bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Changes in Spermatogenesis (Including Germ Cell Degeneration) and Plasma Testosterone Concentration in the Grey-headed Fruit Bat, Pteropus poliocephalus
Authors: A McGuckin MichaeI , W Blackshaw Alan
Published: July 2016

Maximal testicular size of P. poliocephalus occurred during the February-March-April period (autumn breeding season) associated with maximal plasma levels of testosterone (121' 5 � 23� 4 nmol/I). Testicular size decreased after the breeding season concomitant with a decrease in plasma testosterone (7'6 � 1�7 nmol/I). Histologically, regressive changes were observed in the testis after the breeding season including a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter and a decrease in Leydig cell nuclear diameter. Significant germ cell loss occurred during the breeding season (44%) mainly during the final spermatogonial division and meiosis and increased in regressed testes (69%), being accentuated chiefly at meiosis. All regressed testes showed some sperm production although it was much reduced after the breeding season; however, optimal fertility appears to be restricted to autumn by the large increases in testosterone secretion which only occur at this time.
Non-esterified Long-chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Fed Sheep at Rest and During Exercise
Authors: Pethick DW , Harman N , Chong JK
Published: July 2016

The role of circulating, non-esterified, long-chain fatty acids (NEFA) as a source of energy for the whole animal and skeletal muscle was investigated in fed non-pregnant sheep at rest and during exercise. Infusion of tracer quantities of [1-14C]oleic or [l-14C]stearic acid was combined with the use of arteriovenous difference studies on fed sheep at rest or during a 2 h period of exercise on a belt treadmill moving at 4� 5 km h -I. At rest all parameters of NEFA metabolism indicated a minimal role for oxidation. Thus the concentration in plasma (0'07 � 0�01 mmol I-I), entry rate (0'08 � 0�02 mmol h- I kg-I body wt), contribution to whole animal oxidation (1'2 � 0'3%) and utilization of NEFA by skeletal muscle (0'046 � 0�008 mmol h- I kg-I muscle) were all low. Exercise prompted a shift to lipolysis and accordingly the above parameters increased markedly some 13-24-fold. The circulating concentration of ketone bodies showed only a small increase during exercise and consequently the role of ketone bodies as an energy source during exercise was minimal. Glucose utilization by skeletal muscle was considerable in animals at rest and it represented the most significant potential fuel of skeletal muscle. Exercise resulted in a sustained increase of 3-4-fold in the utilization of glucose by skeletal muscle. Thus the traditional view that NEF A and not glucose is a predominant fuel of skeletal muscle of fed sheep should be appraised.
Immunolocalization Studies of the High-sulfur Protein Fraction of Merino Wool using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: W French Peter , R Hewish Dean
Published: July 2016

Monoclonal antibodies raised to the high-sulfur fraction of solubilized wool protein were used to study the location of these proteins in sections of Merino sheep skin, using indirect immunofluorescence. Poor antibody binding was observed to untreated wool follicles, but mild trypsin digestion of the sections allowed penetration of the antibodies and specific antibody localization was observed. The high-sulfur protein monoclonal antibodies bound to the cells of the wool cortex in the keratogenous zone, and to the cells of the inner root sheath and fibre cuticle regions. The specificities of the antibodies were determined by their binding to high-sulfur proteins separated using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Polymorphic Inversion and Esterase Loci Complex on Chromosome 2 of Drosophila buzzatii. I. Linkage Disequilibria
Authors: Knibb WR , East PD , Barker JSF
Published: July 2016

Chromosome 2 inversion, Est-l and Est-2 haplotype frequencies were determined for 19 wild D. buzzatii collections from the known range of this species in Australia. Three different chromosome 2 sequences (ST, j, j z3) were polymorphic across the collections. They occurred at overall frequencies which approximated those in the ancestral New World and colonized Old World populations, which indicated that no radical genetic change was associated with the colonization of Australia by D. buzzatii. Linkage disequilibria of Est-l and Est-2 alleles with the inversions tended to be strong, and consistent in direction, in almost all collections. The distributions of conditional allele frequencies within the different inversions were consistent with stochastic historical explanations for the linkage disequilibria. Significant linkage disequilibria between Est-l and Est-2 were evident after correcting for the inversions, but these disequilibria largely were restricted to southern (higher latitude) populations, and were inconsistent in direction among the collections. Hence, population bottlenecks may underlie these genic disequilibria.
Adult Sheep Blood Metabolizes Dihydrotestosterone to 5a-Androstane-3 a,17ß-diol and 5a -Androstane-3 ß, 17ß-diol
Authors: Nancarrow CD , Connell PJ
Published: July 2016

The metabolism of 5a-dihydrotestosterone by adult sheep blood was investigated. Erythrocytes contain 3a- and 3i1-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities. The mean rate of reduction of 5a-dihydrotestosterone by erythrocytes established in 15-min incubations was 0�66 � 0�36 (s.d.) I'mol ml- 1 erythrocytes h - 1 and at equilibrium after a 60-min incubation, 90�6 � 5� I % of the substrate was reduced. The reduction of 5a-dihydrotestosterone was shown to be dependent upon extracellular glucose and the intracellular cofactor NADPH. The proportion of the two reduction products was determined at equilibrium after separation by paper partition. chromatography and favoured 5a-androstane-3a, 17i1-diol (96�0%) to 5a-androstane-3i1,17i1-diol (4 �0%). The identities and proportions of the two products were confirmed by recrystallization procedures.
Tammar Wallaby Plasma Protease Inhibitory (Pi) Proteins
Authors: D Patterson S , Bell K , Poole WE
Published: July 2016

