bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE “AFTER-LIFE” OF ILLNESS: READING AGAINST THE DEATHBED IN GASKELL'SRUTHAND NINETEENTH-CENTURY CONVALESCENT DEVOTIONALS
Authors: Krienke Hosanna
Published: February 2017

Nineteenth-century religious ideologyis adamant about the spiritual outcome that should arise from the experience of illness: “The time of sickness is a season when every afflicted person should resolve, with the assistance of God's grace that if his health be restored, he will ever afterwards live a truly religious life” (Church of England Tract Society,Manual of Instructions8). However, sickroom visitors consistently report that, even when a patient makes such a resolution, physical recovery often coincides with a spiritual relapse. As one writer laments, “The friends of religion, whose warning and consoling voices are heard at the bed of sickness, are often compelled to witness the dispersion of their fairest prospects of good, at the period of returning health” (Fry,APresentfor the Convalescentvii-viii).
EUTHANASIA AND (D)EVOLUTION IN SPECULATIVE FICTION
Authors: Reeves Nancee
Published: February 2017

In the latter part of thenineteenth century future or speculative fiction became big business in Britain. It was a safe haven for invasion narratives, for socialist paradises or hells, for worlds ruled by benevolent machines, or worlds ruined by mechanical dependence. Themes and plots were varied, but they always reflected some facet of contemporary society. The future was not a bubble, untouched by time or trouble, but a field of battle, where ideas could be tested and philosophies given a test drive. The future was a place where the mistakes or triumphs of today dictated the course of human progress. I argue in this essay that the nascent ideas about euthanasia of the early and middle Victorian period became full-fledged philosophies in the late-Victorian period and that Malthusian philosophy and Darwinian-informed theories were manipulated by novelist and theorist-turned- novelists, resulting in euthanasia becoming a tool in class warfare and in the fight to eradicate social undesirables for their good and for the good of society.
Scale Neutrality of Bovine Somatotropin: Ex Ante Evidence from the Southeast
Authors: Kinnucan Henry , Hatch Upton , Molnar Joseph J. , Venkateswaran Meenakshi
Published: February 2017

Bovine somatotropin (BST), a new technology capable of enhancing a cow's ability to produce milk by 7-23 percent, is expected to be available for commercial use soon. Ex ante survey procedures are used to determine the potential effect of BST on the size distribution of dairy farms in the Southeast. Results of logit analysis indicate a positive link between farm size and (1) farmers' knowledge of BST and (2) intentions to adopt early, suggesting BST will not be scale neutral. An estimated “price elasticity” of -1.8 to -2.1 indicates an elastic demand for the input Price, therefore, may be an effective instrument for attenuating the scale bias.
Competitive Pressure and Productivity Growth: The Case of the Florida Vegetable Industry
Authors: Kalaitzandonakes Nicholas G. , Taylor Timothy G.
Published: February 2017

The relationship between the degree of competitive market pressure and the rate of productivity growth is empirically investigated with a case study of the Florida fresh winter vegetable industry. The results indicate that crops which faced considerable competitive pressure exhibited significant productivity growth while the crops that faced minimal competitive pressure generally exhibited little growth in productivity. Thus, the hypothesis that competitive pressure is positively related to productivity growth is supported.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Cow Auction Price Differentials
Authors: Mintert James , Blair Joanne , Schroeder Ted , Brazle Frank
Published: February 2017

Data from Kansas cattle auctions were analyzed to estimate the impact a wide variety of physical characteristics had upon cow prices. Weight, lot size, health, pregnancy, grade, dressing percent, breed, time of sale, and market location were important factors affecting the differences in cow prices across lots on a given day. Results suggest that producers interested in maximizing the price they receive for their cows should market healthy cows in desirable lot sizes at higher dressing percentages.
The Corn-Egg Price Transmission Mechanism
Authors: Babula Ronald A. , Bessler David A.
Published: February 2017

A vector autoregression (VAR) model of corn, farm egg, and retail egg prices is estimated and shocked with a corn price increase. Impulse responses in egg prices, t-statistics for the impulse responses, and decompositions of forecast error variance are presented. Analyses of results provide insights on the corn/egg price transmission mechanism and on how corn price shocks pulsate through the egg-related economy.
A Socioeconomic Analysis of Marketing Information Usage Among Ohio Fruit Producers
Authors: Jones Eugene , Batte Marvin T. , Schnitkey Gary D.
Published: February 2017

Farm producers attempt to mitigate risk and uncertainty by utilizing accurate and reliable information. This research attempts to identify sources of information used by Ohio fruit producers and then determine which of these sources are best meeting their information needs. Results are based on a logit analysis of Ohio fruit producers and several factors are shown to influence producers' evaluation of the “adequacy” of their marketing information. Among these factors are age, business size, education, type of enterprise, and types of information sources. Reported findings have implications for marketing efficiency, particularly if producers' evaluation of infonnation as adequate is positively related to its efficient use.
A Hedonic Analysis of Private Hunting Land Attributes Using an Alternative Functional Form
Authors: Messonier Mark L. , Luzar E. Jane
Published: February 2017

