bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin releasing factor up‐regulates the expression and function of norepinephrine transporter in SK‐N‐BE (2) M17 cells
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Tufan Turan , Deng Maoxian , Wright Gary , Zhu Meng‐Yang
Published: July 2015

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) has been implicated to act as a neurotransmitter or modulator in central nervous activation during stress. In this study, we examined the regulatory effect of CRF on the expression and function of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in vitro. SK‐N‐BE (2) M17 cells were exposed to different concentrations of CRF for different periods. Results showed that exposure of cells to CRF significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of NET in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. The CRF‐induced increase in NET expression was mimicked by agonists of either CRF receptor 1 or 2. Furthermore, similar CRF treatments induced a parallel increase in the uptake of [3H] norepinephrine. Both increased expression and function of NET caused by CRF were abolished by simultaneous administration of CRF receptor antagonists, indicating a mediation by CRF receptors. However, there was no additive effect for the combination of both receptor antagonists. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirm an increased acetylation of histone H3 on the NET promoter following treatment with CRF. Taken together, this study demonstrates that CRF up‐regulates the expression and function of NET in vitro. This regulation is mediated through CRF receptors and an epigenetic mechanism related to histone acetylation may be involved. This CRF‐induced regulation on NET expression and function may play a role in development of stress‐related depression and anxiety.

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This study demonstrated that corticotropin release factor (CRF) up‐regulated the expression and function of norepinephrine transporter (NET) in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, through activation of CRF receptors and possible histone acetylation in NET promoter. The results indicate that their interaction may play an important role in stress‐related physiological and pathological status.
Quantifying Anti‐Consumption of Private Labels and National Brands: Impacts of Poor Test Ratings on Consumer Purchases
Authors: Olbrich Rainer , Jansen Hans Christian , Teller Benedikt
Published: July 2015

Consumers use test ratings to inform their buying decisions and enhance their well‐being. This study considers whether and how poor test ratings might induce anti‐consumption behaviors, out of fear of poor product performance. In contrast with previous research, the focus for this study is not intrinsic reasons for anti‐consumption but rather actual purchasing, or non‐purchasing, behavior. With panel data representing 30,000 households, the authors show that the market shares of national brands and private labels considerably decline after the publication of poor test ratings, suggesting high customer churn and anti‐consumption behavior. The use of price promotions for national brands also declines, leading to increasing average paid prices. Among private labels, though, poor test ratings affect the use of price promotions and paid prices only to a small extent. These findings in turn suggest implications for manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and scholars.
Granulomatous reaction to red tattoo pigment treated with allopurinol
Authors: Godinho Mariana Marteleto , Aguinaga Felipe , Grynszpan Rachel , Lima Victor Maselli , Azulay David Rubem , Cuzzi Tullia , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Manela‐Azulay Mônica
Published: July 2015

Granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink are most commonly associated with mercury sulfide, a component of red pigments. Treatment options show limited results. Allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, has been reported as a successful alternative treatment to granulomatous disorders, such as sarcoidosis and granulomatous reactions to fillers and tattoos. We report a case of granulomatous reaction to red tattoo pigment treated with allopurinol for 6 months. Good clinical improvement could be noticed during this time. Two months after we stopped the treatment, the lesion recurred. Allopurinol emerges as an important drug for the management of granulomatous reactions caused by tattoo pigments. Based on the significant clinical improvement noticed during its use, we recommend new studies to elucidate all the potential benefits of the use of allopurinol for the treatment of granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink.
Human autoimmune diseases: a comprehensive update
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Wang Fu‐Sheng , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: July 2015

There have been significant advances in our understanding of human autoimmunity that have led to improvements in classification and diagnosis and, most importantly, research advances in new therapies. The importance of autoimmunity and the mechanisms that lead to clinical disease were first recognized about 50 years ago following the pioneering studies of Macfarlane Burnett and his Nobel Prize‐winning hypothesis of the ‘forbidden clone’. Such pioneering efforts led to a better understanding not only of autoimmunity, but also of lymphoid cell development, thymic education, apoptosis and deletion of autoreactive cells. Contemporary theories suggest that the development of an autoimmune disease requires a genetic predisposition and environmental factors that trigger the immune pathways that lead, ultimately, to tissue destruction. Despite extensive research, there are no genetic tools that can be used clinically to predict the risk of autoimmune disease. Indeed, the concordance of autoimmune disease in identical twins is 12–67%, highlighting not only a role for environmental factors, but also the potential importance of stochastic or epigenetic phenomena. On the other hand, the identification of cytokines and chemokines, and their cognate receptors, has led to novel therapies that block pathological inflammatory responses within the target organ and have greatly improved the therapeutic effect in patients with autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Further advances involving the use of multiplex platforms for diagnosis and identification of new therapeutic agents should lead to major breakthroughs within the next decade.
An evidence‐based approach to improving the quality of resource‐oriented well‐being interventions at work
Authors: Briner Rob B. , Walshe Neil D.
Published: July 2015

