bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Claudin Gene Expression Analyses in Canine Mammary Tissues and Thereof Derived Primary Cultures and Cell Lines
Authors: Hammer Susanne , Becker Annegret , Rateitschak Katja , Mohr Annika , Lüder Ripoli Florenza , Hennecke Silvia , Junginger Johannes , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion , Brenig Bertram , Ngezahayo Anaclet , Nolte Ingo , Murua Escobar Hugo
Published: September 2016

Human and canine mammary tumours show partial claudin expression deregulations. Further, claudins have been used for directed therapeutic approaches. However, the development of claudin targeting approaches requires stable claudin expressing cell lines. This study reports the establishment and characterisation of canine mammary tissue derived cell lines, analysing longitudinally the claudin-1, -3, -4 and -7 expressions in original tissue samples, primary cultures and developed cell lines. Primary cultures were derived from 17 canine mammary tissues: healthy, lobular hyperplasia, simple adenoma, complex adenoma, simple tubular carcinoma, complex carcinoma, carcinoma arising in a benign mixed tumour and benign mixed tissue. Cultivation was performed, if possible, until passage 30. Claudin mRNA and protein expressions were analysed by PCR, QuantiGene Plex Assay, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Further, cytokeratin expression was analysed immunocytochemically. Cultivation resulted in 11 established cell lines, eight showing epithelial character. In five of the early passages the claudin expressions decreased compared to the original tissues. In general, claudin expressions were diminished during cultivation. Three cell lines kept longitudinally claudin, as well as epithelial marker expressions, representing valuable tools for the development of claudin targeted anti-tumour therapies.
ns-μs Time-Resolved Step-Scan FTIR of ba3 Oxidoreductase from Thermus thermophilus: Protonic Connectivity of w941-w946-w927
Authors: Nicolaides Antonis , Soulimane Tewfik , Varotsis Constantinos
Published: September 2016

Time-resolved step-scan FTIR spectroscopy has been employed to probe the dynamics of the ba3 oxidoreductase from Thermus thermophilus in the ns-μs time range and in the pH/pD 6–9 range. The data revealed a pH/pD sensitivity of the D372 residue and of the ring-A propionate of heme a3. Based on the observed transient changes a model in which the protonic connectivity of w941-w946-927 to the D372 and the ring-A propionate of heme a3 is described.
Fruit Antioxidants during Vinegar Processing: Changes in Content and in Vitro Bio-Accessibility
Authors: Bakir Sena , Toydemir Gamze , Boyacioglu Dilek , Beekwilder Jules , Capanoglu Esra
Published: September 2016

Background: Vinegars based on fruit juices could conserve part of the health-associated compounds present in the fruits. However, in general very limited knowledge exists on the consequences of vinegar-making on different antioxidant compounds from fruit. In this study vinegars derived from apple and grape are studied. Methods: A number of steps, starting from the fermentation of the fruit juices to the formation of the final vinegars, were studied from an industrial vinegar process. The effect of each of the vinegar processing steps on content of antioxidants, phenolic compounds and flavonoids was studied, by spectroscopic methods and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The major observation was that spectrophotometric methods indicate a strong loss of antioxidant phenolic compounds during the transition from fruit wine to fruit vinegar. A targeted HPLC analysis indicates that metabolites such as gallic acid are lost in later stages of the vinegar process. Conclusion: The major conclusion of this work is that major changes occur in phenolic compounds during vinegar making. An untargeted metabolite analysis should be used to reveal these changes in more detail. In addition, the effect of vinegar processing on bio-accessibility of phenolic compounds was investigated by mimicking the digestive tract in an in vitro set up. This study is meant to provide insight into the potential of vinegar as a source of health-related compounds from fruit.
Traceability of Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Honey through Nectar/Honey-Sac/Honey Pathways of the Headspace, Volatiles, and Semi-Volatiles: Chemical Markers
Authors: Jerković Igor , Prđun Saša , Marijanović Zvonimir , Zekić Marina , Bubalo Dragan , Svečnjak Lidija , Tuberoso Carlo
Published: September 2016

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE), followed by GC-MS/FID, were applied for monitoring the nectar (NE)/honey-sac (HoS)/honey (HO) pathways of the headspace, volatiles, and semi-volatiles. The major NE (4 varieties of Citrus unshiu) headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. Corresponding extracts contained, among others, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and caffeine. The major HoS headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and cis-jasmone. Characteristic compounds from HoS extract were caffeine, 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. However, HO headspace composition was significantly different in comparison to NE and HoS with respect to phenylacetaldehyde and linalool derivatives abundance that appeared as the consequence of the hive conditions and the bee enzyme activity. C. unshiu honey traceability is determined by chemical markers: phenylacetaldehyde, phenylacetonitrile, linalool and its derivatives, as well as 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, and caffeine.
Effects of n-3 PUFAs on Intestinal Mucosa Innate Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota in Mice after Hemorrhagic Shock Resuscitation
Authors: Tian Feng , Gao Xuejin , Zhang Li , Wang Xinying , Wan Xiao , Jiang Tingting , Wu Chao , Bi Jingcheng , Lei Qiucheng
Published: September 2016