A hedonic framework is used to analyze selected attributes of Louisiana deer hunting leases that are hypothesized to be significant contributors to lease value. The flexible Box-Cox functional form is used in contrast to the often utilized linear regression specification. Additionally, the hypothesis of regional differences in slope coefficients of lease attributes is addressed. Results indicate that hunters in the two analyzed regions value lease attributes and services differently.
Demand for Urban Forests and Economic Welfare: Evidence from the Southeastern U.S. Cities
Authors: Zhu Pengyu , Zhang Yaoqi
Published: February 2017

This study examines the relationship between urban forests and household income and population density in the 149 cities with populations over 40,000 in nine southeastern states. Our empirical results show that urban forest percentage across the cities has characteristics of the environmental Kuznets curve. We find that household income around $39,000 is a threshold that changes the relationship between income and urban forest coverage from negative to positive, whereas the impact of population density on urban forests is just the opposite, from positive to negative when population density is around 180 persons per square kilometer.
Estimating Effects of an Urban Growth Boundary on Land Development
Authors: Cho Seong-Hoon , Chen Zhuo , Yen Steven T. , Eastwood David B.
Published: February 2017

This study estimates the effects of an urban growth boundary (UGB) on land development decisions in Knox County, TN, using a heteroscedastic probit model. With combined effects of increased land development within the city boundary and decreased development within the UGB and the neighboring town of Farragut after the implementation of UGB, the UGB of Knox County has been successful in urban revitalization within the city boundary and discouraging urban sprawl. These UGB impacts may be related to the city government having the right to annex land parcels within the UGB without consent of land owners.
Two Dimensions of the Spatial Distribution of Housing: Dependency and Heterogeneity across Tennessee's Six Metropolitan Statistical Areas
Authors: Cho Seong-Hoon , Clark Christopher D. , Park William M.
Published: February 2017

A two-stage multinomial logit selection model is used to model the relationship between demographic characteristics and housing density across Tennessee's six metropolitan statistical areas. The study finds that there is both spatial correlation and heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of housing both within and across the six areas. For example, Memphis, the most densely populated area, has the least amount of spatial correlation among housing density at the neighborhood level, while Johnson City, which has the lowest overall housing density, has the highest degree of spatial correlation.
Animal Disease Pre-Event Preparedness versus Post-Event Response: When Is It Economic to Protect?
Authors: Elbakidze Levan , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: February 2017

We examine the economic tradeoff between the costs of pre-event preparedness and post-event response to the potential introduction of an infectious animal disease. In a simplified case study setting, we examine the conditions for optimality of an enhanced pre-event detection system considering various characteristics of a potential infectious cattle disease outbreak, costs of program implementation, severity of the disease outbreak, and relative effectiveness of postevent response actions. We show that the decision to invest in pre-event preparedness activities depends on such factors as probability of disease introduction, disease spread rate, relative costs, ancillary benefits, and effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Invasive Species and Biosecurity: Cost of Monitoring and Controlling Mediterranean Fruit Flies in Florida
Authors: Pierre Raphael , Spreen Thomas H. , Moss Charles B.
Published: February 2017

The growing movement of people and goods that started in the closing years of the twentieth century has increased the possibility of the accidental or intentional introduction of biohazards that can affect agricultural production in the United States. This study examines the ex ante decision between the deployment of monitoring devices (traps) versus the use of countermeasures to control Mediterranean fruit flies in Florida. To examine this tradeoff, this study outlines a mathematical model to study the effectiveness of traps and the cost of treatment. The empirical results presented in this study indicate that additional parameterization efforts are needed.
Biosecurity, Diseases, and Invasive Species: Implications of Bioterrorism for Agriculture: Discussion of Elbakidze and McCarl and Pierre, Spreen, and Moss
Authors: Hahn William F.
Published: February 2017

Exotic and invasive species and bioterrorism are of increasing concern for U.S. policy makers. The economic analysis of these issues, especially bioterrorism, is a fast-growing, relatively new area. It is an area where an economist can provide important input into both policy and applied theory. The two papers in this section address invasive species issues.
Challenges to Producer Ownership of Ethanol and Biodiesel Production Facilities
Authors: Kenkel Phil , Holcomb Rodney B.
Published: February 2017

This study examines the rapidly expanding biofuels industry and identifies challenges for producer-owned biofuel projects. The U.S. ethanol industry has been growing rapidly, and biodiesel production is poised for similar growth. Producer involvement is driven by the desire to add value to farm commodities and the impact of biofuel projects on local grain prices. Local state and federal incentives have also stimulated producer interest. The long-run profitability of biofuel projects is driven by feedstock availability, access to market centers for biofuels, access to markets for coproducts, and utility costs and availability. The rapidly increasing size and scale of ethanol and biodiesel plants make it difficult for producers to fund these projects. Additionally, the development and adoption of new non-grain biofuel technologies may negate some comparative advantages of producers, such as feedstock cost and availability. The geographic expansion of biofuel projects into grain deficit regions will also create additional challenges.
Economic Effects of Biofuel Production on States and Rural Communities
Authors: Parcell Joe L. , Westhoff Patrick
Published: February 2017

