bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyromonas gingivalis RagB is a proinflammatory signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 agonist
Authors: Hutcherson J.A. , Bagaitkar J. , Nagano K. , Yoshimura F. , Wang H. , Scott D.A.
Published: November 2014

Periodontal diseases are semi‐ubiquitous and caused by chronic, plaque‐induced inflammation. The 55‐kDa immunodominant RagB outer membrane protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone periodontal pathogen, has been proposed to facilitate nutrient transport. However, potential interactions between RagB and the innate response have not been examined. We determined that RagB exposure led to the differential and dose‐related expression of multiple genes encoding proinflammatory mediators [interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and CCL2; all P < 0.05] in primary human monocytes and to the secretion of tumor necrosis factor and IL‐8, but not interferon‐γ or IL‐12. RagB was shown to be a Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 agonist that activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 and nuclear factor‐κB signaling, as determined by a combination of blocking antibodies, pharmaceutical inhibitors and gene silencing. In keeping, a ΔragB mutant similarly exhibited reduced inflammatory capacity, which was rescued by ragB complementation. These results suggest that RagB elicits a major pro‐inflammatory response in primary human monocytes and, therefore, could play an important role in the etiology of periodontitis and systemic sequelae.
High‐level hemicellulosic arabinose predominately affects lignocellulose crystallinity for genetically enhancing both plant lodging resistance and biomass enzymatic digestibility in rice mutants
Authors: Li Fengcheng , Zhang Mingliang , Guo Kai , Hu Zhen , Zhang Ran , Feng Yongqing , Yi Xiaoyan , Zou Weihua , Wang Lingqiang , Wu Changyin , Tian Jinshan , Lu Tiegang , Xie Guosheng , Peng Liangcai
Published: November 2014

Rice is a major food crop with enormous biomass residue for biofuels. As plant cell wall recalcitrance basically decides a costly biomass process, genetic modification of plant cell walls has been regarded as a promising solution. However, due to structural complexity and functional diversity of plant cell walls, it becomes essential to identify the key factors of cell wall modifications that could not much alter plant growth, but cause an enhancement in biomass enzymatic digestibility. To address this issue, we performed systems biology analyses of a total of 36 distinct cell wall mutants of rice. As a result, cellulose crystallinity (CrI) was examined to be the key factor that negatively determines either the biomass enzymatic saccharification upon various chemical pretreatments or the plant lodging resistance, an integrated agronomic trait in plant growth and grain production. Notably, hemicellulosic arabinose (Ara) was detected to be the major factor that negatively affects cellulose CrI probably through its interlinking with β‐1,4‐glucans. In addition, lignin and G monomer also exhibited the positive impact on biomass digestion and lodging resistance. Further characterization of two elite mutants, Osfc17 and Osfc30, showing normal plant growth and high biomass enzymatic digestion in situ and in vitro, revealed the multiple GH9B candidate genes for reducing cellulose CrI and XAT genes for increasing hemicellulosic Ara level. Hence, the results have suggested the potential cell wall modifications for enhancing both biomass enzymatic digestibility and plant lodging resistance by synchronically overexpressing GH9B and XAT genes in rice.
Tissue‐specific and pathogen‐inducible expression of a fusion protein containing a Fusarium‐specific antibody and a fungal chitinase protects wheat against Fusarium pathogens and mycotoxins
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li He‐Ping , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Du Hong‐Jie , Wei Qi‐Yong , Huang Tao , Yang Peng , Kong Xian‐Wei , Liao Yu‐Cai
Published: November 2014

