bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The TDP‐43 N‐terminal domain structure at high resolution
Authors: Mompeán Miguel , Romano Valentina , Pantoja‐Uceda David , Stuani Cristiana , Baralle Francisco E. , Buratti Emanuele , Laurents Douglas V.
Published: January 2016

Transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) is an RNA transporting and processing protein whose aberrant aggregates are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The C‐terminal domain of this protein plays a key role in mediating this process. However, the N‐terminal domain (residues 1–77) is needed to effectively recruit TDP‐43 monomers into this aggregate. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the essentially complete 1H, 15N and 13C NMR assignments and the structure of the N‐terminal domain determined on the basis of 26 hydrogen‐bond, 60 torsion angle and 1058 unambiguous NOE structural restraints. The structure consists of an α‐helix and six β‐strands. Two β‐strands form a β‐hairpin not seen in the ubiquitin fold. All Pro residues are in the trans conformer and the two Cys are reduced and distantly separated on the surface of the protein. The domain has a well defined hydrophobic core composed of F35, Y43, W68, Y73 and 17 aliphatic side chains. The fold is topologically similar to the reported structure of axin 1. The protein is stable and no denatured species are observed at pH 4 and 25 °C. At 4 kcal·mol−1, the conformational stability of the domain, as measured by hydrogen/deuterium exchange, is comparable to ubiquitin (6 kcal·mol−1). The β‐strands, α‐helix, and three of four turns are generally rigid, although the loop formed by residues 47–53 is mobile, as determined by model‐free analysis of the 15N{1H}NOE, as well as the translational and transversal relaxation rates.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession code: 2n4p. The NMR assignments have been deposited in the BMRB database under access code: 25675.
Metacommunity patterns across three Neotropical catchments with varying environmental harshness
Authors: Datry Thibault , Melo Adriano S. , Moya Nabor , Zubieta Jose , De la Barra Evans , Oberdorff Thierry
Published: January 2016

Most metacommunity studies indicate that dispersal processes play a minor role compared with species sorting in explaining metacommunity organisation, in particular, in stream systems. However, the role of dispersal could vary with environmental harshness, as a result of frequent resetting of community succession by disturbances and the selection of generalist species from regional species pools. The importance of dispersal may also be mitigated by species dispersal ability.

In this study, we explored how species sorting and dispersal shaped invertebrate and fish metacommunities across streams in three tropical headwater catchments in Bolivia with contrasting environmental harshness, including flow regime, altitude and climate conditions. We addressed the hypothesis that the relative roles of dispersal and species sorting vary with environmental harshness: we predicted that the role of species sorting would predominate in benign conditions, whereas that of dispersal would predominate under moderate environmental harshness, and that neither dispersal nor species sorting would be relevant to explain metacommunities under high environmental harshness. We also hypothesised that the role of dispersal would decrease with increasing species dispersal ability.

Although there was little or no spatial autocorrelation of environmental distances (i.e. environmental differences) across the headwater catchments, community similarity correlated more strongly with environmental than spatial distances among headwater sites that had low environmental harshness, but the opposite pattern was observed among sites with moderate environmental harshness. Under high environmental harshness, neither environmental harshness nor spatial distances between sites explained community similarity.

Under moderate environmental harshness, the correlation between community similarity and spatial distances was the strongest for moderate dispersers of both invertebrates and fish. Yet, in contrast to fish, strongly dispersing invertebrate taxa were spatial structured, suggesting that they were not able to reach all sites as predicted.

Our results suggest the role of dispersal might be underestimated, notably in systems prone to environmental harshness. Better proxies for dispersal, along with the use of spatial distances to account for resistance to animal movements in river systems and that account for flow magnitude and directionality, slope, riparian vegetation, wind and streambed roughness, may promote a more realistic integration of dispersal processes in basic and applied metacommunity research.
Water‐level fluctuations affect sediment properties, carbon flux and growth of the isoetid Littorella uniflora in oligotrophic lakes
Authors: Baastrup‐Spohr Lars , Møller Claus L. , Sand‐Jensen Kaj
Published: January 2016

Amphibious isoetids such as Littorella uniflora dominate the littoral zone in north‐temperate oligotrophic, softwater lakes. Accumulation of labile organic matter in the sediments from eutrophication represents a threat to isoetids because of insufficient root oxygenation, reduced anchorage and enhanced growth of taller competitors. These threats might be alleviated by fluctuating water levels potentially increasing sediment mineralisation and plant growth.

We hypothesised that L. uniflora would produce higher areal biomass when sediments are drained because air exposure assists oxygenation, mineralisation and consolidation of sediments. If so, changing water level offers a possible restoration measure. We tested this hypothesis by measuring sediment metabolism and plant performance under drained, fluctuating and submerged conditions in the laboratory and along an elevation gradient in the field in natural and organically enriched sandy sediments.

