bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited uptake as a mechanism for the nonrecoverability of arginine auxotrophs in Chlamydomonas eugametos
Authors: Nakamura Kazuo , Landry Charles F. , Goertzen Christine A. , Ikebuchi N. Wayne
Published: June 2017

To address the problem of amino acid auxotroph scarcities in algae, an explanation was sought specifically for the nonrecoverability of arginine auxotrophs in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas eugametos. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, in which the auxotroph has been recovered, was taken as a reference. In C. eugametos, unlike previously reported in C. reinhardtii, the use of selective media free of [Formula: see text] appeared not to affect the mutation spectrum. Arginine supported growth as the sole nitrogen source and canavanine sulfate inhibited growth, but both effects were less pronounced in C. eugametos. The concentration ratios (based on intracellular arginine accumulation) in C. eugametos remained less than 23% that of C. reinhardtii. The results indicate that nonrecoverability of arginine auxotrophs in C. eugametos is due to insufficient cellular accessibility to arginine.
The influence of salinity on Scirpus americanus tidal marshes in the St. Lawrence River estuary, Québec
Authors: Deschênes J. , Sérodes J.-B.
Published: June 2017

The amount of sodium in the aboveground part of the stalks of Scirpus americanus taken at the peak of biomass is a good indicator of the amount of salinity in the waters flooding the tidal marshes of an estuary. In fresh water, the Na concentrations remain below 10 000 and then increase sharply up to 20 000 – 30 000 mg/kg in brackish waters. Even though this plant can grow under brackish conditions, salinity has a considerable effect on the percentage of submersion it can withstand. Consequently, in the presence of saline water, the lower limit of the vegetation regresses towards the shore. In the case of fresh water, Scirpus americanus occupies the lower part of marshes up to an average of 75% of submersion, while in brackish water it extends to about 35% and then disappears when waters are more saline.
Localisation ultrastructurale de la phosphoénolpyruvate carboxylase dans la feuille de maïs par immunocytochimie
Authors: Rey L. , Thalouarn P. , Vidal J. , Renaudin S.
Published: June 2017

The localization in situ of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase was studied in maize leaves, at the ultrastructural level, by an indirect immunocytochemical method using colloidal gold particles as a probe. It is shown unambiguously that the enzyme is located in the hyaloplasm of mesophyll cells.
Effects of O3, SO2, and acidic rain on mycorrhizal infection in northern red oak seedlings
Authors: Reich P. B. , Schoettle A. W. , Stroo H. F. , Troiano J. , Amundson R. G.
Published: June 2017

To assess the response of mycorrhizae to atmospheric pollutants, 2-year-old northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were grown in natural soils and treated with low levels of O3, SO2, and (or) acidic rain. In a laboratory study, seedlings were exposed to constant concentrations of O3 (0.02, 0.07, or 0.12 ppm) for 7 h per day on 5 days per week and twice per week received 1.25 cm of simulated rain (pH 5.0, 4.0, or 3.0). Ozone treatment caused increases in the number of short roots infected with mycorrhizae per centimetre of lateral root and in the percent mycorrhizal infection. Acidic rain treatments caused decreases in the number of infected short roots and in the percent infection. In a field study, plants were exposed daily in open-top chambers in Ithaca, NY, to air containing 50, 100, or 150% of the ambient O3 concentration. These plants also received either no SO2 or 5 h per day of SO2 (concentration ~0.1 ppm) on one-half or one-quarter of the days during the study. Ozone caused increased numbers of short roots to be infected with mycorrhizae and increased percent infection. Treatments with SO2 resulted in decreased numbers of infected short roots and decreased percent infection. The significant response of oak mycorrhizae to all three forms of atmospheric pollution suggests that mycorrhizae are a sensitive component of the plant–soil system. Given the importance of mycorrhizae to forest trees, these results indicate a need for more study in this area.
Evidence for binding between host proteins and pathogen wall components in the wheat stem rust system from affinity protein blotting technique
Authors: Kim W. K. , Reisener H. J.
Published: June 2017

Polypeptides extracted from the urediosporeling walls of Puccinia graminis tritici were separated by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue or silver or electrophoretically transferred onto nitrocellulose membrane and probed for glycosylation using concanavalin A – horseradish peroxidase, soybean agglutinin-biotin – avidin peroxidase labeled, and Lotus lectin-biotin – avidin peroxidase labeled. More than 40 proteins were distributed in the gel by silver staining. Forty concanavalin A binding glycopeptides were identified in the blot, but none of them had affinity to soybean agglutinin or Lotus lectin. When fungal polypeptides were electrophoretically transferred through a nitrocellulose membrane that was pretreated with wheat leaf proteins, several fungal glycoproteins bound to the plant protein, suggesting that these pathogen wall components bound selectively to host proteins.
The Solidago rigida complex (Compositae: Astereae): a multivariate morphometric analysis and chromosome numbers
Authors: Heard Stephen B. , Semple John C.
Published: June 2017

