bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exclusive cellular and molecular network governs intestinal smooth muscle cell differentiation in vertebrates
Authors: Gays Dafne , Hess Christopher , Camporeale Annalisa , Ala Ugo , Provero Paolo , Mosimann Christian , Santoro Massimo M.
Published: January 2017

Intestinal smooth muscle cells (iSMCs) are a crucial component of the adult gastrointestinal tract and support intestinal differentiation, peristalsis and epithelial homeostasis during development. Despite these crucial roles, the origin of iSMCs and the mechanisms responsible for their differentiation and function remain largely unknown in vertebrates. Here, we demonstrate that iSMCs arise from the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) in a stepwise process. Combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, we show that TGFβ/Alk5 signaling drives the LPM ventral migration and commitment to an iSMC fate. The Alk5-dependent induction of zeb1a and foxo1a is required for this morphogenetic process: zeb1a is responsible for driving LPM migration around the gut, whereas foxo1a regulates LPM predisposition to iSMC differentiation. We further show that TGFβ, zeb1a and foxo1a are tightly linked together by miR-145. In iSMC-committed cells, TGFβ induces the expression of miR-145, which in turn is able to downregulate zeb1a and foxo1a. The absence of miR-145 results in only a slight reduction in the number of iSMCs, which still express mesenchymal genes but fail to contract. Together, our data uncover a cascade of molecular events that govern distinct morphogenetic steps during the emergence and differentiation of vertebrate iSMCs.
The Ectocarpus IMMEDIATE UPRIGHT gene encodes a member of a novel family of cysteine-rich proteins with an unusual distribution across the eukaryotes
Authors: Macaisne Nicolas , Liu Fuli , Scornet Delphine , Peters Akira F. , Lipinska Agnieszka , Perrineau Marie-Mathilde , Henry Antoine , Strittmatter Martina , Coelho Susana M. , Cock J. Mark
Published: January 2017

The sporophyte generation of the brown alga Ectocarpus sp. exhibits an unusual pattern of development compared with the majority of brown algae. The first cell division is symmetrical and the apical-basal axis is established late in development. In the immediate upright (imm) mutant, the initial cell undergoes an asymmetric division to immediately establish the apical-basal axis. We provide evidence which suggests that this phenotype corresponds to the ancestral state of the sporophyte. The IMM gene encodes a protein of unknown function that contains a repeated motif also found in the EsV-1-7 gene of the Ectocarpus virus EsV-1. Brown algae possess large families of EsV-1-7 domain genes but these genes are rare in other stramenopiles, suggesting that the expansion of this family might have been linked with the emergence of multicellular complexity. EsV-1-7 domain genes have a patchy distribution across eukaryotic supergroups and occur in several viral genomes, suggesting possible horizontal transfer during eukaryote evolution.
Stage- and subunit-specific functions of polycomb repressive complex 2 in bladder urothelial formation and regeneration
Authors: Guo Chunming , Balsara Zarine R. , Hill Warren G. , Li Xue
Published: January 2017

Urothelium is the protective lining of the urinary tract. The mechanisms underlying urothelial formation and maintenance are largely unknown. Here, we report the stage-specific roles of PRC2 epigenetic regulators in embryonic and adult urothelial progenitors. Without Eed, the obligatory subunit of PRC2, embryonic urothelial progenitors demonstrate reduced proliferation with concomitant dysregulation of genes including Cdkn2a (p16), Cdkn2b (p15) and Shh. These mutants display premature differentiation of keratin 5-positive (Krt5+) basal cells and ectopic expression of squamous-like differentiation markers. Deletion of Ezh2, the major enzymatic component of PRC2, causes upregulation of Upk3a+ superficial cells. Unexpectedly, Eed and Eed/Ezh2 double mutants exhibit delayed superficial cell differentiation. Furthermore, Eed regulates the proliferative and regenerative capacity of adult urothelial progenitors and prevents precocious differentiation. Collectively, these findings uncover the epigenetic mechanism by which PRC2 controls urothelial progenitor cell fate and the timing of differentiation, and further suggest an epigenetic basis of urothelial maintenance and regeneration.
The why, when and how of lipid droplet diversity
Authors: Thiam Abdou Rachid , Beller Mathias
Published: January 2017

Lipid droplets are the universal cellular organelles for the transient or long-term storage of lipids. The number, size and composition of lipid droplets vary greatly within cells in a homogenous population as well as in different cell types. The variability of intracellular lipid-storage organelles reflects the diversification of lipid droplet composition and function. Lipid droplet diversification results, for example, in two cellular lipid droplet populations that are prone to diminish and grow, respectively. The aberrant accumulation or depletion of lipids are hallmarks or causes of various human pathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the origins of lipid droplet diversification is not only a fascinating cell biology question but also potentially serves to improve comprehension of pathologies that entail the accumulation of lipids. This Commentary covers the lipid droplet life cycle and highlights the early steps during lipid droplet biogenesis, which we propose to be the potential driving forces of lipid droplet diversification.
Sideroflexin 3 is an α-synuclein-dependent mitochondrial protein that regulates synaptic morphology
Authors: Amorim Inês S. , Graham Laura C. , Carter Roderick N. , Morton Nicholas M. , Hammachi Fella , Kunath Tilo , Pennetta Giuseppa , Carpanini Sarah M. , Manson Jean C. , Lamont Douglas J. , Wishart Thomas M. , Gillingwater Thomas H.
Published: January 2017

