bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
System‐specific activity in response to Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in awake male rats
Authors: Madularu Dan , Yee Jason R. , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F.
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of two doses of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, cannabis' main psychoactive agent) and vehicle on blood‐oxygen‐level dependent (BOLD) activity in drug‐naïve, awake rats, in an effort to obtain a THC‐specific map of activation in clinically‐relevant regions and systems. Intraperitoneal injections of low dose of THC resulted in increased positive and negative BOLD signals compared to vehicle and high dose in areas rich in cannabinoid receptor 1, as well as throughout the pain and hippocampal neural systems. These results offer unique maps of activity, or ‘fingerprints’, associated with systemic THC administration, allowing for further comparisons with either additional doses or compounds, or between THC administration modalities (i.e. systemic vs. ingested vs. inhaled), which ultimately adds to the translatability assessment of THC‐induced BOLD between animal and human studies.
Differential actions of AMP kinase on ATP‐sensitive K+ currents in ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra zona compacta neurons
Authors: Wu Yan‐Na , Shen Ke‐Zhong , Johnson Steven W.
Published: October 2017

ATP‐sensitive K+ (K‐ATP) channels play significant roles in regulating the excitability of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra zona compacta (SNC). We showed previously that K‐ATP channel function is up‐regulated by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). This study extended these studies to the neurons adjacent to the SNC in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Using patch pipettes to record whole‐cell currents in slices of rat midbrain, we found that the AMPK activator A769662 increased the amplitude of currents evoked by the K‐ATP channel opener diazoxide in presumed dopamine‐containing VTA neurons. However, current evoked by diazoxide with A769662 was significantly smaller in VTA neurons compared to SNC neurons. Moreover, a significantly lower proportion of VTA neurons responded to diazoxide with outward current. However, A769662 was able to increase the incidence of diazoxide‐responsive neurons in the VTA. In contrast, A769662 did not potentiate diazoxide‐evoked currents in presumed non‐dopamine VTA neurons. These results show that AMPK activation augments K‐ATP currents in presumed dopamine neurons in the VTA and SNC, although diazoxide‐evoked currents remain less robust in the VTA. We conclude that K‐ATP channels may play important physiological roles in VTA and SNC dopamine neurons.
Cortical responses before 6 months of life associate with later autism
Authors: Lloyd‐Fox S. , Blasi A. , Pasco G. , Gliga T. , Jones E. J. H. , Murphy D. G. M. , Elwell C. E. , Charman T. , Johnson M. H. ,   the BASIS Team
Published: October 2017

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common, highly heritable, developmental disorder and later‐born siblings of diagnosed children are at higher risk of developing ASD than the general population. Although the emergence of behavioural symptoms of ASD in toddlerhood is well characterized, far less is known about development during the first months of life of infants at familial risk. In a prospective longitudinal study of infants at familial risk followed to 36 months, we measured functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain responses to social videos of people (i.e. peek‐a‐boo) compared to non‐social images (vehicles) and human vocalizations compared to non‐vocal sounds. At 4–6 months, infants who went on to develop ASD at 3 years (N = 5) evidenced‐reduced activation to visual social stimuli relative to low‐risk infants (N = 16) across inferior frontal (IFG) and posterior temporal (pSTS‐TPJ) regions of the cortex. Furthermore, these infants also showed reduced activation to vocal sounds and enhanced activation to non‐vocal sounds within left lateralized temporal (aMTG‐STG/pSTS‐TPJ) regions compared with low‐risk infants and high‐risk infants who did not develop ASD (N = 15). The degree of activation to both the visual and auditory stimuli correlated with parent‐reported ASD symptomology in toddlerhood. These preliminary findings are consistent with later atypical social brain responses seen in children and adults with ASD, and highlight the need for further work interrogating atypical processing in early infancy and how it may relate to later social interaction and communication difficulties characteristic of ASD.
Founder events, isolation, and inbreeding: Intercontinental genetic structure of the domestic ferret
Authors: Gustafson Kyle D. , Hawkins Michelle G. , Drazenovich Tracy L. , Church Robert , Brown Susan A. , Ernest Holly B.
Published: October 2017

Domestication and breeding for human‐desired morphological traits can reduce population genetic diversity via founder events and artificial selection, resulting in inbreeding depression and genetic disorders. The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was domesticated from European polecats (M. putorius), transported to multiple continents, and has been artificially selected for several traits. The ferret is now a common pet, a laboratory model organism, and feral ferrets can impact native biodiversity. We hypothesized global ferret trade resulted in distinct international genetic clusters and that ferrets transported to other continents would have lower genetic diversity than ferrets from Europe because of extreme founder events and no hybridization with wild polecats or genetically diverse ferrets. To assess these hypotheses, we genotyped 765 ferrets at 31 microsatellites from 11 countries among the continents of North America, Europe, and Australia and estimated population structure and genetic diversity. Fifteen M. putorius were genotyped for comparison. Our study indicated ferrets exhibit geographically distinct clusters and highlights the low genetic variation in certain countries. Australian and North American clusters have the lowest genetic diversities and highest inbreeding metrics whereas the United Kingdom (UK) cluster exhibited intermediate genetic diversity. Non‐UK European ferrets had high genetic diversity, possibly a result of introgression with wild polecats. Notably, Hungarian ferrets had the highest genetic diversity and Hungary is the only country sampled with two wild polecat species. Our research has broad social, economic, and biomedical importance. Ferret owners and veterinarians should be made aware of potential inbreeding depression. Breeders in North America and Australia would benefit by incorporating genetically diverse ferrets from mainland Europe. Laboratories using ferrets as biomedical organisms should consider diversifying their genetic stock and incorporating genetic information into bioassays. These results also have forensic applications for conserving the genetics of wild polecat species and for identifying and managing sources of feral ferrets causing ecosystem damage.
The Growth in Shared Custody in the United States: Patterns and Implications
Authors: Meyer Daniel R. , Cancian Maria , Cook Steven T.
Published: October 2017