This study summarizes research on farm-, local-, regional-, and macro-level economic effects of ethanol production. Given current production levels, the ethanol production industry annually employees approximately 3,500 workers, pays out nearly $132 million in worker salaries, generates over $110 million in local taxes, and takes in some $2 billion in government incentive payments. Projections for a 60 million gallon per year ethanol plant indicate an annual increase in corn usage of 21 million bushels, a one-time capitalization of $75 million, an increase in local corn prices of between $0.06/bushel and $0.12/bushel, a 54 direct and a 210 indirect jobs created, an increase in local tax revenues of $1.2 million, a decrease in federal commodity program outlays of $30 million, and an increase in ethanol production incentives (federal only) of around $30.5 million.
Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught?
Authors: Klein Peter G. , Bullock J. Bruce
Published: February 2017

Is entrepreneurship an innate ability or an acquired skill? Can entrepreneurial acumen be achieved and enhanced through education and training, or are certain people “born” to be entrepreneurs or to act entrepreneurially? Economists and management theorists give widely divergent answers to these questions. This paper reviews the major approaches to teaching entrepreneurship, primarily at the undergraduate level, and relates them to economic theories of entrepreneurship. Surprisingly, we find little connection between the leading approaches to entrepreneurship education and economists' understanding of the entrepreneurial function. We assess likely explanations for the lack of contact between these two groups of scholars and suggest possible improvements.
The Coming Tug of War: Forces Moving the 2007 Farm Bill
Authors: Young Robert E.
Published: February 2017

The main forces of trade agreements and budgets will certainly play a strong role in driving the 2007 farm bill debate. Other factors ranging from the political makeup of Congress to the growing level of rhetoric calling for reform, from the cost-price squeeze facing producers to the emergence of nonprogram commodities at the table will also play, at this time, uncertain roles in the development of the final legislation. These various forces and factors are assessed and projections as to the final outcome of the debate hesitatingly provided.
A contextualised historical account of changing judicial attitudes to polygamous marriage in the English courts
Authors: Naqvi Zainab Batul
Published: February 2017

Whilst much of the literature focuses on debating polygamy as a harmful practice, the purpose of this paper is to consider a different form of harm by exploring judicial responses to this relationship and the women who engage with it. Over the years, the courts have been faced with numerous questions on the recognition and regulation of polygamous marriages. Commencing with an overview of existing literature on polygamous marriage, I situate and explain the post-colonial feminist-inspired conceptual framework that underpins my judicial discourse analysis of English case-law in this area spanning from 1866 to the present day. A post-colonial feminist lens exposes the racist, orientalist, imperialist and sexist attitudes permeating judicial language in relation to polygamy and its participants. These patterns of discourse subordinate women in polygamous marriages, leaving them in a vulnerable position. With time, these discourses seemingly fade but, through a closer reading of recent cases, it becomes evident that they are still present, albeit in a subtler form as a matter of public policy, morality and ‘good’.
Electromagnetic and small-signal modeling of an encapsulated RF-MEMS switch for D-band applications
Authors: Tolunay Wipf Selin , Göritz Alexander , Wietstruck Matthias , Wipf Christian , Tillack Bernd , Mai Andreas , Kaynak Mehmet
Published: February 2017

In this work, an electromagnetic (EM) model and a small-signal (lumped-element) model of a wafer-level encapsulated (WLE) radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS) switch is presented. The EM model of the WLE RF-MEMS switch is developed to estimate its RF performance. After the fabrication of the switch, the EM model is used to get accurate S-parameter simulation results. Alternative to the EM model, a small-signal model of the fabricated WLE RF-MEMS switch is developed. The developed model is integrated into a 0.13 µm SiGe BiCMOS process technology design kit for fast simulations and to predict the RF performance of the switch from a pure electrical point of view. The 0.13 µm SiGe BiCMOS embedded WLE RF-MEMS shows beyond state-of-the-art measured RF performances in D-band (110–170 GHz) and provides a high capacitance Con/Coffratio of 11.1. The results of the both EM model and small-signal model of the switch are in very good agreement with the S-parameter measurements in D-band. The measured maximum isolation of the WLE RF-MEMS switch is 51.6 dB at 142.8 GHz with an insertion loss of 0.65 dB.
Effects of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Stress Management on Executive Function Components
Authors: Santos-Ruiz Ana , Robles-Ortega Humbelina , Pérez-García Miguel , Peralta-Ramírez María Isabel
Published: February 2017

