bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed control in soybean (Glycine max) with imazamox and imazethapyr
Authors: Nelson Kelly A. , Renner Karen A. , Penner Donald
Published: May 2019

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted in 1995 and 1996 to determine soybean injury and weed control differences from imazamox and imazethapyr applied postemergence with a nonionic surfactant or methylated seed oil and with selected tank mixtures. Soybean injury from imazamox at 35 g ai ha−1plus either a methylated seed oil or nonionic surfactant was equal to injury from imazethapyr at 70 g ai ha−1in the greenhouse and field. Imazamox provided greater common lambsquarters control than imazethapyr in the field in 1995 and in the greenhouse. Thifensulfuron tank mixed with imazethapyr increased common lambsquarters control, while soybean response increased when thifensulfuron was tank mixed with imazamox. Common ragweed dry weight was reduced 61 to 64% from 35 g ha−1imazamox and 70 g ha−1imazethapyr in the field; however, imazamox provided greater common ragweed control than imazethapyr in the greenhouse. Tank mixtures of lactofen with imazamox or imazethapyr increased common ragweed control and resulted in greater soybean seed yield in 1996 than when imazamox and imazethapyr were applied alone; however, lactofen antagonized giant foxtail control with imazamox and imazethapyr, and antagonized common lambsquarters control with imazamox. Giant foxtail control in the greenhouse was antagonized more when acifluorfen, fomesafen, and lactofen were tank mixed with 35 g ha−1imazethapyr than with 35 g ha−1imazamox. Giant foxtail control with imazamox or imazethapyr applied alone or with diphenyl ether herbicides increased when 28% urea ammonium nitrate was added with nonionic surfactant compared with nonionic surfactant only. Imazethapyr antagonized giant foxtail control by clethodim in the field and was more antagonistic than imazamox in the greenhouse. A methylated seed oil improved common ragweed control by imazethapyr at 70 g ha−1and imazamox at 18 and 35 g ha−1, while common lambsquarters and velvetleaf control increased when a methylated seed oil was included with 18 g ha−1imazethapyr compared to nonionic surfactant in the greenhouse.
Cooperación entre las Sociedades Nacionales y el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja: una asociación necesaria y exigente
Authors: Blondel Jean-Luc
Published: May 2019

El Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR) siempre ha mantenido contactos, a menudo estrechos, con las Sociedades Nacionales de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja. De conformidad con lo estipulado en el artículo 3 de los Estatutos del Movimiento Internacional de la Cruz Roja «las Sociedades Nacionales forman la base y son una fuerza vital del Movimiento». En este sentido, son para el CICR socios privilegiados en la realización de su acción humanitaria. La Institución acaba de recordarlo en su estudio estratégico «Porvenir», remitido a todas las Sociedades Nacionales (carta del 16 de diciembre de 1997): «Miembro del Movimiento Internacional de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja del que es el fundador, el CICR vela por el respeto de los Principios Fundamentales y coopera prioritanamente (cursivas añadidas) con las Sociedades Nacionales de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja y su Federación.
Colaboración entre el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja y la Cruz Roja de Nigeria en actividades operacionales
Authors: Nwobodo Ofor
Published: May 2019

Las raíces de la Cruz Roja de Nigeria datan del año 1917, cuando el país todavía se hallaba bajo la autoridad británica. Ese año, la Cruz Roja Británica organizó, por primera vez, una colecta de fondos en Lagos. Tras ese evento, se instituyó la denominada Seccion Central de Nigeria de la Cruz Roja Británica, con sede en Lagos. La sección tenía subsecciones en las entonces tres zonas del país, es decir, oriental, septentrional y occidental, con sede en Enugu, Kaduna e Ibadan, respectivamente. Con la independencia del país, el 1 de octubre de 1960, nacía la Cruz Roja de Nigeria, en virtud de una Ley del Parlamento llamada «Ley de 1960 de la Cruz Roja de Nigeria». Hoy, la Sociedad Nacional cuenta con una sección en cada uno de los 36 estados, así como en Abuja, territorio de la capital federal.
Cooperacióon entre el Comité International de la Cruz Roja y las Sociedades Nacionales en Bosnia-Herzegovina— ampliación de la respuesta de la Cruz Roja
Authors: Krähenbühl Pierre
Published: May 2019

La desmembración de Yugoslavia y la guerre en Bosnia-Herzegovina son el primer gran conflicto que ha tenido lugar en territorio europeo desde el final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Confronta a políticos, estrategas militares, periodistas y colaboradores humanitarios por igual con desafíos desalentadores que con frecuencia plantean grandes dilemas. La guerra puso en tela de juicio de muchas maneras la capacidad de la comunidad internacional para dar respuesta a los problemas que se plantearon y satisfacer las necesidades que surgieron. También el Movimiento Internacional de la Cruz Roja y de la Media Luna Roja se vio enfrentado a este desafío.
Las actividades del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja en el subcontinente indio en los primeros años tras la partición (1947–1949)
Authors: Rey-Schirr Catherine
Published: May 2019

En 1945, al terminar la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el Gobierno británico manifestó clararnente su intención de conceder la independencia a la India.

