bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes Involved in the Endoplasmic Reticulum N-Glycosylation Pathway of the Red Microalga Porphyridium sp.: A Bioinformatic Study
Authors: Levy-Ontman Oshrat , Fisher Merav , Shotland Yoram , Weinstein Yacob , Tekoah Yoram , Arad Shoshana
Published: February 2014

N-glycosylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications that influence protein polymorphism, including protein structures and their functions. Although this important biological process has been extensively studied in mammals, only limited knowledge exists regarding glycosylation in algae. The current research is focused on the red microalga Porphyridium sp., which is a potentially valuable source for various applications, such as skin therapy, food, and pharmaceuticals. The enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and processing of N-glycans remain undefined in this species, and the mechanism(s) of their genetic regulation is completely unknown. In this study, we describe our pioneering attempt to understand the endoplasmic reticulum N-Glycosylation pathway in Porphyridium sp., using a bioinformatic approach. Homology searches, based on sequence similarities with genes encoding proteins involved in the ER N-glycosylation pathway (including their conserved parts) were conducted using the TBLASTN function on the algae DNA scaffold contigs database. This approach led to the identification of 24 encoded-genes implicated with the ER N-glycosylation pathway in Porphyridium sp. Homologs were found for almost all known N-glycosylation protein sequences in the ER pathway of Porphyridium sp.; thus, suggesting that the ER-pathway is conserved; as it is in other organisms (animals, plants, yeasts, etc.).
Molecular Cloning, Structural Analysis and Tissue Expression of Protein Phosphatase 3 Catalytic Subunit Alpha Isoform (PPP3CA) Gene in Tianfu Goat Muscle
Authors: Wan Lu , Ma Jisi , Xu Gangyi , Wang Daihua , Wang Nianlu
Published: February 2014

Calcineurin, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, plays a critical role in controlling skeletal muscle fiber type. However, little information is available concerning the expression of calcineurin in goat. Therefore, protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PPP3CA) gene, also called calcineurin Aα, was cloned and its expression characterized in Tianfu goat muscle. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed that Tianfu goat PPP3CA was detected in cardiac muscle, biceps femoris muscle, abdominal muscle, longissimus dors muscle, and soleus muscle. High expression levels were found in biceps femoris muscle, longissimus muscle and abdominal muscle (p < 0.01), and low expression levels were seen in cardiac muscle and soleus muscle (p > 0.05). In addition, the spatial-temporal mRNA expression levels showed different variation trends in different muscles with the age of the goats. Western blotting further revealed that PPP3CA protein was expressed in the above-mentioned tissues, with the highest level in biceps femoris muscle, and the lowest level in soleus muscle. In this study, we isolated the full-length coding sequence of Tianfu goat PPP3CA gene, analyzed its structure, and investigated its expression in different muscle tissues from different age stages. These results provide a foundation for understanding the function of the PPP3CA gene in goats.
Effect of Glucans from Caripia montagnei Mushroom on TNBS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Da S. Nascimento Santos Marilia , De M. Magalhães Joedyson , Castro Luiza , De Sousa Pinheiro Thuane , Sabry Diego , Nobre Leonardo , Lima João , Baseia Iuri , Leite Edda
Published: February 2014

In this study, we evaluated the effect of different doses of polysaccharides extracted from Caripia montagnei mushroom at different intervals of treatment on colonic injury in the model of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The FT-IR analysis and NMR showed that the polysaccharides from this species of mushroom are composed of α- and β-glucans. The colonic damage was evaluated by macroscopic, histological, biochemical and immunologic analyses. The results showed the reduction of colonic lesions in all groups treated with the glucans. Such glucans significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 (50 and 75 mg/kg, p < 0.05), a major inflammatory cytokine. Biochemical analyses showed that the glucans from C. montagnei acted on reducing levels of alkaline phosphatase (75 mg/kg, p < 0.01) and myeloperoxidase (p < 0.001), a result confirmed by the reduction of cellular infiltration observed microscopically. The increase of catalase activity possibly indicates a protective effect of these glucans on colonic tissue, confirming their anti-inflammatory potential.
Characterization of a Low Shrinkage Dental Composite Containing Bismethylene Spiroorthocarbonate Expanding Monomer
Authors: Fu Jing , Liu Wenjia , Hao Zhichao , Wu Xiangnan , Yin Jian , Panjiyar Anil , Liu Xiaoqing , Shen Jiefei , Wang Hang
Published: February 2014

In this study, a novel dental composite based on the unsaturated bismethylene spiroorthocarbonate expanding monomer 3,9-dimethylene-1,3,5,7-tetraoxa-spiro[5,5]undecane (BMSOC) and bisphenol-S-bis(3-meth acrylate-2-hydroxypropyl)ether (BisS-GMA) was prepared. CQ (camphorquinone) of 1 wt % and DMAEMA (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) of 2 wt % were used in a photoinitiation system to initiate the copolymerization of the matrix resins. Distilled water contact angle measurements were performed for the wettability measurement. Degree of conversion, volumetric shrinkage, contraction stress and compressive strength were measured using Fourier Transformation Infrared-FTIR spectroscopy, the AccuVol and a universal testing machine, respectively. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the resin composites modified by bismethylene spiroorthocarbonate and BisS-GMA showed a low volumetric shrinkage at 1.25% and a higher contact angle. The lower contraction stress, higher degree of conversion and compressive strength of the novel dental composites were also observed.
A Novel F-Box Protein CaF-Box Is Involved in Responses to Plant Hormones and Abiotic Stress in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Chen Rugang , Guo Weili , Yin Yanxu , Gong Zhen-Hui
Published: February 2014