Although there is much research on the links between work and well‐being, there is relatively little good‐quality research on resource‐based or other interventions such as more traditional stress management and job redesign. This paper provides guidance about how to improve the quality of intervention research. First, drawing on the logic of interventions and principles of evidence‐based practice, we take the example of a relatively simple resource‐oriented intervention to identify 11 key characteristics that we would expect to see in an evidence‐based intervention of this type. These characteristics and their underlying principles can be used to evaluate the quality of existing intervention studies and guide the design of future interventions. Second, we discuss an evidence‐based approach to reporting the process and the outcomes of interventions. Providing only limited information about an intervention means that it is difficult to replicate or use that method in practice. We describe a checklist developed in a more mature evidence‐based field (medicine) that can be used to ensure that sufficient intervention details are reported. Next, we discuss the importance of reporting all the outcomes of all interventions. Last, we consider the ways in which this approach to improving interventions is not only important scientifically and practically but also ethically.

Practitioner points

Although many resource‐oriented well‐being interventions are available, their effectiveness is not always known, and they may be implemented without initial diagnosis.

An evidence‐based practice approach to intervention involves using local organizational evidence as well as evidence from scientific research.

Before implementing an intervention, it is important to gather information from the target population to ensure, for example, that there is a significant well‐being problem and that it is amenable to change, as well as seeking out research evidence for the efficacy of the intervention.

This approach is useful in terms of practice but also helps to ensure that we are working in an ethical way.
Perspectives on next steps in classification of oro‐facial pain – part 1: role of ontology
Authors: Ceusters W. , Michelotti A. , Raphael K. G. , Durham J. , Ohrbach R.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to review existing principles of oro‐facial pain classifications and to specify design recommendations for a new system that would reflect recent insights in biomedical classification systems, terminologies and ontologies. The study was initiated by a symposium organised by the International RDC/TMD Consortium Network in March 2013, to which the present authors contributed. The following areas are addressed: problems with current classification approaches, status of the ontological basis of pain disorders, insufficient diagnostic aids and biomarkers for pain disorders, exploratory nature of current pain terminology and classification systems, and problems with prevailing classification methods from an ontological perspective. Four recommendations for addressing these problems are as follows: (i) develop a hypothesis‐driven classification structure built on principles that ensure to our best understanding an accurate description of the relations among all entities involved in oro‐facial pain disorders; (ii) take into account the physiology and phenomenology of oro‐facial pain disorders to adequately represent both domains including psychosocial entities in a classification system; (iii) plan at the beginning for field‐testing at strategic development stages; and (iv) consider how the classification system will be implemented. Implications in relation to the specific domains of psychosocial factors and biomarkers for inclusion into an oro‐facial pain classification system are described in two separate papers.
Association of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG expression with oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Fu Ting‐Ying , Hsieh I‐Chien , Cheng Jiin‐Tsuey , Tsai Meng‐Han , Hou Yu‐Yi , Lee Jang‐Hwa , Liou Huei‐Han , Huang Sheng‐Feng , Chen Hung‐Chih , Yen Leing‐Ming , Tseng Hui‐Hwa , Ger Luo‐Ping
Published: July 2015

Background

OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG are major transcription factors related to stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation. The aim of this study was to examine the association of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG expression levels with the development and prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and Methods

Expression levels of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG were evaluated by immunohistochemistry with tissue microarray slides of 436 OSCC, 362 corresponding tumor‐adjacent normal (CTAN) tissues, and 71 normal uvula epithelium tissues. The clinicopathologic and follow‐up data of the OSCC patients were recorded.

Results

OCT4 expression was significantly higher in normal and CTAN tissues than in tumor tissue (both P < 0.001). SOX2 expression in CTAN tissue was significantly higher than that in normal (P = 0.021) and tumor tissues (P < 0.001). However, NANOG expression was significantly higher in CTAN (P = 0.014) and tumor tissues (P = 0.009) than in normal tissue. Higher OCT4 and SOX2 expressions were associated with earlier AJCC stage (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001), small tumor size (P = 0.017 and P = 0.001), and the absence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015 and P = 0.025). Higher levels of SOX2 expression were associated with better disease‐specific survival (P = 0.002) even after adjustment for clinicopathologic factors.

