bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifatigue effects of troxerutin on exercise endurance capacity, oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels in trained male rats
Authors: Zamanian Mohammad , Hajizadeh Mohammad R. , Esmaeili Nadimi Ali , Shamsizadeh Ali , Allahtavakoli Mohammad
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of troxerutin (TRX) on endurance capacity, oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels in trained male rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The control (Vehicle) and exercise training (5 days/week) with vehicle treatment (Exercise), exercise training with TRX treatment at 75 (Ex‐TRX75), 150 (Ex‐TRX150), and 300 mg/kg (Ex‐TRX300). The treated groups received TRX by gavage every day while the other groups received water for 30 days. On the 30th day, rats were sacrificed immediately after exhaustive swimming test, and some biochemical parameters were measured. Exhaustion swimming time in the Ex‐TRX75, Ex‐TRX150 and Ex‐TRX300 groups significantly increased 1.2‐, 1.93‐ and 2.1‐fold compared to the vehicle group, respectively. TRX significantly increased glucose level (P < 0.05) and reduced creatine kinase activity (P < 0.001) compared to the vehicle and exercise groups. TRX300 significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities (P < 0.05) and blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05) and MMP‐9 levels (P < 0.05) compared to the vehicle and exercise groups. Additionally, TRX300 and TRX150 significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity compared to the vehicle group (P < 0.05). Our results provide experimental evidence in supporting clinical use of TRX as an effective agent against fatigue.
Native brook trout and invasive rainbow trout respond differently to seasonal weather variation: Spawning timing matters
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Kulp Matt A. , Moore Stephen E. , Grossman Gary D.
Published: February 2017

Salmonids have been introduced globally, and native and invasive salmonids co‐exist in many regions. However, their responses to seasonal weather variation and global climate change are poorly known.

The aim of this study was to compare effects of inter‐annual variation in seasonal weather patterns on native brook trout (BKT) (Salvelinus fontinalis) versus invasive rainbow trout (RBT) (Oncorhynchus mykiss) abundance using summer electrofishing data (May through September) spanning 28 years in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A. (c. 200 stream sites per species). In particular, we tested if different spawning timing between BKT (autumn) and RBT (late winter) would result in heterogeneous population responses to high seasonal precipitation, which would negatively affect early life stages with impaired swimming ability.

As predicted, young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) abundance of autumn‐spawning BKT was most strongly impacted by total precipitation between February and March, and RBT YOY abundance was most strongly impacted by peak precipitation between April and May. Despite the presence of these different key seasonal drivers, inter‐annual variation in YOY density of these two species was positively correlated because precipitation in April and May also impacted the abundance of BKT YOY.

Adult abundance was less responsive to weather variation than YOY abundance, and was most strongly correlated with YOY abundance in the previous year, indicating the importance of flow‐driven population control influences on early life stages affecting population sizes into subsequent years. Adult BKT densities were not affected by any weather covariate, whereas adult RBT densities were correlated with four weather covariates in competing models. As a result, there was no correlation in the inter‐annual variation in adult density in these two species.

The differing responses of BKT and RBT to long‐term seasonal weather patterns suggest that they will likely respond differently to global climate change. In particular, winter precipitation will likely be the key environmental driver of differences in their population responses.
Animal pee in the sea: consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics in the world's changing oceans
Authors: Allgeier Jacob E. , Burkepile Deron E. , Layman Craig A.
Published: February 2017

Humans have drastically altered the abundance of animals in marine ecosystems via exploitation. Reduced abundance can destabilize food webs, leading to cascading indirect effects that dramatically reorganize community structure and shift ecosystem function. However, the additional implications of these top‐down changes for biogeochemical cycles via consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics (CND) are often overlooked in marine systems, particularly in coastal areas. Here, we review research that underscores the importance of this bottom‐up control at local, regional, and global scales in coastal marine ecosystems, and the potential implications of anthropogenic change to fundamentally alter these processes. We focus attention on the two primary ways consumers affect nutrient dynamics, with emphasis on implications for the nutrient capacity of ecosystems: (1) the storage and retention of nutrients in biomass, and (2) the supply of nutrients via excretion and egestion. Nutrient storage in consumer biomass may be especially important in many marine ecosystems because consumers, as opposed to producers, often dominate organismal biomass. As for nutrient supply, we emphasize how consumers enhance primary production through both press and pulse dynamics. Looking forward, we explore the importance of CDN for improving theory (e.g., ecological stoichiometry, metabolic theory, and biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships), all in the context of global environmental change. Increasing research focus on CND will likely transform our perspectives on how consumers affect the functioning of marine ecosystems.
Sustainable intensification in the production of grass and forage crops in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe
Authors: Reheul D. , Cougnon M. , Kayser M. , Pannecoucque J. , Swanckaert J. , De Cauwer B. , van den Pol‐van Dasselaar A. , De Vliegher A.
Published: February 2017