The F-box protein family is characterized by an F-box motif that has been shown to play an important role in regulating various developmental processes and stress responses. In this study, a novel F-box-containing gene was isolated from leaves of pepper cultivar P70 (Capsicum annuum L.) and designated CaF-box. The full-length cDNA is 2088 bp and contains an open reading frame of 1914 bp encoding a putative polypeptide of 638 amino acids with a mass of 67.8 kDa. CaF-box was expressed predominantly in stems and seeds, and the transcript was markedly upregulated in response to cold stress, abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) treatment, and downregulated under osmotic and heavy metal stress. CaF-box expression was dramatically affected by salt stress, and was rapidly increased for the first hour, then sharply decreased thereafter. In order to further assess the role of CaF-box in the defense response to abiotic stress, a loss-of-function experiment in pepper plants was performed using a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique. Measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and electrolyte leakage revealed stronger lipid peroxidation and cell death in the CaF-box-silenced plants than in control plants, suggesting CaF-box plays an important role in regulating the defense response to abiotic stress resistance in pepper plants.
Development of a Kelp-Type Structure Module in a Coastal Ocean Model to Assess the Hydrodynamic Impact of Seawater Uranium Extraction Technology
Authors: Wang Taiping , Khangaonkar Tarang , Long Wen , Gill Gary
Published: February 2014

With the rapid growth of global energy demand, interest in extracting uranium from seawater for nuclear energy has been renewed. While extracting seawater uranium is not yet commercially viable, it serves as a “backstop” to the conventional uranium resources and provides an essentially unlimited supply of uranium resource. With recent technology advances, extracting uranium from seawater could be economically feasible only when the extraction devices are deployed at a large scale (e.g., several hundred km2). There is concern however that the large scale deployment of adsorbent farms could result in potential impacts to the hydrodynamic flow field in an oceanic setting. In this study, a kelp-type structure module based on the classic momentum sink approach was incorporated into a coastal ocean model to simulate the blockage effect of a farm of passive uranium extraction devices on the flow field. The module was quantitatively validated against laboratory flume experiments for both velocity and turbulence profiles.Model results suggest that the reduction in ambient currents could range from 4% to 10% using adsorbent farm dimensions and mooring densities previously described in the literature and with typical drag coefficients.
Role of SiNx Barrier Layer on the Performances of Polyimide Ga2O3-doped ZnO p-i-n Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Fang-Hsing , Kuo Hsin-Hui , Yang Cheng-Fu , Liu Min-Chu
Published: February 2014

In this study, silicon nitride (SiNx) thin films were deposited on polyimide (PI) substrates as barrier layers by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. The gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin films were deposited on PI and SiNx/PI substrates at room temperature (RT), 100 and 200 °C by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The thicknesses of the GZO and SiNx thin films were controlled at around 160 ± 12 nm and 150 ± 10 nm, respectively. The optimal deposition parameters for the SiNx thin films were a working pressure of 800 × 10−3 Torr, a deposition power of 20 W, a deposition temperature of 200 °C, and gas flowing rates of SiH4 = 20 sccm and NH3 = 210 sccm, respectively. For the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI structures we had found that the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C had higher crystallinity, higher electron mobility, larger carrier concentration, smaller resistivity, and higher optical transmittance ratio. For that, the GZO thin films deposited at 100 and 200 °C on PI and SiNx/PI substrates with thickness of ~1000 nm were used to fabricate p-i-n hydrogenated amorphous silicon (α-Si) thin film solar cells. 0.5% HCl solution was used to etch the surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates. Finally, PECVD system was used to deposit α-Si thin film onto the etched surfaces of the GZO/PI and GZO-SiNx/PI substrates to fabricate α-Si thin film solar cells, and the solar cells’ properties were also investigated. We had found that substrates to get the optimally solar cells’ efficiency were 200 °C-deposited GZO-SiNx/PI.
Effects of Particle Size on the Shear Behavior of Coarse Grained Soils Reinforced with Geogrid
Authors: Kim Daehyeon , Ha Sungwoo
Published: February 2014