A multivariate morphometric study of herbarium specimens of Solidago rigida confirmed that the species was divisible into three groups: a prairie race, a southeastern United States race, and a mid western – northeastern United States race. These groups are given subspecific rank as ssp. humilis, ssp. glabrata, and ssp. rigida, respectively, on the basis of morphological differences and their largely allopatric distributions. They are most easily distinguished on the basis of pubescence, phyllary, and disc corolla lobe traits. Twenty-seven new chromosome counts in two of the three subspecies are reported. Subspecies humilis is diploid (2n = 18); ssp. rigida is diploid in Oklahoma and tetraploid (2n = 36) over most of its range. Subspecies glabrata has been reported previously as diploid (four counts). The following new combinations are made: Solidago rigida ssp. glabrata and S. rigida ssp. humilis.
Mycorrhizal status of some plants of southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Berch Shannon M. , Gamiet Sharmin , Deom Elisabeth
Published: June 2017

During the summer of 1986, plants were collected from University of British Columbia Research Farm at Oyster River, Vancouver Island, and their mycorrhizal status was determined. Of the 60 plant species examined, 44 were always vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal, 13 were always nonmycorrhizal, and three varied. Nonmycorrhizal plants were found in species belonging to the following families: Araceae, Caryophyllaceae, Compositae, Cruciferae, Gramineae, Onagraceae, Polygonaceae, and Portulacaceae. The mycorrhizal status of 15 plant species is reported here for the first time. Of these, the nonmycorrhizal species included Lysichitum americanum (Araceae), Stellaria simcoei, Stellaria calycantha (Caryophyllaceae), and Epilobium minutum (Onagraceae), and the mycorrhizal species included Adenocaulon bicolor, Eriophyllum lanatum var. achillaeoides, Grindelia squarrosa var. serrulata (Compositae), Poa gracillima (Gramineae), Brodiaea coronaria, Disporum hookerii (Lilaceae), Polypodium glycyrrhiza (Polypodiaceae), Ranunculus uncinatus (Ranunculaceae), Rosa nutkana var. nutkana (Rosaceae), Collinsia parviflora (Scrophulariaceae), and Viola glabella (Violaceae).
Hybridization of Pyrola chlorantha (Ericaceae) in North America
Authors: Haber Erich
Published: June 2017

A distinctive hybrid between P. chlorantha and P. minor is reported from specimens collected by John Richardson at Great Bear River, Northwest Territories, during the second voyage of the Franklin Expedition to British Northwest America. The intermediacy of some collections of P. chlorantha and P. picta and the presence of floral and pollen abnormalities are interpreted as evidence of hybridization between these morphologically similar species. Pollen tetrad diameters and two-dimensional paper chromatographic patterns of leaf flavonols serve as useful criteria in characterizing these two species.
Ammonia, glutamine, and asparagine: a carbon–nitrogen interface
Authors: Joy K. W.
Published: June 2017

In plants, the primary input of nitrogen (obtained from the soil or from symbiotic dinitrogen fixation) occurs through the assimilation of ammonia into organic form. Synthesis of glutamine (via glutamine synthetase) is the major, and possibly exclusive, route for this process, and there is little evidence for the participation of glutamate dehydrogenase. A variety of reactions distribute glutamine nitrogen to other compounds, including transfer to amino nitrogen through glutamate synthase. In many plants asparagine is a major recipient of glutamine nitrogen and provides a mobile reservoir for transport to sites of growth; ureides perform a similar function in some legumes. Utilisation of transport forms of nitrogen, and a number of other metabolic processes, involves release of ammonia, which must be reassimilated. In illuminated leaves, there is an extensive flux of ammonia released by the photorespiratory cycle, requiring continuous efficient reassimilation. Aspects of ammonia recycling and related amide metabolism in higher plants are reviewed.
Evidence of liberation of lichen ascospores in clusters and reports on contact between free-living algal cells and germinating lichen ascospores under natural conditions
Authors: Garty Jacob , Delarea Jacob
Published: June 2017

Free-living cells of a green alga were found on pitted surfaces of old concrete tiles. Ascospores of the epilithic crustose lichens Lecanora dispersa, Protoblastenia immersa, Candelariella aurella, and Caloplaca aurantia, which colonize this substrate, were found in the same microniches as the algal cells. Free ascospores of these lichens were found in groups of seven or eight and it is suggested, therefore, that under natural conditions these ascospores are liberated from the lichen asci in clusters of eight. Contacts between free-living algal cells and germinating ascospores of the lichens Lecanora dispersa and Caloplaca aurantia were also observed.
A new species of Phomopsis recovered from field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Authors: Ormeno-Nunez J. , Reeleder R. D. , Watson A. K.
Published: June 2017

Isolates of a Phomopsis recovered from diseased foliage of Convolvulus arvensis L. were morphologically distinct from other species of Phomopsis. Alpha-conidia were oblong to fusiform-ellipsoid, usually blunt at both ends with two guttules, and were distinctly larger than alpha-conidia of previously reported species. Beta-conidia were found only in culture. Stromata developed as small, superficial masses of aggregated mycelium, later becoming pulvinate, and were dark brown to black. Stromata were scattered throughout the colony, rarely aggregated. Pycnidia were uniostiolate or multiostiolate, usually arising from the stromata bodies, and pycnidial beaks were prominent. Leaf spot and anthracnose symptoms were reproduced on inoculated bindweed plants. The binomial Phomopsis convolvulus is proposed for this taxon.
Influence of pH on Cephalosporium gramineum. I. Radial growth and dry matter accumulation
Authors: Murray T. D.
Published: June 2017

