bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El derecho en la guerra aérea
Authors: Gómez Javier Guisández
Published: May 2019

La doctrina aeroespacial considera a laaccióon aéreacomo un conjunto desalidas aéreas, simultáneas y de carácter homogéneo, que persiguen una finalidad común. Dicho con otras palabras, una acción de este tipo alcanzaría el objeto perseguido con la ejecución de las tareas llevadas a cabo por dos o más aviones actuando en alguna de las modalidades posibles, es decir, medianteel fuego, el reconocimiento, el transporte y las acciones aéreas especiales.
A note on the 1997 survey of the translocated Ultramarine Lory Vini ultramarina population on Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Authors: Lieberman A. , Kuehler C. , Varney A. , Unitt P. , Sulpice R. M. , Azua J. , Tehevini B.
Published: May 2019

In 1991 a survey was conducted in the Marquesas Islands to determine the current range and population size of the Ultramarine Lory Vini ultramarina. A total of 313 birds were counted, restricted to one island, Ua Huka. A translocation program was initiated to capture and relocate birds to a less disturbed island. Fatu Hiva, an island within the historical range of the species, was chosen to establish a second population. This island still supports suitable habitat and does not have a resident population of Rattus rattus, which may have contributed to the decline of the species on Nuka Hiva and Ua Pou. Increased agriculture, grazing herbivores, bees, and banana plant disease may have also contributed to the decline.
Land and sea-based observations and first satellite tracking results support a New Ireland breeding site for the Critically Endangered Beck’s Petrel Pseudobulweria beckii
Authors: RAYNER MATT J. , BAIRD KAREN A. , BIRD JEREMY , CRANWELL STEVE , RAINE ANDRĒ F. , MAUL BERNARD , KURI JULY , ZHANG JINGJING , GASKIN CHRIS P.
Published: May 2019

The Beck’s Petrel Pseudobulweria beckii is a ‘Critically Endangered’ seabird whose breeding sites remain unknown. Historic observations suggest the species’ distribution is concentrated in the Bismarck Archipelago and particularly southern New Ireland. Over the course of two research expeditions in 2016 and 2017 we used on-land and at-sea observations, local interviews and satellite telemetry to understand the distribution of the species, its at-sea movements and potential breeding locations. Land-based and at-sea observations indicated that the area of Silur Bay in southern New Ireland was a significant site for Beck’s Petrel with numbers of birds increasing near shore prior to dusk and birds observed in spotlights over land. A local population is estimated to be in the low thousands. In 2017 a single Beck’s was captured at sea, fitted with a satellite transmitter and tracked for eight months. This bird maintained a core distribution off the south-east coast of New Ireland and north of Bougainville for 122 days. During the tracking period, the bird was located over land at night seven times; predominantly over southern New Ireland, where the signal was also lost for extended periods suggesting occupancy of an underground burrow. In August the bird migrated 1,400 km to a core pelagic habitat north of West Papua before the signal was eventually lost. Our combination of land- and sea-based observations and analysis of behaviour from satellite tracking supports the conclusion that a breeding site for Beck’s Petrel lies in the inland mountains of southern New Ireland and most likely in the high-altitude zone (> 2000 m) of the Hans Meyer Range. Further investigations are required to determine the exact location of breeding colonies in the mountains of southern New Ireland and the importance of a potential west Papuan non-breeding pelagic habitat for the species.
Benzyladenine promotes early activation of p34cdc2-like kinase(s) during maize germination
Authors: Herrera-Teigeiro Ivonne , Jiménez-García Luis F. , Vázquez-Ramos Jorge M.
Published: May 2019

The cell cycle is regulated, at least partially, by protein phosphorylation, activity that is carried out by a series of calcium-independent protein kinases among which the p34cdc2kinase plays a preponderant role. The behaviour of p34cdc2-like protein kinase(s) has been followed during germination of maize in the presence or absence of the synthetic cytokinin benzyladenine (BA). Whereas there is an increase in p34cdc2-like kinase(s) activity at 15 h of germination in the presence of BA, coinciding with a peak of Ca2+-independent kinase activity, the amount of either the transcript for p34cdc2or of the corresponding protein(s) does not show much variation during the 0–24 h period of germination studied, whether the phytohormone is present or not. Benzyladenine stimulates the cell cycle and promotes an early mitosis during maize germination. We have found evidence that BA promotes the movement of the p34cdc2-like protein(s) to nuclei several hours before this takes place during germination of control seeds, and this may constitute part of the mechanism by which the phytohormone promotes cytokinesis in plants.
Evidence for the role of abscisic acid in the genetic and environmental control of dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: Garello G. , Le Page-Degivry M.T.
Published: May 2019