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve the function of the intestinal barrier after damage from ischemia-reperfusion or hemorrhagic shock resuscitation (HSR). However, the effects of n-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbiota and the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa after HSR remain unclear. In the present study, 40 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, sham, HSR, HSR + n-3 PUFAs and HSR + n-6 PUFAs. Mice were sacrificed 12 h after HSR. Liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and terminal ileal tissues were collected. Intestinal mucosae were scraped aseptically. Compared with the HSR group, the number of goblet cells increased, expression of mucin 2 was restored and disturbed intestinal microbiota were partly stabilized in the PUFA-administered groups, indicating that both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs reduced overproliferation of Gammaproteobacteria while promoting the growth of Bacteroidetes. Notably, n-3 PUFAs had an advantage over n-6 PUFAs in improving ileal tissue levels of lysozyme after HSR. Thus, PUFAs, especially n-3 PUFAs, partly improved the innate immunity of intestinal mucosa in mice after HSR. These findings suggest a clinical rationale for providing n-3 PUFAs to patients recovering from ischemia-reperfusion.
Nanosized Drug Delivery Systems in Gastrointestinal Targeting: Interactions with Microbiota
Authors: Karavolos Michail , Holban Alina
Published: September 2016

The new age of nanotechnology has signaled a stream of entrepreneurial possibilities in various areas, form industry to medicine. Drug delivery has benefited the most by introducing nanostructured systems in the transport and controlled release of therapeutic molecules at targeted sites associated with a particular disease. As many nanosized particles reach the gastrointestinal tract by various means, their interactions with the molecular components of this highly active niche are intensively investigated. The well-characterized antimicrobial activities of numerous nanoparticles are currently being considered as a reliable and efficient alternative to the eminent world crisis in antimicrobial drug discovery. The interactions of nanosystems present in the gastrointestinal route with host microbiota is unavoidable; hence, a major research initiative is needed to explore the mechanisms and effects of these nanomaterials on microbiota and the impact that microbiota may have in the outcome of therapies entailing drug delivery nanosystems through the gastrointestinal route. These coordinated studies will provide novel techniques to replace or act synergistically with current technologies and help develop new treatments for major diseases via the discovery of unique antimicrobial molecules.
Dynamics of DNA Squeezed Inside a Nanochannel via a Sliding Gasket
Authors: Huang Aiqun , Reisner Walter , Bhattacharya Aniket
Published: September 2016

We use Brownian dynamics (BD) simulation of a coarse-grained (CG) bead-spring model of DNA to study the nonequilibrim dynamics of a single DNA molecule confined inside a rectangular nanochannel being squeezed with a sliding gasket piston or “nanodozer”. From our simulations we extract the nonequilibrim density profile c ( x , t ) of the squeezed molecule along the channel axis (x-coordinate) and then analyze the non-equilibrium profile using a recently introduced phenomenological Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation (NPDE) model. Since the NPDE approach also fits the experimental results well and is numerically efficient to implement, the combined BD + NPDE methods can be a powerful approach to analyze details of the confined molecular dynamics. In particular, the overall excellent agreement between the two complementary sets of data provides a strategy for carrying out large scale simulation on semi-flexible biopolymers in confinement at biologically relevant length scales.
Resilience Thinking as an Interdisciplinary Guiding Principle for Energy System Transitions
Authors: Wiese Frauke
Published: September 2016

Resource usage and environmental consequences of most current energy systems exceed planetary boundaries. The transition to sustainable energy systems is accompanied by a multitude of research methods, as energy systems are complex structures of technical, economical, social and ecological interactions. The description of different discipline’s perspectives in this paper show that a more mutual understanding between disciplines of their respective focus is necessary as they partly create internally competitive views arising from differing emphasis of connected matters. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for interdisciplinary proceeding in a complex energy system transition process. Resilience thinking is chosen as a core concept for a more holistic view on sustainable energy system development. It is shown that it is already widely used in different disciplines connected to energy system research and is especially suitable due to its wide application across disciplines. The seven principles of resilience thinking (maintain redundancy and diversity, manage connectivity, manage slow variables and feedback, foster complex adaptive systems thinking, encourage learning, broaden participation, and promote polycentric governance systems) are chosen as the basis for a procedure that can be utilized to increase the interdisciplinary perspectives of energy system transitions. For energy transition processes based on scenario development, backcasting and pathway definition, resilience thinking principles are used to assess the resilience of the target energy system, the pathway resilience and the design of the scenario process with respect to the probability of a resilient outcome. The described procedure consisting of questions and parameters can be applied as a first attempt for a resilience assessment of energy transition processes. The perspective of resilience in sustainable energy systems strengthens the importance of diversity, redundancy and flexibility, which reduces the current dominant focus on efficiency of the overall system.
An Iterative Approach to Ground Penetrating Radar at the Maya Site of Pacbitun, Belize
Authors: Skaggs Sheldon , Powis Terry , Rucker Clara , Micheletti George
Published: September 2016