This study aims to determine whether it is possible to modify executive function in stressed individuals by means of cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress management. Thirty-one people with high levels of perceived stress were recruited into the study (treatment group = 18; wait-list group = 13). The treatment group received 14 weeks of stress management program. Psychological and executive function variables were evaluated in both groups pre and post-intervention. The treatment group showed improved psychological variables of perceived stress (t = 5.492; p = .001), vulnerability to stress (t = 4.061; p = .001) and superstitious thinking (t = 2.961; p = .009). Likewise, the results showed statistically significant differences in personality variables related to executive function, positive urgency (t = 3.585; p = .002) and sensitivity to reward (t = –2.201; p = .042), which improved after the therapy. These variables showed a moderate to high effect size (oscillates between 1.30 for perceived stress and .566 for sensitivity to reward). The cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress management may be an appropriate strategy for improving personality construct components related to executive function, however effects of the therapy are not showed on performance on the tests of executive function applied, as presented studies previous.
Test Anxiety and Academic Performance among Undergraduates: The Moderating Role of Achievement Motivation
Authors: Balogun Anthony Gbenro , Balogun Shyngle Kolawole , Onyencho Chidi Victor
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the moderating role of achievement motivation in the relationship between test anxiety and academic performance. Three hundred and ninety three participants (192 males and 201 females) selected from a public university in Ondo State, Nigeria using a purposive sampling technique, participated in the study. They responded to measures of test anxiety and achievement motivation. Three hypotheses were tested using moderated hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results showed that test anxiety had a negative impact on academic performance (β = –.23;p< .05). Achievement motivation had a positive impact on academic performance (β = .38;p< .05). Also, achievement motivation significantly moderated the relationship between test anxiety and academic performance (β = .10;p< .01). These findings suggest that university management should design appropriate psycho-educational interventions that would enhance students’ achievement motivation.
Validity Evidence of the Spanish Version of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire–8 in Colombia
Authors: Ruiz Francisco J. , Suárez-Falcón Juan C. , Riaño-Hernández Diana
Published: February 2017

The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) is a widely used, 30-item, 5-point Likert-type scale that measures the frequency of negative automatic thoughts as experienced by individuals suffering from depression. However, there is some controversy about the factor structure of the ATQ, and its application can be too time-consuming for survey research. Accordingly, an abbreviated, 8-item version of the ATQ has been proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze the validity evidence of the Spanish version of the ATQ-8 in Colombia. The ATQ-8 was administered to a total of 1587 participants, including a sample of undergraduates, one of general population, and a clinical sample. The internal consistency across the different samples was good (α = .89). The one-factor model found in the original scale showed a good fit to the data (RMSEA = .083, 90% CI [.074, .092]; CFI = .96; NNFI = .95). The clinical sample’s mean score on the ATQ-8 was significantly higher than the scores of the nonclinical samples. The ATQ-8 was sensitive to the effects of a 1-session acceptance and commitment therapy focused on disrupting negative repetitive thinking. ATQ-8 scores were significantly related to dysfunctional schemas, emotional symptoms, mindfulness, experiential avoidance, satisfaction with life, and dysfunctional attitudes. In conclusion, the Spanish version of the ATQ-8 showed good psychometric properties in Colombia.
Differential Response of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Gender to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Korres Nicholas E. , Norsworthy Jason K. , FitzSimons Toby , Roberts Trent L. , Oosterhuis Derrick M.
Published: February 2017

Knowledge of Palmer amaranth biology and physiology is essential for the development of effective weed management systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of Palmer amaranth gender to nutrient deficiency and light stress. Differential gender responses were observed for all the growth, phenology, and photochemistry parameters measured. Female plants, for example, invested more in height, stem, and total dry weight, whereas male plants invested more in leaf area and leaf dry weight. The growth rate of females was higher than that of male Palmer amaranth plants, although both followed similar declining trends as the experimental period progressed. Initiation of flowering of female plants occurred 6 to 8 d earlier compared with male plants. Nitrogen and to a certain extent phosphorous were the most influential nutrients that affected measured parameters in both Palmer amaranth genders, particularly under high light intensity. Electron transport rate and chlorophyll content of female Palmer amaranth plants compared with male plants was lower at high light intensity in combination with nitrogen and phosphorous deficiencies. There is a potential to manipulate Palmer amaranth population structure by altering microenvironments at the field level.
Colloidal crystals with diamond symmetry at optical lengthscales
Authors: Wang Yifan , Jenkins Ian C. , McGinley James T. , Sinno Talid , Crocker John C.
Published: February 2017

Future optical materials promise to do for photonics what semiconductors did for electronics, but the challenge has long been in creating the structure they require—a regular, three-dimensional array of transparent microspheres arranged like the atoms in a diamond crystal. Here we demonstrate a simple approach for spontaneously growing double-diamond (or B32) crystals that contain a suitable diamond structure, using DNA to direct the self-assembly process. While diamond symmetry crystals have been grown from much smaller nanoparticles, none of those previous methods suffice for the larger particles needed for photonic applications, whose size must be comparable to the wavelength of visible light. Intriguingly, the crystals we observe do not readily form in previously validated simulations; nor have they been predicted theoretically. This finding suggests that other unexpected microstructures may be accessible using this approach and bodes well for future efforts to inexpensively mass-produce metamaterials for an array of photonic applications.
Indications of chemical bond contrast in AFM images of a hydrogen-terminated silicon surface
Authors: Labidi Hatem , Koleini Mohammad , Huff Taleana , Salomons Mark , Cloutier Martin , Pitters Jason , Wolkow Robert A.
Published: February 2017