Discussion

OCT4 and SOX2 are biomarkers of tumorigenesis and early stage OSCC. SOX2 is an independent prognostic factor for OSCC.
Internalizing Symptoms, Peer Substance Use, and Substance Use Initiation
Authors: Siennick Sonja E. , Widdowson Alex O. , Woessner Mathew , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: July 2015

This study used longitudinal survey and social network data covering sixth through ninth grades to test whether internalizing symptoms make early adolescents more prone to (1) exposure to and (2) influence by substance‐using peers. Random effects regressions revealed that increases in symptoms were significantly associated with increases in the proportion of friends who used cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana; some associations weakened across grades. Event history models revealed that the effect of friends' smoking on smoking initiation decreased as internalizing symptoms increased; symptoms did not moderate the effects of friends' alcohol and marijuana use on alcohol and marijuana use initiation. These findings counter the influence hypothesis of the co‐occurrence of internalizing symptoms with substance use and partly support the exposure hypothesis.
Examining Absorptive Capacity in Supply Chains: Linking Responsive Strategy and Firm Performance
Authors: Dobrzykowski David D. , Leuschner Rudolf , Hong Paul C. , Roh James J.
Published: July 2015

Information management is a core supply chain activity that is increasing in importance as firms strive to become more responsive to growing customer demand for innovative products. However, effective processing of information from customers and suppliers remains a struggle for most firms. Absorptive capacity provides a useful view of information processing activities, but the current understanding of how firms use it to improve performance and why some firms seem to develop it while others do not remains unclear. This study is grounded in information processing theory, and examines the role of absorptive capacity in linking a firm's responsive strategy and performance. We test a structural equation model on data from 711 manufacturing firms, and validate our results on a second sample of 677 firms. Our study makes three major contributions by providing evidence that: (1) absorptive capacity is motivated by a firm's responsive strategy; (2) it fully mediates the relationship between responsive strategy and firm performance, indicating that absorptive capacity is a necessary competence for firms that aim to deliver innovative products to customers; and (3) the relationship between responsive strategy and absorptive capacity is U‐shaped, indicating that when firms attempt to blend efficient and responsive strategies, their ability to develop absorptive capacity is diminished.
Liver stiffness plus platelet count can be used to exclude high‐risk oesophageal varices
Authors: Ding Nik S. , Nguyen Tin , Iser David M. , Hong Thai , Flanagan Emma , Wong Avelyn , Luiz Lauren , Tan Jonathan Y. C. , Fulforth James , Holmes Jacinta , Ryan Marno , Bell Sally J. , Desmond Paul V. , Roberts Stuart K. , Lubel John , Kemp William , Thompson Alexander J.
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims

Endoscopic screening for high‐risk gastro‐oesophageal varices (GOV) is recommended for compensated cirrhotic patients with transient elastography identifying increasing numbers of patients with cirrhosis without portal hypertension. Using liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ± platelet count, the aim was to develop a simple clinical rule to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV in patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 71 patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis diagnosed by transient elastography (LSM >13.6 kPa) who underwent screening gastroscopy was conducted. A predictive model using LSM ± platelet count was assessed to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV (diameter >5 mm and/or the presence of high‐risk stigmata) and validated using a second cohort of 200 patients from two independent centres.

Results

High‐risk GOV were present in 10 (15%) and 16 (8%) of the training and validation cohorts, respectively, which was associated with LSM and Pl count (P < 0.05). A combined model based on LSM and Pl count was more accurate for excluding the presence of high‐risk GOV than either alone (training cohort AUROC: 0.87 [0.77–0.96] vs. 0.78 [0.65–0.92] for LSM and 0.71 [0.52–0.90] for platelets) with the combination of LSM ≤25 kPa and Pl ≥100 having a NPV of 100% in both the training and validation cohorts. A total of 107 (39%) patients meet this criterion.

Conclusion

The combination of LSM ≤25 kPa and Pl ≥100 can be used in clinical practice to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV in patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis.
Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 11 levels predict survival in cirrhotic patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Berres Marie‐Luise , Lehmann Jennifer , Jansen Christian , Görtzen Jan , Meyer Carsten , Thomas Daniel , Zimmermann Henning W. , Kroy Daniela , Schumacher Fabienne , Strassburg Christian P. , Sauerbruch Tilman , Trautwein Christian , Wasmuth Hermann E. , Trebicka Jonel
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

Chemokines, such as CXCR3‐ligands, have been identified to play an important role during hepatic injury, inflammation and fibrosis. While CXCL9 is associated with survival in patients receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), the role of CXCL11 in severe portal hypertension remains unknown.

Methods

CXCL11‐levels were measured in 136 patients with liver diseases, and 63 healthy controls. In further 47 cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS, CXCL11 levels were measured in portal and hepatic veins at TIPS insertion by cytometric bead array. CXCL11‐levels were measured in 23 patients in cubital vein and right atrium, whereas in 24 patients in portal and hepatic blood at an invasive reevaluation.

Results

CXCL11‐levels were increased with the severity of liver fibrosis. CXCL11‐levels from portal, hepatic and cubital veins and right atrium showed a highly significant correlation among each other in these patients. Furthermore, levels of CXCL11 from the right atrium were significantly higher than those from cubital vein. Interestingly, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had significantly lower CXCL11‐levels, than other aetiologies of cirrhosis. After TIPS, CXCL11 levels correlated with the degree of portal pressure and patients with higher CXCL11‐levels in portal and hepatic veins showed higher mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed hepatic CXCL11‐levels before TIPS, creatinine and age as independent predictors for survival in TIPS patients, whereas MELD score and low portal CXCL11‐levels after TIPS predicted long‐term survival.