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys provide distinct advantages for archaeological prospection in ancient, complex, urban Maya sites, particularly where dense foliage or modern debris may preclude other remote sensing or geophysical techniques. Unidirectional GPR surveys using a 500 MHz shielded antenna were performed at the Middle Preclassic Maya site of Pacbitun, Belize. The survey in 2012 identified numerous linear and circular anomalies between 1 m and 2 m deep. Based on these anomalies, one 1 m × 4 m unit and three smaller units were excavated in 2013. These test units revealed a curved plaster surface not previously found at Pacbitun. Post-excavation, GPR data were reprocessed to best match the true nature of excavated features. Additional GPR surveys oriented perpendicular to the original survey confirmed previously detected anomalies and identified new anomalies. The excavations provided information on the sediment layers in the survey area, which allowed better identification of weak radar reflections of the surfaces of a burnt, Middle Preclassic temple in the northern end of the survey area. Additional excavations of the area in 2014 and 2015 revealed it to be a large square structure, which was named El Quemado.
Integration of Error Compensation of Coordinate Measuring Machines into Feature Measurement: Part I—Model Development
Authors: Calvo Roque , D’Amato Roberto , Gómez Emilio , Domingo Rosario
Published: September 2016

The development of an error compensation model for coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and its integration into feature measurement is presented. CMMs are widespread and dependable instruments in industry and laboratories for dimensional measurement. From the tip probe sensor to the machine display, there is a complex transformation of probed point coordinates through the geometrical feature model that makes the assessment of accuracy and uncertainty measurement results difficult. Therefore, error compensation is not standardized, conversely to other simpler instruments. Detailed coordinate error compensation models are generally based on CMM as a rigid-body and it requires a detailed mapping of the CMM’s behavior. In this paper a new model type of error compensation is proposed. It evaluates the error from the vectorial composition of length error by axis and its integration into the geometrical measurement model. The non-explained variability by the model is incorporated into the uncertainty budget. Model parameters are analyzed and linked to the geometrical errors and uncertainty of CMM response. Next, the outstanding measurement models of flatness, angle, and roundness are developed. The proposed models are useful for measurement improvement with easy integration into CMM signal processing, in particular in industrial environments where built-in solutions are sought. A battery of implementation tests are presented in Part II, where the experimental endorsement of the model is included.
Planar Indium Tin Oxide Heater for Improved Thermal Distribution for Metal Oxide Micromachined Gas Sensors
Authors: Çakır M. , Çalışkan Deniz , Bütün Bayram , Özbay Ekmel
Published: September 2016

Metal oxide gas sensors with integrated micro-hotplate structures are widely used in the industry and they are still being investigated and developed. Metal oxide gas sensors have the advantage of being sensitive to a wide range of organic and inorganic volatile compounds, although they lack selectivity. To introduce selectivity, the operating temperature of a single sensor is swept, and the measurements are fed to a discriminating algorithm. The efficiency of those data processing methods strongly depends on temperature uniformity across the active area of the sensor. To achieve this, hot plate structures with complex resistor geometries have been designed and additional heat-spreading structures have been introduced. In this work we designed and fabricated a metal oxide gas sensor integrated with a simple square planar indium tin oxide (ITO) heating element, by using conventional micromachining and thin-film deposition techniques. Power consumption–dependent surface temperature measurements were performed. A 420 °C working temperature was achieved at 120 mW power consumption. Temperature distribution uniformity was measured and a 17 °C difference between the hottest and the coldest points of the sensor at an operating temperature of 290 °C was achieved. Transient heat-up and cool-down cycle durations are measured as 40 ms and 20 ms, respectively.
Development of a Flexible Non-Metal Electrode for Cell Stimulation and Recording
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong , Syu Wun-Jia , Lei Kin , Hwang Yih-Shiou
Published: September 2016