Radial growth of three isolates of Cephalosporium gramineum was fastest at or below pH 6.0 and slowest at pH 7.5 at 20 °C on corn meal agar and mineral salts agar adjusted to pH values from 4.5 to 7.5 with either phosphate or citrate–phosphate buffer. Interactions among medium, pH, buffer, and isolate occurred. On media containing phosphate buffer, growth occurred over the entire range of pH and was maximal at pH 5.5, but on media containing citrate–phosphate buffer, growth was maximal at pH 4.5, with little growth above pH 6.5. Dry matter accumulation was greatest at pH 4.5 and least at pH 7.5 in mineral salts broth buffered with phosphate or citrate–phosphate buffer. The water potential of media buffered with citrate–phosphate buffer was lower than that of media buffered with phosphate buffer, but these differences only partially explain the observed growth responses. Growth of C. gramineum occurred from 5 to 25 °C, but it was fastest at 20 °C. In general, temperature did not influence the qualitative response of C. gramineum to pH. The pH range most favorable to growth in vitro corresponds to the range of soil pH most favorable to development of cephalosporium stripe disease in the field and greenhouse; this may help explain the increased incidence of disease through increased inoculum potential.
Influence à long terme du travail du sol sur la densité des levées d'adventices en situation de non désherbage
Authors: Dessaint F. , Chadoeuf R. , Barralis G.
Published: June 2017

The sprouting of weeds was followed over a 9-year period (1977 – 1978 to 1985 – 1986) in a triennial rotation alternating between two spring cultures (barley–pea) and one winter culture (wheat) grown on two agricultural plots. The plots, one superficially worked while the other tilled, did not undergo any weeding treatment. A simultaneous increase in sprouting was observed in both plots at the beginning of the second rotation. However, this increase was greater on the superficially worked plot. The modifications within the adventitious community are qualitative in the first rotation, but become essentially quantitative at the beginning of the second rotation. Some species increase in density (Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Galium aparine, Fallopia convolvulus, Sinapis arvensis, Thlaspi arvense) while others decrease (Amaranthus retroflexus, Kickxia spuria, Stellaria media). Key words: community, long term evolution, factorial analysis of correspondences, weeds. [Journal translation]
Mycelial growth, sclerotial production and carbon utilization of three Typhula species
Authors: Wu C , Hsiang T
Published: June 2017

The mycelial growth, sclerotial production, and carbon utilization of the snow mould biocontrol agent Typhula phacorrhiza Fries were compared with the two grey snow mould fungi, Typhula ishikariensis Imai and Typhula incarnata Lasch ex Fries. Variation was observed among the four isolates for each species, but there was greater variation among species. All three species were able to grow at the lowest temperature (0°C), but temperature optima differed with T. ishikariensis lowest and T. phacorrhiza highest. On potato dextrose agar or potato malt agar at 10°C, T. phacorrhiza had greater radial growth than T. ishikariensis but less than T. incarnata. All species could utilize microcrystalline cellulose, bacto-cellulose, and glucose as carbon sources, but radial growth of T. phacorrhiza was significantly greater than T. incarnata and T. ishikariensis on these defined carbon sources tested, except for Indulin-AT, which was inhibitory to T. incarnata and T. phacorrhiza. This greater ability to utilize these structural and storage carbohydrates, combined with mycelial growth and sclerotial production over a wider range of temperatures, may help explain how some isolates of T. phacorrhiza are able to outcompete grey snow mould in field tests.Key words: turfgrass disease, biocontrol, psychrophilic.
In vitro plantlet regeneration from hypocotyl explants of Stellaria longipes (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Miranda Jacintha , Konschuh Michele N , Yeung E C , Chinnappa C C
Published: June 2017

An in vitro regeneration protocol for Stellaria longipes Goldie was developed using young hypocotyl explants. Optimal regeneration was obtained using Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.5 µM N6-benzyladenine and 1 µM indole-3-butyric acid. Three different patterns of shoot regeneration were observed: (i) "direct shoot" formation within 3-5 days of inoculation, (ii) nodular structures appeared followed by shoot formation, and (iii) callus formation followed by the appearance of shoots. Histological observation revealed that cells within the central vascular cylinder of the hypocotyl were responsible for shoot organogenesis. Shoot production was not synchronous or uniform among explants. A more synchronous shoot production was obtained by excising the direct shoots or by wounding the nodular structures. Excision and wounding increased the regeneration capability of the explants. Regenerated shoots were readily rooted in MS medium lacking growth regulators and were successfully transferred to greenhouse conditions. These showed morphology consistence with greenhouse-grown plants.Key words: hypocotyl, organogenesis, regeneration, Stellaria longipes.
THE WAGE EFFECTS OF OVER-EDUCATION AMONG YOUNG STEM GRADUATES
Authors: PARK KIHONG , JANG DOOSEOK
Published: June 2017

