bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical Activation Patterns of Bodily Attention triggered by Acupuncture Stimulation
Authors: Jung Won-Mo , Lee In-Seon , Wallraven Christian , Ryu Yeon-Hee , Park Hi-Joon , Chae Younbyoung
Published: July 2015

We investigated commonalities and differences in brain responses to enhanced bodily attention around acupuncture points with and without stimulation. Fourteen participants received acupuncture needles at both PC6 and HT7 acupoints in the left hand. To enhance bodily attention to acupoints, participants responded to the locations of stimulations in a two-alternative forced choice task. Two fMRI scans were taken in a block design: session 1 labeled with manual stimulation (genuine stimulation) and session 2 labeled with electro-acupuncture (pseudo-stimulation). To compare cortical activation patterns, data were analyzed using the Freesurfer software package. Both genuine-and pseudo-stimulation resulted in brain activations in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex, superior parietal cortex and brain deactivation in the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, inferior parietal cortex and the parahippocampus. Genuine acupuncture stimulation exhibited greater brain activation in the posterior insula, posterior operculum and the caudal part of the anterior cingulate cortex, compared with pseudo-stimulation. We demonstrated that enhanced bodily attention triggered by genuine acupuncture stimulation can activate the salience network and deactivate the default mode network regardless of the type of stimulation. The component of enhanced attention to a certain part of the body is significant in the brain response to acupuncture stimulation.
Computational Classification Approach to Profile Neuron Subtypes from Brain Activity Mapping Data
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Fang , Lee Jason , Wang Dong , Kuang Hui , Tsien Joe Z.
Published: July 2015

The analysis of cell type-specific activity patterns during behaviors is important for better understanding of how neural circuits generate cognition, but has not been well explored from in vivo neurophysiological datasets. Here, we describe a computational approach to uncover distinct cell subpopulations from in vivo neural spike datasets. This method, termed “inter-spike-interval classification-analysis” (ISICA), is comprised of four major steps: spike pattern feature-extraction, pre-clustering analysis, clustering classification and unbiased classification-dimensionality selection. By using two key features of spike dynamic - namely, gamma distribution shape factors and a coefficient of variation of inter-spike interval - we show that this ISICA method provides invariant classification for dopaminergic neurons or CA1 pyramidal cell subtypes regardless of the brain states from which spike data were collected. Moreover, we show that these ISICA-classified neuron subtypes underlie distinct physiological functions. We demonstrate that the uncovered dopaminergic neuron subtypes encoded distinct aspects of fearful experiences such as valence or value, whereas distinct hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells responded differentially to ketamine-induced anesthesia. This ISICA method should be useful to better data mining of large-scale in vivo neural datasets, leading to novel insights into circuit dynamics associated with cognitions.
Crystal Orientation Dynamics of Collective Zn dots before Preferential Nucleation
Authors: Liu Chun-Chu , Huang Jun-Han , Ku Ching-Shun , Chiu Shang-Jui , Ghatak Jay , Brahma Sanjaya , Liu Chung-Wei , Liu Chuan-Pu , Lo Kuang-Yao
Published: July 2015

The island nucleation in the context of heterogeneous thin film growth is often complicated by the growth kinetics involved in the subsequent thermodynamics. We show how the evolution of sputtered Zn island nucleation on Si(111) by magnetron sputtering in a large area can be completely understood as a model system by combining reflective second harmonic generation (RSHG), a 2D pole figure with synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Zn dots are then oxidized on the surfaces when exposed to the atmosphere as Zn/ZnO dots. Derived from the RSHG patterns of Zn dots at different growth times, the Zn dots grow following a unique transition from kinetic to thermodynamic control. Under kinetic-favoring growth, tiny Zn dots prefer arranging themselves with a tilted c-axis to the Si(111) substrate toward any of the sixfold in-plane Si<110> directions. Upon growth, the Zn dots subsequently evolve themselves to a metastable state with a smaller tilting angle toward selective <110> directions. As the Zn dots grow over a critical size, they become most thermodynamically stable with the c-axis vertical to the Si(111) substrate. For a system with large lattice mismatch, small volume dots take kinetic pathways with insignificant deviations in energy barriers.
A novel laminin β gene BmLanB1-w regulates wing-specific cell adhesion in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Tong Xiaoling , He Songzhen , Chen Jun , Hu Hai , Xiang Zhonghuai , Lu Cheng , Dai Fangyin
Published: July 2015