This study presents a method of producing flexible electrodes for potentially simultaneously stimulating and measuring cellular signals in retinal cells. Currently, most multi-electrode applications rely primarily on etching, but the metals involved have a certain degree of brittleness, leaving them prone to cracking under prolonged pressure. This study proposes using silver chloride ink as a conductive metal, and polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate to provide electrodes with an increased degree of flexibility to allow them to bend. This structure is divided into the electrode layer made of PDMS and silver chloride ink, and a PDMS film coating layer. PDMS can be mixed in different proportions to modify the degree of rigidity. The proposed method involved three steps. The first segment entailed the manufacturing of the electrode, using silver chloride ink as the conductive material, and using computer software to define the electrode size and micro-engraving mechanisms to produce the electrode pattern. The resulting uniform PDMS pattern was then baked onto the model, and the flow channel was filled with the conductive material before air drying to produce the required electrode. In the second stage, we tested the electrode, using an impedance analyzer to measure electrode cyclic voltammetry and impedance. In the third phase, mechanical and biocompatibility tests were conducted to determine electrode properties. This study aims to produce a flexible, non-metallic sensing electrode which fits snugly for use in a range of measurement applications.
A Mechatronic Loading Device to Stimulate Bone Growth via a Human Knee
Authors: Prabhala Sai , Chien Stanley , Yokota Hiroki , Anwar Sohel
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the design of an innovative device that applies dynamic mechanical load to human knee joints. Dynamic loading is employed by applying cyclic and periodic force on a target area. The repeated force loading was considered to be an effective modality for repair and rehabilitation of long bones that are subject to ailments like fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, etc. The proposed device design builds on the knowledge gained in previous animal and mechanical studies. It employs a modified slider-crank linkage mechanism actuated by a brushless Direct Current (DC) motor and provides uniform and cyclic force. The functionality of the device was simulated in a software environment and the structural integrity was analyzed using a finite element method for the prototype construction. The device is controlled by a microcontroller that is programmed to provide the desired loading force at a predetermined frequency and for a specific duration. The device was successfully tested in various experiments for its usability and full functionality. The results reveal that the device works according to the requirements of force magnitude and operational frequency. This device is considered ready to be used for a clinical study to examine whether controlled knee-loading could be an effective regimen for treating the stated bone-related ailments.
Boomers versus Millennials: Online Media Influence on Media Performance and Candidate Evaluations
Authors: Towner Terri , Lego Munoz Caroline
Published: September 2016

Facebook posts, YouTube videos, tweets and wooing political bloggers have become standard practice in marketing political campaigns. Research has demonstrated the effect of new media on a host of politically-related behavior, including political participation, knowledge acquisition, group formation and self-efficacy. Yet, issues related to media trust, media performance and candidate evaluations have not been fully explored. In addition, much of the political marketing research looks exclusively at the Millennial age cohort, ignoring other age groups, particularly Baby Boomers. This case study addresses whether attention to traditional (i.e., television, hard-copy newspapers and radio) and online media sources (i.e., political candidate websites, television network websites, online newspapers, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr and political blogs) about the 2012 U.S. presidential campaign influences Millennials and Baby Boomers’ media trust and performance ratings, as well as candidate evaluations. Panel surveys were completed by both age cohorts, Millennials (n = 431) and Baby Boomers (n = 360), during the last two weeks of the presidential election. Findings indicate that traditional sources, specifically television, rather than online sources are significantly linked to media trust and performance ratings among both Boomers and Millennials. Attention to traditional media for campaign information predicts Boomers’ candidate evaluations, whereas Millennials’ candidate evaluations are influenced by online sources, such as Facebook and candidate websites.
Comparıson of the Heart Rate and Blood Lactate Responses of Different Small Sided Games in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Köklü Yusuf , Alemdaroğlu Utku
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), blood lactate (La−), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, CR-10) responses across different formats of small-sided games (SSG) in elite young soccer players. Fourteen players (average age 16.7 ± 0.6 years; height 177.6 ± 4.1 cm; body mass 66.3 ± 4.7 kg; average training age 6.7 ± 1.6 years; percentage of body fat 8.4 ± 2.6%) volunteered to perform the YoYo intermittent recovery test (level 1) and eight bouts of soccer drills including 2-a-side, 3-a-side, and 4-a-side games without goalkeepers in random order at two-day intervals. Heart rates were monitored throughout the SSGs, whereas the RPE and venous blood lactate were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. The differences in La−, %HRmax, and RPE either across the different SSGs or between the bouts were identified using 3 × 8 (games × exercise bouts) two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Significant differences were found in terms of La−, RPE, and %HRmax among the different types of SSG (p ≤ 0.05). 3-a-side and 4-a-side games elicited significantly higher responses than 2-a-side games in terms of %HRmax (p ≤ 0.05), whereas 4-a-side games resulted in significantly lower La− and RPE responses compared to 2-a-side and 3-a-side games. The results of this study show that physiological responses differ according to the numbers of players involved in small-sided games. Therefore, it can be concluded that 3-a-side and 4-a-side games could be more effective in improving high intensity aerobic performance than 2-a-side games, which in turn are more appropriate for developing anaerobic performance.
Impacts of Land Management on the Resilience of Mediterranean Dry Forests to Fire
Authors: Jucker Riva Matteo , Liniger Hanspeter , Valdecantos Alejandro , Schwilch Gudrun
Published: September 2016