Grain production of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cv Recital and Scipion), known for their different germination behaviour, was studied at two different temperatures. The study of dormancy onset during grain development showed that in both cultivars, dormancy developed on the mother plant. In Recital grain, after a period of high germinability, dormancy developed for a transient period. However, full germination was obtained on medium supplemented with fluridone, showing that dormancy was associated with abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis inside the grain. Dormancy progressively disappeared during natural drying, at a slower rate for grains developing at 15°C than for grains developing at 25°C. However, at both temperatures, the release from dormancy was complete at maturity. In Scipion grain, dormancy was almost total throughout grain development irrespective of the temperature. However, grains could germinate in the presence of fluridone: changes in sensitivity to fluridone were observed during grain development, showing an increase in dormancy during the first half of development, followed by a progressive decrease during the second half. This decrease occurred later for grains developing at 15°C than for those developing at 25°C. In Scipion grain, unlike the cultivar Recital, release from dormancy was not completed before the end of development on the mother plant. An additional dry storage period was necessary which was shorter for grains developed at 25°C than for grains produced at 15°C. A comparison of embryo ABA levels after a 24-h culture in the presence or absence of fluridone, allowed the ABA synthesis to be estimated. It appears that the depth of dormancy was related to the estimated ABA synthesis capacity of the embryos.
Pre-harvest stress cracks in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels as characterized by visual, X-ray and low temperature scanning electron microscopical analysis: effect on kernel quality
Authors: Moreira de Carvalho Maria Laene , van Aelst Adriaan C. , van Eck Jan Walter , Hoekstra Folkert A.
Published: May 2019

Internal cracks caused by high temperature or excessive moisture during maize (Zea mays L.) kernel development were characterized, and their effects on kernel quality were assessed. Pre-harvest stress cracks are often located near the middle of the kernel along the embryo axis, but they were also detected in other positions, irrespective of the shape of the kernel. X-ray analysis enabled visualisation of stress cracks that are invisible to the human eye and, therefore, gave a better estimate of the percentage of cracks. However, low temperature scanning electron microscopy of the surface of milled kernels revealed small cracks not noticed by visual or X-ray inspection. All kernels tested in this way had a crack of some sort in the endosperm tissue. Cracks were also frequent in the scutellum, but rare in the embryo axis. Endosperm cracks followed the boundary of the starch granules, but did not extend into the pericarp tissue. In contrast to external cracks caused by mechanical impact, pre-harvest internal stress cracks generally are not detrimental to germination and vigour. However, if the crack is located inside or perpendicular to the embryo axis, it may affect the quality of the kernel, probably by impeding nutrient translocation to the embryo.
Survival of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) seeds at 40°C prolonged by prior storage at 30°C
Authors: Demir I. , van de Venter H.A.
Published: May 2019

Seeds of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. Congo) were subjected to mild accelerated ageing treatments of 30 and 60 d at 30°C at a moisture content of 7.2%. In comparison to a cold-stored control, normal germination and viability were slightly (but not significantly) decreased by these treatments. Subsequent construction of survival curves during storage at 40°C, at seed moisture contents ranging from 10–18%, revealed that the prior 30°C ageing treatments prolonged survival under these conditions.
Improving teaching and learning:A thermos bottle keeps things hot and cold, but how does it know?
Authors: Ysseldyke Jim
Published: May 2019

The topic we are addressing in this session isimprovingteaching and learning. We are talking aboutimprovingteaching and learning. I assume our focus is on improving teaching and learning for those students who are resistant to instruction and for whom we need tointensifyour instructional efforts. These students are present in all of our classrooms. There are three things that are necessary in order to improve teaching and learning. We must know:

• Where we are going (goals)

• How best to achieve the goals (effective strategies and tactics)

• Whether we have achieved the goals (accountability)
The Effects of an Aided Augmentative System on Communication and Speech in a Preschool Child with Developmental Delay: A Case Study
Authors: Carter Mark
Published: May 2019

The effect of an aided graphic augmentative communication system on communication and speech in a 4‐year 7‐month‐old child with developmental delay was evaluated in this case study. An alternating treatment design was used across 2 mealtime settings (morning tea and lunch) over a 6‐week period with counterbalancing of aided and unaided conditions. Once graphic symbol use emerged, there were slightly higher levels of unprompted communication and requests in the aided condition and a lower proportion of acts contained nonsymbolic communication. There was also a higher number of different words + symbols used in the aided condition. The introduction of the graphic symbols did not appear to have detrimental effects on speech but there was no evidence of sustained increase in frequency of speech or spoken vocabulary in the aided condition. Substantial increases were noted in the number of unprompted communicative turns and range of total vocabulary over the course of the study in both conditions. The need for further research on the effects of AAC on speech and communication in preschool children is highlighted.
Educational Programming for Students with High Support Needs: A Report of Work in Progress
Authors: Arthur Michael , Foreman Phil , Pascoe Sue , Butterfield Nancy , Bennett Deone
Published: May 2019

This paper reports research in progress investigating parental and professional perspectives on issues relating to the education of students with high support needs, examined in the context of the perceived behaviour states of students. Students with high support needs typically have a combination of physical impairments, complicated medical conditions and severe to profound intellectual disability. The paper includes case studies on four students from a range of settings, based on the observation phase of the study. The case studies illustrate the nature of the output from behaviour states observation. It is suggested that the analysis of student behaviour states has potential for evaluating the outcomes of educational programs for students with high support needs.
Influence of environmental stimuli on nursing and suckling behaviour in domestic sows and piglets
Authors: Herskin M. S. , Jensen K. H. , Thodberg K.
Published: May 2019

The influence of environmental stimuli considered biologically relevant for nest building sows, on nursing and suckling behaviour and piglet growth was investigated. Effects of floor type (beach sand v. concrete) and substrate type (straw feeder v. no straw feeder) were examined in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with nine replicates of four multiparous sows. The sows were kept individually in roofed 7·6 m2 ‘get-aw ay-pens’ from 1 week pre-partum until 13 to 15 days post-partum. The behaviour of sows and piglets were video recorded for 24 h on days 0, 3, 6 and 12 post-partum.