Laboratory and field experiments confirmed that L. uniflora grew in biomass under all conditions and maintained high leaf chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Increase in plant biomass was highest under drained conditions, particularly for roots probably in response to higher sediment oxygenation and leaf transpiration. The increase in biomass was lowest under fluctuating conditions as a logical consequence of higher costs of frequent shifts between aerial and aquatic growth forms.

In the laboratory experiment, mineralisation of sediment organic matter was 5.5‐fold higher under drained compared to submerged conditions in un‐vegetated sediments measured as release of CO2. Fluctuating conditions led to an intermediary release of CO2. In vegetated sediments, part of the CO2 released from mineralisation was incorporated into plant biomass, and taking this into account yielded twofold increase in mineralisation rate from submerged and fluctuating to drained conditions. During the field experiment, a substantial part of the added organic matter was mineralised particularly in the dry part of the gradient.

The proportion of reduced Fe2+ to total Fe as a measure of oxygenation of sediments declined from submerged to fluctuating and permanently drained sediments. The proportion of reduced Fe2+ was lower in plant covered than bare sediments reflecting root release of O2. Drainage and air contact increased sediment density and thus potentially the root anchorage compared to submerged conditions.

Periodic drainage and air exposure of isoetid beds is a natural phenomenon in oligotrophic lakes causing beneficial sediment conditions for isoetids and positively affect the growth of L. uniflora. Reinstating water‐level fluctuations in regulated lakes or periodically lowering water levels could be used as a restoration measure.
Modified Mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian Method Based on Numerical Framework of MT3DMS on Cauchy Boundary
Authors: Suk Heejun
Published: January 2016

MT3DMS, a modular three‐dimensional multispecies transport model, has long been a popular model in the groundwater field for simulating solute transport in the saturated zone. However, the method of characteristics (MOC), modified MOC (MMOC), and hybrid MOC (HMOC) included in MT3DMS did not treat Cauchy boundary conditions in a straightforward or rigorous manner, from a mathematical point of view. The MOC, MMOC, and HMOC regard the Cauchy boundary as a source condition. For the source, MOC, MMOC, and HMOC calculate the Lagrangian concentration by setting it equal to the cell concentration at an old time level. However, the above calculation is an approximate method because it does not involve backward tracking in MMOC and HMOC or allow performing forward tracking at the source cell in MOC. To circumvent this problem, a new scheme is proposed that avoids direct calculation of the Lagrangian concentration on the Cauchy boundary. The proposed method combines the numerical formulations of two different schemes, the finite element method (FEM) and the Eulerian–Lagrangian method (ELM), into one global matrix equation. This study demonstrates the limitation of all MT3DMS schemes, including MOC, MMOC, HMOC, and a third‐order total‐variation‐diminishing (TVD) scheme under Cauchy boundary conditions. By contrast, the proposed method always shows good agreement with the exact solution, regardless of the flow conditions. Finally, the successful application of the proposed method sheds light on the possible flexibility and capability of the MT3DMS to deal with the mass transport problems of all flow regimes.
At the Crossroads: Latina Identity and Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex
Authors: Berruz Stephanie Rivera
Published: January 2016

Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex has been heralded as a canonical text of feminist theory. The book focuses on providing an account of the lived experience of woman that generates a condition of otherness. However, I contend that it falls short of being able to account for the multidimensionality of identity insofar as Beauvoir's argument rests upon the comparison between racial and gendered oppression that is understood through the black–white binary. The result of this framework is the imperceptibility of identities at the crossroads between categories of race and gender. Hence, the goal of this article is to explore the margins of Beauvoir's work in order to decenter the “other” of The Second Sex and make known what is made imperceptible by its architecture, using Latina identity as an interventional guide. I conclude that given the prominence of The Second Sex in feminist theory, this shortcoming must be addressed if feminist theorists are to use it responsibly.
Firestonian Futures and Trans‐Affirming Presents
Authors: Cannon Loren
Published: January 2016

Shulamith Firestone's Dialectic of Sex: The Case for Feminist Revolution was, upon its original publication, both radicacmen would be freed from the burden of childbirth, in which the nuclear family, gender roles, typical constructions of marriage and parenting are all a thing of the past, still for many seems radical, even forty‐five years after its debut in 1970. With Firestone's recent passing, it is a particularly suitable time to reconsider her work in light of the medical, technological, and social changes of the past few decades. Specifically, I wish to argue that the kind of future society that Firestone envisioned, which would be possible only through the use of certain medical technologies, has begun to be actualized within many trans‐affirming communities. The greater the recognition of trans identities, trans lives, and trans relationships, the more we will approach the realization of the post‐revolutionary society that she describes. In this essay, I consider Firestone's ideas on the issues of biological sex, gender, relationships, and parenthood, after which I will identify how present trans‐affirming practices serve to support these Firestonian ideals.
Comparable pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of linagliptin 5 mg among Japanese, Asian and white patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sarashina Akiko , Friedrich Christian , Crowe Susanne , Patel Sanjay , Graefe‐Mody Ulrike , Hayashi Naoyuki , Horie Yoshiharu
Published: January 2016

Aims/Introduction

The efficacy and safety of drugs can vary between different races or ethnic populations because of differences in the relationship of dose to exposure, pharmacodynamic response or clinical efficacy and safety. In the present post‐hoc analysis, we assessed the influence of race on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of monotherapy with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, linagliptin, in patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in two comparable, previously reported randomized phase III trials.

