bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A neural network model for development of reaching and pointing based on the interaction of forward and inverse transformations
Authors: Takemura Naohiro , Inui Toshio , Fukui Takao
Published: June 2017

Pointing is one of the communicative actions that infants acquire during their first year of life. Based on a hypothesis that early pointing is triggered by emergent reaching behavior toward objects placed at out‐of‐reach distances, we proposed a neural network model that acquires reaching without explicit representation of ‘targets’. The proposed model controls a two‐joint arm in a horizontal plane, and it learns a loop of internal forward and inverse transformations; the former predicts the visual feedback of hand position and the latter generates motor commands from the visual input through random generation of the motor commands. In the proposed model, the motor output and visual input were represented by broadly tuned neural units. Even though explicit ‘targets’ were not presented during learning, the simulation successfully generated reaching toward visually presented objects at within‐reach and out‐of‐reach distances.
Isotretinoin and lymecycline treatments modify the skin microbiota in acne
Authors: Kelhälä Hanna‐Leena , Aho Velma T. E. , Fyhrquist Nanna , Pereira Pedro A. B. , Kubin Minna E. , Paulin Lars , Palatsi Riitta , Auvinen Petri , Tasanen Kaisa , Lauerma Antti
Published: June 2017

Oral retinoids and tetracyclines have a major role in acne treatment. Here, we report for the first time the effect of isotretinoin and lymecycline therapy on the skin microbiota in cheek, back and armpit swab samples of acne vulgaris patients using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing. Propionibacterium acnes was the most common in sebaceous areas of healthy and untreated acne skin and more abundant in back than cheek samples. Five taxa, including a Streptococcus taxon, differed significantly between the cheek samples of healthy controls and acne patients, and acne severity was positively correlated with the abundance of Propionibacterium. Both treatments reduced clinical acne grades and the abundance of Propionibacterium, while the abundance of several other taxa was significantly higher in treated cheek samples compared with untreated ones. Less variation was observed in back samples and none in armpit samples. There were no differences in alpha diversity between control and acne patients in any of the sampled skin areas, but the diversity of the microbiota on the cheek and the back was significantly increased after acne treatments. This study provides insight into the skin microbiota in acne and how it is modulated by systemic acne treatment.
Rosacea and its association with enteral microbiota in Korean females
Authors: Nam Jae‐Hui , Yun Yeojun , Kim Han‐Saem , Kim Han‐Na , Jung Ho Joo , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Shin Hocheol , Kim Hyung‐Lae , Kim Won‐Serk
Published: June 2017

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting the face and eyes. An association between systemic comorbidities and rosacea has been reported, but the link to enteral microbiota is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the link between rosacea and enteral microbiota. A cross‐sectional study was performed in a sample of Korean women who participated in a health check‐up programme at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Health Screening Center between 23 June 2014 and 5 September 2014. The gut microbiome was evaluated by 16S rRNA gene and metagenome sequence analyses. A total of 12 rosacea patients and 251 controls were enrolled. We identified links between rosacea and several changes in gut microbiota: reduced abundance of Peptococcaceae family unknown genus, Methanobrevibacter (genus), Slackia (genus), Coprobacillus (genus), Citrobacter (genus), and Desulfovibrio (genus), and increased abundance of Acidaminococcus (genus), Megasphaera (genus), and Lactobacillales order unknown family unknown genus. A link between rosacea and enteral microbiota was observed in this metagenomic study. A large and elaborate study is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Atorvastatin attenuates testosterone‐induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats: role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2
Authors: Ishola Ismail O. , Tijani Habeeb K. , Dosumu Olufunke O. , Anunobi Charles C. , Oshodi Tolulope O.
Published: June 2017

Diabetes and obesity have been reported to alter sex steroid hormone metabolism. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the protective effect of atorvastatin (ATR) in combination with celecoxib (CEL) or pioglitazone (PIO) on testosterone‐induced BPH in rats. Male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 8) and orally treated as follows for 28 consecutive days: group 1: vehicle control (10 mL/kg); group 2: vehicle testosterone (10 mL/kg); groups 3 ‐ 5: ATR (0.5, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, respectively); group 6: CEL (20 mg/kg); group 7: PIO (20 mg/kg); and groups 8–9: ATR 0.5 mg/kg, and 15 min later, animals were given CEL (20 mg/kg) or PIO (20 mg/kg), respectively. One hour post‐treatment, animals in groups 2–9 were given testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg, s.c.). Twenty‐four hours after last treatment on day 28, blood was collected for serum testosterone and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) analysis. Prostate was harvested for biochemical and histological assays. Subcutaneous injection of testosterone increased serum levels of testosterone and PSA which was ameliorated by pretreatments of rat with ATR, celecoxib, or pioglitazone. Similarly, testosterone‐induced increase in MDA and reduction in the activity of GSH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were attenuated by ATR. Conversely, celecoxib or pioglitazone treatment failed to affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The histology of the prostate showed significant improvement in prostatic cells of ATR, celecoxib, or pioglitazone treated. Findings from the study showed that atorvastatin attenuated testosterone‐induced BPH. Moreover, synergistic effect was observed when atorvastatin was combined with celecoxib.
Impact of diagnosis of von Willebrand disease on patient outcomes: Analysis of medical insurance claims data
Authors: Sidonio R. F. , Haley K. M. , Fallaize D.
Published: June 2017