Wildfires have always been a part of the history of Mediterranean forests. However, forests are not always certain to regenerate after a wildfire. Whether they do depends on many factors, some of which may be influenced by land management activities. Failure to regenerate will cause a regime shift in the ecosystem, reducing the provision of ecosystem services and ultimately leading to desertification. How can we increase the resilience of Mediterranean forests to fire? Our approach to answering this question was twofold: first, we reviewed the literature to investigate chains of processes that allowed forests to regenerate (which we label Regeneration Mechanisms, or RMs); and second, we assessed the impact of selected management practices documented in the WOCAT database on these RMs. For the assessment, we evaluated the relation between the benefits and disadvantages of the land management practices on the one hand, and the hindering and supporting factors of the RMs on the other. We identified three distinct RMs that enable Mediterranean forests to recover, as well as the time frame before and after a fire in which they are at work, and factors that can hinder or support resilience. The three RMs enabling a forest to regenerate after a fire consist of regeneration (1) from a seed bank; (2) from resprouting individuals; and (3) from unburned plants that escaped the fire. Management practices were grouped into four categories: (1) fuel breaks; (2) fuel management; (3) afforestation; and (4) mulching. We assessed how and under what conditions land management modifies the ecosystem’s resilience. The results show that land management influences resilience by interacting with resilience mechanisms before and after the fire, and not just by modifying the fire regime. Our analysis demonstrates a need for adaptive—i.e., context- and time-specific—management strategies.
Diversification and Corporate Performance: Evidence from China’s Listed Energy Companies
Authors: Li Qiming , Wang Wenhuan , Lou Yiping , Cheng Ke , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2016

Recently, China’s energy industry has been continuously depressed due to a slowdown in its economic development. China’s energy companies have made considerable efforts to promote their corporate performance to mitigate this performance decline and to ensure the sustainable development of China’s energy industry, macro economy, society and environment. In this paper, the effects of two business strategies—industrial diversification and international diversification—on the performance of listed energy firms are empirically investigated. The empirical results show the following: (1) industrial diversification hinders corporate performance; (2) for industrially-diversified energy companies, related diversified strategies are more effective than unrelated diversified strategies; and (3) international diversification improves the performance of renewable energy firms, but hinders the performance of conventional energy firms. These results suggest that as economic conditions are not currently optimal, China’s energy companies should pay more attention to their main businesses and generate more products to satisfy market demand.
Transcript Abundance of Photorhabdus Insect-Related (Pir) Toxin in Manduca sexta and Galleria mellonella Infections
Authors: Castagnola Anaïs , Mulley Geraldine , Davis Nathaniel , Waterfield Nicholas , Stock S.
Published: September 2016

In this study, we assessed pirAB toxin transcription in Photorhabdus luminescens laumondii (strain TT01) (Enterobacteriaceae) by comparing mRNA abundance under in vivo and in vitro conditions. In vivo assays considered both natural and forced infections with two lepidopteran hosts: Galleria mellonella and Manduca sexta. Three portals of entry were utilized for the forced infection assays: (a) integument; (b) the digestive route (via mouth and anus); and (c) the tracheal route (via spiracles). We also assessed plu4093-2 transcription during the course of a natural infection; this is when the bacteria are delivered by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes. Transcript abundance in G. mellonella was higher than in M. sexta at two of the observed time points: 15 and 18 h. Expression of pirAB plu4093-2 reached above endogenous control levels at 22 h in G. mellonella but not in M. sexta. Overall, pirAB plu4093-2 transcripts were not as highly expressed in M. sexta as in G. mellonella, from 15 to 22 h. This is the first study to directly compare pirAB plu4093-2 toxin transcript production considering different portals of entry.
Microscopic Visualisation of Zoonotic Arbovirus Replication in Tick Cell and Organ Cultures Using Semliki Forest Virus Reporter Systems
Authors: Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Weisheit Sabine , Rückert Claudia , Barry Gerald , Fazakerley John , Fragkoudis Rennos
Published: September 2016

Ticks are vectors and reservoirs of many arboviruses pathogenic for humans or domestic animals; in addition, during bloodfeeding they can acquire and harbour pathogenic arboviruses normally transmitted by other arthropods such as mosquitoes. Tick cell and organ cultures provide convenient tools for propagation and study of arboviruses, both tick-borne and insect-borne, enabling elucidation of virus-tick cell interaction and yielding insight into the mechanisms behind vector competence and reservoir potential for different arbovirus species. The mosquito-borne zoonotic alphavirus Semliki Forest virus (SFV), which replicates well in tick cells, has been isolated from Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Amblyomma spp. ticks removed from mammalian hosts in East Africa; however nothing is known about any possible role of ticks in SFV epidemiology. Here we present a light and electron microscopic study of SFV infecting cell lines and organ cultures derived from African Rhipicephalus spp. ticks. As well as demonstrating the applicability of these culture systems for studying virus-vector interactions, we provide preliminary evidence to support the hypothesis that SFV is not normally transmitted by ticks because the virus does not infect midgut cells.
Residential Water Demand in a Mexican Biosphere Reserve: Evidence of the Effects of Perceived Price
Authors: Almendarez-Hernández Marco , Avilés Polanco Gerzaín , Hernández Trejo Víctor , Ortega-Rubio Alfredo , Beltrán Morales Luis
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence for policy-makers of water management, evaluate the applicability of economic variables such as price and other factors that affect demand, and determine the impact thereof on decision-making surrounding water management in the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. We estimated a dynamic function with an average price specification, as well as price perception specification. Findings demonstrated that consumers tend to react to perceived average price but not to the marginal price. Furthermore, long-term price elasticity was found to be higher than short-term elasticity, and both elasticities were found to be inelastic. Inelastic elasticities, coupled with rising prices, generate substantial revenues with which to improve water planning and supply quality and to expand service coverage. The results suggest that users’ level of knowledge surrounding price is a key factor to take into account when restructuring rates, especially in situations where consumers do not readily possess the necessary information about their rate structure and usage within a given billing period. Furthermore, the results can help water management policy-makers to achieve goals of economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
A Nerve Conduit Containing a Vascular Bundle and Implanted with Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Decellularized Allogenic Nerve Matrix
Authors: Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Ohta Soichi , Noguchi Takashi , Takeuchi Hisataka , Oda Hiroki , Yurie Hirofumi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: September 2016