A partir de entonces, el conflicto entre los ingleses y los nacionalistas indios pasó a segundo piano, a medida que se iba acentuando el antagonismo entre hindúes y musulmanes. Los primeros, reunidos en el Partido del Congreso dirigido por Yawaharlal Nehru, deseaban mantener la unidad de la India y formar un gobierno integrado por representantes de ambas comunidades. Los segundos, agrupados en torno a la Liga Musulmana presidida por Muhammad Alí Yinnah, exigían la creación de un Estado musulmán separado: Pakistán. La problemática era tanto más complicada cuanto que los aproximadamente trescientos millones de hindúes, seis millones de sikhs y cien millones de musulmanes que poblaban la India en aquella época no ocupaban zonas claramente delimitadas, particularmente en los territorios de Penjab y de Bengala, donde la población era mixta.
La crisis de los rehenes en Lima — Algunas precisiones sobre el cometido de «intermediario neutral» del CICR
Authors: Minnig Michel
Published: May 2019

El delegado del Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR) era uno de los 600 invitados del embajador japonés en Lima, aquel 17 de diciembre de 1996. Cuando el comando del Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA) efectuó una espectacular toma de rehenes, el delegado, que se identificó ante los miembros del MRTA, no se pregunto si actuaba cotno intermediario: sencillamente, actuó, porque la situación así lo requería, porque la integridad fíisica de cientos de personas estaba amenazada. Aquel delegado era yo. Al actuar de ese modo, no hice sino repetir el gesto humanitario de cientos de delegados del CICR en todo el mundo, el gesto de Henry Dunant en Solferino y de otros en diferentes lugares. Esto es: acudir en auxilio de las víctimas de la violencia. Y en eso consiste ser un intermediario neutral, o sea, intervenir voluntariamente en el fragor de los enfrentamientos para socorrer a quien lo necesite. En este sentido, el término «intermediario» define perfectamente la acción del CICR ensí, su base humanitaria.
Efectos de la ayuda humanitaria sobre la evolución de los conflictos
Authors: Perrin Pierre
Published: May 2019

Con la multiplicación de las crisis se ha incrementado la ayuda humanitaria para atender las necesidades fisiológicas fundamentales de las víctimas: alimentación, agua, asistencia médica y cobijo. Las instituciones humanitarias pueden subvenir directamente a estas necesidades o prestar apoyo a los servicios locales para que éstos puedan asumir las tareas que normalmente les corresponden. La mayor parte de las veces, ambas formas de proceder están imbricadas.
Actividades operacionales del CICR sobre el terreno: la cuestión de la seguridad
Authors: Dind Philippe
Published: May 2019

Toda reflexión sobre la seguridad ha de estar encaminada a preservar la neutralidad, la independencia y la imparcialidad de las actividades humanitarias, condición sine qua non de la aptitud del CICR para proteger y ayudar a las víctimas de los conflictos. Toda intervención humanitaria que menoscabe esos principios fundamentales despertará, tarde o temprano, la desconfianza de la población que hay que socorrer o estará condenada a la parálisis.
Het cytochroom P450 enzymsysteem: wat is de relevantie voor de praktijk? Deel I, de iso-enzymen
Authors: Touw D.J. , Verhoeven W.M.A. , Noten J.B.G.M.
Published: May 2019

Samenvatting

Bij de mens bestaat een grate interindividuele variabiliteit in de capaciteit om geneesmiddelen oxidatief te metaboliseren. Een van de factoren die daaraan bijdraagt, is het voorkomen van een genetisch bepaalde oxidatieve capaciteit van verschillende isozymen welke deel uitmaken van het cytochroom P450. Voor het oxidatief metabolisme van geneesmiddelen zijn de P450 isozymen CYP2D6 (het enzym dat de meeste antidepressiva, antipsychotica, enkele anti-arrhythmica en codeïne oxideert), de CYP2C familie, de CYP3A familie en de CYP1A familie van belong. Van de isozymen CYP2D6 en CYP2C19 is ondubbelzinnig aangetoond dat er genetisch bepaalde verschillen in metabole capaciteit bestaan. Een frequentieverdeling van de metabole capaciteit in een populatie toont dan een bimodaal beeld met een onderverdeling in trage en snelle metaboliseerders met consequenties voor de individueel benodigde dosering. De capaciteit van de P450 isozymen is in het algemeen beperkt en de qffiniteil van substraat voor de isozymen is groot. Er bestaat derhalve een grate kans op interacties. Deze interacties zijn competitivef van aard waarbij het ook voorkomt dat interacties plaatsvinden met isozymen waarvoor de betreffende substantie geen substraat vormt.
Molecular and physiological markers during seed development of peppers (Capsicum annuum L.): DNA replication and β-tubulin synthesis
Authors: Portis E. , Marzachì; C. , Quagliotti L. , Lanteri S.
Published: May 2019