We document the dramatic decline in the United States of mother sole custody arrangements following divorce. Our empirical analysis uses Wisconsin court records data spanning more than two decades (1988–2010). Updating earlier analyses that showed significant increases in shared custody, we estimate that shared custody (where children spend at least 25% of time with each parent) has now replaced sole‐mother custody as the most common post‐divorce parenting arrangement—accounting for just over half (50.3%) of all cases in the most recent cohort available. We discuss the institutional context for these changes in custody in the United States, the sociodemographic factors associated with custody outcomes, and the implications for policy and practice.
Shared Parenting in Canada: Increasing Use But Continued Controversy
Authors: Bala Nicholas , Birnbaum Rachel , Poitras Karine , Saini Michael , Cyr Francine , LeClair Shawna
Published: October 2017

There is a complex interplay between federal and provincial parenting statutes in Canada. Although most statutes continue to use the traditional concepts of “custody” and “access,” in practice most lawyers and judges use more child‐focused terminology for parenting plans. There is a lack of reliable data on postseparation parenting in Canada, though a number of studies and data sources clearly indicate that there is growing use of various forms of shared parenting. Child support law in Canada defines “shared custody,” as occurring if each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, and this arrangement currently is used in about a fifth of parenting orders. Reform of the parenting‐related provisions of Canada's Divorce Act remains contentious. We argue for statutory change to abandon the archaic terminology of “custody” and “access” and for adoption of more child‐focused terminology. We do not support proposals made by fathers’ rights advocates in Canada for a presumption of equal parenting time.
Shared Residence After Separation: A Review and New Findings from the Netherlands
Authors: Poortman Anne‐Rigt , van Gaalen Ruben
Published: October 2017

In 2009 the Dutch legislator introduced a law that sought to encourage shared residence. We summarize key findings on shared residence from prior work in the Netherlands, and present new data. Previous research showed that shared residence has increased steadily in recent decades. Our recent estimates revealed that shared residence increased from nearly 20% in 2008 (prereform) to 28% in 2010 (postreform). Official court data showed a decline again to a little over 20% in 2013. We also found shared residence to be less a stable arrangement than mother or father residence. Consistent with earlier studies, parents with shared residence were found to be well‐resourced parents with little conflict and few personal problems. These parents were also more likely to maintain this arrangement, but the instability of shared residence also appeared to be related to practical circumstances and to children's needs. Earlier findings on the consequences of shared residence for child and parent well‐being were mixed, but suggest positive effects.
Alternating Residence for Children After Parental Separation: Recent Findings from Belgium
Authors: Vanassche Sofie , Sodermans An Katrien , Declerck Charlotte , Matthijs Koen
Published: October 2017

In recent decades there have been two significant legislative amendments to shared parenting in Belgium. In 1995, joint exercise of parental responsibilities was introduced as the default legal position. In 2006, the legislation required that in all cases of joint parenthood in which parents could not agree on children's living arrangements, equally divided alternating residence must first be considered by the judge. In this article, we summarize recent research findings from Belgium about alternating residence for children. There has been a fourfold increase in alternating residence, and families in these arrangements became increasingly diverse. Compared to children living exclusively with their mothers, children in alternating residences report a better relationship with their father, while mothers report a more active personal social life. For children, alternating residence is found to be more challenging under certain conditions (e.g. no communication between parents).
Whose Embryo Is It Anyway?: The Need for a Federal Statute Enforcing Frozen Embryo Disposition Contracts
Authors: Faver Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Affording a couple the right to decide what should become of their frozen embryos in the event they divorce is of the utmost importance. The right to procreate, as well as not to procreate, has been observed as a constitutionally protected right under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The interference by the judiciary in overriding, superseding, or simply ignoring disposition contracts is severely problematic. The parties have theoretically decided the best course of action by addressing potential future complications in disposition contracts. Not enforcing disposition contracts creates a lack of trust between the in vitro fertilization (IVF) facility and the parties and between the parties themselves. Knowing the contract they are signing may be thrown out if one party changes their mind, severely undermines contractual authority in assisted reproductive technology. This Note proposes multiple psychological, legal, and medical safeguards to be implemented by IVF facilities in order to ensure the parties enter into a valid and enforceable contract.
Atp1a3‐deficient heterozygous mice show lower rank in the hierarchy and altered social behavior
Authors: Sugimoto H. , Ikeda K. , Kawakami K.
Published: October 2017