Laminins are important basement membrane (BM) components with crucial roles in development. The numbers of laminin isoforms in various organisms are determined by the composition of the different α, β and γ chains and their coding genes, which are variable across spieces. In insects, only two α, one β and one γ chains have been identified thus far. Here, we isolated a novel laminin β gene, BmLanB1-w, by positional cloning of the mutant (crayfish, cf) with blistered wings in silkworm. Gene structure analysis showed that a 2 bp deletion of the BmLanB1-w gene in the cf mutant caused a frame-shift in the open reading frame (ORF) and generated a premature stop codon. Knockdown of the BmLanB1-w gene produced individuals exhibiting blistered wings, indicating that this laminin gene was required for cell adhesion during wing development. We also identified laminin homologs in different species and showed that two copies of β laminin likely originated in Lepidoptera during evolution. Furthermore, phylogenetic and gene expression analyses of silkworm laminin genes revealed that the BmLanB1-w gene is newly evolved and is required for wing-specific cell adhesion. This is the first report showing the tissue specific distribution and functional differentiation of β laminin in insects.
The evaporation behavior of sessile droplets from aqueous saline solutions
Authors: Soulié Virginie , Karpitschka Stefan , Lequien Florence , Prené Philippe , Zemb Thomas , Moehwald Helmuth , Riegler Hans
Published: July 2015

For aqueous salt solutions the locally non-uniform evaporation inherent to sessile droplets leads to peripheral salt enrichment, which can result in an evaporation behavior substantially different from that of pure water droplets and in Marangoni flows.
Five novel dicyanidoaurate(i)-based complexes exhibiting significant biological activities: synthesis, characterization and three crystal structures
Authors: Karadağ Ahmet , Aydın Ali , Dede Süreyya , Tekin Şaban , Yanar Yusuf , Çadırcı Bilge Hilal , Soylu Mustafa Serkan , Andaç Ömer
Published: July 2015

Herein the anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of the five novel dicyanidoaurate(i)-based complexes have been reported.
Calcium-modified hierarchically porous aluminosilicate geopolymer as a highly efficient regenerable catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Sharma Sudhanshu , Medpelli Dinesh , Chen Shaojiang , Seo Dong-Kyun
Published: July 2015

Effective, recyclable and yet inexpensive base catalysts have been developed by introducing hierarchical pore structures to aluminosilicate geopolymer, an emerging green material, and modifying the material through calcium ion exchange.
Obtaining information about valuable metals in computer and mobile phone scraps using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Aquino Francisco W. B. , Santos Jozemir M. , Carvalho Rodrigo R. V. , Coelho Jomarc A. O. , Pereira-Filho Edenir R.
Published: July 2015

The high costs of several raw materials used by the electronics industry justify studies regarding new analytical methodologies suitable for applications in e-waste recycling centers, industrial facilities and academic laboratories.
Intrinsic polyphenol oxidase-like activity of gold@platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Jo-Won , Yoon Sohee , Lo Y. Martin , Wu Haohao , Lee Sook-Young , Moon BoKyung
Published: July 2015

Au@Pt NPs showed PPO mimetic activity over a wider range of pH and temperatures compared to PPO. In the oxidation of all substrates, Au@Pt NPs exhibited higher affinity to the substrates, especially to catechol and pyrogallol, compared with PPO.
Tuning the electronic properties of bondings in monolayer MoS2 through (Au, O) co-doping
Authors: Su Jie , Zhang Yan , Hu Yang , Feng Li-ping , Liu Zheng-tang
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the electronic properties of un-, Au-, (Au, O) co-doped monolayer MoS2 to analyze the effect of oxygen on the character of Au–S bonding, with the goal of improving the conductivity of Au–S bonding of MoS2-device with electrode Au.
Suppression of coke formation and enhancement of aromatic hydrocarbon production in catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose over different zeolites: effects of pore structure and acidity
Authors: Sirous Rezaei Pouya , Shafaghat Hoda , Daud Wan Mohd Ashri Wan
Published: July 2015

In catalytic pyrolysis of biomass feedstocks over zeolites, larger catalyst pores result in lower thermal coke. Besides, catalytic coke formation is suppressed by a small internal pore space or low density of acid sites.
MoS2 architectures supported on graphene foam/carbon nanotube hybrid films: highly integrated frameworks with ideal contact for superior lithium storage
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Jilei , Luo Jingshan , Liang Pei , Chao Dongliang , Lai Linfei , Lin Jianyi , Shen Zexiang
Published: July 2015

The sp2-hybridized GF/CNT film provides a robust framework with an ideal contact for boosting the vast growth of MoS2 nanosheets and immobilizing them, in favor of an increased areal loading but improved stability of the active materials.
Transformation of vaterite nanoparticles to hydroxycarbonate apatite in a hydrogel scaffold: relevance to bone formation
Authors: Schröder Romina , Pohlit Hannah , Schüler Timo , Panthöfer Martin , Unger Ronald E. , Frey Holger , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Vaterite nanoparticles incorporated in a biodegradable PEG hydrogel transform to hydroxycarbonate apatite upon incubation in simulated body fluid. The vaterite-loaded hydrogels did not have inflammatory effects on endothelial cells.
Long-term effects of a wildfire on the soil nematode communities in the spruce forest ecosystem of High Tatra National Park
Authors: Renčo Marek , Čerevková Andrea
Published: July 2015

