bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alendronate rescued osteoporotic phenotype in a model of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis in adult zebrafish scale
Authors: Pasqualetti Sara , Congiu Terenzio , Banfi Giuseppe , Mariotti Massimo
Published: January 2015

Long‐term effects of glucocorticoid treatment in humans induce bone loss and increase the risk of fracture in the skeleton. The pathogenic mechanisms of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIOP) are still unclear. The GIOP and its effects have been reproduced in several animal models including Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryo. The treatment of adult fish with prednisolone (PN) has shown a dose‐dependent decrease of mineralized matrix in the scales. Large resorption lacunae are characterized by single TRAP‐positive cells which migrate to the margin of the scale merging into a multinucleated structures. The treatment with PN of cultured scales did not increase TRAP activity suggesting that the massive presence of osteoclasts in the resorption sites could be likely the result of a systemic recruitment of monocyte–macrophage precursors. We observed that treatment with PN induced a significant decrease of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in scale scleroblasts if compared with untreated controls. Then, we investigated the total mineral balance under prednisolone treatment using a time‐dependent double live staining. The untreated fish fully repaired the resorption lacuna induced by prednisolone, whereas treated fish failed. The presence of osteoclast resorption fingerprints on new matrix suggested that the osteoclast activity counterbalances the osteodepositive activity exerted by scleroblasts. The treatment with PN in association with alendronate (AL) has surprisingly resulted in a significant decrease of TRAP activity and increase of ALP compared to PN‐treated fish in biochemical and histological assays confirming the action of alendronate against GIOP in fish as well in humans.
In vivo regulation of gene expression and T helper type 17 differentiation by RORγt inverse agonists
Authors: Skepner Jill , Trocha Mark , Ramesh Radha , Qu Xiaoyan A. , Schmidt Darby , Baloglu Erkan , Lobera Mercedes , Davis Scott , Nolan Michael A. , Carlson Thaddeus J. , Hill Jonathan , Ghosh Shomir , Sundrud Mark S. , Yang Jianfei
Published: January 2015

The orphan nuclear receptor, retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt), is required for the development and pathogenic function of interleukin‐17A‐secreting CD4+ T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Whereas small molecule RORγt antagonists impair Th17 cell development and attenuate autoimmune inflammation in vivo, the broader effects of these inhibitors on RORγt‐dependent gene expression in vivo has yet to be characterized. We show that the RORγt inverse agonist TMP778 acts potently and selectively to block mouse Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and to impair Th17 cell development in vivo upon immunization with the myelin antigen MOG35–55 plus complete Freund's adjuvant. Importantly, we show that TMP778 acts in vivo to repress the expression of more than 150 genes, most of which fall outside the canonical Th17 transcriptional signature and are linked to a variety of inflammatory pathologies in humans. Interestingly, more than 30 genes are related with SMAD3, a transcription factor involved in the Th17 cell differentiation. These results reveal novel disease‐associated genes regulated by RORγt during inflammation in vivo, and provide an early read on potential disease indications and safety concerns associated with pharmacological targeting of RORγt.
Intra‐ and interspecific interactions between Nephus includens and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Authors: Gkounti V. T. , Savopoulou‐Soultani M. , Milonas P. G.
Published: January 2015

The introduced coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is extensively used by biological control practitioners against mealybugs. Potential risks on native guilds of natural enemies have recently been recognized, as C. montrouzieri has managed to establish in many of the regions, it has been released. We investigated in the laboratory the direct trophic interactions between Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Nephus includens, a predatory coccinellid native to the Mediterranean region. For both adult coccinellid species, predation rates on conspecific or heterospecific juvenile stages, with different amounts of shared prey, were recorded after 24 h. Both predators consumed eggs and larvae, but only C. montrouzieri preyed upon pupae. In general, cannibalism decreased with shared prey abundance, regardless of species. A high level of asymmetry was found on intraguild predation, in favour of C. montrouzieri. The probability of displacement threat of N. includens by C. montrouzieri in nature, in addition to possible effects of the studied trophic interactions on the outcome of biological control, is discussed.
Age and growth of round goby Neogobius melanostomus associated with depth and habitat in the western basin of Lake Erie
Authors: Thompson H. A. , Simon T. P.
Published: January 2015

Round goby Neogobius melanostomus were examined from the Bass Islands area in the western basin of Lake Erie, U.S.A., to determine age and growth correlations. A total of 188 specimens were collected and examined during summer 2011 with 90 aged using scale analysis. Fish were grouped by sex, depth of habitat and habitat type (anthropogenically modified shallows, natural shallows and open lake deep water). Fish ranged from 17 to 117 mm total length (LT) and 0+ to 3+ years. Males dominated the population (1·94:1) and backcalculated age showed that both sexes grew exponentially, with male growth rate increasing faster than female. Males were significantly larger than females in LT and mass (both P < 0·001). The relative mass index (Wr) was low for the sampled population (mean ± s.d. = 32·00 ± 26·87 g), implying that the health of the Bass Island area population is very poor when compared with the species throughout its range. This could be due to a lack of food resources related to population size or that the fish is not optimally utilizing the available food resources. In contradiction to these findings, regression slope coefficient (b), calculated using Fulton's condition factor (K) (mean ± s.d. =1·50 ± 0·20), was very low for each habitat, implying a healthy population throughout. This seemingly opposite effect may be due to more individuals per unit area in shallow waters, which would cause increased competition for resources. Poor condition may indicate that the Lake Erie population has reached saturation or may reflect indirect fitness costs associated with increasing anoxic or hypoxic hypolimnion conditions.
Predation by signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus on fish eggs and its consequences for coregonid recruitment
Authors: Karjalainen J. , Ruokonen T. J. , MarjomäKi T. J. , Martikainen A. , Pursiainen M. , Sarvala J. , Tarvainen M. , Ventelä A.‐M.
Published: January 2015