The correlation between physiological markers for seed maturity (acquisition of germinability, definitive morphological traits and desiccation tolerance) and timing of the shutdown of nuclear replication activity and β-tubulin synthesis has been investigated in developing pepper seeds. Nuclear replication activity was analysed by flow cytometry. Expression of β-tubulin, a cell-cycle related structural protein, was detected in western blots of total protein extracts. In pepper embryos, DNA synthesis stopped 42–49 days after anthesis (DAA), at which time seeds started to acquire desiccation tolerance. A clear β-tubulin signal was detected up to 63 DAA, only 1 week before the acquisition of complete desiccation tolerance. Both nuclear replication and β-tubulin synthesis can therefore be used as markers for the physiological stage reached by developing pepper seeds. Detection of β-tubulin signals in embryonic tissues can also be helpful in discriminating immature seeds within a commercial seed lot.
Quantitative estimation of seed desiccation sensitivity using a quantal response model: application to nine species of the genus Coffea L.
Authors: Dussert Stéphane , Chabrillange Nathalie , Engelmann Florent , Hamon Serge
Published: May 2019

Seed desiccation sensitivity was studied in nine species of the genus Coffeaby measuring seed viability after equilibration over various saturated salt solutions. A quantal response model based on the logistic distribution was developed in order to describe the typical S-shaped patterns observed. The closeness of fit of the desiccation sensitivity model was shown, and the assumption that seed desiccation sensitivity follows a continuous distribution within species was verified. For each species, the water content at which 50% of initial viability was reached, WC50, and a specific parameter describing the intra-specific variability, β, were calculated using a non-linear regression. A simplified water sorption model was developed which allowed easy calculation of water activity and water potential corresponding to WC50 (aw50 and Ψ50) for relative humidities ranging between 10 and 100%. Distribution of WC50and Ψ50 (or aw50) in the genus Coffea was homogeneous within the following intervals: from 0.05 to 0.38 g H2O.g−1dw for WC50 and from −168 to −11 MPa for Ψ50. Different classifications of the coffee species studied as regards to their desiccation sensitivity were obtained depending on whether WC50 or Ψ50was used for classification. The continuum for desiccation sensitivity observed within the nine species studied confirmed that coffee is an appropriate material for studying desiccation sensitivity.
Scaling of soil water absorption by seeds: an experiment using seed analogues
Authors: Kikuzawa Kihachiro , Koyama Hiromasa
Published: May 2019

Scaling of water absorption and water loss by seeds on various soil surfaces was simulated using seed analogues constructed with paper pulp. Three sizes of analogue seeds (large, medium and small) were laid on three types of soil surface (coarse, medium and fine texture). To estimate the amount of water absorbed by a seed during a fixed time interval, the difference in seed weight from the start of the experiment was used. The scaling of water absorption necessary for germination was also studied using actual seeds of 14 species representing a range of seed sizes. Scaling coefficients between the amount of absorbed water by an analogue seed (net water gain) and seed mass were usually lower than 1: small seeds absorbed water more rapidly than large ones. The water loss of analogue seeds was also correlated with seed mass with a scaling coefficient lower than 1, but the amount of water loss itself was far smaller than the absorption. On the other hand, the germination of actual seeds revealed that the amount of water necessary to start germination was proportional to seed mass. Thus, smaller seeds have an advantage over larger seeds in more rapidly attaining the water content necessary for germination. Moreover, small seeds can penetrate through small cracks in the soil surface and thus enjoy a double advantage in a microsite that promotes water absorption and minimizes desiccation.
Influence of human embryo cultivation in a classic CO2 incubator with 20% oxygen versus benchtop incubator with 5% oxygen on live births: the randomized prospective trial
Authors: Gelo Nina , Kirinec Gabriela , Baldani Dinka Pavičić , Vrčić Hrvoje , Ježek Davor , Milošević Milan , Stanić Patrik
Published: May 2019

Our objective was to assess the effect of benchtop incubators with low oxygen concentrations on the clinical and embryological parameters of our patients. We conducted a prospective, randomized, opened controlled trial on infertile patients in stimulated cycles. In total, 738 infertile patients were assessed for eligibility and, after final exclusions, 230 patients were allocated either to a 5% O2 group (benchtop incubator) or a 20% O2 group (classic incubator). Finally, 198 patients in the 5% O2 group and 195 in the 20% O2 group were analysed. The outcomes measured were fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. The primary outcome – live birth rate per all transfers – did not show any improvement in the 5% oxygen group over the 20% oxygen group (25.3% versus 22.6%, P=0.531), but the number of day 5 blastocysts was significantly higher (P=0.009). Fertilization rate did not show any beneficial effect of reduced oxygen (5%) (73.4%±22.4% versus 74.6%±24.0%, P=0.606) per all transfers but there was statistically significant difference in the day 5 SET subgroup (85.3±15.1 versus 75.1±17.5; P=0.004). Clinical pregnancy rate showed results in favour of the 5% oxygen group for all subgroups (day 3: 23.7% versus 21.1%, P=0.701; day 5 SET: 35.0% versus 30.6%. P=0.569) but showed statistical significance only in the day 5 SET subgroup (51.1% versus 29.8%; P=0.038). Culturing of embryos in benchtop incubators under low oxygen produced more blastocysts and therefore was a better alternative for embryo selection, which resulted in higher pregnancy rates. To achieve higher live birth rates, embryo quality is not the only factor.
Using Functional Analysis Techniques to Develop Educational Support Plans for Students with High Support Needs
Authors: O’Reilly Mark F. , Peck Stephanie M. , Webster Jessica , Baird Sally Jo , Plowman Kristen , Lancioni Giulio E. , Tieman Roisin , Gardiner Marianne , Cummins Orla
Published: May 2019