Atp1a3 is the Na‐pump alpha3 subunit gene expressed mainly in neurons of the brain. Atp1a3‐deficient heterozygous mice (Atp1a3+/−) show altered neurotransmission and deficits of motor function after stress loading. To understand the function of Atp1a3 in a social hierarchy, we evaluated social behaviors (social interaction, aggression, social approach and social dominance) of Atp1a3+/− and compared the rank and hierarchy structure between Atp1a3+/− and wild‐type mice within a housing cage using the round‐robin tube test and barbering observations. Formation of a hierarchy decreases social conflict and promote social stability within the group. The hierarchical rank is a reflection of social dominance within a cage, which is heritable and can be regulated by specific genes in mice. Here we report: (1) The degree of social interaction but not aggression was lower in Atp1a3+/− than wild‐type mice, and Atp1a3+/− approached Atp1a3+/− mice more frequently than wild type. (2) The frequency of barbering was lower in the Atp1a3+/− group than in the wild‐type group, while no difference was observed in the mixed‐genotype housing condition. (3) Hierarchy formation was not different between Atp1a3+/− and wild type. (4) Atp1a3+/− showed a lower rank in the mixed‐genotype housing condition than that in the wild type, indicating that Atp1a3 regulates social dominance. In sum, Atp1a3+/− showed unique social behavior characteristics of lower social interaction and preference to approach the same genotype mice and a lower ranking in the hierarchy.
SIMS Bias on Isotope Ratios in Ca‐Mg‐Fe Carbonates (Part III): δ18O and δ13C Matrix Effects Along the Magnesite–Siderite Solid‐Solution Series
Authors: Śliwiński Maciej G. , Kitajima Kouki , Spicuzza Michael J. , Orland Ian J. , Ishida Akizumi , Fournelle John H. , Valley John W.
Published: October 2017

This study explores the effects of cation composition on mass bias (i.e., the matrix effect), which is a major component of instrumental mass fractionation (IMF) in the microanalyses of δ13C and δ18O by SIMS in carbonates of the magnesite–siderite solid‐solution series (MgCO3–FeCO3). A suite of twelve calibration reference materials (RMs) was developed and documented (calibrated range: Fe# = 0.002–0.997, where Fe# = molar Fe/[Mg + Fe]), along with empirical expressions for regressing calibration data (affording residuals < 0.5‰ relative to certified reference material NIST‐19). The calibration curves of both isotope systems are non‐linear and have, over a 2‐year period, fallen into one of two distinct but largely self‐consistent shape categories (data from ten measurement sessions), despite adherence to well‐established analytical protocols for carbonate δ13C and δ18O analyses at WiscSIMS (CAMECA IMS 1280). Mass bias was consistently most sensitive to changes in composition near the magnesite end‐member (Fe# 0–0.2), deviating by up to 4.5‰ (δ13C) and 14‰ (δ18O) with increasing Fe content. The cause of variability in calibration curve shapes is not well understood at present and demonstrates the importance of having available a sufficient number of well‐characterised RMs so that potential complexities of curvature can be adequately delineated and accounted for on a session‐by‐session basis.
Prediction of a nail polish colour applied on a nail
Authors: Monpeurt C. , Cinotti E. , Razafindrakoto J. , Rubegni P. , Fimiani M. , Perrot J. L. , Hebert M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

The colour of a nail polish varies according to the nail on which it is applied. The objective of this study was to predict the colour of the nail polish on a given nail and to study how the colour varies depending on the nail polish thickness.

Methods

Six nail polishes were applied in one, two and three layers on the nails of one subject, thus forming eighteen samples. The spectral reflectances of the eighteen nail polishes applied on the nails with different thicknesses were obtained by spectrophotometry. The spectral reflectances of the nails without polish were also measured using the same technique. The thicknesses of nail polishes were measured by high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT). Then, to determine the physical parameters of the nail polish itself, we applied the six nail polishes on an opacity drawdown chart and we measured the spectral reflectance and the thickness of each patch using spectrophotometry and HD‐OCT, respectively. The Kubelka–Munk theory was used to get the predicted spectral reflectance of the nail polish applied on the nail according to the polish thickness by knowing the parameter of the polish itself and the spectral reflectance of the nail. The predicted spectral reflectances were finally compared with those measured directly on the nails.

Results

The predicted spectral reflectances were rather close to measured ones. Consequently, knowing the colour of the nail without polish and the optical parameters of the nail polish itself, we can estimate the colour of the nail polish applied on the nail depending on its thickness.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the Kubelka–Munk theory can be used to predict the nail polish colour. The ability to predict the real colour of a nail polish applied on a nail could help a nail polish manufacturer to improve his polish formulae in order to obtain a precise colour.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia: report of nine cases
Authors: Bahloul Emna , Amouri Meriem , Charfi Slim , Boudawara Ons , Mnif Hela , Boudawara Tahya , Turki Hamida
Published: October 2017

Background

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a benign vascular proliferation characterized by dermal or subcutaneous red or brown papules or nodules, most commonly on the head and neck.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of ALHE, focusing particularly on the histological and therapeutic features.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of all cases of ALHE diagnosed in our dermatology and pathology departments between 2004 and 2015.