α-Synuclein plays a central role in Parkinson's disease, where it contributes to the vulnerability of synapses to degeneration. However, the downstream mechanisms through which α-synuclein controls synaptic stability and degeneration are not fully understood. Here, comparative proteomics on synapses isolated from α-synuclein−/− mouse brain identified mitochondrial proteins as primary targets of α-synuclein, revealing 37 mitochondrial proteins not previously linked to α-synuclein or neurodegeneration pathways. Of these, sideroflexin 3 (SFXN3) was found to be a mitochondrial protein localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Loss of SFXN3 did not disturb mitochondrial electron transport chain function in mouse synapses, suggesting that its function in mitochondria is likely to be independent of canonical bioenergetic pathways. In contrast, experimental manipulation of SFXN3 levels disrupted synaptic morphology at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. These results provide novel insights into α-synuclein-dependent pathways, highlighting an important influence on mitochondrial proteins at the synapse, including SFXN3. We also identify SFXN3 as a new mitochondrial protein capable of regulating synaptic morphology in vivo.
The LINC complex contributes to heterochromatin organisation and transcriptional gene silencing in plants
Authors: Poulet Axel , Duc Céline , Voisin Maxime , Desset Sophie , Tutois Sylvie , Vanrobays Emmanuel , Benoit Matthias , Evans David E. , Probst Aline V. , Tatout Christophe
Published: January 2017

The linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is an evolutionarily well-conserved protein bridge connecting the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments across the nuclear membrane. While recent data support its function in nuclear morphology and meiosis, its involvement in chromatin organisation has not been studied in plants. Here, 3D imaging methods have been used to investigate nuclear morphology and chromatin organisation in interphase nuclei of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in which heterochromatin clusters in conspicuous chromatin domains called chromocentres. Chromocentres form a repressive chromatin environment contributing to transcriptional silencing of repeated sequences, a general mechanism needed for genome stability. Quantitative measurements of the 3D position of chromocentres indicate their close proximity to the nuclear periphery but that their position varies with nuclear volume and can be altered in specific mutants affecting the LINC complex. Finally, we propose that the plant LINC complex contributes to proper heterochromatin organisation and positioning at the nuclear periphery, since its alteration is associated with the release of transcriptional silencing as well as decompaction of heterochromatic sequences.
ICAP-1 monoubiquitylation coordinates matrix density and rigidity sensing for cell migration through ROCK2–MRCKα balance
Authors: Bouin Anne-Pascale , Kyurmurkov Alexander , Régent-Kloeckner Myriam , Ribba Anne-Sophie , Faurobert Eva , Fournier Henri-Noël , Bourrin-Reynard Ingrid , Manet-Dupé Sandra , Oddou Christiane , Balland Martial , Planus Emmanuelle , Albiges-Rizo Corinne
Published: January 2017

Cell migration is a complex process requiring density and rigidity sensing of the microenvironment to adapt cell migratory speed through focal adhesion and actin cytoskeleton regulation. ICAP-1 (also known as ITGB1BP1), a β1 integrin partner, is essential for ensuring integrin activation cycle and focal adhesion formation. We show that ICAP-1 is monoubiquitylated by Smurf1, preventing ICAP-1 binding to β1 integrin. The non-ubiquitylatable form of ICAP-1 modifies β1 integrin focal adhesion organization and interferes with fibronectin density sensing. ICAP-1 is also required for adapting cell migration in response to substrate stiffness in a β1-integrin-independent manner. ICAP-1 monoubiquitylation regulates rigidity sensing by increasing MRCKα (also known as CDC42BPA)-dependent cell contractility through myosin phosphorylation independently of substrate rigidity. We provide evidence that ICAP-1 monoubiquitylation helps in switching from ROCK2-mediated to MRCKα-mediated cell contractility. ICAP-1 monoubiquitylation serves as a molecular switch to coordinate extracellular matrix density and rigidity sensing thus acting as a crucial modulator of cell migration and mechanosensing.
Estimating monotonic rates from biological data using local linear regression
Authors: Olito Colin , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J. , Barneche Diego R.
Published: January 2017

Accessing many fundamental questions in biology begins with empirical estimation of simple monotonic rates of underlying biological processes. Across a variety of disciplines, ranging from physiology to biogeochemistry, these rates are routinely estimated from non-linear and noisy time series data using linear regression and ad hoc manual truncation of non-linearities. Here, we introduce the R package LoLinR, a flexible toolkit to implement local linear regression techniques to objectively and reproducibly estimate monotonic biological rates from non-linear time series data, and demonstrate possible applications using metabolic rate data. LoLinR provides methods to easily and reliably estimate monotonic rates from time series data in a way that is statistically robust, facilitates reproducible research, and is applicable to a wide variety of research disciplines in the biological sciences.
Myeloid 12/15-LOX regulates B cell numbers and innate immune antibody levels in vivo
Authors: Lauder Sarah N. , Tyrrell Victoria J , Allen-Redpath Keith , Aldrovandi Maceler , Gray David , Collins Peter , Jones Simon A , Taylor Philip R , O'Donnell Valerie
Published: January 2017

Background: The myeloid enzyme 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX), which generates bioactive oxidized lipids, has been implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases, with several studies demonstrating an improvement in pathology in mice lacking the enzyme. However, the ability of 12/15-LOX to directly regulate B cell function has not been studied.