We examined the use of functional analysis methodologies to identify the environmental determinants of challenging behaviour for two students with severe disabilities. With one student the functional analysis was conducted in an outpatient clinic which was removed from the school setting. The functional analysis was conducted in the classroom setting with the other student. These assessments produced clear hypotheses regarding the controlling contingencies for challenging behaviour with both students. Individualised support plans were then developed and were successfully implemented by classroom personnel. The results of this study are discussed in terms of using a flexible approach to functional assessment in schools based on the individual characteristics of the student and the classroom context.
Effects of Amount and Type of Social Interaction/Activity on Stereotyped Hand Mannerisms in Individuals with Rett Syndrome
Authors: Woodyatt Gail , Sigafoos Jeff
Published: May 2019

Stereotyped hand mannerisms are a defining characteristic of Rett syndrome. This study examined the effects of social interaction/activity on the frequency of stereotyped hand mannerisms in seven individuals with Rett syndrome. The percentage of 15 s intervals with stereotyped hand mannerisms was recorded during repeated 10 min sessions under two conditions in an ABAB reversal design. The High Social Interaction/Activity condition occurred during a mealtime when the individuals also received high levels of social interaction from a staff person. In the second, Low Social Interaction condition, a staff person was present but did not interact with the individual and no activities were presented. The trend was for more Stereotypic hand movement in the Low Social Interaction/Activity condition. However, there was a considerable amount of individual and within condition variability. The results suggest a need for individual assessment in order to develop educational interventions to attenuate stereotyped hand mannerisms in persons with Rett syndrome.
The economics of fertility in the dairy herd
Authors: Stott A. W. , Veerkamp R. F. , Wassell T. R.
Published: May 2019

A method to establish the economic optimum (minimum) cost of fertility in the dairy herd is described and demonstrated. A Markov chain model is used iteratively to establish the gross margin of the herd in the long term at various levels of oestrous detection rate and under two different rebreeding strategies. These gross margins are required by the optimization methodology. Under the initial assumptions reflecting current commercial practice in the United Kingdom, gross margin was £806 per cow. This figure varied by proportionately 0·15 over the range of oestrous detection rates assumed (0·4 to 0·7) while delaying rebreeding by 20 days caused gross margin to drop by approximately 0·04. It was concluded that it is important to optimize fertility control as well as rebreeding strategy in order to establish the economic impact of fertility in the dairy herd.

The economic value of fertility was also expressed per unit of calving interval and adjusted calving interval (ACI). ACI was calculated by dividing calving interval by the proportion of cows not culled for reproductive failure. Under the assumptions made, the marginal value of calving interval at the optimum oestrous detection rate was £6·22 per day, rising to £7·44 per day if rebreeding was delayed. The corresponding figures for ACI were £1·57 per day and £1·24 per day. The range in marginal values at sub-optimal oestrous detection rates were £4·38 for calving interval and £0·61 for ACI. It was concluded that the lower variation in ACI at different levels of fertility may make it a more representative trait for inclusion in a selection index provided the necessary genetic parameters can be reliably estimated.
Growth equations for skeletal muscle derived from the cytonuclear ratio and growth constraining supplementary functions
Authors: Roux C. Z.
Published: May 2019

For purely hypertrophic muscle it is postulated that the growth rate in number of nuclei is proportional to the cytoplasmic mass per nucleus multiplied by a growth constraining supplementary function. Growth constraint depends on the distance from any one of the limit number of nuclei, the limit muscle mass or the limit cytoplasmic mass per nucleus. Furthermore, theory and evidence are presented for a power (allometric) relationship between total number of nuclei (n) and muscle mass (m) given by the equation n = gmh. Evidence points to two clusters of values for h, one in the vicinity of h = 2/3 and the other h = 1/2. Both may depend on a linear relationship between number of nuclei inside muscle fibre and fibre cross-sectional area. The difference between the two situations can be derived from basic assumptions on either local or systemic diffusion mediated control of the number or division of satellite cell nuclei, leading directly to values of h either equal to 2/3 or V2. For likely values of h and suitable choices of growth constraints, almost all well known growth functions in the literature are derived as potentially applicable to total number of nuclei, or muscle mass or their ratio. Muscle mass growth will show a sigmoidal form for h = 1. This explains sigmoidal growth in body mass as it is mostly dominated by muscle mass. A possible linear growth phase before maturity is explicable from the cessation of either length (h = 1) or nuclear (h = 0) growth in muscle fibres, while cytoplasmic growth continues to maturity. Furthermore, two rat examples indicate that whole body protein growth can be described by the equations derived for muscle mass growth.
Factors influencing the production of milk from pastoral cattle herds in Kenya
Authors: Roderick S. , Stevenson P. , Ndung’u J.
Published: May 2019

The Maasai of Kenya are typical of many pastoral communities in that they rely on milk as a major part of their diet. Milk production in three herds of Maasai cattle was studied from 1991 to 1996. Weekly measurements of milk extracted for human consumption were used to estimate lactation length, total offtake and mean daily production. Calf live-weight data were used to estimate total milk yield. Least-mean squares regression and analysis of variance tests were adopted to assess the effect of a number of variables on milk production parameters.