This study evaluated the effect of a wildfire on soil nematode communities in the spruce forest ecosystem of the High Tatra Mountains 8 years after the fire. Two plots were established, an intact control plot (REF) and a fire-damaged plot after a windstorm (FIR). A total of 20 representative soil samples were collected; 10 from each site (five in June and five in October). A total of 64 species of nematodes were recorded. The mean number of species 8 years after the fire ranged from 24 to 36 and was always significantly higher in REF than in FIR (P < 0.05); with a significantly higher Shannon–Weaver diversity index in REF. Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic group at both sites. Omnivores were more abundant in FIR than in REF, and predators were more abundant in REF. The most abundant species at both sites were Acrobeloides nanus, Aglenchus agricola, Malenchus exiguus and Paratylenchus microdorus. Epidermal or root-hair feeders, mainly Malenchus exiguus, were the most abundant plant-parasitic nematodes at both sites, followed by the ectoparasitic P. microdorus. The migratory endoparasite, Pratylenchus pratensis, was found only in FIR in relatively high numbers, whereas the ectoparasitic species Criconemoides morgensis, Crossonema menzeli and Ogma cobbi occupied only REF. Nematode abundance and species diversity index differed significantly between the disturbed and undisturbed habitats, but ecological and functional indices and metabolic footprints indicate that the soil ecosystem 8 years after the fire had recovered, with moderate levels of nutrient enrichment comparable to those of the control plot.
Sphingomyelinase D inhibits store-operated Ca2+ entry in T lymphocytes by suppressing ORAI current
Authors: Combs David J. , Lu Zhe
Published: July 2015

Infections caused by certain bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis provoke inflammatory responses characterized by the formation of granulomas with necrotic foci—so-called caseous necrosis. The granulomas of infected animals show prominent infiltration by T lymphocytes, and T cell depletion increases host mortality. Notorious zoonotic C. pseudotuberculosis secretes sphingomyelinase (SMase) D, a phospholipase that cleaves off the choline moiety of sphingomyelin, a phospholipid found primarily in the outer leaflet of host cell plasma membranes. Experimental C. pseudotuberculosis strains that lack SMase D are markedly less infectious and unable to spread in hosts, indicating that this enzyme is a crucial virulence factor for sustaining the caseous lymphadenitis infections caused by this microbe. However, the molecular mechanism by which SMase D helps bacteria evade the host’s immune response remains unknown. Here, we find that SMase D inhibits store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in human T cells and lowers the production of the SOCE-dependent cytokines interleukin-2, which is critical for T cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and tumor necrosis factor α, which is crucial for the formation and maintenance of granulomas in microbial infections. SMase D inhibits SOCE through a previously unknown mechanism, namely, suppression of Orai1 current, rather than through altering gating of voltage-gated K+ channels. This finding suggests that, whereas certain genetic mutations abolish Orai1 activity causing severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), bacteria have the ability to suppress Orai1 activity with SMase D to create an acquired, chronic SCID-like condition that allows persistent infection. Thus, in an example of how virulence factors can disrupt key membrane protein function by targeting phospholipids in host cell membranes, our study has uncovered a novel molecular mechanism that bacteria can use to thwart host immunity.
Transgenic Wheat Expressing a Barley UDP-Glucosyltransferase Detoxifies Deoxynivalenol and Provides High Levels of Resistance to Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Li Xin , Shin Sanghyun , Heinen Shane , Dill-Macky Ruth , Berthiller Franz , Nersesian Natalya , Clemente Thomas , McCormick Susan , Muehlbauer Gary J.
Published: July 2015

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a devastating disease of wheat that results in economic losses worldwide. During infection, F. graminearum produces trichothecene mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), that increase fungal virulence and reduce grain quality. Transgenic wheat expressing a barley UDP-glucosyltransferase (HvUGT13248) were developed and evaluated for FHB resistance, DON accumulation, and the ability to metabolize DON to the less toxic DON-3-O-glucoside (D3G). Point-inoculation tests in the greenhouse showed that transgenic wheat carrying HvUGT13248 exhibited significantly higher resistance to disease spread in the spike (type II resistance) compared with nontransformed controls. Two transgenic events displayed complete suppression of disease spread in the spikes. Expression of HvUGT13248 in transgenic wheat rapidly and efficiently conjugated DON to D3G, suggesting that the enzymatic rate of DON detoxification translates to type II resistance. Under field conditions, FHB severity was variable; nonetheless, transgenic events showed significantly less-severe disease phenotypes compared with the nontransformed controls. In addition, a seedling assay demonstrated that the transformed plants had a higher tolerance to DON-inhibited root growth than nontransformed plants. These results demonstrate the utility of detoxifying DON as a FHB control strategy in wheat.
Integrative role of KM infrastructure and KM strategy to enhance individual competence
Authors: Kushwaha Pooja , Rao M.K.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore knowledge management (KM) literature to understand further the inter-relationship among KM infrastructure (KMI), KM strategy (KMS), KM process (KMP) and individual competence (IC), which are considered very much essential for achieving a heightened competence at an individual level. In the present scenario, knowledge intensive organizations are striving highly to manage competitiveness for their survival in the market. The role of knowledge capability is very much pivotal in ensuring the success of knowledge process implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A methodical review has been carried out of empirical and conceptual articles to justify the linkages among KMI, KMS, KMP and IC, particularly accessed through sources such as Pro Quest, EBSCO host, Google Scholar and other e-databases. This review integrates a conceptual framework to explore the relationship among the aforesaid constructs.