Methods: The influence of 12/15-LOX on B cell phenotype and function, and IgM generation, was compared using wildtype (WT) and 12/15-LOX (Alox15-/-) deficient mice. The proliferative and functional capacity of splenic CD19+B cells was measuredin vitroin response to various toll-like receptor agonists.

Results: WT andAlox15-/-displayed comparable responses. Howeverin vivo, splenic B cell numbers were significantly elevated inAlox15-/-mice with a corresponding elevation in titres of total IgM in lung, gut and serum, and lower serum IgM directed against the 12/15-LOX product, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-phosphatidylethanolamine (HETE-PE).

Discussion: Myeloid 12/15-LOX can regulate B cell numbers and innate immune antibody levelsin vivo, potentially contributing to its ability to regulate inflammatory disease. Furthermore, the alterations seen in 12/15-LOX deficiency likely result from changes in the equilibrium of the immune system that develop from birth. Further studies in disease models are warranted to elucidate the contribution of 12/15-LOX mediated alterations in B cell numbers and innate immune antibody generation to driving inflammationin vivo.
Transient Aortic Intramural Hematoma Complicating Transaortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Thomas Taylor , Poulose Anil , Harris Kevin
Published: January 2017

Acute aortic intramural hematoma, which is a variant of acute aortic syndromes, most frequently occurs spontaneously and typically is treated similar to classic aortic dissection. Here, we describe a case in which an iatrogenic aortic intramural hematoma occurs shortly after transaortic valve replacement. The patient was managed conservatively, and the hematoma quickly resolved as demonstrated by serial imaging.
Discovering Spatio-temporal Patterns of Themes in Social Media
Authors: Igbe Tobore , Ojokoh Bolanle , Adewale Olumide
Published: January 2017

Social networking website creates new ways for engaging people belonging to different communities, moral and social values to communicate and share valuable knowledge, therefore creating a large amount of data. The importance of mining social media cannot be over emphasized, due to significant information that are revealed which can be applied in different areas. In this paper, a systematic approach for traversing the content of weblog, considering location and time (spatiotemporal) is proposed. The proposed model is capable of searching for subjects in social media using Boyer Moore Horspool (BMH) algorithm with respect to location and time. BMH is an efficient string searching algorithm, where the search is done in such a way that every character in the text needs not to be checked and some characters can be skipped without missing the subject occurrence. Semantic analysis was carried out on the subject by computing the mean occurrence of the subject with the corresponding predicate and object from the total occurrence of the subject. Experiments were carried out on two datasets: the first category was crawled from twitter website from September to October 2014 and the second category was obtained from spinn3r data set made available through the International AAAI (Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence) Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM). The results obtained from tracking some subjects such as Islam and Obama shows that the mean occurrence of the analysis of the subject successfully reveals the pattern of the subject over a period of time for a specific location. Evaluation of the system which is based on performance and functionality reveals that the model performs better than some baseline models. The proposed model is capable of revealing spatiotemporal pattern for a subject, and can be applied in any area where spatiotemporal factor is to be considered.
Detection of Powdery Mildew Disease of Beans in India : A Review
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Satish , Kaur Pawan
Published: January 2017

Powdery mildew disease of beans in India causes major economic losses in agriculture. For sustainable agriculture detection and identification of diseases in plants is very important. In this review, we are trying to identify the powdery mildew disease of beans crop by using some image processing and pattern recognition techniques and comparing with molecular and spectroscopic techniques. Early information on crop health and disease detection can facilitate the control of diseases through proper management strategies. The present review recognizes the need for developing a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable health monitoring techniques that would facilitate advancements in agriculture. These technologies include image processing and pattern recognition based plant disease detection methods
Copy Move Image Forgery Detection Using SIFT
Authors: Ruikar Priyanka , Patil Pravin
Published: January 2017

In recent years the digital form of data allowing ease on to manipulation & storage due to progress in technology. But this progress in technology has lots of risks especially when it comes to the security of the digital data & files. Basically, image forgery means malfunctioning & playing with images or manipulating data fraudulently. In that case, some important data may get hidden in the original image. In particular, many organizations worry for digital forgery, because it is easier to create fake & fraudulent images without leaving any Tampering traces. A copy-move is a specific form of image forgery operation & it is considered one of the most difficult problems in that case for this a part of any image is copied & pa tested on another location of an image that may be a same or different image, to obfuscate undesirable objects in the scene. In this paper, the method is proposed which automatically detects & identifies the duplicated regions in the image. In that process first image segmentation takes place & by identifying the local characteristics of the images (points of interest) the duplication is detected using SIFT (Scale Invariant Feature Transform).
Comparison of the elution properties of commercially available gentamicin and bone cement containing vancomycin with ‘home-made’ preparations
Authors: Frew N. M. , Cannon T. , Nichol T. , Smith T. J. , Stockley I.
Published: January 2017

Aims

Vancomycin is commonly added to acrylic bone cement during revision arthroplasty surgery. Proprietary cement preparations containing vancomycin are available, but are significantly more expensive. We investigated whether the elution of antibiotic from ‘home-made’ cement containing vancomycin was comparable with more expensive commercially available vancomycin impregnated cement.