Data from a total of 650 lactations and 383 calvings were collected. Mean daily offtake was 891 ml. The length of lactation of frequently milked cows was 372 (s.e. 7·96) days. Total lactation offtake was estimated at 305 I. Herd, parity level and year of calving differences were observed. Multiple regression analyses indicated that some of the variation in daily offtake could be explained by stage of lactation, season of milking, herd, parity and year of calving. An average total yield of 2·73 I/day was estimated for the first 90 days of lactation. Of this, approximately 0·4 was used for human consumption. Overall, seasonality was seen as the major variable influencing production.
Characterization ofin situfibre digestion of several fibrous foods
Authors: Escalona B. , Rocha R. , García J. , Carabaño R. , Blast C. de
Published: May 2019

The disappearance of neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) from six fibrous foods (lucerne hay, NaOH-treated barley straw, olive leaves, paprika meal, soya-bean hulls and sunflower hulls) when incubated in the rumen of sheep in nylon bags was investigated. Source of fibre, time of incubation and its interaction had a significant (P< 0·01) effect on NDF degradation. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the best single predictor for NDF degradation rate was the hemicellulose fraction of NDF (HEMndf). The variables selected to predict potential degradability and degradability of NDF at 72 h were the proportions of acid-detergent lignin in NDF (ADLndf, first step) and of acid-detergent cutin in ADL (ADCadl, second step). For NDF degradability at 12 h, the variables selected were the proportions of HEMndf, ADLndfand ADCadl, in the first, second and third step, respectively. The results showed that ADC is an important component to understand NDF degradability at both 12 and 72 h.
Can’t touch this
Authors: Clarke Amy , King Stuart , Leach Andrew , Van Acker Wouter
Published: May 2019

Australia’s laid-back, sun-drenched beach lifestyle has been a celebrated and prominent part of its official popular culture for nigh on a century, and the images and motifs associated with this culture have become hallmarks of the country’s collective identity. Though these representations tend towards stereotype, for many Australians the idea of a summer holiday at the beach is one that is intensely personal and romanticised – its image is not at all urbanised. As Douglas Booth observed, for Australians the beach has become a ‘sanctuary at which to abandon cares – a place to let down one’s hair, remove one’s clothes […] a paradise where one could laze in peace, free from guilt, drifting between the hot sand and the warm sea, and seek romance’.1 Beach holidays became popular in the interwar years of the twentieth century, but the most intense burst of activity – both in touristic promotion and in the development of tourism infrastructure – accompanied the postwar economic boom, when family incomes were able to meet the cost of a car and, increasingly, a cheap block of land by the beach upon which a holiday home could be erected with thrift and haste. In subtropical southeast Queensland, the postwar beach holiday became the hallmark of the state’s burgeoning tourism industry; the state’s southeast coastline in particular benefiting from its warm climate and proximity to the capital, Brisbane. It was here – along the evocatively named Gold Coast (to Brisbane’s south) and Sunshine Coast (to its north) [1] – that many families experienced their first taste of what is now widely celebrated as the beach lifestyle [2]. As one reflection has it:

In the era before motels and resorts, a holiday at the Gold and Sunshine coasts usually meant either pitching a tent and camping by the beach or staying in a simple cottage owned by family or friends […] Simplicity, informality, individuality […] were the hallmarks of these humble places.2
ENDOGENOUS DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE, RETIREMENT, AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Authors: Cipriani Giam Pietro , Fioroni Tamara
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we analyze the effects of demographic change on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension system, financed with a defined contribution scheme. In particular, we examine the relationship between retirement, fertility, and pensions in a three-period overlapping generations model. We focus on both the case of mandatory retirement and the case where the retirement age is freely chosen. In the case of mandatory retirement, increasing longevity has an unambiguously negative impact on fertility and pension payouts and a positive effect on the level of physical capital in the steady state. On the other hand, when agents choose the time of retirement, an increase in life expectancy positively affects physical capital only when the tax rate is sufficiently low and can have a positive impact on pension benefits, because agents may find it optimal to retire later and to decrease fertility less. Finally, the effects of the social security tax on capital per worker are negative with mandatory retirement; however, they could be positive in the optimal retirement case.
Live Imaging and Analysis of Vasoactive Properties of Drugs Using an in-ovo Chicken Embryo Model: Replacing and Reducing Animal Testing
Authors: Swaminathan Akila , Balaguru Uma Maheswari , Manjunathan Reji , Bhuvaneswari Srinivasan , Kasiviswanathan Dharanibalan , Sirishakalyani Bandi , Nayak Prasunpriya , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: May 2019