Electrophoretic examination (isoelectric focusing and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of 157 plasmas from a Kangaroo Island population of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) resulted in the identification of five putative condominant protease inhibitor alleles, F, I, M, P and S, which exhibited microheterogeneity due to variable terminal sialic acid content. The frequencies of the five alleles in this popUlation were 0.041(F), 0.682(1), 0.194(M), 0.073(P) and O.OIO(S). The proteins had isoelectric points in the pH range 3.94-4.38, Mr of 60 500 to 66 000 and were identified as protease inhibitors by their abilities to inhibit both trypsin and chymotrypsin. Protein blotting of the denatured proteins demonstrated cross reaction with antiserum to human ai-protease inhibitor.
Composition of Alginate Synthesized during the Growth Cycle of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Annison Geoffrey , Couperwhite lain
Published: July 2016

A mucoid P. aeruginosa isolated from the sputum of a cystic fibrosis patient was grown in batch culture on a complex medium. During the growth cycle the amount of alginate produced was estimated and its composition was determined by proton magnetic resonance (IH-n.m.r) spectroscopy. Exopolysaccharide production occurred mainly during the exponential phase of growth. The alginate samples isolated varied little in composition and were characterized by being highly acetylated, high mannuronate (0.83 - 0.93 mole fraction) polymers. Guluronate was present only within heteropolymeric regions of the polysaccharides which all displayed a complete absence of polyguluronate. Ca2 + ion supplementation of the medium was not observed to increase the levels of guluronate in the algi nates produced.
The Isolation and Characterisation of the Ovine Growth Hormone Gene
Authors: R Byrne Carolyn , W Wilson Bruce , A Ward Kevin
Published: July 2016

The ovine growth hormone gene has been isolated and sequenced, together with about 1 kbp of DNA flanking each end of the gene. The structure of the gene is similar to that found for other growth hormone genes, particularly the bovine gene, and has a primary transcript of 1792 bp, with five exons, and with intron sizes of 264 bp, 231 bp, 227 bp and 273 bp.
Polyploid Abnormalities in Day 3 and Day 5 Merino Sheep Embryos
Authors: Murray JD , Nancarrow CD , Scaramuzzi RJ , Cognie Y
Published: July 2016

The chromosome complement was assessed in Merino sheep embryos collected at 3 and 5 days after the onset of oestrus. Donor ewe treatments were: untreated, or immunized against androstenedione (day 3); and untreated, or treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or treated with FSH plus immunization against androstenedione (day 5). No significant differences in the frequency of chromosomally abnormal embryos between treatment groups within each age group were observed, so the data have been combined. Euploid abnormalities were observed in 10�8070 of the day-3 embryos (4/37), with the abnormalities being one In, one 3n and two 5n. Embryos with euploidy (10%) were also observed at day 5, with three 1n12n mosaics and a 3n embryo present in a sample of 40. These data suggest that chromosomally aberrant embryos are not lost before day 5 of development.
Post-Heparin Triacylglycerol Lipases in Ovine Plasma
Authors: Tume RK , Thornton RF , WJohnson G
Published: July 2016

Lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase have been shown to be present in the post-heparin plasma of sheep. Intravenous injection of heparin into sheep produced a rapid increase in the free fatty acid concentration and lipolytic enzyme activity of the plasma, both peaking within 5-15 min and then falling to pre-heparin levels within 30-60 min. Lipolytic activity was not detected in plasma before heparin treatment. Two distinct lipolytic activities were separated from the plasma by chromatography on heparin-Sepharose 6B. Lipoprotein lipase was identified on the basis that the lipolytic activity was dependent upon the addition of plasma, inhibited by 1M NaCI, and inhibited by a specific antiserum against lipoprotein lipase. The second lipolytic activity of plasma was identified as hepatic lipase, as it was not dependent upon plasma for activity, nor was it inhibited by 1M NaCI or antiserum against lipoprotein lipase. Its properties were identical to the lipase extracted from the liver of sheep. Lipoprotein-lipase activity, but not hepatic-lipase activity, was dependent upon the nutritional state of the sheep at the time of heparin injection. However, hepatic lipase comprised a significant proportion of the total lipolytic activity.
Polymorphic Inversion and Esterase Loci Complex on Chromosome 2 of Drosophila buzzatii II. Spatial Variation
Authors: Knibb WR , Barker JSF
Published: July 2016