Results

Over 12 years, we collected nine cases of ALHE (0.75 case/year). There were four men and five women. The mean age was 43 years. Lesions presented as erythematous or violaceous papules or nodules in all cases, multiple in five cases, and localized on the head in eight cases or other sites in four cases. The diagnosis of ALHE was clinically suspected in only two cases. The histopathological findings showed an ill‐circumscribed, intradermal slightly lobular proliferation of capillary‐sized vessels around several central vessels. In all cases, the blood vessels were lined by large endothelial cells. An inflammatory infiltrate around the vessels was formed mainly of lymphocytes and eosinophils with isolated plasma cells and histiocytes. Surgery was the most common treatment in our series. Other local or general treatment has also been used with varying responses.

Conclusion

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is a rare epithelioid vascular tumor with a challenging clinical and histological diagnosis. Despite its benign nature, ALHE causes a therapeutic dilemma.
Aseptic surgical preparation for upper eyelid blepharoplasty via full‐face octenidine antiseptic without antibiotic medication shows effective prophylaxis against post‐surgical wound infection
Authors: Matiasek Johannes , Kienzl Philip , Otti Gerlinde R , Turk Bela R , Djedovic Gabriel , Rieger Ulrich M
Published: October 2017

Blepharoplasty is the third most common plastic surgical procedure in the USA. Due to the emergence of multiresistant bacteria, optimising the antiseptic procedure is crucial. Choice of antiseptics plays an important role as they may cause skin irritation and colouring of disinfected areas. In this study, the use of the aqueous antiseptic octenisept® (octenidine) was evaluated in the outcome of blepharoplasties: incidence of wound dehiscence; haematoma; and infection in correlation with gender, medication, smoking habits and time of year. This retrospective surveillance study included 352 patients (median age 58·3 years). Skin disinfection was performed thrice prior to blepharoplasty. Sutures were removed on day 6. None of the patients suffered from wound infection. The total rate of wound dehiscence was 6·3%, with a higher ratio among male patients. Smokers and patients on anticoagulant medication showed a significantly higher incidence of wound dehiscence. Throughout the year, rates of wound dehiscence were highest in summer. Aseptic surgical preparation for blepharoplasty via full‐face scrub with octenisept® without oral antibiotic prophylaxis is well tolerated, with no report of wound infection, which may improve antibiotic stewardship as well as patient comfort. Elective upper eyelid blepharoplasty may ideally be performed in winter.
Avian SDMs: current state, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Engler Jan O. , Stiels Darius , Schidelko Kathrin , Strubbe Diederik , Quillfeldt Petra , Brambilla Mattia
Published: October 2017

Quantifying species distributions using species distribution models (SDMs) has emerged as a central method in modern biogeography. These empirical models link species occurrence data with spatial environmental information. Since their emergence in the 1990s, thousands of scientific papers have used SDMs to study organisms across the entire tree of life, with birds commanding considerable attention. Here, we review the current state of avian SDMs and point to challenges and future opportunities for specific applications, ranging from conservation biology, invasive species and predicting seabird distributions, to more general topics such as modeling avian diversity, niche evolution and seasonal distributions at a biogeographic scale. While SDMs have been criticized for being phenomenological in nature, and for their inability to explicitly account for a variety of processes affecting populations, we conclude that they remain a powerful tool to learn about past, current, and future species distributions – at least when their limitations and assumptions are recognized and addressed. We close our review by providing an outlook on prospects and synergies with other disciplines in which avian SDMs can play an important role.
Mercury levels in hair samples of dentists: A comparative study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesekara Lumbini A. , Usoof Rinzee , Gamage Sachindra S. T. , Jayasinghe Ruwan , Gamage Nandasena , De Silva Dileep , Ekanayake Sagarika
Published: October 2017

Aim

Elemental mercury is widely used in dentistry as dental amalgam. Hair samples constitute preferred biomarkers to determine the index of mercury exposure. In the absence of any published studies, the aim of the present study was to ascertain the level of mercury in a selected sample of dentists and controls in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Hair samples (.7 g) from dentists working in and around the Colombo district in Sri Lanka (n = 50) and controls (n = 50) were digested with sulfuric acid‐potassium permanganate solution, and reduced to metallic mercury with stannous chloride. Digested samples were analyzed for mercury using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results

The average mercury contents of the test and control samples (n = 50 each) were 5.36 ± 2.64 ppb and 3.1 ± 1.99 ppb, respectively. Based on the estimated ratio of mercury in hair to blood in humans as 250:1, the average content of mercury in the blood of the two groups could be .02 ppb and .01 ppb, respectively. The number of years in dentistry and number of amalgam restorations performed within 1 week were not correlated with the hair concentration of mercury.