Conclusion

CXCL11 levels are mainly increased in patients with non‐alcoholic cirrhosis and high portal pressure. Moreover, levels of CXCL11 might predict long‐time survival of cirrhotic patients bearing TIPS.
Trypanosomatids in ornithophilic bloodsucking Diptera
Authors: SVOBODOVÁ M. , VOLF P. , VOTÝPKA J.
Published: July 2015

Trypanosomes are known as widespread blood parasites of birds; however, knowledge of their prevalences in vectors and their overall biodiversity is rather limited. To assess the prevalences in potential vectors, we have microscopically examined ornithophilic bloodsucking Diptera (Culicidae, Simuliidae and Hippoboscidae) for the presence of trypanosomatids in their guts. In total, 3270 specimens were dissected, namely Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (n = 898), C. modestus Ficalbi, 1890 (136), Simulium vernum (Macquart, 1838) (1455), S. angustipes Edwards, 1915 (221) and Ornithomyia avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758) (560). All insect species were found to be infected with trypanosomatids, and the prevalence ranged from 4 to 8% but reached 60% in S. vernum. Blackflies and hippoboscids exclusively harboured trypanosomes (both T. cf. avium s.s. Danilewsky, 1885; T. corvi/culicavium group in hippoboscids). Mosquitoes were infected with T. culicavium Votypka, 2012 and T. avium s. l. but also with monoxenous parasites, namely Crithidia brevicula Frolov and Malysheva, 1989, and Paratrypanosoma confusum Votypka and Lukes, 2013. Only 4% of the isolated parasite strains were monoxenous whereas the majority were avian trypanosomes, confirming the vectorial status of the studied insects.
Candida glabrata – unique features and challenges in the clinical management of invasive infections
Authors: Glöckner A. , Cornely O. A.
Published: July 2015

Candida glabrata is a pathogenic yeast with several unique biological features. This article provides an up‐to‐date review on current data and reasoning aspects of this clinically problematic organism. Haploidy, absence of pseudohyphae, facultative anaerobe growth of C. glabrata, as well as its intrinsically low susceptibility to azole antifungals require specific consideration in diagnosis and treatment approaches. As C. glabrata today represents a sizeable percentage of pathogens in candidaemia, the use of azole antifungals in upfront therapy of invasive yeast infections is discouraged by recent guidelines. While the selection of C. glabrata mutants with impaired susceptibility to echinocandins has been described, analyses of several clinical studies indicate an association of improved outcomes with the use of echinocandins as the primary treatment for invasive yeast infections with potential or documented involvement of C. glabrata.
Subsidy and parental attitudes toward pediatric health care in the Tokyo metropolitan area
Authors: Higashi Kenichi , Itoh Mitsuko , Toyokawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuki
Published: July 2015

Background

In Japan, the number of municipalities that offer free medical care for children has increased. This policy, however, might unintentionally aggravate the overcrowded situation of pediatric ambulatory services in Japan. We investigated the relationship between parents' health‐care seeking attitudes according to child symptom severity and the amount of copayment, as well as parents' socioeconomic and demographic factors.

Methods

We used data for 4385 people from the Japanese Study of Stratification, Health, Income and Neighborhood (J‐SHINE), which consisted of stratified random sampling of those aged from 25 to 50 years who lived in Tokyo and neighboring areas. Outcome variables were respondent health‐care seeking attitudes toward their children's mild and severe symptoms of cold. Logistic regression models were developed for each dependent variable.

Results

A total of 1606 respondents with one or more children under the age of 15 years were included in the analysis. For mild symptoms of cold, no subsidy (OR: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.38–0.69) and partial subsidy (OR, 0.71; 95%CI: 0.54–0.95) were associated with fewer “visit on that day” answers, compared with full subsidy. Income and respondent educational level were not associated with the outcome. For severe symptoms of cold, the OR of no subsidy (0.61; 95%CI: 0.30–1.23) and that of partial subsidy (0.91; 95%CI: 0.40–2.07) were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Imposing a small copayment might prevent visits to medical facilities for mild symptoms of cold, but will not prevent visits for severe symptoms of cold.
Age‐associated alterations in the somatic mutation and DNA methylation levels in plants
Authors: Dubrovina A. S. , Kiselev K. V.
Published: July 2015

Somatic mutations of the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and alterations in DNA methylation levels in mammals are well known to play important roles in ageing and various diseases, yet their specific contributions await further investigation. For plants, it has also been proposed that unrepaired DNA damage and DNA polymerase errors accumulate in plant cells and lead to increased somatic mutation rate and alterations in transcription, which eventually contribute to plant ageing. A number of studies also show that DNA methylation levels vary depending on the age of plant tissue and chronological age of a whole plant. Recent studies reveal that prolonged cultivation of plant cells in vitro induces single nucleotide substitutions and increases global DNA methylation level in a time‐dependent fashion. Changes in DNA methylation are known to influence DNA repair and can lead to altered mutation rates, and, therefore, it is interesting to investigate both the genetic and epigenetic integrity in relationship to ageing in plants. This review will summarise and discuss the current studies investigating somatic DNA mutation and DNA methylation levels in relation to plant ageing and senescence. The analysis has shown that there still remains a lack of clarity concerning plant biological ageing and the role of the genetic and epigenetic instabilities in this process.
The Mystery of Missing Real Spillovers in Southern Africa: Some Facts and Possible Explanations
Authors: Basdevant Olivier , Jonelis Andrew , Mircheva Borislava , Slavov Slavi
Published: July 2015