Production of grass and fodder crops in areas under intensive production systems in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe faces a number of threats related to increased regulations, scarcity of land and restricted freedom of use of the land, and from climate change. Grassland‐based farmers are pushed to do more with less, i.e., to improve eco‐efficiency, and this requires “more knowledge per ha.” This article argues that progress in variety breeding, the application of crop rotation instead of monocultures, a proper use of catch crops, ley‐arable farming and overall good management offer realistic opportunities to cope with current threats. A large capacity for mechanization also allows improvement of net yields per ha. This article highlights that progress in plant breeding has compensated for yield declines caused by nutrient‐input restrictions in forage maize (Zea mays L.). Both forage maize and grass–clover can take advantages of ley‐arable farming, and crop rotation provides an insurance against the effects of low‐yielding years and a buffer for reduced nutrient inputs.
The effect of preoperative submucosal administration of tramadol on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block on mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: De Pedro‐Muñoz A. , Mena‐Álvarez J.
Published: February 2017

Aim

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial was designed to improve the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) by means of preoperative submucosal administration of 50 mg tramadol.

Methodology

Forty‐two patients with a mandibular molar diagnosed with SIP took part in the trial. Patients were assigned randomly to one of two groups: tramadol group (n = 21), who received 50 mg tramadol in 1 mL by mandibular infiltration, and a placebo group (n = 21), who received 1 mL of normal saline administered to the affected tooth by the same means. Ten minutes later, all patients received an IANB with 4% articaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000. A 10‐min waiting time was established after local anaesthetic (LA) administration before carrying out three consecutive tests to assess anaesthesia of the pulp, that is two consecutive negative responses to an electric pulp test, positive or negative response to a cold test and no pain during access cavity preparation. IANB was considered successful only if the patient did not experience pain arising from these tests. Data were analysed by the Chi‐squared frequency test and the Fisher's exact test, for qualitative variables, Mann–WhitneyU‐test for independent samples and two‐wayanovafor more than two independent samples.

Results

In the tramadol group IANB was achieved successfully in 57% of the sample, whilst the placebo group obtained 29%. The difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.06). When performing endodontic access, the anaesthetic success rate was significantly in favour of tramadol (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Preoperative submucosal administration of 50 mg tramadol in mandibular molars with SIP significantly improved the success of IANB using 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine during access cavity preparation in comparison with a placebo.
Craniosynostosis, delayed closure of the fontanelle, anal, genitourinary, and skin abnormalities (CDAGS syndrome): first report in a Mexican patient and review of the literature
Authors: Pastrana‐Ayala Rodrigo , Peña‐Castro Gretty L. , Valencia‐Herrera Adriana M. , Mena‐Cedillos Carlos A. , Toussaint‐Caire Sonia , Akaki‐Carreño Yumiko I. , García‐Delgado Constanza , Morán‐Barroso Veronica F. , Toledo‐Bahena Mirna
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Craniosynostosis and clavicular hypoplasia, delayed closure of the fontanelle, cranial defects, anal and genitourinary abnormalities, and skin (CDAGS), is an infrequent autosomal recessive entity with only 10 cases reported; no associated gene has been identified so far.

Case Report

The proband is a 2‐year‐old Mexican female with brachycephaly, cleft palate, anal malformation with rectovestibular fistula, and clinodactyly of the third toe overlapping the second. At 4 months of age, she developed a disseminated dermatosis with erythematous scaly nummular plaques, elevated keratotic sharp borders with thin to broad flaking, hematic crusts, and keratotic surface in others. The lesions were slightly pruritic and began at the lower limbs with posterior dissemination to the upper limbs, head, and trunk; palms and soles were unaffected. A skin biopsy showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, and perivascular inflammatory infiltration in the upper reticular dermis among other alterations. She also presented mild bilateral neurosensory hypoacusia and enamel dysplasia. Her karyotype was normal. Treatment with topical hydrating creams partially improved the skin lesions at their center, while the sharply keratotic borders remained, giving a clinical resemblance to porokeratosis.

Discussion

The patient suffers from CDAGS syndrome but has normal development, and feet abnormality was described in only one other patient. The treatment with topical hydrating creams improved the skin lesions at their center, while porokeratotic characteristics persisted. CDAGS remains a diagnostic challenge; a comparison with previously reported cases is discussed. The timely detection of the syndrome will allow early treatment that may improve the condition of the patients.
Local governments' efficiency: a systematic literature review—part I
Authors: Narbón‐Perpiñá Isabel , De Witte Kristof
Published: February 2017