Conclusions

As the values of both groups were well below 10 ng/mL (10 ppb), within the concentrations considered as normal, mercury use was not considered an occupational hazard for dentists.
Partner Type Diversity in Alliance Portfolios: Multiple Dimensions, Boundary Conditions and Firm Innovation Performance
Authors: Hagedoorn John , Lokshin Boris , Zobel Ann‐Kristin
Published: October 2017

Our research extends the current knowledge based view on the configuration of alliance portfolios and their deployment in different external knowledge environments. We study these alliance portfolios in a longitudinal sample (1996–2010) for over three thousand firms that operate in a large number of industries in the Netherlands. Our findings indicate that partner type variety and partner type relevance, as different dimensions of partner diversity in alliance portfolios, both have an inverted U‐shaped association with firm innovation performance. However, alliance portfolios characterized by both high partner type variety and high relevance cause inferior innovation performance. Different external knowledge environments, characterized by different levels of industry modularity and scope of knowledge distribution, moderate the inverted U‐shaped associations of partner type variety and relevance in alliance portfolios with firm innovation performance in opposing directions. While for partner type variety, a high level is found to be optimal in environments with greater modularity or broader scope of knowledge distribution, for partner type relevance it turns out that a low level is optimal under more modular industry conditions.
Effects of high grafting on tomato plants infected by Meloidogyne incognita and Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Uehara Taketo , Nakaho Kazuhiro
Published: October 2017

The root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is known to increase the severity of bacterial wilt in many solanaceous crops. In Japan, several bacterial wilt‐resistant rootstocks that have the M. incognita resistance (Mi) gene in their genome have been developed for tomatoes. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the presence of Mi gene‐breaking M. incognita population affects the development of bacterial wilt in bacterial‐wilt‐resistant tomato rootstocks with Mi in their genetic background. We also aimed to examine the possibility of using high‐grafted tomatoes to control bacterial wilt in plants infected by M. incognita. Our results indicate that the resistance to bacterial wilt was easy to break in usual‐grafted tomato plants infected with M. incognita and that M. incognita enhanced the vertical movement of Ralstonia solanacearum in the bacterial‐wilt‐resistant tomato rootstocks. In addition, our results suggest that high grafting led to significantly less wilting in the plants infected by M. incognita than did usual grafting.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza‐mediated resistance in tomato against Cladosporium fulvum‐induced mould disease
Authors: Wang Yue‐Yan , Yin Qiu‐Shuang , Qu Yue , Li Guang‐Zhe , Hao Lin
Published: October 2017

Root colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhances plant resistance particularly against soil‐borne pathogenic fungi. In this study, mycorrhizal inoculation with Glomus mosseae (Gm) significantly alleviated tomato mould disease caused by the air‐borne fungal pathogen, Cladosporium fulvum (Cf). The disease index (DI) in local leaves (receiving pathogen inoculation) and systemic leaves (just above the local leaf without pathogen inoculation) was 36.4% and 11.7% in mycorrhizal plants, respectively, whereas DI was 59.6% and 36.4% in the corresponding leaves of AMF non‐inoculated plants, after 50 days of Gm inoculation, corresponding to 15 days after Cf inoculation by leaf infiltration. Foliar spray inoculation with Cf also revealed that AMF pre‐inoculated plants had a higher resistance against subsequent pathogen infection, where the DI was 41.3% in mycorrhizal plants vs. 64.4% in AMF non‐inoculated plants. AMF‐inoculated plants showed significantly higher fresh and dry weight than non‐inoculated plants under both control (without pathogen) and pathogen treatments. AMF‐inoculated plants exhibited significant increases in activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, along with decreases in levels of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, compared with non‐inoculated plants after pathogen inoculation. AMF inoculation led to increases in total chlorophyll contents and net photosynthesis rate as compared with non‐inoculated plants under control and pathogen infection. Pathogen infection on AMF non‐inoculated plants led to decreases in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. However, pathogen infection did not affect these parameters in mycorrhizal plants. Taken together, these results indicate that AMF colonization may play an important role in plant resistance against air‐borne pathogen infection by maintaining redox poise and photosynthetic activity.
Origin and evolution of chloroplast group I introns in lichen algae
Authors: del Hoyo Alicia , Álvarez Raquel , Gasulla Francisco , Casano Leonardo Mario , del Campo Eva María
Published: October 2017