Materials and Methods

Study 1 (with a 12‐week placebo‐controlled phase) recruited Japanese patients only (linagliptin, n = 159; placebo, n = 80); study 2 (24‐week trial) enrolled Asian (non‐Japanese; linagliptin, n = 156; placebo, n = 76) and white patients (linagliptin, n = 180; placebo, n = 90).

Results

Linagliptin trough concentrations were equivalent across study and race groups, and were higher than half‐maximal inhibitory concentration, resulting in dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition >80% at trough. Linagliptin inhibited plasma dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity to a similar degree in study 1 and study 2. Linagliptin reduced fasting plasma glucose concentrations by a similar magnitude across groups, leading to clinically relevant reductions in glycated hemoglobin in all groups. Glycated hemoglobin levels decreased to a slightly greater extent in study 1 (Japanese) and in Asian (non‐Japanese) patients from study 2. Linagliptin had a favorable safety profile in each race group.

Conclusions

Trough exposure, pharmacodynamic response, and efficacy and safety of linagliptin monotherapy were comparable among Japanese, Asian (non‐Japanese) and white patients, confirming that the recommended 5‐mg once‐daily dose of linagliptin is appropriate for use among different race groups.
Compatibility of Metarhizium anisopliae with Calpurnia aurea leaf extracts and virulence against Rhipicephalus pulchellus
Authors: Nana P. , Ekesi S. , Nchu F. , Maniania N. K.
Published: January 2016

Leaf extracts of Capurnia aurea (Fabaceae) have been reported to attract ticks and can be considered for use in combination with entomopathogenic fungus in an autodissemination approach, whereby ticks that are attracted to baited traps are infected with the inoculum. Bioassays were undertaken to assess the compatibility of aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts of C. aurea with conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae sensu stricto (ss) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolate ICIPE 7 in terms of mycelial growth, conidial production and spore viability. Aqueous extract of C. aurea was compatible with the fungus at all the concentrations tested whereas methanol and acetone extracts inhibited all the fungal growth parameters. The virulence of M. anisopliae formulated in different extracts of C. aurea was also tested against different developmental stages of Rhipicephalus pulchellus in laboratory bioassays. No significant differences in virulence were observed between M. anisopliae applied alone and M. anisopliae formulated in different concentrations of extracts of C. aurea among the larvae, nymphs and adults. However, mortality varied according to the developmental stage, with larval stage being the most susceptible. Aqueous extract was compatible with M. anisopliae and could be therefore mixed together for ‘spot‐spray’ treatments as low cost and environmentally friendly technology for tick control in grazing pasture.
Suction‐trap catches partially predict infestations of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae in winter wheat fields
Authors: Jonsson M. , Sigvald R.
Published: January 2016

Effective pest monitoring programmes are needed for providing reliable advice on when pest populations require active management. We studied whether suction‐trap catches of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae during the period 1989–2009 can be used to predict field infestations of this aphid in Swedish winter wheat fields. We found that suction‐trap catches of S. avenae until the time of crop heading (GS51) were significantly related to both number of aphids per tiller (R2 = 0.69 at GS 59 and R2 = 0.27 at GS 69) and proportion of fields with infestations above economic threshold (R2 = 0.49 at GS 59 and R2 = 0.40 at GS 69). This effect was consistent across Swedish regions and years. This information could be used by advisory services and farmers to decide whether field inspection to estimate the profitability of insecticide treatment at heading is needed. To improve the predictive ability further, suction‐trap catches could be combined with weather data and information about biological control potential in different landscapes.
Isolation and identification of bacterial strains with insecticidal activities from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pu Y.‐C. , Hou Y.‐M.
Published: January 2016