Findings

– This study provides valuable insight into the role of KMI and KMS in enabling various KM processes. It also contributes significantly to organizations by helping them to integrate KM processes so as to enhance IC.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper provides helpful suggestions to drive the KMPs by facilitating suitable congruence of infrastructure capabilities and KMSs within organizations. Further, this study would also be helpful in enhancing IC along with organizational competence. Study limitations are also discussed.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to knowledge and competence management literature by adding the fact that KMI and KMS both precede KMP for better outcomes at an individual level.
A longitudinal investigation of the relationship between maternal mind‐mindedness and theory of mind
Authors: Kirk Elizabeth , Pine Karen , Wheatley Lisa , Howlett Neil , Schulz Joerg , Fletcher Ben (C)
Published: July 2015

Data are presented from a longitudinal investigation examining the relationship between maternal mind‐mindedness (MM) in infancy and socio‐cognitive development in childhood. We revisited children (n = 18) who had taken part in a longitudinal study as infants. MM had been assessed at 10, 12, 16, and 20 months of age. We followed up these children at 5–6 years of age to test their higher order theory of mind (ToM) (using the strange stories task). The convergent validity, temporal stability, and predictive validity of the construct of MM were examined in a longitudinal data set. The five measures of MM were not significantly correlated. Mother's production of appropriate mind‐related comments (but no other measures) showed evidence of temporal stability throughout infancy. Thus, MM (as measured by appropriate mind‐related comments) was confirmed as a stable construct. Children's ToM at 5–6 years of age was significantly predicted by their mother's MM up to 4 years earlier, with MM accounting for 40% of the variance of the strange stories task scores. These findings identify a relationship between MM across a protracted period of infancy and socio‐cognitive development at 5–6 years of age.
Membrane turnover and receptor trafficking in regenerating axons
Authors: Hausott Barbara , Klimaschewski Lars
Published: July 2015

Peripheral axonal regeneration requires surface‐expanding membrane addition. The continuous incorporation of new membranes into the axolemma allows the pushing force of elongating microtubules to drive axonal growth cones forwards. Hence, a constant supply of membranes and cytoskeletal building blocks is required, often for many weeks. In human peripheral nerves, axonal tips may be more than 1 m away from the neuronal cell body. Therefore, in the initial phase of regeneration, membranes are derived from pre‐existing vesicles or synthesised locally. Only later stages of axonal regeneration are supported by membranes and proteins synthesised in neuronal cell bodies, considering that the fastest anterograde transport mechanisms deliver cargo at 20 cm/day. Whereas endocytosis and exocytosis of membrane vesicles are balanced in intact axons, membrane incorporation exceeds membrane retrieval during regeneration to compensate for the loss of membranes distal to the lesion site. Physiological membrane turnover rates will not be established before the completion of target reinnervation. In this review, the current knowledge on membrane traffic in axonal outgrowth is summarised, with a focus on endosomal vesicles as the providers of membranes and carriers of growth factor receptors required for initiating signalling pathways to promote the elongation and branching of regenerating axons in lesioned peripheral nerves.
The Aims of Big History
Authors: Turnbull Paul
Published: July 2015

Big History studies the history of humankind within the historical time scales of geological and biological history. It does so to understand how powerful forces and factors at work on these large time‐scales have shaped our history. It focuses particularly on how societies throughout the world have responded to major environmental, economic and social changes.

David Christian and other practitioners of Big History hold that although we have become less constrained since the end of the Palaeolithic era by our biology, our life‐ways, forms of social organization and culture have continued to be influenced by our biology and by the play of large‐scale and long‐term natural forces, notably our planet's weather and ecological systems. In this article, I discuss Big History's particular focus on our development of social complexity and technological innovations in response to our energy needs. I also consider Big History's emphasis on our evolution of symbolic communication, drawing attention to the disinclination of practitioners of Big History to adopt rigorously Darwinian interpretations of our cultural and social evolution. The article concludes by way of brief comments on David Christian's championing of Big History as a return to universal history and some personal brief observations on teaching Big History.
The professional role of a dental hygienist in Finland – educators’ views
Authors: Virtanen JI , Pellikka E , Singh S , Widström E
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To assess the role and envisioned professional identity of the dental hygienist in the eyes of their educators at the Finnish training institutes and to determine the need for any changes and improvements.

Methods

A cross‐sectional explorative study used as its main method interviews conducted in 2012–2013 among educators of dental hygienists in Finland. Leading representatives of dental hygienist training at all vocational health institutes, dental schools and centres of health education were asked to participate in the study. The interviews consisted of two parts: a self‐administered questionnaire and a semi‐structured interview. The qualitative data were analysed with thematic analysis. The inductive theoretical approach served to categorize the data based on emergent themes and patterns.

