bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain relieving and protective effects of Astragalus hydroalcoholic extract in rat arthritis models
Authors: Maresca Mario , Micheli Laura , Cinci Lorenzo , Bilia Anna Rita , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The evaluation of the pharmacological profile of the dried 50% hydroalcoholic extract (50%HA) of Astragali radix in two different animal models of articular damage resembling osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was intra-articular injected (day 0) in the rat tibiotarsal joint to induce damages mimicking osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Pain measurements (responses to non-noxious and noxious stimuli, spontaneous pain, articular pain) were assessed on days 7 and 14. On day 14, the tibiotarsal joints were explanted in order to measure the diameter and to assess histological evaluations. Furthermore, the plasmatic concentrations of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured.

Key findings

A single administration of 50%HA (300 mg/kg per os) significantly reduced both MIA-induced pain and CFA-induced pain (78% and 96% pain relief, respectively). The repeated administration prevented the development of hypersensitivity on day 14. The haematoxylin/eosin staining revealed that 50% HA attenuated joint alterations in MIA-injected rats, and furthermore, the joint inflammatory infiltrate was reduced in both models (by about 50%). In CFA-treated rats, 50%HA lowered the plasmatic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α as well as the joint diameter.

Conclusions

The 50% hydroalcoholic extract of Astragali radix is a valuable candidate for the adjuvant treatment of articular diseases.
Scintigraphic Assessment of Deposition of Radiolabeled Fluticasone Delivered from a Nebulizer and Metered Dose Inhaler in 10 Healthy Dogs
Authors: Chow K.E. , Tyrrell D. , Yang M. , Abraham L.A. , Anderson G.A. , Mansfield C.S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Aerosolized medications are increasingly being used to treat respiratory diseases in dogs. No previous studies assessing respiratory tract deposition of radiolabeled aerosols have been performed in conscious dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess respiratory tract deposition of radiolabeled, inhalant corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate labeled with 99mTc) delivered from a nebulizer and metered dose inhaler (MDI) to healthy dogs.

Animals

Ten healthy Foxhounds.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, cross‐over pilot study. Initial inhalation method (nebulizer or MDI) was randomly assigned. Treatments were crossed over after a 7‐day washout period. Treatments initially were performed using sedation. Dogs were imaged using 2‐dimensional planar scintigraphy, with respiratory tract deposition quantified by manual region‐of‐interest analysis. Deposition calculated as percentage of delivered dose. Six of 10 dogs were randomly selected and reassessed without sedation.

Results

Inhalation method had significant effect on respiratory tract deposition (P = 0.027). Higher deposition was achieved by nebulization with mean deposition of 4.2% (standard deviation [SD], 1.4%; range, 1.9–6.1%); whereas MDI treatment achieved a mean of 2.3% (SD, 1.4%; range, 0.2–4.2%). Nebulization achieved higher respiratory tract deposition than MDI in 7 of 10 dogs. No statistical difference (P = 0.68) was found between mean respiratory tract deposition achieved in dogs when unsedated (3.8%; SD, 1.5%) or sedated (3.6%; SD, 1.7%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Study confirms respiratory tract deposition of inhalant medications delivered from a nebulizer and MDI in healthy dogs, breathing tidally with and without sedation. Respiratory tract deposition in these dogs was low compared to reported deposition in adult humans, but similar to reported deposition in children.
Does phytoestrogen supplementation improve cognition in humans? A systematic review
Authors: Thaung Zaw Jay Jay , Howe Peter Ranald Charles , Wong Rachel Heloise Xiwen
Published: September 2017