The potential influence of linked inversions on allele frequency variation at the Est-l and Est-210ci among Australian populations of D. buzzatii was determined by statistical analyses of allele and inversion gametic frequencies. Most of the significant spatial and climatic associations found for all Est-l allele frequencies, and for one allele only of Est-2 (Est-2c+), were accounted for by their linkage disequilibria with the inversions, which covaried with environmental variables. Consistent with this result, the spatial and climatic associations for conditional Est-l and Est-2 allele frequencies tended to be different from those for the respective unadjusted allele frequencies. In one important respect, the results for Est-l and Est-2 were not altered by inversions. For both unadjusted and conditional Est-l allele frequencies, few climatic associations remain after correcting for geographic location, whereas for both unadjusted and conditional Est-2 allele frequencies, climatic associations remain after correcting for geographic location. Thus, apparent selection affecting allele frequencies at the Est-2 locus is not accounted for by linked inversions.
Metabolism of Sulfur-containing Amino Acids by Pregnant Merino Ewes
Authors: Williams AJ , Murison R , Padgett J
Published: July 2016

The availability and utilization of cystine and methionine were measured in single-bearing Merino ewes on three occasions, approximately 90, 110 and 130 days after mating, and the effects on these traits of sulfur amino acids (SAA) infused into the abomasum were also measured. Two levels of SAA were infused containing 0�5 or 1�0 g day-i organic sulfur with DL-methionine contributing two-thirds and L-cystine onethird of the supplementary sulfur. The quantity of the diet offered was increased at each occasion so as to maintain maternal liveweight.
Characterization of Proteolytic and Collagenolytic Enzymes from the Larvae of Lucilia cuprina, the Sheep Blowfly
Authors: Bowles VM , Carnegie PR , Sandeman RM
Published: July 2016

Isoelectric focusing was used to characterize proteolytic enzymes in homogenate and excretory-secretory preparations of the larvae of L. cuprina, the sheep blowfly. Zymogram overlays showed that the larvae produce a number of highly active proteases which have a wide range of isoelectric points and molecular weights. The alkaline and neutral pI proteases were inhibited by phenylmethyl-sulfonylfluoride, leupeptin and aprotinin; this indicated the presence of serine in the active site. Pepstatin and the metal chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid had no effect Oil the activity of any of the proteases. Optimal pH for activity of the proteases was between 7 and 8. In addition, the proteases were found to be heat labile. Digestion of collagen fibrils confirmed the existence of collagenolytic activity in the excretory-secretory enzyme preparations. It is suggested that these enzymes may be involved in the nutrition of the larvae and in the pathogenesis of the lesion on the skin.
Are Megabats Flying Primates? Contrary Evidence from a Mitochondrial DNA Sequence
Authors: Bennett S , Alexander LJ , Crozier RH , Mackinlay AG
Published: July 2016

Bats (Chiroptera) are divided into the suborders Megachiroptera (fruit bats, 'megabats') and Microchiroptera (predominantly insectivores, 'microbats'). It had been found that megabats and primates share a connection system between the retina and the midbrain not seen in microbats or other eutherian mammals, and challenging but plausible hypotheses were made that (a) bats are diphyletic and (b) megabats are flying primates. We obtained two DNA sequences from the mitochondrion of the fruit bat Pteropus poliocephalus, and performed phylogenetic analyses using the bat sequences in conjunction with homologous Drosophila, mouse, cow and human sequences. Two trees stand out as significantly more likely than any other; neither of these links the bat and human as the closest sequences. These results cast considerable doubt on the hypothesis that megabats are particularly close to primates.
Relationship Between Plasma Zinc, Angiotensin-converting Enzyme, Alkaline Phosphatase and Onset of Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in the Rat
Authors: L White Colin
Published: July 2016

Recent evidence suggests that changes in plasma zinc concentration may play a central role in the development of early lesions of zinc deficiency. The aim of the following work was to better understand events occurring in plasma during the onset of zinc deficiency, and to investigate biochemical mechanisms by which plasma zinc may exert its effects. Fifty male weanling rats of 90 g weight were allocated to five treatment groups of ten rats each. Treatments were: 1, zinc deficient, mixed diet (1-2 mg Zn per kg): 2, zinc deficient, self-select diet; 3, zinc repleted; 4, control, pair fed; 5, control, ad libitum fed. With the exception of treatment 1, which consisted of a 25% casein diet, all rats were offered protein as a separate component of the diet. Control rats received zinc in the drinking water (100 mg I-I). The sequence of events following initiation of zinc deficiency were: reduced plasma zinc concentration (2 days), reduced plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme and alkaline phosphatase activities (3-4 days), reduced feed intake and growth (5-6 days) and reduced percentage protein intake (12 days). Plasma zinc concentration in the deficient rats was inversely correlated with the growth rate of the rat over the previous 24 h. Zinc repletion resulted in marked overshoot in plasma zinc concentration (300%) and converting-enzyme activity (150%) within 24 h, but a return to normal within 72 )1. Alkaline phosphatase activity responded likewise, albeit more slowly. Protein self selection had no effect on the manifestations of zinc deficiency, although reduced protein intake was associated with lower plasma zinc concentration. The results provide evidence of a role for plasma zinc in the development of early clinical signs of zinc deficiency, possibly acting biochemically through reduced activity of zinc-dependent peptidases such as angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Responses of Lactating Ewes to Exogenous Growth Hormone: Short- and Long-term Effects on Productivity and Tissue Utilization of Key Metabolites
Authors: Sandles LD , Sun YX , D'Cruz AGC , McDowell GH , Gooden JM
Published: July 2016