The efficient management of the available resources in local governments has been a topic of high interest in the field of public sector. We provide an extensive and comprehensive review of the existing literature on local governments' efficiency from a global point of view, covering all articles from 1990 to August 2016. This paper is the first of two. It covers the basic aspects related to local governments' efficiency measurement not taking into account the effect of environmental conditions. First, we show a detailed overview of the studies investigating public sector efficiency across various countries, comparing the data and samples employed, and the main results obtained. Second, we describe which techniques have been used for measuring efficiency in the context of local governments. Third, we summarize the inputs and outputs used. Finally, we discuss some operative directions and considerations for further research in the field.
An iterative biased‐randomized heuristic for the fleet size and mix vehicle‐routing problem with backhauls
Authors: Belloso Javier , Juan Angel A. , Faulin Javier
Published: February 2017

This paper analyzes the fleet mixed vehicle‐routing problem with backhauls, a rich and realistic variant of the popular vehicle‐routing problem in which both delivery and pick‐up customers are served from a central depot using a heterogeneous and configurable fleet of vehicles. After a literature review on the issue and a detailed description of the problem, a solution based on a multistart biased‐randomized heuristic is proposed. Our algorithm uses an iterative method that relies on solving a series of smaller instances of the homogeneous‐fleet version of the problem and then using these subsolutions as partial solutions for the original heterogeneous instance. In order to better guide the exploration of the solutions space, the algorithm employs several biased‐randomized processes: a first one for selecting a vehicle type; a second one for sorting the savings list; and a third one to define the number of routes that must be selected from the homogenous‐fleet subsolution. The computational experiments show that our approach is competitive and able to provide 20 new best‐known solutions for a 36‐instance benchmark recently proposed in the literature.
Local governments' efficiency: a systematic literature review—part II
Authors: Narbón‐Perpiñá Isabel , De Witte Kristof
Published: February 2017

The efficient management of the available resources in local governments has been a topic of high interest in the field of public sector. We provide an extensive and comprehensive review of the existing literature on local governments' efficiency from a global point of view, covering all articles from 1990 to August 2016. This paper is the second of two. It covers the aspects related to local governments' efficiency measurement along with its determinants, that is, taking into account the effect of environmental variables over efficiency. First, we describe which techniques have been used to incorporate environmental variables in the context of local governments. Second, we provide a classification for the determinants used and summarize their impact on efficiency. Finally, we discuss some operative directions and considerations for further research in the field.
Melatonin may exert a protective role against drought stress in maize
Authors: Fleta‐Soriano E. , Díaz L. , Bonet E. , Munné‐Bosch S.
Published: February 2017

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5methoxytryptamine) is an amphiphilic low‐molecular‐weight compound found in evolutionary distant living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. It can be synthesized by plants and acts as a potent antioxidant and/or a regulator of plant growth and development. Here, we investigated the role of melatonin in plant response to drought stress and recovery in maize (Zea mays L.) plants, with an emphasis on its possible photoprotective and antioxidant role and/or signalling function in relation to the stress‐related phytohormones, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. Results show a positive correlation between endogenous contents of melatonin and photoprotection, as indicated by the maximum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm ratio), which was confirmed further by exogenous application of melatonin during recovery from drought stress. Melatonin applications during drought recovery improved the Fv/Fm ratio in maize plants exposed to a subsequent drought stress. Furthermore, endogenous contents of melatonin positively correlated with those of stress‐related phytohormones, particularly with those of salicylic acid, although exogenous application of melatonin did not alter the contents of these defence compounds. It is concluded that melatonin can exert a defensive role in maize plants exposed to drought stress, particularly improving the efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry.
Effects of water vapor on the oxidation and the fracture strength of SiC layer in TRISO fuel particles
Authors: Cao Fangcheng , Hao Wei , Wang Xin , Guo Fangwei , Zhao Xiaofeng , Rohbeck Nadia , Xiao Ping
Published: February 2017

Steam oxidation of silicon carbide (SiC) layer in nuclear fuel particles were performed in flowing argon‐water vapor mixture with a total pressure of 1 bar at 1173‐1673 K. Both the phase composition and the microstructure of the oxide scale on the SiC layer varied with the oxidation temperature. Reaction rates of water vapor with the SiC layer were determined by measuring the oxide scale thickness. It was found that the oxidation of SiC layer follows the parabolic law. The activation energy was calculated to be 103±11 kJ/mol. It is proposed that the rate determine step of the oxidation is the diffusion of water vapor molecules in the oxide scale. The fracture strength of SiC shell after steam oxidation was evaluated using a crush test. The fracture strength decreased with the increase in the oxidation temperature due to the thinning of the SiC layer.
Improving vision awareness in autism services: Evaluation of a dedicated education programme for support practitioners
Authors: Long Joseph J. , Butchart Maggie , Brown Michael , Bain Janice , McMillan Anne , Karatzias Thanos
Published: February 2017

Background

The research reported here sought to evaluate whether a dedicated education programme in vision awareness improved the knowledge and skills of autism support practitioners in identifying visual impairment in autistic people with intellectual disabilities and providing better support to those individuals identified as visually impaired.