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the economies of South Africa and its neighbours (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) are tightly integrated with each other. The multiple interconnections suggest that South Africa's GDP growth rate should affect positively its neighbours'. However, our review of the available econometric evidence and our panel growth regressions suggest that there is no strong evidence of real spillovers in the region after 1994, once global shocks are controlled for. More generally, we find no evidence of real spillovers from South Africa to the rest of the continent post‐1994. We investigate the possible reasons for this lack of spillovers. Most importantly, the economies of South Africa and the rest of Sub‐Saharan Africa might have decoupled in the mid‐1990s. That is when international sanctions on South Africa ended and the country re‐integrated with the global economy, while growth in the rest of the continent accelerated due to a combination of domestic and external factors.
The dynamics of FLOWERING LOCUS T expression encodes long‐day information
Authors: Krzymuski Martín , Andrés Fernando , Cagnola Juan I. , Jang Seonghoe , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Coupland George , Casal Jorge J.
Published: July 2015

Long days repeatedly enhance the expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene during the evening and early night. This signal induces flowering despite low FT expression the rest of the day. To investigate whether this temporal behaviour transmits information, plants of Arabidopsis thaliana were exposed to different day–night cycles, including combinations that induced FT expression out of normal hours. Flowering time best correlated with the integral of FT expression over several days, corrected for a higher evening and early night sensitivity to FT. We generated a system to induce FT expression in a leaf removed 8–12 h later. The expression of flowering genes in the apex and flowering required cycles of induction repeated over several days. Evening and early night FT induction was the most effective. The temporal pattern of FT expression encodes information that discriminates long days from other inputs.
OsPIN5b modulates rice (Oryza sativa) plant architecture and yield by changing auxin homeostasis, transport and distribution
Authors: Lu Guangwen , Coneva Viktoriya , Casaretto José A. , Ying Shan , Mahmood Kashif , Liu Fang , Nambara Eiji , Bi Yong‐Mei , Rothstein Steven J.
Published: July 2015

Plant architecture attributes such as tillering, plant height and panicle size are important agronomic traits that determine rice (Oryza sativa) productivity. Here, we report that altered auxin content, transport and distribution affect these traits, and hence rice yield. Overexpression of the auxin efflux carrier‐like gene OsPIN5b causes pleiotropic effects, mainly reducing plant height, leaf and tiller number, shoot and root biomass, seed‐setting rate, panicle length and yield parameters. Conversely, reduced expression of OsPIN5b results in higher tiller number, more vigorous root system, longer panicles and increased yield. We show that OsPIN5b is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ‐localized protein that participates in auxin homeostasis, transport and distribution in vivo. This work describes an example of an auxin‐related gene where modulating its expression can simultaneously improve plant architecture and yield potential in rice, and reveals an important effect of hormonal signaling on these traits.
Increased glutathione contributes to stress tolerance and global translational changes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cheng Mei‐Chun , Ko Ko , Chang Wan‐Ling , Kuo Wen‐Chieh , Chen Guan‐Hong , Lin Tsan‐Piao
Published: July 2015

Although glutathione is well known for its reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging function and plays a protective role in biotic stress, its regulatory function in abiotic stress still remains to be elucidated. Our previous study showed that exogenously applied reduced glutathione (GSH) could improve abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. Here, we report that endogenously increased GSH also conferred tolerance to drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis. Moreover, both exogenous and endogenous GSH delayed senescence and flowering time. Polysomal profiling results showed that global translation was enhanced after GSH treatment and by the induced increase of GSH level by salt stress. By performing transcriptomic analyses of steady‐state and polysome‐bound mRNAs in GSH‐treated plants, we reveal that GSH has a substantial impact on translation. Translational changes induced by GSH treatment target numerous hormones and stress signaling molecules, which might contribute to the enhanced stress tolerance in GSH‐treated plants. Our translatome analysis also revealed that abscisic acid (ABA), auxin and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, as well as signaling genes, were activated during GSH treatment, which has not been reported in previously published transcriptomic data. Together, our data suggest that the increased glutathione level results in stress tolerance and global translational changes.
The Impact of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures on Market Entry and Trade Flows
Authors: Crivelli Pramila , Groeschl Jasmin
Published: July 2015