Responses to daily injections of bovine growth hormone (GH, 0�15 mg kg- 1 liveweight), beginning on day 10 of lactation, were measured in lactating ewes. Milk yields of GH-treated ewes increased soon after commencement of injections and continued to increase for some 25 days before reaching plateau levels. By comparison, yields of ewes injected with excipient (controls) decreased over the experiment. There was a tendency for contents of milk fat to be higher and milk protein to be lower for GH-treated than for control ewes during the first 15-20 days after injections were started.
Control of Ram Sperm Adenylate Cyclase by Divalent Cations
Authors: PGoh P , White IG
Published: July 2016

The adenylate cyclase activity of ram sperm increased on freeze-thawing and the enzyme was stable at O�C. Its activity was stimulated by Mn2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in descending order of activity. The enzyme was insensitive to fluoride when Mn2+ concentration was in excess. Mn2+_ stimulated enzyme activity was decreased by the simultaneous addition of Co2+, or Cd2+, or Ni2+, and particularly Cu2+. Sulfhydryl compounds (viz. dithiothreitol, glutathione, dithiocarbamate, 2- mercaptoethanol, ergothioneine and cysteine) and chelating agents (viz. D-penicillamine and 8-hydroxyquinoline) were effective, to varying degrees, in overcoming the inhibition by Cu2+. Ca2+ augmented the stimulatory effect of Mg2+, Co2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ on enzyme activity.
Control of Glucose Homeostasis in Lactating Ewes: Use of the Alloxandiabetic/ Insulin-stabilized Ewe to Study Effects of Insulin and Growth Hormone
Authors: Leenanuruksa D , McDowell GH
Published: July 2016

Two separate experiments were conducted with alloxan-induced, diabetic ewes. In one study it was found that the diabetes induced by alloxan could be stabilized with exogenous insulin (1 . 2-1' 3 U h -1). Feed intake and milk yield were maintained at normal levels even though a mild hyperglycaemia persisted. Despite this, milk fat content tended to increase, an observation that is consistent with insulin being a key factor in the aetiology of the low-milk-fat syndrome in the ruminant.
Milk Composition in the Northern Brown Bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus (Peramelidae, Marsupialia)
Authors: Merchant JC , Libke JA
Published: July 2016

Milk samples were obtained at regular intervals throughout lactation from northern brown bandicoots, Isoodon macrourus, in captivity. Total concentration of milk solids was initially 7% (w/w) and increased linearly to 45% (w/w) by 55 days. Carbohydrate, lipid and protein concentrations increased from about 2% (w/w) to about 7-8% (w/w) at 30 days. Thereafter they diverged, with lipid increasing to between 25-30% (w/w) at 56 days, protein reaching maximal values of 10-15% (w/w) at just over 40 days and carbohydrate gradually declining to about 5% (w/w) at 56 days before a rapid fall to 1-2% (w/w) at the completion of lactation. The milk of the bandicoot exhibits a similar pattern of change during the course of lactation to that shown by other marsupials.
Development of a Radioimmunoassay for Plasma C-Peptide in Sheep: Kinetics of C-Peptide and Effects of Exogenous Growth Hormone and Glucose on Insulin and C-Peptide
Authors: Leenanuruksa D , McDowell GH
Published: July 2016

An antiserum to purified bovine C-peptide was used to develop a sensitive radioimmunoassay for C-peptide in sheep. The assay was used to measure kinetics of C-peptide and insulin in non-pregnant and non-lactating sheep. Injected, purified C-peptide was distributed in pools comprising c. 11�4% of liveweight, the half time of C-peptide was estimated as 13�7 min and its clearance rate was c. 5 ml kg-I min-I. In lactating ewes exogenous recombinant bovine growth hormone (rebGH) increased both plasma insulin and C-peptide as did glucose challenge given before and during administration of rebGH. Estimates of insulin secretion rate in lactating ewes were c. 7 X 10-3 and 8�5 x 10-3 nmol kg-I min-I before and after glucose challenge prior to injections of rebGH. After 4 days of injection of rebGH, corresponding values were c. 8 x 10- 3 and 10 x 10-3 nmol min-I kg-I.
The Fate of Tritiated rm-Epidermal Growth Factor in the Sheep: Validation of the Labelling Procedure and Rate of Tissue Clearance
Authors: O'Keefe IH , Sharry LF , Panaretto BA
Published: July 2016

Plasmid-derived recombinant mouse epidermal growth factor, rm-EGF, was purified by ion pair reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The product peak (termed rm-a-EGF) was characterized by physicochemical techniques including fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, high field proton magnetic resonance and amino acid sequencing (amino acid arrangement and composition). The rm-a-EGF was tritiated, labile tritium removed by lyophilization: and the product purified and characterized as for the parent compound to yield a compound identical to rm-a-EGF except for the isotopic hydrogen substitution. Label stability was validated by lyophilization of samples, especially urine.
Bluetongue and Related Viruses in New South Wales: Isolations from, and Serological Tests on Samples from Sentinel Cattle
Authors: R Littlejohns I , Burton RW , M Sharp I
Published: July 2016