Materials and Methods

A total of 18 cement discs containing either proprietary CopalG+V; or ‘home-made’ CopalR+G with vancomycin added by hand, were made. Each disc contained the same amount of antibiotic (0.5 g gentamycin, 2 g vancomycin) and was immersed in ammonium acetate buffer in a sealed container. Fluid from each container was sampled at eight time points over a two-week period. The concentrations of gentamicin and vancomycin in the fluid were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Results

The highest peak concentrations of antibiotic were observed from the ‘home-made’ cements containing vancomycin, added as in the operating theatre. The overall elution of antibiotic was, fivefold (vancomycin) and twofold (gentamicin) greater from the ‘home-made’ mix compared with the commercially mixed cement. The use of a vacuum during mixing had no significant effect on antibiotic elution in any of the samples.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the addition of 2 g vancomycin powder to gentamicin-impregnated bone cement by hand significantly increases the elution of both antibiotics compared with commercially prepared cements containing vancomycin. We found no significant advantages of using expensive commercially produced vancomycin-impregnated cement and recommend the addition of vancomycin powder by hand in the operating theatre. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:73–7.
Instability of the hip after anatomical re-alignment in patients with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Aprato A. , Leunig M. , Massé A. , Slongo T. , Ganz R.
Published: January 2017

Aims

Several studies have reported the safety and efficacy of subcapital re-alignment for patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using surgical dislocation of the hip and an extended retinacular flap. Instability of the hip and dislocation as a consequence of this surgery has only recently gained attention. We discuss this problem with some illustrative cases.

Materials and Methods

We explored the literature on the possible pathophysiological causes and surgical steps associated with the risk of post-operative instability and articular damage. In addition, we describe supplementary steps that could be used to avoid these problems.

Results

The causes of instability may be divided into three main groups: the first includes causes directly related to SCFE (acetabular labral damage, severe abrasion of the acetabular cartilage, flattening of the acetabular roof and a bell-shaped deformity of the epiphysis); the second, causes not related to the SCFE (acetabular orientation and poor quality of the soft tissues); the third, causes directly related to the surgery (capsulotomy, division of the ligamentum teres, shortening of the femoral neck, pelvi-trochanteric impingement, previous proximal femoral osteotomy and post-operative positioning of the leg).

Conclusion

We present examples drawn from our clinical practice, as well as possible ways of reducing the risks of these complications, and of correcting them if they happen. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:16–21.
Chemical composition and non-volatile components of three wild edible mushrooms collected from northwest Tunisia
Authors: Kacem Jedidi Ibtissem , Kacem Ayoub Imen , Thonart Philippe , Bouzouita Nabiha
Published: January 2017

In Tunisia, many people collect wild edible mushrooms as pickers for their own consumption. The present work aims at contributing to the determination of the chemical composition, non volatile components content (soluble sugars, free amino acids) and minerals and trace elements of three popular Tunisian wild edible mushrooms species collected from the northwest of Tunisia (Agaricus campestris, Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius).All investigated mushrooms revealed that these species are rich sources of proteins (123.70 â€“ 374.10 g kg-1 dry weight (DW)) and carbohydrates (403.3 â€“ 722.40 g kg-1 DW), and low content of fat (28.2 â€“ 39.9 g kg-1 DW); the highest energetic contribution was guaranteed by C. cibarius (1542.71 kJ / 100 g). A. compestris (33.14 mg/g DW) showed the highest concentration of essential amino acids. The composition in individual sugars was also determined, mannitol and trehalose being the most abundant sugars. C. cibarius revealed the highest concentrations of carbohydrates (722.4 g kg-1 DW) and A. compestris the lowest concentration (403.3 g kg-1 DW). Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) are the most abundant minerals in analyzed samples (A. compestris showed the highest concentrations of K and Na, 49141.44 and 9263.886 Âµg/g DW respectively).
Eco-friendly and highly efficient multigram synthesis of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol using sonochemistry
Authors: Pinto Ligia Souza da Silveira , Da Silva Emerson Teixeira , De Souza Marcus Vinicius Nora
Published: January 2017

A new short, simple, green and an inexpensive industrially practical process for the preparation of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol was developed by using ultrasound irradiation avoiding the use of solvents, of acidic or basic conditions. The only reagent used is water and no waste is generated. Optimal conditions and yield (82%) were obtained by using 2.2 molar equivalents of water at 90 W for 1 hr.
Synthesis, Structural, Viscosimetric, And Rheological Study, of A New Trifunctional Phosphorus Epoxyde Prepolymer , Tri-Glycidyl Ether Tri-Mercaptoethanol Of Phosphore (TGETMEP)
Authors: Bekhta Atiqa , Hsissou Rachid , El Bouchiti Mehdi , EL Harfi Ahmed
Published: January 2017