The history of group I introns is characterized by repeated horizontal transfers, even among phylogenetically distant species. The symbiogenetic thalli of lichens are good candidates for the horizontal transfer of genetic material among distantly related organisms, such as fungi and green algae. The main goal of this study was to determine whether there were different trends in intron distribution and properties among Chlorophyte algae based on their phylogenetic relationships and living conditions. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence, distribution and properties of group I introns within the chloroplast LSU rDNA in 87 Chlorophyte algae including lichen and free‐living Trebouxiophyceae compared to free‐living non‐Trebouxiophyceae species. Overall, our findings showed that there was high diversity of group I introns and homing endonucleases (HEs) between Trebouxiophyceae and non‐Trebouxiophyceae Chlorophyte algae, with divergence in their distribution patterns, frequencies and properties. However, the differences between lichen Trebouxiophyceae and free‐living Trebouxiophyceae were smaller. An exception was the cL2449 intron, which was closely related to ω elements in yeasts. Such introns seem to occur more frequently in lichen Trebouxiophyceae compared to free‐living Trebouxiophyceae. Our data suggest that lichenization and maintenance of lichen symbiosis for millions of years of evolution may have facilitated horizontal transfers of specific introns/HEs between symbionts. The data also suggest that sequencing of more chloroplast genes harboring group I introns in diverse algal groups may help us to understand the group I intron/HE transmission process within these organisms.
Rapid response to changing environments during biological invasions: DNA methylation perspectives
Authors: Huang Xuena , Li Shiguo , Ni Ping , Gao Yangchun , Jiang Bei , Zhou Zunchun , Zhan Aibin
Published: October 2017

Dissecting complex interactions between species and their environments has long been a research hot spot in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. The well‐recognized Darwinian evolution has well‐explained long‐term adaptation scenarios; however, “rapid” processes of biological responses to environmental changes remain largely unexplored, particularly molecular mechanisms such as DNA methylation that have recently been proposed to play crucial roles in rapid environmental adaptation. Invasive species, which have capacities to successfully survive rapidly changing environments during biological invasions, provide great opportunities to study molecular mechanisms of rapid environmental adaptation. Here, we used the methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technique in an invasive model ascidian, Ciona savignyi, to investigate how species interact with rapidly changing environments at the whole‐genome level. We detected quite rapid DNA methylation response: significant changes of DNA methylation frequency and epigenetic differentiation between treatment and control groups occurred only after 1 hr of high‐temperature exposure or after 3 hr of low‐salinity challenge. In addition, we detected time‐dependent hemimethylation changes and increased intragroup epigenetic divergence induced by environmental stresses. Interestingly, we found evidence of DNA methylation resilience, as most stress‐induced DNA methylation variation maintained shortly (~48 hr) and quickly returned back to the control levels. Our findings clearly showed that invasive species could rapidly respond to acute environmental changes through DNA methylation modifications, and rapid environmental changes left significant epigenetic signatures at the whole‐genome level. All these results provide fundamental background to deeply investigate the contribution of DNA methylation mechanisms to rapid contemporary environmental adaptation.
On the relevance ofsmall nations. Religion and politics in S.N. Eisenstadt's multiple modernities paradigm
Authors: Laniel Jean‐François
Published: October 2017

In recent years, the paradigm of multiple modernities has spurred a growing interest in theoretical, empirical and comparative studies. Among these, the relationships between religious traditions and social dynamics have received particular attention. Counter to evolutionary accounts of modernisation processes, Eisenstadt studied the persisting and evolving links between religion, politics and modernity in different national and civilisational settings. Indeed, the collective incidence of culture, of religion and of tradition was placed at the very heart of Eisenstadt's thought – hence the many ‘cultural programs of modernity'. It is the originality of this understanding of societiesinmodernity that we wish to underline and help explain by his interest for small nations and the religio‐political. I first advocate Eisenstadt's version of multiple modernities, highlighting the paradigm's specific knowledge interest. Secondly, we turn our attention to the often ignored importance of ‘Jewish civilisation' in Eisenstadt's thought. In so doing, we underline Israel's ‘smallness' and its characteristics as a ‘small nation'. Lastly, we stress the elective affinity between multiple modernities and small nations in the study of politics and religion. As is the case for small nations, religion constitutes the ‘other half of modernity', too rarely genuinely considered in (large nation) modernists' accounts.
Correlation of Noncancer Benchmark Doses in Short‐ and Long‐Term Rodent Bioassays
Authors: Kratchman Jessica , Wang Bing , Fox John , Gray George
Published: October 2017

This study investigated whether, in the absence of chronic noncancer toxicity data, short‐term noncancer toxicity data can be used to predict chronic toxicity effect levels by focusing on the dose–response relationship instead of a critical effect. Data from National Toxicology Program (NTP) technical reports have been extracted and modeled using the Environmental Protection Agency's Benchmark Dose Software. Best‐fit, minimum benchmark dose (BMD), and benchmark dose lower limits (BMDLs) have been modeled for all NTP pathologist identified significant nonneoplastic lesions, final mean body weight, and mean organ weight of 41 chemicals tested by NTP between 2000 and 2012. Models were then developed at the chemical level using orthogonal regression techniques to predict chronic (two years) noncancer health effect levels using the results of the short‐term (three months) toxicity data. The findings indicate that short‐term animal studies may reasonably provide a quantitative estimate of a chronic BMD or BMDL. This can allow for faster development of human health toxicity values for risk assessment for chemicals that lack chronic toxicity data.
Using a Web‐Based Diary Method to Estimate Risks and Benefits from Fish Consumption
Authors: Connelly Nancy A. , Lauber T. Bruce , Niederdeppe Jeff , Knuth Barbara A.
Published: October 2017