The origin of bond-resolved atomic force microscope images remains controversial. Moreover, most work to date has involved planar, conjugated hydrocarbon molecules on a metal substrate thereby limiting knowledge of the generality of findings made about the imaging mechanism. Here we report the study of a very different sample; a hydrogen-terminated silicon surface. A procedure to obtain a passivated hydrogen-functionalized tip is defined and evolution of atomic force microscopy images at different tip elevations are shown. At relatively large tip-sample distances, the topmost atoms appear as distinct protrusions. However, on decreasing the tip-sample distance, features consistent with the silicon covalent bonds of the surface emerge. Using a density functional tight-binding-based method to simulate atomic force microscopy images, we reproduce the experimental results. The role of the tip flexibility and the nature of bonds and false bond-like features are discussed.
Human skeletal muscle plasmalemma alters its structure to change its Ca2+-handling following heavy-load resistance exercise
Authors: Cully Tanya R. , Murphy Robyn M. , Roberts Llion , Raastad Truls , Fassett Robert G. , Coombes Jeff S. , Jayasinghe Izzy , Launikonis Bradley S.
Published: February 2017

High-force eccentric exercise results in sustained increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+levels ([Ca2+]cyto), which can cause damage to the muscle. Here we report that a heavy-load strength training bout greatly alters the structure of the membrane network inside the fibres, the tubular (t-) system, causing the loss of its predominantly transverse organization and an increase in vacuolation of its longitudinal tubules across adjacent sarcomeres. The transverse tubules and vacuoles displayed distinct Ca2+-handling properties. Both t-system components could take up Ca2+from the cytoplasm but only transverse tubules supported store-operated Ca2+entry. The retention of significant amounts of Ca2+within vacuoles provides an effective mechanism to reduce the total content of Ca2+within the fibre cytoplasm. We propose this ability can reduce or limit resistance exercise-induced, Ca2+-dependent damage to the fibre by the reduction of [Ca2+]cytoto help maintain fibre viability during the period associated with delayed onset muscle soreness.
Tumour-specific PI3K inhibition via nanoparticle-targeted delivery in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mizrachi Aviram , Shamay Yosi , Shah Janki , Brook Samuel , Soong Joanne , Rajasekhar Vinagolu K. , Humm John L. , Healey John H. , Powell Simon N. , Baselga José , Heller Daniel A. , Haimovitz-Friedman Adriana , Scaltriti Maurizio
Published: February 2017

Alterations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding the p110α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Kα), are frequent in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Inhibitors of PI3Kα show promising activity in various cancer types, but their use is curtailed by dose-limiting side effects such as hyperglycaemia. In the present study, we explore the efficacy, specificity and safety of the targeted delivery of BYL719, a PI3Kα inhibitor currently in clinical development in solid tumours. By encapsulating BYL719 into P-selectin-targeted nanoparticles, we achieve specific accumulation of BYL719 in the tumour milieu. This results in tumour growth inhibition and radiosensitization despite the use of a sevenfold lower dose of BYL719 compared with oral administration. Furthermore, the nanoparticles abrogate acute and chronic metabolic side effects normally observed after BYL719 treatment. These findings offer a novel strategy that could potentially enhance the efficacy of PI3Kα inhibitors while mitigating dose-limiting toxicity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
Abnormal degradation of the neuronal stress-protective transcription factor HSF1 in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Gomez-Pastor Rocio , Burchfiel Eileen T. , Neef Daniel W. , Jaeger Alex M. , Cabiscol Elisa , McKinstry Spencer U. , Doss Argenia , Aballay Alejandro , Lo Donald C. , Akimov Sergey S. , Ross Christopher A. , Eroglu Cagla , Thiele Dennis J.
Published: February 2017

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by poly-glutamine expansion in the Htt protein, resulting in Htt misfolding and cell death. Expression of the cellular protein folding and pro-survival machinery by heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) ameliorates biochemical and neurobiological defects caused by protein misfolding. We report that HSF1 is degraded in cells and mice expressing mutant Htt, in medium spiny neurons derived from human HD iPSCs and in brain samples from patients with HD. Mutant Htt increases CK2α′ kinase and Fbxw7 E3 ligase levels, phosphorylating HSF1 and promoting its proteasomal degradation. An HD mouse model heterozygous for CK2α′ shows increased HSF1 and chaperone levels, maintenance of striatal excitatory synapses, clearance of Htt aggregates and preserves body mass compared with HD mice homozygous for CK2α′. These results reveal a pathway that could be modulated to prevent neuronal dysfunction and muscle wasting caused by protein misfolding in HD.
Modelling filovirus maintenance in nature by experimental transmission of Marburg virus between Egyptian rousette bats
Authors: Schuh Amy J. , Amman Brian R. , Jones Megan E. B. , Sealy Tara K. , Uebelhoer Luke S. , Spengler Jessica R. , Martin Brock E. , Coleman-McCray Jo Ann D. , Nichol Stuart T. , Towner Jonathan S.
Published: February 2017