Cells, scaffolds, growth factors, and vascularity are essential for nerve regeneration. Previously, we reported that the insertion of a vascular bundle and the implantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into a nerve conduit promoted peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, the efficacy of nerve conduits containing a vascular bundle, BM-MSCs, and thermally decellularized allogenic nerve matrix (DANM) was investigated using a rat sciatic nerve model with a 20-mm defect. Lewis rats were used as the sciatic nerve model and for the preparation of BM-MSCs, and Dark Agouti rats were used for the preparation of the DANM. The revascularization and the immunogenicity of the DANM were investigated histologically. The regeneration of nerves through nerve conduits containing vessels, BM-MSCs, and DANM (VBD group) was evaluated based on electrophysiological, morphometric, and reinnervated muscle weight measurements and compared with that of vessel-containing conduits that were implanted with BM-MSCs (VB group). The DANM that was implanted into vessel-containing tubes (VCTs) was revascularized by neovascular vessels that originated from the inserted vascular bundle 5–7 days after surgery. The number of CD8+ cells found in the DANM in the VCT was significantly smaller than that detected in the untreated allogenic nerve segment. The regenerated nerve in the VBD group was significantly superior to that in the VB group with regard to the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential detected in the pedal adductor muscle; the number, diameter, and myelin thickness of the myelinated axons; and the tibialis anterior muscle weight at 12 and 24 weeks. The additional implantation of the DANM into the BM-MSC-implanted VCT optimized the axonal regeneration through the conduit. Nerve conduits constructed with vascularity, cells, and scaffolds could be an effective strategy for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries with significant segmental defects.
Step Sequence is a Critical Gait Parameter of Unilateral 6-OHDA Parkinson's Rat Models
Authors: Baldwin Heather A. , Koivula Pyry P. , Necarsulmer Julie C. , Whitaker Keith W. , Harvey Brandon K.
Published: September 2016

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder, marked by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway that leads to abnormal gait, rigidity, slowness of movement, and tremor. The ability to recapitulate and measure the neurological sequelae in rodent models of Parkinson's disease is important for studying and evaluating potential therapeutics. Individual variability in lesion severity and injury progression are key factors in the 6-hydroxydopamine model that require normalization when evaluating therapeutic effects. The gait parameters that were found to be affected by 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning of the nigrostriatal pathway in rats may be used to study novel transgenic models of Parkinson's disease as well as to test novel therapeutics. Previously, studies have used a video-based system to analyze gait abnormalities in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease, but these studies did not account for individual variability on reported gait parameters. By analyzing the ratio of parameters from the injured to uninjured sides and correcting for speed in related parameters, hindpaw step cycle parameters, hindpaw print area, and step sequence are significantly altered in different ways for each type of lesion, when compared to saline-injected controls. These findings enable new metrics for evaluating therapeutic efficacy of drug-, gene-, or cell-based therapies in rat models of Parkinson's disease.
Suppression of Asparaginyl Endopeptidase Inhibits Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen-Induced Tumor Formation and Metastasis
Authors: Xu Cheng , Cao Lu , Liu Jianhua , Qian Zhongrun , Peng Yu , Zhu Wenjing , Qiu Yongming , Lin Yingying
Published: September 2016