In order to design civil structures that are supported by soils, the shear strength parameters of soils are required. Due to the large particle size of coarse-grained soils, large direct shear tests should be performed. In this study, large direct shear tests on three types of coarse grained soils (4.5 mm, 7.9 mm, and 15.9 mm) were performed to evaluate the effects of particle size on the shear behavior of coarse grained soils with/without geogrid reinforcements. Based on the direct shear test results, it was found that, in the case of no-reinforcement, the larger the maximum particle size became, the larger the friction angle was. Compared with the no-reinforcement case, the cases reinforced with either soft geogrid or stiff geogrid have smaller friction angles. The cohesion of the soil reinforced with stiff geogrid was larger than that of the soil reinforced with soft geogrid. The difference in the shear strength occurs because the case with a stiff geogrid has more soil to geogrid contact area, leading to the reduction in interlocking between soil particles.
Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized in a DNA/Chitosan-Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticle Bio-Complex Film
Authors: Gu Tingting , Wang Jianli , Xia Hongqi , Wang Si , Yu Xiaoting
Published: February 2014

A DNA/chitosan-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle bio-complex film was constructed for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on a glassy carbon electrode. HRP was simply mixed with DNA, chitosan and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and then applied to the electrode surface to form an enzyme-incorporated polyion complex film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface features of DNA/chitosan/Fe3O4/HRP layer. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) show that Fe3O4 and enzyme were successfully immobilized on the electrode surface by the DNA/chitosan bio-polyion complex membrane. Direct electron transfer (DET) and bioelectrocatalysis of HRP in the DNA/chitosan/Fe3O4 film were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and constant potential amperometry. The HRP-immobilized electrode was found to undergo DET and exhibited a fast electron transfer rate constant of 3.7 s−1. The CV results showed that the modified electrode gave rise to well-defined peaks in phosphate buffer, corresponding to the electrochemical redox reaction between HRP(Fe(III)) and HRP(Fe(II)). The obtained electrode also displayed an electrocatalytic reduction behavior towards H2O2. The resulting DNA/chitosan/Fe3O4/HRP/glassy carbon electrode (GCE) shows a high sensitivity (20.8 A·cm−2·M−1) toward H2O2. A linear response to H2O2 measurement was obtained over the range from 2 µM to 100 µM (R2 = 0.99) and an amperometric detection limit of 1 µM (S/N = 3). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of HRP immobilized on the electrode was 0.28 mM. Furthermore, the electrode exhibits both good operational stability and storage stability.
The Strengthening Effect of Phase Boundaries in a Severely Plastically Deformed Ti-Al Composite Wire
Authors: Marr Tom , Freudenberger Jens , Maier Verena , Höppel Heinz , Göken Mathias , Schultz Ludwig
Published: February 2014

An accumulative swaging and bundling technique is used to prepare composite wires made of Ti and an Al alloy. These wires show reasonable higher yield stresses than expected from the pure material flow curves. The additional strengthening in the composite is analyzed using nanoindentation measurements, tensile testings and investigations of the microstructure. In addition, these properties are analyzed in relation to the fracture surface of the mechanically tested wires. Additional strengthening due to the presence of phase boundaries could be verified. Indications for residual stresses are found that cause a global hardness gradient from the center to the wire rim. Finally, the yield stress of the wires are calculated based on local hardness measurements.
Antiproliferative Activity and Induction of Apoptosis in PC-3 Cells by the Chalcone Cardamonin from Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) in a Bioactivity-Guided Study
Authors: Pascoal Aislan , Ehrenfried Carlos , Lopez Begoña , De Araujo Thiago , Pascoal Vinicius , Gilioli Rovilson , Anhê Gabriel , Ruiz Ana , Carvalho João , Stefanello Maria , Salvador Marcos
Published: February 2014

The Myrtaceae family is a common source of medicines used in the treatment of numerous diseases in South America. In Brazil, fruits of the Campomanesia species are widely used to make liqueurs, juices and sweets, whereas leaves are traditionally employed as a medicine for dysentery, stomach problems, diarrhea, cystitis and urethritis. Ethanol extracts of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) leaves and fruits were evaluated against prostate cancer cells (PC-3). The compound (2E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one, cardamonin) was isolated from ethanol extracts of C. adamantium leaves in a bioactivity-guided study and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. In vitro studies showed that the isolated chalcone cardamonin inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and decreased the expression of NFkB1. Moreover, analysis by flow cytometry showed that this compound induced DNA fragmentation, suggesting an effect on apoptosis induction in the PC-3 cell line.
The Remarkable Structural Diversity Achieved in ent-Kaurane Diterpenes by Fungal Biotransformations
Authors: Takahashi Jacqueline , Gomes Dhionne , Lyra Fernanda , Dos Santos Gabriel , Martins Leonardo
Published: February 2014