Several pathogenic bacteria strains were isolated from dead larvae of the weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver, collected on palm trees in Taiwan, China. Strains of pure cultures were temporarily named TW‐1, TW‐2, TW‐3, TW‐4, TW‐5, TW‐6, TW‐7, TW‐8, TW‐9, TW‐10, TW‐11, TW‐12, TW‐13 and TW‐14. These strains were identified by synthetically using colony morphological characters, physiological and biochemical tests and molecular biological analysis. Our results showed that these 14 isolated strains belonged to four genera and five species. The expected approximate 1400‐bp bands were obtained through 16S rDNA universal primer amplification. The sequencing results obtained from a commercial sequencing company were initially compared with a corresponding database from NCBI using BLAST, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using mega 5.1 software. The phylogenetic results indicated that these isolated strains had more than 99% homology with type strains. To further confirm these strains, numerous physiological and biochemical indexes were confirmed. TW‐1, TW‐2, TW‐3, TW‐9, TW‐12, TW‐13 and TW‐14 were identified as Serratia marcescens; TW‐4, TW‐5, TW‐8 and TW‐10 as Staphylococcus sciuri; TW‐6 as Klebsiella pneumonia subsp. pneumonia; TW‐7 as Proteus vulgaris and TW‐11 as Proteus mirabilis. The preliminary single‐dose bioassay on fourth instar larvae showed that S. marcescens had a higher virulence at a density of 1.89 OD600 (56.37% mortality) than the other strains. The corrected mortalities of the other strains were all less than 50%. The lowest toxicities were found for P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis where the corrected mortalities were only 28.18% and 25.57%, respectively. LC50 of S. marcescens was 1.2 × 107 CFU/ml inoculums. Our results indicated that S. marcescens from facultative cultivable bacterial flora isolated from R. ferrugineus could potentially be used as a microbial control agent for this widespread pest.
Stability analysis of riverfront facility on inundated floodplain based on flow characteristic
Authors: Song C.G. , Ku Y.H. , Kim Y.D. , Park Y.S.
Published: January 2016

Recent years have seen an increase in the intensity of extreme rainfalls and the frequency of floods caused by climate change. As a result, South Korea is facing an ever‐increasing risk of flooding due to typhoons in the summer season. In South Korea, since the implementation of the ‘Four Major Rivers Restoration Project’, a variety of eco‐friendly riverfront facilities, such as ecological parks as well as sports and recreation areas, have been constructed on floodplains. These riverfront facilities have a high risk of damage due to inundations during the rainy season. To perform hydraulic analysis and stability assessment of these facilities, accurate numerical modelling is necessary. First and foremost, it is crucial to address the dry/wet (DW) phenomena caused by rising and falling water levels. In this study, a two‐dimensional (2D) finite element model was developed and its applicability was checked against the results of various DW analyses. The developed 2D model was then applied to a natural river undergoing DW phenomena. In the validation test, the applied 2D model demonstrated a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.954). Subsequently, using the results of the model, we calculated four types of flood risk indexes and analysed their correlations to evaluate the stability of the riverside facilities.
A Rapid and Cost‐Efficient Technique for Simultaneous/Duplex Detection of Listeria Monocytogenes and Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Using Real Time PCR
Authors: Kaynak Ahmet , Şakalar Ergün
Published: January 2016

The increasing industrial interest in easy, economical and reliable methods has led to the development and application of DNA‐based methods for the detection of microbial pathogens in food. In the present article, we describe the development of a cost‐efficient EvaGreen‐based real‐time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for simultaneous and practical detection of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) in the food matrix. EvaGreen‐based simplex and duplex real‐time PCR showed that specific PCR products were identified by melting curve analysis, and had a reproducible Tm of 77.00 ± 0.4C for L. monocytogenes and 85.60 ± 0.2 for E. coli O157:H7.The absolute detection limit of Eva Green‐based simplex and duplex real‐time PCR was 0.0001 ng/μL for DNA of both pathogens. The relative detection limit of the simplex and duplex technique was less than 10 cells/mL for the two pathogens.

Practical Applications

This study illustrates a rapid, effective and cheap identification method to simultaneously monitor two foodborne pathogens in food samples. The specificity and sensitivity of this method can be used to clearly identify these two foodborne pathogens in practical food samples based on the specific genes of the species. Hence, this detection method is applicable to surveillance measures for these two foodborne pathogens in the food production chain. Moreover, this technique is used by food control laboratories in a secure way.
Occurrence of Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella Enterica in Retail Chicken Meat and Development of A Six Genes‐Based Multiplex PCR as An Alternative Diagnostic Method
Authors: Amin H.S. , Abdelrahman A.A. , Abdellrazeq G.S.
Published: January 2016

This study was aimed to develop a rapid discriminatory PCR‐based assay for detection and differentiation the most common Salmonella serovars in chicken meat and their products. Definite six target genes were selected for their ability to give unique results in a simple multiplex PCR assay to identify Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella kentucky and Salmonella enteritidis with multidrug resistance properties. Three hundred chicken meat samples were analyzed using conventional methods. The isolates were identified, serotyped and tested against 16 antibiotics. Isolated Salmonella serovars were further analyzed for the presence of six target genes (invA, avrA, stn, fliC, stm and sefA) using two multiplex PCR assays. 2.5, 0.5 and 0.5% of raw chicken meat were positive for S. typhimurium, S. kentucky and S. enteritidis, respectively. All isolates were resistant, at least, to three antibiotics. Multiplex PCR gave 284 bp (invA), 422 bp (avrA) and 617 bp (stn) fragments belonging to the genus Salmonella, and additional three fragments of 559 bp (fliC), 915 bp (stm) and 310 bp (sefA) which allowed distinct identification of S. typhimurium, S. kentucky and S. enteritidis. The developed six genes‐based multiplex PCR in this study is a potential alternative method for discrimination of the most common serotypes of Salmonella.