The character and magnitude of predation by the invasive, ectothermic Pacifastacus leniusculus, a crayfish widely introduced to Europe and Japan from North America, on the eggs of coregonid fishes, vendace Coregonus albula and whitefish Coregonus lavaretus were examined by experimentation, modelling and field data. The present results showed that P. leniusculus has the potential to be very efficient predator of fish eggs under winter conditions, but the predation by P. leniusculus did not significantly decrease production of coregonid larvae during the years with a high P. leniusculus population in the study lake. Hence, the mortality caused by the novel invertebrate predator appeared to compensate for other yet unexplored mortality factors instead of having an additive effect on the present salmonids.
Northernmost record of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato in the north‐eastern Atlantic Ocean, with taxonomical notes on Centrophorus zeehaani
Authors: Wienerroither R. M. , Bjelland O. , Bachmann L. , Junge C.
Published: January 2015

A specimen of the little gulper shark Centrophorus uyato was collected in the Norwegian Sea off the coast of northern Norway, marking the northernmost record of the species in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean. Morphological characteristics collected from the specimen indicate a close relationship to the Australian species Centrophorus zeehaani. DNA barcoding analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (coI) gene for species of Centrophorus suggests conspecificity of C. uyato and C. zeehaani.
Effects of Soybean Oil, Moisture and Setting on the Textural and Color Properties of Surimi Gels
Authors: Chang Tong , Wang Chenjie , Wang Xianfeng , Shi Liu , Yang Hong , Cui Min
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soybean oil, moisture and setting on the texture and color of surimi gels. Increasing the moisture and soybean oil contents resulted in increased whiteness values in the gels, but reduced the breaking forces, hardness and chewiness. The highest deformation, cohesiveness and resilience values were observed in gels with 78% moisture, while the lowest in gels with 80% moisture. At soybean oil content >3%, gels with 80% moisture had a lower springiness than those with 76% and 78% moisture. Setting significantly increased the breaking force, deformation, hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and whiteness of surimi gels with soybean oil. Results indicated that soybean oil and setting procedure could be used to modify the texture and color of surimi‐based products.

Practical Applications

In China, animal fats are often added into surimi‐based products to improve their flavor, taste and color. In the present study, soybean oil was added into the surimi, while the effects of soybean oil associated with the surimi moisture and setting on the textural and color properties of surimi gel were investigated. The study was aimed to provide experimental evidence for application of vegetable oils in the production of surimi‐based products.
Avoiding artefacts during electron microscopy of silver nanomaterials exposed to biological environments
Authors: CHEN S. , GOODE A.E. , SKEPPER J.N. , THORLEY A.J. , SEIFFERT J.M. , CHUNG K.F. , TETLEY T.D. , SHAFFER M.S.P. , RYAN M.P. , PORTER A.E.
Published: January 2015

Electron microscopy has been applied widely to study the interaction of nanomaterials with proteins, cells and tissues at nanometre scale. Biological material is most commonly embedded in thermoset resins to make it compatible with the high vacuum in the electron microscope. Room temperature sample preparation protocols developed over decades provide contrast by staining cell organelles, and aim to preserve the native cell structure. However, the effect of these complex protocols on the nanomaterials in the system is seldom considered. Any artefacts generated during sample preparation may ultimately interfere with the accurate prediction of the stability and reactivity of the nanomaterials. As a case study, we review steps in the room temperature preparation of cells exposed to silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) for transmission electron microscopy imaging and analysis. In particular, embedding and staining protocols, which can alter the physicochemical properties of AgNMs and introduce artefacts thereby leading to a misinterpretation of silver bioreactivity, are scrutinized. Recommendations are given for the application of cryogenic sample preparation protocols, which simultaneously fix both particles and diffusible ions. By being aware of the advantages and limitations of different sample preparation methods, compromises or selection of different correlative techniques can be made to draw more accurate conclusions about the data.
Differentiating the two main histologic categories of fibroadenoma tissue from normal breast tissue by using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: NIE Y.T. , WU Y. , FU F.M. , LIAN Y.E. , ZHUO S.M. , WANG C. , CHEN J.X.
Published: January 2015

Multiphoton microscopy has become a novel biological imaging technique that allows cellular and subcellular microstructure imaging based on two‐photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation. In this work, we used multiphoton microscopy to obtain the high‐contrast images of human normal breast tissue and two main histologic types of fibroadenoma (intracanalicular, pericanalicular). Moreover, quantitative image analysis was performed to characterize the changes of collagen morphology (collagen content, collagen orientation). The results show that multiphoton microscopy combined with quantitative method has the ability to identify the characteristics of fibroadenoma including changes of the duct architecture and collagen morphology in stroma. With the advancement of multiphoton microscopy, we believe that the technique has great potential to be a real‐time histopathological diagnostic tool for intraoperative detection of fibroadenoma in the future.
A double‐blind randomized study comparing the association of Retinol and LR2412 with tretinoin 0.025% in photoaged skin
Authors: Bouloc Anne , Vergnanini Andre Luiz , Issa Maria Claudia
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Topical tretinoin is considered the gold standard to treat photoaged skin, but it is associated with side effects and only available upon prescription.