The inherited bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease (VWD) is challenging to diagnose owing to disease heterogeneity, lack of a definitive laboratory test and variations in diagnostic criteria. We evaluated the impact of diagnosis and diagnostic delay on patient outcomes. The PharMetrics Plus Database was interrogated for medical claims for VWD (ICD‐9 286.4) and bleeding events between 1 January 2006 and 30 June 2015. Longitudinal analysis was performed of patients newly diagnosed with VWD (≥9 months' continuous enrolment before first VWD claim) through 24 months following diagnosis. In total, 32 028 diagnosed, including 18 182 newly diagnosed, patients were identified. Most patients (72%) were female. Prediagnosis, bleeding symptoms were most commonly managed by a hospitalist/emergency room physician. Misrecognition of VWD was common, with 25% of patients visiting the same specialist type at least twice for an episodic bleed before diagnosis. Thirty‐seven percentage of patients had no diagnostic laboratory test within 24 months of their initial diagnostic claim. Bleed claims reduced following diagnosis: 41% and 26% of female and male patients, respectively, had claims in the year prediagnosis, falling to 21% and 9% of patients at 1‐2 years postdiagnosis. The proportion of patients with multiple bleed claims also decreased, from 17% to 6% (females) and 7% to 3% (males). Serially misrecognized patients continued to have more bleeding episodes than other patients, although bleed frequency was lower than before diagnosis. There is a need for improved patient management from bleeding presentation onward to reduce the time to VWD diagnosis and to enhance patient outcomes.
Clinical development of immunotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Noguchi Masanori , Koga Noriko , Igawa Tsukasa , Itoh Kyogo
Published: June 2017

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death in Western countries. Prostate cancer‐related death occurs in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Although several new drugs for castration‐resistant prostate cancer have been approved, each of these has prolonged survival by just a few months. Consequently, new therapies are sorely needed. Recently, it has been recognized that immunotherapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer patients. Several strategies, such as cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been investigated in clinical studies for prostate cancer patients. In the present review, the results of the most recent clinical studies investigating immunotherapy in prostate cancer patients are reported, and the future clinical development of immunotherapy for prostate cancer is discussed.
Geographical variation in the evolutionary diversity of tree communities across southern South America
Authors: Rezende Vanessa L. , Dexter Kyle G. , Pennington R. Toby , Oliveira‐Filho Ary T.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To determine the principal drivers of variation in the evolutionary diversity of forest tree communities, with a focus on the temperate forests of South America.

Location

Forests across southern South America, extending from tropical forests in southern Brazil, to the temperate forests of southern Chile and Argentina.

Methods

We compiled a database of 742 forest tree community inventories spread over six countries and 12 biomes, or major vegetation types. In total, these inventories covered 3075 species of shrubs and trees. We combined this dataset with a temporally calibrated phylogeny that included all species. For each community, we evaluated multiple measures of evolutionary diversity, including phylogenetic diversity sensu stricto (PD), which is the sum of the branch lengths of a phylogeny that includes all species in a community, and its equivalent standardized for variation in species richness (ses.PD), which we refer to as lineage diversity.

Results

We found that biome affiliation is the most important determinant of the evolutionary diversity of woody plant communities, with climate also showing a significant influence. Communities in wet evergreen tropical forest have the highest species richness and the highest PD, but the lowest lineage diversity, while temperate forests in southern South America show the lowest species richness and PD, but the highest lineage diversity.

Main conclusions

Our results contradict the idea that temperate floras represent recently derived, evolutionarily poor subsets of tropical floras. Rather, the high lineage diversity we find in the temperate forest communities supports the ‘austral conservatism hypothesis’, which states that the flora of southern South america has evolved independently from the Neotropical Domain over tens of millions of years. Our identification of the evolutionary distinctness and richness of this flora suggests that it deserves as much conservation attention as the more species‐rich tropical forests of South America and that southern South American forests should not be lumped into the Neotropical Floristic Province.
Using Chief Complaint in Addition to Diagnosis Codes to Identify Falls in the Emergency Department
Authors: Patterson Brian W. , Smith Maureen A. , Repplinger Michael D. , Pulia Michael S. , Svenson James E. , Kim Michael K. , Shah Manish N.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To compare incidence of falls in an emergency department (ED) cohort using a traditional International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) code–based scheme and an expanded definition that included chief complaint information and to examine the clinical characteristics of visits “missed” in the ICD‐9‐based scheme.

Design

Retrospective electronic record review.