The use of biotransformations in organic chemistry is widespread, with highlights of interesting applications in the functionalization of natural products containing unactivated carbons, like the kaurane diterpenes. A number of compounds with kaurane skeletons can be isolated in large amounts from several plant species and a myriad of biological activities has been related to these compounds. Studies on structure versus activity have showed that, in most cases, in kaurane diterpenes, activity increases with the increase of functionalization. Since naturally occurring kaurane diterpenes usually have limited functional groups to be used as targets for semi-synthetic modifications, production of more polar derivatives from kaurane diterpenes have been achieved mostly through the use of fungal biotransformations. In this review, selected examples the wonderful chemical diversity produced by fungi in kaurane diterpenes is presented. This diversity includes mainly hydroxylation of nearly all carbon atoms of the kaurane molecule, many of them carried out stereoselectively, as well as ring rearrangements, among other chemical modifications. Sources of starting materials, general biotransformation protocols employed, fungi with most consistent regioselectivity towards kaurane skeleton, as well as biological activities associated with starting materials and products are also described.
Tumor-Associated Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers of Cancer
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Ke-Yong , Liu Song-Mei , Sen Subrata
Published: February 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the 17- to 25-nucleotide long noncoding RNAs that modulate the expression of mRNAs and proteins, have emerged as critical players in cancer initiation and progression processes. Deregulation of tissue miRNA expression levels associated with specific genetic alterations has been demonstrated in cancer, where miRNAs function either as oncogenes or as tumor-suppressor genes and are shed from cancer cells into circulation. The present review summarizes and evaluates recent advances in our understanding of the characteristics of tumor tissue miRNAs, circulating miRNAs, and the stability of miRNAs in tissues and their varying expression profiles in circulating tumor cells, and body fluids including blood plasma. These advances in knowledge have led to intense efforts towards discovery and validation of differentially expressing tumor-associated miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancer. The development of tumor-specific miRNA signatures as cancer biomarkers detectable in malignant cells and body fluids should help with early detection and more effective therapeutic intervention for individual patients.
trans-11 18:1 Vaccenic Acid (TVA) Has a Direct Anti-Carcinogenic Effect on MCF-7 Human Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Lim Ji-Na , Oh Jin-Ju , Wang Tao , Lee Jae-Sung , Kim Sang-Hun , Kim Yoon-Jin , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: February 2014

Trans vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 18:1) is a positional and geometric isomer of oleic acid and it is the predominant trans isomer found in ruminant fats. TVA can be converted into cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11-CLA), a CLA isomer that has many beneficial effects, by stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) in the mammary gland. The health benefits associated with CLA are well documented, but it is unclear whether trans fatty acids (TFAs) from ruminant products have healthy effects. Therefore, the effects of TVA on the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells and MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells were investigated in the present study. Results showed that TVA inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells but not MCF-10A cells by down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 as well as procaspase-9. In addition, the suppressive effect of TVA was confirmed in SCD1-depleted MCF-7 cells. Our results suggested that TVA exerts a direct anti-carcinogenic effect on MCF-7 cells. These findings provided a better understanding of the research on the anti-carcinogenic effects of TVA and this may facilitate the manufacture of TVA/c9, t11-CLA fortified ruminant products.
Pharmacy Simulation: A Scottish, Student-Led Perspective with Lessons for the UK and Beyond
Authors: Regan Kirsty , Harney Lisa , Goodhand Kate , Strath Alison , Vosper Helen
Published: February 2014

Compared to the nursing and medical professions, simulation-based pharmacy education is a relatively new mode of supporting learning, although one that is growing rapidly to meet the training needs of a new generation of healthcare professionals. Within the UK (and particularly Scotland), access to the clinical environment through the more traditional route of placement is limited, and simulation offers a partial solution to this problem. As is well-established, simulation—if used appropriately—also offers excellent opportunities for enhancing patient safety, including allowing the exploration of the science of human factors. Given the high incidence of medication errors, pharmacists need to be included in any intervention for improvement of patient safety. It is true, however, that the “clinical environment” experienced by the practising pharmacist (especially in community pharmacy) is different from the typical nursing or medical situation. This, combined with a lack of understanding of the role of the pharmacist as a member of the wider healthcare team, means that there are additional considerations required when designing simulation-based learning activities. This commentary undertakes a narrative review of the current situation for pharmacy simulation, and considers how this may be developed to support the Scottish healthcare vision, whilst recognising that the issues raised are likely to be relevant across the sector.
Proteomic Applications in the Study of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Mateos Jesús , Pernas Pablo , Labora Juan , Blanco Francisco , Arufe María
Published: February 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated cells with an unlimited capacity for self-renewal and able to differentiate towards specific lineages under appropriate conditions. MSCs are, a priori, a good target for cell therapy and clinical trials as an alternative to embryonic stem cells, avoiding ethical problems and the chance for malignant transformation in the host. However, regarding MSCs, several biological implications must be solved before their application in cell therapy, such as safe ex vivo expansion and manipulation to obtain an extensive cell quantity amplification number for use in the host without risk accumulation of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Cell surface markers for direct characterization of MSCs remain unknown, and the precise molecular mechanisms whereby growth factors stimulate their differentiation are still missing. In the last decade, quantitative proteomics has emerged as a promising set of techniques to address these questions, the answers to which will determine whether MSCs retain their potential for use in cell therapy. Proteomics provides tools to globally analyze cellular activity at the protein level. This proteomic profiling allows the elucidation of connections between broad cellular pathways and molecules that were previously impossible to determine using only traditional biochemical analysis. However; thus far, the results obtained must be orthogonally validated with other approaches. This review will focus on how these techniques have been applied in the evaluation of MSCs for their future applications in safe therapies.
Driving Interface Based on Tactile Sensors for Electric Wheelchairs or Trolleys
Authors: Trujillo-León Andrés , Vidal-Verdú Fernando
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces a novel device based on a tactile interface to replace the attendant joystick in electric wheelchairs. It can also be used in other vehicles such as shopping trolleys. Its use allows intuitive driving that requires little or no training, so its usability is high. This is achieved by a tactile sensor located on the handlebar of the chair or trolley and the processing of the information provided by it. When the user interacts with the handle of the chair or trolley, he or she exerts a pressure pattern that depends on the intention to accelerate, brake or turn to the left or right. The electronics within the device then perform the signal conditioning and processing of the information received, identifying the intention of the user on the basis of this pattern using an algorithm, and translating it into control signals for the control module of the wheelchair. These signals are equivalent to those provided by a joystick. This proposal aims to help disabled people and their attendees and prolong the personal autonomy in a context of aging populations.
On Resilience
Authors: Stark David
Published: February 2014