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and other small grain cereals is a globally devastating disease caused by toxigenic Fusarium pathogens. Controlling FHB is a challenge because germplasm that is naturally resistant against these pathogens is inadequate. Current control measures rely on fungicides. Here, an antibody fusion comprised of the Fusarium spp.‐specific recombinant antibody gene CWP2 derived from chicken, and the endochitinase gene Ech42 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride was introduced into the elite wheat cultivar Zhengmai9023 by particle bombardment. Expression of this fusion gene was regulated by the lemma/palea‐specific promoter Lem2 derived from barley; its expression was confirmed as lemma/palea‐specific in transgenic wheat. Single‐floret inoculation of independent transgenic wheat lines of the T3 to T6 generations revealed significant resistance (type II) to fungal spreading, and natural infection assays in the field showed significant resistance (type I) to initial infection. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed marked reduction of mycotoxins in the grains of the transgenic wheat lines. Progenies of crosses between the transgenic lines and the FHB‐susceptible cultivar Huamai13 also showed significantly enhanced FHB resistance. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that the tissue‐specific expression of the antibody fusion was induced by salicylic acid drenching and induced to a greater extent by F. graminearum infection. Histochemical analysis showed substantial restriction of mycelial growth in the lemma tissues of the transgenic plants. Thus, the combined tissue‐specific and pathogen‐inducible expression of this Fusarium‐specific antibody fusion can effectively protect wheat against Fusarium pathogens and reduce mycotoxin content in grain.
Safety and Efficacy of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Topical Suspension in the Treatment of Extensive Scalp Psoriasis in Adolescents Ages 12 to 17 Years
Authors: Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Ganslandt Cecilia , Kurvits Merle , Schlessinger Joel
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the fixed combination calcipotriene 0.005% plus betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% topical suspension in adolescents with extensive scalp psoriasis. In this phase II, open‐label, 8‐week study, adolescents with psoriasis (ages 12–17 years) with 20% or more of the scalp area affected (at least moderate severity according to Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA]) were assigned to once‐daily treatment with calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. The primary endpoint was safety, focusing on calcium metabolism and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function. Secondary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patient's achieving treatment success (clear or almost clear disease according to the IGA and clear or very mild disease according to the Patient's Global Assessment [PaGA]) and percentage change in investigator‐assessed Total Sign Score (TSS). Pruritus was also assessed. Overall, 31 patients received treatment. Sixteen patients (52%) experienced a total of 20 adverse events; 19 were considered unrelated to study treatment, 14 were mild, and none were serious or lesional or perilesional on the scalp. One patient showed signs of mild adrenal suppression at week 4; the patient discontinued treatment and had normal test results at follow‐up 4 weeks later. No cases of hypercalcemia were reported. By treatment end, treatment success was reported for 17 patients (55%) according to the IGA and 18 (58%) according to the PGA. Mean TSS improved from 6.9 at baseline to 2.9 at treatment end (59% improvement). By week 8, 28 patients (90%) experienced mild or no itching, versus 20 (65%) at baseline. Once‐daily calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension was well tolerated and efficacious for the treatment of scalp psoriasis in adolescents.
Presence of Membranous Vesicles in Cat Seminal Plasma: Ultrastructural Characteristics, Protein Profile and Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Polisca A , Troisi A , Minelli A , Bellezza I , Fontbonne A , Zelli R
Published: November 2014

Contents

This study sought to verify the presence of membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma by means of transmission electron microscopy and to identify protein profile and some of the enzymatic activities associated with these particles. The transmission electron microscopy observations showed the existence of different sized vesicular membranous structures of more or less spherical shape. These vesicles were surrounded by single‐, double‐ or multiple‐layered laminar membranes. The vesicle diameters ranged from 16.3 to 387.4 nm, with a mean of 116.5 ± 70.7 nm. Enzyme activity determinations showed the presence of dipeptilpeptidaseIV, aminopeptidase, alkaline and acid phosphatase. To our knowledge, this is the first report that identifies and characterizes the membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma. However, further studies are necessary to identify the exact site of production of these membranous vesicles in the cat male genital tract and to determine their specific roles in the reproductive events of this species.
Illegal Cartel Overcharges in Markets with a Legal Cartel History: Bitumen Prices in South Africa
Authors: Boshoff Willem H.
Published: November 2014

In recent years, South African competition authorities have initiated a number of price‐fixing cases in markets where cooperation among competitors was legal and often encouraged. These markets present economists with special difficulties when estimating cartel overcharges. Conventional approaches often rely on temporal approaches, where pricing during the cartel period is compared with prices in a competitive period. In markets with a legal cartel history, a competitive price cannot be identified in the period preceding illegal collusion. Structural change also reduces data, and hence the robustness of temporal models. Spatial approaches, where prices are compared with those in other countries, offer a better alternative. The paper studies the performance of temporal and spatial approaches in estimating overcharge in the context of a bitumen price‐fixing case. The results suggest that, while the bitumen cartel may have responded to cost and demand shocks in a similar way to how players in more competitive markets respond, it was still cushioned by a large monopoly premium: the long‐run level of South African bitumen prices are higher than in comparable competitive markets. The findings have implications for the study of transition dynamics from legal to illegal cartel regimes and for the detection of cartels.
Equivalence of online and clinician administration of a patellar tendinopathy risk factor and severity questionnaire
Authors: Morton S. , Morrissey D. , Valle X. , Chan O. , Langberg H. , Malliaras P.
Published: November 2014

The VISA‐P is a questionnaire for assessing the severity of patellar tendinopathy (PT). Our study aim was to evaluate the equivalence of self‐administration of the VISA‐P online with the addition of risk factor questions to develop a tool suitable for high‐volume remote use. A crossover study design with 107 subjects was used to determine equivalence between online and clinician administration. Three population groups were used to ensure construct validity. Online vs clinician administration revealed an intraclass correlation (ICC) of 0.79 [confidence interval (CI): 0.68–0.86] for the VISA‐P with a systematic significant difference of 4.99, which is not clinically meaningful. Poor ICCs were seen for questions 7 and 8 of the VISA‐P (0.37 and 0.47, respectively) in comparison with earlier questions. There were statistically significant differences between population groups for the VISA‐P. The ICC for risk factor questions was excellent at 0.89 (CI: 0.84–0.93) with no mean difference (P = 1.00). The online questionnaire enables equivalent collection of VISA‐P data and risk factor information and may well improve further with the suggested modifications to the instructions for questions 7 and 8. There is potential to use this questionnaire electronically to generate large databases in future research.
Letting Go of ‘Conventionalisation’: Family Labour on New Zealand Organic Dairy Farms
Authors: Schewe Rebecca L.
Published: November 2014