Practical Applications

We developed a six genes‐based multiplex PCR for effective discrimination of the most common foodborne Salmonella serovars with multidrug resistance prosperities. Although there are few studies about the incidence of Salmonella in retail meat in Egypt, our study is the first one in Alexandria (on the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part) about multidrug‐resistant (MDR) serovars of Salmonella in retail chicken meat and their products. If we analyze all these findings to see the potential risk assessments in this region, our study could be a leading report in near future.
Prevalence of Listeria Spp. and Listeria Monocytogenes in Cattle Farms in Cyprus using Bulk Tank Milk Samples
Authors: Botsaris George , Nikolaou Kyriaki , Liapi Maria , Pipis Christodoulos
Published: January 2016

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen which causes listeriosis in humans and animals. Presence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in raw bovine milk could lead to the manufacture of contaminated products due to lack or insufficient pasteurization or cross‐contamination. The purpose of this study was to record the prevalence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in all the Cypriot dairy farms, using bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. A total of 205 raw BTM samples were analyzed for Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes. In addition a total viable count (TVC) was also performed in parallel in an attempt to correlate high TVC with the presence of Listeria. Results revealed a total of three samples (1.46%; 95% CI: 0.3–4.4%) positive for Listeria spp. two (0.98%; 95% CI: 0.04–3.72%), of which were successfully identified as L. monocytogenes. Molecular serotyping indicated that the two isolates were both 1/2a. This is the first report in Cyprus documenting the prevalence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in the raw BTM of all Cypriot dairy farms revealing a low prevalence in a reported asymptomatic population. Monitoring the prevalence is essential in an attempt to protect animal health and welfare as well as human health by reducing the risk of listeriosis through consumption of milk and dairy products.

Practical Applications

There is an increasing need to better understand the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in the environment and food, given the rise of listeriosis in Europe, as reported by EFSA. Raw milk is an important exposure vehicle to humans either directly, through the consumption of unpasteurized products, or as a result of cross‐contamination in food establishments. Previous detection studies have been published in Europe and throughout the world but never before a full prevalence study which records the results in bulk tank milk (BTM) following the sampling from all dairy herds in a country. In addition, this is the first report in Cyprus documenting the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in raw BTM, revealing a low prevalence in a reported asymptomatic population of cattle. Furthermore, the predominant serotypes are identified, providing useful epidemiological information for future studies in Cyprus and throughout the world.
Calpastatin inhibits motor neuron death and increases survival of hSOD1G93A mice
Authors: Rao Mala V. , Campbell Jabbar , Palaniappan Arti , Kumar Asok , Nixon Ralph A.
Published: January 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease with a poorly understood cause and no effective treatment. Given that calpains mediate neurodegeneration in other pathological states and are abnormally activated in ALS, we investigated the possible ameliorative effects of inhibiting calpain over‐activation in hSOD1G93A transgenic (Tg) mice in vivo by neuron‐specific over‐expression of calpastatin (CAST), the highly selective endogenous inhibitor of calpains. Our data indicate that over‐expression of CAST in hSOD1G93A mice, which lowered calpain activation to levels comparable to wild‐type mice, inhibited the abnormal breakdown of cytoskeletal proteins (spectrin, MAP2 and neurofilaments), and ameliorated motor axon loss. Disease onset in hSOD1G93A/CAST mice compared to littermate hSOD1G93A mice is delayed, which accounts for their longer time of survival. We also find that neuronal over‐expression of CAST in hSOD1G93A transgenic mice inhibited production of putative neurotoxic caspase‐cleaved tau and activation of Cdk5, which have been implicated in neurodegeneration in ALS models, and also reduced the formation of SOD1 oligomers. Our data indicate that inhibition of calpain with CAST is neuroprotective in an ALS mouse model.

image

CAST (encoding calpastatin) inhibits hyperactivated calpain to prevent motor neuron disease operating through a cascade of events as indicated in the schematic, with relevance to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We propose that over‐expression of CAST in motor neurons of hSOD1G93A mice inhibits activation of CDK5, breakdown of cytoskeletal proteins (NFs, MAP2 and Tau) and regulatory molecules (Cam Kinase IV, Calcineurin A), and disease‐causing proteins (TDP‐43, α‐Synuclein and Huntingtin) to prevent neuronal loss and delay neurological deficits. In our experiments, CAST could also inhibit cleavage of Bid, Bax, AIF to prevent mitochondrial, ER and lysosome‐mediated cell death mechanisms. Similarly, CAST over‐expression in neurons attenuated pathological effects of TDP‐43, α‐synuclein and Huntingtin. These results suggest a potential value of specific small molecule inhibitors of calpains in delaying the development of ALS.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 140.
Interaction of stromal and microvascular components in keratocystic odontogenic tumors
Authors: Sousa‐Neto Ernesto Santos , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , Gurgel Clarissa Araújo , Guimarães Vanessa Sousa , Ramos Eduardo Antônio Gonçalves , Xavier Flávia Caló Aquino , Cury Patrícia Ramos , Carneiro Júnior Braúlio , Leonardi Rosalia , Dos Santos Jean Nunes
Published: January 2016

Objective

Little is known about the interaction of stromal components in odontogenic tumors. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate mast cells (MCs), myofibroblasts, macrophages, and their possible association with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs).