Aim of the study

To compare the efficacy, tolerance, and perception of a fixed proprietary combination (Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2%) vs. tretinoin 0.025% cream in women with photoaged skin.

Material/Methods

In this randomized, parallel, double‐blind, controlled clinical study, women applied to the entire face for 3 months in the morning a SPF 50 sunscreen and in the evening either the association of Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% or tretinoin 0.025%. Clinical and instrumental parameters were assessed at days 0, 28, 56, and 84. Subject perception of the efficacy, tolerance and cosmeticity of the tested products were assessed at days 28, 56, and 84.

Results

A total of 120 women (60 to Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% cream and 60 to tretinoin 0.025% cream) were included in the study. Both products improved considerably wrinkles, mottled pigmentation, pores, and global photodamage. No statistically significant differences were noted between Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% cream and tretinoin 0.025% cream. Adverse effects were mostly graded mild. Overall, Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% cream was better tolerated than tretinoin 0.025% cream. At all visits, subject perception of the association of Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% was either comparable to or better than tretinoin 0.025% cream.

Conclusion

The treatment outcome of Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% cream does not differ from the one of tretinoin 0.025% cream. Clinical results were not statistically different. Furthermore, Retinol 0.2%/LR2412 2% cream is better tolerated and better perceived by women used to rejuvenation procedures.
Ease of intravenous catheterisation in dogs and cats: a comparative study of two peripheral catheters
Authors: Chebroux A. , Leece E. A. , Brearley J. C.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate animal comfort and ease of placement of a veterinary‐specific intravenous catheter compared with a catheter manufactured for human use.

METHODS

Fifty‐nine veterinary undergraduates were recruited to perform intravenous catheterisations with two brands of over‐the‐needle catheter [Smiths Medical Jelco® (human use) and Abbott Animal Health catheter® (veterinary use)] in 69 healthy cats (n = 28) and dogs (n = 41) requiring general anaesthesia. After a standardised pre‐anaesthetic medication, each animal was randomly allocated to have one of the two brands of catheter placed. Each student was allowed a maximum of three attempts to achieve cephalic vein catheterisation. The student and a single experienced observer evaluated each attempt. Observations related to ease of placement and to the animal's reaction were recorded.

RESULTS

Human use catheters were placed in 34 and veterinary use in 35 animals. There was no difference in weight, sex or sedation score between the two groups. The number of failed attempts was similar between the two groups. There was no difference between groups for the number of animals reacting to catheter insertion.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The two types of catheters evaluated are equally suitable for intravenous catheterisation of sedated animals by veterinary undergraduate students.
Two‐Group Dynamic Conflict Scenarios: “Toy Model” with a Severity Index
Authors: Kaufman Sanda , Kaufman Miron
Published: January 2015

This article draws on several research domains and disciplines—social psychology, models of complex systems, and planning scenario analysis—to propose a “toy” model of the dynamics of intergroup conflicts. The ingroup–outgroup conflict literature supports the notion that inside groups in conflict there are subgroups of intransigents seeking to “fight it out,” and flexibles seeking avenues for settlements. There is also support for the intransigents and flexibles in the two groups being susceptible to each other's goading to escalate conflicts or entreaties to reach agreement. However, since two‐group conflicts are embedded in complex systems with which they interact, it is difficult to predict outcomes and to assess the chances that intervention strategies might succeed or fail. We propose to use the model of two‐group conflicts based on the mutual susceptibilities of flexibles and intransigents (Kaufman & Kaufman, ) to construct toy model scenarios of possible conflict trajectories. For each scenario, we compute a Severity Index for Conflicts (SIC) that captures the likelihood that it will end in confrontation (rather than agreement). We offer some examples of intranational and international conflicts and show how the scenarios can be analyzed qualitatively to explore the range of possible outcomes. Further developments will include sensitivity analyses for various assumptions and asking “what if” questions that can inform strategies of response and intervention.
Nitric oxide and plant iron homeostasis
Authors: Buet Agustina , Simontacchi Marcela
Published: January 2015

Like all living organisms, plants demand iron (Fe) for important biochemical and metabolic processes. Internal imbalances, as a consequence of insufficient or excess Fe in the environment, lead to growth restriction and affect crop yield. Knowledge of signals and factors affecting each step in Fe uptake from the soil and distribution (long‐distance transport, remobilization from old to young leaves, and storage in seeds) is necessary to improve our understanding of plant mineral nutrition. In this context, the role of nitric oxide (NO) is discussed as a key player in maintaining Fe homeostasis through its cross talk with hormones, ferritin, and frataxin and the ability to form nitrosyl–iron complexes.
Limitations of Dormant Conduction as a Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence and Pulmonary Vein Reconnection after Catheter Ablation
Authors: LIN FRANK S. , IP JAMES E. , MARKOWITZ STEVEN M. , LIU CHRISTOPHER F. , THOMAS GEORGE , LERMAN BRUCE B. , CHEUNG JIM W.
Published: January 2015