In contrast to arguments about the conventionalisation of organic agriculture, this study of organic dairy labour relations in New Zealand finds that many organic producers have reverted to a heavy reliance on family labour even while conventional New Zealand dairy farms are increasingly dependent on paid non‐family and immigrant labour. I argue that a return to classic rural sociological literature on the persistence of family farming and the agrarian question explains this seeming anomaly, and that the narrative of conventionalisation oversimplifies the complexity of labour relations specifically and organic agricultural production more broadly. Labour relations in both conventional and organic agriculture are complex and contradictory, further demonstrating the importance of specificity and historicity in analysis of the organic agrifood system.
Get Real: Climate Change and All That ‘It’ Entails
Authors: Carolan Michael , Stuart Diana
Published: November 2014

This article builds on Carolan's three natures scheme, where he distinguishes between the strata of ‘nature’, nature and Nature, by overlaying his previous framework with further analytic distinctions. Doing this, the authors argue, adds an important layer of analytical and conceptual robustness that his earlier scheme lacks. After building on this framework, attention turns to the phenomena of climate change. A selection of agrifood studies on this subject is used to help illustrate the utility of the revised model. The literatures reviewed involve the following: those looking at attitudes among farmers toward climate change; the bark beetle outbreaks in British Columbia; and food regimes. With this move the authors seek to illustrate the explanatory and descriptive utility of the revised model, specifically in its ability to provide a sustained defence of a type of realism that relational social theorists implicitly ascribe to. They also show how their conceptual labours – and the ecologically embedded relational realism it brings to the fore – can help further inform the aforementioned literatures by highlighting some of their conceptual and analytic blind spots.
Observations on the use of cidofovir for BK virus infection in renal transplantation
Authors: Kuten S.A. , Patel S.J. , Knight R.J. , Gaber L.W. , DeVos J.M. , Gaber A.O.
Published: November 2014

Background

In renal transplantation, BK virus infection can result in significant graft nephropathy and loss. While reduction in immunosuppression (IS) is considered standard therapy, adjunct agents may be warranted. Data are suggestive of a possible role of cidofovir for the management of BK. This study aims to describe the course of BK viremia (BKV) in a large cohort of renal transplant patients receiving adjunct cidofovir.

Methods

We evaluated kidney and kidney‐pancreas recipients who received cidofovir combined with reduced IS for management of high‐level BKV or BK virus nephropathy (BKVN). We examined the rate and timing of BKV clearance, and performed a multivariate analysis to identify risk factors associated with long‐term (>6 months) viremia.

Results

In total, 75 patients received a median of 13 doses of cidofovir in conjunction with reduced IS; 32 patients (43%) had short‐term BKV (≤6 months), and 43 (57%) had long‐term BKV. Overall, 53 of 75 patients (71%) eventually cleared BKV at a median of 4.2 months (interquartile range 2.1–9.3 months). Independent factors associated with long‐term BKV included older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, P = 0.02), delayed graft function (OR 31.4, P = 0.01), and higher peak BKV (OR 12.8, P = 0.02), while BKV reduction by at least 1 log10copies/mL at 1 month of treatment was associated with clearance within 6 months (OR 49.3, P < 0.01). Patients with earlier clearance maintained stable graft function and no graft losses, while long‐term BKV was associated with a 15% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusions

Adjunct cidofovir resulted in preservation of renal function when viral clearance occurred within 6 months of initiation. This retrospective review defines factors predicting response to cidofovir in conjunction with reduced IS for BKVN or high‐level BKV. Still, considering cost, frequency of administration, and treatment duration, a randomized trial is necessary to define the exact utility of cidofovir in the setting of BK virus infection.
Trade Policymaking in a Land‐locked Developing Country: The WTO Review of Nepal
Authors: Sharma Kishor
Published: November 2014

Sandwiched between India in the south, east and west and the People's Republic of China in the north, Nepal is a small landlocked developing country. Its trade policy autonomy is constrained by land‐lockedness and open border with India. Despite opening up the economy, it has not fully benefited from openness, perhaps partly due to poor governance and partly due to transit and customs‐related problems. Although these are crucial issues for trade competitive, The Trade Policy Review of Nepal 2012 (TPRN‐2012) is either very polite or lacks a comprehensive analysis on most of these. Since transit‐related costs faced by landlocked developing countries can be substantial, just evaluating the progress made in liberalising tariffs and nontariff barriers can provide a distorted picture of the overall business climate. The future WTO review reports on these countries should have a separate section on transit‐related issues to contribute to policy debate on the problems of landlocked developing countries. Despite this, the publication of TPRN‐2012 is very timely given the emphasis placed in the current policy debate in the WTO and other international forums on the problems of landlocked developing countries.
Torque and Center of Combustion Evaluation Through a Torsional Model of the Powertrain
Authors: Ponti Fabrizio , Ravaglioli Vittorio , De Cesare Matteo , Stola Federico
Published: November 2014