Elevated circulating asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), a novel lysosomal protease, has been found in breast cancer, and AEP is thus considered to be a prognostic factor in this disease. However, the pathological functions of circulating AEP in the development of breast cancer and the potential of AEP-targeted therapy remain unclear. We used MMTV-PyVmT transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop mammary tumors. Western blotting showed overexpression of AEP in both primary tumor tissue and lung metastases compared to their normal counterparts. Moreover, the concentration of circulating AEP gradually increased in the serum during the development of mammary tumors. Purified AEP protein injected through the tail vein promoted tumor growth and mammary tumor metastasis and shortened survival, whereas AEP-specific small compound inhibitors (AEPIs) effectively suppressed tumor progression and prolonged host survival. Further analysis of the molecular mechanism revealed that AEP was important for PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Thus, an elevated serum AEP level was closely related to mammary cancer progression and metastasis, and AEP is a potential target for breast cancer therapy in the clinic.
Self-Selection of Frequency Tables with Bilateral Mismatches in an Acoustic Simulation of a Cochlear Implant
Authors: Fitzgerald Matthew B. , Prosolovich Ksenia , Tan Chin-Tuan , Glassman E. Katelyn , Svirsky Mario A.
Published: September 2016

Background:Many recipients of bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) may have differences in electrode insertion depth. Previous reports indicate that when a bilateral mismatch is imposed, performance on tests of speech understanding or sound localization becomes worse. If recipients
of bilateral CIs cannot adjust to a difference in insertion depth, adjustments to the frequency table may be necessary to maximize bilateral performance.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using real-time manipulations of the frequency table to offset
any decrements in performance resulting from a bilateral mismatch.Research Design:A simulation of a CI was used because it allows for explicit control of the size of a bilateral mismatch. Such control is not available with users of CIs.Study Sample:A total of 31 normal-hearing
young adults participated in this study.Data Collection and Analysis:Using a CI simulation, four bilateral mismatch conditions (0, 0.75, 1.5, and 3 mm) were created. In the left ear, the analysis filters and noise bands of the CI simulation were the same. In the right ear, the noise
bands were shifted higher in frequency to simulate a bilateral mismatch. Then, listeners selected a frequency table in the right ear that was perceived as maximizing bilateral speech intelligibility. Word-recognition scores were then assessed for each bilateral mismatch condition. Listeners
were tested with both a standard frequency table, which preserved a bilateral mismatch, or with their self-selected frequency table.Results:Consistent with previous reports, bilateral mismatches of 1.5 and 3 mm yielded decrements in word recognition when the standard table was used
in both ears. However, when listeners used the self-selected frequency table, performance was the same regardless of the size of the bilateral mismatch.Conclusions:Self-selection of a frequency table appears to be a feasible method for ameliorating the negative effects of a bilateral
mismatch. These data may have implications for recipients of bilateral CIs who cannot adapt to a bilateral mismatch, because they suggest that (1) such individuals may benefit from modification of the frequency table in one ear and (2) self-selection of a “most intelligible” frequency
table may be a useful tool for determining how the frequency table should be altered to optimize speech recognition.
Identification and Characterization of Quantitative Trait Loci for Shattering in Japonica Rice Landrace Jiucaiqing from Taihu Lake Valley, China
Authors: Cheng Jinping , He Yongqi , Zhan Chengfang , Yang Bin , Xu Enshun , Zhang Hongsheng , Wang Zhoufei
Published: September 2016

Easy shattering reduces yield from grain loss during rice (Oryza sativa L.) harvest. We characterized a nonshattering japonica rice landrace Jiucaiqing from Taihu Lake valley in China. The breaking tensile strength (BTS; grams force, gf) of the grain pedicel was measured using a digital force gauge to evaluate the degree of shattering at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d after heading (DAH). The BTS of Jiucaiqing did not significantly decrease with increasing DAH, maintaining a level of 152.2 to 195.9 gf, while that of indica IR26 decreased greatly during 0 to 14 DAH and finally stabilized at ∼100 gf. Then the chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) and near isogenic lines (NILs) of Jiucaiqing in IR26 background were developed for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Four putative QTL (qSH1JCQ, qSH3JCQ, qSH6JCQ, and qSH11JCQ) for shattering were detected, and the qSH1JCQ was confirmed on chromosome 1. We further mapped qSH1JCQ to a 98.4‐kb region, which contains 14 genes. Os01g62920 was considered to be a strong candidate for qSH1JCQ, which colocated with qSH1. Further quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses confirmed that the QTL qSH1JCQ can significantly decrease the expression of shattering related genes (qSH1, OsCPL1, Sh4, SH5, and SHAT1) especially at the middle development stage at 10 and 15 cm panicle length, which causes rice shattering decrease. The elite allele and the NIL with desirable agronomic traits identified in this study could be useful for rice breeding.
Achieving Plant CRISPR Targeting that Limits Off‐Target Effects
Authors: Wolt Jeffrey D. , Wang Kan , Sashital Dipali , Lawrence‐Dill Carolyn J.
Published: September 2016