The Egyptian rousette bat (ERB) is a natural reservoir host for Marburg virus (MARV); however, the mechanisms by which MARV is transmitted bat-to-bat and to other animals are unclear. Here we co-house MARV-inoculated donor ERBs with naive contact ERBs. MARV shedding is detected in oral, rectal and urine specimens from inoculated bats from 5–19 days post infection. Simultaneously, MARV is detected in oral specimens from contact bats, indicating oral exposure to the virus. In the late study phase, we provide evidence that MARV can be horizontally transmitted from inoculated to contact ERBs by finding MARV RNA in blood and oral specimens from contact bats, followed by MARV IgG antibodies in these same bats. This study demonstrates that MARV can be horizontally transmitted from inoculated to contact ERBs, thereby providing a model for filovirus maintenance in its natural reservoir host and a potential mechanism for virus spillover to other animals.
In situ study on atomic mechanism of melting and freezing of single bismuth nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yingxuan , Zang Ling , Jacobs Daniel L. , Zhao Jie , Yue Xiu , Wang Chuanyi
Published: February 2017

Experimental study of the atomic mechanism in melting and freezing processes remains a formidable challenge. We report herein on a unique material system that allows for in situ growth of bismuth nanoparticles from the precursor compound SrBi2Ta2O9 under an electron beam within a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Simultaneously, the melting and freezing processes within the nanoparticles are triggered and imaged in real time by the HRTEM. The images show atomic-scale evidence for point defect induced melting, and a freezing mechanism mediated by crystallization of an intermediate ordered liquid. During the melting and freezing, the formation of nucleation precursors, nucleation and growth, and the relaxation of the system, are directly observed. Based on these observations, an interaction–relaxation model is developed towards understanding the microscopic mechanism of the phase transitions, highlighting the importance of cooperative multiscale processes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: 11,670 whole-genome sequences representative of the Han Chinese population from the CONVERGE project
Authors: Cai Na , Bigdeli Tim B. , Kretzschmar Warren W. , Li Yihan , Liang Jieqin , Hu Jingchu , Peterson Roseann E. , Bacanu Silviu , Webb Bradley Todd , Riley Brien , Li Qibin , Marchini Jonathan , Mott Richard , Kendler Kenneth S. , Flint Jonathan
Published: February 2017

The China, Oxford and Virginia Commonwealth University Experimental Research on Genetic Epidemiology (CONVERGE) project on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) sequenced 11,670 female Han Chinese at low-coverage (1.7X), providing the first large-scale whole genome sequencing resource representative of the largest ethnic group in the world. Samples are collected from 58 hospitals from 23 provinces around China. We are able to call 22 million high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) from the nuclear genome, representing the largest SNP call set from an East Asian population to date. We use these variants for imputation of genotypes across all samples, and this has allowed us to perform a successful genome wide association study (GWAS) on MDD. The utility of these data can be extended to studies of genetic ancestry in the Han Chinese and evolutionary genetics when integrated with data from other populations. Molecular phenotypes, such as copy number variations and structural variations can be detected, quantified and analysed in similar ways.
A land data assimilation system for sub-Saharan Africa food and water security applications
Authors: McNally Amy , Arsenault Kristi , Kumar Sujay , Shukla Shraddhanand , Peterson Pete , Wang Shugong , Funk Chris , Peters-Lidard Christa D. , Verdin James P.
Published: February 2017

Seasonal agricultural drought monitoring systems, which rely on satellite remote sensing and land surface models (LSMs), are important for disaster risk reduction and famine early warning. These systems require the best available weather inputs, as well as a long-term historical record to contextualize current observations. This article introduces the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS), a custom instance of the NASA Land Information System (LIS) framework. The FLDAS is routinely used to produce multi-model and multi-forcing estimates of hydro-climate states and fluxes over semi-arid, food insecure regions of Africa. These modeled data and derived products, like soil moisture percentiles and water availability, were designed and are currently used to complement FEWS NET’s operational remotely sensed rainfall, evapotranspiration, and vegetation observations. The 30+ years of monthly outputs from the FLDAS simulations are publicly available from the NASA Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) and recommended for use in hydroclimate studies, early warning applications, and by agro-meteorological scientists in Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa.
Targeted deep sequencing of flowering regulators in Brassica napus reveals extensive copy number variation
Authors: Schiessl Sarah , Huettel Bruno , Kuehn Diana , Reinhardt Richard , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: February 2017