Setting

Academic medical center ED.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older seen in the ED between January 1, 2013, and September 30, 2015.

Measurements

Two fall definitions were applied (individually and together) to the cohort: an ICD‐9‐based definition and a chief complaint definition. Admission rates and 30‐day mortality (per encounter) were measured for each definition.

Results

Twenty‐three thousand eight hundred eighty older adult visits occurred during the study period. Using the most‐inclusive definition (ICD‐9 code or chief complaint indicating a fall), 4,363 visits (18%) were fall related. Of these visits, 3,506 (80%) met the ICD‐9 definition for a fall‐related visit, and 2,664 (61%) met the chief complaint definition. Of visits meeting the chief complaint definition, 857 (19.6%) were missed when applying the ICD‐9 definition alone. Encounters missed using the ICD‐9 definition were less likely to lead to an admission (42.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 39.7–46.3%) than those identified (54.4%, 95% CI = 52.7–56.0%).

Conclusion

Identifying individuals in the ED who have fallen based on diagnosis codes underestimates the true burden of falls. Individuals missed according to the code‐based definition were less likely to have been admitted than those who were captured. These findings call attention to the value of using chief complaint information to identify individuals who have fallen in the ED—for research, clinical care, or policy reasons.
Are CDS Auctions Biased and Inefficient?
Authors: DU SONGZI , ZHU HAOXIANG
Published: June 2017

We study the design of credit default swaps (CDS) auctions, which determine the payments by CDS sellers to CDS buyers following defaults of bonds. Using a simple model, we find that the current design of CDS auctions leads to biased prices and inefficient allocations. This is because various restrictions imposed in CDS auctions prevent certain investors from participating in the price discovery and allocation process. The imposition of a price cap or floor also gives dealers large influence on the final auction price. We propose an alternative double auction design that delivers more efficient price discovery and allocations.
A retrospective analysis of the comparative effectiveness of smoking cessation medication among individuals with mental illness in community‐based mental health and addictions treatment settings
Authors: Okoli C. T. C. , Wiggins A. , Fallin‐Bennett A. , Rayens M. K.
Published: June 2017

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Persons with different mental illnesses smoke for reasons based on their particular diagnosis.

As compared to those without, persons with mental illnesses are less able to quit smoking when using smoking cessation medications.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper shows that there may be differences in the ability to quit smoking between persons with different mental illness diagnoses.

What are the implications for practice?

Clinicians should be aware that persons with anxiety disorders may find it more difficult to quit smoking as compared to those with other mental illnesses.

Clinicians should be aware that of all medications, varenicline seems to help those with mood disorders to quit the best.

Clinicians should be aware that persons with psychotic disorders likely need longer treatment durations for smoking cessation as compared to persons with other mental illnesses.

Introduction

Individuals with mental illnesses (MI) have diagnosis‐specific reasons for smoking and achieve low smoking cessation when using cessation medications.

Aim

To assess differences in smoking cessation outcomes by MI diagnosis and cessation medications in outpatient mental health and addictions treatment settings in Vancouver, Canada.

Method

This is a retrospective analysis of tobacco treatment outcomes from 539 participants. The programme consists of cessation pharmacotherapy with 8 to 12 weeks of behavioural counselling and 12 weeks of support group. Smoking cessation was verified by expired carbon monoxide levels. Generalized estimating equations models assessed differences in cessation by type of medication in both total and stratified samples.

Results

There were no significant differences in cessation by pharmacotherapy in the total sample. Individuals with a mood disorder were two times more likely to achieve cessation as compared to those with an anxiety disorder. Among individuals with mood disorders, receiving varenicline alone resulted in three times the likelihood of cessation as compared to receiving single NRT.

Discussion

The differences in outcomes by MI diagnosis suggest the need for more diagnosis‐specific approaches to optimize cessation.

Implications for Practice

Compared with other diagnoses, persons with anxiety disorders may have a greater challenge quitting and those with a psychotic disorder may require longer treatment durations.
The intricate anatomy of the periodontal ligament and its development: Lessons for periodontal regeneration
Authors: de Jong T. , Bakker A. D. , Everts V. , Smit T. H.
Published: June 2017

The periodontal ligament (PDL) connects the tooth root and alveolar bone. It is an aligned fibrous network that is interposed between, and anchored to, both mineralized surfaces. Periodontal disease is common and reduces the ability of the PDL to act as a shock absorber, a barrier for pathogens and a sensor of mastication. Although disease progression can be stopped, current therapies do not primarily focus on tissue regeneration. Functional regeneration of PDL may be achieved using innovative techniques, such as tissue engineering. However, the complex fibrillar architecture of the PDL, essential to withstand high forces, makes PDL tissue engineering very challenging. This challenge may be met by studying PDL anatomy and development. Understanding PDL anatomy, development and maintenance provides clues regarding the specific events that need to be mimicked for the formation of this intricate tissue. Owing to the specific composition of the PDL, which develops by self‐organization, a different approach than the typical combination of biomaterials, growth factors and regenerative cells is necessary for functional PDL engineering. Most specifically, the architecture of the new PDL to be formed does not need to be dictated by textured biomaterials but can emerge from the local mechanical loading conditions. Elastic hydrogels are optimal to fill the space properly between tooth and bone, may house cells and growth factors to enhance regeneration and allow self‐optimization by the alignment to local stresses. We suggest that cells and materials should be placed in a proper mechanical environment to initiate a process of self‐organization resulting in a functional architecture of the PDL.
All the Queen's horses: statutory authority and HS2
Authors: Wilde Mark Laurence
Published: June 2017

This paper focuses on the potential impact of the statutory authority defence on HS2 once the line is put into operation. The defence was forged in the heat of the railway revolution. It protects operators from liability in nuisance in respect of certain harms resulting from exercising the statutory powers under which the scheme is authorised. However, the nineteenth century case-law established that the defence would only operate in respect of harms that are the inevitable consequence of using those powers. In common with its Victorian forebears, the HS2 project has been authorised by way of an Act of Parliament. Arguably, the HS2 Act is one of the longest, most detailed and highly scrutinised pieces of legislation in history. Nevertheless, it is argued that the scheme may cause uncompensated losses that are not inevitable. In this respect, common law actions may yet have an important role to play.
Anchoring on Self and Others During Social Inferences
Authors: Willard Daniel F. X. , Markman Arthur B.
Published: June 2017

When making inferences about similar others, people anchor and adjust away from themselves (Tamir & Mitchell, 2013). However, research on relational self theory (Andersen & Chen, 2002) suggests the possibility of using knowledge about others as an anchor when they are more similar to a target. We investigated whether social inferences are made on the basis of significant other knowledge through an anchoring and adjustment process, and whether anchoring on a significant other is more effortful than anchoring on the self. Participants answered questions about their likes and habits, as well as the likes and habits of a significant other, a target similar to their significant other, and a yoked control. We found that prediction differences between the significant other and similar target led to longer response times, and we found the opposite effect for self and target differences, suggesting anchoring and adjustment from the significant other rather than the self. These effects were moderated by the source‐relative salience of the dimension being evaluated. The evidence was mixed with respect to the question of whether anchoring on a significant other is more effortful than anchoring on the self.
Sketching the Invisible to Predict the Visible: From Drawing to Modeling in Chemistry
Authors: Cooper Melanie M. , Stieff Mike , DeSutter Dane
Published: June 2017

Sketching as a scientific practice goes beyond the simple act of inscribing diagrams onto paper. Scientists produce a wide range of representations through sketching, as it is tightly coupled to model‐based reasoning. Chemists in particular make extensive use of sketches to reason about chemical phenomena and to communicate their ideas. However, the chemical sciences have a unique problem in that chemists deal with the unseen world of the atomic‐molecular level. Using sketches, chemists strive to develop causal mechanisms that emerge from the structure and behavior of molecular‐level entities, to explain observations of the macroscopic visible world. Interpreting these representations and constructing sketches of molecular‐level processes is a crucial component of student learning in the modern chemistry classroom. Sketches also serve as an important component of assessment in the chemistry classroom as student sketches give insight into developing mental models, which allows instructors to observe how students are thinking about a process. In this paper we discuss how sketching can be used to promote such model‐based reasoning in chemistry and discuss two case studies of curricular projects,CLUEandThe Connected Chemistry Curriculum,that have demonstrated a benefit of this approach. We show how sketching activities can be centrally integrated into classroom norms to promote model‐based reasoning both with and without component visualizations. Importantly, each of these projects deploys sketching in support of other types of inquiry activities, such as making predictions or depicting models to support a claim; sketching is not an isolated activity but is used as a tool to support model‐based reasoning in the discipline.
The gene expression landscape of pine seedling tissues
Authors: Cañas Rafael A. , Li Zhen , Pascual M. Belén , Castro‐Rodríguez Vanessa , Ávila Concepción , Sterck Lieven , Van de Peer Yves , Cánovas Francisco M.
Published: June 2017

Conifers dominate vast regions of the Northern hemisphere. They are the main source of raw materials for timber industry as well as a wide range of biomaterials. Despite their inherent difficulties as experimental models for classical plant biology research, the technological advances in genomics research are enabling fundamental studies on these plants. The use of laser capture microdissection followed by transcriptomic analysis is a powerful tool for unravelling the molecular and functional organization of conifer tissues and specialized cells. In the present work, 14 different tissues from 1‐month‐old maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) seedlings have been isolated and their transcriptomes analysed. The results increased the sequence information and number of full‐length transcripts from a previous reference transcriptome and added 39 841 new transcripts. In total, 2376 transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all of the examined tissues. These transcripts could be considered the core ‘housekeeping genes’ in pine. The genes have been clustered in function to their expression profiles. This analysis reduced the number of profiles to 38, most of these defined by their expression in a unique tissue that is much higher than in the other tissues. The expression and localization data are accessible at ConGenIE.org (http://v22.popgenie.org/microdisection/). This study presents an overview of the gene expression distribution in different pine tissues, specifically highlighting the relationships between tissue gene expression and function. This transcriptome atlas is a valuable resource for functional genomics research in conifers.
MITIGATION OF TIME SERIES APPROACH ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ON RAINFALL OF WADI AL-AQIQ, MADINAH, SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Abd Rahman Norhan , Yusop Zulkifli , Şen Zekai , Taher Saud , Kane Ibrahim Lawal
Published: June 2017

Rainfall record plays a significant role in assessment of climate change, water resource planning and management. In arid region, studies on rainfall are rather scarce due to intricacy and constraint of the available data. Most available studies use more advanced approaches such as A2 scenario, General Circulation Models (GCM) and the like, to study the temporal dynamics and make projection on future rainfall. However, those models take no account of the data patterns and its predictability. Therefore, this study uses time series analysis methodologies such as Mann- Kendall trend test, de-trended fluctuation analysis and state space time series approaches to study the dynamics of rainfall records of four stations in and around Wadi Al-Aqiq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to Mann-Kendall trend test there are decreasing trend in three out of the four stations. The de-trended fluctuation analysis revealed two distinct scaling properties that spells the predictability of the records and confirmed by state space methods.
Kemudahan Prasarana Dalam Pelaksanaan Mata Pelajaran Teknologi Kejuruteraan, Lukisan Kejuruteraan dan Reka Cipta di Sekolah Menengah Harian Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Taib Mohd Tafizam , Mustapha Ramlee
Published: June 2017

Since 1996, technical subjects such as Technology Kejuruteaan (TK), Drawing (LK) and Invention (RC) has been introduced as an elective subject for students grades 4 and Form 5 school newspaper in Malaysia. Examination of the data subjects Lembega TK, LK and RC from 2006 to 2010 showed that students' performance in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) less favorable. Data Planning and Policy Unit Ministry of Education also showed a decrease in enrollment in kindergarten, LK and RC between 10 to 17 per cent from 2009 to 2011. Thus, this study is critical to identify the planning and execution of these subjects in terms of infrastructure use some evaluation model KIPP - Context, Input, process and Product (CIPP) by Stufflebeam et al. (1971). So, the purpose of this paper is to report the results of empirical studies conducted on perceptions of administrators and teachers of these subjects to the infrastructure. The data obtained reflect the perceptions of 159 administrators and 176 teachers from various backgrounds, the infrastructure available in secondary schools. Implications and suggestions for teaching and learning are discussed and presented.
Leading Learning: A Grounded Theory Perspective of the Orang Asli Students’ Learning Journey
Authors: Rabahi Misnaton , Yusof Hamidah , Awang Marinah
Published: June 2017

Past research on the indigenous Orang Asli education highlights the various factors that contributed to the Orang Asli students’ learning disengagement and poor achievement in school, both primary and secondary. This paper presents a grounded theory perspective that illuminates the learning journey of Orang Asli students who have reached higher education despite the oft cited challenges and barriers. Sixteen Orang Asli students shared the experience of their early years, and of school, through in-depth unstructured interviews. Sampling was purposeful, within the context of theoretical sampling following the Grounded Theory method. Constant comparative analysis reveals an emerging theory of leading learning in the education of Orang Asli students. Implication for practice includes for stakeholders to consider the Orang Asli’s strengths, as well as the social and cultural capital in leading the learning of the community’s children. Leveraging on their strengths and continuous improvement will contribute to the sustainability of the Orang Asli education, and the thriving of the community. This study is valuable as it refers to aspects of Orang Asli education that have not been sufficiently illuminated in the existing literature and discussion on the topic, except in the context of a deficit. It contributes to the body of literature that supports hope and achievement for the minority, indigenous community, despite the deficit.
Sound propagation in porous materials with annular pores
Authors: Nori Massimiliano , Venegas Rodolfo
Published: June 2017

Long-wavelength sound propagation in porous materials with annular pores is investigated in this paper. Closed-form analytical expressions for the effective acoustical properties of this type of material were obtained. These are compared with both direct numerical calculations of the effective properties and their calculations obtained by using semi-phenomenological models. Analytical expressions for the input parameters of the latter, i.e., static viscous and thermal permeabilities, viscous and thermal characteristic lengths, and tortuosity, are also provided. The introduced model is successfully validated by comparing its predictions with measured data taken from literature. A parametric analysis that allows highlighting the influence of the different geometrical parameters of porous materials with annular pores on their sound absorptive properties is also presented.
The Dual Activity Responsible for the Elongation and Branching of β-(1,3)-Glucan in the Fungal Cell Wall
Authors: Aimanianda Vishukumar , Simenel Catherine , Garnaud Cecile , Clavaud Cecile , Tada Rui , Barbin Lise , Mouyna Isabelle , Heddergott Christoph , Popolo Laura , Ohya Yoshikazu , Delepierre Muriel , Latge Jean-Paul
Published: June 2017

β-(1,3)-Glucan, the major fungal cell wall component, ramifies through β-(1,6)-glycosidic linkages, which facilitates its binding with other cell wall components contributing to proper cell wall assembly. UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeas a model, we developed a protocol to quantify β-(1,6)-branching on β-(1,3)-glucan. PermeabilizedS. cerevisiaeand radiolabeled substrate UDP-(14C)glucose allowed us to determine branching kinetics. A screening aimed at identifying deletion mutants with reduced branching among them revealed only two, thebgl2Δ andgas1Δ mutants, showing 15% and 70% reductions in the branching, respectively, compared to the wild-type strain. Interestingly, a recombinant Gas1p introduced β-(1,6)-branching on the β-(1,3)-oligomers following its β-(1,3)-elongase activity. Sequential elongation and branching activity of Gas1p occurred on linear β-(1,3)-oligomers as well as Bgl2p-catalyzed products [short β-(1,3)-oligomers linked by a linear β-(1,6)-linkage]. The doubleS. cerevisiae gas1Δbgl2Δ mutant showed a drastically sick phenotype. AnScGas1p ortholog, Gel4p fromAspergillus fumigatus, also showed dual β-(1,3)-glucan elongating and branching activity. BothScGas1p andA. fumigatusGel4p sequences are endowed with a carbohydrate binding module (CBM), CBM43, which was required for the dual β-(1,3)-glucan elongating and branching activity. Our report unravels the β-(1,3)-glucan branching mechanism, a phenomenon occurring during construction of the cell wall which is essential for fungal life.

IMPORTANCEThe fungal cell wall is essential for growth, morphogenesis, protection, and survival. In spite of being essential, cell wall biogenesis, especially the core β-(1,3)-glucan ramification, is poorly understood; the ramified β-(1,3)-glucan interconnects other cell wall components. Once linear β-(1,3)-glucan is synthesized by plasma membrane-bound glucan synthase, the subsequent event is its branching event in the cell wall space. UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeas a model, we identified GH72 and GH17 family glycosyltransferases, Gas1p and Bgl2p, respectively, involved in the β-(1,3)-glucan branching. The sick phenotype of the doubleScgas1Δbgl2Δ mutant suggested that β-(1,3)-glucan branching is essential. In addition toScGas1p, GH72 familyScGas2p andAspergillus fumigatusGel4p, having CBM43 in their sequences, showed dual β-(1,3)-glucan elongating and branching activity. Our report identifies the fungal cell wall β-(1,3)-glucan branching mechanism. The essentiality of β-(1,3)-glucan branching suggests that enzymes involved in the glucan branching could be exploited as antifungal targets.
Respecting patient choices: using the ’Go Wish' cards as a teaching tool
Authors: Osman Hibah , El Jurdi Katia , Sabra Ramzi , Arawi Thalia
Published: June 2017

Background

Individuals have different values and priorities that can have an important impact on their medical management. Understanding this concept can help physicians provide medical care that is in line with the goals of their patients. Communicating this message effectively to students is challenging.

Objective

To report our experience with using Go Wish cards in the medical education setting.

Design

A thematic analysis of student reflection papers using grounded theory.

Setting/Subjects

Second-year medical students participated in an activity using the Go Wish cards as part of a course module on palliative care. The activity aimed to encourage students to reflect on their own choices at the end of life and to highlight that different people have different priorities.

Results

Forty-two students (42%) mentioned the Go Wish activity in their reflections on the module. They reported that the activity demonstrated the different priorities at the end of life, it illustrated the importance of providing personalised care, it promoted self-discovery, it transformed their view of death and dying, and it increased their appreciation of the importance of palliative care.

Conclusion

Go Wish cards can be used to help illustrate the variability in priorities of patients. They can be used as an effective to teach medical students about the importance of considering patient preferences when illness progresses.
Morphogenèse de la vigne in vitro sous atmosphère enrichie en gaz carbonique : importance de l'antériorité morphogénétique des microboutures et du nombre de subcultures
Authors: Héloir Marie-Claire , Fournioux Jean-Claude
Published: June 2017

This study reveals that morphogenesis of grapevine plants (Vitis vinifera L.) produced in vitro under carbon dioxide enriched atmosphereis largely determined by the morphogenetic pattern of vitroplants on which microcuttings were harvested. The presence of tendrils on shoots or shoot parts from which microcuttings were made was essential to obtain a high percentage of adult vitroplants with ternary sequence of tendrils. Therefore, under in vitro culture conditions, the ability of the axillary meristem to produce tendrils is closely correlated with the ability of the apical meristem from which it originated. The interest of these results is discussed from a fundamental standpoint. It allows to suggest an improved process of adult vitroplants production under high carbon dioxide level in which the relative importance of the selection of microcuttings and the number of subcultures is defined.Key words: maturation, micropropagation, tendrils, Vitis vinifera.
Variation in seed characters in populations of Vaccinium § Cyanococcus (the Blueberries) in relation to latitude
Authors: Crouch P. A. , Kloet S. P. Vander
Published: June 2017

Variation in seed characters of 22 populations of eight largely allopatric species of Vaccinium § Cyanococcus (Blueberries) was examined in relation to latitude. Seeds collected from open-pollinated berries representing populations in eastern North America from southern Florida (27° N) to northern Newfoundland (50° N) were grown under glass at ACAD (45° N) in uniform conditions. Seeds used in the analysis were obtained from the mature plants and any variation they exhibited was presumed to be genetically rather than environmentally induced. Significant negative correlations between latitude and seed weight, seed coat thickness, time required for seed set, and time required for germination are described. Since latitude is a gross indicator of climate, these correlations may be interpreted when climatic parameters such as growing season are related to the different phenologies of northern and southern species.
Water stress conditioning of corn (Zea mays) in the field and the greenhouse
Authors: Dwyer L. M. , Stewart D. W.
Published: June 2017

Leaf water potential, osmotic potential, and leaf conductance were measured on corn (Zea mays L.) under water stress in the field and the greenhouse. Field-grown plants were subjected to several cycles of moderate water stress during vegetative growth, while greenhouse plants were well watered until just before the measurement period began following tasselling. In both the field and the greenhouse, leaf water potential declined at midday. Comparison of leaf water potential and osmotic potential measurements indicated that in both environments, the midday decline in leaf water potential was accompanied by a decline in osmotic potential. Since the decline in osmotic potential was greater than that accounted for by predicted volume changes resulting from normal daily dehydration, it was assumed to indicate osmotic adjustment. Despite these similarities, field-grown plants showed a greater response to water stress. Field plants underwent larger daily changes in leaf water potential and these were accompanied by larger changes in osmotic potential. As a result of this greater osmotic adjustment in the field, conductivity was higher at equivalent leaf water potentials and the critical leaf water potential was lower than in greenhouse-grown plants. In both environments, osmotic adjustment maintained leaf turgor (or pressure potential) in a narrow positive range. Although there was no direct relation between turgor potential and leaf conductivity, we hypothesize that the maintenance of a positive turgor potential during daylight hours is significant for growth since it may allow the moisture- and temperature-sensitive process of leaf expansion to proceed during the warmer daylight hours, even under moderate water stress.
Ustilago spp. pathogenic on Aegilops. II. Ustilago tritici
Authors: Nielsen J.
Published: June 2017

Examination of 53 herbarium specimens of Ustilago spp. collected on Aegilops L. showed that U. passerinii, U. schumanniana, U. ehrenbergiana, and U. aegilopidis (sic) are synonyms of U. tritici. From published descriptions it was concluded that U. ugamica, too, is synonymous with U. tritici. Morphology and hybridization studies showed that eight field collections of Ustilago from Aegilops cylindrica, A. kotschyi, A. lorentii, A. tauschii, and A. triuncialis from Iran, Iraq, and the U.S.S.R. are U. tritici. The large proportion of U. tritici among herbarium specimens and field collections indicates that it is the most common Ustilago sp. on Aegilops. Thirty species of Aegilops and Triticum were inoculated with five collections from Aegilops and two races from Triticum. Aegilops bicornis was susceptible, and three Aegilops and six Triticum species were resistant to all inocula. On the remaining hosts the pathogen showed specialization at the species and genus level; specialization at the genus level depended in part on the karyotype of the host. This specialization and the low compatibility between certain collections or races as determined by crosses probably are due to evolution during long-term association with isolated host populations. The use of a trinomial system for U. tritici is rejected because of the multitude of possible formae speciales and the overlapping of pathogenicity by races on several host species.
Effect of naphthalene and aqueous crude-oil extracts on the green flagellate Chlamydomonas angulosa. VII. Nitrate and methylamine uptake and retention
Authors: Hellebust J. A. , Soto C. , Hutchinson T. C.
Published: June 2017

Chlamydomonas angulosa grows equally well on nitrate and ammonium as sources of nitrogen. The presence of ammonium decreases nitrate uptake by less than 10% in short-term experiments. The presence of nitrate has no significant effect on short-term uptake of the ammonium analogue methylamine. Cells grown in nitrate media possess considerable methylamine uptake capacity during early exponential growth. This uptake capacity falls rapidly as the cells enter the declining growth phase. When cells are transferred to nitrogen-deficient media, the uptake capacity for methylamine increases threefold to fourfold in 24 h. The half-saturation constants (Km) for nitrate and methylamine uptake of this alga are 0.4 mM and 90 μM, respectively. When C. angulosa cells are transferred from control Bolds basal medium (BBM) to 50% naphthalene saturated or aqueous crude oil saturated media, the initial uptake rate for nitrate increases by a factor of two or decreases by a factor of one-third, respectively, as compared with that of cells transferred to control BBM. However, cells incubated in closed incubation systems with naphthalene or aqueous crude oil saturated media for 3 days lose nitrate when resuspended in control media. Cells transferred to media containing naphthalene up to 20% saturation show no immediate decrease in methylamine transport, while higher naphthalene concentrations cause an immediate decrease in transport activity. However, cells incubated in 50% naphthalene saturated media in a closed system for 2–4 h actually show increased methylamine transport activity when the incubation system is opened to allow escape of the hydrocarbon. Prolonged exposure to 50% naphthalene saturated media, however, causes progressive loss of transport activity.
Influence of nitrogen supply on developmental kinetics of symbiotic and nonsymbiotic alfalfa cv. Algonquin through first flowering
Authors: Macdowall F. D. H.
Published: June 2017

Sterile or inoculated (Rhizobium meliloti, 102F70) seedlings of Medicago sativa L. cv. Algonquin were grown for 35 or more days in vermiculite in controlled-environment rooms and supplied with Hoagland's solution modified by differing N content. When growth was supported by optimum [Formula: see text] concentration, a high [Formula: see text] changed to a lower value (negative change) at 27 ± 2 days of age, and when growth was symbiotic, a low initial [Formula: see text] changed to a higher value at the same time. These changes could be induced earlier at will by means of a transient supply of [Formula: see text] or by temporary water deficiency. The negative change occurred later during growth in nutrients containing combined N in a reduced form. Hypothetical roles of N assimilation in some of the kinetic changes were discussed.
Chlortetracycline and barley papilla formation: localization of calcium and alteration of the response induced by Erysiphe graminis
Authors: Marshall M. R. , Smart M. G. , Aist J. R. , Israel H. W.
Published: June 2017

Previous results had suggested that Ca(H2PO4)2 may be directly inhibitory to host penetration from appressoria of Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei and that Ca and P are found in much higher amounts in oversized papillae (resistant to penetration) than in normal papillae (not resistant to penetration). In the present study, chlortetracycline was used as a calcium-selective fluorescent probe to examine the occurrence and distribution of calcium in papillae of barley coleoptile epidermal cells. When stained with chlortetracycline, normal and oversized papillae fluoresced bright yellow, indicating the presence of calcium. Oversized papillae, produced in the presence of calcium phosphate solution, could be either poststained or stained during papilla formation by including chlortetracycline in the incubation medium. Such attempts to stain normal papillae during their formation in the presence of calcium nitrate resulted in the formation of oversized papillae similar in appearance to those produced in the presence of Ca(H2PO4)2; however, penetration from appressoria was not inhibited by chlortetracycline. In some cases, this treatment resulted in the formation of chlortetracycline-fluorescent wall appositions on lower periclinal cell walls far removed from the fungus; these appositions were interpreted as calcium-containing wound plugs. None of the chlortetracycline-associated phenomena were seen without calcium in the incubation medium. These results confirm the occurrence and demonstrate the distribution of calcium in papillae and show that chlortetracycline, like phosphate, can act in conjunction with calcium to enhance secretion of papilla material.
Germination of seeds of different sizes in Hyptis suaveolens: the response to irradiance and mixed red–far-red sources
Authors: Wulff Renata D.
Published: June 2017

Seeds of Hyptis suaveolens were sorted into three weight classes and exposed to either red light at different fluence rates or to mixtures of red and far-red light, at two constant temperatures. At the higher temperature tested, the fraction of smaller seeds required at least 10 times more energy for full germination under red light than the larger seeds. Larger seeds germinated fully even under pure far-red light, while the smaller ones required a calculated proportion of 80% active phytochrome to attain comparable germination percentages. It is suggested that different sized seeds could be favoured in different natural microenvironments.
Glycoproteins, enzymatic activities, and b proteins in intercellular fluid extracts from hypersensitive Nicotiana species infected with tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Parent Jean-Guy , Hogue Richard , Asselin Alain
Published: June 2017

Intercellular fluid b proteins from hypersensitive Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Xanthi-nc and N. sylvestris Speg. and Comes infected with tobacco mosaic virus were compared by two-dimensional (2-D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Except for missing bands b2, b6a, b6b, and b7b, the overall 2-D electrophoretic pattern of N. sylvestris intercellular fluid proteins was similar to the one observed with 'Xanthi-nc' tobacco. Intercellular proteins were also studied by chromatography on con-canavalin A. Glycoproteins corresponding to b6a and b7a proteins of N. tabacum and the [Formula: see text] analog of N. sylvestris were identified. These proteins are probably peroxidase isozymes, as peroxidase activities with the same electrophoretic mobility were detected after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No esterase activity was associated with any b protein band in gels. Esterase activities decreased upon virus infection, but accumulation of b proteins and peroxidase activities increased.