Results

The educators held a general respect and appreciation for the dental hygienist profession. They felt that dental hygienists’ skills ought to see more use in orthodontics and in preventive care than is customary today, including in tobacco prevention and smoking cessation as well as in dietary instruction among adults. The traditional role of the dental hygienist and the evolving scope of dental practice seemed mismatched. Concern about the lack of clarity regarding the division of labour in clinical practice was expressed. The respondents were convinced of that the division of labour in the public sector differs from that in the private sector.

Conclusion

The educators thought that the role of the dental hygienist and the evolving scope of dental practice were partly mismatched. A reassessment of stakeholder involvement in the development of training curricula is urgently needed.
Autonomy support and motivational responses across training and competition in individual and team sports
Authors: van de Pol Pepijn K. C. , Kavussanu Maria , Kompier Michiel
Published: July 2015

This study examined: (a) whether athletes’ (N = 348) perceived autonomy support (i.e., showing interest in athletes’ input and praising autonomous behavior) differs across contexts (training vs. competition) and sport types (individual vs. team sports), and (b) whether the relationships between autonomy support and effort, enjoyment, and anxiety are affected by context and sport type. Perceived autonomy support did not vary across contexts, but interest in athletes’ input was higher in individual than in team sports. Praise for autonomous behavior was associated positively with effort only when interest in input was high, and this effect was stronger in training than in competition. Finally, praise for autonomous behavior was also positively related to enjoyment in training, while interest in input was positively associated with anxiety in individual sports.
Altruism and Relational Incentives in the Workplace
Authors: Dur Robert , Tichem Jan
Published: July 2015

This paper studies how altruism between managers and employees affects relational incentive contracts. To this end, we develop a simple dynamic principal–agent model where both players may have feelings of altruism or spite toward each other. The contract may contain two types of incentives for the agent to work hard: a bonus and a threat of dismissal. We find that altruism undermines the credibility of a threat of dismissal but strengthens the credibility of a bonus. Among others, these two mechanisms imply that higher altruism sometimes leads to higher bonuses, whereas lower altruism may increase productivity and players' utility in equilibrium.
Ontogenetic allometry and body composition of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the U.S. mid‐Atlantic
Authors: Mallette Sarah D. , McLellan William A. , Scharf Frederick S. , Koopman Heather N. , Barco Susan G. , Wells Randall S. , Ann Pabst D.
Published: July 2015

Growth in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was investigated through examination of sex‐specific, ontogenetic changes in the mass of 38 discrete body compartments, utilizing stranded dolphins in good body condition (n = 145). Ontogenetic allometry and the body composition technique were used to quantitatively describe growth patterns. Although adult males were significantly larger than adult females in total body mass (TBM) and total length, overall patterns of growth were remarkably similar between sexes. The integument, locomotor muscle, and vertebral column together represented 50%–58% of TBM across all life history categories, although their relative contributions varied ontogenetically. Young dolphins invested the greatest percentage of TBM in integument, while locomotor muscle was the single largest body component in adults. In both sexes (1) most muscle groups displayed positive allometry, (2) most skeletal elements displayed negative allometric or isometric growth, (3) most abdominal viscera associated with digestion displayed positive allometry, and (4) the brain displayed negative allometric growth. Reproductive tissues exhibited the highest rates of growth in both sexes, and increased as a percentage of TBM with maturity. This study provides an integrated view of bottlenose dolphin growth and a quantitative baseline of body composition for future monitoring of this sentinel species of ecosystem health.
Studies of the extracytoplasmic function sigma factor PG0162 in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Dou Y. , Aruni W. , Muthiah A. , Roy F. , Wang C. , Fletcher H.M.
Published: July 2015

PG0162, annotated as an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor in Porphyromonas gingivalis, is composed of 193 amino acids. As previously reported, the PG0162‐deficient mutant, P. gingivalis FLL350 showed significant reduction in gingipain activity compared with the parental strain. Because this ECF sigma factor could be involved in the virulence regulation in P. gingivalis, its genetic properties were further characterized. A 5’‐RACE analysis showed that the start of transcription of the PG0162 gene occurred from a guanine (G) residue 69 nucleotides upstream of the ATG translation initiation codon. The function of PG0162 as a sigma factor was confirmed in a run‐off in vitro transcription assay using the purified rPG0162 and RNAP core enzyme from Escherichia coli with the PG0162 promoter as template. As an appropriate PG0162 inducing environmental signal is unknown, a strain overexpressing the PG0162 gene designated P. gingivalis FLL391 was created. Compared with the wild‐type strain, transcriptome analysis of P. gingivalis FLL391 showed that approximately 24% of the genome displayed altered gene expression (260 upregulated genes; 286 downregulated genes). Two other ECF sigma factors (PG0985 and PG1660) were upregulated more than two‐fold. The autoregulation of PG0162 was confirmed with the binding of the rPG0162 protein to the PG0162 promoter in electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, the rPG0162 protein also showed the ability to bind to the promoter region of two genes (PG0521 and PG1167) that were most upregulated in P. gingivalis FLL391. Taken together, our data suggest that PG0162 is a sigma factor that may play an important role in the virulence regulatory network in P. gingivalis.
Enhanced resistance in Theobroma cacao against oomycete and fungal pathogens by secretion of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate‐binding proteins
Authors: Helliwell Emily E. , Vega‐Arreguín Julio , Shi Zi , Bailey Bryan , Xiao Shunyuan , Maximova Siela N. , Tyler Brett M. , Guiltinan Mark J.
Published: July 2015