Gene copy number variation (CNV) is increasingly implicated in control of complex trait networks, particularly in polyploid plants like rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) with an evolutionary history of genome restructuring. Here we performed sequence capture to assay nucleotide variation and CNV in a panel of central flowering time regulatory genes across a species-wide diversity set of 280 B. napus accessions. The genes were chosen based on prior knowledge from Arabidopsis thaliana and related Brassica species. Target enrichment was performed using the Agilent SureSelect technology, followed by Illumina sequencing. A bait (probe) pool was developed based on results of a preliminary experiment with representatives from different B. napus morphotypes. A very high mean target coverage of ~670x allowed reliable calling of CNV, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion-deletion (InDel) polymorphisms. No accession exhibited no CNV, and at least one homolog of every gene we investigated showed CNV in some accessions. Some CNV appear more often in specific morphotypes, indicating a role in diversification.
Correction: Corrigendum: In vivo dynamics of active edema and lethal factors during anthrax
Authors: Rougeaux Clémence , Becher François , Ezan Eric , Tournier Jean-Nicolas , Goossens Pierre L.
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23346; published online: 21 March 2016; updated: 13 February 2017 In this Article, Figure 5 is a duplication of Figure 2. The correct Figure 5 appears below as Figure 1.
Erratum: Risk of prenatal depression and stress treatment: alteration on serotonin system of offspring through exposure to Fluoxetine
Authors: Pei Siran , Liu Li , Zhong Zhaomin , Wang Han , Lin Shuo , Shang Jing
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 33822; published online: 05 October 2016; updated: 13 February 2017 In the original version of this Article, additional affiliations for Jing Shang were omitted. The correct affiliations for this Author are listed below: State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
Boundary-dependent mechanical properties of graphene annular under in-plane circular shearing via atomistic simulations
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Lin Qianling , Cui Daxiang
Published: February 2017

Graphene annulus possesses special wrinkling phenomenon with wide range of potential applications. Using molecular dynamics simulation, this study concerns the effect of boundary on the mechanical properties of circular and elliptical graphene annuli under circular shearing at inner edge. Both the wrinkle characteristic and torque capacity of annular graphene can be effectively tuned by outer boundary radius and aspect ratio. For circular annulus with fixed inner radius, the critical angle of rotation can be increased by several times without sacrificing its torque capacity by increasing outer boundary radius. The wrinkle characteristic of graphene annulus with elliptical outer boundary differs markedly with that of circular annulus. Torque capacity anomalously decreases with the increase of aspect ratio, and a coupled effect of the boundary aspect ratio and the ratio of minor axis to inner radius on wrinkling are revealed. By studying the stress distribution and wrinkle characteristics, we find the decay of torque capacity is the result of circular stress concentration around the minor axis, while the nonuniform stress distribution is anomalously caused by the change of wrinkle profiles near the major axis. The specific mechanism of out-of-plane deformation on in-plane strength provides a straightforward means to develop novel graphene-based devices.
Dynamic properties of calcium-activated chloride currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: M. De la Fuente Ildefonso , Malaina Iker , Pérez-Samartín Alberto , Boyano María Dolores , Pérez-Yarza Gorka , Bringas Carlos , Villarroel Álvaro , Fedetz María , Arellano Rogelio , Cortes Jesus M. , Martínez Luis
Published: February 2017

Chloride is the most abundant permeable anion in the cell, and numerous studies in the last two decades highlight the great importance and broad physiological role of chloride currents mediated anion transport. They participate in a multiplicity of key processes, as for instance, the regulation of electrical excitability, apoptosis, cell cycle, epithelial secretion and neuronal excitability. In addition, dysfunction of Cl− channels is involved in a variety of human diseases such as epilepsy, osteoporosis and different cancer types. Historically, chloride channels have been of less interest than the cation channels. In fact, there seems to be practically no quantitative studies of the dynamics of chloride currents. Here, for the first time, we have quantitatively studied experimental calcium-activated chloride fluxes belonging to Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the main results show that the experimental Cl− currents present an informational structure characterized by highly organized data sequences, long-term memory properties and inherent “crossover” dynamics in which persistent correlations arise at short time intervals, while anti-persistent behaviors become dominant in long time intervals. Our work sheds some light on the understanding of the informational properties of ion currents, a key element to elucidate the physiological functional coupling with the integrative dynamics of metabolic processes.
Changes in protein expression after treatment with Ancylostoma caninum excretory/secretory products in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Sotillo Javier , Ferreira Ivana , Potriquet Jeremy , Laha Thewarach , Navarro Severine , Loukas Alex , Mulvenna Jason
Published: February 2017

Different reports have highlighted the potential use of helminths and their secretions in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) conditions; however, no reports have investigated their effects at a proteome level. Herein, we characterise the protein expression changes that occur in lamina propria (LP) and the intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis treated with Ancylostoma caninum excretory/secretory (ES) products using a quantitative proteomic approach. We have shown how parasite products can significantly alter the expression of proteins involved in immune responses, cell death and with an antioxidant activity. Interestingly, significant changes in the expression levels of different mucins were observed in this study. MUC13, a mucin implicated in gastrointestinal homeostasis, was upregulated in the LP of mice with DSS-induced colitis treated with ES, while MUC2, a major component of mucus, was upregulated in the IEC. In addition, A. caninum proteins have an important effect on proteins with antioxidant functions and proteins involved in intestinal homeostasis and tissue integrity and regeneration. Understanding how parasites can ameliorate IBD pathogenesis can help us design novel treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Increased anterior cingulate cortex response precedes behavioural adaptation in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Geisler Daniel , Ritschel Franziska , King Joseph A. , Bernardoni Fabio , Seidel Maria , Boehm Ilka , Runge Franziska , Goschke Thomas , Roessner Veit , Smolka Michael N. , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: February 2017