Recent evidence indicates that resveratrol, a phytoestrogen, can improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women by enhancing cerebral vasodilator responsiveness. We examine the effects of phytoestrogen supplementation on cognition and compare resveratrol with other phytoestrogens. Databases were searched for reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) containing terms describing phytoestrogens together with terms relating to cognition. Effect sizes were determined for changes in cognition. We identified 23 RCTs, 15 with isoflavone and eight with resveratrol or grape formulations. Six soy isoflavone studies showed positive cognitive effects of medium size. Greater benefits were seen in women who were <10 years postmenopausal and supplemented for <6 months. Small‐to‐medium effect–size cognitive benefits of resveratrol were seen in four studies of older adults of mixed gender and in postmenopausal women who took 150–200 mg resveratrol daily for at least 14 weeks. No benefits were seen in three studies using red clover or grape formulations. Supplementation with either soy isoflavone or resveratrol improved executive function and memory domains of cognitively normal older adults in half of the included studies, mostly with medium effect sizes. The cognitive benefit of resveratrol was related to improved cerebral perfusion.
Social marketing approaches to nutrition and physical activity interventions in early care and education centres: a systematic review
Authors: Luecking C. T. , Hennink‐Kaminski H. , Ihekweazu C. , Vaughn A. , Mazzucca S. , Ward D. S.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Social marketing is a promising planning approach for influencing voluntary lifestyle behaviours, but its application to nutrition and physical activity interventions in the early care and education setting remains unknown.

Methods

PubMed, ISI Web of Science, PsycInfo and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health were systematically searched to identify interventions targeting nutrition and/or physical activity behaviours of children enrolled in early care centres between 1994 and 2016. Content analysis methods were used to capture information reflecting eight social marketing benchmark criteria.

Results

The review included 135 articles representing 77 interventions. Two interventions incorporated all eight benchmark criteria, but the majority included fewer than four. Each intervention included behaviour and methods mix criteria, and more than half identified audience segments. Only one‐third of interventions incorporated customer orientation, theory, exchange and insight. Only six interventions addressed competing behaviours. We did not find statistical significance for the effectiveness of interventions on child‐level diet, physical activity or anthropometric outcomes based on the number of benchmark criteria used.

Conclusion

This review highlights opportunities to apply social marketing to obesity prevention interventions in early care centres. Social marketing could be an important strategy for early childhood obesity prevention efforts, and future research investigations into its effects are warranted.
Environmental stability increases relative individual specialisation across populations of an aquatic top predator
Authors: Dermond Philip , Thomas Stephen M. , Brodersen Jakob
Published: September 2017

The concept of the niche has long been a central pillar in ecological theory, with a traditional focus on quantifying niches at the species or population level. However, the importance of individual‐level niche variation is increasingly being recognised, with a strong focus on individual specialisation. While examples illustrating the contribution of the individual niche to whole population niche structure are accumulating rapidly, surprisingly little is known about the conditions that shape the differences between these two potentially divergent components. Though theory predicts that stability should influence the extent of such intra‐specific specialisation, we know of no previous study that has investigated its role in individual specialisation, and the differentiation between individual‐ and population niches. Here, we studied the diet of individuals from multiple populations of an aquatic top‐predator, Salmo trutta, inhabiting contrasting stable, groundwater fed and unstable, surface water fed pre‐alpine streams. Based on stomach content analysis, we found that individuals living in stable environments displayed a higher degree of specialisation than those in unstable environments, with the between‐individual component of niche width being approximately twice as high in the former. We subsequently validated these results by evidence gained from stable isotope analysis of muscle tissue. As such, we reveal that environmental stability can significantly influence individual niches within populations, leading to increased specialisation.
Can Performance Management Best Practices Help Reduce Crime?
Authors: Pasha Obed
Published: September 2017

As performance management systems gain popularity in police agencies, they are increasingly being criticized for their ineffectiveness at reducing crime and for encouraging abuse of authority. Scholars and practitioners, however, argue that these systems can be effective if they are implemented properly with the use of best practices. This article contributes to this debate by evaluating the impact of performance management systems and associated best practices on improving police performance. An analysis of primary survey data of 308 U.S. police agencies shows that performance management systems are effective tools in helping reduce crime across almost all crime categories. However, the best practices of performance reporting to citizens and providing discretion to officers have no significant impact on crime reduction, while consulting officers in the target‐setting process has a negative impact on police performance.
The complementary effect of intellectual property protection mechanisms on product innovation performance
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Joo Si Hyoung , Kim Yeonbae
Published: September 2017