Material and Methods

Thirty cases of KCOTs were included and analyzed by immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase, α‐SMA, CD34, CD163, and D240. For comparative purpose, 15 radicular cysts (CRs) and 7 pericoronal follicles (PFs) were included.

Results

There was an increase in MCs for RCs and this difference was significant when they were compared to KCOTS and PFs. A significant increase in the density of MFs was observed for KCOTs when compared to RCs and PFs (P = 0.00). No significant difference in CD163‐positive macrophages (P = 0.084) and CD34‐positive vessels (P = 0.244) densities was observed between KCOTs, RCs, and PFs, although KCOTs showed a higher density of all proteins. Significant difference in lymphatic vessel density was observed for KCOTs when compared to RCs and PFs (P = 0.00). Positive correlation was observed between mast cell tryptase and CD34 in KCOTs (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

A significant interaction between the MC population and CD34‐positive vessels in KCOTs supported the hypothesis that MCs and blood vessels contribute to the stromal scaffold of KCOT.
Friendly Girls and Mean Girls: Social Constructions of Popularity among Teenage Girls in Shanghai
Authors: Xi Juzhe , Owens Laurence , Feng Huarun
Published: January 2016

Two different research traditions in the West see popularity defined either sociometrically, as being well‐liked, or in a peer‐perceived way as being publically visible and having social status and influence. Recent Q studies in Australia and England have supported the public prestige conception of popularity but we do not know how teenagers in Asian cultures view popularity. The current study used Q methodology and individual interviews to investigate the social constructions of popularity among 53 (16‐ to 19‐year old) girls from two schools in Shanghai. Q factor analysis revealed one common perspective—popular girls were considered to be friendly and pro‐social, while unpopular girls were characterized by relational aggression and self‐centeredness. The interview data indicated that among Shanghai girls, the popularity concept was more related to peer acceptance than to social influence. The differences in the features of popular girls in this Shanghai‐based study and teenage girls in Western studies are discussed.
The Happiness of Individuals and the Collective
Authors: Uchida Yukiko , Oishi Shigehiro
Published: January 2016

Happiness and well‐being are often defined as internal feelings or states of satisfaction. As such, research on well‐being has focused on the long‐term happiness and life satisfaction of individuals. But recently, psychological researchers have also begun to examine the effects that group‐level functions (e.g., nation‐level economic status) have on happiness. The present article: (a) overviews measures of individual and collective happiness and the validity of these measurements; (b) explicates the role of culture in understanding the long‐term happiness and life satisfaction of individuals; and (c) explores the possibility and importance of studying the happiness of collectives (e.g., work groups, organizations, cities, nations). We then discuss future directions for happiness research, proposing several methodological and theoretical areas for progress in: (a) cross‐temporal analyses to examine historical changes; and (b) multilevel analyses to identify the units of culture that affect happiness. Additionally, this paper argues that policy‐making and interdisciplinary approaches can make important contributions to happiness studies.
Universal and Cultural Dimensions of Optimal Experiences
Authors: Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly , Asakawa Kiyoshi
Published: January 2016

In the past 40 years, the phenomenon of flow—the full involvement with what one is doing, which is experienced as enjoyable and uplifting—has been found to be recognized in every culture where it has been studied. On the other hand, research has also shown that in different cultures, the experience itself might be different. In this paper we try to describe first what the flow experience consists of, what its evolutionary significance might be, and then focus on a peculiarly Japanese way in which flow seems to be experienced—the culturally specific concern for living up to the expectations of the culture—or Jujitsu‐kan. We argue that this concern for an external standard, which in Western cultures would interrupt the flow experience, in the context of Japanese culture might play a significant role in enhancing it.
The silencing of cathepsin K used in gene therapy for periodontal disease reveals the role of cathepsin K in chronic infection and inflammation
Authors: Chen W. , Gao B. , Hao L. , Zhu G. , Jules J. , MacDougall M. J. , Wang J. , Han X. , Zhou X. , Li Y.‐P.
Published: January 2016

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is a severe chronic inflammatory disease and one of the most prevalent non‐communicable chronic diseases that affects the majority of the world's adult population. While great efforts have been devoted toward understanding the pathogenesis of periodontitis, there remains a pressing need for developing potent therapeutic strategies for targeting this dreadful disease. In this study, we utilized adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expressing cathepsin K (Ctsk) small hairpin (sh)RNA (AAV‐sh‐Ctsk) to silence Ctsk in vivo and subsequently evaluated its impact in periodontitis as a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Material and Methods

We used a known mouse model of periodontitis, in which wild‐type BALB/cJ mice were infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 in the maxillary and mandibular periodontium to induce the disease. AAV‐sh‐Ctsk was then administrated locally into the periodontal tissues in vivo, followed by analyses to assess progression of the disease.