Using data from the 2010 Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey, this paper examines the wage effects of over-education (OE) among graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at the early stage of their careers. In the pooled OLS analysis, the negative correlation between OE and wages remains even if we were to estimate an augmented specification where OE is disaggregated according to perceived skill mismatch. However, the pooled OLS estimates are changed dramatically when we control for unobserved individual heterogeneity (i.e., ability) using the panel FE estimation procedure; namely, reduced coefficients in the wage equation compared to pooled OLS estimation.
Experimental signatures of hadron asymptotics at the LHC
Authors: Troshin S. M. , Tyurin N. E.
Published: June 2017

We discuss experimental signatures relevant for the LHC domain of energies allowing to discriminate possible asymptotic modes of hadron interactions.
Gravity and handedness of photons
Authors: Agullo Ivan , del Rio Adrian , Navarro-Salas Jose
Published: June 2017

Vacuum fluctuations of quantum fields are altered in the presence of a strong gravitational background, with important physical consequences. We argue that a nontrivial spacetime geometry can act as an optically active medium for quantum electromagnetic radiation, in such a way that the state of polarization of radiation changes in time, even in the absence of electromagnetic sources. This is a quantum effect, and is a consequence of an anomaly related to the classical invariance under electric-magnetic duality rotations in Maxwell theory.
Black holes and Hurwitz class numbers
Authors: Kachru Shamit , Tripathy Arnav
Published: June 2017

We define a natural counting function for BPS black holes in [Formula: see text] compactification of type II string theory, and observe that it is given by a weight 3/2 mock modular form discovered by Zagier. This hints at tantalizing relations connecting black holes, string theory, and number theory.
STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PET POLYMER FILMS MODIFIED BY LOW ENERGY Ar+ ION BEAMS
Authors: FAWZY Y. H. A. , ABDEL-HAMID H. M. , EL-OKR M. M. , ATTA A.
Published: June 2017

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films with thickness 40[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m are irradiated with 3[Formula: see text]keV argon ion beams with different fluence ranging from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ions.cm[Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ions.cm[Formula: see text] using locally designed broad ion source. The changes in the PET structure are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The XRD patterns show that the peak intensity decreases with irradiation and the particle size decreases from 65.75 Å for the un-irradiated to 52.80 Å after irradiation. The FTIR indicates partial decrease and reduction in the intensity of the bands due to the degradation of the polymer after ion irradiation. The optical energy band gap decreases from 3.14[Formula: see text]eV to 3.05[Formula: see text]eV and the number of carbon cluster increases from 119 to 126 after ion irradiation. The results show a slight increase in the electrical conductivities and the dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]). The results indicate the effectiveness of using PET films as capacitors and resistors in industrial applications.
Sensitivity of neurons in the middle temporal area of marmoset monkeys to random dot motion
Authors: Chaplin Tristan A. , Allitt Benjamin J. , Hagan Maureen A. , Price Nicholas S. C. , Rajan Ramesh , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Lui Leo L.
Published: June 2017

Neurons in the middle temporal area (MT) of the primate cerebral cortex respond to moving visual stimuli. The sensitivity of MT neurons to motion signals can be characterized by using random-dot stimuli, in which the strength of the motion signal is manipulated by adding different levels of noise (elements that move in random directions). In macaques, this has allowed the calculation of “neurometric” thresholds. We characterized the responses of MT neurons in sufentanil/nitrous oxide-anesthetized marmoset monkeys, a species that has attracted considerable recent interest as an animal model for vision research. We found that MT neurons show a wide range of neurometric thresholds and that the responses of the most sensitive neurons could account for the behavioral performance of macaques and humans. We also investigated factors that contributed to the wide range of observed thresholds. The difference in firing rate between responses to motion in the preferred and null directions was the most effective predictor of neurometric threshold, whereas the direction tuning bandwidth had no correlation with the threshold. We also showed that it is possible to obtain reliable estimates of neurometric thresholds using stimuli that were not highly optimized for each neuron, as is often necessary when recording from large populations of neurons with different receptive field concurrently, as was the case in this study. These results demonstrate that marmoset MT shows an essential physiological similarity to macaque MT and suggest that its neurons are capable of representing motion signals that allow for comparable motion-in-noise judgments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report the activity of neurons in marmoset MT in response to random-dot motion stimuli of varying coherence. The information carried by individual MT neurons was comparable to that of the macaque, and the maximum firing rates were a strong predictor of sensitivity. Our study provides key information regarding the neural basis of motion perception in the marmoset, a small primate species that is becoming increasingly popular as an experimental model.
The cerebellum does more than sensory prediction error-based learning in sensorimotor adaptation tasks
Authors: Butcher Peter A. , Ivry Richard B. , Kuo Sheng-Han , Rydz David , Krakauer John W. , Taylor Jordan A.
Published: June 2017