The continuous development of modern internal combustion engine (ICE) management systems is mainly aimed at combustion control improvement. Nowadays, performing an efficient combustion control is crucial for drivability improvement, efficiency increase (critical for spark ignited engines), and pollutant emissions reduction (critical in compression ignited engines). The most important quantities used for combustion control are engine load (indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) or torque delivered by the engine) and center of combustion, i.e., the angular position in which 50% of fuel burned within the engine cycle is reached. Both quantities can be directly evaluated starting from in-cylinder pressure measurement, which could be performed using the newly developed piezoresistive pressure sensors for on-board applications. However, the use of additional sensors would increase the cost of the whole engine management system. Due to these reasons, over the past years, a methodology that allows evaluating both engine load and the center of combustion with no extra cost has been developed. This approach is based on engine speed fluctuation measurement, which can be performed using the same speed sensor already mounted on-board. The methodology is general and can be applied to different engine–driveline systems with different architectures and combustion orders. Furthermore, it is compatible with on-board requirements, since the evaluation of only one specific harmonic component of interest is required (depending on the engine–driveline configuration under investigation). In order to clarify all the issues related to the application of the presented approach, it has been applied to some different engines, both compression ignited and spark ignited, taking also into account the case of combustion not evenly spaced. For all the analyzed configurations, the results obtained using the estimation algorithm seemed to be adequate to feedback a closed-loop methodology for optimal combustion control.
An Energy-Based Approach to Determine the Fatigue Strength and Ductility Parameters for Life Assessment of Turbine Materials
Authors: Shen M.-H. , Akanda Sajedur R.
Published: November 2014

An energy-based framework is developed to determine the fatigue strength parameters of the Basquin equation and the fatigue ductility parameters of the Manson–Coffin equation to predict high cycle fatigue (HCF) and low cycle fatigue (LCF) life of a steam turbine rotor base and weld materials. The proposed framework is based on assessing the complete energy necessary to cause fatigue failure of a material. This energy is considered as a fundamental material property and is known as the fatigue toughness. From the fatigue toughness and the experimentally determined fatigue lives at two different stress amplitudes, the cyclic parameters of the Ramberg–Osgood constitutive equation that describes the hysteresis stress–strain loop of a cycle are determined. Next, the coefficients and the exponents of the Basquin and the Manson–Coffin equations are computed from the fatigue toughness and the cyclic parameters of a material. The predicted fatigue life obtained from the present energy-based framework is found to be in a good agreement with the experimental data.
Study of millisecond laser annealing on recrystallization, activation, and mobility of laser annealed SOI doped via arsenic ion implantation
Authors: Michalak Tyler J. , Herman Josh , Basavalingappa Adarsh , Rodgers Martin , França Dan , Borst Christopher
Published: November 2014

Millisecond anneal techniques have been demonstrated to achieve fully recrystallized, highly activated, shallow, and abrupt junctions in silicon with both p- and n-type dopants due to the technique's fast time scale and high temperature. To understand and model the effects of millisecond laser annealing, knowledge of the true thermal profile experienced by the active semiconductor region must be known. This work simulates the impacts of a scanning laser in a series of shallow implants, and compares those results to experimental results. Arsenic ion (As+) implant energies of 10, 19, and 25 keV at doses of 1.5 × 1015 and 3 × 1015 cm−2 into a silicon-on-insulator substrate are studied to achieve different doping levels and amorphization depths. The recrystallization, activation, and mobility of the laser annealed, ion implanted experimental cells are then analyzed. For each experiment, Sentaurus technology computer aided design is used to create a calibrated 2D laser model to approximate the thermal budget of the lasing recipes (850–1250 °C) then using that output as an input into lattice kinetic Monte Carlo (LKMC) to simulate the solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) during anneal of the various implant conditions. Sheet resistance and Hall effect measurements were used to correlate dopant activation and mobility with the regrowth process during laser anneal, showing the onset of high conductivity associated with completion of SPER in the films. The LKMC model shows an excellent agreement with cross section transmission electron microscopy, correlating the increase of conductivity with completion of crystal regrowth, increased activation, and crystal quality at various temperatures. Shallow, lower dose implants are capable of single crystal regrowth, producing high levels of activation >1 × 1020 cm−2 and nominal mobilities for highly arsenic-doped silicon. However, higher energy implants that fully amorphize the film regrow polycrystalline silicon with low mobilities even at very high temperatures (1250 °C), unsuitable for source–drain formation in logic devices.
Developing an Energy Policy for the United States
Authors: Keefe Pat
Published: November 2014