Sentinel cattle at a number of localities in northern and central coastal New South Wales were sampled over the summer and autumn seasons of the years 1979, 1980 and 1981.
Scale-dependent lateral exchanges of organic carbon in a dryland river during a high-flow experiment
Authors: Robertson Alistar I. , Burns Adrienne , Hillman Terry J.
Published: July 2016

We estimated the magnitude and direction of exchanges of particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) between the river and four floodplain wetlands (billabongs) and a 140-km reach of riverbank and floodplain of the Murrumbidgee River during a managed high-flow experiment. There was a net transport of organic carbon from the river to billabongs during connection, ranging from 87 to 525kg POC per billabong or from 1.4 to 5.7g POC m–2 of billabong sediment surface area and from 36 to 4357kg DOC, or from 0.4 to 29.8g DOC m–2. At the whole-reach scale, there was a net loss of 754Mg POC from the river channel to riverbank and floodplain and a net input of 821Mg DOC to the river channel. This DOC input, which was small relative to the total organic carbon in transit, was likely to have contributed significantly to oxidative processes in the river. The DOC entering the river was derived from litter and soils in riverbank habitats or from abraded biofilms in the river channel. The results support an extended flood-pulse concept that includes in-channel flow pulses as important elements in the biogeochemistry of dryland rivers. Piggybacking dam releases on tributary flows to deliver in-channel flows delivers significant benefit for riverine organic-matter cycles.
Inositol pyrophosphates inhibit synaptotagmin-dependent exocytosis
Authors: Lee Tae-Sun , Lee Joo-Young , Kyung Jae Won , Yang Yoosoo , Park Seung Ju , Lee Seulgi , Pavlovic Igor , Kong Byoungjae , Jho Yong Seok , Jessen Henning J. , Kweon Dae-Hyuk , Shin Yeon-Kyun , Kim Sung Hyun , Yoon Tae-Young , Kim Seyun
Published: July 2016

Significance

Inositol phosphates have long been considered to be negative regulators of synaptic exocytosis, but the function of diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (IP
7
) has remained elusive. We found that overexpression and depletion of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP
6
) kinase in PC12 cells or hippocampal neurons led to a reduction and increase in neurotransmitter release, respectively. Biophysical assays revealed that 5-IP
7
inhibited Ca
2+
-induced synaptic membrane fusion at a concentration one order of magnitude lower than that required for IP
6
. We further elucidated the molecular mechanism responsible for 5-IP
7
actions, demonstrating that 5-IP
7
directly bound with high affinity to synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), a Ca
2+
sensor in cellular exocytosis, and suppressed its fusogenic activity. Thus, our data propose 5-IP
7
as a potent inhibitor of Syt1 actions on Ca
2+
-mediated synaptic vesicle fusion.
Mindsets, mind sets and mind sense
Authors: Noble Christopher
Published: July 2016

This paper theorises that a person’s mindset is a commonplace trait that has an impact in economic systems. A mindset contrasts with other theoretics which use choice and information sets to limit the economic actor’s decision-making by focusing on the description of a person’s knowledge rather than on available options. The persistent way a person thinks about the world influences their treatment of information and further development of knowledge. The mindset concept accommodates the complexity of individuals and their idiosyncrasies, whereas a standard economic approach simplifies these characteristics. In this paper, Lamberton’s discussion of mindsets is extended from information sharing, cultural embeddedness and lock-in to the necessity of a mindset held by each person, change in a person’s knowledge and the impact on groups of people. Instead of being a statement about the limited capacity of a person to think, a mindset is a consequence of history and the build-up of knowledge through disjointed experiences. It is argued that a mindset does not necessarily restrict a person to set economic activity, but instead preserves wider economic structures. Through some examples of mindsets, such as the entrepreneurial mindset, this discussion moves away from the acquire-then-use understanding of how people use information towards an economic person with a mind sense constructed through situated learning.
Final report on EURAMET.QM-S10/1274: supplementary comparison of preparative capabilities for automotive gas mixtures
Authors: Val'ková M , Ďurišová Z , Szilágyi Z N , Büki T , Fükű J
Published: July 2016

This bilateral supplementary preparative comparison involves standard gas mixtures of automotive gas containing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and propane in nitrogen.

Two laboratories (SMU, Slovakia and MKEH, Hungary) participated in this supplementary comparison. SMU was the coordinating laboratory, responsible for collecting and reporting measurement results. The participants have established facilities for automotive gas gravimetric preparation and analysis.