The aim of our work is to synthesize a new phosphorus tri-functional epoxy resin tri-glycidyl ether tri-mercaptoethanol of phosphorus (TGETMEP) in two stages. In the first stage, we got the precursor molecule of the epoxy matrix tri-mercaptoethanol phosphate (METR). The second step led us to the synthesis of tri-functional resin TMEP condensation with epichlorohydrin. The standard TGETMEP resin was characterized by the Fourier infrared transformation (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), on one hand. The viscosimetric analysis was investigated by the Hebbelod capillary viscometer and rheometer Rheomat 01, on the other hand. The cross-linked resins and tertiary formulated composites have been studied by the rheometer 01 which was observed by means of SEM.
Crossing the line: Drawing as Babel Fish
Authors: Casey Sarah , Davies Gerry
Published: January 2017

This article examines the emergence of illustrative practices among fine artists to achieve a particular mobility, one that enables them to gather, synthesize and communicate information across diverse environments, locations and communities. The article recognizes a growing appetite among contemporary illustrators and artists to work collaboratively and across previously separate disciplines, and focuses on artists leaving the studio to seek out ever more responsive applications of drawing. This reveals a hybrid, fluid approach in drawing, a new sensitivity in which drawing is used by artists as a way of analysing, communicating and reflecting upon aspects of lived experience, some of which might normally be the province of other research professionals. We explore how these ‘itinerant’ artists use drawing to translate into graphic form information, ideas and practices from other fields of activity – for instance, oceanography (Peter Matthews), medicine (Julia Midgley) and political activism (Jill Gibbon). While these contemporary practices are at the cutting edge, we discuss their direct lineage to Ruskin’s Elements of Drawing (1857) and his belief in the use of drawing to interrogate the world and our position in it. We argue that this underacknowledged mode of practice is timely and significant for a globalized interdisciplinary research community because it reveals drawing’s capacity to intercede, for problem-solving and for building relationships across otherwise disparate communities and areas of expertise.
GROWTH RESPONSES OF PALM SEEDLINGS TO DIFFERENT LIGHT INTENSITIES STIMULATING CANOPY GAPS WITH AN ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Authors: LATIFAH DIAN , CONGDON ROBERT A. , HOLTUM JOSEPH A.
Published: January 2017

LATIFAH, D., CONGDON, R. A. & HOLTUM, J. A. 2016. Growth responses of palm seedlings to different light intensities stimulating canopy gaps with an ecophysiological approach. Reinwardtia 15(2): 81 – 98. — Palms (Arecaceae) mainly grow in rainforests and many occur in disturbed areas like canopy gaps created by natural disturbances such as cyclones in Australia. Knowledge of seedling growth in different light intensities is essential to assist rainforest restoration in disturbed or marginal lands. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different light intensities on the seedling growth of Arenga australasica (H. Wendl. & Drude) S. T. Blake ex H. E. Moore, Calamus australis Mart., C. moti F. M. Bailey, Hydriastele wendlandiana (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude and Licuala ramsayi (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude. Seedling growth experiments (pot trials) were conducted in a glass house using shade cloth providing four different levels of shading: 59, 29, 17 and 6% sunlight. The growth rate, leaf turnover, leaf area, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a:b ratio, vigor, above-ground and below-ground biomass and growth indices (LAR, SLA and LWR) of palm seedlings were measured. As a result of these measurements the relative shade tolerance of the five species was determined. The seedlings of Arenga australasica were classified as intermediate-shade intolerant species. Hydriastele wendlandiana seedlings were shade-intolerant. Calamus australis and C. moti seedlings are intermediate-shade intolerant. Licuala ramsayi seedlings were found to be a shade-tolerant.
A NEW SPECIES OF BEGONIA (BEGONIACEAE) FROM SUMBAWA, LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS, INDONESIA
Authors: GIRMANSYAH DEDEN
Published: January 2017

GIRMANSYAH, D. 2016. A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 115 – 118. — A new species of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae), Begonia semongkatensis Girm., is described from Sumbawa Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. The species belongs to Begonia section Reichenheimia. An illustration, identification key and distribution maps are provided.
A NEW SPECIES OF SCHIZOSTACHYUM (POACEAE: BAMBUSOIDEAE) FROM SUMBA ISLAND, INDONESIA
Authors: DAMAYANTO I PUTU GEDE P. , WIDJAJA ELIZABETH A.
Published: January 2017

DAMAYANTO, I P. G. P. & WIDJAJA, E. A. 2016. A new species o Schizostachyum (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) from Sumba Island, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 119 – 122. — Schizostachyum purpureum Damayanto & Widjaja is a new species from Sumba Island. Its description and illustration are presented.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF VEHICLE IMPACT ON STEEL SAFETY BARRIERS
Authors: Likhonina Raissa
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with a FEA simulation of the vehicle crash with steel safety barriers in ANSYS LS-DYNA® 15.0. Two types of safety barriers are used: JSNH4/H2 and JSAM-2/H2. A geometrical model of the barrier in the Modeler ANSYS® Workbench™ 15.0 was created and after that it was transformed into LS-DYNA® 15.0 to complete the crash test simulation. After computation in solver ANSYS LS-DYNA® 15.0 the results of the simulation such as impact forces, a body displacement and an integral energy were analyzed.
TESTING THE ACCURACY OF MEASURED VALUES IN CONTINUOUS LONG-TERM GEODETIC MONITORING
Authors: Vaněček Jan , Štroner Martin
Published: January 2017

widespread used method. In this paper, an analysis of the accuracy and its changes over time of the measured values in continuous geodetic monitoring is presented. For the analysis, a set of data measured in the period of time between January 2006 to July 2010 was used. The main method of the analysis is a linear-harmonic function approximation.
Impact of Asymmetry of Over-Head Power Line Parameters on Short-Circuit Currents
Authors: Eleschová Žaneta , Ivanič Marián
Published: January 2017