Methods

Researchers undertook a mixed methods evaluation. A survey questionnaire was devised and administered before and after training and focus groups were undertaken in order to gain qualitative data relating how practitioners implemented their learning in practice.

Results

Knowledge confidence and practice confidence scores of participants were significantly improved by the programme, which maintained its impact one year on. Practitioners reported increased access to optometry, changes to support practice and improvements to service environments as a result of the training.

Conclusion

Autism support practitioners’ skills in identifying and supporting people with visual impairments were demonstrably enhanced through dedicated vision training.
The value of reflectance confocal microscopy in diagnosis of flat pigmented facial lesions: a prospective study
Authors: Wurm E. , Pellacani G. , Longo C. , Soyer H.P. , Gonzalez S. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Ahlgrimm‐Siess V. , Guitera P. , Sinz C. , Kittler H.
Published: February 2017

Background

Flat pigmented facial lesions are difficult to diagnose even with dermatoscopy. It is controversial how additional information obtained by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) impacts the diagnosis and management.

Objective

To examine what in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of flat pigmented facial lesions adds to clinical examination using dermatoscopy including digital dermatoscopic monitoring.

Methods

We prospectively collected 70 cases of flat pigmented facial lesions and recorded diagnoses and management decisions by experts based on direct clinical examination aided by dermatoscopy including digital dermatoscopic monitoring and by remote experts who reviewed the corresponding confocal images. The expert confocal readers were blinded to the clinical and dermatoscopic appearance of the lesion.

Results

The sensitivity of dermatoscopy plus digital dermatoscopic monitoring was 95.0% (95% CI 75.13% to 99.87%) and the specificity was 84.0% (95% CI 70.89% to 92.83%). The sensitivity of RCM was 95.0% (95% CI 75.13% to 99.87%) and the specificity was 82.0% (95% CI 68.56% to 91.42%).

Conclusion

Although most flat pigmented facial lesions can be managed by clinical examination and dermatoscopy alone, confocal microscopy is a useful adjunct in selected lesions. If RCM is not correlated with clinical and dermatoscopic information, there is risk of overdiagnosis of actinic keratosis, however.
Evaluation of repellents for the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, vector of the laurel wilt pathogen
Authors: Hughes M. A. , Martini X. , Kuhns E. , Colee J. , Mafra‐Neto A. , Stelinski L. L. , Smith J. A.
Published: February 2017

The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, is the vector of the laurel wilt disease fungal pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola. Since the vector's initial detection in the USA in the early 2000s, laurel wilt has killed millions of redbay, Persea borbonia, trees and other members of the plant family Lauraceae. To protect host trees from beetle attack and laurel wilt infection, we tested the efficacy of host‐ and non‐host‐derived and commercial compounds as X. glabratus repellents in field experiments. In our first trial, the major constituents of the non‐host tree, longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, and SPLAT Verb (verbenone 10%) were paired with manuka oil attractants and beetle captures were counted. Verbenone and a 1 : 1 blend of myrcene and camphene were intermediate to both the manuka positive and blank negative controls. Subsequently, we tested different blends of methyl salicylate (MeSA), a host defence and signalling compound, and verbenone in SPLAT dispensers using freshly cut redbay bolts as an attractant. All treatments reduced X. glabratus captures and boring holes as compared to the redbay (‐) repellent positive control; however, SPLAT Verb and SPLAT MeSA‐Verb (5% each) achieved the highest repellency, with results comparable to that of the non‐host (laurel oak). These trials establish that host‐derived and commercially available repellent compounds can reduce X. glabratus attacks and therefore have potential as part of an integrated management strategy against laurel wilt and its vector.
Expression pattern and ligand‐binding properties of odorant‐binding protein 13 from Monochamus alternatus hope
Authors: Li N. , Sun X. , Wang M.‐Q.
Published: February 2017

Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are believed to play an important role in olfactory recognition. In this study, expression pattern and fluorescence binding characteristics of MaltOBP13 from the Japanese pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus Hope, were investigated via qPCR analysis of MaltOBP13 mRNA level and binding assay of MaltOBP13 and ligands. qPCR monitoring indicated MaltOBP13 mainly expressed in newly emerged males, particularly highly expressed in the last abdominal segment of males, and the expression level was significantly higher in 13‐day‐old mated adults than those of other stages. To further understand the function of the MaltOBP13 protein in odorant reception, the binding affinity of recombinant MaltOBP13 to ligands was tested by fluorescence binding assays with N‐phenyl‐1‐naphthylamine as a fluorescent probe. The results of this assay indicated that MaltOBP13 exhibited a high binding affinity for pine volatiles and binding capacity was higher in acidic conditions than in neutral environment, indicating a possible role in finding host plants.
Association between gastric cancer and the Kyoto classification of gastritis
Authors: Shichijo Satoki , Hirata Yoshihiro , Niikura Ryota , Hayakawa Yoku , Yamada Atsuo , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim

Histological gastritis is associated with gastric cancer, but its diagnosis requires biopsy. Many classifications of endoscopic gastritis are available, but not all are useful for risk stratification of gastric cancer. The Kyoto Classification of Gastritis was proposed at the 85th Congress of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. This cross‐sectional study evaluated the usefulness of the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis for risk stratification of gastric cancer.