Accurate estimates of the amount and type of fish people eat are necessary to determine the health benefits and risks of consuming fish, and to assess compliance with fish consumption guidelines issued for fish affected by chemical contaminants. We developed a web‐based and mobile‐phone‐enabled diary methodology to collect detailed fish consumption information for two 16‐week periods in the summers of 2014 and 2015. We recruited study participants from two populations living in the Great Lakes region—women of childbearing age (WCBA) and urban residents who had purchased fishing licenses. In this article, we describe the methodology in detail and provide evidence related to participation rates, the representativeness of our sample over time, and both convergent validity and reliability of the data collection methods. Overall, 56% of WCBA and 50% of urban anglers provided complete data across both data collection periods. Among those who provided information at the beginning of Year 2, 97% of both audiences provided information throughout the entire 16‐week period. Those who participated throughout the two‐year period were slightly older on average (1.9–2.5 years) than other members of our original samples. We conclude that using diaries with web and smartphone technology, combined with incentives and persistent communication, has strong potential for assessing fish consumption in other areas of the country or for situations where the potential risks associated with fish consumption are substantial and the cost can be justified.
The relationship between skin function, barrier properties, and body‐dependent factors
Authors: Dąbrowska A.K. , Spano F. , Derler S. , Adlhart C. , Spencer N.D. , Rossi R.M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Skin is a multilayer interface between the body and the environment, responsible for many important functions, such as temperature regulation, water transport, sensation, and protection from external triggers.

Objectives

This paper provides an overview of principal factors that influence human skin and describes the diversity of skin characteristics, its causes and possible consequences. It also discusses limitations in the barrier function of the skin, describing mechanisms of absorption.

Methods

There are a number of in vivo investigations focusing on the diversity of human skin characteristics with reference to barrier properties and body‐dependent factors.

Results

Skin properties vary among individuals of different age, gender, ethnicity, and skin types. In addition, skin characteristics differ depending on the body site and can be influenced by the body‐mass index and lifestyle. Although one of the main functions of the skin is to act as a barrier, absorption of some substances remains possible.

Conclusions

Various factors can alter human skin properties, which can be reflected in skin function and the quality of everyday life. Skin properties and function are strongly interlinked.
Macro‐ and meso‐scale structural criteria for identifying pre‐thrusting normal faults within foreland fold‐and‐thrust belts: Insights from the Central‐Northern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Calamita Fernando , Di Domenica Alessandra , Pace Paolo
Published: October 2017

Reliable macro‐ and meso‐scale structural criteria for identifying pre‐thrusting normal faults within inversion‐dominated foreland thrust belts are here reappraised by showing field cases from the Central‐Northern Apennines of Italy. Field‐based analyses of relative chronologies among the structures allow determination of the timing of pre‐thrusting normal faulting, the positive inversion of the faults and their post‐thrusting reactivation when absolute chronostratigraphic constraints are lacking. The correct identification of pre‐thrusting normal faults allows recognition of shortcut and reactivation anticlines, and these have important implications for the definition of the thrust‐belt structural style and for the estimation of post‐orogenic extension.
Thinking complex interconnections: Transition, nexus and Geography
Authors: Schwanen Tim
Published: October 2017

More than ever is Geography surrounded by interdisciplinary movements claiming expertise with regard to the interconnections among nature, society and technology. These movements ask questions from Geography and geographers about if and how they can contribute to those movements and what form collaboration might take. This paper analyses Human Geography's interactions with research on sustainability transitions since the early 2000s to think through future interactions between Geography and research on the water–energy–food nexus. It shows that concepts, ideas, logics and methods have travelled from Human Geography into Transition Studies but that exchange between them has so far been partial and asymmetrical. Arguing that common ideas about how interdisciplinarity can be encouraged might be insufficient to change this situation, the paper develops ideas from Stengers, Whitehead, Foucault and others to explain the relations between Human Geography and Transition Studies in terms of modes of abstraction in an evolving ecology of power relations. It makes a case for slowing down modes of abstraction and proposes some ideas for slow collaborative research on sustainability transitions in contact zones. Implications for how Geography and geographers might engage with interdisciplinary nexus research are outlined.
Release of pig leukocytes and reduced human NK cell recruitment during ex vivo perfusion of HLA‐E/human CD46 double‐transgenic pig limbs with human blood
Authors: Puga Yung Gisella , Bongoni Anjan K. , Pradier Amandine , Madelon Natacha , Papaserafeim Maria , Sfriso Riccardo , Ayares David L. , Wolf Eckhard , Klymiuk Nikolai , Bähr Andrea , Constantinescu Mihai A. , Voegelin Esther , Kiermeir David , Jenni Hansjörg , Rieben Robert , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: October 2017

Background

In pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation, interactions between human natural killer (NK) cells and porcine endothelial cells (pEC) are characterized by recruitment and cytotoxicity. Protection from xenogeneic NK cytotoxicity can be achieved in vitro by the expression of the non‐classical human leukocyte antigen‐E (HLA‐E) on pEC. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze NK cell responses to vascularized xenografts using an ex vivo perfusion system of pig limbs with human blood.