The internalization of some oomycete and fungal pathogen effectors into host plant cells has been reported to be blocked by proteins that bind to the effectors' cell entry receptor, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PI3P). This finding suggested a novel strategy for disease control by engineering plants to secrete PI3P‐binding proteins. In this study, we tested this strategy using the chocolate tree Theobroma cacao. Transient expression and secretion of four different PI3P‐binding proteins in detached leaves of T. cacao greatly reduced infection by two oomycete pathogens, Phytophthora tropicalis and Phytophthora palmivora, which cause black pod disease. Lesion size and pathogen growth were reduced by up to 85%. Resistance was not conferred by proteins lacking a secretory leader, by proteins with mutations in their PI3P‐binding site, or by a secreted PI4P‐binding protein. Stably transformed, transgenic T. cacao plants expressing two different PI3P‐binding proteins showed substantially enhanced resistance to both P. tropicalis and P. palmivora, as well as to the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum theobromicola. These results demonstrate that secretion of PI3P‐binding proteins is an effective way to increase disease resistance in T. cacao, and potentially in other plants, against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
Differential role of gene hypermethylation in adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and cervical intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Blanco‐Luquin Idoia , Guarch Rosa , Ojer Amaya , Pérez‐Janices Noemí , Martín‐Sánchez Esperanza , Maria‐Ruiz Sergio , Monreal‐Santesteban Iñaki , Blanco‐Fernandez Laura , Pernaut‐Leza Eduardo , Escors David , Guerrero‐Setas David
Published: July 2015

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide. The hypermethylation of P16, TSLC‐1 and TSP‐1 genes was analyzed in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and adenocarcinomas (ADC) of the uterine cervix (total 181 lesions). Additionally human papillomavirus (HPV) type, EPB41L3, RASSF1 and RASSF2 hypermethylation were tested in ADC and the results were compared with those obtained previously by our group in SCC. P16, TSLC‐1 and TSP‐1 hypermethylation was more frequent in SCCs than in CINs. These percentages and the corresponding ones for EPB41L3, RASSF1 and RASSF2 genes were also higher in SCCs than in ADCs, except for P16. The presence of HPV in ADCs was lower than reported previously in SCC and CIN. Patients with RASSF1A hypermethylation showed significantly longer disease‐free survival (P = 0.015) and overall survival periods (P = 0.009) in ADC patients. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the EPB41L3 and RASSF2 hypermethylation in ADCs. These results suggest that the involvement of DNA hypermethylation in cervical cancer varies depending on the histological type, which might contribute to explaining the different prognosis of patients with these types of tumors.
Transcriptional coordination of physiological responses in Nannochloropsis oceanicaCCMP1779 under light/dark cycles
Authors: Poliner Eric , Panchy Nicholas , Newton Linsey , Wu Guangxi , Lapinsky Andrew , Bullard Blair , Zienkiewicz Agnieszka , Benning Christoph , Shiu Shin‐Han , Farré Eva M.
Published: July 2015

Nannochloropsis oceanica CCMP1779 is a marine unicellular stramenopile and an emerging reference species for basic research on oleogenic microalgae with biotechnological relevance. We investigated its physiology and transcriptome under light/dark cycles. We observed oscillations in lipid content and a predominance of cell division in the first half of the dark phase. Globally, more than 60% of the genes cycled in N. oceanica CCMP1779, with gene expression peaking at different times of the day. Interestingly, the phase of expression of genes involved in certain biological processes was conserved across photosynthetic lineages. Furthermore, in agreement with our physiological studies we found the processes of lipid metabolism and cell division enriched in cycling genes. For example, there was tight coordination of genes involved in the lower part of glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis and lipid production at dawn preceding lipid accumulation during the day. Our results suggest that diel lipid storage plays a key role for N. oceanica CCMP1779 growth under natural conditions making this alga a promising model to gain a basic mechanistic understanding of triacylglycerol production in photosynthetic cells. Our data will help the formulation of new hypotheses on the role of cyclic gene expression in cell growth and metabolism in Nannochloropsis.
Changes in Anthropometry, Upper-Body Strength, and Nutrient Intake in Professional Australian Football Players During a Season
Authors: Bilsborough Johann C. , Greenway Kate , Livingston Steuart , Cordy Justin , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the seasonal changes in body composition, nutrition, and upper-body (UB) strength in professional Australian Football (AF) players. The prospective longitudinal study examined changes in anthropometry (body mass, fat-free soft-tissue mass [FFSTM], and fat mass) via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry 5 times during an AF season (start preseason, midpreseason, start season, midseason, end season) in 45 professional AF players. Dietary intakes and strength (bench press and bench pull) were also assessed at these time points. Players were categorized as experienced (>4 y experience, n = 23) or inexperienced (<4 y experience, n = 22). Fat mass decreased during the preseason but was stable through the in-season for both groups. %FFSTM was increased during the preseason and remained constant thereafter. UB strength increased during the preseason and was maintained during the in-season. Changes in UB FFSTM were related to changes in UB-strength performance (r = .37−.40). Total energy and carbohydrate intakes were similar between the experienced and inexperienced players during the season, but there was a greater ratio of dietary fat intake at the start-preseason point and an increased alcohol, reduced protein, and increased total energy intake at the end of the season. The inexperienced players consumed more fat at the start of season and less total protein during the season than the experienced players. Coaches should also be aware that it can take >1 y to develop the appropriate levels of FFSTM in young players and take a long-term view when developing the physical and performance abilities of inexperienced players.
Coincident recruitment patterns of Southern Hemisphere fishes
Authors: Castillo-Jordán Claudio , Klaer Neil L. , Tuck Geoffrey N. , Frusher Stewart D. , Cubillos Luis A. , Tracey Sean R. , Salinger Michael J.
Published: July 2015