The latency from termination of farrowing until perceptible milk ejection tended to be shorter for experienced sows (parity 4 to 5) kept on sand than on concrete floors (1207 (s.e. 109) min; no. = 7 v. 1725 (s.e. 123) min; no. = 6, respectively; F2,8 = 3·93, P < 0·07) and for experienced sows with access to a straw feeder than without access to a straw feeder (1257 (s.e. 113) min; no. = 8 v. 1666 (s.e. 132) min; no. = 5, respectively; F2,8 = 3·56, P < 0·08). On days 3 and 6 a longer duration of suckling was found for sows on sand v. concrete floors (384 (s.e. 20) v. 327 (s.e. 16) s on day 3; F1,19 = 5·6, P < 0.03 and 377 (s.e. 14) v. 318 (s.e. 13) on day 6; F1,21 = 9·09; P < 0·01, respectively) and with straw feeder v. without straw feeder (385 (s.e. 20) v. 326 (s.e. 18) s on day 3; F1,19 = 5·11, P < 0.04 and 372 (s.e. 14) v. 323 (s.e. 13) on day 6; F1,21 = 6·21; P < 0·03, respectively). On day 3, a tendency for a sand × straw feeder interaction (F11,8 = 3·58, P < 0.08), showed that sows without environmental stimuli terminated more sucklings than sows with access to a straw feeder and sows kept on sand (32 (s.e. 7) %, 16 (s.e. 4) % and 13 (s.e. 5) %, respectively). Similarly, on day 6 a significant sand × straw feeder interaction (F316 = 7·15, P < 0·01) led to increased frequency of foreleg rowing for sows without environmental stimuli compared with the three other treatments (14 (s.e. 2) v. 7 (s.e. 1), 5 (s.e. 1) and 6 (s.e. 1) foreleg rowings per h, respectively). During the stay in the experimental pens, the growth rate of piglets kept on sand tended to be higher than for piglets kept on concrete floors (261 (s.e. 33) v. 240 (s.e. 30) g per piglet per day; F1,25 = 3·38; P < 0·08).

The results of the present experiment indicate that provision of biologically relevant stimuli affect the nursing and suckling behaviour of sows and piglets. The reduced termination of sucklings, the reduced frequency of foreleg rowing, the increased duration of suckling as well as the earlier development of suckling behaviour might have been advantageous for the early milk intake of the piglets.
Empty body chemical composition estimated from non-carcass parts in Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls
Authors: Campeneere S. de , Fiems L. O. , Vanacker J. M. , Boucqué Ch. V.
Published: May 2019

Properties of the non-carcass parts in combination with empty body and half carcass weight (EBW and CCW; kg) were used to generate equations for predicting empty body chemical composition. Therefore, chemical composition of the non-carcass parts and weight of the depot fatty tissues were determined on 18 Belgian Blue double-muscled fattening bulls. Very high coefficients of determination (R2) were found between the empty body composition and on the one hand the non-carcass parts composition and on the other hand the weight of the fatty tissues. Fat in the empty body was most difficult to predict. The very high coefficients of determination are partly caused by the large variation in slaughter weight (309 to 723 kg). Therefore equations to estimate proportional composition of the empty body are discussed. Although R2 values are strongly reduced, residual standard deviations remain very low and the precision of prediction is good. The proportion of protein is most difficult to predict, as it shows a very small variation. Estimations based on composition of the non-carcass parts are mostly a little more precise than the estimates based on weight of the fatty tissues but as the latter are much easier to determine, these equations will be more appropriate for practical use. Similarly the little improvement of the estimation based on EBW instead of CCW, cannot account for the extra costs and time to determine EBW. The results of the homogenizations have proven that there is very little variation in composition, despite the large range in slaughter weight. As the Belgian Blue double-muscled animals are very deviant from other breeds, the equations found in this study can only be applied for this breed type.
Effect of feeding level in late pregnancy and early lactation and fibre level in mid lactation on body mass, milk production and quality in Awassi ewes
Authors: Goodchild A. V. , El-Awad A. I. , Gürsoy O.
Published: May 2019

In west Asia, it is traditional for sheep to gain body condition when low-cost native pastures are available and to mobilize reserves thus built up at other times. With diminishing shares of native pasture, crop by-products and food grains are increasing in sheep diets, and facilitate feeding for constant body condition.

In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, 48 Awassi ewes were individually fed indoors, nursed single lambs for 42 days, and were hand-milked from day 29 after lambing. Dietary treatments were imposed at different times: level of feeding (i) in the last 24 days of pregnancy (Lconstv. Lmob), (ii) in days 18 to 60 after lambing (Lconstv. Lmob), and (iii) level of fibre in days 60 to 102 after lambing (Fhighv. Flow). RationsPconst, Lconst, Flowand Fhighwere calculated to maintain body condition. Fhighprovided the calculated maximum ingestible quantity of barley straw and Flowprovided 0·08 kg barley straw per kg diet. Live weights (M) of ewes and lambs, milk yield and milk quality were recorded.

WithPconst, andPmob(0·51 and 0·33 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg M0.75per day), M gains were 140 and 23 g/day (P< 0·001). Lamb birth mass and subsequent maternal milk yield were not affected. WithLconstandLmob(0·81 and 0·61 MJ ME per kg M0.75 per day), M changes were -28 and -70 g/day (P< 0·001) and milk yields (calculated in part from lamb growth) were 1042 and 892 g/day (P < 0·01). Fhighand Flow(385 and 170 g acid-detergent fibre per kg dry matter) were compared in a two-period change-over design experiment. Milk yields were similar (414 and 427 g/day), milk fat concentrations were 64·8 and 72·9 g/kg (P < 0·001) and milk fat yields were 26·5 and 31·1 g/day (P < 0·001) but solids-not-fat and protein yields were not affected.