Methods

From August 2013 to September 2014, esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and the gastric findings evaluated according to the Kyoto Classification of Gastritis in a total of 4062 patients. The following five endoscopic findings were selected based on previous reports: atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, enlarged folds, nodularity, and diffuse redness.

Results

A total of 3392 patients (1746 [51%] men and 1646 [49%] women) were analyzed. Among them, 107 gastric cancers were diagnosed. Atrophy was found in 2585 (78%) and intestinal metaplasia in 924 (27%). Enlarged folds, nodularity, and diffuse redness were found in 197 (5.8%), 22 (0.6%), and 573 (17%), respectively. In univariate analyses, the severity of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, diffuse redness, age, and male sex were associated with gastric cancer. In a multivariate analysis, atrophy and male sex were found to be independent risk factors. Younger age and severe atrophy were determined to be associated with diffuse‐type gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Endoscopic detection of atrophy was associated with the risk of gastric cancer. Thus, patients with severe atrophy should be examined carefully and may require intensive follow‐up.
Segmentation of digitized histological sections for quantification of the muscularized vasculature in the mouse hind limb
Authors: XU YIWEN , PICKERING J. GEOFFREY , NONG ZENGXUAN , WARD AARON D.
Published: February 2017

Immunohistochemical tissue staining enhances microvasculature characteristics, including the smooth muscle in the medial layer of the vessel walls that is responsible for regulation of blood flow. The vasculature can be imaged in a comprehensive fashion using whole‐slide scanning. However, since each such image potentially contains hundreds of small vessels, manual vessel delineation and quantification is not practically feasible. In this work, we present a fully automatic segmentation and vasculature quantification algorithm for whole‐slide images. We evaluated its performance on tissue samples drawn from the hind limbs of wild‐type mice, stained for smooth muscle using 3,3'‐Diaminobenzidine (DAB) immunostain. The algorithm was designed to be robust to vessel fragmentation due to staining irregularity, and artefactual staining of nonvessel objects. Colour deconvolution was used to isolate the DAB stain for detection of vessel wall fragments. Complete vessels were reconstructed from the fragments by joining endpoints of topological skeletons. Automatic measures of vessel density, perimeter, wall area and local wall thickness were taken. The segmentation algorithm was validated against manual measures, resulting in a Dice similarity coefficient of 89%. The relationships observed between these measures were as expected from a biological standpoint, providing further reinforcement of the accuracy of this system. This system provides a fully automated and accurate means of measuring the arteriolar and venular morphology of vascular smooth muscle.
Characterization of the μ and P phase precipitates in the CMSX‐4 single crystal superalloy
Authors: DUBIEL B. , INDYKA P. , MOSKALEWICZ T. , KRUK A. , ZUBKO M. , KALEMBA‐REC I. , BERENT K.
Published: February 2017

A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning‐transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using high‐angle annular‐dark‐field (HAADF) imaging, focussed ion beam‐ scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography, selected area electron diffraction with beam precession (PED), as well as spatially resolved energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), was used to investigate topologically close‐packed (TCP) phases, occurring in the CMSX‐4 superalloy subjected to high temperature annealing and creep deformation. Structural and chemical analyses were performed to identify the TCP phases and provide information concerning the compositional partitioning of elements between them. The results of SEM and FIB‐SEM tomography revealed the presence of merged TCP particles, which were identified by TEM and PED analysis as coprecipitates of the μ and P phases. Inside the TCP particles that were several micrometres in size, platelets of alternating μ and P phases of nanometric width were found. The combination of STEM‐HAADF imaging with spatially resolved EDS and EELS microanalysis allowed determination of the significant partitioning of the constituent elements between the μ and P phases.
Is there an association between verbal school bullying and possible sleep bruxism in adolescents?
Authors: Serra‐Negra J. M. , Pordeus I. A. , Corrêa‐Faria P. , Fulgêncio L. B. , Paiva S. M. , Manfredini D.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the association between verbal school bullying and possible sleep bruxism (SB) in adolescents. A case–control study was carried out at the population level by recruiting 13‐ to 15‐year‐old participants among the attendants of schools of Itabira, Brazil. The case group was composed of 103 adolescents with possible SB (i.e. self‐ or parental‐reported), while the control group included 206 adolescents without possible SB. All participants answered a questionnaire on the occurrence of their involvement in verbal school bullying episodes, based on the National School of Health Research (PeNSE) as well as an evaluation of their economic class according to the criteria of the Brazilian Association of Research Companies. Pearson's chi‐square, McNemar test and conditional logistic regression were performed to assess the association between possible SB, verbal school bullying and economic class. There were 134 (43·3%) participants who reported involvement in verbal school bullying episodes as a victim, bully or both. The majority of them were males (90·3%). Adolescents with possible SB were more likely to have been involved in episodes of verbal school bullying (OR: 6·20; 95% CI: 3·67–10·48). Based on these findings, it can be suggested that possible SB in young teenagers is associated with a history of episodes of verbal school bullying.
The Compassionate Treatment of Animals
Authors: Gayley Holly
Published: February 2017