Individuals with damage to the cerebellum perform poorly in sensorimotor adaptation paradigms. This deficit has been attributed to impairment in sensory prediction error-based updating of an internal forward model, a form of implicit learning. These individuals can, however, successfully counter a perturbation when instructed with an explicit aiming strategy. This successful use of an instructed aiming strategy presents a paradox: In adaptation tasks, why do individuals with cerebellar damage not come up with an aiming solution on their own to compensate for their implicit learning deficit? To explore this question, we employed a variant of a visuomotor rotation task in which, before executing a movement on each trial, the participants verbally reported their intended aiming location. Compared with healthy control participants, participants with spinocerebellar ataxia displayed impairments in both implicit learning and aiming. This was observed when the visuomotor rotation was introduced abruptly ( experiment 1) or gradually ( experiment 2). This dual deficit does not appear to be related to the increased movement variance associated with ataxia: Healthy undergraduates showed little change in implicit learning or aiming when their movement feedback was artificially manipulated to produce similar levels of variability ( experiment 3). Taken together the results indicate that a consequence of cerebellar dysfunction is not only impaired sensory prediction error-based learning but also a difficulty in developing and/or maintaining an aiming solution in response to a visuomotor perturbation. We suggest that this dual deficit can be explained by the cerebellum forming part of a network that learns and maintains action-outcome associations across trials.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Individuals with cerebellar pathology are impaired in sensorimotor adaptation. This deficit has been attributed to an impairment in error-based learning, specifically, from a deficit in using sensory prediction errors to update an internal model. Here we show that these individuals also have difficulty in discovering an aiming solution to overcome their adaptation deficit, suggesting a new role for the cerebellum in sensorimotor adaptation tasks.
Moderate Autophagy Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence to Stabilize Progressed Atherosclerotic Plaque via the mTORC1/ULK1/ATG13 Signal Pathway
Authors: Luo Zhenli , Xu Wenhuan , Ma Sai , Qiao Hongyu , Gao Lei , Zhang Ran , Yang Bo , Qiu Ya , Chen Jiangwei , Zhang Ming , Tao Bo , Cao Feng , Wang Yabin
Published: June 2017

In order to investigate the effects of autophagy induced by rapamycin in the development of atherosclerosis plaque we established murine atherosclerosis model which was induced in ApoE−/− mice by high fat and cholesterol diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Rapamycin and 3‐Methyladenine (MA) were used as autophagy inducer and inhibitor respectively. The plaque areas in aortic artery were detected with HE and Oil Red O staining. Immunohistochemical staining were applied to investigate content of plaque respectively. In contrast to control and 3‐MA groups, rapamycin could inhibit atherosclerosis progression. Rapamycin was able to increase collagen content and a‐SMA distribution relatively, as well as decrease necrotic core area. Then we used MOVAS and culture with ox‐LDL for 72 h to induce smooth muscle‐derived foam cell model in vitro. Rapamycin and 3‐MA were cultured together respectively. Flow cytometry assay and SA‐β‐Gal staining experiments were performed to detect survival and senescence of VSMCs. Western blot analysis were utilized to analyze the levels of protein expression. We found that rapamycin could promote ox‐LDL‐induced VSMCs autophagy survival and alleviate cellular senescence, in comparison to control and 3‐MA groups. Western blot analysis showed that rapamycin could upregulate ULK1, ATG13 and downregulate mTORC1 and p53 protein expression.
Comparative Efficacy and Toxicity of Different Species of Sargassum in Haizao Yuhu Decoction in PTU‐Induced Goiter Rats
Authors: Xiu Linlin , Zhong Gansheng , Liu Dianna , Chen Shaohong , Liu Haiyan , Chen Feng
Published: June 2017

Background. Haizao Yuhu Decoction has been widely used to treat thyroid‐related diseases especially goiter with few side effects in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including herb pair Sargassum (HZ) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GC), as one of “eighteen antagonistic medicaments.” The two different species of Sargassum, Sargassum fusiforme (Sf) and Sargassum pallidum (Sp), are not clearly differentiated in clinical use, so that herb pair Sf‐GC and Sp‐GC could show different effect and toxicity. Methods. We investigated the antigoitrous effect and toxicity and clarified the potential underlying mechanism of the two different species of Sargassum in HYD (HYDf and HYDp) in PTU‐reduced goiter rats. Results. The results demonstrated that both HYDf and HYDp could exhibit antigoitrous effect through alterations in hypothalamus‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis and inhibition of the TPO gene expression; there is no difference in the antigoitrous effects between the two different species of Sargassum application in HYD. Conclusion. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of herb pair HZ‐GC applied in HYD in goiter rats at molecular, cellular, and whole level and compared the two species of Sargassum further. We provide a reliable way to clarify the possible mechanism of the antagonistic medicament herb pair HZ‐GC for its application.
Clinically Apparent Arterial Thrombosis in Persons with Systemic Vasculitis
Authors: Tsoukas Alexander , Bernatsky Sasha , Joseph Lawrence , Buckeridge David L. , Bélisle Patrick , Pineau Christian A.
Published: June 2017