There were benefits and costs in manipulating body reserves in Awassi sheep. M at lambing affects milk yield and body condition around mating is known to improve lambing rate. The existence of body reserves also allows body condition to be lost in late pregnancy and early lactation without affecting health or apparent welfare, which simplifies management of pregnant ewes, permits feeding of milk-fat-increasing high-fibre diets but the ME to maintain increased body reserves must not be ignored.
Anomalous Desorption of Copper Oxide Observed by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yang Judith C. , Yeadon Mark , Olynick Deirdre , Gibson J. Murray
Published: May 2019

Abstract: Here we present our observations of an anomalous desorption of copper oxides from a thin copper film during annealing as observed in an in situ transmission electron microscope. The epitaxial cuprous oxide that formed in air was observed to disappear when the specimen was annealed at 300°C and 10−8 torr. However, removal of the cuprous oxide that formed during oxidation in the microscope required both heating at 300°C and simultaneous exposure to methanol vapor.
Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Interfacial Defects in Gallium Nitride Homoepitaxial Films
Authors: Liliental-Weber Z. , Washburn Jack , Pakula K. , Baranowski J.
Published: May 2019

Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Interfacial Defects in Gallium Nitride Homoepitaxial Films
Seismological Constraints on the Small‐Scale Heterogeneity in the Lowermost Mantle Beneath East Asia and Implication for Its Mineralogical Origin
Authors: Zhang Baolong , Ni Sidao , Sun Daoyuan
Published: May 2019

Previous seismological studies have focused on the large‐scale heterogeneity of the D″ layer beneath East Asia. Here, we use high‐frequency PcP precursors recorded at dense networks in China and Japan to constrain the small‐scale heterogeneity in this region. By forward modeling of the stacks of recorded PcP precursory signal, we find that the small‐scale heterogeneity in the D″ layer beneath East Asia is characterized by a P wave velocity perturbation of 0.1‐0.2% and a dominant length scale of 4‐20 km. Although the resolved length scale is similar to the dimension of the subducted oceanic crust, the weak velocity perturbation is difficult to explain by basaltic rock in the lowermost mantle. Postperovskite transition of the supposed slab might also not be viable for generating weak heterogeneity; thus, new explanations are needed from geodynamics and mineral physics to account for the different strength of the large‐ and small‐scale heterogeneity.
A functional CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies kinases that modulate FGFR inhibitor response in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Jiamin , Bell John , Lau Billy T. , Whittaker Tyler , Stapleton Darren , Ji Hanlee P.
Published: May 2019

Some gastric cancers have FGFR2 amplifications, making them sensitive to FGFR inhibitors. However, cancer cells inevitably develop resistance despite initial response. The underlying resistance mechanism to FGFR inhibition is unclear. In this study, we applied a kinome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to systematically identify kinases that are determinants of sensitivity to a potent FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 in KatoIII cells, a gastric cancer cell line with FGFR2 amplification. In total, we identified 20 kinases, involved in ILK, SRC, and EGFR signaling pathways, as determinants that alter cell sensitivity to FGFR inhibition. We functionally validated the top negatively selected and positively selected kinases, ILK and CSK, from the CRISPR/Cas9 screen using RNA interference. We observed synergistic effects on KatoIII cells as well as three additional gastric cancer cell lines with FGFR2 amplification when AZD4547 was combined with small molecular inhibitors Cpd22 and lapatinib targeting ILK and EGFR/HER2, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GSK3b is one of the downstream effectors of ILK upon FGFR inhibition. In summary, our study systematically evaluated the kinases and associated signaling pathways modulating cell response to FGFR inhibition, and for the first time, demonstrated that targeting ILK would enhance the effectiveness of AZD4547 treatment of gastric tumors with amplifications of FGFR2.
Characterization of a large cluster of HIV-1 A1 infections detected in Portugal and connected to several Western European countries
Authors: Araújo Pedro M. M. , Carvalho Alexandre , Pingarilho Marta ,   BEST-HOPE study group, Faria Domítilia , Pinho Raquel , Ferreira José , Proença Paula , Nunes Sofia , Mouro Margarida , Teófilo Eugénio , Pinheiro Sofia , Maltez Fernando , Manata Maria José , Germano Isabel , Simões Joana , Costa Olga , Corte-Real Rita , Diniz António , Serrado Margarida , Caldeira Luís , Janeiro Nuno , Gaião Guilhermina , Cristino José M. , Mansinho Kamal , Baptista Teresa , Gomes Perpétua , Diogo Isabel , Serrão Rosário , Pinheiro Carmela , Koch Carmo , Monteiro Fátima , Gonçalves Maria J. , Castro Rui Sarmento e , Ramos Helena , Oliveira Joaquim , da Cunha José Saraiva , Mota Vanda , Rodrigues Fernando , Tavares Raquel , Silva Ana Rita , Roxo Fausto , Ivo Maria Saudade , Poças José , Ascenção Bianca , Pacheco Patrícia , Caixeiro Micaela , Marques Nuno , Aleixo Maria J. , Faria Telo , da Silva Elisabete Gomes , de Abreu Ricardo Correia , Neves Isabel , Abecasis Ana B. , Osório Nuno S.
Published: May 2019