Al Bartlett's video “Arithmetic, Population, and Energy”1 spells out many of the complex issues related to energy use in our society. Bartlett makes the point that basic arithmetic is the fundamental obstacle preventing us from being able to grasp the relationships between energy consumption, population, and lifestyles. In an earlier version of Bartlett's video, he refers to a “Hagar the Horrible” comic strip in which Hagar asks the critical question, “Good…Now can anybody here count?”
Using Experiment and Computer Modeling to Determine the Off-Axis Magnetic Field of a Solenoid
Authors: Lietor-Santos Juan Jose
Published: November 2014

The study of the ideal solenoid is a common topic among introductory-based physics textbooks1–4 and a typical current arrangement in laboratory hands-on experiences where the magnetic field inside a solenoid is determined at different currents and at different distances from its center using a magnetic probe. It additionally provides a very simple scenario in which Ampère's law can easily be applied by using a rectangular area that is pierced by a certain number of turns of the solenoid. The integration path is laid out in such a way so that part of it lies outside the solenoid; in so doing, the familiar result Bsolenoid=μNLI is obtained, where μ is the magnetic permeability, N is the number of turns of the solenoid, L is the length, and I is the current.2
The Association Between Physical Activity and Quality of Life Domains Among Older Women
Authors: Vagetti Gislaine Cristina , Filho Valter Cordeiro Barbosa , Moreira Natália Boneti , de Oliveira Valdomiro , Mazzardo Oldemar , de Campos Wagner
Published: November 2014

This study examined whether the weekly volume and frequency of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and light walking (LW) were associated with quality of life (QOL) domains of 1,806 older women from Brazil. The WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD instruments were used to measure QOL, while the weekly volume and frequency of MVPA and LW were assessed by IPAQ. An ordinal logistic regression was used as a measure of association. The weekly volumes of MVPA and LW were associated with several domains of QOL. Higher frequency of MVPA was associated with better scores in 10 QOL domains. The weekly frequency of LW, in turn, was associated with all QOL domains. In conclusion, promoting active transport and encouraging physical activity in older adults, for at least 150 min and distributed several days per week, help to increase QOL.
Views From the Path: Evaluating Physical Activity Use Patterns and Design Preferences of Older Adults on the Bolin Creek Greenway Trail
Authors: Dorwart Catherine E.
Published: November 2014

Though physical inactivity can lead to increased health problems in older adults, few places actually encourage this population to be active by implementing choices that allow the built and natural environment to be accessed by foot or bicycle. In addition, little research has examined older adults’ perceptions of design and the relationship between greenways and improving public health, a topic that is receiving popular attention. The objective of this mixed-methods study was therefore to evaluate elements in a greenway’s design that the aging population found important and which afforded physical activity. Using a combination of survey questions, photo elicitation, and interviews, data were collected from a sample of older adults aged 65 and over that used a greenway trail. Results of this study indicated that older adults may prefer certain elements on a trail, namely those elements that afforded their choice of activity. Although there will always be limitations to understanding behavioral responses to the built environment, this should not disqualify the benefits of greenways on older adults’ physical activity.
What are the Benefits of Exercise for Alzheimer’s Disease? A Systematic Review of the Past 10 Years
Authors: Hernández Salma S.S. , Sandreschi Paula F. , da Silva Franciele C. , Arancibia Beatriz A.V. , da Silva Rudney , Gutierres Paulo J.B. , Andrade Alexandro
Published: November 2014

To identify and characterize the scientific literature on the effects of exercise on Alzheimer’s disease, research was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. These MeSH terms—“exercise”, “motor activity”, “physical fitness”, “Alzheimer disease”, and its synonyms in English—were used in the initial search to locate studies published between 2003 and 2013. After reading the 12 final articles in their entirety, two additional articles, found by a manual search, were included. Of these, 13 had beneficial results of exercise in Alzheimer’s disease. Given the results discussed here, the exercise may be important for the improvement of functionality and performance of daily life activities, neuropsychiatric disturbances, cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity components (flexibility, agility, balance, strength), and improvements in some cognitive components such as sustained attention, visual memory, and frontal cognitive function in patients with AD.
Evaluating a Problem-Based Group Learning Strategy for Online, Graduate-Level Coach Education
Authors: Driska Andrew P. , Gould Daniel R.
Published: November 2014

Research has shown that coaches learn through reflective practice (Trudel & Gilbert, 2006), that communities of practice can assist the reflective process (Culver & Trudel, 2008), and that problem-based learning can increase critical thought by coaches (Jones & Turner, 2006). To help coaches develop reflective practice skills in an online course, the authors designed and implemented a novel assignment combining the principles of a community of practice with problem-based learning. Small groups of students were presented with a problem scenario and then met synchronously online using a low bandwidth group chat application (EtherPad) to diagnose the problem, strategize, and outline a solution. Students were able to conduct group meetings with only minor technical diffculties, and their written work demonstrated that a moderate level of refection had occurred. Future assignment redesigns should allow more opportunities for student-instructor interaction to facilitate greater development of student reflective practice skills.
Providing Virtual Laboratory Sessions in an Undergraduate Exercise Physiology Course
Authors: Luke Ryan Charles , Luke Jaye K.
Published: November 2014