This commentary reviews key themes posed by papers in this Special Issue and points to open questions. For example, does resilience in socio-technical systems degrade with use or, like immune systems, is resilience upgraded with use? Similarly, is resilience about responding in the face of the rare event? Or, is it being prepared for the rare event? Is it useful to think about the evolution of resilience? What are the risks posed by models of risk? That is, do models to reduce vulnerability to risk, increase vulnerability? What is the role of reflexivity in the analysis of resilience?
Energy Consumption and Energy Efficiency of the Transportation Sector in Shanghai
Authors: Song Malin , Wu Nan , Wu Kaiya
Published: February 2014

This article investigates changes in the transportation sector in Shanghai between 2000 and 2010 and the implications of this on transportation energy consumption and energy efficiency. The results show that from 2000 to 2010: (1) the traffic energy consumption increased from 597.96 million tons of carbon to 2070.22 million tons of carbon, with an average annual growth rate of 13.49%, and oil met 94.49% of this energy demand by 2010; (2) among present transportation modes, waterway transportation accounts for over 50% of the energy consumption within the transportation sector (on the dominant transportation modes for Shanghai residents, private car use accounted for the largest proportion of energy consumption, whereas rail transportation accounted for the smallest proportion of energy consumption); (3) the energy consumption per unit conversion traffic volume had an upward trend, whereas the energy consumption per unit output value showed a declining trend. Across the study period, the energy consumption elasticity coefficient is 0.94 on average, indicating that the change rate of energy consumption has lagged behind that of economic growth. Correspondingly, some recommendations for energy policy were presented.
Agricultural Biodiversity in Southern Brazil: Integrating Efforts for Conservation and Use of Neglected and Underutilized Species
Authors: Barbieri Rosa , Costa Gomes João , Alercia Adriana , Padulosi Stefano
Published: February 2014

Brazil is one of the most biodiversity rich countries in the world, including a wealth of agricultural biodiversity in both wild and cultivated forms. This is particularly noticeable in southern Brazil, home to a wide array of underutilized food species whose genetic diversity is maintained mostly by farmers through on-farm management practices. Farmers’ contribution in safeguarding and keeping alive traditional knowledge (TK) essential for recognizing, cultivating, valorising and consuming these resources is critical to their conservation. Part of this diversity, a rich basket of native fruits and landraces of vegetables and grains, is also maintained through ex situ collections managed by Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and its partners. This article discusses the integrated efforts for in situ/on-farm and ex situ conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity in southern Brazil. This diversity represents an important cultural heritage, since its use, cultivation and associated knowledge result from the dynamic history of the Brazilian population, including colonisation and immigration by several different ethnicities. Many of these species are sources of genes that convey tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as a result of the combined action of natural selection and artificial selection by farmers in agricultural systems with low inputs and diverse environmental conditions. Due to their importance for food security, use in breeding programs, high nutritional value, and potential for income generation, Embrapa has taken responsibility for the ex situ conservation of these species. The genebanks that safeguard against the loss of these resources do also play an important role in the restoration of this germplasm to farming communities.
Implementation of Brackish Groundwater Desalination Using Wind-Generated Electricity: A Case Study of the Energy-Water Nexus in Texas
Authors: Clayton Mary , Stillwell Ashlynn , Webber Michael
Published: February 2014

Growing populations and periodic drought conditions have exacerbated water stress in many areas worldwide. In response, some municipalities have considered desalination of saline water as a freshwater supply. Unfortunately, desalination requires a sizeable energy investment. However, renewable energy technologies can be paired with desalination to mitigate concern over the environmental impacts of increased energy use. At the same time, desalination can be operated in an intermittent way to match the variable availability of renewable resources. Integrating wind power and brackish groundwater desalination generates a high-value product (drinking water) from low-value resources (saline water and wind power without storage). This paper presents a geographically-resolved performance and economic method that estimates the energy requirements and profitability of an integrated wind-powered reverse osmosis facility treating brackish groundwater. It is based on a model that incorporates prevailing natural and market conditions such as average wind speeds, total dissolved solids content, brackish well depth, desalination treatment capacity, capital and operation costs of wind and desalination facilities, brine disposal costs, and electricity and water prices into its calculation. The model is illustrated using conditions in Texas (where there are counties with significant co-location of wind and brackish water resources). Results from this case study indicate that integrating wind turbines and brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) systems is economically favorable in a few municipal locations in West Texas.
Unified Efficiency Measurement of Electric Power Supply Companies in China
Authors: Li Jinchao , Li Jinying , Zheng Fengting
Published: February 2014