This paper analyses the impact of asymmetry of over-head power line parameters on short circuit currents when three-phase fault and phase-to-ground fault occur. The calculation results with consideration of an asymmetry of the power line parameters are confronted with the calculation in accordance with the Slovak standard STN EN 60909 which does not consider asymmetry of equipment parameters in the power system. The calculation of short-circuit conditions was carried out for two types of 400 kV power line towers on which is a considerably different arrangement of phase conductors.
Enzymatic detection of formalin-fixed museum specimens for DNA analysis and enzymatic maceration of formalin-fixed specimens
Authors: Sørensen Margrethe , Rasmussen Arne Redsted , Simonsen Kim Pilkjær
Published: January 2017

A simple enzymatic screening method has been developed to detect whether a tissue sample has been preserved with formalin or with ethanol only because such a method is a useful tool for predicting the quality of genetic test results. The method is based on enzymatic digestion at 55°C at neutral pH. The screening method shows that only ethanol-preserved tissue samples are dissolved, whereas formalin-preserved samples remain undissolved. The method was developed by the incorporation of laboratory rats preserved under controlled conditions in either 4% neutral buffered formalin or 96% ethanol. The method was subsequently tested on wild-living preserved specimens and an archived specimen. The protease enzyme used was Savinase® 16 L, Type EX from Novozymes A/S. The enzymatic screening test demands only simple laboratory equipment. The method is useful for natural history collections in museums where DNA analyses of archived specimens are performed. Wasted time and resources can be avoided through the detection of formalin-fixed specimens because these specimens yield low-quality, damaged DNA. In addition to the screening method, it is shown that formalin-preserved specimens can be macerated by enzymatic digestion under alkaline conditions at 55°C.
Calibrated UV reflectance photography of Hebomoia glaucippe sulphurea
Authors: Ayre Evelyn , Bevan George
Published: January 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) reflective and absorbent markings on wings of male Hebomoia glaucippe sulphurea butterflies are important visual markers used in mating to differentiate them from other species. The objective of our study was to determine whether these markings deteriorate in museum collections over time. We first characterized quantitatively the UV reflective and UV absorbent wing markings from fresh and naturally aged male H. glaucippe sulphurea using UV reflectance microphotography, which was calibrated with handmade reflectance standards. The results of calibrated UV reflectance photography were then compared qualitatively with the same markings using visible light photography, transmitted and reflected visible light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A UV-converted Nikon D200 with a Baader Ultraviolet Venus lens filter was used to record UV reflective and UV absorbent wing markings of the specimens. The handmade reflectance standards were prepared using magnesium oxide, plaster, and carbon, photographed alongside the specimens, and used to calibrate the photographs. The easily and affordably produced handmade reflectance standards were effective in calibrating the UV reflectance digital photographs, which allowed for each pixel of the digital photographs to be used for optical densitometry measurements. Quantitative data from calibrated UV reflectance photography demonstrated little evidence of deterioration in the UV reflective markings, although there was clear deterioration in the UV absorbent markings. This quantitative data, along with the calibrated UV photographs themselves, offered complementary documentation to visible light microscopy and SEM images. Results show that both visible-spectrum and UV markings fade in naturally aging museum specimens. We conclude that by using calibrated UV reflectance photography, a relatively inexpensive technique, a baseline and eventual degradation of Lepidoptera wing markings may be quantified and may provide valuable data to clarify the mechanisms behind this degradation. With the rate of change quantified, and the mechanisms of fading understood, it is hoped that preventative measures can be taken in the future to remedy this loss of valuable data in collections.
The curation of Arachnida collections in alcohol: An international survey
Authors: Beccaloni Janet
Published: January 2017

The Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK), has a large Arachnida collection in alcohol. Although the NHMUK follows best-practice in alcohol collections standards, there are still standards that have yet to be agreed upon, e.g., the choice of optimum printer and ink for producing labels. In 2012, I designed a survey to establish how alcohol collections are curated in other institutions around the world. I sent a questionnaire relevant to all collection sizes, materials, and storage spaces to 49 institutions in 36 countries. Responses from 42 institutions indicated: (1) collection size did not determine specific procedure; (2) museums with the largest collections are not restricted to one geographic region; (3) funding was the primary determinant of equipment and storage method, which sometimes resulted in unsuitable conditions; (4) although some methods were similar (e.g., use of ethanol), factors such as materials and equipment among other issues varied widely; (5) several issues are universal, and further research and the development of standards are needed. The results will be used to inform the establishment of further standards at the NHMUK and may also be a useful source of information for other institutions with alcohol collections. Current and future work on collection standards at the NHMUK is discussed.
Schizocrania (Brachiopoda, Discinoidea): taxonomy, occurrence, ecology and history of the earliest epizoan lingulate brachiopod
Authors: Mergl Michal , Nolčová Lucie
Published: January 2017