This study assessed the effect of simultaneous implementations of different intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms on a firm's product innovation performance (PIP). The study categorized seven widely‐used IP protection mechanisms (IPPMs) into two groups: formal and informal. Complementarity was then tested within and between the formal and informal groups of IPPMs. The result showed that there existed complementarity when multiple IPPMs were implemented from the same groups. Throughout an additional analysis on the moderating effect of the industrial complexity in technology, it was found that the ‘between groups' combination effect was also existed but varied from even negative to positive concluding that industrial complexity of technology moderates the effects of combinations of IPPMs on a firm's PIP. These results imply that the use of multiple IPPMs is effective but the effect varies by the technological complexity of industry.
Agonist‐induced platelet reactivity correlates with bleeding in haemato‐oncological patients
Authors: Batman B. , van Bladel E. R. , van Hamersveld M. , Pasker‐de Jong P. C. M. , Korporaal S. J. A. , Urbanus R. T. , Roest M. , Boven L. A. , Fijnheer R.
Published: September 2017

Background and objective

Prophylactic platelet transfusions are administered to prevent bleeding in haemato‐oncological patients. However, bleeding still occurs, despite these transfusions. This practice is costly and not without risk. Better predictors of bleeding are needed, and flow cytometric evaluation of platelet function might aid the clinician in identifying patients at risk of bleeding. This evaluation can be performed within the hour and is not hampered by low platelet count. Our objective was to assess a possible correlation between bleeding and platelet function in thrombocytopenic haemato‐oncological patients.

Materials and Methods

Inclusion was possible for admitted haemato‐oncology patients aged 18 years and above. Furthermore, an expected need for platelet transfusions was necessary. Bleeding was graded according to the WHO bleeding scale. Platelet reactivity to stimulation by either adenosine diphosphate (ADP), cross‐linked collagen‐related peptide (CRP‐xL), PAR1‐ or PAR4‐activating peptide (AP) was measured using flow cytometry.

Results

A total of 114 evaluations were available from 21 consecutive patients. Platelet reactivity in response to stimulation by all four studied agonists was inversely correlated with significant bleeding. Odds ratios (OR) for bleeding were 0·28 for every unit increase in median fluorescence intensity (MFI) [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·11–0·73] for ADP; 0·59 [0·40–0·87] for CRP‐xL; 0·59 [0·37–0·94] for PAR1‐AP; and 0·43 [0·23–0·79] for PAR4‐AP. The platelet count was not correlated with bleeding (OR 0·99 [0·96–1·02]).

Conclusion

Agonist‐induced platelet reactivity was significantly correlated to bleeding. Platelet function testing could provide a basis for a personalized transfusion regimen, in which platelet transfusions are limited to those at risk of bleeding.
Novel intronic RHD variants identified in serologically D‐negative blood donors
Authors: El Wafi M. , El Housse H. , Zaid N. , Zouine S. , Nourichafi N. , Bouisk K. , Benajiba M. , Habti N.
Published: September 2017

Background

Blood group genotyping is used to predict RhD phenotype in transfusion and obstetric medicine. Prediction of antigen D is based on molecular techniques which targets most common RHD‐specific polymorphism. However, inactive RHD variants can suggest false‐positive RhD phenotype. Their types and frequencies vary among ethnicities. Our study aimed to identify RHD variants among Moroccan blood donors who are serologically D negative.

Study Design and Methods

DNA from 53 blood donors who are serologically D negative RhC and/or RhE positive were screened for RHD exon 10 by PCR‐SSP. RHD‐positive samples were further tested by multiplex PCR covering exons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 and then sequenced by targeted next‐generation sequencing method. Mutations’ impact on mRNA splicing was predicted using alamut software version 2·0.

Results

PCR‐SSP revealed 9 of 53 (16·9%) RHD‐positive samples. Five of nine samples were positive for all tested exons, two of nine were positive for exon 9, and two of nine were undetermined. Sequencing revealed four novel RHD variants based on six mutations in introns 1, 3, 5 and 6. In silico analysis revealed aberrant splicing of three mutations (RHD c.487‐1024delG, RHD c.487‐256T>G and RHD c.940‐187_940‐188del), while three other mutations (RHD c.149‐682C>A, RHD c.802‐37delA and RHD c.939 + 1151dup) had no effect on splicing compared to wild type.