HIV-1 subtypes associate with differences in transmission and disease progression. Thus, the existence of geographic hotspots of subtype diversity deepens the complexity of HIV-1/AIDS control. The already high subtype diversity in Portugal seems to be increasing due to infections with sub-subtype A1 virus. We performed phylogenetic analysis of 65 A1 sequences newly obtained from 14 Portuguese hospitals and 425 closely related database sequences. 80% of the A1 Portuguese isolates gathered in a main phylogenetic clade (MA1). Six transmission clusters were identified in MA1, encompassing isolates from Portugal, Spain, France, and United Kingdom. The most common transmission route identified was men who have sex with men. The origin of the MA1 was linked to Greece, with the first introduction to Portugal dating back to 1996 (95% HPD: 1993.6–1999.2). Individuals infected with MA1 virus revealed lower viral loads and higher CD4+ T-cell counts in comparison with those infected by subtype B. The expanding A1 clusters in Portugal are connected to other European countries and share a recent common ancestor with the Greek A1 outbreak. The recent expansion of this HIV-1 subtype might be related to a slower disease progression leading to a population level delay in its diagnostic.
Mating structure of the blue and red shrimp, Aristeus antennatus (Risso, 1816) characterized by relatedness analysis
Authors: Planella Laia , Vera Manuel , García-Marín Jose-Luis , Heras Sandra , Roldán María Inés
Published: May 2019

Understanding life history variation and strategies is crucial for stock assessment and fisheries management due to the direct effects on population dynamics, effective population size, sex-ratios, levels of inbreeding, and relatedness among individuals.Aristeus antennatus(En ─ Blue and red shrimp; Fr ─ Crevette rouge; Sp ─ Gamba rosada) is one of the most exploited demersal resources in the Western Mediterranean Sea. However, information regarding the mating system and mate choice preferences remains largely unknown. Advances in molecular genetic markers and methods of inferring biological relationships among individuals have facilitated new insights into the reproductive dynamics of the species in the wild. Here, we used microsatellite markers to examine theA.antennatusmating system and putative mate choice preferences. Our results provided clear evidence of polyandry and polygyny. Relatedness analyses, together withFSTand DAPC values showed females exhibited a mating bias towards unrelated males. Mating males were inferred from spermatophores and suggested males were sympatric with females and were also from other spawning grounds. Our findings provided the first description of the reproductive behavior of blue and red shrimp.
Effect of artificial barriers on the distribution of the invasive signal crayfish and Chinese mitten crab
Authors: Robinson Chloe Victoria , de Leaniz Carlos Garcia , Consuegra Sofia
Published: May 2019

The role of river obstacles in preventing or facilitating the dispersal and establishment of aquatic invasive species is controversial. Novel detection tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used for monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as the American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), providing information on the effect of barriers on their distribution. We analysed eDNA from both water and surface sediment in three river catchments (Medway, Dee and Stour; Great Britain), with differing levels of connectivity, to determine spatial distribution of the two species, and assessed the effect of barriers on their eDNA detection. Positive eDNA detections were obtained within confirmed sites for both species in all catchments, with evidence of species overlap in the River Medway. Upstream barriers in the Medway positively influenced detection success of mitten crab lower in the catchment while detection success of signal crayfish was higher in the highly fragmented catchment (River Medway). This information on the role of river barriers on AIS distribution and eDNA detection is important for management strategies and for predicting both future dispersal and likelihood of new colonisations in previously uninvaded fragmented catchments.
Apoptotic endothelial cells release small extracellular vesicles loaded with immunostimulatory viral-like RNAs
Authors: Hardy Marie-Pierre , Audemard Éric , Migneault Francis , Feghaly Albert , Brochu Sylvie , Gendron Patrick , Boilard Éric , Major François , Dieudé Mélanie , Hébert Marie-Josée , Perreault Claude
Published: May 2019

Endothelial cells have multifaceted interactions with the immune system, both as initiators and targets of immune responses. In vivo, apoptotic endothelial cells release two types of extracellular vesicles upon caspase-3 activation: apoptotic bodies and exosome-like nanovesicles (ApoExos). Only ApoExos are immunogenic: their injection causes inflammation and autoimmunity in mice. Based on deep sequencing of total RNA, we report that apoptotic bodies and ApoExos are loaded with divergent RNA cargos that are not released by healthy endothelial cells. Apoptotic bodies, like endothelial cells, contain mainly ribosomal RNA whereas ApoExos essentially contain non-ribosomal non-coding RNAs. Endogenous retroelements, bearing viral-like features, represented half of total ApoExos RNA content. ApoExos also contained several copies of unedited Alu repeats and large amounts of non-coding RNAs with a demonstrated role in autoimmunity such as U1 RNA and Y RNA. Moreover, ApoExos RNAs had a unique nucleotide composition and secondary structure characterized by strong enrichment in U-rich motifs and unstably folded RNAs. Globally, ApoExos were therefore loaded with RNAs that can stimulate a variety of RIG-I-like receptors and endosomal TLRs. Hence, apoptotic endothelial cells selectively sort in ApoExos a diversified repertoire of immunostimulatory “self RNAs” that are tailor-made for initiation of innate immune responses and autoimmunity.
Inheritance of fruit yield and quality in melon (Cucumis melo L.) grown under field salinity stress
Authors: Akrami Mahmoud , Arzani Ahmad
Published: May 2019