This paper measured the economic and unified efficiency of 24 electric power supply companies in China. With the development of a low carbon economy, further requirements for energy-saving and emission-reducing have been put forward for electric power supply companies. In this case, we considered the desirable (good) outputs (e.g., electricity sale amount) and undesirable (bad) outputs (e.g., line loss) in evaluating the performance of power supply companies. We combined the unified efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and the super-efficiency DEA model to create tge USDEA model, calculating companies’ unified efficiency. The unified efficiency DEA model can easily incorporate both desirable and undesirable outputs in a unified analytical structure. The super-efficiency data envelopment analysis model can make a comparison among various efficient decision making units (DMUs). Our results showed that the electric power supply companies of Hebei, Qinghai, Ningxia, Beijing and Shanghai achieved the highest levels of unified efficiency during the observed period (2003–2010), which differed from the economic efficiency results. The results meant that using unified efficiency to evaluate power supply companies will motivate them to care more about social and environmental benefit besides economic benefit.
The Use of Chimeric Virus-like Particles Harbouring a Segment of Hantavirus Gc Glycoprotein to Generate a Broadly-Reactive Hantavirus-Specific Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Zvirbliene Aurelija , Kucinskaite-Kodze Indre , Razanskiene Ausra , Petraityte-Burneikiene Rasa , Klempa Boris , Ulrich Rainer , Gedvilaite Alma
Published: February 2014

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against viral glycoproteins have important diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In most cases, the MAbs specific to viral glycoproteins are raised against intact virus particles. The biosynthesis of viral glycoproteins in heterologous expression systems such as bacteria, yeast, insect or mammalian cells is often problematic due to their low expression level, improper folding and limited stability. To generate MAbs against hantavirus glycoprotein Gc, we have used initially a recombinant yeast-expressed full-length Puumala virus (PUUV) Gc protein. However, this approach was unsuccessful. As an alternative recombinant antigen, chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) harboring a segment of PUUV Gc glycoprotein were generated in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A 99 amino acid (aa)-long segment of Gc protein was inserted into the major capsid protein VP1 of hamster polyomavirus at previously defined positions: either site #1 (aa 80–89) or site #4 (aa 280–289). The chimeric proteins were found to self-assemble to VLPs as evidenced by electron microscopy. Chimeric VLPs induced an efficient insert-specific antibody response in immunized mice. Monoclonal antibody (clone #10B8) of IgG isotype specific to hantavirus Gc glycoprotein was generated. It recognized recombinant full-length PUUV Gc glycoprotein both in ELISA and Western blot assay and reacted specifically with hantavirus-infected cells in immunofluorescence assay. Epitope mapping studies revealed the N-terminally located epitope highly conserved among different hantavirus strains. In conclusion, our approach to use chimeric VLPs was proven useful for the generation of virus-reactive MAb against hantavirus Gc glycoprotein. The generated broadly-reactive MAb #10B8 might be useful for various diagnostic applications.
Health Data Cooperatives – Citizen Empowerment
Authors: Kossmann D. , Brand A. , Hafen E.
Published: February 2014

Introduction: This article is part of a Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on Health Record Banking.

Background: Healthcare is often ineffective and costs are steadily rising. This is in a large part due to the inaccessibility of medical and health data stored in multiple silos. Further -more, in most cases molecular differences between individuals that result in different susceptibilities to drugs and diseases as well as targeted interventions cannot be taken into account. Technological advances in genome sequencing and the interaction of ’omics’ data with environmental data on one hand and mobile health on the other, promise to generate the longitudinal health data that will form the basis for a more personalized, precision medicine.

Objectives: For this new medicine to become a reality, however, millions of personal health data sets have to be aggregated. The value of such aggregated personal data has been recognized as a new asset class and many commercial entities are competing for this new asset (e.g. Google, Facebook, 23andMe, PatientsLikeMe). The primary source and beneficiary of personal health data is the individual. As a collective, society should be the beneficiary of both the eco -nomic and health value of these aggregated data and (health) information.

Methods: We posit that empowering citi -zens by providing them with a platform to safely store, manage and share their health-related data will be a necessary element in the transformation towards a more effective and efficient precision medicine. Such health data platforms should be organized as co -operatives that are solely owned and controlled by their members and not by shareholders. Members determine which data they want to share for example with doctors or to contribute to research for the benefit of their health and that of society. Members will also decide how the revenues generated by granting third parties access to the anonymized data that they agreed to share, should be invested in research, information or education.

Results: Currently no functional Health Data Cooperatives exist yet. The relative success of health data repositories such as 23andme and PatientsLikeMe indicates that citizens are willing to participate in research even if – and in contrast to the cooperative model – the commercial value of these data does not go back to the collective of users.