The compassionate treatment of animals has been the focal point of speeches and writings by one of the most influential Buddhist cleric‐scholars on the Tibetan plateau today, Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö of Larung Buddhist Academy. This essay surveys the Khenpo's broad‐based advocacy for animal welfare and details his discrete appeals to nomads in eastern Tibet to forgo selling livestock for slaughter, to eat a vegetarian diet on religious holidays, to relinquish wearing animal fur, to protect wildlife habitat, and to liberate the lives of animals. I focus on the modernist “this worldly” dimension of his advocacy, calling attention to how Tsultrim Lodrö goes beyond traditional scare tactics that emphasize the karmic effects of negative deeds in future lives and instead invokes compassion by attending to the lived experience and suffering of animals. In doing so, the Khenpo positions Buddhism as a civilizing force in order to reform certain Tibetan customs and mitigate the influence of Chinese modernity and state marketization policies. I argue that his strategy of “reverse orientalism” appropriates state civilizational discourse and reverses its terms.
Hope as Grounds for Forgiveness
Authors: Giannini Heidi Chamberlin
Published: February 2017

It is widely assumed that Christianity enjoins its followers to practice universal, unconditional forgiveness. But universal, unconditional forgiveness is regarded by many as morally problematic. Some Christian scholars have denied that Christianity in fact requires universal, unconditional forgiveness, but I believe they are mistaken. In this essay, I show two things: (1) that Christianity does enjoin universal, unconditional forgiveness of a certain sort, and (2) that Christians, and perhaps other theists, are always justified in exercising unconditional forgiveness. Though most philosophers treat forgiveness as grounded in our beliefs about the offender's current state, I argue that we might more fruitfully ground forgiveness in hope for the wrongdoer. Christianity's commitment to the existence of an omnipotent God who is concerned about the moral status of His creatures always justifies such hope and thus always justifies forgiveness.
The Ethics of Price Gouging
Authors: Weiss Shira
Published: February 2017

An analysis of the contemporary moral debate over price gouging can advance multiple readings of the challenging biblical episode which depicts Jacob's purchase of the birthright. Ethical considerations, such as the maximization of welfare, preservation of choice, and promotion of virtue are evaluated and then applied to the biblical text recounting the sale of Esau's birthright. Did Jacob act ethically in his purchase of ravenous Esau's birthright, or did he seize a propitious opportunity to exploit Esau's predicament? Is Esau responsible for spurning his birthright, or was he misled as he claims Jacob had “supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he has taken away my blessing” (Genesis 27:36)? An ethical analysis of Jacob's and Esau's intentions and actions in the transaction uncovers the Bible's position on the sale and on the larger moral debate.
The virtual dental home: a critique
Authors: Friedman Jay W. , Nash David A. , Mathu‐Muju Kavita R.
Published: February 2017

The Virtual Dental Home is a concept of the Pacific Center for Special Care of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. It is designed to improve access to dental care for underserved populations, specifically children and institutionalized adults. This article describes the development and implementation of the Virtual Dental Home, subsequently critiquing the concept. The criteria for a dental home are not met by the program. It is the equivalent of a traditional public oral health prevention and screening program, with the additional dimension of allowing dental hygienists and assistants to place interim glass ionomer restorations in dental cavities. The critique questions the need to insert a “cloud” dentist into the process. The routine utilization of radiographs is also challenged. The VDH not only lacks the attributes of a dental home, it has not been shown to be as efficient and effective as traditional programs staffed by dental hygienists and dental therapists. The article concludes by describing how programs utilizing dental therapists could address the deficiencies of the Virtual Dental Home, effectively improving access to oral health care for underserved populations.
In vivo measurement of swallowing by monitoring thyroid cartilage movement in healthy subjects using thickened liquid samples and its comparison with sensory evaluation
Authors: Funami Takahiro , Matsuyama Shingo , Ikegami Akira , Nakauma Makoto , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro
Published: February 2017

This research aimed to investigate the relationship between in vivo measurement of swallowing and sensory evaluation using thickened liquids as model foods. Healthy subjects (8 male and average 29.6‐year old) participated in both tests, in which the subjects were asked to swallow the whole amount of sample (10 ml) at one time. In vivo measurement monitored thyroid cartilage movement during swallowing using a bendable pressure sensor synchronously with suprahyoid electromyography, whereas sensory evaluation measured perceived cohesiveness and adhesiveness on a visual analogue scale. Two variables from the pressure sensor analysis; activity of the thyroid cartilage and the maximum displacement of the thyroid cartilage were correlated negatively (p < .01) to perceived cohesiveness with high correlation coefficient (|r|> .9). Advantages of in vivo measurement over conventional shear rheology in assessing texture attributes perceived during swallowing were identified.