Results

AAV‐mediated Ctsk silencing drastically protected mice (> 80%) from P. gingivalis‐induced bone resorption by osteoclasts. In addition, AAV‐sh‐Ctsk administration drastically reduced inflammation by impacting the expression of many inflammatory cytokines as well as T‐cell and dendritic cell numbers in periodontal lesions.

Conclusion

AAV‐mediated Ctsk silencing can simultaneously target both the inflammation and bone resorption associated with periodontitis through its inhibitory effect on immune cells and osteoclast function. Thereby, AAV‐sh‐Ctsk administration can efficiently protect against periodontal tissue damage and alveolar bone loss, establishing this AAV‐mediated local silencing of Ctsk as an important therapeutic strategy for effectively treating periodontal disease.
Annual plant diversity decreases across scales following widespread ecosystem engineer shrub mortality
Authors: Hoffman Oren , de Falco Natalie , Yizhaq Hezi , Boeken Bertrand
Published: January 2016

Question

Ecosystem engineer patch dynamics can drive biodiversity patterns by controlling habitat heterogeneity. We studied changes to composition and diversity of shrub patch understorey plant communities to patch stage at a small scale, and to patch dynamics at larger scales. These patch dynamics were driven by widespread mortality of the facilitating engineer shrub Noaea mucronata, following a drought period.

Location

Park Shaked LTER station, semi‐arid northern Negev Desert, Israel.

Methods

We used diversity partitioning and similarity‐based metrics to relate annual plant diversity to shrub state at the scale of individual patches, and to the ecosystem engineer shrub mortality rates at larger scales. We separately tested changes to species diversity within patches and to assemblage variation among patches.

Results

(1) At the patch scale, annual plant richness and diversity decreased following the loss of shrub canopy. (2) Community similarity among patches increased following shrub mortality, with a significant increase in the abundance of one dominant grass species and a decrease of most other species. (3) Taken together, these factors led to a plot‐scale loss of diversity under high rates of shrub mortality. (4) Species richness and evenness metrics were significantly correlated with the shrub mortality gradient. (5) Overall, high mortality rates resulted in landscapes that were more homogeneous in both habitat structure and community composition.

Conclusions

Ecosystem engineer population dynamics and the dynamics of their patches can drive community‐level processes. In our case, biodiversity patterns are strongly driven by shrub patch dynamics at all scales examined. In other ecosystems where the engineer patches are well studied and easily recognized, they can be used as indicators of ecosystem and community state.
Testing L2 Talk: A Review of Empirical Studies on Second‐Language Oral Proficiency Testing
Authors: Sandlund Erica , Sundqvist Pia , Nyroos Lina
Published: January 2016

In this review article, empirical studies published from 2004 through 2014 on second‐language (L2) oral proficiency testing are analyzed, with a specific focus on discourse and social interaction in such tests. Taking three common test setups, oral proficiency interviews (OPIs), paired peer tests, and group peer tests as an organizing principle for the studies examined, recent developments in L2 oral proficiency testing research are situated, reviewed, and discussed, with a particular focus on tests conducted in face‐to‐face contexts. Findings from the review of selected journals, databases, monographs, and edited collections indicate (1) a prevalence of studies of the OPI format, but a growing research base on paired and group tests, (2) an absence of oral test studies in discourse journals, and (3) an emphasis on assessment, validation, and rater perspectives, as opposed to detailed analyses of interaction in L2 tests.
Willingness to Communicate: Rise, Development, and Some Future Directions
Authors: Zarrinabadi Nourollah , Tanbakooei Nooshin
Published: January 2016

In the last 20 years, several scholars have referred to willingness to communicate (WTC) as a useful construct in explaining an individual's first (L1) and second language (L2) communication. WTC in L2 is defined as a readiness to initiate discourse with specific person(s) at a particular time, using an L2 (MacIntyre, Dörnyei, Clément, and Noels ). This paper presents a sketch of the current themes and research directions in WTC, which are particularly novel or forward‐looking. The survey is divided into several main sections: the origin and theoretical advancements, orientations in research methodology, and directions for future research. The paper discusses how WTC was originally conceptualized with reference to L1 communication and, later, introduced as welcome appendage to L2 pedagogy. Furthermore, it compares trait‐like and situational views toward L2 WTC and argues for the importance of facilitating WTC in language learners. Finally, the paper outlines some possible venues for further research that can expand advance in L2 WTC research.
Biological matrices for sampling free‐ranging cetaceans and the implications of their use for reproductive endocrine monitoring
Authors: de Mello Daniela Magalhães Drummond , de Oliveira Cláudio Alvarenga
Published: January 2016

Monitoring reproductive rates in wild cetaceans is a crucial step towards adequate management of their populations. Their reproductive hormone profiles can be of importance, especially when combined with behavioural or life history monitoring. Sampling biological matrices of wild, free‐ranging cetaceans can be a difficult task.