Conclusions: In the Health Data Cooperative model, the citizens with their data would take the center stage in the healthcare system and society would benefit from the health-related and financial benefits that aggregation of these data brings.
Biomechanical and leaf–climate relationships: A comparison of ferns and seed plants
Authors: Peppe Daniel J. , Lemons Casee R. , Royer Dana L. , Wing Scott L. , Wright Ian J. , Lusk Christopher H. , Rhoden Chazelle H.
Published: February 2014

• Premise of the study: Relationships of leaf size and shape (physiognomy) with climate have been well characterized for woody non‐monocotyledonous angiosperms (dicots), allowing the development of models for estimating paleoclimate from fossil leaves. More recently, petiole width of seed plants has been shown to scale closely with leaf mass. By measuring petiole width and leaf area in fossils, leaf mass per area (MA) can be estimated and an approximate leaf life span inferred. However, little is known about these relationships in ferns, a clade with a deep fossil record and with the potential to greatly expand the applicability of these proxies.

• Methods: We measured the petiole width, MA, and leaf physiognomic characters of 179 fern species from 188 locations across six continents. We applied biomechanical models and assessed the relationship between leaf physiognomy and climate using correlational approaches.

• Key results: The scaling relationship between area‐normalized petiole width and MA differs between fern fronds and pinnae. The scaling relationship is best modeled as an end‐loaded cantilevered beam, which is different from the best‐fit biomechanical model for seed plants. Fern leaf physiognomy is not influenced by climatic conditions.

• Conclusions: The cantilever beam model can be applied to fossil ferns. The lack of sensitivity of leaf physiognomy to climate in ferns argues against their use to reconstruct paleoclimate. Differences in climate sensitivity and biomechanical relationships between ferns and seed plants may be driven by differences in their hydraulic conductivity and/or their differing evolutionary histories of vein architecture and leaf morphology.
Plant inbreeding and prior herbivory influence the attraction of caterpillars (Manduca sexta) to odors of the host plant Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae)
Authors: Kariyat Rupesh R. , Scanlon Sarah R. , Moraski Ryan P. , Stephenson Andrew G. , Mescher Mark C. , De Moraes Consuelo M.
Published: February 2014

• Premise of this study: The mediation of plant–insect interactions by plant odors has been studied extensively, but most previous work has focused on documenting the role of constitutive and herbivore‐ or pathogen‐induced plant volatiles as foraging cues for insect herbivores and their natural enemies. Relatively little work has explored genotypic variation in plant‐odor profiles within species, and few studies have addressed the perception and use of olfactory cues by lepidopteran larvae or other herbivores during feeding.

• Methods: We examined the effects of plant breeding (inbred vs. outbred individuals) and plant exposure to prior herbivory on the preferences of caterpillars (Manduca sexta) for odors of Solanum carolinense in leaf‐disc and whole‐plant choice assays.

• Key results: Second‐ and third‐instar larvae of M. sexta clearly and consistently preferred undamaged over herbivore‐damaged plants of both breeding types and also consistently preferred inbred over outbred plants that had the same damage status. Similar preferences were observed even when plants were covered with bridal‐veil cloth to mask visual cues, demonstrating that olfactory cues influence larval preferences.

• Conclusions: The observed preferences are consistent with our previous findings regarding the constitutive and induced volatile profiles of inbred and outbred horsenettle plants and their effects on plant–herbivore interactions. They furthermore correspond to differences in host‐plant quality predicted by previous work and, thus, suggest that naive larvae of M. sexta can accurately assess aspects of host‐plant quality via olfactory cues perceived at a distance.
Phylogeny of Lamiidae
Authors: Refulio‐Rodriguez Nancy F. , Olmstead Richard G.
Published: February 2014

• Premise of the study: The Lamiidae, a clade composed of approximately 15% of all flowering plants, consists of five orders: Boraginales, Gentianales, Garryales, Lamiales, and Solanales; and four families unplaced in an order: Icacinaceae, Metteniusiaceae, Oncothecaceae, and Vahliaceae. Our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of Lamiidae has improved significantly in recent years, however, relationships among the orders and unplaced families of the clade remain partly unresolved. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of the Lamiidae based on an expanded sampling, including all families together, for the first time, in a single phylogenetic analyses.

• Methods: Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian approaches. Analyses included nine plastid regions (atpB, matK, ndhF, psbBTNH, rbcL, rps4, rps16, trnL‐F, and trnV‐atpE) and the mitochondrial rps3 region, and 129 samples representing all orders and unplaced families of Lamiidae.

• Key results: Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian trees provide good support for Boraginales sister to Lamiales, with successive outgroups (Solanales + Vahlia) and Gentianales, together comprising the core Lamiidae. Early branching patterns are less well supported, with Garryales only poorly supported as sister to the above ‘core’ and a weakly supported clade composed of Icacinaceae, Metteniusaceae, and Oncothecaceae sister to all other Lamiidae.