Cultivation of salinity-tolerant crops can help mitigate salinization threats to soil and fresh water resources. This study was conducted to investigate the quantitative genetic basis of yield, yield components, and quality-related traits of salinity-stressed melon (Cucumis melo L.) using 55 melon hybrids and their 11 parents (half diallel). The results of combined ANOVA revealed highly significant effects of salinity and genotype on all the traits studied. Salinity stress influenced the inheritance of all the traits. The lower values of variance components (mainly additive), GCA/SCA ratio, as well as broad- and narrow-sense heritabilities were estimated for saline conditions (ECW = 14 dSm−1) when compared with those obtained under non-saline conditions. Fruit weight was governed by additive effects in non-saline conditions, but largely governed by the dominant nature in saline conditions. Based on the results obtained, especially as reflected by fruit yield, it is possible to develop melon hybrids with higher salinity tolerance than is currently observed in tolerant cultivars. On the other hand, most of the traits contributing to fruit quality are found to be governed by additive effects, allowing for their further improvement through recurrent selection to develop new cultivars of high yield and good quality for cultivation under saline conditions.
Human cytomegaloviral multifunctional protein kinase pUL97 impairs zebrafish embryonic development and increases mortality
Authors: Cazorla-Vázquez Salvador , Steingruber Mirjam , Marschall Manfred , Engel Felix B.
Published: May 2019

Cytomegalovirus is a worldwide-distributed human pathogen, which is the leading cause of congenital virus infection, affecting 0.5 to 2% of live births. To date, it is largely unclear which molecular mechanisms underlie the symptomatic outcomes. This is mainly due to species specificity and limited homology among cytomegalovirus genomes. As it is not possible to infect model organisms with human cytomegalovirus, the aim of this study was to develop a heterologous system allowing in the future the elucidation of the pathological role of individual viral proteins. As a model organism the zebrafish has been chosen due to its ease of manipulation and characterization as well as its large offspring. As cytomegalovirus model protein, pUL97 was characterized because it is multiply involved in virus-host interaction. Here, we show in zebrafish embryos, that (i) pUL97 can be expressed in zebrafish, (ii) increasing pUL97 expression levels quantitatively correlate with both minor and major pathological defects, (iii) pUL97 expression impairs cell cycle progression and induces cell death, (iv) active pUL97, but not an inactive mutant, induces excess mortality, and (v) co-administration of a pUL97 inhibitor reduces embryonic pathology. Collectively, these data indicate the suitability of zebrafish to elucidate the pathological role of human cytomegaloviral proteins.
Chronic neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves muscle mass and insulin sensitivity in a mouse model
Authors: Lotri-Koffi Adiel , Pauly Marion , Lemarié Emeline , Godin-Ribuot Diane , Tamisier Renaud , Pépin Jean-Louis , Vivodtzev Isabelle
Published: May 2019

Muscle wasting reduces functional capacity and increases cardiometabolic risk in chronic disease. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the lower limb has been shown to reverse muscle wasting in these patients but its effect on cardiometabolic health is unclear. We investigated a mouse model of in-vivo non-invasive chronic NMES on muscle mass, insulin sensitivity and arterial blood pressure (BP). Twenty-three C57BL6 mice underwent unilateral NMES or sham training over 2.5 weeks while anesthetized by isoflurane. Lower limb muscle mass and the stimulated limb to non-stimulated limb muscle mass ratio were compared between groups (NMES vs. sham). Insulin sensitivity was assessed 48 h after training using an intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ITT) and BP was assessed before and after training using the tail-cuff technique. After training, muscle mass increased in NMES vs. sham (416 ± 6 vs. 397 ± 6 mg, p = 0.04) along with the ratio of muscle mass (+3 ± 1% vs. −1 ± 1% p = 0.04). Moreover, insulin sensitivity improved in NMES vs. sham (average blood glucose during ITT: 139.6 ± 8.5 vs. 161.9 ± 9.0 mg/dl blood, p = 0.01). BP was decreased in both groups, although it is likely that the effect of NMES on BP was dampened by repetitive anesthesia. The metabolic benefit of NMES training could be of great utility in patients with chronic disease. Moreover, the clinical-like mouse model of NMES is an effective tool to investigate the systemic effects of local muscle strengthening.
Dynamic Evaluation Indices in Spatial Learning and Memory of Rat Vascular Dementia in the Morris Water Maze
Authors: Yuan Ze , Zhou Hongying , Zhou Ni , Dong Dong , Chu Yuyang , Shen Junxian , Han Yunfeng , Chu Xiang-Ping , Zhu Kunjie
Published: May 2019