Background

Adenosine (ADO) can uncover dormant conduction following pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. We sought to identify the value of dormant conduction for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and chronic PV reconnection.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐two patients (80 male; age 60 ± 11 years) undergoing PV isolation for AF were studied. After PV isolation, sites of ADO‐induced PV reconnection were recorded and targeted with additional ablation. In patients undergoing repeat ablation for recurrent AF, chronic PV reconnection was assessed.

Results

Forty‐five (30%) patients had ADO‐induced PV reconnection following PV isolation. Dormant conduction was successfully eliminated with additional ablation in 41 (91%) of these patients. After follow‐up of 598 ± 270 days, 60 (39%) patients had recurrent AF. Dormant PV conduction was not a significant predictor of AF recurrence (hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.89–2.56; P = 0.12) although three of four (75%) patients with residual dormant conduction following initial ablation developed recurrent AF. Twenty‐six patients with recurrent AF underwent repeat ablation with 52 of 99 (53%) PVs found to have chronic reconnection. Nine of 11 (82%) PVs with dormant conduction and 43 of 88 (49%) PVs without dormant conduction at initial procedure had chronic reconnection at repeat ablation.

Conclusions

When additional ablation is performed to eliminate ADO‐induced PV reconnection after PV isolation, dormant conduction is not a significant predictor of recurrent AF. Although PVs with dormant conduction at initial procedure may develop chronic reconnection, the majority of PVs that show conduction recovery at repeat ablation occur in nondormant PVs.
Crista Terminalis as the Anterior Pathway of Typical Atrial Flutter: Insights from Entrainment Map with 3D Intracardiac Ultrasound
Authors: NAKANISHI TOMOYUKI , FUKUZAWA KOJI , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , ITOH MITSUAKI , IMAMURA KIMITAKE , FUJIWARA RYUDO , SUZUKI ATSUSHI , YAMASHITA SOICHIRO , MATSUMOTO AKINORI , KONISHI HIROKI , ICHIBORI HIROTOSHI , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI
Published: January 2015

Background

The precise location of truly active reentry circuits of typical atrial flutter (AFL) has not been well identified. The purpose of this study was to verify our hypothesis that the posterior block line is located along the posteromedial right atrium (PMRA) and the crista terminalis (CT) is the anterior pathway of AFL, with real‐time intracardiac echo (ICE).

Methods

The entire right atrium (RA) three‐dimensional activation and entrainment mapping were evaluated during AFL in 18 patients using CARTO sound.

Results

The CT was clearly visualized by ICE and the local electrograms along the CT were single potentials in all the patients. The CT was recognized as the truly active anterior pathway based on entrainment mapping in all patients. Double potentials were recorded along the PMRA. Entire RA entrainment mapping could be performed in 16 patients. The reentry circuits were separated into three passages. The first was around the tricuspid annulus (TA), the second the anterior superior vena cava (SVC; AFL waves passed between the anterior SVC and RA appendage), and the last the posterior SVC (between the posterior SVC and upper limit of the PMRA). All three of these passages were active in four, around the TA and anterior SVC in eight, around the TA and posterior SVC in three, and around only the anterior SVC in one patient.

Conclusions

The CT functions as the anterior pathway of typical AFL, and the posterior block line was located along the PMRA. Dual or triple circuits were recognized in the majority of AFL patients.
Relationship between Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Ventricular Repolarization
Authors: SUCU MURAT , OZER ORHAN , DAVUTOGLU VEDAT , ERCAN SULEYMAN , YUCE MURAT , COSKUN FATMA YILMAZ
Published: January 2015

Background

We aimed to analyze ventricular repolarization in neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) patients by using T‐peak‐T‐end interval, T‐peak‐T‐end/QT ratio, T‐peak‐T‐end/QTc ratio and corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), QT index (QTI) and corrected QT interval index (QTcI) comparing with the corrected JT dispersion (JTcd), and corrected JT (JTc) and the corrected JT interval index (JTcI), by inspecting ventricular activation until termination of repolarization. These parameters are used as an index of potential ventricular arrhythmogenesis.

Methods

We have studied patients with head‐up tilt table test (HUTT) (+) (33 patients; mean age: 28 ± 11 years) and HUTT (–) as control group (33 patients; mean age: 30 ± 11 years). In all patients, T‐peak‐T‐end interval, T‐peak‐T‐end/QT ratio, T‐peak‐T‐end/QTc ratio, QT, QTd, QTI, QTc, QTcI, JTd, JTc, and JTcI were measured on electrocardiogram.