At many institutions introductory exercise physiology courses are required for all kinesiology students. The laboratory portion of these courses usually involves development of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) connected with content presented in lecture. Due to scalability issues, the Kinesiology Department at California State University Monterey Bay cannot offer traditional laboratory experiences. Therefore, online and hybrid laboratory experiences were created to provide similar opportunities for students, address scalability issues, and enhance student engagement and learning. Creation of these carefully crafted laboratory experiences allowed instructors to (a) highlight and explain key foundational principles, (b) provide experiences involving practical application of material presented in lecture, and (c) present students with additional learning experiences while maintaining high learner expectations. The following article outlines the process used to create these virtual laboratory experiences for students in an undergraduate introductory exercise physiology course.
Incorporating E-learning to Enhance Instruction and Student Experiences in Collegiate Physical Activity Courses
Authors: Russell Jared , Wadsworth Danielle , Hastie Peter , Rudisill Mary
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to describe the precursors to and development of the School of Kinesiology's portal, which is used to deliver multimedia content to the approximately 7,000 students annually enrolled in physical activity and wellness program courses. Grounded in research, the paper addresses the initial rationale for changing the physical activity program focus, the implementation of a new delivery system of course content, and the benefits to students and instructors that have been realized. Research possibilities are also outlined. The paper concludes with an examination of issues that faculty at other institutions might consider when developing an online component within their physical activity and wellness programs.
Online Education: Crossing a New Educational Frontier
Authors: Graber Kim C. , Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this article is to provide background information related to the development of the 2014 American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Leadership Workshop titled “The Future of Teaching and Learning in an Online World”. A brief description of online education is provided, along with a synopsis of the advantages and challenges confronting instructors and administrators in institutions of higher education who are increasingly implementing this form of instruction. An overview of the articles included in this special issue is also provided.
Epigenetic inheritance uncoupled from sequence-specific recruitment
Authors: Ragunathan Kaushik , Jih Gloria , Moazed Danesh
Published: November 2014

Inheritance of a covalent histone modification

Genomic DNA is the repository of all genetic information and is packaged into chromatin. Chromatin is also a repository of regulatory information in the form of covalent marks added to the histones that package the DNA. These marks can determine tissue- and organ-specific gene expression patterns, which must be transmitted to daughter cells to maintain their identity. Ragunathan
et al.
and Audergon
et al.
show that in fission yeast, a chromatin mark, like genetic information, can be inherited across many cell generations. The mark can be inherited independently of DNA sequence, DNA methylation, or RNA interference. Thus, histone marks constitute true epigenetic information.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1258699
; see also p.
132
Competition between Metals for Binding to Methanobactin Enables Expression of Soluble Methane Monooxygenase in the Presence of Copper
Authors: Kalidass Bhagyalakshmi , Ul-Haque Muhammad Farhan , Baral Bipin S. , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D.
Published: November 2014

It is well known that copper is a key factor regulating expression of the two forms of methane monooxygenase found in proteobacterial methanotrophs. Of these forms, the cytoplasmic, or soluble, methane monooxygenase (sMMO) is expressed only at low copper concentrations. The membrane-bound, or particulate, methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is constitutively expressed with respect to copper, and such expression increases with increasing copper. Recent findings have shown that copper uptake is mediated by a modified polypeptide, or chalkophore, termed methanobactin. Although methanobactin has high specificity for copper, it can bind other metals, e.g., gold. Here we show that in
Methylosinus trichosporium
OB3b, sMMO is expressed and active in the presence of copper if gold is also simultaneously present. Such expression appears to be due to gold binding to methanobactin produced by
M. trichosporium
OB3b, thereby limiting copper uptake. Such expression and activity, however, was significantly reduced if methanobactin preloaded with copper was also added. Further, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) of transcripts of genes encoding polypeptides of both forms of MMO and SDS-PAGE results indicate that both sMMO and pMMO can be expressed when copper and gold are present, as gold effectively competes with copper for binding to methanobactin. Such findings suggest that under certain geochemical conditions, both forms of MMO may be expressed and active
in situ
. Finally, these findings also suggest strategies whereby field sites can be manipulated to enhance sMMO expression, i.e., through the addition of a metal that can compete with copper for binding to methanobactin.
New Genome Sequences of Gamboa Viruses (Family
Bunyaviridae
, Genus
Orthobunyavirus
) Isolated in Panama and Argentina
Authors: Nunes Marcio R. T. , Chiang Jannifer O. , de Lima Clayton P. S. , Martins Lívia C. , Aragão Dias Amarílis , Cardoso Jedson F. , Silva Sandro P. , Da Silva Daisy E. A. , Oliveira Layanna F. , Vasconcelos Janaina M. , Ferreira João Paulo C. , Travassos da Rosa Amelia P. A. , Guzman Hilda , Tesh Robert B. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C.
Published: November 2014