The agreement of the results in this supplementary comparison is good. All the results with their reported uncertainties are in agreement with the reference values for the participants. SMU participated and obtained good results in the previous preparative comparison organised within EURAMET in this field. Both laboratories have existing claims for their Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) for automotive gas mixtures.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Aspergillosis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Authors: Patterson Thomas F. , Thompson George R. , Denning David W. , Fishman Jay A. , Hadley Susan , Herbrecht Raoul , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Marr Kieren A. , Morrison Vicki A. , Nguyen M. Hong , Segal Brahm H. , Steinbach William J. , Stevens David A. , Walsh Thomas J. , Wingard John R. , Young Jo-Anne H. , Bennett John E.
Published: July 2016

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.
Geometrical beaming of stellar mass ULXs
Authors: Middleton Matthew J. , King Andrew
Published: July 2016

The presence or lack of eclipses in the X-ray light curves of ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) can be directly linked to the accreting system geometry. In the case where the compact object is stellar mass and radiates isotropically, we should expect eclipses by a main-sequence to sub-giant secondary star on the recurrence time-scale of hours to days. X-ray light curves are now available for large numbers of ULXs as a result of the latest XMM–Newton catalogue. We determine the amount of fractional variability that should be injected into an otherwise featureless light curve for a given set of system parameters as a result of eclipses and compare this to the available data. We find that the vast majority of sources for which the variability has been measured to be non-zero and for which available observations meet the criteria for eclipse searches, have fractional variabilities which are too low to derive from eclipses and so must be viewed such that θ ≤ cos− 1(R*/a). This would require that the disc subtends a larger angle than that of the secondary star and is therefore consistent with a conical outflow formed from super-critical accretion rates and implies some level of geometrical beaming in ULXs.
Evidence for quasi-periodic oscillations in the optical polarization of the blazar PKS 2155–304
Authors: Pekeur N. W. , Taylor A. R. , Potter S. B. , Kraan-Korteweg R. C.
Published: July 2016

Evidence for the presence of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the optical polarization of the blazar PKS 2155–304, during a period of enhanced gamma-ray brightness, is presented. The periodogram of the polarized flux revealed the existence of a prominent peak at T ∼ 13 min, detected at >99.7 per cent significance, and T ∼ 30 min, which was nominally significant at >99 per cent. This is the first evidence of QPOs in the polarization of an active galactic nucleus, potentially opening up a new avenue of studying this phenomenon.
Fatty acid oxidation is required for the respiration and proliferation of malignant glioma cells
Authors: Lin Hua , Patel Shaan , Affleck Valerie S. , Wilson Ian , Turnbull Douglass M. , Joshi Abhijit R. , Maxwell Ross , Stoll Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2016

Background.

Glioma is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with approximately 4 cases per 100 000 people each year. Gliomas, like many tumors, are thought to primarily metabolize glucose for energy production; however, the reliance upon glycolysis has recently been called into question. In this study, we aimed to identify the metabolic fuel requirements of human glioma cells.

Methods.

We used database searches and tissue culture resources to evaluate genotype and protein expression, tracked oxygen consumption rates to study metabolic responses to various substrates, performed histochemical techniques and fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based mitotic profiling to study cellular proliferation rates, and employed an animal model of malignant glioma to evaluate a new therapeutic intervention.

Results.

We observed the presence of enzymes required for fatty acid oxidation within human glioma tissues. In addition, we demonstrated that this metabolic pathway is a major contributor to aerobic respiration in primary-cultured cells isolated from human glioma and grown under serum-free conditions. Moreover, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation reduces proliferative activity in these primary-cultured cells and prolongs survival in a syngeneic mouse model of malignant glioma.

Conclusions.

Fatty acid oxidation enzymes are present and active within glioma tissues. Targeting this metabolic pathway reduces energy production and cellular proliferation in glioma cells. The drug etomoxir may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with malignant glioma. In addition, the expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes may provide prognostic indicators for clinical practice.
Three-dimensional distribution of the ISM in the Milky Way Galaxy. IV. 3D molecular fraction and Galactic-scale H i-to-H2 transition
Authors: Sofue Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the volume-density molecular fraction, defined by $f_{\rm mol}^\rho =\rho _{\rm H_2}/(\rho _{\rm H\,{\small {I}}}+\rho _{\rm H_2})$, is studied in the Milky Way Galaxy. The molecular front appears at galacto-centric distance of R ∼ 8 kpc, where the galactic-scale phase transition from atomic to molecular hydrogen occurs with $f_{\rm mol}^\rho$ dropping from ∼0.8 to 0.2 within a radial interval as narrow as ∼0.5 kpc. The $f_{\rm mol}^\rho$ front is much sharper than that of the surface density molecular fraction. The $f_{\rm mol}^\rho$ front also appears in the direction vertical to the galactic plane with a full width of the high-$f_{\rm mol}^\rho$ disk to be ∼100 pc. The radial and vertical $f_{\rm mol}^\rho$ profiles, particularly the front behavior, are fitted by theoretical curves calculated using the observed density profile and assumed radiation field and metallicity with exponential gradients. The molecular fraction was found to be enhanced along spiral arms at radii R ∼ 6 to 10 kpc, such as the Perseus arm. This implies that the molecular clouds are produced from H i in the arms and are dissociated in the interarm regions in the transition region around the molecular front. We also show that there is a threshold value of mean H i density, over which H i is transformed into molecular gas.
IL-1α induces cathepsin K in oral cancer cells – the invasion is unaffected
Authors: Bitu Carolina C. , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Alanärä Tuukka , Karhumaa Hennaliina , Viitasaari Pirjo , L.S. Tersariol Ivarne , Dupart Nascimento Fábio , Salo Tuula
Published: July 2016

Background

To study cathepsin K location in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), its traffic and expression levels in cultured oral cell lines; and to analyze the effect of interleukin (IL)-1α on OTSCC invasion.