In an attempt to disentangle the impact of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures on trade patterns, we use the database on specific trade concerns on SPS measures of the WTO. Estimating various gravity model specifications at the HS4 disaggregated level of trade, we find that aggregated SPS measures constitute obstacles to agricultural and food trade consistently to all exporters. But conditional on market entry, trade flows are positively affected by SPS measures. In addition, we find that SPS measures related to conformity assessment hamper market entry, while SPS measures related to product characteristics increase bilateral trade flows conditional on meeting the standard.
A New Global Index of Infrastructure: Construction, Rankings and Applications
Authors: Donaubauer Julian , Meyer Birgit E. , Nunnenkamp Peter
Published: July 2015

We construct comprehensive and comparable indices on the most relevant components of economic infrastructure. An unobserved components model is employed to cover the largest possible number of developing and developed countries over the period 1990–2010. We map major findings from the new indices of infrastructure and provide country rankings, which we also compare with subjective assessments of infrastructure in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. Finally, we exemplify possible applications related to trade and foreign aid. By overcoming several data limitations, our new global index can help assess the links between infrastructure and economic development more systematically.
Combined Rostrolateral Rhinotomy for Removal of Rostral Nasal Septum Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Long‐Term Outcome in 10 Dogs
Authors: Ter Haar Gert , Hampel Rachel
Published: July 2015

Objective

To report a surgical technique for combined rostrolateral rhinotomy (vestibulotomy) and long‐term outcome for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rostral nasal septum in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Medium sized, mixed breed dogs (n = 10), aged 7–12.5 years, with SCC of the rostral nasal septum that did not invade the superficial nasal planum.

Methods

Disease extent was assessed with computed tomography and tumor resection achieved solely with central nasal planum elevation and lateral rhinotomy. Owners were interviewed 60–2,555 days (median, 548 days) postoperatively to determine outcome and survival time.

Results

Vestibulotomy facilitated full‐thickness resection of the nasal septum and tumor mass in 10 dogs and nasal floor resection in 4 dogs. There were no major intraoperative complications and all dogs had an excellent cosmetic outcome. Tumor removal was complete in 8 dogs and incomplete in 2 dogs. There was no recurrence in 6 dogs. Of the 4 dogs with recurrence, 3 had required nasal floor resection at initial surgery.

Conclusions

A combined rostrolateral rhinotomy technique may be used to achieve complete resection of SCC limited to the nasal septum with acceptable cosmetic results. This technique may not be suitable for tumors extending into the nasal floor.
Canine Stifle Biomechanics Associated With Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Predicted Using a Computer Model
Authors: Brown Nathan P. , Bertocci Gina E. , Marcellin‐Little Denis J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on canine biomechanics in the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)‐deficient stifle using a 3‐dimensional quasi‐static rigid body pelvic limb computer model simulating the stance phase of gait.

Study Design

Computer simulations.

Animals

A 5‐year‐old neutered male Golden Retriever weighing 33 kg.

Methods

A TTA was implemented in a previously developed canine pelvic limb computer model using the tibial plateau slope and common tangent planning techniques. Ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation were determined and compared to CrCL‐intact and CrCL‐deficient stifles.

Results

The TTA significantly decreased peak caudal cruciate ligament load, significantly increased peak lateral collateral ligament load, and significantly changed peak medial collateral ligament load occurrence, while there was no significant difference in peak patellar ligament load compared to the CrCL‐intact stifle. Compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle, peak caudal cruciate, lateral collateral and medial collateral ligament loads significantly decreased, while peak patellar ligament load was similar, peak relative tibial translation significantly decreased and peak relative tibial rotation was converted to external rotation in the TTA‐treated stifle. Each TTA planning technique generated similar caudal cruciate, medial collateral, and patellar ligament loading as well as relative tibial translation, but lateral collateral ligament loading and occurrence of relative tibial rotation differed significantly across the techniques.

Conclusions

Model‐predicted stifle ligament loads improved following TTA compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle, but TTA did not restore CrCL‐intact stifle biomechanics. The TTA effectively reduced tibial translation, but tibial rotation was not stabilized.
Unsteady Thrust Force Loading of a Turbocharger Rotor During Engine Operation
Authors: Lüddecke Bernhardt , Nitschke Philipp , Dietrich Michael , Filsinger Dietmar , Bargende Michael
Published: July 2015