Three dominant recruitment patterns were identified across 30 stocks from Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, and the Falkland Islands using data from 1980 to 2010. Cluster and dynamic factor analysis provided similar groupings. Stocks exhibited a detectable degree of synchrony among species, in particular the hakes and lings from Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa. We tested three climate indices, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), to explore their relationship with fish stock recruitment patterns. The time series of IPO and SOI showed the strongest correlation with New Zealand hoki (blue grenadier, Macruronus novaezelandiae) and Australian jackass morwong (Nemadactylus macropterus) (r = 0.50 and r = –0.50), and SAM was positively related to Australian Macquarie Island Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) (r = 0.49). Potential linkages in recruitment patterns at sub-basin, basin, and multibasin scales and regional and global climate indices do account for some of the variation, playing an important role for several key Southern Hemisphere species.
Programming the quantum future
Authors: Valiron Benoît , Ross Neil J. , Selinger Peter , Alexander D. Scott , Smith Jonathan M.
Published: July 2015

The Quipper language offers a unified general-purpose programming framework for quantum computation.
Study of Protein Biomarkers of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and Therapy with Vitamin B1
Authors: Riaz Samreen
Published: July 2015

In the present research work, the levels of protein biomarkers specific to diabetes mellitus type 2 in the Pakistani population using proteomic technology have been identified and characterized and effect of high dose thiamine has been seen on the levels of these marker proteins. Diabetic patients and normal healthy controls were recruited from the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Total biochemical assays and proteins were estimated by modern proteomic techniques. Some proteins were up- and downregulated in diabetic samples as compared to control and decreased after thiamine therapy, while other protein markers did not show a significant change after the thiamine therapy. The effect of high dose thiamine on the levels of these identified protein biomarkers in the human urine has also been observed. Assessment of the levels of these biomarkers will be helpful in not only early diagnosis but also prognosis of diabetes mellitus type 2.
Population-Based Studies on the Epidemiology of Insulin Resistance in Children
Authors: van der Aa M. P. , Fazeli Farsani S. , Knibbe C. A. J. , de Boer A. , van der Vorst M. M. J.
Published: July 2015

Background. In view of the alarming incidence of obesity in children, insight into the epidemiology of the prediabetic state insulin resistance (IR) seems important. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to give an overview of all population-based studies reporting on the prevalence and incidence rates of IR in childhood.Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched in order to find all available population-based studies describing the epidemiology of IR in pediatric populations. Prevalence rates together with methods and cut-off values used to determine IR were extracted and summarized with weight and sex specific prevalence rates of IR if available.Results. Eighteen population-based studies were identified, describing prevalence rates varying between 3.1 and 44%, partly explained by different definitions for IR. Overweight and obese children had higher prevalence rates than normal weight children. In seven out of thirteen studies reporting sex specific results, girls seemed to be more affected than boys.Conclusion. Prevalence rates of IR reported in children vary widely which is partly due to the variety of definitions used. Overweight and obese children had higher prevalence and girls were more insulin resistant than boys. Consensus on the definition for IR in children is needed to allow for comparisons between different studies.
Removal of Cadmium and Lead from Aqueous Solution by Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Hybrid Fibrous Sorbent: Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies
Authors: Park Soyeon , Gomez-Flores Allan , Chung Yong Sik , Kim Hyunjung
Published: July 2015