Conclusions

All identified RHD variants contain at least one mutation that probably affects splicing to generate D‐negative phenotype. Hence, ethnic RhD antigen background must be considered when developing transfusion and obstetric strategies.
Xenotransplant advances may prompt human trials
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: September 2017

Record survival of primates with pig organs raises hopes.
Mission aims to salvage what's left of Nimrud
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: September 2017

Archaeologists race to preserve rubble that may hold the keys to restoring ancient city.
Advances in thermoelectric materials research: Looking back and moving forward
Authors: He Jian , Tritt Terry M.
Published: September 2017

Strategies for efficient thermoelectrics

Thermoelectric materials convert heat into electricity and can provide solid-state cooling for spot-sized refrigeration. One important barrier for adopting these materials beyond niche applications is their low efficiency. He and Tritt review the mechanisms and strategies for improving thermoelectric efficiency. They discuss how to report material performance and highlight the most promising materials. With new materials and strategies for performance enhancement, thermoelectrics are poised to alter the renewable energy landscape.

Science
, this issue p.
eaak9997
Electronic crystal growth
Authors: Sato T. , Miyagawa K. , Kanoda K.
Published: September 2017

Ordering and disordering electrons

When a liquid is cooled rapidly, it can form a glass, a state stuck between liquid and solid. Two groups looked in detail into analogous dynamics in electronic systems. Sato
et al.
and Sasaki
et al.
studied layered organic materials with a triangular in-plane lattice. These materials can assume a state in which their charge distribution has a regular pattern—an electronic or charge crystal. When the materials were cooled rapidly, a charge glass was formed instead and then allowed to crystallize. The dynamics of crystallization showed similarities to the analogous processes in conventional glasses.

Science
, this issue p.
1378
, p.
1381
Crystallization and vitrification of electrons in a glass-forming charge liquid
Authors: Sasaki S. , Hashimoto K. , Kobayashi R. , Itoh K. , Iguchi S. , Nishio Y. , Ikemoto Y. , Moriwaki T. , Yoneyama N. , Watanabe M. , Ueda A. , Mori H. , Kobayashi K. , Kumai R. , Murakami Y. , Müller J. , Sasaki T.
Published: September 2017

Ordering and disordering electrons

When a liquid is cooled rapidly, it can form a glass, a state stuck between liquid and solid. Two groups looked in detail into analogous dynamics in electronic systems. Sato
et al.
and Sasaki
et al.
studied layered organic materials with a triangular in-plane lattice. These materials can assume a state in which their charge distribution has a regular pattern—an electronic or charge crystal. When the materials were cooled rapidly, a charge glass was formed instead and then allowed to crystallize. The dynamics of crystallization showed similarities to the analogous processes in conventional glasses.

Science
, this issue p.
1378
, p.
1381
Long-distance operator for energy transfer
Authors: Garcia-Vidal Francisco J. , Feist Johannes
Published: September 2017

Nanophotonics can be used to enhance the electromagnetic coupling between molecules
Seabird diets as bioindicators of Atlantic herring recruitment and stock size: a new tool for ecosystem-based fisheries management
Authors: Scopel Lauren C. , Diamond Antony W. , Kress Stephen W. , Hards Adrian R. , Shannon Paula
Published: September 2017