Practical applications

This research provides food manufactures with knowledge on a novel objective method for texture measurement of fluid foods and beverages based on human physiology during swallowing. Variable from this method can work as a measure for texture design of food products to meet consumers’ preference, particularly foods for dysphagia patients whose demand is increasing in this aged society although subjects of study should be expanded to these people in the future.
Collocations in Corpus‐Based Language Learning Research: Identifying, Comparing, and Interpreting the Evidence
Authors: Gablasova Dana , Brezina Vaclav , McEnery Tony
Published: February 2017

This article focuses on the use of collocations in language learning research (LLR). Collocations, as units of formulaic language, are becoming prominent in our understanding of language learning and use; however, while the number of corpus‐based LLR studies of collocations is growing, there is still a need for a deeper understanding of factors that play a role in establishing that two words in a corpus can be considered to be collocates. In this article we critically review both the application of measures used to identify collocability between words and the nature of the relationship between two collocates. Particular attention is paid to the comparison of collocability across different corpora representing different genres, registers, or modalities. Several issues involved in the interpretation of collocational patterns in the production of first language and second language users are also considered. Reflecting on the current practices in the field, further directions for collocation research are proposed.
Canonical and cellular pathways timing gamete release in Acropora digitifera, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Rosenberg Y. , Doniger T. , Harii S. , Sinniger F. , Levy O.
Published: February 2017

Natural light cycles are important for synchronizing behavioural and physiological rhythms over varying time periods in both plants and animals. An endogenous clock, regulated by positive and negative elements, interacting in feedback loops controls these rhythms. Many corals exhibit diel cycles of polyp expansion and contraction entrained by solar light patterns and monthly cycles of spawning or planulation that correspond to nocturnal lunar light cycles. However, despite considerable interest in studies of coral reproduction, there is currently not enough molecular information about the cellular pathways involved with synchronizing spawning/planulation in broadcast spawners and brooders. To determine whether the endogenous clock is implicated in the regulation of reproductive behaviour in corals, we characterized the transcriptome of Acropora digitifera colonies at twelve time points over a 2‐month period of full and new moons, starting with the day of spawning in June 2014. We identified 608 transcripts with differential expression only on the spawning night during the coral setting phase and gamete release. Our data revealed an upregulation of light‐sensing molecules and rhodopsin‐like receptors that initiate signalling cascades, including the glutamate, SMAD signalling and WNT signalling pathways, neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions and calcium signalling. These are all involved in cell cycling, cell movement, tissue polarity, focal adhesion and cytoskeleton reorganization and together lead to gamete release. These findings can improve the understanding of many time‐based cycles and extend our knowledge of the interplay between exogenous signals and the endogenous clock in cnidarians.
Gene expression plasticity in response to salinity acclimation in threespine stickleback ecotypes from different salinity habitats
Authors: Gibbons Taylor C. , Metzger David C. H. , Healy Timothy M. , Schulte Patricia M.
Published: February 2017

Phenotypic plasticity is thought to facilitate the colonization of novel environments and shape the direction of evolution in colonizing populations. However, the relative prevalence of various predicted patterns of changes in phenotypic plasticity following colonization remains unclear. Here, we use a whole‐transcriptome approach to characterize patterns of gene expression plasticity in the gills of a freshwater‐adapted and a saltwater‐adapted ecotype of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) exposed to a range of salinities. The response of the gill transcriptome to environmental salinity had a large shared component common to both ecotypes (2159 genes) with significant enrichment of genes involved in transmembrane ion transport and the restructuring of the gill epithelium. This transcriptional response to freshwater acclimation is induced at salinities below two parts per thousand. There was also differentiation in gene expression patterns between ecotypes (2515 genes), particularly in processes important for changes in the gill structure and permeability. Only 508 genes that differed between ecotypes also responded to salinity and no specific processes were enriched among this gene set, and an even smaller number (87 genes) showed evidence of changes in the extent of the response to salinity acclimation between ecotypes. No pattern of relative expression dominated among these genes, suggesting that neither gains nor losses of plasticity dominated the changes in expression patterns between the ecotypes. These data demonstrate that multiple patterns of changes in gene expression plasticity can occur following colonization of novel habitats.
Molecular tiling on the surface of a bacterial spore – the exosporium of the Bacillus anthracis/cereus/thuringiensis group
Authors: Terry Cassandra , Jiang Shuo , Radford David S. , Wan Qiang , Tzokov Svetomir , Moir Anne , Bullough Per A.
Published: February 2017