Results

The following parameters were statistically significant between groups: QTd (22.72 ± 17.54 msn; 11.21 ± 13.40 msn; P = 0.004), QTc (424.27 ± 33.75 msn; 403.66 ± 38.08 msn; P = 0.023), QTcI (114.09 ± 14, 29%; 106.71 ± 15.33%, P = 0.047), and QTI (100.72 ± 7.19%; 97.14 ± 7.13%, P = 0.046). Furthermore, T‐peak‐T‐end interval was significantly prolonged in the study group (93.78 ± 20.27 msn; 81.21 ± 11.66 msn; P = 0.003). T‐peak‐T‐end/QT ratio was significantly higher in the study group (0.24 ± 0.04 msn; 0.22 ± 0.04 msn; P = 0.030). T‐peak‐T‐end/QTc ratio was significantly higher in the study group (0.22 ± 0.04 msn; 0.20 ± 0.03 msn; P = 0.015). The JTc and JTd were also significantly higher in the study group ([103.00 ± 9, 72%; 95.44 ± 10.26%, P = 0.003], [27.57 ± 16.01 msn; 10.45 ± 16.08 msn; P < 0.001], respectively).

Conclusions

Electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization parameters including T‐peak‐T‐end interval, T‐peak‐T‐end/QT ratio, T‐peak‐T‐end/QTc ratio, QTc, QTd, QTI, QTcI, JTc, JTd, and JTI are prolonged in NCS.
A successful desensitization protocol for horse‐derived antithymocyte globulin in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Demir Esen , Cigerci Günaydın Nurşen , Karadaş Nihal , Gülen Figen , Tanac Remziye , Yılmaz Deniz
Published: January 2015

Background

Horse antithymocyte globulin (h‐ATG) (ATGAM®) is the first choice of treatment in very severe patients with aplastic anemia who do not have any HLA matched sibling donor. h‐ATG is a heterologous serum that may cause anaphylaxis. Alternative treatment strategies must be planned in case of hypersensitivity. Desensitization must be considered in patients without an alternative treatment of choice. We aimed to present the h‐ATG desensitization protocol and consider its effectiveness in patients with aplastic anemia who are hypersensitized with h‐ATG and do not have an alternative treatment of choice.

Methods

Skin prick tests were performed with non‐diluted solution in eight very severe patients with aplastic anemia who are followed up in Ege University Children's Hospital. Although skin prick test was found negative in these eight patients, different dilution h‐ATG intradermal tests were performed and found positive in all patients. h‐ATG desensitization program was started to these hypersensitized patients.

Results

Desensitization program was started to six male and two female very severe patients with aplastic anemia whose ages were between seven and 19 yr (median: 12.9 yr). All of the patients completed the desensitization program. While local reaction was seen in two patients, systemic reaction was seen in one patient and late reaction was seen in one patient during and after desensitization program.

Conclusion

A successful desensitization program with h‐ATG in children with aplastic anemia is presented. Even though there is not an exposure before to such high allergy potential heterologous serum, skin tests should be performed and desensitization must be started to patients who are hypersensitized to h‐ATG. As the expected effectiveness of the treatment is so much, the desensitization protocol can be carried out safely and effectively with trained stuff although allergic reactions can be seen.
First release of a fungal classical biocontrol agent against an invasive alien weed in Europe: biology of the rust, Puccinia komarovii var. glanduliferae
Authors: Tanner R. A. , Pollard K. M. , Varia S. , Evans H. C. , Ellison C. A.
Published: January 2015

The rust fungus Puccinia komarovii var. glanduliferae was first identified infecting Impatiens glandulifera in its native range (western Himalayas) between 2006 and 2010. Subsequently, it was imported into quarantine in the UK for evaluation as a classical biocontrol agent. To assess the safety of the rust, plant species relevant to Europe were tested for susceptibility. To confirm the life cycle, all infective spore stages were inoculated on I. glandulifera to follow disease progression. Teliospores were primed using bleaching and low temperatures to break dormancy. Temperature and dew period experiments using urediniospores were conducted to assess the parameters required for infection. Of the 74 plant species tested, only I. balsamina, an ornamental species, was fully susceptible to urediniospore inoculum. The life cycle of the rust – an autoecious, full‐cycled species with five spore stages – was confirmed. Urediniospores were infective between 5 and 25°C, with an optimum at 15°C. A minimum of 8 h dew period was required to achieve consistent infection. Based on a pest risk assessment, the rust poses no threat to native biodiversity within EU Member States; making P. komarovii var. glanduliferae a suitable candidate as the first fungal classical biocontrol agent against an exotic weed in the region.
Early Cleavage of Handmade Cloned Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos is an Indicator of Their Developmental Competence and Quality
Authors: Kaith S , Saini M , Raja AK , Sahare AA , Jyotsana B , Madheshiya P , Palta P , Chauhan MS , Manik RS , Singla SK
Published: January 2015