Objective. To estimate the incidence rate of clinically apparent arterial thrombotic events and associated comorbidities in patients with primary systemic vasculitis. Methods. Using large cohort administrative data from Quebec, Canada, we identified patients with vasculitis, including polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Incident acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) after the diagnosis of vasculitis were ascertained in the PAN and GPA group via billing and hospitalization data. These were compared to rates of a general population comparator group. The incidences of comorbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) were also collected. Results. Among the 626 patients identified with vasculitis, 19.7% had PAN, 2.9% had Kawasaki disease, 23.8% had GPA, 52.4% had GCA, and 1.3% had Takayasu arteritis. The AMI rate was substantially higher in males aged 18–44 with PAN, with rates up to 268.1 events per 10,000 patient years [95% CI 67.1–1070.2], approximately 30 times that in the age- and sex-matched control group. The CVA rate was also substantially higher, particularly in adults aged 45–65. Patients with vasculitis had elevated incidences of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension versus the general population. Conclusion. Atherothrombotic rates were elevated in patients identified as having primary systemic vasculitis. While incident rates of cardiovascular comorbidities were also increased, the substantial elevation in AMIs seen in young adults suggests a disease-specific component which requires further investigation.
The Thawing Characteristic of Frozen Tofu under High-Voltage Alternating Electric Field
Authors: Deng Shilong , Gao Zhiwei , Xu Jing , Wang Guoqing , Bai Yu , Ding Changjiang
Published: June 2017

To systematically and comprehensively investigate the high voltage alternating electric field (HVAEF) thawing processing, we investigated the high-voltage electric field thawing characteristic of the frozen tofu at different voltages for alternating current (AC). The thawing time, thawing loss of frozen tofu, and specific energy consumption (SEC) of HVEF system were measured. Seven different mathematical models were then compared to simulate thawing time curves based on root mean square error, reduced mean square of deviation, and modeling efficiency. The results showed that the thawing rate of frozen tofu was notably greater in the high-voltage electric field system when compared to control. Both Linear and Quadratic models were the best mathematical models. Therefore, this work presents a facile and effective strategy for experimentally and theoretically determining the HVAEF thawing properties of frozen tofu.
Optimization of Multiresonant Wireless Power Transfer Network Based on Generalized Coupled Matrix
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Wang Anna
Published: June 2017

Magnetic coupling resonant wireless power transfer network (MCRWPTN) system can realize wireless power transfer for some electrical equipment real‐time and high efficiency in a certain spatial scale, which resolves the contradiction between power transfer efficiency and the power transfer distance of the wireless power transfer. A fully coupled resonant energy transfer model for multirelay coils and ports is established. A dynamic adaptive impedance matching control based on fully coupling matrix and particle swarm optimization algorithm based on annealing is developed for the MCRWPTN. Furthermore, as an example, the network which has twenty nodes is analyzed, and the best transmission coefficient which has the highest power transfer efficiency is found using the optimization algorithm, and the coupling constraints are considered simultaneously. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by the simulation results.
Mulberry Anthocyanin Extract Ameliorates Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells and Prolongs the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through MAPK and Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Yan Fujie , Chen Yushu , Azat Ramila , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: June 2017

Mulberry anthocyanins possess many pharmacological effects including liver protection, anti‐inflammation, and anticancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mulberry anthocyanin extract (MAE) exerts beneficial effects against oxidative stress damage in HepG2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. In vitro, MAE prevented cytotoxicity, increased glucose consumption and uptake, and eliminated excessive intracellular free radicals in H2O2‐induced cells. Moreover, MAE pretreatment maintained Nrf2, HO‐1, and p38 MAPK stimulation and abolished upregulation of p‐JNK, FOXO1, and PGC‐1α that were involved in oxidative stress and insulin signalling modulation. In vivo, extended lifespan was observed in C. elegans damaged by paraquat in the presence of MAE, while these beneficial effects were disappeared in pmk-1 and daf-16 mutants. PMK‐1 and SKN‐1 were activated after exposure to paraquat and MAE suppressed PMK‐1 activation but enhanced SKN‐1 stimulation. Our findings suggested that MAE recovered redox status in HepG2 cells and C. elegans that suffered from oxidative stress, which might be by targeting MAPKs and Nrf2.
Incident Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults With Blood Pressure <140/90 mm Hg
Authors: Tajeu Gabriel S. , Booth John N. , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Howard George , Lackland Daniel T. , O’Brien Emily C. , Oparil Suzanne , Ravenell Joseph , Safford Monika M. , Seals Samantha R. , Shimbo Daichi , Shea Steven , Spruill Tanya M. , Tanner Rikki M. , Muntner Paul
Published: June 2017

Background:

Data from before the 2000s indicate that the majority of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events occur among US adults with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) ≥140/90 mm Hg. Over the past several decades, BP has declined and hypertension control has improved.

Methods:

We estimated the percentage of incident CVD events that occur at SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg in a pooled analysis of 3 contemporary US cohorts: the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), and the JHS (Jackson Heart Study) (n=31 856; REGARDS=21 208; MESA=6779; JHS=3869). Baseline study visits were conducted in 2003 to 2007 for REGARDS, 2000 to 2002 for MESA, and 2000 to 2004 for JHS. BP was measured by trained staff using standardized methods. Antihypertensive medication use was self-reported. The primary outcome was incident CVD, defined by the first occurrence of fatal or nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, or heart failure. Events were adjudicated in each study.