Hydroxyapatite (HAp)/chitosan composites were prepared by a coprecipitation method, dropping a mixture of chitosan solution and phosphoric acid solution into a calcium hydroxide solution. Using the HAp/chitosan composites prepared, HAp/chitosan hybrid fibers with various HAp contents were prepared by a wet spinning method. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that HAp particles were coated onto the surface of the fiber, and the surface roughness increased with increasing the HAp contents in the fiber. In order to evaluate the heavy metal removal characteristics of the HAp/chitosan hybrid fiber, adsorption tests were conducted and the results were compared with those of bare chitosan fibers. The results showed better performance in heavy metal ion removal for the HAp/chitosan hybrid fiber than the chitosan fiber. As the HAp content in the hybrid fiber increased, the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions also increased due to the increase of the specific surface area of the HAp/chitosan hybrid fiber. Adsorption kinetic and isotherm tests revealed that Pb2+and Cd2+adsorption to the hybrid fiber follows pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir-type adsorption, respectively.
The Immediate Intramedullary Nailing Surgery Increased the Mitochondrial DNA Release That Aggravated Systemic Inflammatory Response and Lung Injury Induced by Elderly Hip Fracture
Authors: Gan Li , Zhong Jianfeng , Zhang Ruhui , Sun Tiansheng , Li Qi , Chen Xiaobin , Zhang Jianzheng
Published: July 2015

Conventional concept suggests that immediate surgery is the optimal choice for elderly hip fracture patients; however, few studies focus on the adverse effect of immediate surgery. This study aims to examine the adverse effect of immediate surgery, as well as to explore the meaning of mtDNA release after trauma. In the experiment, elderly rats, respectively, received hip fracture operations or hip fracture plus intramedullary nail surgery. After fracture operations, the serum mtDNA levels as well as the related indicators of systemic inflammatory response and lung injury significantly increased in the rats. After immediate surgery, the above variables were further increased. The serum mtDNA levels were significantly related with the serum cytokine (TNF‐α and IL‐10) levels and pulmonary histological score. In order to identify the meaning of mtDNA release following hip fracture, the elderly rats received injections with mtDNA. After treatment, the related indicators of systemic inflammatory response and lung injury significantly increased in the rats. These results demonstrated that the immediate surgery increased the mtDNA release that could aggravate systemic inflammatory response and lung injury induced by elderly hip fracture; serum mtDNA might serve as a potential biomarker of systemic inflammatory response and lung injury following elderly hip fracture.
Flurbiprofen Axetil Enhances Analgesic Effects of Sufentanil and Attenuates Postoperative Emergence Agitation and Systemic Proinflammation in Patients Undergoing Tangential Excision Surgery
Authors: Geng Wujun , Hong Wandong , Wang Junlu , Dai Qinxue , Mo Yunchang , Shi Kejian , Sun Jiehao , Qin Jinling , Li Mei , Tang Hongli
Published: July 2015

Objective. Our present study tested whether flurbiprofen axetil could reduce perioperative sufentanil consumption and provide postoperative analgesia with decrease in emergency agitation and systemic proinflammatory cytokines release. Methods. Ninety patients undergoing tangential excision surgery were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) preoperative dose of 100 mg flurbiprofen axetil and a postoperative dose of 2 μg/kg sufentanil and 10 mL placebo by patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) pump, (2) preoperative dose of 100 mg flurbiprofen axetil and a postoperative dose of 2 μg/kg sufentanil and 100 mg flurbiprofen axetil by PCA pump, and (3) 10 mL placebo and a postoperative dose of 2 μg/kg sufentanil and 10 mL placebo by PCA pump. Results. Preoperative administration of flurbiprofen axetil decreased postoperative tramadol consumption and the visual analog scale at 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, which were further decreased by postoperative administration of flurbiprofen axetil. Furthermore, flurbiprofen axetil attenuated emergency agitation score and Ramsay score at 0, 5, and 10 min after extubation and reduced the TNF‐α and interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6 levels at 24 and 48 h after the operation. Conclusion. Flurbiprofen axetil enhances analgesic effects of sufentanil and attenuates emergence agitation and systemic proinflammation in patients undergoing tangential excision surgery.
Impact of Topography and Tidal Height on ALOS PALSAR Polarimetric Measurements to Estimate Aboveground Biomass of Mangrove Forest in Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan S. , Takeuchi W. , Vetrita Y. , Wikantika K. , Sari D. K.
Published: July 2015

This study is focused on investigating the impact of topography and tidal height on ALOS PALSAR polarimetric measurements on HH and HV for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) of mangrove forest in Indonesia. We used multitemporal ALOS PALSAR polarimetric measurement that covered mangrove zone in Banyuasin, Cilacap, and Teluk Bintuni and also collected tidal height data within the same acquisition date with multitemporal ALOS PALSAR polarimetric measurement. We analyzed the distribution of flooding and nonflooding areas based on tidal height and SRTM topography data, created three profiles as region of interest (ROI), and got characteristics of backscatter value on HH and HV with different tidal height. The result of this study showed backscatter of the open mangrove zones during high tide with HH value less than −20 dB and HV value less than −25 dB whereas during low tide it showed an HH value around −20 to −10 dB and HV value around −25 to −10 dB. Backscatter of the middle mangrove zones at Cilacap, with low and flat topography, showed a deviation of backscatter on HV value of 1.6 dB. Finally, the average AGB of mangrove forest in Indonesia was estimated based on ALOS PALSAR polarimetric measurements.