Contents

Following IVF, embryos which cleave early have been shown to have higher developmental competence and quality than those that cleave relatively later across many species. We investigated the effect of time of cleavage on the developmental competence, quality, epigenetic status and gene expression in buffalo embryos produced by handmade cloning (HMC). Following classification of embryos as early cleaving (EC) or late cleaving (LC) based on whether they had cleaved or not at 24 h post in vitro culture, 54% (164/303) were found to be EC and the rest to be LC. The blastocyst rate (58.1 ± 3.4 vs 36.9 ± 1.6%, p < 0.01) and the total cell number (285.5 ± 41.9 vs 141.4 ± 36.1, p < 0.05) were higher, whereas the apoptotic index (3.6 ± 0.6 vs 12.2 ± 1.7, p < 0.01) and the global level of H3K9ac and H3K27me3 were lower (p < 0.05) in the blastocysts produced from EC than in those produced from LC embryos. The relative transcript level of CASPASE3, CASPASE7, DNMT1, DNMT3a and CDX2 was higher (p < 0.05) and that of SOX2 was lower (p < 0.05) in blastocysts produced from LC than in those produced from EC embryos, whereas the expression level of CASPASE6, P53, P21, HDAC1, OCT4 and NANOG was not significantly different between the two groups. These results show that (i) following HMC, blastocysts produced from embryos that cleave early differ from those produced from late cleaving embryos in terms of epigenetic status and expression level of many important apoptosis‐, pluripotency‐, trophectoderm‐ and epigenetics‐related genes, and (ii) EC embryos are superior to LC embryos in view of their higher developmental competence and quality.
Effect of Cryopreservation on the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Sánchez‐Calabuig MJ , López‐Fernández C , Johnston SD , Blyde D , Cooper J , Harrison K , de la Fuente J , Gosálvez J
Published: January 2015

Contents

Sperm DNA fragmentation is one of the major causes of infertility; the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCDt) evaluates this parameter and offers the advantage of species‐specific validated protocol and ease of use under field conditions. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics in both fresh and post‐thaw bottlenose dolphin sperm using the SCDt following different cryopreservation protocols to gain new information about the post‐thaw differential sperm DNA longevity in this species. Fresh and cryopreserved semen samples from five bottlenose dolphins were examined for sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics using the SCDt (Halomax®). Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed immediately at collection and following cryopreservation (T0) and then after 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h incubation at 37°C. Serially collected ejaculates from four dolphins were frozen using different cryopreservation protocols in a TES‐TRIS‐fructose buffer (TTF), an egg‐yolk‐free vegetable lipid LP1 buffer (LP1) and human sperm preservation medium (HSPM). Fresh ejaculated spermatozoa initially showed low levels of DNA fragmentation for up to 48 h. Lower Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was found in the second fresh ejaculate compared to the first when more than one sample was collected on the same day (p < 0.05); this difference was not apparent in any other seminal characteristic. While there was no difference observed in SDF between fresh and frozen–thawed sperm using the different cryopreservation protocols immediately after thawing (T0), frozen–thawed spermatozoa incubated at 37°C showed an increase in the rate of SDF after 24 h. Sperm frozen in the LP1℗ buffer had higher levels (p < 0.05) of DNA fragmentation after 24‐ and 48‐h incubation than those frozen in TTF or HSPM. No correlation was found between any seminal characteristic and DNA fragmentation in either fresh and/or frozen–thawed samples.
The influence of an artificial playing surface on injury risk and perceptions of muscle soreness in elite Rugby Union
Authors: Williams S. , Trewartha G. , Kemp S. P. T. , Michell R. , Stokes K. A.
Published: January 2015

This prospective cohort study investigated the influence of an artificial playing surface on injury risk and perceptions of muscle soreness in elite English Premiership Rugby Union players. Time loss (from 39.5 matches) and abrasion (from 27 matches) injury risk was compared between matches played on artificial turf and natural grass. Muscle soreness was reported over the 4 days following one match played on each surface by 95 visiting players (i.e., normally play on natural grass surfaces). There was a likely trivial difference in the overall injury burden relating to time‐loss injuries between playing surfaces [rate ratio = 1.01, 90% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–1.38]. Abrasions were substantially more common on artificial turf (rate ratio = 7.92, 90% CI: 4.39–14.28), although the majority of these were minor and only two resulted in any reported time loss. Muscle soreness was consistently higher over the 4 days following a match on artificial turf in comparison with natural grass, although the magnitude of this effect was small (effect sizes ranging from 0.26 to 0.40). These results suggest that overall injury risk is similar for the two playing surfaces, but further surveillance is required before inferences regarding specific injury diagnoses and smaller differences in overall injury risk can be made.
Between Poor Relief and Human Capital Investments – Paradoxes in Hybrid Social Assistance
Authors: Sandberg Johan
Published: January 2015

Conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are often being promoted for their simultaneous advantages of short‐term income protection and long‐term human capital investments.