We describe here the nearly complete open reading frame (ORF) of five Gamboa virus strains isolated in Panama and Argentina. The viruses with complete ORF showed the regular genome organization observed in other orthobunyaviruses with exception to the presence of NSs protein. All predicted proteins showed homology with viruses belonging to members of the family
Bunyaviridae
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Cellulose-Digesting Bacterium Sporocytophaga myxococcoides PG-01
Authors: Liu Lin , Gao Peiji , Chen Guanjun , Wang Lushan
Published: November 2014

Sporocytophaga myxococcoides
, a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from soil, is an efficient hydrolyzer of crystalline cellulose. Here, we report its draft genome sequence, which may provide important genetic information regarding the cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes that contribute to the cellulose-degrading abilities of this bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Novel
Aeromonas
Species Recovered in Association with Cyanobacterial Blooms
Authors: Hossain Mohammad J. , Beaz-Hidalgo Roxana , Figueras María J. , Liles Mark R.
Published: November 2014

Aeromonas aquatica
and
Aeromonas lacus
are two new species that have been found in association with cyanobacterial blooms from recreational Finnish lakes where adverse human health effects have been recorded. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of their type strains.
Rapid and equivalent systemic bioavailability of the antidotes HI-6 and dicobalt edetate via the intraosseous and intravenous routes
Authors: Hill Simon L , Thomas Simon H L , Flecknell Paul A , Thomas Aurelie A , Morris Chris M , Henderson David , Dunn Michael , Blain Peter G
Published: November 2014

Background

Rapid and effective administration of antidotes by emergency medical responders is needed to improve the survival of patients severely poisoned after deliberate release of chemical weapons, but intravenous access is difficult to obtain while wearing personal protective equipment and in casualties with circulatory collapse. To test the hypothesis that rapid and substantial bioavailability of the antidotes HI-6 oxime and dicobalt edetate can be achieved via the intraosseous (IO) route, plasma concentration-time profiles of these antidotes were compared after administration by the intravenous and IO routes in a minipig animal model.

Methods

12 male Göttingen minipigs were randomly allocated to receive 7.14 mg/kg of HI-6 (by rapid bolus) then 4.28 mg/kg of dicobalt edetate (over 1 min) via the intravenous or IO route. Plasma concentrations of each antidote were measured over 360 min following administration and plasma concentration-time profiles plotted for each drug by each route.

Results

Peak HI-6 and cobalt concentrations occurred within 2 min of administration by both the intravenous and IO routes. Mean areas under the concentration-time curves (SD) to the end of the experiment (area under the concentration-time curve, AUC (0–t)) for cobalt were 430 (47, intravenous) and 445 (40, IO) μg-min/mL (mean difference 15, 95% CI −41 to 70, p=0.568) and for HI-6 were 2739 (1038, intravenous) and 2772 (1629, IO) μg-min/mL (mean difference 0.33, 95% CI −1724 to 1790, p=0.97). Increases in heart rate (by 50 beats/min intravenous and 27 beats/min IO) and BP, (by 67/58 mm Hg intravenous and 78/59 mm Hg IO), were observed after dicobalt edetate, consistent with the known adverse effects of this antidote.

Discussion

This study demonstrates rapid and similar systemic bioavailability of HI-6 and dicobalt edetate when given by the IO and intravenous routes. IO delivery of these antidotes is appropriate in the acute management of patients with organophosphate and cyanide intoxication when the intravenous route is impractical.
Benztropine for the relief of acute non-traumatic neck pain (wry neck): a randomised trial
Authors: Asha Stephen Edward , Kerr Andrew , Jones Keryn , McAlpine Ann
Published: November 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intra-muscular benztropine on pain and range of motion in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute, non-traumatic neck pain (wry neck).

Methods

In this two-centre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group superiority trial, participants were allocated to receive 2 mg intramuscular benztropine or normal saline. Participants were aged 16–65 years, no history of neck disorders and no use of medication that cause dystonia. Randomisation was computer generated, with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially numbered sealed envelopes. Pain scores and neck range of motion were measured immediately before drug administration, and 30 min after. Pain scores, range of motion and adverse effects were compared between the groups. No funding was received. The trial was registered.

Results

Thirty participants were enrolled, 15 randomised to placebo and 15 to benztropine. Pain scores at 30 min were lower in those allocated to benztropine, but the difference was neither statistically nor clinically significant (0.6 points, 95% CI −0.8 to 1.8, p=0.40). The range of motion of the cervical spine was greater in those receiving benztropine, but the differences were very small and not statistically significant. Adverse events were more common in those receiving benztropine.