Ecosystem-based fishery management requires understanding of relationships between exploited fish and their predators, such as seabirds. We used exploratory regression analyses to model relationships between Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in the diet of seabird chicks at nine nesting colonies in the Gulf of Maine and four types of fishery- and survey-derived herring data. We found several strong relationships, which suggests spatial structuring in herring stocks and likely patterns of herring movements before they recruit into the fishery. Some types of herring data seldom used in stock assessments — notably acoustic surveys, fixed-gear landings, and mass-at-age (i.e., weight-at-age) — correlated as strongly with seabird data as more commonly used series, such as mobile-gear landings and modeled spawning stock biomass. Seabird chick diets collected at specific locations thus offer a promising means to assess the size, distribution, and abundance of juvenile herring across a broad area prior to recruitment, which is a major source of uncertainty in fisheries. Common terns (Sterna hirundo) showed the most potential as a bioindicator, correlating well and showing consistent spatial patterns with 11 of 13 fishery data series.
The Z chromosome is enriched for sperm proteins in two divergent species of Lepidoptera
Authors: Mongue Andrew J. , Walters James R.
Published: September 2017

Genes that promote sexual conflict, such as those with a sex-limited fitness benefit, are expected to accumulate differentially on sex chromosomes relative to autosomes. Few tests of this hypothesis exist for male homogametic (ZZ) taxa, however, and most use RNA expression data to identify such genes. Here, we employ a different identification method by using proteomic analysis of sperm cells to identify genes with a sex-limited benefit. We tested for a bias in genomic location of sperm protein genes in two species of Lepidoptera. An excess of sperm protein genes was identified on the Z chromosomes of both the Carolina sphinx moth (Manduca sexta) and the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Taking into consideration a Z-autosome fusion in monarchs, we discover that the ancestrally sex-linked portion of the genome is the source of this enrichment, while the newly sex-linked portion still appears similar to autosomes in relative abundance of sperm protein genes. Together, these results point to an enrichment of male-beneficial genes on the Z chromosome and demonstrate the usefulness of proteomic datasets in sexual conflict research.
Fermion propagator in an external potential and generalized Airy functions
Authors: Britto A. L. M. , Das Ashok K. , Frenkel J.
Published: September 2017

We study the behavior of the fermion propagator in an external time-dependent potential in 0 + 1 dimension. We show that, when the potential has up to quadratic terms in time, the propagator can be expressed in terms of generalized Airy functions (or standard Airy functions depending on the exact time dependence). We study various properties of these new generalized functions which reduce to the standard Airy functions in a particular limit.
Roles of size and kinematics in drag reduction for two tandem flexible foils
Authors: Chao Li-Ming , Zhang Dong , Pan Guang
Published: September 2017

The effect of size and kinematics difference between two tandem flexible foils on drag reduction have been numerically studied. Compared with single foil, it is found that the kinematics difference between two foils would not play a significant role in reducing drag, while the size difference between two foils significantly affects the drag reduction in this two foil system. For leading foil, it always enjoys drag reduction and the highest drag reduction can be observed at bigger size difference and gap distance between two foil as 22%. For trailing foil, it suffers drag increase when the gap distance between two foils is smaller, while it enjoys drag decrease when the size difference between two foils is bigger enough. The hydrodynamic interaction between such actively undulated foils also has been uncovered and used to explain the mechanisms of drag reduction.
Link Failure Recovery in SDN: High Efficiency, Strong Scalability and Wide Applicability
Authors: Chen Jue , Chen Jinbang , Ling Junchen , Zhou Junlong , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2017

Link failures are commonly observed in computer networks, including the newly emerging Software Defined Network (SDN). Considering that failure recovery methods used in traditional networks cannot be applied to SDN networks directly, we propose a method named pro-VLAN in this paper, which calculates a backup path and assigns a unique VLAN id for each link of the network based on the protection mechanism. It makes the most of SDN’s features and can recover a single link failure in SDN with the advantages of high efficiency, strong scalability and wide applicability. More specifically, high efficiency (i.e., a fast failure recovery with a low memory consumption) is achieved by calculating backup paths for each link instead of each flow and using group tables to switch backup paths automatically and locally when failures occur. Strong scalability (i.e., the amount of backup flow entries per switch is stable) is achieved by keeping the amount of links per switch no matter how the network scale extends or how the amount of flows increases. Wide applicability is achieved by always finding a path available without modifying any hardware or protocol as long as the network is still reachable after a link failure. Simulation results and mathematical analysis demonstrate that both pro-VLAN and a flow-based protection method achieve a fast failure recovery, while pro-VLAN consumes less than 1% of the forwarding entries to store backup paths as compared to the flow-based method. Moreover, when the network scale increases from 10 to 60 switches by 500%, the increase of the number of backup flow entries per switch built by pro-VLAN is only less than 50%.
A new f(R) model in the light of local gravity test and late-time cosmology
Authors: Nautiyal Akhilesh , Panda Sukanta , Patel Avani
Published: September 2017