Methods

Cathepsin K expression in OTSCC tissue samples was analyzed with immunostaining; its intracellular traffic was followed in HSC-3 cells after PMA treatment. HSC-3 and two oral keratinocyte cell lines, oral carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and primary gingival fibroblasts (GF) were treated with IL-1α. Cathepsin K expression was measured using PCR and ELISA. Lastly, the effects of IL-1α on HSC-3 invasiveness, alone and in co-cultures with fibroblasts in the 3D myoma invasion model, were determined.

Results

Cathepsin K in OTSCC cells was found in vesicles close to cell membrane and within exosomes. While cathepsin K was expressed at the basal level in both epithelial cells and fibroblasts, basal IL-1α levels were higher in epithelial cells compared with GFs and CAFs. Cathepsin K expression was slightly induced by IL-1α in all cell lines, but it did not affect HSC-3 invasiveness.

Conclusion

In OTSCC, cathepsin K remains mostly intracellular and it is slightly secreted within exosomes. IL-1α treatment has no effect on HSC-3 invasiveness in 3D myoma model.
Democratizing DNA Fingerprinting
Authors: Zaaijer Sophie , Gordon Assaf , Piccone Robert , Speyer Daniel , Erlich Yaniv
Published: July 2016

We report a rapid, inexpensive, and portable strategy to re-identify human DNA using the MinION, a miniature sequencing sensor by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Our strategy requires only 10-30 minutes of MinION sequencing, works with low input DNA, and enables familial searches. We also show that it can re-identify individuals from Direct-to-Consumer genomic datasets that are publicly available. We discuss potential forensic applications as well as the legal and ethical implications of a democratized DNA fingerprinting strategy available to the public.
The variable ELF3 polyglutamine tract mediates complex epistatic interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors:   Maximilian Oliver Press, Queitsch Christine
Published: July 2016

Short tandem repeats are hypervariable genetic elements that occur frequently in coding regions. Their high mutation rate readily generates genetic variation contributing to adaptive evolution and human diseases. We recently proposed that short tandem repeats are likely to engage in epistasis because they are well-positioned to compensate for genetic variation arising at other loci due to their high mutation rate. We previously reported that natural ELF3 polyglutamine variants cause reciprocal genetic incompatibilities in two divergentArabidopsis thalianabackgrounds. Here, we dissected the genetic architecture of this incompatibility and used a yeast two-hybrid strategy to identify proteins whose physical interactions with ELF3 were modulated by polyglutamine tract length. Using these two orthogonal approaches, we identify specific genetic interactions and physical mechanisms by which theELF3polyglutamine tract may mediate the observed genetic incompatibilities. Our work elucidates how short tandem repeat variation, which is generally underascertained in population-scale sequencing, can contribute to phenotypic variation. Furthermore, our results support our proposal that highly variable STR loci can contribute disproportionately to the epistatic component of heritability.
Diverse alternative back-splicing and alternative splicing landscape of circular RNAs
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ou , Dong Rui , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jia-Lin , Luo Zheng , Zhang Jun , Chen Ling-Ling , Yang Li
Published: July 2016

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) derived from back-spliced exons have been widely identified as being co-expressed with their linear counterparts. A single gene locus can produce multiple circRNAs through alternative back-splice site selection and/or alternative splice site selection; however, a detailed map of alternative back-splicing/splicing in circRNAs is lacking. Here, with the upgraded CIRCexplorer2 pipeline, we systematically annotated different types of alternative back-splicing and alternative splicing events in circRNAs from various cell lines. Compared with their linear cognate RNAs, circRNAs exhibited distinct patterns of alternative back-splicing and alternative splicing. Alternative back-splice site selection was correlated with the competition of putative RNA pairs across introns that bracket alternative back-splice sites. In addition, all four basic types of alternative splicing that have been identified in the (linear) mRNA process were found within circRNAs, and many exons were predominantly spliced in circRNAs. Unexpectedly, thousands of previously unannotated exons were detected in circRNAs from the examined cell lines. Although these novel exons had similar splice site strength, they were much less conserved than known exons in sequences. Finally, both alternative back-splicing and circRNA-predominant alternative splicing were highly diverse among the examined cell lines. All of the identified alternative back-splicing and alternative splicing in circRNAs are available in the CIRCpedia database (http://www.picb.ac.cn/rnomics/circpedia). Collectively, the annotation of alternative back-splicing and alternative splicing in circRNAs provides a valuable resource for depicting the complexity of circRNA biogenesis and for studying the potential functions of circRNAs in different cells.
Protein Complex Purification by Affinity Capture
Authors: LaCava John , Fernandez-Martinez Javier , Hakhverdyan Zhanna , Rout Michael P.
Published: July 2016