The bearing system of a turbocharger has to keep the rotor in the specified position and thus has to withstand the rotor forces that result from turbocharger operation. Hence, its components need to be designed in consideration of the bearing loads that have to be expected. The applied bearing system design also has significant influence on the overall efficiency of the turbocharger and impacts the performance of the combustion engine. It has to ideally fulfill the trade-off between bearing friction and load capacity. For example, the achievable engine’s low end-torque is reduced, if the bearing system produces more friction losses than inherently unavoidable for safe and durable operation because a higher portion of available turbine power needs to be employed to compensate bearing losses instead of providing boost pressure. Moreover, also transient turbocharger rotor speed up can be compromised and hence the response of the turbocharged combustion engine to a load step becomes less performant than it could be. Besides the radial bearings, the thrust bearing is a component that needs certain attention. It can already contribute to approximately 30% of the overall bearing friction, even if no load is applied and this portion further increases under thrust load. It has to withstand the net thrust load of the rotor under all operating conditions resulting from the superimposed aerodynamic forces that the compressor and the turbine wheel produce. A challenge for the determination of the thrust forces appearing on engine is the nonsteady loading under pulsating conditions. The thrust force will alternate with the pulse frequency over an engine cycle, which is caused by both the engine exhaust gas pressure pulses on the turbine stage and—to a smaller amount—the nonsteady compressor operation due to the reciprocating operation of the cylinders. The conducted experimental investigations on the axial rotor motion as well as the thrust force alternations under on-engine conditions employ a specially prepared compressor lock nut in combination with an eddy-current sensor. The second derivative of this signal can be used to estimate the occurring thrust force changes. Moreover, a modified thrust bearing—equipped with strain gauges—was used to cross check the results from position measurement and thrust force modeling. All experimental results are compared with an analytical thrust force model that relies on the simultaneously measured, crank angle resolved pressure signals before and after the compressor and turbine stage. The results give insight into the axial turbocharger rotor oscillations occurring during an engine cycle for several engine operating points. Furthermore, they allow a judgment of the accuracy of thrust force modeling approaches that are based on measured pressures.
Comparing auditory filter bandwidths, spectral ripple modulation detection, spectral ripple discrimination, and speech recognition: Normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Davies-Venn Evelyn , Nelson Peggy , Souza Pamela
Published: July 2015

Some listeners with hearing loss show poor speech recognition scores in spite of using amplification that optimizes audibility. Beyond audibility, studies have suggested that suprathreshold abilities such as spectral and temporal processing may explain differences in amplified speech recognition scores. A variety of different methods has been used to measure spectral processing. However, the relationship between spectral processing and speech recognition is still inconclusive. This study evaluated the relationship between spectral processing and speech recognition in listeners with normal hearing and with hearing loss. Narrowband spectral resolution was assessed using auditory filter bandwidths estimated from simultaneous notched-noise masking. Broadband spectral processing was measured using the spectral ripple discrimination (SRD) task and the spectral ripple depth detection (SMD) task. Three different measures were used to assess unamplified and amplified speech recognition in quiet and noise. Stepwise multiple linear regression revealed that SMD at 2.0 cycles per octave (cpo) significantly predicted speech scores for amplified and unamplified speech in quiet and noise. Commonality analyses revealed that SMD at 2.0 cpo combined with SRD and equivalent rectangular bandwidth measures to explain most of the variance captured by the regression model. Results suggest that SMD and SRD may be promising clinical tools for diagnostic evaluation and predicting amplification outcomes.
The effects of different test methods on the just noticeable difference of clarity index for music
Authors: Vigeant Michelle C. , Celmer Robert D. , Jasinski Chris M. , Ahearn Meghan J. , Schaeffler Matthew J. , Giacomoni Clothilde B. , Wells Adam P. , Ormsbee Caitlin I.
Published: July 2015

The just noticeable differences (JNDs) of room acoustics metrics are necessary for research and design of performing arts venues. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of different testing methods on the measured JND of clarity index for music (C80). An initial study was conducted to verify the findings of other published works that the C80 JND is approximately 1 dB, as currently listed in ISO 3382:2009 (International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland, 2009), however, the results suggested a higher value. In the second study, the effects of using two variations of the method of constant stimuli were examined, where one variation required the subjects to evaluate the pair of signals by listening to each of them in their entirety, while the second approach allowed the participants to switch back and forth in real-time. More consistent results were obtained with the latter variation and the results indicated a C80 JND greater than 1 dB. In the final study, an extensive training period using the first variation was required, based on the second study, and the data were collected using the second variation. The analysis revealed that for the conditions used in this study (concert hall and chamber music hall) that the C80 JND is approximately 3 dB.
Structural basis for recognition of diverse transcriptional repressors by the TOPLESS family of corepressors
Authors: Ke Jiyuan , Ma Honglei , Gu Xin , Thelen Adam , Brunzelle Joseph S. , Li Jiayang , Xu H. Eric , Melcher Karsten
Published: July 2015

Groucho-related corepressors in plants bind a peptide motif found in numerous repressors through a novel peptide recognition fold.
Translational control by lysine-encoding A-rich sequences
Authors: Arthur Laura L. , Pavlovic-Djuranovic Slavica , Koutmou Kristin S. , Green Rachel , Szczesny Pawel , Djuranovic Sergej
Published: July 2015

Conserved poly(A) tracks in coding regions are attenuators of translation.
Strong-coupling ansatz for the one-dimensional Fermi gas in a harmonic potential
Authors: Levinsen Jesper , Massignan Pietro , Bruun Georg M. , Parish Meera M.
Published: July 2015