Results:

Over a mean follow-up of 7.7 years, 2584 participants had incident CVD events. Overall, 63.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.9−71.1) of events occurred in participants with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg; 58.4% (95% CI, 47.7−69.2) and 68.1% (95% CI, 60.1−76.0) among those taking and not taking antihypertensive medication, respectively. The majority of events occurred in participants with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg among those <65 years of age (66.7%; 95% CI, 60.5−73.0) and ≥65 years of age (60.3%; 95% CI, 51.0−69.5), women (61.4%; 95% CI, 49.9−72.9) and men (63.8%; 95% CI, 58.4−69.1), and for whites (68.7%; 95% CI, 66.1−71.3), blacks (59.0%; 95% CI, 49.5−68.6), Hispanics (52.7%; 95% CI, 45.1−60.4), and Chinese-Americans (58.5%; 95% CI, 45.2−71.8). Among participants taking antihypertensive medication with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg, 76.6% (95% CI, 75.8−77.5) were eligible for statin treatment, but only 33.2% (95% CI, 32.1−34.3) were taking one, and 19.5% (95% CI, 18.5−20.5) met the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) eligibility criteria and may benefit from a SBP target goal of 120 mm Hg.

Conclusions:

Although higher BP levels are associated with increased CVD risk, in the modern era, the majority of incident CVD events occur in US adults with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg. While absolute risk and cost-effectiveness should be considered, additional CVD risk-reduction measures for adults with SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg at high risk for CVD may be warranted.
Differential Reflectivity Calibration and Antenna Temperature
Authors: Hubbert J. C.
Published: June 2017

Temporal differential reflectivity bias variations are investigated using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol). Using data from the Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera-Ready (MASCRAD) Experiment, S-Pol measurements over extended periods reveal a significant correlation between the ambient temperature at the radar site and the bias. Using radar scans of the sun and the ratio of cross-polar powers, the components of the radar that cause the variation of the bias are identified. It is postulated that the thermal expansion of the antenna is likely the primary cause of the observed bias variation. The cross-polar power (CP) calibration technique, which is based on the solar and cross-polar power measurements, is applied to data from the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field project. The bias from the CP technique is compared to vertical-pointing bias measurements, and the uncertainty of the bias estimates is given. An algorithm is derived to correct the radar data for the time- and temperature-varying bias. Bragg scatter measurements are used to corroborate the CP technique bias measurements.
Gaps in protest activities between natives and individuals of migrant origin in Europe
Authors: Pilati Katia
Published: June 2017

This article explores gaps in protest engagement between natives and individuals of migrant origin in European cities. It examines migrant–native gaps and second generation–native gaps by associating them with different sources of inequalities: differential individual socio-economic status resources, differential attitudes, and differential characteristics related to migration; differential effects of such factors for natives and for individuals of migrant origin; and differential contexts offering varying opportunities of participation. The study uses cross-national micro-data from a population survey of immigrant-origin individuals and natives in 9 European cities undertaken in 2004–2008. The findings show that observed inequalities in protest participation involving migrants and second generations are largely based on different levels of education attained and of political interest. Some migration-related characteristics, like holding the citizenship of the host country and experienced discrimination, affect protest gaps as well. In addition, results support the claimed importance of the context where individuals of migrant origin settle, in particular, of the characteristics of the citizenship regime. Finally, our findings support a segmented assimilation hypothesis whereby different socio-economic modes of incorporation of ethnic groups in the host cities affect different trajectories of political incorporation.
The Autocratic Welfare State: Old-Age Pensions, Credible Commitments, and Regime Survival
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Rasmussen Magnus
Published: June 2017

In this article, we argue that autocratic regimes are no less likely than democracies to adopt old-age pensions, although autocratic programs are less universal in their coverage. Our theoretical argument focuses on the strong incentives that autocratic regimes have for enacting and maintaining such programs to ensure regime survival. Autocratic pension programs can be considered club goods that (a) are targeted to critical supporting groups and (b) solve credible commitment problems on promises of future distribution, thereby mitigating probability of regime breakdown. We test three implications from the argument, drawing on a novel dataset on welfare state programs and including 140 countries with time series from the 1880s. First, we find that autocracies are no less likely than democracies to have old-age pension programs. But, second, autocracies have less universal pension programs than democracies. Third, pension programs effectively reduce the probability of autocratic breakdown.
Laparotomy site implantation metastasis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater
Authors: Radojkovic Milan , Gligorijevic Jasmina , Stojanovic Miroslav , Stanojevic Goran , Ilic Ivan
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Carcinomas of the papilla of Vater make up a heterogeneous group of tumours arising from different types of epithelium. Regional lymph nodes, liver and lungs are the primary sites of metastatic progression of these tumours.