Bacteria of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium form highly resistant spores, which in the case of some pathogens act as the infectious agents. An exosporium forms the outermost layer of some spores; it plays roles in protection, adhesion, dissemination, host targeting in pathogens and germination control. The exosporium of the Bacillus cereus group, including the anthrax pathogen, contains a 2D‐crystalline basal layer, overlaid by a hairy nap. BclA and related proteins form the hairy nap, and require ExsFA (BxpB) for their localization on the basal layer. Until now, the identity of the main structural protein components of the basal layer was unknown. We demonstrate here that ExsY forms one of the essential components. Through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, we also demonstrate that ExsY can self‐assemble into ordered 2D arrays that mimic the structure of the exosporium basal layer. Self‐assembly is likely to play an important role in the construction of the exosporium. The ExsY array is stable to heat and chemical denaturants, forming a robust layer that would contribute to overall spore resistance. Our structural analysis also provides novel insight into the location of other molecular components anchored onto the exosporium, such as BclA and ExsFA.
A ten gene‐containing genomic island determines flagellin glycosylation: implication for its regulatory role in motility and virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yu Chao , Chen Huamin , Tian Fang , Yang Fenghuan , Yuan Xiaochen , Yang Ching‐Hong , He Chenyang
Published: February 2017

Flagellin glycosylation plays a crucial role in flagellar assembly, motility and virulence in several pathogenic bacteria. However, little is known about the genetic determinants and biological functions of flagellin glycosylation in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal pathogen of bacterial blight of rice. Here, the structure, regulation and functions of a ten‐gene cluster gigX (glycosylation island genes of Xoo), which was embedded in a flagellar regulon, were characterized. gigX1 to gigX10 encoded putative enzymes or proteins involved in glycan biosynthesis and transfer, including a nucleotide sugar transaminase, an acyl‐carrier protein (ACP), a 3‐oxoacyl‐ACP synthase, a 3‐oxoacyl‐ACP reductase, a dehydrogenase, an acetyltransferase, a ring hydroxylating dioxygenase, a hypothetical protein, a methyltransferanse and a glycosyltransferase, respectively. The gigX genes were co‐transcribed in an operon and up‐regulated by the upstream σ54 factor RpoN2 and transcriptional activator FleQ. In‐frame deletion of each gigX gene affected flagellin glycosylation modification, meaning that the unglycosylated flagellin of the mutants was smaller than the glycosylated flagellin of the wild‐type. No significant changes in flagellar filament and motility were observed in the ΔgigX mutants, among which only ΔgigX6 displayed increased swimming ability. Importantly, all mutants, except ΔgigX9, showed significantly increased virulence and bacterial growth in the susceptible rice cultivar IR24, and ΔgigX1 and ΔgigX10 showed enhanced type III secretion system (T3SS)‐related gene expression. Moreover, the glycosylated flagellin of the wild‐type induced higher H2O2 levels in rice leaves than did the unglycosylated flagellins of ΔgigX1 or ΔgigX10. Taken together, this study reveals that the gigX cluster determines flagellin glycosylation, and implicates the regulatory role of post‐translational modification with the glycosylation, acetylation and methylation of flagellin in the regulation of motility and virulence of Xoo.
Closed‐reference metatranscriptomics enables in planta profiling of putative virulence activities in the grapevine trunk disease complex
Authors: Morales‐Cruz Abraham , Allenbeck Gabrielle , Figueroa‐Balderas Rosa , Ashworth Vanessa E. , Lawrence Daniel P. , Travadon Renaud , Smith Rhonda J. , Baumgartner Kendra , Rolshausen Philippe E. , Cantu Dario
Published: February 2017

Grapevines, like other perennial crops, are affected by so‐called ‘trunk diseases’, which damage the trunk and other woody tissues. Mature grapevines typically contract more than one trunk disease and often multiple grapevine trunk pathogens (GTPs) are recovered from infected tissues. The co‐existence of different GTP species in complex and dynamic microbial communities complicates the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease development, especially under vineyard conditions. The objective of this study was to develop and optimize a community‐level transcriptomics (i.e. metatranscriptomics) approach that could monitor simultaneously the virulence activities of multiple GTPs in planta. The availability of annotated genomes for the most relevant co‐infecting GTPs in diseased grapevine wood provided the unprecedented opportunity to generate a multi‐species reference for the mapping and quantification of DNA and RNA sequencing reads. We first evaluated popular sequence read mappers using permutations of multiple simulated datasets. Alignment parameters of the selected mapper were optimized to increase the specificity and sensitivity for its application to metagenomics and metatranscriptomics analyses. Initial testing on grapevine wood experimentally inoculated with individual GTPs confirmed the validity of the method. Using naturally infected field samples expressing a variety of trunk disease symptoms, we show that our approach provides quantitative assessments of species composition, as well as genome‐wide transcriptional profiling of potential virulence factors, namely cell wall degradation, secondary metabolism and nutrient uptake for all co‐infecting GTPs.