The lingulate brachiopod Schizocrania (Trematidae, Discinoidea) is reviewed. Ptychopeltis is definitively synonymized with Schizocrania, because new data indicate that convexity of the shell, profile of the anterior margin commissure, density of the dorsal valve costellation, ornamentation of the ventral valve and shape of the pedicle notch are worthless for separation of these genera. Four Ordovician species of Schizocrania are reported from the Barrandian area: S. multistriata (Darriwilian), S. hornyi (Sandbian), S. incola (Sandbian) and the new species S. equestra sp. nov. (Katian). Occurrence of Schizocrania striata is confirmed for the first time around the S/D boundary in the Barrandian area. Schizocrania has a wide geographic range with mid-Ordovician to early Devonian occurrences in Laurentia, Avalonia, West Gondwana and the Silurian occurrence in Baltica. Schizocrania was the earliest lingulate brachiopod adhering to floating objects in an open sea (both living cephalopods and their empty drifting shells), but it was highly opportunistic, and used any vacant hard surface on the sea floor (conulariids, strophomenid brachiopods, trilobites) as a suitable substrate for settlement of the larva. Decline of the genus coincided with disappearance of planktic graptolites, and might have been caused by competition of rapidly evolving planktic dacryoconarids, increased predation pressure, and rebuilding of the trophic structure in the early Devonian seas.
3D shape measurement with thermal pattern projection
Authors: Brahm Anika , Reetz Edgar , Schindwolf Simon , Correns Martin , Kühmstedt Peter , Notni Gunther
Published: January 2017

Structured light projection techniques are well-established optical methods for contactless and nondestructive three-dimensional (3D) measurements. Most systems operate in the visible wavelength range (VIS) due to commercially available projection and detection technology. For example, the 3D reconstruction can be done with a stereo-vision setup by finding corresponding pixels in both cameras followed by triangulation. Problems occur, if the properties of object materials disturb the measurements, which are based on the measurement of diffuse light reflections. For example, there are existing materials in the VIS range that are too transparent, translucent, high absorbent, or reflective and cannot be recorded properly. To overcome these challenges, we present an alternative thermal approach that operates in the infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. For this purpose, we used two cooled mid-wave (MWIR) cameras (3–5 μm) to detect emitted heat patterns, which were introduced by a CO2 laser. We present a thermal 3D system based on a GOBO (GOes Before Optics) wheel projection unit and first 3D analyses for different system parameters and samples. We also show a second alternative approach based on an incoherent (heat) source, to overcome typical disadvantages of high-power laser-based systems, such as industrial health and safety considerations, as well as high investment costs. Thus, materials like glass or fiber-reinforced composites can be measured contactless and without the need of additional paintings.
In vitro modelling of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy allows quantitative detection of transthyretin amyloid fibril-like structures in hepatic derivatives of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hoepfner Jeannine , Kleinsorge Mandy , Papp Oliver , Alfken Susanne , Heiringhoff Robin , Pich Andreas , Sauer Vanessa , Zibert Andree , Göhring Gudrun , Schmidt Hartmut , Sgodda Malte , Cantz Tobias
Published: January 2017

The transthyretin protein is thermodynamically destabilised by mutations in the transthyretin gene, promoting the formation of amyloid fibrils in various tissues. Consequently, impaired autonomic organ function is observed in patients suffering from transthyretin-related familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP). The influence of individual genetic backgrounds on fibril formation as a potential cause of genotype-phenotype variations needs to be investigated in order to ensure efficient patient-specific therapies. We reprogrammed FAP patient fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and differentiated these cells into transthyretin-expressing hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). HLCs differentiated from FAP iPS cells and healthy control iPS cells secreted the transthyretin protein in similar concentrations. Mass spectrometry revealed the presence of mutant transthyretin protein in FAP HLC supernatants. In comparison to healthy control iPS cells, we demonstrated the formation of transthyretin amyloid fibril-like structures in FAP HLC supernatants using the amyloid-specific dyes Congo red and thioflavin T. These dyes were also applicable for the quantitative determination ofin vitroformed transthyretin fibril-like structures. Moreover, we confirmed the inhibition of fibril formation by the TTR kinetic stabiliser diclofenac. Thioflavin T fluorescence intensity measurements even allowed the quantification of amyloid fibril-like structures in 96-well plate formats as a prerequisite for patient-specific drug screening approaches.
It’s (Still) About Time
Authors: Turnheim Tina
Published: January 2017

The article examines analogies in the ways in which the culture industry, (star) commodities and financial products (such as derivatives) are shaping the imaginaries of the future in the present. Against the backdrop of the excitement about 21st of October, which became “ Back to the Future-Day” in 2015, and the announcement of the Nike MAG sneaker-launch, I seek to analyse whether and to what extent this projection of futurity on a commodity known from product placement in a blockbuster could be understood as a symptom for a deeper lack of futurity.
Effects of ulinastatin on global ischemia via brain pro-inflammation signal
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Ming , Hu Jing-Hai , Wang Lu-Lu , Ma Chi , Wang Xu , Liu Xiao-Liang
Published: January 2017