A near exact solution is revealed for a single impurity strongly interacting with a one-dimensional trapped quantum gas.
The rice immune receptor XA21 recognizes a tyrosine-sulfated protein from a Gram-negative bacterium
Authors: Pruitt Rory N. , Schwessinger Benjamin , Joe Anna , Thomas Nicholas , Liu Furong , Albert Markus , Robinson Michelle R. , Chan Leanne Jade G. , Luu Dee Dee , Chen Huamin , Bahar Ofir , Daudi Arsalan , De Vleesschauwer David , Caddell Daniel , Zhang Weiguo , Zhao Xiuxiang , Li Xiang , Heazlewood Joshua L. , Ruan Deling , Majumder Dipali , Chern Mawsheng , Kalbacher Hubert , Midha Samriti , Patil Prabhu B. , Sonti Ramesh V. , Petzold Christopher J. , Liu Chang C. , Brodbelt Jennifer S. , Felix Georg , Ronald Pamela C.
Published: July 2015

A sulfated peptide activates a rice immune receptor.
A Strategy for Generating a Broad-Spectrum Monoclonal Antibody and Soluble Single-Chain Variable Fragments against Plant Potyviruses
Authors: Liu Han-Lin , Lin Wei-Fang , Hu Wen-Chi , Lee Yung-An , Chang Ya-Chun
Published: July 2015

Potyviruses are major pathogens that often cause mixed infection in calla lilies. To reduce the time and cost of virus indexing, a detection method for the simultaneous targeting of multiple potyviruses was developed by generating a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody (MAb) for detecting the greatest possible number of potyviruses. The conserved 121-amino-acid core regions of the capsid proteins ofDasheen mosaic potyvirus(DsMV),Konjak mosaic potyvirus(KoMV), andZantedeschia mild mosaic potyvirus(ZaMMV) were sequentially concatenated and expressed as a recombinant protein for immunization. After hybridoma cell fusion and selection, one stable cell line that secreted a group-specific antibody, named C4 MAb, was selected. In the reaction spectrum test, the C4 MAb detected at least 14 potyviruses by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the variable regions of the heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains of the C4 MAb were separately cloned and constructed as single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) for expression inEscherichia coli. Moreover, the pectate lyase E (PelE) signal peptide ofErwinia chrysanthemiS3-1 was added to promote the secretion of C4 scFvs into the medium. According to Western blot analysis and I-ELISA, the soluble C4 scFv (VL-VH) fragment showed a binding specificity similar to that of the C4 MAb. Our results demonstrate that a recombinant protein derived from fusion of the conserved regions of viral proteins has the potential to produce a broad-spectrum MAb against a large group of viruses and that the PelE signal peptide can improve the secretion of scFvs inE. coli.
A Continuous Culture System for Assessing Microbial Activities in the Piezosphere
Authors: Foustoukos Dionysis I. , Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana
Published: July 2015

Continuous culture under elevated pressures is an important technique for expanding the exploration of microbial growth and survival in extreme environments associated with the deep biosphere. Here we present a benchtop stirred continuous culture bioreactor capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from 25 to 120°C and pressures as high as 69 MPa. The system is configured to allow the employment of media enriched in dissolved gases, under oxic or anoxic conditions, while permitting periodic sampling of the incubated organisms with minimal physical/chemical disturbance inside the reactor. In a pilot experiment, the fermentative growth of the thermopiezophilic bacterium
Marinitoga piezophila
was investigated continuously for 382 h at 65°C and at pressures ranging from 0.1 to 40 MPa while the medium flow rate was varied from 2 to 0.025 ml/min. The enhanced growth observed at 30 and 40 MPa and 0.025 ml/min supports the pressure preferences of
M. piezophila
when grown fermentatively. This assay successfully demonstrates the capabilities of the bioreactor for continuous culturing at a variety of dilution rates, pressures, and temperatures. We anticipate that this technology will accelerate our understanding of the physiological and metabolic status of microorganisms under temperature, pressure, and energy regimes resembling those of the Earth's piezosphere.
Fine-Tuning of Photoautotrophic Protein Production by Combining Promoters and Neutral Sites in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803
Authors: Ng Andrew H. , Berla Bertram M. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: July 2015

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic cell factories that use solar energy to convert CO
2
into useful products. Despite this attractive feature, the development of tools for engineering cyanobacterial chassis has lagged behind that for heterotrophs such as
Escherichia coli
or
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Heterologous genes in cyanobacteria are often integrated at presumptively “neutral” chromosomal sites, with unknown effects. We used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data for the model cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803 to identify neutral sites from which no transcripts are expressed. We characterized the two largest such sites on the chromosome, a site on an endogenous plasmid, and a shuttle vector by integrating an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) expression cassette expressed from either the P
cpc560
or the P
trc1O
promoter into each locus. Expression from the endogenous plasmid was as much as 14-fold higher than that from the chromosome, with intermediate expression from the shuttle vector. The expression characteristics of each locus correlated predictably with the promoters used. These findings provide novel, characterized tools for synthetic biology and metabolic engineering in cyanobacteria.