Yet, existing evaluations have largely failed to test the underlying programme theory, and few empirical case studies have explored inherent contradictions and ambiguous consequences of this hybrid approach. To further understand the programmes' social policy implications, this study identifies and analyzes such ambiguities and paradoxical consequences in the case ofUruguay'sCCT‐programme,AsignacionesFamiliares (AFAM). Drawing on qualitative data from interviews with beneficiaries and members of the commission who designed the programme, this study reveals major paradoxes inAFAM's design and implementation caused by various endogenous factors. Relevant to social policy in general, andCCT‐evaluations in particular, findings also indicate that the hybrid social assistance approach may have perverse effects on the programme's twin objectives.
Modeling and Characterization of a Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Under Combined Aerodynamic and Base Excitations
Authors: Bibo Amin , Abdelkefi Abdessattar , Daqaq Mohammed F.
Published: January 2015

This paper develops and validates an aero-electromechanical model which captures the nonlinear response behavior of a piezoelectric cantilever-type energy harvester under combined galloping and base excitations. The harvester consists of a thin piezoelectric cantilever beam clamped at one end and rigidly attached to a bluff body at the other end. In addition to the vibratory base excitations, the beam is also subjected to aerodynamic forces resulting from the separation of the incoming airflow on both sides of the bluff body which gives rise to limit-cycle oscillations when the airflow velocity exceeds a critical value. A nonlinear electromechanical distributed-parameter model of the harvester under the combined excitations is derived using the energy approach and by adopting the nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, linear constitutive relations for the piezoelectric transduction, and the quasi-steady assumption for the aerodynamic loading. The resulting partial differential equations of motion are discretized and a reduced-order model is obtained. The mathematical model is validated by conducting a series of experiments at different wind speeds and base excitation amplitudes for excitation frequencies around the primary resonance of the harvester. Results from the model and experiment are presented to characterize the response behavior under the combined loading.
Real-Time Burst Signal Removal Using Multicolor Pyrometry Based Filter for Improved Jet Engine Control
Authors: Wang Guanghua , Estevadeordal Jordi , Nirmalan Nirm , Harper Sean P.
Published: January 2015

Online line-of-sight (LOS) pyrometer is used on certain jet engines for diagnosis and control functions such as hot-blade detection, high-temperature limiting, and condition-based monitoring. Hot particulate bursts generated from jet engine combustor at certain running conditions lead to intermittent high-voltage signal outputs from the LOS pyrometer which is ultimately used by the onboard digital engine controller (DEC). To study the nature of hot particulates and enable LOS pyrometer functioning under burst conditions, a multicolor pyrometry (MCP) system was developed under DARPA funded program and tested on an aircraft jet engine. Soot particles generated as byproduct of combustion under certain conditions was identified as the root cause for the signal burst in a previous study. The apparent emissivity was then used to remove burst signals. In current study, the physics based filter with MCP algorithm using apparent emissivity was further extended to real-time engine control by removing burst signals at real time (1 MHz) and at engine DEC data rate. Simulink models are used to simulate the performances of the filter designs under engine normal and burst conditions. The results are compared with current LOS pyrometer results and show great advantage. The proposed model enables new LOS pyrometer design for improved engine control over wide range of operating conditions.
Global Analysis of Gravity Gradient Satellite's Pitch Motion in an Elliptic Orbit
Authors: Koh Dayung , Flashner Henryk
Published: January 2015

Pitch motion of a gravity gradient satellite in an elliptical orbit is studied. The cell mapping method is employed to find periodic solutions and analyze the global behavior of the system. Stability characteristics of the solutions are established using a point mapping approximation algorithm. The proposed approach does not depend on existence of a small parameter and, therefore, no limitations are imposed on the magnitudes of eccentricity or amplitude of motion. This is in contrast to the perturbation based approaches that require assumptions of small orbital eccentricity and small motion. As a result, stable periodic solutions of twice and three times the orbital period are found for some different eccentricities and inertia parameters. Global behavior and evolution of periodic solutions are also demonstrated using invariant surfaces and bifurcation diagrams.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of Low Volume Concentration of Carbon Nanotube-Fe3O4/Water Hybrid Nanofluids in a Tube With Twisted Tape Inserts Under Turbulent Flow
Authors: Syam Sundar L. , Sousa Antonio C. M. , Singh Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2015

In this paper, it is estimated the heat transfer coefficient and friction factor for fully developed turbulent flow of carbon nanotube (CNT)-Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluids flow through a tube with twisted tape inserts at constant heat flux conditions. The nanocomposite of CNT-Fe3O4 was prepared by in situ method; which contains dispersion of carboxylated-CNTs in distilled water followed by mixing of ferrous chloride and ferric chloride in the molar ratio of 2:1. Sodium hydroxide was used as reducing agent to form CNT-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The detailed surface morphology and magnetic properties were performed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The stable hybrid nanofluids were prepared by dispersing nanocomposite in distilled water, and the heat transfer and friction factor experiments were conducted for particle volume concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3%. The results indicate that a maximum of 31.10% enhancement in Nusselt number with a penalty of 1.18-times increase of pumping power was observed for particle concentration of 0.3% at a Reynolds number of 22,000 as compared to base fluid data. The Nusselt number is further enhanced to 42.51% for 0.3% nanofluid flow through a tube with twisted tape of H/D = 5 at a Reynolds number of 22,000 compared to base fluid data. The empirical correlations were proposed for the estimation of Nusselt number and friction factor to match well with the experimental data.
Chemiluminescence Studies of Coke Oven Gas/O2 Coflow Normal/Inverse Diffusion Flames
Authors: Song Xudong , Gong Yan , Yu Guangsuo , Guo Qinghua , Dai Zhenghua
Published: January 2015