Vasodilation occurs as a result of the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells present in the walls of blood vessels. Various suitable models are available for the analysis of the vasoactive properties of drugs with therapeutic applications. But all these models have limitations, such as ethical issues and high cost. The purpose of this study is to develop an alternative model for studying the vasoactive properties of drugs using an in-ovo chicken embryo model. In the preliminary experiment, we used a well-known vasoconstrictor (adrenaline) and a vasodilator (spermine NoNoate) in the chick embryo area vasculosa and evaluated their concentration-response curve. Adrenaline (10 µM) and spermine NoNoate (10 µM) were administered in different arteries and veins and different positions of the right vitelline artery of the chick embryo. Results showed the middle of the vessel bed of the right vitelline artery having the best vasoactive effect compared to others. Finally, anti-hypertensive drugs, calcium channel blockers, and NOS agonists were administered in the chick embryo area vasculosa to validate the model. Results demonstrate that the chick embryo area vasculosa can be an alternative, robust, and unique in-ovo model for screening of anti-hypertensive drugs in real time.
Offshore Postseismic Deformation of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Revisited: Application of an Improved GPS‐Acoustic Positioning Method Considering Horizontal Gradient of Sound Speed Structure
Authors: Honsho C. , Kido M. , Tomita F. , Uchida N.
Published: May 2019

One of the important issues on the GPS‐acoustic (GPS‐A) observation for sea bottom positioning is how to address the horizontal heterogeneity of the sound speed in oceans. This study presents an analysis method of GPS‐A data in the presence of a sloping sound speed structure. By applying this method and revising the analysis scheme to make full use of existing data, we reevaluated the horizontal postseismic deformations occurring ~1.5–5 years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The revised horizontal movements have more uniform directions and rates between neighboring sites, suggesting enhancement of the array positioning accuracy. The revised displacement rate of the site on the incoming Pacific plate, located ~100 km northeast of the main rupture zone, was decreased significantly; it was only slightly, by 1.4 cm/year larger than the global motion of the Pacific plate, suggesting a relatively small effect of viscoelastic relaxation. The horizontal movements of the near‐trench sites above the main rupture zone were generally landward and were significantly faster than the Pacific plate motion, indicating a viscoelastic relaxation of 5–10 cm/year. The distribution of the fast landward movements peaked near 38°N at an updip of the mainshock hypocenter and extended significantly farther to the north than to the south. This implies the existence of a secondary coseismic slip patch in the northern area in addition to a primary slip patch at ~38°N. The occurrence of episodic slow slip in early 2015 to the north of the main rupture zone was also verified from the GPS‐A analyses.
Evolution of Dissolved Organic Matter Along a Septic System Plume: Evidence of Sustained Biogeochemical Activity in the Groundwater Zone
Authors: Aukes P. J. K. , Schiff S. L. , Robertson W. D.
Published: May 2019

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important energy source for biogeochemical reactions. However, DOM is often assumed to be recalcitrant in the groundwater zone due to extensive microbial processing in the overlying soil zone and long groundwater residence times. Consequently, further heterotrophic microbial processes proceed at inherently low rates. Septic systems provide an ideal opportunity to study the evolution of groundwater DOM due to the development of confined and easily identifiable plumes of known age. Here we use measures of DOM composition (size‐exclusion liquid chromatography, ultraviolet absorbance, and C:N) to quantify DOM evolution along an exceptionally well‐characterized septic‐impacted groundwater plume. Elevated concentrations (5 to 8 mg C/L) close to the tile bed decrease to values below 2 mg C/L with lower UV‐absorbing components normalized to overall DOM concentration (specific ultraviolet absorbance) along the six‐year‐old plume flow path. The humic substance fraction (HSF) comprises the largest percentage of DOM and decreases in concentration along the septic plume. HSF properties also change with travel time becoming lower in molecular weight, specific ultraviolet absorbance, and C:N. Denitrification continues along the length of the plume concomitant with changes in DOM and HSF composition. Thus, HSF, typically considered recalcitrant in subsurface environments, is actively cycled by microorganisms on multiyear time frames in accordance with the recent paradigm shift for soil organic matter evolution. Lastly, measures of DOM composition indicate changes in DOM that are not evident from measures of concentration alone.
A New Look at Winter Air Quality in the Northeastern U.S.
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: May 2019

Past studies underestimated a major pollution source, particularly in rural areas.
Trapped and Accelerated Electrons Within a Magnetic Mirror Behind a Flux Rope on the Magnetopause
Authors: Zhu Changbo , Zhang Hui , Fu Song , Ni Binbin , Strangeway R. J. , Giles B. L. , Wan Weixing , Liu Libo , Chen Yiding , Le Huijun
Published: May 2019

On 6 December 2015, the Magnetospheric Multiscale satellites traversed the southward outflow of a magnetic reconnection on the magnetopause from the outside in. The magnetic structures or the geometries of the field lines inside this outflow are distinguished in detail by using the plasma and magnetic field observations. A flux rope and the magnetic flux piling‐up against this flux rope are found embedding in this outflow. The strong magnetosheath magnetic field allows the formation of a magnetic mirror in the flux pileup region. As the Magnetospheric Multiscale satellites approached the flux rope inside this mirror, the pitch angles of electrons converge toward 90°, indicating that the electrons are trapped inside the mirror. The local loss cones of these electrons along the satellite trajectory are estimated. It is found that the triangle‐like pitch angle distribution is well embraced by the curves of the estimated local loss cones. The energy spectra inside the mirror show that the electrons are accelerated in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. A test particle method is used to reproduce the acceleration process in a fitted 3‐D magnetic field model. The results show that the quasi‐perpendicular electrons experience the betatron acceleration when drifting into the stronger field region and that the electrons may also experience the Fermi acceleration when their pitch angles enlarge. The mirror structure on the magnetopause provides a unique opportunity to explore the behaviors of the magnetic reconnection associated electrons.
Impact of Aseismic Ridges on Subduction Systems: Insights From Analog Modeling
Authors: Flórez‐Rodríguez A. G. , Schellart W. P. , Strak V.
Published: May 2019