• Conclusions: Our phylogeny of Lamiidae reveals increased resolution and support for internal relationships that have remained elusive. Within Lamiales, greater resolution also is obtained, but some family interrelationships remain a challenge.
Studies in Hawaiian Diptera I: New Distributional Records for Endemic Asteia (Asteiidae)
Authors: O'Grady Patrick , Magnacca Karl
Published: February 2014

New island records are reported for five species of Asteia endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (A. hawaiiensis, A. mauiensis, A. molokaiensis, A. palikuensis, A. sabroskyi). These new records expand our understanding of distributions in Asteia, change the percentage of single island endemics from 78% to 33%, and have significance in how we view the process of diversification acting in this lineage. We also present a list of the known rearing records for two species in this group. Asteia montgomeryi has been recorded from Erythrina and A. sabroskyi has been reared from Pisonia, Urera, Charpentiera and Hibiscadelphus.
Mujeres y criados, una comedia recuperada de Lope de Vega
Authors: García-Reidy Alejandro
Published: February 2014

El corpus dramático de Lope de Vega es uno de los más estudiados en el teatro barroco español, pero todavía encierra numerosas lagunas que quedan por aclarar. En el presente trabajo estudio el manuscrito que se conserva de una comedia titulada Mujeres y criados en relación con una comedia homónima de Lope que varios catálogos dan por perdida. En la primera parte demuestro la autoría lopesca de la obra a partir de elementos internos del texto y de la relación que guarda el manuscrito con noticias proporcionadas por documentación de la época. En la segunda parte del artículo estudio las características más relevantes de esta comedia, destacando su inserción en el género de la comedia urbana, la subversión que se lleva a cabo de ciertos temas, como las jerarquías sociales o el honor, y el papel predominante que Lope concede a las mujeres en la trama de la obra.
Lecturas de un sueño. (Sobre la República literaria de Saavedra Fajardo)
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Campos F.-Fígares Mar
Published: February 2014

El autor de la República Literaria, un diplomático viajero del siglo XVII, sueña una ciudad de papel: leer una ciudad como si fuera un libro y leer un libro como si fuera un viaje a través de la historia literaria. ¿Es posible? En este recorrido por toda la cultura escrita que traza Saavedra, donde los habitantes de la ciudad son los autores de los textos «literarios» y las artes conviven con las ciencias y las musas, el autor desmenuza con finísima ironía la actualidad y la tradición de todo lo que rodea a la producción de lo escrito. Con el clásico recurso del «Sueño» muestra un panorama increíblemente nítido donde podemos reconocer los inicios del capitalismo en el que los libros han pasado de ser considerados como un depósito de sabiduría y cordura a tener carácter de mero objeto de mercado.
La labor editorial de Vera Tassis
Authors: Rodríguez-Gallego Fernando
Published: February 2014

En este artículo se repasan y analizan las diferentes aportaciones sobre la labor de Vera Tassis, en especial en lo que respecta a los textos editados por él, y se señalan los mayores puntos de conflicto que existen en la actualidad, particularmente el valor que se quiera dar a los textos que Vera pudo haber seguido como texto base, así como su relevancia a la hora de detectar posibles dobles versiones de obras de Calderón de la Barca. En estos ámbitos sería deseable que avanzase la investigación en torno al polémico amigo de Calderón.
Censura y prensa periódica a finales del siglo XVIII: El caso del Semanario erudito (1787-1791)
Authors: Sutherland Madeline
Published: February 2014

¿Cómo operaba la censura periodística en España en las últimas décadas del siglo XVIII? Este trabajo considera el caso de un periódico en particular, el Semanario Erudito. La correspondencia existente entre el editor (Antonio Valladares de Sotomayor), el Consejo de Castilla, y los censores (principalmente Ignacio López de Ayala y Santos Díez González) nos permite ver el proceso censorio y las actitudes de los participantes en el proceso. Tras describir las actividades editoras de Valladares y repasar las leyes que regulaban la imprenta de periódicos, se examinan las peticiones del editor y las justificaciones de los censores y el Consejo con respecto a sus decisiones. La correspondencia nos permite concluir que mientras los censores y el Consejo se interesaban en ejercer un control ideológico y jurídico sobre lo que se publicaba, les importaba también hacer posible la publicación de documentos importantes o útiles y asegurar la calidad de ellos haciendo correcciones y exigiendo precisión y exactitud.
Menéndez Pelayo y la Literatura Comparada
Authors: Garrido Gallardo Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2014

El nacimiento del comparatismo literario tiene lugar entre la publicación de los primeros volúmenes de la Historia de las Ideas Estéticas y la edición de Orígenes de la novela. Es absolutamente imposible que la obra de don Marcelino, espíritu inquieto y lector infatigable donde los haya, esté al margen de los acontecimientos culturales que se estaban produciendo al hilo de su propia labor. Aunque no utilice la denominación literatura comparada como título de ninguno de sus trabajos, este artículo muestra, mediante un recorrido analítico y una pequeña antología de textos de su obra, la relación de Menéndez Pelayo con la disciplina que marca la renovación de los estudios literarios del siglo XX.