The Morris water maze (MWM) is widely used to evaluate rodent spatial learning and memory. However, current evaluation measures are not comprehensive because there is a wide distribution in the measured response. Utilizing the graph cognition hypothesis, we proposed four new deviation indices to evaluate cognitive function in the MWM that compared the optimal swim track to the actual track taken. These include the sum of the lateral deviation vectors, the sum of the offset angles, the sum of the correction vectors, and the sum of the lateral deviation vectors to the initial optimal route. We compared the four new deviation indices to the classically used escape latency measures in a vascular dementia model and demonstrated a higher consistency in the normal distribution between the vascular dementia group and the control rats. Further, the new measures displayed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to what escape latency displayed in the Monte Carlo simulation. From the receiver operating characteristic curve, the diagnostic values of the new deviation indices are higher than those of escape latency. Therefore, including these new evaluation indices in MWM experiments provided a more effective analysis of cognitive function compared to using escape latency.
TREML4 mRNA Expression and Polymorphisms in Blood Leukocytes are Associated with Atherosclerotic Lesion Extension in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Duarte Victor Hugo Rezende , Miranda Carolinne Thaisa de Oliveira Fernan , Cruz Marina Sampaio , de Araújo Jéssica Nayara Góes , Duarte Mychelle Kytchia Rodrigues Nunes , Santos Ayda Maria Quirino Silva dos , Santos Isabelle Cristina Clemente dos , Santos Jéssica Cavalcante dos , da Silva Ananília Medeiros Gomes , de Oliveira Juliana Marinho , Paiva Maria Sanali Moura de Oliveira , de Oliveira Galvão Marcos Felipe , Rezende Adriana Augusto , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Hirata Rosario Dominguez Crespo , Luchessi André Ducati , Silbiger Vivian Nogueira
Published: May 2019

Members of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family are associated with atherosclerosis risk and progression. TREML4 is upregulated in the early phase of acute coronary syndrome. We investigated the relationship between the mRNA expression of 13 genes in blood leukocytes, TREML4 polymorphisms, and coronary artery lesion extension (Friesinger index) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 137). TREML4 rs2803495 (A > G) and rs2803496 (T > C) variants and leukocyte mRNA expression were analysed by qRT-PCR. TREML4 expression was higher in patients with major coronary artery lesions than in subjects without or with low and intermediate lesions (p < 0.05). However, TREML4 polymorphisms were not associated with coronary lesion extent. Presence of the rs2803495 G allele was not associated with increased TREML4 mRNA expression. Patients carrying the rs2803496 C allele (TC/CC genotypes) were more likely to express TREML4 mRNA than non-C allele carriers (allele C: OR 7.3, and 95% CI 1.9–27.5, p = 0.03). In conclusion, increased TREML4 mRNA expression in blood leukocytes is influenced by gene polymorphisms and is associated with more severe coronary artery lesions, suggesting its potential as a biomarker of the extent of coronary lesions in patients with CAD.
Kinesin motor density and dynamics in gliding microtubule motility
Authors: VanDelinder Virginia , Imam Zachary I. , Bachand George
Published: May 2019

Kinesin motors and their associated filaments, microtubules, are essential to many biological processes. The motor and filament system can be reconstituted in vitro with the surface-adhered motors transporting the filaments along the surface. In this format, the system has been used to study active self-assembly and to power microdevices or perform analyte detection. However, fundamental properties of the system, such as the spacing of the kinesin motors bound to the microtubule and the dynamics of binding, remain poorly understood. We show that Fluorescence Interference Contrast (FLIC) microscopy can illuminate the exact height of the microtubule, which for a sufficiently low surface density of kinesin, reveals the locations of the bound motors. We examine the spacing of the kinesin motors on the microtubules at various kinesin surface densities and compare the results with theory. FLIC reveals that the system is highly dynamic, with kinesin binding and unbinding along the length of the microtubule as it is transported along the surface.
Efficacy of the novel CDK7 inhibitor QS1189 in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Choi Yun Jung , Kim Dong Ha , Yoon Dok Hyun , Suh Cheolwon , Choi Chang-Min , Lee Jae Cheol , Hong Jung Yong , Rho Jin Kyung
Published: May 2019

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is typically an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with a poor prognosis despite recent advances in immunochemotherapy and targeted therapeutics against NHL. New therapeutic agents are needed for MCL. In this study, we generated a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), designated QS1189, and confirmed its anti-cancer effects towards MCL and other lymphomas. QS1189 was highly selective for CDK7 and showed potent anticancer effects in MCL compared to other targeted therapeutic agents, such as ibrutinib and venetoclax. Consistent with a conventional CDK7 inhibitor, QS1189 treatment significantly decreased phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and transcription-associated genes. QS1189 induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis. Interestingly, QS1189 overcame the acquired resistance to venetoclax, which is mediated by Bcl-xL. Similarly, QS1189 showed potent tumour cell growth inhibition of various lymphomas. Thus, CDK7 might be a suitable therapeutic target for inhibiting lymphoma, and QS1189 is a promising therapeutic option for various lymphomas and cells with acquired resistance to targeted therapy.
Characterization of Nanoparticles: Advances
Authors: Montoro Bustos A. R. , Pettibone J. M. , Murphy K. E.
Published: May 2019

Over the past two decades, the unique properties of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have placed them at the centre of revolutionary advancements in many sectors of science, technology and commerce. Multi-technique and multi-disciplinary analytical approaches are required to identify, quantify, and characterize the chemical composition, size and size distribution, surface properties and the number and concentration of NPs. In this chapter, an overview of the recent advances in the characterization of NPs will be presented.
Nanocatalysts for CO2 Conversion
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Li Wei , Lee Adam. F.
Published: May 2019

This chapter focuses on recent progress in nanoparticle design and synthesis for selective conventional catalytic, photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic and photothermal catalytic conversions of CO2 to reusable low carbon-based products, such as carbon monoxide, methane, methanol, formic acid, ethylene and many more, as sustainable feedstocks for fuels (or precursors) and chemicals, in order to protect our natural environment.
Antitumor activity of selenium modification of the bovine milk component β-Lg (Se-β-Lg) on H22 cells
Authors: Zhao Yana , Sun Naxin , Gao Jiayue , Wu Di , Liu Anjun
Published: May 2019