The influence of aseismic ridges on subduction kinematics and dynamics, and on the deformation of the overriding plate, remains a topic of debate. This study presents laboratory‐based geodynamic models that simulate the process of aseismic ridge subduction below an overriding plate. The analog experiments show that, depending on its size, subduction of an aseismic ridge can impact on the kinematics of subduction, overriding plate deformation and, to a lower extent, on the geometry of the slab and that of the trench. Specifically, it can cause a reduction of the subducting plate and trench retreat velocities, decreases overriding plate extension and even drives local forearc shortening for the widest ridge, increases the slab dip angle next to the aseismic ridge, but decreases the dip angle at the aseismic ridge in case the ridge is thick and wide, and produces a local perturbation (indentation) of the trench geometry. The magnitude of the described modifications relies to a comparable extent on aseismic ridge width and thickness. The effects of aseismic ridge subduction observed in our models compare to those of the Louisville Seamount Chain, the Cocos Ridge, and the d'Entrecasteaux Ridge system in nature and provide an explanation for the local deformation observed at these subduction zones.
Ibrutinib induces chromatin reorganisation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Holmes Katie B. , Sadreev Ildar I. , Rawstron Andy C. , Munir Tal , Westhead David R. , Hillmen Peter , Lefevre Pascal F.
Published: May 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in Western countries. It has recently been shown that the homogeneity of the chromatin landscape between CLL cells contrasts with the important observed genetic heterogeneity of the disease. To gain further insight into the consequences of disease evolution on the epigenome’s plasticity, we monitored changes in chromatin structure occurring in vivo in CLL cells from patients receiving continuous Ibrutinib treatment. Ibrutinib, an oral inhibitor of the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) has proved to be remarkably efficient against treatment naïve (TN), heavily pre-treated and high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), with limited adverse events. We established that the chromatin landscape is significantly and globally affected in response to Ibrutinib. However, we observed that prior to treatment, CLL cells show qualitative and quantitative variations in chromatin structure correlated with both EZH2 protein level and cellular response to external stimuli. Then, under prolonged exposure to Ibrutinib, a loss of the two marks associated with lysine 27 (acetylation and trimethylation) was observed. Altogether, these data indicate that the epigenome of CLL cells from the peripheral blood change dynamically in response to stimuli and suggest that these cells might adapt to the Ibrutinib “hit” in a process leading toward a possible reduced sensitivity to treatment.
Phosphorylation of 14-3-3ζ links YAP transcriptional activation to hypoxic glycolysis for tumorigenesis
Authors: Jia Yu , Li Hui-Yan , Wang Jue , Wang Ying , Zhang Peng , Ma Ning , Mo Shi-Jing
Published: May 2019

Hypoxic microenvironment deregulates metabolic homeostasis in cancer cells albeit the underlying mechanisms involved in this process remain hitherto enigmatic. 14-3-3ζ/Yes-associated protein (YAP) axis plays a principal role in malignant transformation and tumor development. Here, we report that hypoxia disassembles 14-3-3ζ from YAP and thereby promotes YAP nuclear localization mediated by ERK2, which directly binds to the D-site of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) docking domain in 14-3-3ζ Leu98/100 and phosphorylates 14-3-3ζ at Ser37. When localizing in nucleus, YAP recruits at pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) gene promoter with hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), for which PKM2 transcription is required. 14-3-3ζ Ser37 phosphorylation is instrumental for the hypoxia-induced glucose uptake, lactate production, and clonogenicity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, as well as tumorigenesis in mice. The 14-3-3ζ Ser37 phosphorylation positively correlates with p-ERK1/2 activity and HIF-1α expression in clinical samples from patients with PDAC and predicts unfavorable prognosis. Our findings underscore an appreciable linkage between YAP transcriptional activation and hypoxic glycolysis governed by ERK2-dependent 14-3-3ζ Ser37 phosphorylation for malignant progression of PDAC.
TRAF4 positively regulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by acting as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade Smurf2
Authors: Li Jinteng , Wang Peng , Xie Zhongyu , Wang Shan , Cen Shuizhong , Li Ming , Liu Wenjie , Tang Su’an , Ye Guiwen , Zheng Guan , Su Hongjun , Ma Mengjun , Wu Xiaohua , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: May 2019

TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4), a member of the TRAF family, plays an important role in the embryogenesis and development of the bone system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are the primary origin of osteoblasts in vivo, are key cells in bone development; however, whether TRAF4 modulates the osteogenic capacity of MSCs has never been explored. In this study, we demonstrated that TRAF4 positively regulates the osteogenic process of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we further demonstrated that TRAF4 modulates the osteogenic process of MSCs by acting as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to mediate the K48-linked ubiquitination of Smurf2 at the K119 site and cause degradation. Furthermore, TRAF4 was abnormally decreased in bone sections of ovariectomized rat and osteoporosis patients. Taken together, our findings suggest that TRAF4 positively regulates the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by acting as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade Smurf2. These results emphasize the critical role of TRAF4 in bone formation and could not only improve the clinical use of MSCs in tissue engineering but also clarify the pathogenesis of bone metabolism disorders.
Low-dose aspirin protective effects are correlated with deregulation of HNF factor expression in the preeclamptic placentas from mice and humans
Authors: Ducat Aurélien , Vargas Alexandra , Doridot Ludivine , Bagattin Alessia , Lerner Jonathan , Vilotte Jean-Luc , Buffat Christophe , Pontoglio Marco , Miralles Francisco , Vaiman Daniel
Published: May 2019

Aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid) is one of the most ancient drugs of the human pharmacopeia. Nonetheless, its action at low doses is not well understood at the molecular level. One of the applications of low-dose aspirin treatment is the prevention of preeclampsia (PE) in patients at risk. Foeto-placental overexpression of the STOX1A transcription factor in mice triggers PE symptoms. Transcriptomic analysis of the placentas, showed that aspirin massively down-regulates genes of the coagulation and complement cascade, as well as genes involved in lipid transport. The genes modified by aspirin treatment are not the ones that are modified by STOX1 overexpression, suggesting that aspirin could act downstream, symptomatically on the preeclamptic disease. Bioinformatics analysis of the promoters of the deregulated genes showed that they are strongly enriched in HNF transcription factors-binding sites, in accordance with existing literature showing their roles as regulators of coagulation. Two of these transcription factors, Hnf1β and Hnf4α are found down-regulated by aspirin treatment. In parallel, we show that in human patient placentas, aspirin-induced deregulations of genes of the coagulation cascade are also observed. Finally, the expression of Hnf1β target sequences (Kif12, F2, Hnf4α promoters and a synthetic concatemer of the Hnf1β-binding site) were investigated by transfection in trophoblast cell models, with or without aspirin treatment and with or without STOX1A overexpression. In this model we observed that STOX1A and aspirin tended to synergize in the down-regulation of Hnf1β target genes in trophoblasts.
New approach to investigate Common Variable Immunodeficiency patients using spectrochemical analysis of blood
Authors: Callery Emma L. , Morais Camilo L. M. , Paraskevaidi Maria , Brusic Vladimir , Vijayadurai Pavaladurai , Anantharachagan Ariharan , Martin Francis L. , Rowbottom Anthony W.
Published: May 2019

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disease, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections and various complications. The clinical heterogeneity of CVID has hindered identification of an underlying immune defect; diagnosis relies on clinical judgement, alongside evidence-based criteria. The lack of pathognomonic clinical or laboratory features leads to average diagnostic delays of 5 years or more from the onset. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have recently gained increasing clinical importance, being rapid-, non-invasive and inexpensive methods to obtain information on the content of biological samples. This has led us to apply FTIR spectroscopy to the investigation of blood samples from a cohort of CVID patients; revealing spectral features capable of stratifying CVID patients from healthy controls with sensitivities and specificities of 97% and 93%, respectively for serum, and 94% and 95%, respectively for plasma. Furthermore we identified several discriminating spectral biomarkers; wavenumbers in regions indicative of nucleic acids (984 cm−1, 1053 cm−1, 1084 cm−1, 1115 cm−1, 1528 cm−1, 1639 cm−1), and a collagen-associated biomarker (1528 cm−1), which may represent future candidate biomarkers and provide new knowledge on the aetiology of CVID. This proof-of-concept study provides a basis for developing a novel diagnostic tool for CVID.
Simultaneous assessment of cell morphology and adhesion using aluminum nanoslit-based plasmonic biosensing chips
Authors: Hou Hsien-San , Lee Kuang-Li , Wang Chen-Hung , Hsieh Tung-Han , Sun Juan-Jie , Wei Pei-Kuen , Cheng Ji-Yen
Published: May 2019

A variety of physiological and pathological processes rely on cell adhesion, which is most often tracked by changes in cellular morphology. We previously reported a novel gold nanoslit-based biosensor that is capable of real-time and label-free monitoring of cell morphological changes and cell viability. However, the preparation of gold biosensors is inefficient, complicated and costly. Recently, nanostructure-based aluminum (Al) sensors have been introduced for biosensing applications. The Al-based sensor has a longer decay length and is capable of analyzing large-sized mass such as cells. Here, we developed two types of double-layer Al nanoslit-based plasmonic biosensors, which were nanofabricated and used to evaluate the correlation between metastatic potency and adhesion of lung cancer and melanoma cell lines. Cell adhesion was determined by Fano resonance signals that were induced by binding of the cells to the nanoslit. The peak and dip of the Fano resonance spectrum respectively reflected long- and short-range cellular changes, allowing us to simultaneously detect and distinguish between focal adhesion and cell spreading. Also, the Al nanoslit-based biosensor chips were used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of drugs on cancer cell spreading. We are the first to report the use of double layer Al nanoslit-based biosensors for detection of cell behavior, and such devices may become powerful tools for anti-metastasis drug screening in the future.