Affinity capture has become a powerful technique for consistently purifying endogenous protein complexes, facilitating biochemical and biophysical assays on otherwise inaccessible biological assemblies, and enabling broader interactomic exploration. For this procedure, cells are broken and their contents separated and extracted into a solvent, permitting access to target macromolecular complexes thus released in solution. The complexes are specifically enriched from the extract onto a solid medium coupled with an affinity reagent—usually an antibody—that recognizes the target either directly or through an appended affinity tag, allowing subsequent characterization of the complex. Here, we discuss approaches and considerations for purifying endogenous yeast protein complexes by affinity capture.
Guide RNAs: A Glimpse at the Sequences that Drive CRISPR–Cas Systems
Authors: Briner Alexandra E. , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: July 2016

CRISPR–Cas systems provide adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea. Although there are two main classes of CRISPR–Cas systems defined by gene content, interfering RNA biogenesis, and effector proteins, Type II systems have recently been exploited on a broad scale to develop next-generation genetic engineering and genome-editing tools. Conveniently, Type II systems are streamlined and rely on a single protein, Cas9, and a guide RNA molecule, comprised of a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and trans-acting CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA), to achieve effective and programmable nucleic acid targeting and cleavage. Currently, most commercially available Cas9-based genome-editing tools use the CRISPR–Cas system from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpyCas9), although many orthogonal Type II systems are available for diverse and multiplexable genome engineering applications. Here, we discuss the biological significance of Type II CRISPR–Cas elements, including the tracrRNA, crRNA, Cas9, and protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), and look at the native function of these elements to understand how they can be engineered, enhanced, and optimized for genome editing applications. Additionally, we discuss the basis for orthogonal Cas9 and guide RNA systems that would allow researchers to concurrently use multiple Cas9-based systems for different purposes. Understanding the native function of endogenous Type II CRISPR–Cas systems can lead to new Cas9 tool development to expand the genetic manipulation toolbox.
Apprenticeship as a mode of learning and model of education
Authors: Billett Stephen
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Apprenticeships are now usually seen as a model of education focused on occupational preparation, albeit manifested in different ways across nation states. However, throughout human history, the majority of occupational preparation has been premised upon apprenticeship as a mode of learning. That is, a preparation arising mainly through apprentices’ active and interdependent engagement in their work, rather than being taught or directly guided by more experienced practitioners. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of literature.

Findings

– A way of considering apprenticeship as a mode of learning as well as a model of education.

Research limitations/implications

– Three elements of considering and supporting apprenticeship as a mode of learning.

Practical implications

– Practice curriculum, practice pedagogies and personal epistemology.

Social implications

– A way of considering apprenticeship as a mode of learning as well as a model of education.

Originality/value

– A way of considering apprenticeship as a mode of learning as well as a model of education.
“Breaking the word” and “sticking with the picture”
Authors: Park Jie Y.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how first-generation immigrant youth who are English language learners respond to graphic novels and what literacies they acquire from reading and discussing graphic texts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on qualitative discourse data collected from an afterschool program with five high-school-aged English-language learners and their teacher. The afterschool program is centered on reading and discussing graphic novels.

Findings

Transcript analysis showed that the girls, even while working to “break” the written code, were engaged in critical analysis. In other words, English learners’ struggles to decode the words did not hinder them in assuming the role of a text analyst, and in questioning the creator’s message, purposes and worldviews.

Research limitations/implications

This paper, which draws on an approach wherein the researcher pays close attention to immigrant youth as language users and meaning makers, can inform the methodologies of literacy and language researchers.

Practical implications

The paper can also inform the work of educators who are interested in pedagogical supports – texts and practices – that promote powerful language and literacy.

Originality/value

This paper is timely, given not only the challenges and possibilities associated with educating recent-arrival immigrant youth and English-language learners, but also the growing interest by language and literacy educators in the role of multimodal texts for developing multiple and critical literacies of all students.
How to identify housing bubbles? A decision support model
Authors: Pitros Charalambos , Arayici Yusuf
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a decision support model for the early diagnosis of housing bubbles in the UK during the maturity process of the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The development process of the model is divided into four stages. These stages are driven by the normal distribution theorem coupled with the case study approach. The application of normal distribution theory is allowed through the usage of several parametric tools. The case studies tested in this research include the last two UK housing bubbles, 1986 to 1989 and 2001/2002 to 2007. The central hypothesis of the model is that during housing bubbles, all speculative activities of market participants follow an approximate synchronisation, and therefore, an irrational, synchronous and periodic increase on a wide range of relevant variables must occur to anticipate the bubble component. An empirical application of the model is conducted on UK housing market data over the period of 1983-2011.

Findings

The new approach successfully identifies the well-known UK historical bubble episodes over the period of 1983-2011. The study further determines that for uncovering housing bubbles in the UK, house price changes have the same weight with the debt–burden ratio when their velocity is positive. Finally, the application of this model has led us to conclude that the model’s outputs fluctuate approximately in line with phases of the UK real estate cycle.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new measure for studying the presence of housing bubbles. This measure is not simply an ex post detection technique but dating algorithms that use data only up to the point of analysis for an on-going bubble assessment, giving an early warning diagnostic that can assist market participants and regulators in market monitoring.