We propose a new model of [Formula: see text] gravity containing Arctan function in the Lagrangian. We show here that this model satisfies fifth force constraint unlike a similar model in 2013 by Kruglov. In addition to this, we carry out the fixed point analysis as well as comment on the existence of curvature singularity in this model. The cosmological evolution for this [Formula: see text] gravity model is also analyzed in the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) background. To understand observational significance of the model, cosmological parameters are obtained numerically and compared with those of Lambda cold dark matter ([Formula: see text]CDM) model. We also scrutinize the model with supernova data. We apply [Formula: see text] diagnostic given by Sahni et al. in 2008 to the model. Using this diagnostic, we detect the distinction between cosmic evolution caused by the [Formula: see text] model and [Formula: see text]CDM. We find best-fit parameter values of the model using baryon acoustic oscillations data.
WRONG-WAY RISK CVA MODELS WITH ANALYTICAL EPE PROFILES UNDER GAUSSIAN EXPOSURE DYNAMICS
Authors: VRINS FRÉDÉRIC
Published: September 2017

We consider two classes of wrong-way risk models in the context of CVA: static (resampling) and dynamic (reduced form). Although both potentially suffer from arbitrage problems, their tractability makes them appealing to the industry and therefore deserve additional study. For example, Gaussian copula-based resampling and reduced-form with “Hull–White intensities” yield analytical expected positive exposure (EPE) profiles when the portfolio price process (i.e. exposure process) is Gaussian. However, the first approach disregards credit volatility whilst the second can provide default probabilities larger than 1. We therefore enlarge the study by introducing a new dynamic approach for credit risk, consisting in the straight modeling of the survival (Azéma supermartingale) process using the [Formula: see text]-martingale. This method is appealing in that it helps fixing some drawbacks of the above models. Indeed, it is a dynamic method (it disentangles correlation and credit volatility) that preserves probabilities in [Formula: see text] without affecting the analytical tractability of the model. In particular, calibration to any valid default probability curve is automatic and the closed-form expression for the EPE profiles remains available under Gaussian exposures. For each approach, we derive analytically the EPE profiles (conditional upon default) associated to prototypical exposure processes of Forward Rate Agreement (FRA) and Interest Rate Swap (IRS) in all cases and provide a comparison and discuss the implied Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) figures.
The π–π stacking of tanshinone I and isotanshinone I with phenylalanine: The effects of isomerization, complexation and environment
Authors: Pakzad Fatemeh , Ebrahimi Ali , Azizi Abolfazl
Published: September 2017

The misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-[Formula: see text] (A[Formula: see text] peptides into amyloid fibrils is regarded as one of the possible causes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aromatic interactions (i.e. [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] interactions) between tanshinone drugs extracted from Chinese herb Salvia Miltiorrhiza (SM) and aromatic residues of A[Formula: see text] peptides have been shown to prevent further growth of amyloid aggregates. In this work, the effects of isomerization, complexation and polarity of environment on the strength of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking interactions of tanshinone I (TS1) and isotanshinone I (IS1), as the two diterpenoid quinones in the SM herb, and their complexes with Mg[Formula: see text] cation, IS1-Mg[Formula: see text] and TS1-Mg[Formula: see text], with phenylalanine (PHE), as an aromatic amino acid in A[Formula: see text] structure have been investigated using the quantum mechanical calculations in the gas-phase, ether, acetone, DMSO, and water solvent. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), which are used to predict the nucleophile active sites, electron densities calculated at the bond critical points ([Formula: see text] and ring critical points ([Formula: see text] by the atoms in molecules (AIM) method and the donor–acceptor interaction energies ([Formula: see text] calculated using the natural bond orbital (NBO) method were used to investigate the interplay between [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking and complexation. The results show that the IS1/TS1-Mg[Formula: see text] compounds have a more protective role compared to TS1/IS1-Mg[Formula: see text] compounds due to the stronger interaction with PHE of A[Formula: see text] in antiaggregation for further development of A[Formula: see text] inhibitors to prevent and disaggregate amyloid formation. Complexation with Mg[Formula: see text] increases the interaction diterpenoid drugs with PHE and makes notable changes in structural and electronic properties of diterpenoids. Also, the interactions between diterpenoid and PHE in less polar environment are more than other environments. Low-polarity environments have the best mimics of the A[Formula: see text] binding site.
A Method for Evaluating Environmental Assessment Systems
Authors: Joseph Chris , Gunton Thomas , Rutherford Murray
Published: September 2017