Methods

Six pig forelimbs per group, respectively, stemming from either wild‐type (wt) or HLA‐E/hCD46 double‐transgenic (tg) animals, were perfused ex vivo with heparinized human blood for 12 hours. Blood samples were collected at defined time intervals, cell numbers counted, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed for phenotype by flow cytometry. Muscle biopsies were analyzed for NK cell infiltration. In vitro NK cytotoxicity assays were performed using pEC derived from wt and tg animals as target cells.

Results

Ex vivo, a strong reduction in circulating human CD45 leukocytes was observed after 60 minutes of xenoperfusion in both wt and tg limb groups. NK cell numbers dropped significantly. Within the first 10 minutes, the decrease in NK cells was more significant in the wt limb perfusions as compared to tg limbs. Immunohistology of biopsies taken after 12 hours showed less NK cell tissue infiltration in the tg limbs. In vitro, NK cytotoxicity against hCD46 single tg pEC and wt pEC was similar, while lysis of double tg HLA‐E/hCD46 pEC was significantly reduced. Finally, circulating cells of pig origin were observed during the ex vivo xenoperfusions. These cells expressed phenotypes mainly of monocytes, B and T lymphocytes, NK cells, as well as some activated endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Ex vivo perfusion of pig forelimbs using whole human blood represents a powerful tool to study humoral and early cell‐mediated rejection mechanisms of vascularized pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation, although there are several limitations of the model. Here, we show that (i) transgenic expression of HLA‐E/hCD46 in pig limbs provides partial protection from human NK cell‐mediated xeno responses and (ii) the emergence of a pig cell population during xenoperfusions with implications for the immunogenicity of xenografts.
COMPARISON OF MANGANESE LAURATE, MANGANESE PALMITATE AND MANGANESE STEARATE ON ACCELERATING DEGRADATION OF HDPE DURING NATURAL WEATHERING
Authors: Maryudi Maryudi , Dewayanto Nugroho , Beg Mohammad Dalour Hossen , Yunus Rosli Mohd
Published: October 2017

High density polyethylene (HDPE) degradation has been studied. In this study, HDPE was incorporated with manganese laurate, manganese palmitate and manganese stearate as pro-oxidant additives. Preparation of samples were conducted by adding the HDPE resin with pro-oxidant additives in the range of 0-1.0 wt %. A twin screw extruder was employed prior to the injection molding technique. Samples were subjected to natural weathering for the maximum duration of 24 weeks. Assessments on the change of the properties of samples after natural weathering treatment were conducted by FTIR analysis, tensile testing and average molecular weight analysis. In term of their capabilities to accelerate degradation of HDPE, manganese stearate exhibited more influence than manganese laurate and manganese palmitate. The carbonyl group’s peak arises as a result of oxidation during the treatment as revealed by FTIR traces. Samples with pro-oxidant additives shows a loss of their strain at break. The amount of pro-oxidant additives increases the degradation of samples.
VIRTUAL REALITY FOR LOW-COST AUTOMOTIVE DRIVING SIMULATOR IN VEHICLE ENGINEERING RESEARCH
Authors: Hooi-Siang Kang , Abdul Jalil Mohamad Kasim , Kee-Quen Lee
Published: October 2017

Interactive simulation in automotive driving has enhanced the studies of driver behaviors, traffic control, and vehicle dynamics. The development of virtual reality (VR) technology leads to low cost, yet high fidelity, driving simulator become technically feasible. However, a good implementation of high realism and real-time interactive three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment (VE) in an automotive driving simulation are facing many technical challenges such as accessibility, dissimilarity, scalability, and sufficiency. The objective of this paper is to construct a virtual reality system for an automotive driving simulator. The technology with variations of terrain, roadway, buildings, and greenery was studied and developed in the VE of the simulator. Several important technical solutions in the construction of VE for driving simulation had been identified. Finally, the virtual reality system was interactively used in a driver-in-loop simulation for providing direct road elevation inputs to the analysis of vehicle dynamics model (VDM). The results indicated identical matching between the VDM inputs and the VE outputs. The outcomes of this paper lead to a human-in-the-loop foundation of a low-cost automotive driving simulator in the vehicle engineering research.
ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINT MODIFICATION IN MODEL-BASED CONTROL VALVE STICTION COMPENSATION
Authors: Jeremiah Sean Suraj , Narayanasamy Anand , Zabiri Haslinda , Gounder Ramasamy Marappa
Published: October 2017

A model-based stiction compensation algorithm has been developed based on the H. Zabiri et al. Mixed Integer Quadratic Programming (MIQP) model predictive controller (MPC) algorithm which uses optimization to compensate for backlash in actuators. MIQP-based MPC shows promising result for stiction compensation. However, the backlash compensation formulation alone can remove oscillation caused by stiction dead-band but fails to reduce the offset caused by stiction slip-jump. Several modifications are proposed to solve the offset issue. The MIQP optimization problem constrains were loosened to give more flexibility to the optimizer. Simulation studies were conducted using a 2x2 distillation column model. With loosened constraints, MIQP based MPC reduced the offset at the expense of introducing oscillation into the system.