The CRISPR‐Cas9 system (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats with associated Cas9 protein) has been used to generate targeted changes for direct modification of endogenous genes in an increasing number of plant species; but development of plant genome editing has not yet fully considered potential off‐target mismatches that may lead to unintended changes within the genome. Assessing the specificity of CRISPR‐Cas9 for increasing editing efficiency as well as the potential for unanticipated downstream effects from off‐target mutations is an important regulatory consideration for agricultural applications. Increasing genome‐editing specificity entails developing improved design methods that better predict the prevalence of off‐target mutations as a function of genome composition and design of the engineered ribonucleoprotein (RNP). Early results from CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing in plant systems indicate that the incidence of off‐target mutation frequencies is quite low; however, by analyzing CRISPR‐edited plant lines and improving both computational tools and reagent design, it may be possible to further decrease unanticipated effects at potential mismatch sites within the genome. This will provide assurance that CRISPR‐Cas9 reagents can be designed and targeted with a high degree of specificity. Improved and experimentally validated design tools for discriminating target and potential off‐target positions that incorporate consideration of the designed nuclease fidelity and selectivity will help to increase confidence for regulatory decision making for genome‐edited plants.
POSSIBLE HYBRID PROPULSION CONFIGURATION FOR TRANSPORT JET AIRCRAFT
Authors: CHIESA Sergio , FIORITI Marco , FUSARO Roberta
Published: September 2016

This research is aimed at studying the possible advantages of installing, for a hybrid propulsion aircraft, electric motors and related propellers into the dedicated supplementary nacelles. This innovative solution is different from the configuration, already studied for a regional turboprop (Chiesa et al.2013), in which the electric motors are in the same nacelles of the internal combustion engines. As it has been expected, it offers the advantages of avoiding mechanical links between the two units and, more importantly, can also be applied to jet aircraft. In fact, the main contribution of electric motors is expected during ground operations, take-off and descent phases (i.e. at low speed), in which it can be useful to integrate the propellers or even substitute the jet engines with them. At high speed, the propellers, of course, are configured in order to reduce drag. When considering the design of a new airliner concept, a preliminary design study is necessary to optimize the location of the supplementary nacelles. The nacelles, which only hold the electrical motor, can also be considered retractable, as is usual for a RAT (Ram Air Turbine). Please note that in the hybrid propulsion context, the RAT function can be clearly allocated to the electric motor, with the advantages of optimizing drag at high speed, taking into account installation problems.
A HYPOTHESIS FOR THE COLOR BIMODALITY OF JUPITER TROJANS
Authors: Wong Ian , Brown Michael E.
Published: September 2016

One of the most enigmatic and hitherto unexplained properties of Jupiter Trojans is their bimodal color distribution. This bimodality is indicative of two sub-populations within the Trojans, which have distinct size distributions. In this paper, we present a simple, plausible hypothesis for the origin and evolution of the two Trojan color sub-populations. In the framework of dynamical instability models of early solar system evolution, which suggest a common primordial progenitor population for both Trojans and Kuiper Belt objects, we use observational constraints to assert that the color bimodalities evident in both minor body populations developed within the primordial population prior to the onset of instability. We show that, beginning with an initial composition of rock and ices, location-dependent volatile loss through sublimation in this primordial population could have led to sharp changes in the surface composition with heliocentric distance. We propose that the depletion or retention of H2S ice on the surface of these objects was the key factor in creating an initial color bimodality. Objects that retained H2S on their surfaces developed characteristically redder colors upon irradiation than those that did not. After the bodies from the primordial population were scattered and emplaced into their current positions, they preserved this primordial color bimodality to the present day. We explore predictions of the volatile loss model—in particular, the effect of collisions within the Trojan population on the size distributions of the two sub-populations—and propose further experimental and observational tests of our hypothesis.
FAINT UBVRI STANDARD STAR FIELDS AT +50° DECLINATION
Authors: Clem James L. , Landolt Arlo U.
Published: September 2016

Precise and accurate CCD-based UBVRI photometry is presented for ∼2000 stars distributed around the sky in a declination zone centered approximately at +50°. Their photometry has been calibrated to the standard Johnson UBV and Kron–Cousins RI systems through observations of the UBVRI standard stars presented in the various works of Landolt. The magnitude and color range for these stars are 12 ≲ V ≲ 22 and −0.3 ≲ (B − V) ≲ 1.8, respectively. Each star averages 13 measures in each UBVRI filter from data taken on 41 different photometric nights obtained over a 21 month period. Hence, there now exists a network of faint UBVRI photometric standard stars centered on the declination zones δ = −50°, 0°, and +50°.
OBSERVATIONAL CONSTRAINTS ON PLANET NINE: CASSINI RANGE OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Holman Matthew J. , Payne Matthew J.
Published: September 2016

We examine the tidal perturbations induced by a possible additional, distant planet in the solar system on the distance between the Earth and the Cassini spacecraft. We find that measured range residuals alone can significantly constrain the sky position, distance, and mass of the perturbing planet to sections of the sky essentially orthogonal to the orbit of Saturn. When we combine these constraints from tidal perturbations with the dynamical constraints from Batygin & Brown and Brown & Batygin, we further constrain the allowed location of the perturbing planet to a region of the sky approximately centered on (R.A., decl.) = (40°, −15°) and extending ∼20° in all directions.