This paper outlines a method for evaluating environmental assessment (EA) systems called the environmental assessment system evaluation method. The method consists of five steps: (1) develop an initial list of good practices based on a literature review; (2) validate and adjust the practices by surveying experts and stakeholders; (3) describe the EA system; (4) use the good practices to evaluate the EA system through surveying EA participants and reviewing relevant documentation; and (5) identify changes to address deficiencies. The method provides a comprehensive and transparent evaluation that identifies strengths and weaknesses and means of improvement. The evaluation method is tested by applying it in a case study evaluation of the EA system for bitumen development in Canada.
Spaceborne Lidar in the Study of Marine Systems
Authors: Hostetler Chris A. , Behrenfeld Michael J. , Hu Yongxiang , Hair Johnathan W. , Schulien Jennifer A.
Published: September 2017

Satellite passive ocean color instruments have provided an unbroken ∼20-year record of global ocean plankton properties, but this measurement approach has inherent limitations in terms of spatial-temporal sampling and ability to resolve vertical structure within the water column. These limitations can be addressed by coupling ocean color data with measurements from a spaceborne lidar. Airborne lidars have been used for decades to study ocean subsurface properties, but recent breakthroughs have now demonstrated that plankton properties can be measured with a satellite lidar. The satellite lidar era in oceanography has arrived. Here, we present a review of the lidar technique, its applications in marine systems, a perspective on what can be accomplished in the near future with an ocean- and atmosphere-optimized satellite lidar, and a vision for a multiplatform virtual constellation of observational assets that would enable a three-dimensional reconstruction of global ocean ecosystems.
Toward Therapy of Human Prion Diseases
Authors: Aguzzi Adriano , Lakkaraju Asvin K.K. , Frontzek Karl
Published: September 2017

Three decades after the discovery of prions as the cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, we are still nowhere close to finding an effective therapy. Numerous pharmacological interventions have attempted to target various stages of disease progression, yet none has significantly ameliorated the course of disease. We still lack a mechanistic understanding of how the prions damage the brain, and this situation results in a dearth of validated pharmacological targets. In this review, we discuss the attempts to interfere with the replication of prions and to enhance their clearance. We also trace some of the possibilities to identify novel targets that may arise with increasing insights into prion biology.
Making Sense of Multifunctional Proteins: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Accessory and Regulatory Proteins and Connections to Transcription
Authors: Faust Tyler B. , Binning Jennifer M. , Gross John D. , Frankel Alan D.
Published: September 2017

Viruses are completely dependent upon cellular machinery to support replication and have therefore developed strategies to co-opt cellular processes to optimize infection and counter host immune defenses. Many viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), encode a relatively small number of genes. Viruses with limited genetic content often encode multifunctional proteins that function at multiple stages of the viral replication cycle. In this review, we discuss the functions of HIV-1 regulatory (Tat and Rev) and accessory (Vif, Vpr, Vpu, and Nef) proteins. Each of these proteins has a highly conserved primary activity; however, numerous additional activities have been attributed to these viral proteins. We explore the possibility that HIV-1 proteins leverage their multifunctional nature to alter host transcriptional networks to elicit a diverse set of cellular responses. Although these transcriptional effects appear to benefit the virus, it is not yet clear whether they are strongly selected for during viral evolution or are a ripple effect from the primary function. As our detailed knowledge of these viral proteins improves, we will undoubtedly uncover how the multifunctional nature of these HIV-1 regulatory and accessory proteins, and in particular their transcriptional functions, work to drive viral pathogenesis.
Teorias e métodos em melhoramento genético animal: bases do melhoramento genético animal
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia, Engenharia de Alimentos, Eler Joanir Pereira
Published: September 2017