In this study, the apoptosis induction and antitumor activity of a novel complex, seleno-β-lactoglobulin (Se-β-Lg), on H22 cells were explored.
Smartphone-imaged microfluidic biochip for measuring CD64 expression from whole blood
Authors: Ghonge Tanmay , Ceylan Koydemir Hatice , Valera Enrique , Berger Jacob , Garcia Carlos , Nawar Noshin , Tiao Justin , Damhorst Gregory L. , Ganguli Anurup , Hassan Umer , Ozcan Aydogan , Bashir Rashid
Published: May 2019

Smartphone-imaged microfluidic biochip for detecting nCD64 expression in under 50 min.
A bi-functional redox mediator promoting the ORR and OER in non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Mingqiang , Yang Luyi , Song Yongli , Wang Xingbo , Yang Kai , Pan Feng
Published: May 2019

A bi-functional homogeneous redox mediator is employed to promote both the ORR and OER processes in Li–O2 batteries.
Graphene quantum dot based micromotors: a size matter
Authors: Maria-Hormigos Roberto , Jurado-Sánchez Beatriz , Escarpa Alberto
Published: May 2019

Low dimensional 0D graphene quantum dots are used for the preparation of micromotors with higher yield compared to graphene micromotors.
Correction: NiS2 nanodotted carnation-like CoS2 for enhanced electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Xin Weili , Jiang Wen-Jie , Lian Yajuan , Li Hui , Hong Song , Xu Sailong , Yan Hong , Hu Jin-Song
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘NiS2 nanodotted carnation-like CoS2 for enhanced electrocatalytic water splitting’ by Weili Xin et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 3781–3784.
New graphene derivative with N-methylpyrrolidone: suspension, structural, optical and electrical properties
Authors: Yakimchuk Evgenyi , Volodin Vladimir , Antonova Irina
Published: May 2019

G-NMP is a high-k dielectric with a permittivity of 7–9, low leakage currents of 107–108 A cm−2, an ultralow charge of −(1–4) × 1010 cm−2 and a breakdown electric field strength of (2–3) × 105 V cm−1.
Effect of the TiO2 crystal structure on the activity of TiO2-supported platinum catalysts for ammonia synthesis via the NO–CO–H2O reaction
Authors: Kobayashi Keisuke , Atsumi Ryousuke , Manaka Yuichi , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Nanba Tetsuya
Published: May 2019

The catalytic activity of Pt/TiO2 for ammonia synthesis via the NO–CO–H2O reaction is affected by the TiO2 crystal structure below 250 °C.
Synthesis and characterization of aminopyridine iron(ii) chloride catalysts for isoprene polymerization: sterically controlled monomer enchainment
Authors: Jing Chuyang , Wang Liang , Mahmood Qaiser , Zhao Mengmeng , Zhu Guangqian , Zhang Xianhui , Wang Xiaowu , Wang Qinggang
Published: May 2019

Aminopyridine iron(ii) chloride complexes coordinating a type of flexible ligand are reported as precursors for controlled polymerization of isoprenes.
trans-Cinnamaldehyde mitigated intestinal inflammation induced by Cronobacter sakazakii in newborn mice
Authors: Yang Gaoji , Jin Tong , Yin Shuhua , Guo Du , Zhang Chunling , Xia Xiaodong , Shi Chao
Published: May 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal disease associated with a high mortality (40–60%) in newborn infants.
Synthesis of macrocyclic polyphenol resin by methylene crosslinked calix[4]arene (MC-[4]H) for the adsorption of palladium and platinum ions
Authors: Priastomo Yoga , Morisada Shintaro , Kawakita Hidetaka , Ohto Keisuke , Jumina Jumina
Published: May 2019

A novel macrocyclic polyphenol resin, a calix[4]arene derivative, namely, a methylene crosslinked calix[4]arene (MC-[4]H), was successfully synthesised by demethylation of MC-[4]CH3.
Band gap engineered zinc oxide nanostructures via a sol–gel synthesis of solvent driven shape-controlled crystal growth
Authors: Davis Klinton , Yarbrough Ryan , Froeschle Michael , White Jamel , Rathnayake Hemali
Published: May 2019

A reliable and simple sol–gel synthesis followed by a solvent-driven, shape controlled, crystal growth process to make ZnO nanostructures is demonstrated.
Up-regulated circular RNA VANGL1 contributes to progression of non-small cell lung cancer through inhibition of miR-195 and activation of Bcl-2
Authors: Wang Liuxin , Ma Huiping , Kong Weixiang , Liu Bing , Zhang Xueqing
Published: May 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs, play an important role in cancer biology, and in the present study, we aimed to clarify the expression profiles and biological functions of circRNA circVANGL1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results showed that circVANGL1 was overexpressed in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines. circVANGL1 expression was closely associated with tumor size, TNM stage and overall survival of NSCLC patients. Further loss-of-function analysis revealed that knockdown of circVANGL1 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. The migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were also suppressed by circVANGL1 knockdown. In addition, we predicted that circVANGL1 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), becoming a sink for miR-195, thereby modulating the expression of Bcl-2 in NSCLC cells. Rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-195 inhibitor abrogated the beneficial role of circVANGL1 knockdown in NSCLC cells. Taken together, we conclude that circVANGL1 functions as an oncogene to promote NSCLC progression partly through miR-195/Bcl-2 axis, which might be a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.