In order to analyze the difference between the inverse diffusion flame (IDF) and normal diffusion flame (NDF) under various conditions, the emission spectra of OH* and CH* chemiluminescence in two dimensions measured by hyperspectral and ultraviolet (UV) cameras are described in this article. The results show that CH* mainly appears in the fuel side near the flame front, while OH* distribution can reflect the reaction region of flame. According to the OH* radial distributions in IDF and NDF, the flame can be divided into three parts: the core area of the flame, the transition region of the flame, and the developed region of flame. The peak intensity of CH* in IDF is higher than that in NDF. Moreover, the length of reaction region in NDF increases with O/C equivalence ratio ([O/C]e) until it reaches a steady value, while in IDF the length decreased with the increase of [O/C]e.
Real‐time ultrasound‐tagging to track the 2D motion of the common carotid artery wall in vivo
Authors: Zahnd Guillaume , Salles Sébastien , Liebgott Hervé , Vray Didier , Sérusclat André , Moulin Philippe
Published: January 2015

Purpose:

Tracking the motion of biological tissues represents an important issue in the field of medical ultrasound imaging. However, the longitudinal component of the motion (i.e., perpendicular to the beam axis) remains more challenging to extract due to the rather coarse resolution cell of ultrasound scanners along this direction. The aim of this study is to introduce a real‐time beamforming strategy dedicated to acquire tagged images featuring a distinct pattern in the objective to ease the tracking.

Methods:

Under the conditions of the Fraunhofer approximation, a specific apodization function was applied to the received raw channel data, in real‐time during image acquisition, in order to introduce a periodic oscillations pattern along the longitudinal direction of the radio frequency signal. Analytic signals were then extracted from the tagged images, and subpixel motion tracking of the intima–media complex was subsequently performed offline, by means of a previously introduced bidimensional analytic phase‐based estimator.

Results:

The authors’ framework was applied in vivo on the common carotid artery from 20 young healthy volunteers and 6 elderly patients with high atherosclerosis risk. Cine‐loops of tagged images were acquired during three cardiac cycles. Evaluated against reference trajectories manually generated by three experienced analysts, the mean absolute tracking error was 98 ± 84 μm and 55 ± 44 μm in the longitudinal and axial directions, respectively. These errors corresponded to 28% ± 23% and 13% ± 9% of the longitudinal and axial amplitude of the assessed motion, respectively.

Conclusions:

The proposed framework enables tagged ultrasound images of in vivo tissues to be acquired in real‐time. Such unconventional beamforming strategy contributes to improve tracking accuracy and could potentially benefit to the interpretation and diagnosis of biomedical images.
Particle sliding on a turntable in the presence of friction
Authors: Agha Akshat , Gupta Sahil , Joseph Toby
Published: January 2015

The motion of a point particle sliding on a turntable is studied. The equations of motion are derived assuming that the table exerts a frictional force on the particle that is of constant magnitude and directed opposite to the particle's motion relative to the turntable. After expressing the equations in terms of dimensionless variables, some of the general properties of the solutions are discussed. Approximate analytic solutions are found for the cases in which (i) the particle is released from rest with respect to the lab frame, and (ii) the particle is released from rest with respect to the turntable. The equations are then solved numerically to get a more complete understanding of the motion. It is found that one can define an escape speed for the particle, which is the minimum speed required to get the particle to move out to infinity. The escape speed is a function of both the distance from the center of the turntable and the direction of the initial velocity. A qualitative explanation of this behavior is given in terms of fictitious forces. Numerical study also indicates an alternative way to measure the coefficient of friction between the particle and the turntable.
Scanning capacitance microscopy using a relaxation oscillator
Authors: Pahlmeyer M. , Hankins A. , Tuppan S. , Kim W. J.
Published: January 2015

We have performed scanning capacitance microscopy using a relaxation oscillator. Precision calibrations indicate a sensitivity on the order of 0.05 pF. Surface topography of metallic structures, such as machined grooves and coins, can be readily obtained either in the constant-height (non-contact) or tapping (contact) mode. Spatial resolution of less than 50 μm has been achieved. Our simple, low-cost system can be a valuable platform in the undergraduate laboratory, providing students with experience in microscopic imaging techniques.
Dual suppression of estrogenic and inflammatory activities for targeting of endometriosis
Authors: Zhao Yuechao , Gong Ping , Chen Yiru , Nwachukwu Jerome C. , Srinivasan Sathish , Ko CheMyong , Bagchi Milan K. , Taylor Robert N. , Korach Kenneth S. , Nettles Kendall W. , Katzenellenbogen John A. , Katzenellenbogen Benita S.
Published: January 2015

The estrogen-dependent inflammatory and neuroangiogenic activities that drive endometriosis can be suppressed by estrogen receptor ligands in mice.
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering nanostars for high-precision cancer imaging
Authors: Harmsen Stefan , Huang Ruimin , Wall Matthew A. , Karabeber Hazem , Samii Jason M. , Spaliviero Massimiliano , White Julie R. , Monette Sébastien , O’Connor Rachael , Pitter Kenneth L. , Sastra Stephen A. , Saborowski Michael , Holland Eric C. , Singer Samuel , Olive Kenneth P. , Lowe Scott W. , Blasberg Ronald G. , Kircher Moritz F.
Published: January 2015

Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering gold nanostars allow detection of macro- and microscopic foci of premalignant and cancerous lesions in vivo.