Case presentation

We present a patient with an abdominal incision site metastasis of low-grade (mixed type) adenocarcinoma of the papilla of Vater one year after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Implantation metastasis of low-grade ampullary carcinoma in the laparotomy wound after open Whipple’s procedure is unusual.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemoradiation might be considered for patients with low-grade localised disease as a potentially preventative measure vs. metastatic progression.
Understanding the MBA Gender Gap: Women Respond to Gender Norms by Reducing Public Assertiveness but Not Private Effort
Authors: Wallen Aaron S. , Morris Michael W. , Devine Beth A. , Lu Jackson G.
Published: June 2017

Women’s underperformance in MBA programs has been the subject of recent debate and policy interventions, despite a lack of rigorous evidence documenting when and why it occurs. The current studies document a performance gap, specifying its contours and contributing factors. Two behaviors by female students that may factor into the gap are public conformity and private internalization. We predicted that women conform to the norm associating maleness with technical prowess by minimizing their public assertiveness in class discussions and meetings, but that they do not internalize the norm by reducing private effort. Data from multiple cohorts of a top-ranked MBA program reveal female underperformance occurred in technical subjects (e.g., accounting), but not social subjects (e.g., marketing). As predicted, the gender effect ran not through private effort but through public assertiveness, even controlling for gender differences in interests and aptitudes. These findings support some current policy interventions while casting doubt on others.
How Does Light Rail Transit (LRT) Impact Gentrification? Evidence from Fourteen US Urbanized Areas
Authors: Baker Dwayne Marshall , Lee Bumsoo
Published: June 2017

This study examines the relationship between light rail transit (LRT) stations and changes in neighborhood characteristics associated with gentrification using spatial regression analyses with longitudinal data across 14 US urbanized areas (UAs). Overall, we do not find evidence of prevalent gentrification in LRT station areas. An analysis of UA-specific impacts shows heterogeneous outcomes across different UAs, particularly: strong transit-oriented development (TOD) effects accompanied by gentrification in San Francisco and TOD with countergentrification in Portland. Our results highlight that different local and regional planning efforts can lead to different types of changes in transit station neighborhoods.
Optimal Aging: A Neuman Systems Model Perspective
Authors: Fawcett Jacqueline , Foust Janice B.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to describe aspects of optimal aging from the perspective of the Neuman systems model. An overview of the model is presented followed by a discussion of usual stressors encountered as people age and their common responses to these stressors. The position taken is that optimal aging for an individual is not necessarily equated with high-level wellness but rather is the best possible aging for that individual. A Neuman systems model practice methodology tool is used to illustrate how to apply the model to determine the optimal level of aging for individuals with and without chronic illnesses.
The Value of Developing a Mixed-Methods Program of Research
Authors: Simonovich Shannon
Published: June 2017

This article contributes to the discussion of the value of utilizing mixed methodological approaches to conduct nursing research. To this end, the author of this article proposes creating a mixed-methods program of research over time, where both quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed simultaneously, rather than focusing efforts on designing singular mixed-methods studies. A mixed-methods program of research would allow for the best of both worlds: precision through focus on one method at a time, and the benefits of creating a robust understanding of a phenomenon over the trajectory of one’s career through examination from various methodological approaches.
How Do Nurses Practice?
Authors: Karnick Paula M.
Published: June 2017

Understanding how nurses align theory with practice is key to the wellbeing of patients. In these times, there is a lack of regard for what patients want and need in living their quality of life. Since nurses are the facilitators of patient care, they must define how they are with patients and advocate for all people.
Standardized and weighted time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves to evaluate the intrinsic prognostic capacities of a marker by taking into account confounding factors
Authors: Le Borgne Florent , Combescure Christophe , Gillaizeau Florence , Giral Magali , Chapal Marion , Giraudeau Bruno , Foucher Yohann
Published: June 2017

Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves allow to evaluate the capacity of a marker to discriminate between subjects who experience the event up to a given prognostic time from those who are free of this event. In this article, we propose an inverse probability weighting estimator of a standardized and weighted time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. This estimator provides a measure of the prognostic capacities by taking into account potential confounding factors. We illustrate the robustness of the estimator by a simulation-based study and its usefulness by two applications in kidney transplantation.
Modelling and sample size reestimation for longitudinal count data with incomplete follow up
Authors: Asendorf Thomas , Henderson Robin , Schmidli Heinz , Friede Tim
Published: June 2017

We consider modelling and inference as well as sample size estimation and reestimation for clinical trials with longitudinal count data as outcomes. Our approach is general but is rooted in design and analysis of multiple sclerosis trials where lesion counts obtained by magnetic resonance imaging are important endpoints. We adopt a binomial thinning model that allows for correlated counts with marginal Poisson or negative binomial distributions. Methods for sample size planning and blinded sample size reestimation for randomised controlled clinical trials with such outcomes are developed. The models and approaches are applicable to data with incomplete observations. A simulation study is conducted to assess the effectiveness of sample size estimation and blinded sample size reestimation methods. Sample sizes attained through these procedures are shown to maintain the desired study power without inflating the type I error. Data from a recent trial in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis illustrate the modelling approach.