of volunteers. We also evaluate its performance in sentiment analysis and data extraction projects. Our findings suggest that for such tasks, unpaid crowdsourcing completes slower but yields results of similar or higher quality compared to its paid counterpart.