Conclusions

Benztropine was ineffective for reducing pain or improving range of motion of the cervical spine in patients suffering from acute, non-traumatic neck pain, but frequently caused anticholinergic side effects. However, as the CI for the primary outcome included the minimum difference considered clinically significant, an important effect of benztropine cannot be ruled out.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR#12612000354886
Technology developments in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Starke Robert M , Turk Aquilla , Ding Dale , Crowley Richard W , Liu Kenneth C , Chalouhi Nohra , Hasan David M , Dumont Aaron S , Jabbour Pascal , Durst Christopher R , Turner Raymond D
Published: November 2014

Advances in the management and endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms are progressing at a tremendous rate. Developments in novel imaging technology may improve diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, intraprocedural assessment, and follow-up evaluation. Evolution of devices, including microwires, microcatheters, balloons, stents, and novel scaffolding devices, has greatly expanded the potential to treat difficult aneurysms. Although developments in technology have greatly improved the efficiency and efficacy of treatment of neurovascular disorders, novel devices do not always improve outcomes and may be associated with unique complications. As such, it is paramount to have an in-depth understanding of new devices and the implications of their introduction into clinical practice. This review provides an update on developments in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Immediate and long-term installation effects adjacent to an open-ended pile in a layered clay
Authors: Ottolini Marius , Dijkstra Jelke , van Tol Frits
Published: November 2014

The response of floating piles is often described using the neutral plane approach. This approach requires a reliable prediction of the soil settlements, which in turn are affected by the pile installation effects. Additional experimental evidence on the soil behaviour during, directly after installation, and in the long-term is required if advanced numerical methods are exploited. This paper presents a novel approach to retrieve this experimental data on immediate and long-term pile installation effects in the geotechnical centrifuge. An axisymmetric experimental test setup allows for measurement of full-field soil deformations, as well as pore pressures, during and after pile installation. These unique results indicate that pile installation effects, such as generation of excess pore pressure and change of the hydraulic conductivity in the soil due to remoulding, have an influence on the development on the neutral plane, and therefore affect the response of floating piles.
Fluorogenic protein labelling: a review of photophysical quench mechanisms and principles of fluorogen design
Authors: Chen Yingche , Tsao Kelvin , Keillor Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2014

Fluorescent labelling of specific proteins in complex biological systems remains an important challenge in chemical biology. One promising approach comprises the use of small molecules designed to react specifically with a targeted protein of interest and to increase in fluorescent intensity following this reaction. This kind of fluorogenic reaction generally derives from fluorescence quenching in the unreacted probe that is abrogated over the course of the reaction. Herein, we review the mechanistic principles of three major photophysical quenching mechanisms involving Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), through-bond energy transfer (TBET), and photoinduced electron transfer (PeT). We then present design principles for novel fluorogenic probes based on an understanding of these quench mechanisms, with emphasis on the emerging utility of density functional theory (DFT) calculations in the design process.
A note on Blaschke isoparametric hypersurfaces
Authors: Li Tongzhu , Wang Changping
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we prove that a Möbius isoparametric hypersurface is a Blaschke isoparametric hypersurface, and a Blaschke isoparametric hypersurface is a Möbius isoparametric hypersurface provided that the Blaschke tensor has more than two distinct eigenvalues.
Caspase-11 attenuates gastrointestinal inflammation and experimental colitis pathogenesis
Authors: Williams Tere M. , Leeth Rachel A. , Rothschild Daniel E. , McDaniel Dylan K. , Coutermarsh-Ott Sheryl L. , Simmons Alysha E. , Kable Kye H. , Heid Bettina , Allen Irving C.
Published: November 2014

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing protein inflammasome formation plays an essential role in modulating immune system homeostasis in the gut. Recently, a caspase-11 noncanonical inflammasome has been characterized and appears to modulate many biological functions that were previously considered to be solely dependent on caspase-1 and the canonical inflammasome. To better elucidate the function of this noncanonical inflammasome during inflammatory bowel disease, experimental colitis was induced in wild-type and Casp11 −/− mice utilizing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Here, we report that caspase-11 attenuates acute experimental colitis pathogenesis. Casp11 −/− mice showed significantly increased morbidity and colon inflammation following DSS exposure. Subsequent cytokine analysis revealed that IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the colon were significantly reduced in the Casp11 −/− mice compared with the wild-type animals. Additional mechanistic studies utilizing IL-1β and IL-18 reconstitution revealed that Casp11 −/− hypersensitivity was associated with the loss of both of these cytokines. Bone marrow reconstitution experiments further revealed that caspase-11 gene expression and function in both hematopoietic- and nonhematopoietic-derived cells contribute to disease attenuation. Interestingly, unlike caspase-1, caspase-11 does not appear to influence relapsing remitting disease progression or the development of colitis-associated tumorigenesis. Together, these data identify caspase-11 as a critical factor protecting the host during acute DSS-induced colonic injury and inflammation but not during chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis.