bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirror, mirror on the wall: Reflections on speech‐language pathologists’ image as advocates, activists, and aides
Authors: Donaldson Amy L. , Chabon Shelly , Lee‐Wilkerson Dorian , Kapantzoglou Maria
Published: October 2017

Traditionally speech‐language pathology, along with other educational and rehabilitation‐based professions, has approached disability from a deficits‐based or medical‐model perspective with an aim toward normalizing or ameliorating a child's atypical behaviors or performance. However, an alternative perspective rooted in a social model of disability has been growing for several decades. This model argues that although an individual may experience challenges due to a specific impairment (motor, communication, social), their true disability results from the barriers to access and opportunity created by society, and seeks to identify ways to break down such barriers and capitalize on an individual's strengths to meet individual challenges. Although self‐advocates in the disability community first proposed the social model of disability in the 1970s, it remains unfamiliar to many clinicians and educators. As such, this paper aims to introduce clinicians to models of disability, with recognition of disability from a cultural lens, and acknowledgment of disability's intersectionality with ethnicity, social class, and gender. The role of speech‐language pathologists in promoting self‐advocacy, activism within the disability community, and the shifting role of teaching (aid) is then discussed through a strengths‐based lens.
Altered nucleosome positions in maize haplotypes and mutants of a subset of SWI/SNF‐like proteins
Authors: Stroud Linda K. , McGinnis Karen M.
Published: October 2017

Chromatin remodelers alter DNA–histone interactions in eukaryotic organisms and have been well characterized in yeast and Arabidopsis. While there are maize proteins with similar domains as known remodelers, the ability of the maize proteins to alter nucleosome position has not been reported. Mutant alleles of several maize proteins (RMR1, CHR101, CHR106, CHR127, and CHR156) with similar functional domains to known chromatin remodelers were identified. Altered gene expression of Chr101, Chr106, Chr127, and Chr156 was demonstrated in plants homozygous for the mutant alleles. These mutant genotypes were subjected to nucleosome position analysis to determine whether misregulation of putative maize chromatin proteins would lead to altered DNA–histone interactions. Nucleosome position changes were observed in plants homozygous for chr101, chr106, chr127, and chr156 mutant alleles, suggesting that CHR101, CHR106, CHR127, and CHR156 may affect chromatin structure. The role of RNA polymerases in altering DNA–histone interactions was also tested. Changes in nucleosome position were demonstrated in homozygous mop2‐1 individuals. These changes were demonstrated at the b1 tandem repeats and at newly identified loci. Additionally, differential DNA–histone interactions and altered gene expression of putative chromatin remodelers were demonstrated between different maize haplotypes.
Current status and future prospects of agricultural applications using atmospheric‐pressure plasma technologies
Authors: Ito Masafumi , Oh Jun‐Seok , Ohta Takayuki , Shiratani Masaharu , Hori Masaru
Published: October 2017

We review new trends of agricultural applications of atmospheric‐pressure plasmas for decontaminating agricultural products and enhancing seed germination and growth of plants and beneficial microorganisms. We classify the decontamination techniques into three kinds of treatments, which are gas‐phase, in‐liquid, and plasma‐activated liquid treatments, and introduce recent studies mainly after 2010, discussing the inactivation mechanism of microorganisms in each treatment. Likewise, we categorize the enhancement techniques into the same three kinds of treatments, and introduce the growth enhancements in detail, discussing the mechanisms and future prospects.
Seasonal field efficacy of pyriproxyfen autodissemination stations against container‐inhabiting mosquito Aedes albopictus under different habitat conditions
Authors: Suman Devi Shankar , Wang Yi , Faraji Ary , Williams Gregory M , Williges Eric , Gaugler Randy
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Control of the container‐inhabiting mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is difficult using conventional methods due to its selection of cryptic peri‐domestic habitats. We evaluated whether autodissemination stations can deliver sufficient pyriproxyfen to sentinel containers to produce significant pupal mortality in different habitats such as competing oviposition sites, peri‐domestic habitats, junkyards and tire piles. We also tested how far the pesticide could be transferred over a 200‐m range.

RESULTS

Autodissemination stations performed effectively for 8–12 weeks under field conditions. Pupal mortality was reduced in sentinel cups with high‐competing oviposition habitats (5 versus 20) in isolated plots; however, similar results were not seen in residential areas. Increasing the number of stations per plot (from 1 to 4) enhanced the efficacy. Peri‐domestic habitat trials showed the highest pupal mortality (50.4%) and site contamination with pyriproxyfen (82.2%) among the trials. Autodissemination stations were able to contaminate habitats in a junkyard (50.0%) and tire piles (40.2%). Pyriproxyfen was detected in sentinel cups up to 200 m from stations. Detection of pyriproxyfen by residue analysis (0.005–0.741 µg L−1) in field samples confirmed the transfer of the insect growth regulator.

CONCLUSION

Autodissemination stations have shown promising potential as a novel pest management tool against container mosquitoes in field trials in different habitats confronted by mosquito control personnel. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Metaphors describing energy transfer through ecosystems: Helpful or misleading?
Authors: Wernecke Ulrike , Schwanewedel Julia , Harms Ute
Published: October 2017

Energy transfer in ecosystems is an abstract and challenging topic for learners. Metaphors are widely used in scientific and educational discourse to communicate ideas about abstract phenomena. However, although considered valuable teaching tools, metaphors are ambiguous and can be misleading when used in educational contexts. Educational researchers have found metaphorical patterns in scientific and everyday language that have been analyzed on the level of conceptual metaphors. However, little is known about the way students deal with crucial metaphors of specific science content. Using metaphor theory as a framework, the study presented here focuses on metaphors describing energy transfer through an ecosystem: energy flow, energy flow is not a cycle, energy flow is a one‐way street, and energy loss. Applying qualitative content analysis, the usage of the metaphors was analyzed in 13 biology textbooks and 50 students’ texts. We found notable differences between textbooks’ and students’ application of metaphors. Students often do not adopt the metaphors or use them as intended. For example, energy flow is a conventionalized metaphor for energy transfer processes, but students tend to use this metaphor in terms of a substance instead of a process. Implications for the use of these metaphors in biology instruction are derived.
Analysis and design of hybrid electric regional turboprop aircraft
Authors: Voskuijl Mark , van Bogaert Joris , Rao Arvind G.
Published: October 2017

The potential environmental benefits of hybrid electric regional turboprop aircraft in terms of fuel consumption are investigated. Lithium–air batteries are used as energy source in combination with conventional fuel. A validated design and analysis framework is extended with sizing and analysis modules for hybrid electric propulsion system components. In addition, a modified Bréguet range equation, suitable for hybrid electric aircraft, is introduced. The results quantify the limits in range and performance for this type of aircraft as a function of battery technology level. A typical design for 70 passengers with a design range of 1528 km, based on batteries with a specific energy of 1000 Wh/kg, providing 34% of the shaft power throughout the mission, yields a reduction in emissions by 28%.
A Case of Dichorionic Twin Pregnancy with Maternal Propylthiouracil Induced Hypothyroid Goiter in Both Fetuses Treated with Intramniotic Levothyroxine
Authors: Balakrishnan Bijoy , Vikraman Seneesh Kumar , Batra Meenu , Sreeja P. S. , Patil Swapneel Neelkanth , Kannoly Gopinathan
Published: October 2017

Fetal hypothyroid goiters are observed in 1:40,000 births. They are usually attributed to underlying thyroid glandular dysgenesis, dyshormonogenesis, or an adverse effect of maternal anti-thyroid drugs. The objective of the present case report is to outline the details of a twin gestation with hypothyroid goiter in both fetuses managed by intramniotic levothyroxine administration. The index pregnancy was of dichorionic twin gestation in which the mother was receiving oral propylthiouracil. Fetal goiters were first detected in ultrasound performed at 31 weeks of gestation. The hypothyroid nature of goiters was confirmed by cordocentesis from both sacs. Intramniotic administration of 100 μg of levothyroxine into both sacs was performed twice at the interval of two weeks. The response to treatment was assessed by amniotic fluid thyroid hormone levels, and serial measurement of thyroid gland volume. Emergency cesarean section was performed at 35 weeks due to preterm labor. Both fetuses were euthyroid at birth and were discharged in good health.
Tensile strength comparison between peroneus longus and hamstring tendons: A biomechanical study
Authors: Rudy  , Mustamsir Edi , Phatama Krisna Yuarno
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Introduction

Soft tissue injuries, particularly ligaments and tendons, are the most common injuries in sports, account for more than 50% of all injuries and often require orthopedic surgery. According to data in the general population, the incidence rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury was 1:3500. The treatment option of ACL injury cases include physical exercise and reconstruction surgery. Graft options for the ACL reconstruction include:autograft and allograft. One of the most popular autograft is hamstring. The use of hamstrings in ACL reconstruction still arguing among the expert. The choice of autograft that can be chosen as a new alternative is the peroneus longus tendon. Currently, there is very few biomechanical study on peroneus longus strength as an alternative choice of autograft in ACL reconstruction. The study to determine the tensile strength of the peroneus longus tendon was conducted by the researcher as a preliminary study that could bring new perspective for future studies.

Materials and methods

This is an experimental research. Six human cadaveric specimens as research material. Each cadaver was treated by taking hamstring and peroneus from both lower limbs. The hamstring and peroneal tendons were then measured by applying the Hydraulic Servo Pulser tensile test apparatus. Data on tensile strength comparison between peroneal tendon and hamstring were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result

From the measurement results, it is known that hamstring has lower average tensile strength value compared to peroneus without significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The tensile strength of the peroneus longus tendon, which is similar to that of hamstring, gives information that both have the same biomechanic properties. Peroneus longus should not be used as a first option in ACL reconstruction, but may be used as an alternative donor in cases involving multiple instability that require more tendon donors in the reconstruction.

Highlights
Radiocarbon Dating Wooden Carvings and Skeletal Remains from Pitch Lake, Trinidad
Authors: Brock Fiona , Ostapkowicz Joanna , Wiedenhoeft Alex C , Bull Ian D
Published: October 2017

Since the mid-19th century, rare prehistoric wooden carvings and human skeletal remains have been dredged from Pitch Lake, Trinidad, during commercial asphalt mining. Establishing a chronology for these objects is challenging, due to both a lack of stratigraphic and contextual information and the necessity to completely remove any pitch to ensure accurate radiocarbon (14C) dates. A range of solvent extraction protocols was tested to identify the most suitable one for pretreating the Pitch Lake artifacts, and then applied to ten wooden objects and a human cranium recovered from the lake. Several of these objects yielded earlier dates than expected, raising concerns that pitch had remained after pretreatment and had affected the dates. Pyrolysis-GC/MS and optical microscopy techniques were applied to material from the human cranium, a weaving tool, and a small bowl. These techniques, as well as routinely applied laboratory quality assurance procedures, indicated that there was no residual pitch within the cranium or the weaving tool after pretreatment, giving confidence to the dates. However, the small bowl was observed to still be contaminated with pitch after extensive pretreatment, indicating that the date is too old and can only be considered as aterminus post quem.
The Minoan Santorini Eruption and its14C Position in Archaeological Strata: Preliminary Comparison Between Ashkelon and Tell El-Dabca
Authors: Bruins Hendrik J , van der Plicht Johannes
Published: October 2017

The volcanic mega event of the Minoan Santorini eruption constitutes a time anchor in the 2nd millennium BCE that is inherently independent of archaeology and political history. It was a geological event. Yet the dimension of time in geology is not different than in archaeology or human history. Why then does archaeological dating usually place the Minoan Santorini eruption in the 18th Dynasty around 1500 BCE, whilst radiocarbon dating of the volcanic event at Akrotiri (Thera) yielded a calibrated age of 1646–1603 cal BCE, a difference of more than a century? The crux of the problem lies apparently in the correlation between archaeological strata and political history. We present radiocarbon dates of Ashkelon Phases 10 and 11 in comparison to Tell el-Dabca and the Santorini eruption, based only on14C dating. Tell el-Dabca Phase D/2 is slightly older than the volcanic event. But Phase D/1 or Phase C/2-3 could have witnessed the eruption. Ashkelon Phase 11 has similar radiocarbon dates as Tell el-Dabca Phases E/2, E/1 and D/3, all being significantly older than the Minoan eruption. It seems that the duration of Ashkelon Phase 10 includes the temporal occurrence of the Minoan Santorini eruption within the Second Intermediate Period.
To Group or Not to Group? Evidence from Mutual Fund Databases
Authors: Patel Saurin , Sarkissian Sergei
Published: October 2017

Despite the overwhelming trend in mutual funds toward team management, empirical studies find no performance benefits for this phenomenon. We show it is caused by large discrepancies in reported managerial structures in Center for Research in Security Prices and Morningstar Principia data sets versus U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission records, resulting in up to 50-basis-points underestimation of the team impact on fund returns. Using more accurate Morningstar Direct data, we find that team-managed funds outperform single-managed funds across various performance metrics. The relation between team size and fund performance is nonlinear. Also, team-managed funds take on no more risk than single-managed funds. Overall, team management benefits fund industry performance.
Entrepreneurial Litigation and Venture Capital Finance
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Haslem Bruce , Knill April
Published: October 2017

This article empirically examines the interaction between entrepreneurial plaintiff firm litigation and venture capital (VC). The data indicate that, relative to nonplaintiffs, firms that litigate prior to (after) obtaining VC i) receive financing from less (more) reputable venture capitalists (VCs), ii) are subject to greater (similar) oversight by VCs, iii) receive less (more) VC funding, iv) are more likely to exit through an initial public offering than through an acquisition, and v) are less likely to be liquidated when litigation occurs after VC financing. The results are robust to different specifications, methodologies, and endogeneity checks.
Überaktive Blase bei Frauen: Schritt für Schritt zum Ziel
Authors: Perucchini Daniele , Betschart Cornelia
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. OAB (overactive bladder syndrome) ist zwar ein häufiges Leiden, doch wird es oft nicht diagnostiziert und deshalb nicht behandelt. Die Behandlung erfolgt symptomatisch. Im Praxisalltag muss vorgängig eine Basis-(Ausschluss)-Diagnostik durchgeführt werden. Das Führen eines Blasentagebuchs ist sowohl für die Diagnostik als auch für den Verlauf wichtig. Eine urogynäkologische Abklärung mit Urodynamik empfiehlt sich in unklaren Situationen und beim Vorliegen einer gemischten Symptomatik mit Symptomen einer Belastungsinkontinenz oder bei gleichzeitigem Vorliegen einer Blasenentleerungsstörung. Die Therapie erfolgt Schritt für Schritt. Schon einfache Verhaltensänderungen und ein Blasen- und Beckenbodentraining können die Symptomatik deutlich verbessern. Viele Patientinnen profitieren aber zusätzlich von der medikamentösen Therapie. Jahrzehntelang standen dazu alleinig Anticholinergika zur Verfügung. Doch die Langzeitcompliance ist unter diesen Medikamenten gering. Neu erweitern β3-Adrenorezeptor-Agonisten das therapeutische Spektrum: Bei ähnlicher Wirkung unterscheidet sich das Nebenwirkungsprofil unter anderem durch das Fehlen von Mundtrockenheit. Bei therapierefraktärer OAB steht die intravesikale Injektion von Onabotulinumtoxin A als sehr effektive Therapie zur Verfügung. In seltenen Fällen ist auch eine Neuromodulation indiziert.
CME
Authors: Schneemann Markus , Hofmänner Daniel
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Als SIADH (Syndrom der inadäquaten ADH-Sekretion, Schwarz-Bartter-Syndrom) wird eine Elektrolytstörung aus dem Formenkreis der Hyponatriämie bezeichnet. Durch komplexe Mechanismen und verschiedene Ätiologien wird das im Hypothalamus gebildete, und im Hypophysenhinterlappen freigesetzte ADH (antidiuretisches Hormon) in inadäquat hohem Ausmass in die systemische Zirkulation freigesetzt. Nach Erreichen der renalen Sammelrohre führt das ADH zu einer der homöostatischen Situation unangemessenen Wasserretention, was konsekutiv eine hypoosmolare Hyponatriämie bewirkt. Mögliche Auslöser eines SIADH sind Medikamente, Neoplasien, Pneumopathien oder Pathologien des zentralen Nervensystems. Daneben können Operationen, Stress, Traumata, Schmerzen oder eine idiopathische Form zu diesem Syndrom führen. Die klinischen Symptome der Hyponatriämie sind mannigfaltig und häufig unspezifisch. Viele milde Formen verlaufen asymptomatisch. Bei schwererer Ausprägung der Elektrolytstörung treten Appetitlosigkeit, Nausea, Erbrechen, Muskelkrämpfe oder Wesensveränderungen auf. Extremformen mit komaähnlichen Zustandsbildern oder zerebralen Krampfanfällen werden heutzutage nur noch selten beobachtet. Die Differenzialdiagnose der Hyponatriämie ist breit und kann im klinischen Alltag nach definierten Abklärungsalgorithmen erfolgen. Therapeutisch bildet die Trinkmengenrestriktion den Hauptpfeiler der Behandlung.
Miyagi Receives 2017 Mineral and Rock Physics Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Lowell Miyagi will receive the 2017 Mineral and Rock Physics Early Career Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is given to an early-career scientist “in recognition of outstanding contributions in the broadly defined area of mineral and rock physics.”
Smad3 initiates oxidative stress and proteolysis that underlies diaphragm dysfunction during mechanical ventilation
Authors: Tang Huibin , L. Kennedy Catherine , Lee Myung , Gao Yang , Xia Hui , Olguin Francesca , Fraga Danielle A. , Ayers Kelsey , Choi Sehoon , Kim Michael , Tehrani Amir , Sowb Yasser A. , Rando Thomas A. , Shrager Joseph B.
Published: October 2017

Prolonged use of mechanical ventilation (MV) leads to atrophy and dysfunction of the major inspiratory muscle, the diaphragm, contributing to ventilator dependence. Numerous studies have shown that proteolysis and oxidative stress are among the major effectors of ventilator-induced diaphragm muscle dysfunction (VIDD), but the upstream initiator(s) of this process remain to be elucidated. We report here that periodic diaphragm contraction via phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) substantially reduces MV-induced proteolytic activity and oxidative stress in the diaphragm. We show that MV rapidly induces phosphorylation of Smad3, and PNS nearly completely prevents this effect. In cultured cells, overexpressed Smad3 is sufficient to induce oxidative stress and protein degradation, whereas inhibition of Smad3 activity suppresses these events. In rats subjected to MV, inhibition of Smad3 activity by SIS3 suppresses oxidative stress and protein degradation in the diaphragm and prevents the reduction in contractility that is induced by MV. Smad3’s effect appears to link to STAT3 activity, which we previously identified as a regulator of VIDD. Inhibition of Smad3 suppresses STAT3 signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, MV-induced diaphragm inactivity initiates catabolic changes via rapid activation of Smad3 signaling. An early intervention with PNS and/or pharmaceutical inhibition of Smad3 may prevent clinical VIDD.
Ullmann Coupling Reactions on Ag(111) and Ag(110); Substrate Influence on the Formation of Covalently Coupled Products and Intermediate Metal-Organic Structures
Authors: Judd Chris J. , Haddow Sarah L. , Champness Neil R. , Saywell Alex
Published: October 2017

On-surface reactions based on Ullmann coupling are known to proceed on coinage-metal substrates (e.g. Au, Ag, Cu), with the chemistry of the surface strongly influencing the reaction progression. In addition, the topography of the surface may be expected to affect the local adsorption geometry of the reactants as well as the intermediate and final structures. Here, we investigate the effect of two different surface facets of silver, Ag(111) and Ag(110) on the formation of organometallic and covalent structures for Ullmann-type coupling reactions. Deposition of 4,4”-diiodo-m-terphenyl molecules onto either Ag(111) or Ag(110) surfaces leads to the scission of C-I bonds followed by the formation of organometallic zigzag structures, consisting of molecules connected by coordination bonds to Ag adatoms. The covalently coupled product is formed by annealing each surface, leading to the removal of Ag atoms and the formation of covalently bonded zigzag poly(m-phenylene) structures. Comparisons of the adsorption model of molecules on each surface before and after annealing reveal that on Ag(111), structures rearrange by rotation and elongation of bonds in order to become commensurate with the surface, whereas for the Ag(110) surface, the similarity in adsorption geometry of the intermediate and final states means that no rotation is required.
Application of Cre-lox gene switch to limit the Cry expression in rice green tissues
Authors: Chen Hao , Luo Ju , Zheng Peng , Zhang Xiaobo , Zhang Cuicui , Li Xinyuan , Wang Mugui , Huang Yuqing , Liu Xuejiao , Jan Mehmood , Liu Yujun , Hu Peisong , Tu Jumin
Published: October 2017

The presence of genetically modified (GM) protein in the endosperm is important information for the public when considering the biological safety of transgenic rice. To limit the expression of GM proteins to rice green tissues, we developed a modified Cre-lox gene switch using two cassettes named KEY and LOCK. KEY contains a nuclear-localized Cre recombinase driven by the green-tissue-specific promoter rbcS. LOCK contains a Nos terminator (NosT), which is used to block the expression of the gene of interest (GOI), bounded by two loxP sites. When KEY and LOCK are pyramided into hybrid rice, a complete gene switch system is formed. The Cre recombinase from KEY excises loxP-NosT in LOCK and unlocks the GOI in green tissues but keeps it locked in the endosperm. This regulatory effect was demonstrated by eYFP and Bt expression assays. The presence of eYFP and Cre were confirmed in the leaf, sheath, stem, and glume but not in the root, anther or seed of the gene-switch-controlled eYFP hybrids. Meanwhile, gene switch-controlled Bt hybrid rice not only confined the expression of Bt protein to the green tissues but also showed high resistance to striped stem borers and leaffolders.
Evidence for Human Streptococcus pneumoniae in wild and captive chimpanzees: A potential threat to wild populations
Authors: Köndgen Sophie , Calvignac-Spencer Sebastien , Grützmacher Kim , Keil Verena , Mätz-Rensing Kerstin , Nowak Kathrin , Metzger Sonja , Kiyang John , Lübke-Becker Antina , Deschner Tobias , Wittig Roman M. , Lankester Felix , Leendertz Fabian H.
Published: October 2017

Habituation of wild great apes for tourism and research has had a significant positive effect on the conservation of these species. However, risks associated with such activities have been identified, specifically the transmission of human respiratory viruses to wild great apes, causing high morbidity and, occasionally, mortality. Here, we investigate the source of bacterial-viral co-infections in wild and captive chimpanzee communities in the course of several respiratory disease outbreaks. Molecular analyses showed that human respiratory syncytial viruses (HRSV) and human metapneumoviruses (HMPV) were involved in the etiology of the disease. In addition our analysis provide evidence for coinfection withStreptococcus (S.) pneumoniae. Characterisation of isolates from wild chimpanzees point towards a human origin of these bacteria. Transmission of these bacteria is of concern because – in contrast to HRSV and HMPV -S. pneumoniaecan become part of the nasopharyngeal flora, contributing to the severity of respiratory disease progression. Furthermore these bacteria have the potential to spread to other individuals in the community and ultimately into the population. Targeted vaccination programs could be used to vaccinate habituated great apes but also human populations around great ape habitats, bringing health benefits to both humans and wild great apes.
Smoking induces DNA methylation changes in Multiple Sclerosis patients with exposure-response relationship
Authors: Marabita Francesco , Almgren Malin , Sjöholm Louise K. , Kular Lara , Liu Yun , James Tojo , Kiss Nimrod B. , Feinberg Andrew P. , Olsson Tomas , Kockum Ingrid , Alfredsson Lars , Ekström Tomas J. , Jagodic Maja
Published: October 2017

Cigarette smoking is an established environmental risk factor for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease, although a mechanistic basis remains largely unknown. We aimed at investigating how smoking affects blood DNA methylation in MS patients, by assaying genome-wide DNA methylation and comparing smokers, former smokers and never smokers in two Swedish cohorts, differing for known MS risk factors. Smoking affects DNA methylation genome-wide significantly, an exposure-response relationship exists and the time since smoking cessation affects methylation levels. The results also show that the changes were larger in the cohort bearing the major genetic risk factors for MS (female sex and HLA risk haplotypes). Furthermore, CpG sites mapping to genes with known genetic or functional role in the disease are differentially methylated by smoking. Modeling of the methylation levels for a CpG site in the AHRR gene indicates that MS modifies the effect of smoking on methylation changes, by significantly interacting with the effect of smoking load. Alongside, we report that the gene expression of AHRR increased in MS patients after smoking. Our results suggest that epigenetic modifications may reveal the link between a modifiable risk factor and the pathogenetic mechanisms.
Developing a Black Carbon-Substituted Multimedia Model for Simulating the PAH Distributions in Urban Environments
Authors: Wang Chunhui , Zhou Shenglu , He Yue , Wang Junxiao , Wang Fei , Wu Shaohua
Published: October 2017

A multimedia fugacity model with spatially resolved environmental phases at an urban scale was developed. In this model, the key parameter, organic matter, was replaced with black carbon (BC) and applied to simulate the distributions of phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr) and benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) in Nanjing, China. Based on the estimated emissions and measured inflows of air and water, the Phe, Pyr and BaP concentrations in different environment media were calculated under steady-state assumptions. The original model (OC-Model), BC-inclusive model (dual C-Model) and improved model (BC-Model) were validated by comparing observed and predicted Phe, Pyr and BaP concentrations. Our results suggested that lighter polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were more affected by BC substitution than their heavier counterparts. We advocate the utilization of sorption with BC in future multimedia fate models for lighter PAHs based on the comparison of the calculated and observed values from measured and published sources. The spatial distributions of the Phe, Pyr and BaP concentrations in all phases were rationally mapped based on the calculated concentrations from the BC-Model, indicating that soil was the dominant sink of PAHs in terrestrial systems, while sediment was the dominant sink of PAHs in aquatic systems.
Waterlogging accelerates the loss of soil organic carbon from abandoned paddy fields in the hilly terrain in subtropical China
Authors: Xie Xiao Li , Wang Wei , Tian Wen Wen , Xie Ke Jun
Published: October 2017

Paddy soils have been widely recognized as important carbon sinks. However, paddy field abandonment is increasing in the hilly area in subtropical China. Soil waterlogging and weed burning are common practices in abandoned paddy fields, which could affect vegetation cover and carbon sequestration. An rice cultivation experiment was ceased in 2006, and four new treatments were applied as waterlogging (W), drainage (D), waterlogging combined with burning (WB), and drainage combined with burning (DB). Waterlogging altered the vegetation cover and caused an associated change in biomass. Paspalum paspaloides, Murdannia triquetra, and Bidens frondosa dominated W and WB plots, and Microstegium vimineum and Bidens frondosa dominated D and DB plots. Abandonment of paddy fields led to a rapid decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC), and waterlogging accelerates SOC loss which should be attributed mainly to alteration of the vegetation cover. Six years’ rice cultivation increased SOC content by 13.5% (2.4 g kg−1) on average. In contrast, six years’ abandonment reduced SOC content by 14.5% (3.0 g kg−1) on average. Decline rate of SOC was 0.38, 0.64, 0.30, and 0.65 g kg−1 a−1 for D, W, DB, and WB, respectively. Such results indicate a significant risk of SOC loss from abandoned paddy fields.
A multi-component discrete Boltzmann model for nonequilibrium reactive flows
Authors: Lin Chuandong , Luo Kai Hong , Fei Linlin , Succi Sauro
Published: October 2017

We propose a multi-component discrete Boltzmann model (DBM) for premixed, nonpremixed, or partially premixed nonequilibrium reactive flows. This model is suitable for both subsonic and supersonic flows with or without chemical reaction and/or external force. A two-dimensional sixteen-velocity model is constructed for the DBM. In the hydrodynamic limit, the DBM recovers the modified Navier-Stokes equations for reacting species in a force field. Compared to standard lattice Boltzmann models, the DBM presents not only more accurate hydrodynamic quantities, but also detailed nonequilibrium effects that are essential yet long-neglected by traditional fluid dynamics. Apart from nonequilibrium terms (viscous stress and heat flux) in conventional models, specific hydrodynamic and thermodynamic nonequilibrium quantities (high order kinetic moments and their departure from equilibrium) are dynamically obtained from the DBM in a straightforward way. Due to its generality, the developed methodology is applicable to a wide range of phenomena across many energy technologies, emissions reduction, environmental protection, mining accident prevention, chemical and process industry.
The subpolar gyre regulates silicate concentrations in the North Atlantic
Authors: Hátún H. , Azetsu-Scott K. , Somavilla R. , Rey F. , Johnson C. , Mathis M. , Mikolajewicz U. , Coupel P. , Tremblay J.-É. , Hartman S. , Pacariz S. V. , Salter I. , Ólafsson J.
Published: October 2017

The North Atlantic is characterized by diatom-dominated spring blooms that results in significant transfer of carbon to higher trophic levels and the deep ocean. These blooms are terminated by limiting silicate concentrations in summer. Numerous regional studies have demonstrated phytoplankton community shifts to lightly-silicified diatoms and non-silicifying plankton at the onset of silicate limitation. However, to understand basin-scale patterns in ecosystem and climate dynamics, nutrient inventories must be examined over sufficient temporal and spatial scales. Here we show, from a new comprehensive compilation of data from the subpolar Atlantic Ocean, clear evidence of a marked pre-bloom silicate decline of 1.5–2 µM throughout the winter mixed layer during the last 25 years. This silicate decrease is primarily attributed to natural multi-decadal variability through decreased winter convection depths since the mid-1990s, a weakening and retraction of the subpolar gyre and an associated increased influence of nutrient-poor water of subtropical origin. Reduced Arctic silicate import and the projected hemispheric-scale climate change-induced weakening of vertical mixing may have acted to amplify the recent decline. These marked fluctuations in pre-bloom silicate inventories will likely have important consequences for the spatial and temporal extent of diatom blooms, thus impacting ecosystem productivity and ocean-atmosphere climate dynamics.
ALS Associated Mutations in Matrin 3 Alter Protein-Protein Interactions and Impede mRNA Nuclear Export
Authors: Boehringer Ashley , Garcia-Mansfield Krystine , Singh Gurkaran , Bakkar Nadine , Pirrotte Patrick , Bowser Robert
Published: October 2017

Mutations in Matrin 3 have recently been linked to ALS, though the mechanism that induces disease in these patients is unknown. To define the protein interactome of wild-type and ALS-linked MATR3 mutations, we performed immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry using NSC-34 cells expressing human wild-type or mutant Matrin 3. Gene ontology analysis identified a novel role for Matrin 3 in mRNA transport centered on proteins in the TRanscription and EXport (TREX) complex, known to function in mRNA biogenesis and nuclear export. ALS-linked mutations in Matrin 3 led to its re-distribution within the nucleus, decreased co-localization with endogenous Matrin 3 and increased co-localization with specific TREX components. Expression of disease-causing Matrin 3 mutations led to nuclear mRNA export defects of both global mRNA and more specifically the mRNA of TDP-43 and FUS. Our findings identify a potential pathogenic mechanism attributable to MATR3 mutations and further link cellular transport defects to ALS.
Half a century of coastal temperature records reveal complex warming trends in western boundary currents
Authors: Shears Nick T. , Bowen Melissa M.
Published: October 2017

Accelerated warming of western boundary currents due to the strengthening of subtropical gyres has had cascading effects on coastal ecosystems and is widely expected to result in further tropicalization of temperate regions. Predicting how species and ecosystems will respond requires a better understanding of the variability in ocean warming in complex boundary current regions. Using three ≥50 year temperature records we demonstrate high variability in the magnitude and seasonality of warming in the Southwest Pacific boundary current region. The greatest rate of warming was evident off eastern Tasmania (0.20 °C decade−1), followed by southern New Zealand (0.10 °C decade−1), while there was no evidence of annual warming in northeastern New Zealand. This regional variability in coastal warming was also evident in the satellite record and is consistent with expected changes in regional-scale circulation resulting from increased wind stress curl in the South Pacific subtropical gyre. Warming trends over the satellite era (1982–2016) were considerably greater than the longer-term trends, highlighting the importance of long-term temperature records in understanding climate change in coastal regions. Our findings demonstrate the spatial and temporal complexity of warming patterns in boundary current regions and challenge widespread expectations of tropicalization in temperate regions under future climate change.
Neural basis of forward flight control and landing in honeybees
Authors: Ibbotson M. R. , Hung Y.-S. , Meffin H. , Boeddeker N. , Srinivasan M. V.
Published: October 2017

The impressive repertoire of honeybee visually guided behaviors, and their ability to learn has made them an important tool for elucidating the visual basis of behavior. Like other insects, bees perform optomotor course correction to optic flow, a response that is dependent on the spatial structure of the visual environment. However, bees can also distinguish the speed of image motion during forward flight and landing, as well as estimate flight distances (odometry), irrespective of the visual scene. The neural pathways underlying these abilities are unknown. Here we report on a cluster of descending neurons (DNIIIs) that are shown to have the directional tuning properties necessary for detecting image motion during forward flight and landing on vertical surfaces. They have stable firing rates during prolonged periods of stimulation and respond to a wide range of image speeds, making them suitable to detect image flow during flight behaviors. While their responses are not strictly speed tuned, the shape and amplitudes of their speed tuning functions are resistant to large changes in spatial frequency. These cells are prime candidates not only for the control of flight speed and landing, but also the basis of a neural ‘front end’ of the honeybee’s visual odometer.
Elimination of a signal sequence-uncleaved form of defective HLA protein through BAG6
Authors: Yamamoto Koki , Hayashishita Mizuki , Minami Setsuya , Suzuki Kanji , Hagiwara Takumi , Noguchi Aya , Kawahara Hiroyuki
Published: October 2017

A portion of newly synthesized transmembrane domain proteins tend to fail to assemble correctly in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, thus resulting in the production of a signal sequence-uncleaved form of the defective species. Although the efficient degradation of these mistargeted polypeptides is crucial, the molecular mechanism of their elimination pathway has not been adequately characterized. In this study, we focused on one such cryptic portion of a defective transmembrane domain protein, HLA-A, and show that a part of HLA-A is produced as a signal sequence-uncleaved labile species that is immediately targeted to the degradation pathway. We found that both BAG6 and proteasomes are indispensable for elimination of mislocalized HLA-A species. Furthermore, defective HLA-A is subjected to BAG6-dependent solubilization in the cytoplasm. These observations suggest that BAG6 acts as a critical factor for proteasome-mediated degradation of mislocalized HLA-A with a non-cleaved signal sequence at its N-terminus.
Extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields cause antioxidative defense mechanisms in human osteoblasts via induction of •O2
− and H2O2
Authors: Ehnert Sabrina , Fentz Anne-Kristin , Schreiner Anna , Birk Johannes , Wilbrand Benjamin , Ziegler Patrick , Reumann Marie K. , Wang Hongbo , Falldorf Karsten , Nussler Andreas K.
Published: October 2017

Recently, we identified a specific extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) that supports human osteoblast (hOBs) function in an ERK1/2-dependent manner, suggesting reactive oxygen species (ROS) being key regulators in this process. Thus, this study aimed at investigating how ELF-PEMF exposure can modulate hOBs function via ROS. Our results show that single exposure to ELF-PEMF induced ROS production in hOBs, without reducing intracellular glutathione. Repetitive exposure (>3) to ELF-PEMF however reduced ROS-levels, suggesting alterations in the cells antioxidative stress response. The main ROS induced by ELF-PEMF were •O2− and H2O2, therefore expression/activity of antioxidative enzymes related to these ROS were further investigated. ELF-PEMF exposure induced expression of GPX3, SOD2, CAT and GSR on mRNA, protein and enzyme activity level. Scavenging •O2− and H2O2 diminished the ELF-PEMF effect on hOBs function (AP activity and mineralization). Challenging the hOBs with low amounts of H2O2 on the other hand improved hOBs function. In summary, our data show that ELF-PEMF treatment favors differentiation of hOBs by producing non-toxic amounts of ROS, which induces antioxidative defense mechanisms in these cells. Thus, ELF-PEMF treatment might represent an interesting adjunct to conventional therapy supporting bone formation under oxidative stress conditions, e.g. during fracture healing.
Oral administration of cannabis with lipids leads to high levels of cannabinoids in the intestinal lymphatic system and prominent immunomodulation
Authors: Zgair Atheer , Lee Jong Bong , Wong Jonathan C. M. , Taha Dhiaa A. , Aram Jehan , Di Virgilio Daisy , McArthur Joshua W. , Cheng Yu-Kit , Hennig Ivo M. , Barrett David A. , Fischer Peter M. , Constantinescu Cris S. , Gershkovich Pavel
Published: October 2017

Cannabidiol (CBD) and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have well documented immunomodulatory effects in vitro, but not following oral administration in humans. Here we show that oral co-administration of cannabinoids with lipids can substantially increase their intestinal lymphatic transport in rats. CBD concentrations in the lymph were 250-fold higher than in plasma, while THC concentrations in the lymph were 100-fold higher than in plasma. Since cannabinoids are currently in clinical use for the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients, lymphocytes from those patients were used to assess the immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids. The levels of cannabinoids recovered in the intestinal lymphatic system, but not in plasma, were substantially above the immunomodulatory threshold in murine and human lymphocytes. CBD showed higher immunosuppressive effects than THC. Moreover, immune cells from MS patients were more susceptible to the immunosuppressive effects of cannabinoids than those from healthy volunteers or cancer patients. Therefore, administering cannabinoids with a high-fat meal or in lipid-based formulations has the potential to be a therapeutic approach to improve the treatment of MS, or indeed other autoimmune disorders. However, intestinal lymphatic transport of cannabinoids in immunocompromised patients requires caution.
Indication of band flattening at the Fermi level in a strongly correlated electron system
Authors: Melnikov M. Yu. , Shashkin A. A. , Dolgopolov V. T. , Huang S.-H. , Liu C. W. , Kravchenko S. V.
Published: October 2017

Using ultra-high quality SiGe/Si/SiGe quantum wells at millikelvin temperatures, we experimentally compare the energy-averaged effective mass, m, with that at the Fermi level, m
F
, and verify that the behaviours of these measured values are qualitatively different. With decreasing electron density (or increasing interaction strength), the mass at the Fermi level monotonically increases in the entire range of electron densities, while the energy-averaged mass saturates at low densities. The qualitatively different behaviour reveals a precursor to the interaction-induced single-particle spectrum flattening at the Fermi level in this electron system.
Changes in the soil bacterial community along a pedogenic gradient
Authors: Sánchez-Marañón Manuel , Miralles Isabel , Aguirre-Garrido José F. , Anguita-Maeso Manuel , Millán Vicenta , Ortega Raul , García-Salcedo José A. , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Soriano Miguel
Published: October 2017

Current research on the influence of environmental and physicochemical factors in shaping the soil bacterial structure has seldom been approached from a pedological perspective. We studied the bacterial communities of eight soils selected along a pedogenic gradient at the local scale in a Mediterranean calcareous mountain (Sierra de María, SE Spain). The results showed that the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Canditate division WPS-1, and Armatimonadetes decreased whereas that of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria increased from the less-developed soils (Leptosol) to more-developed soils (Luvisol). This bacterial distribution pattern was also positively correlated with soil-quality parameters such as organic C, water-stable aggregates, porosity, moisture, and acidity. In addition, at a lower taxonomic level, the abundance of Acidobacteria Gp4, Armatimonadetes_gp4, Solirubrobacter, Microvirga, Terrimonas, and Nocardioides paralleled soil development and quality. Therefore, our work indicates that the composition of bacterial populations changes with pedogenesis, which could be considered a factor influencing the communities according to the environmental and physicochemical conditions during the soil formation.
High-level heterologous production and Functional Secretion by recombinant Pichia pastoris of the shortest proline-rich antibacterial honeybee peptide Apidaecin
Authors: Chen Ximing , Li Juan , Sun Haili , Li Shiweng , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu , Dyson Paul
Published: October 2017

Drug resistance is a major problem in antibacterial chemotherapy. Apidaecins, which refer to a series of small, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides, are predominantly active against many drug-resistant bacteria. The apidaecins have special antibacterial mechanisms, and are non-toxic for human cells, a prerequisite for using them as novel antibiotic drugs. However, no efficient non-tagged apidaecin expression system has been reported, which is the limiting factor for their application. Here we successfully generated a Pichia pastoris transformant expressing and secreting apidaecin. However, expression was unstable and poor. Analysis of this revealed that the integration plasmid was frequently lost and that apidaecin expression resulted in cell death. Using N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine mutagenesis and selection, a mutant strain Apmu4 was derived, in which the rate of loss of the integration plasmid was much lower after induction, and which produced improved titres of apidaecin. Additionally, we discovered that using glucose as the sole carbon source to pre-culture the strain before induction could greatly enhance apidaecin production. A pilot-scale 10 L fermentation yielded 418 mg/L of recombinant apidaecin, which represents the highest reported yield of apidaecin. Consequently, this study reports the first super heterologous expression and secretion of apidaecin in yeast.