Ulinastatin [urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI)] plays an important role in the protection of organs against ischemic injury during severe inflammation. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of UTI on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and protein expression of PIC receptors in the neocortex and hippocampus CA1 region of rats after transient global ischemia induced via cardiac arrest (CA). Specifcally, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed. CA was induced by asphyxia followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. ELISA and western blot analysis were employed to determine PICs and their receptors in the neocortex and hippocampus. Our results show that IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the neocortex and hippocampal CA1 field after CA. This was accompanied with an increase in PIC receptors, namely IL-1R, IL-6R and TNFR1. Systemic injection of UTI attenuated the amplification of PIC signal pathways in these brain regions. UTI also improved the modified Neurological Severity Score and brain tissue edema in CA rats. Notably, UTI resulted in an increase in survival of CA rats as compared to CA rats without treatment. In conclusion, UTI plays a beneficial role in modulating transient global ischemia induced by CA by altering PIC signal mechanisms, but further studies are needed to draw more firm conclusions.
Seeing Through Murals
Authors: Flores Lori A.
Published: January 2017

The late 20th and 21st century tech boom-related gentrification of San Francisco has rapidly and violently displaced longtime city residents, particularly in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of the Mission District. While some may characterize this gentrification as more economically than racially consequential, the negligible overlap between Latino and techie demographics means that the possible disappearance of Latino San Francisco is very real. This essay uses the famed murals of the Mission District as the lens through which we can see Latinos’ complex and historical presence in this California city, and then interrogate how they can continue to play a part in its future.
Through the Heart of California
Authors: Espinoza Alex
Published: January 2017

Novelist Alex Espinoza examines ways in which memory and place are tied to specific geographic sites of knowledge throughout his life as a Californian. His journey from the factory-lined streets and avenues of the San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area to the fields and farms of the Central Valley provide the author a change to examine what is lost and gained when patters of migration and movement give rise to new opportunities that both challenge and affirm our vast and complex identities as Californians
Early commitment and robust differentiation in colonic crypts
Authors: Tóth Beáta , Ben‐Moshe Shani , Gavish Avishai , Barkai Naama , Itzkovitz Shalev
Published: January 2017

Tissue stem cells produce a constant flux of differentiated cells with distinct proportions. Here, we show that stem cells in colonic crypts differentiate early to form precisely 1:3 ratio of secretory to absorptive cells. This precision is surprising, as there are only eight stem cells making irreversible fate decisions, and so large stochastic effects of this small pool should have yielded much larger noise in cell proportions. We use single molecule FISH, lineage‐tracing mice and simulations to identify the homeostatic mechanisms facilitating robust proportions. We find that Delta‐Notch lateral inhibition operates in a restricted spatial zone to reduce initial noise in cell proportions. Increased dwell time and dispersive migration of secretory cells further averages additional variability added during progenitor divisions and breaks up continuous patches of same‐fate cells. These noise‐reducing mechanisms resolve the trade‐off between early commitment and robust differentiation and ensure spatially uniform spread of secretory cells. Our findings may apply to other cases where small progenitor pools expand to give rise to precise tissue cell proportions.
Review of Firmston, Stupid
Authors: Williamson W. John
Published: January 2017

Kim Firmton’s (2014) Stupid is ostensibly a high interest low vocabulary (hi-low) novel marketed primarily to young adult readers, and particularly to young adults who experience reading more linguistically complex texts as difficult.
Imperatyvinės kilmės diskurso markeriai lietuvių kalboje: klausyk ir žiūrėk atvejis
Authors: Jasionytė-Mikučionienė Erika
Published: January 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojamos imperatyvinės percepcinių veiksmažodžių klausyti ir žiūrėti formos bei jų funkcijos dabartinėje lietuvių kalboje, aptariami galimi šių formų pragmatiškėjimo požymiai, bandoma nustatyti kalbamų formų, kaip diskurso markerių, statusą. Atliktas tyrimas yra naujas, nes lietuvių kalbos percepciniai veiksmažodžiai kaip diskurso markeriai kol kas nėra tirti. Empirinės medžiagos pagrindą sudaro duomenys, surinkti iš Dabartinės lietuvių kalbos tekstyno grožinės literatūros patekstynio. Nustatyta, kad, be tiesioginės imperatyvo funkcijos, analizuotos imperatyvinės formos gali turėti įvairių pragmatinių funkcijų: dėmesio atkreipimo, naujos temos įvedimo, temos nutraukimo arba grįžimo prie ankstesnės temos, prieštaravimo, nuostabos ir pan. Šiuo požiūriu klausyk ir žiūrėk formos yra multifunkcionalios, o jų multifunkcionalumas labai priklauso nuo konteksto ir diskurso. Kai klausyk ir žiūrėk formos įgyja diskurso markerio statusą, imperatyvo reikšmė išblunka, į pirmą planą iškeliama ir sustiprinama pragmatinė reikšmė, kuri yra orientuota į kalbėtoją: pasitelkdamas klausyk ir žiūrėk formas, kalbėtojas siekia užmegzti ryšį su pašnekovu ir išreikšti subjektyvią savo poziciją.