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterised by increased self-control, cognitive rigidity and impairments in set-shifting, but the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to elucidate the neural correlates of behavioural adaptation to changes in reward contingencies in young acutely ill AN patients. Thirty-six adolescent/young adult, non-chronic female AN patients and 36 age-matched healthy females completed a well-established probabilistic reversal learning task during fMRI. We analysed hemodynamic responses in empirically-defined regions of interest during positive feedback and negative feedback not followed/followed by behavioural adaptation and conducted functional connectivity analyses. Although overall task performance was comparable between groups, AN showed increased shifting after receiving negative feedback (lose-shift behaviour) and altered dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) responses as a function of feedback. Specifically, patients had increased dACC responses (which correlated with perfectionism) and task-related coupling with amygdala preceding behavioural adaption. Given the generally preserved task performance in young AN, elevated dACC responses specifically during behavioural adaption is suggestive of increased monitoring for the need to adjust performance strategies. Higher dACC-amygdala coupling and increased adaptation after negative feedback underlines this interpretation and could be related to intolerance of uncertainty which has been suggested for AN.
Crucial Role of Mesangial Cell-derived Connective Tissue Growth Factor in a Mouse Model of Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Toda Naohiro , Mori Kiyoshi , Kasahara Masato , Ishii Akira , Koga Kenichi , Ohno Shoko , Mori Keita P. , Kato Yukiko , Osaki Keisuke , Kuwabara Takashige , Kojima Katsutoshi , Taura Daisuke , Sone Masakatsu , Matsusaka Taiji , Nakao Kazuwa , Mukoyama Masashi , Yanagita Motoko , Yokoi Hideki
Published: February 2017

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) coordinates the signaling of growth factors and promotes fibrosis. Neonatal death of systemic CTGF knockout (KO) mice has hampered analysis of CTGF in adult renal diseases. We established 3 types of CTGF conditional KO (cKO) mice to investigate a role and source of CTGF in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis. Tamoxifen-inducible systemic CTGF (Rosa-CTGF) cKO mice exhibited reduced proteinuria with ameliorated crescent formation and mesangial expansion in anti-GBM nephritis after induction. Although CTGF is expressed by podocytes at basal levels, podocyte-specific CTGF (pod-CTGF) cKO mice showed no improvement in renal injury. In contrast, PDGFRα promoter-driven CTGF (Pdgfra-CTGF) cKO mice, which predominantly lack CTGF expression by mesangial cells, exhibited reduced proteinuria with ameliorated histological changes. Glomerular macrophage accumulation, expression of Adgre1 and Ccl2, and ratio of M1/M2 macrophages were all reduced both in Rosa-CTGF cKO and Pdgfra-CTGF cKO mice, but not in pod-CTGF cKO mice. TGF-β1-stimulated Ccl2 upregulation in mesangial cells and macrophage adhesion to activated mesangial cells were decreased by reduction of CTGF. These results reveal a novel mechanism of macrophage migration into glomeruli with nephritis mediated by CTGF derived from mesangial cells, implicating the therapeutic potential of CTGF inhibition in glomerulonephritis.
Interferon-α-inducible Dendritic Cells Matured with OK-432 Exhibit TRAIL and Fas Ligand Pathway-mediated Killer Activity
Authors: Koya Terutsugu , Yanagisawa Ryu , Higuchi Yumiko , Sano Kenji , Shimodaira Shigetaka
Published: February 2017

Active human dendritic cells (DCs), which efficiently induce immune responses through their functions as antigen-presenting cells, exhibit direct anti-tumour killing activity in response to some pathogens and cytokines. These antigen-presenting and tumour killing abilities may provide a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms underlying this killer DC activity have not been fully proven, despite the establishment of interferon-α (IFN-α)-generated killer DCs (IFN-DCs). Here mature IFN-DCs (mIFN-DCs), generated from IFN-DCs primed with OK-432 (streptococcal preparation), exhibited elevated expression of CD86 and human leukocyte antigen-DR (minimum criteria for DC vaccine clinical trials) as well as antigen-presenting abilities comparable with those of mature IL-4-DCs (mIL-4-DCs). Interestingly, the killing activity of mIFN-DCs, which correlated with the expression of CD56 (natural killer cell marker) and was activated via the tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Fas ligand pathway, was stronger than that of IFN-DCs and remarkably stronger than that of mIL-4-DCs. Therefore, mIFN-DCs exhibit great potential as an anti-cancer vaccine that would promote both acquired immunity and direct tumour killing.