The purposes of this review are: to describe briefly the different methods available for monitoring the reproductive endocrine parameters of wild and captive cetaceans, and to evaluate the feasibility of using various matrices – blood, urine, faeces, saliva, bubbler, muscle, ocular secretions, blow (respiratory vapour), milk, baleen, and earplug materials – to measure sex hormones in free‐ranging cetaceans.

We performed a retrospective analysis of the measurement and sample collection methods and the most commonly used matrices for constructing reproductive hormone profiles. The PubMed and Google Scholar data bases were used, and scientific articles and book chapters published from 1980 to the present were considered.

In the past, the most commonly used matrix for measuring hormones of free‐ranging cetaceans was blood. This has been changing since studying live whales became more common: researchers have dispensed with using blood samples from dead animals. Matrices such as blow, which can be obtained non‐invasively, and other matrices that can be obtained with minimal invasion, such as blubber, appear to be feasible options for monitoring the hormones of live, free‐ranging cetaceans.
Medical Cosmopolitanism in Global Dubai: A Twenty‐first‐century Transnational Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Depot
Authors: Inhorn Marcia C.
Published: January 2016

Dubai—one of the seven United Arab Emirates and the Middle East's only “global city”—is gaining a reputation as a transnational medical tourism hub. Characterized by its “medical cosmopolitanism,” Dubai is now attracting medical travelers from around the world, some of whom are seeking assisted conception. Dubai is fast becoming known as a new transnational “reprohub” for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the variant of in vitro fertilization designed to overcome male infertility. Based on ethnographic research conducted in one of the country's most cosmopolitan clinics, this article explores the ICSI treatment quests of infertile men coming to Dubai from scores of other nations. The case of an infertile British‐Moroccan man is highlighted to demonstrate why ICSI is a particularly compelling “masculine hope technology” for infertile Muslim men. Thus, Muslim men who face barriers to ICSI access in their home countries may become “reprotravelers” to Dubai, an emergent ICSI depot.
Exploring natural variation ofPinus pinasterAiton using metabolomics: Is it possible to identify the region of origin of a pine from its metabolites?
Authors: Meijón Mónica , Feito Isabel , Oravec Michal , Delatorre Carolina , Weckwerth Wolfram , Majada Juan , Valledor Luis
Published: January 2016

Natural variation of the metabolome ofPinus pinasterwas studied to improve understanding of its role in the adaptation process and phenotypic diversity. The metabolomes of needles and the apical and basal section of buds were analysed in ten provenances ofP. pinaster, selected from France, Spain and Morocco, grown in a common garden for 5 years. The employment of complementary mass spectrometry techniques (GC‐MSandLC‐Orbitrap‐MS) together with bioinformatics tools allowed the reliable quantification of 2403 molecular masses. The analysis of the metabolome showed that differences were maintained across provenances and that the metabolites characteristic of each organ are mainly related to amino acid metabolism, while provenances were distinguishable essentially through secondary metabolism when organs were analysed independently. Integrative analyses of metabolome, environmental and growth data provided a comprehensive picture of adaptation plasticity in conifers. These analyses defined two major groups of plants, distinguished by secondary metabolism: that is, either Atlantic or Mediterranean provenance. Needles were the most sensitive organ, where strong correlations were found between flavonoids and the water regime of the geographic origin of the provenance. The data obtained point to genome specialization aimed at maximizing the drought stress resistance of trees depending on their origin.
Natural history collections as windows on evolutionary processes
Authors: Holmes Michael W. , Hammond Talisin T. , Wogan Guinevere O. U. , Walsh Rachel E. , LaBarbera Katie , Wommack Elizabeth A. , Martins Felipe M. , Crawford Jeremy C. , Mack Katya L. , Bloch Luke M. , Nachman Michael W.
Published: January 2016

Natural history collections provide an immense record of biodiversity on Earth. These repositories have traditionally been used to address fundamental questions in biogeography, systematics and conservation. However, they also hold the potential for studying evolution directly. While some of the best direct observations of evolution have come from long‐term field studies or from experimental studies in the laboratory, natural history collections are providing new insights into evolutionary change in natural populations. By comparing phenotypic and genotypic changes in populations through time, natural history collections provide a window into evolutionary processes. Recent studies utilizing this approach have revealed some dramatic instances of phenotypic change over short timescales in response to presumably strong selective pressures. In some instances, evolutionary change can be paired with environmental change, providing a context for potential selective forces. Moreover, in a few cases, the genetic basis of phenotypic change is well understood, allowing for insight into adaptive change at multiple levels. These kinds of studies open the door to a wide range of previously intractable questions by enabling the study of evolution through time, analogous to experimental studies in the laboratory, but amenable to a diversity of species over longer timescales in natural populations.