Composta de três volumes, a coleção Teorias e métodos em melhoramento genético animal tem como principal objetivo servir como material básico para as disciplinas de Melhoramento Genético Animal, ministradas aos alunos de graduação e pós-graduação em Zootecnia e Medicina Veterinária, possibilitando o embasamento necessário. A coleção abarca, dentre outras discussões, os conceitos mais importantes de genética populacional e quantitativa, conceitos de predição do mérito genético e seleção utilizando diversas fontes de informação, e salienta alguns sistemas de acasalamento que levam ao aumento de produtividade sem onerar demasiadamente os custos, ou seja, sistemas que resultam em maior retorno econômico.
PLANEJAMENTO DE ESPAÇOS VERDES PARA MINIMIZAÇÃO DO ESCOAMENTO SUPERFICIAL DAS ÁGUAS PLUVIAIS
Authors: Locatelli Marcela Minatel , Sanches Patrícia Mara , Polizel Jefferson Lordello , Silva Filho Demóstenes Ferreira da
Published: September 2017

Dentre os diversos serviços ambientais fornecidos pelas áreas verdes urbanas, podemos destacar o aumento da permeabilidade do solo e interceptação da água da chuva, principalmente pelas copas das árvores. Dessa forma, reduzem a quantidade e a velocidade do escoamento superficial da água da chuva, e, consequentemente os riscos de alagamentos e a sobrecarga nos sistemas de drenagem. Este trabalho teve por objetivo a identificação de áreas prioritárias para implantação de espaços verdes na cidade de São Paulo, visando a diminuição do escoamento superficial das águas pluviais e minimização das enchentes a jusante. As condicionantes que auxiliaram nesta priorização foram a quantidade de vegetação, expressa pelo mapa de TVI (Transformed Vegetation Index), e a topografia, processadas em ambiente SIG (Sistemas de Informações Geográficas). Os dados obtidos foram sintetizados em um mapa que aponta as áreas prioritárias para arborização urbana. Os resultados mostram duas grandes manchas formadas por áreas prioritárias para arborização urbana, concentradas nas regiões centro-norte e centro-sul da área de estudo. Essas manchas devem receber maior atenção quanto à implementação de espaços verdes, principalmente através da arborização viária. Esses espaços verdes poderão conectar grandes fragmentos de vegetação da cidade.
HABITAR NAS ‘BUFFER ZONES’: DIRETRIZES ECO-SOCIAIS PARA UMA ARQUITETURA INTEGRADA À INFRAESTRUTURA VERDE
Authors: Lotufo José Otávio
Published: September 2017

A pesquisa em Infraestrutura Verde se dá principalmente através do projeto da paisagem e da reconstituição da floresta urbana. Esta ênfase importante orienta transformações para o enfrentamento dos atuais desafios ambientais. Neste esforço conceitual e prático, surge uma questão de suma importância. Como o projeto arquitetônico, concomitante ao cumprimento de suas funções sociais, pode contribuir com os serviços ecossistêmicos prestados pela Infraestrutura Verde? O edifício, frequentemente um obstáculo aos processos ecossistêmicos, obstrui ou condiciona seus fluxos por desenhos distantes de uma abordagem ecológica. Ao propor o projeto da arquitetura como fator de contribuição à resiliência ecológica urbana, nós propomos diluir as fronteiras entre construção e paisagem, integrando o edifício à infraestrutura verde e redefinindo suas funções para além do programa arquitetônico tradicional.
A metamorfose (des)mascarada pelo olhar em “Teleco, o coelhinho”
Authors: Santos Romana Tatiane Soares , Santos Rita de Cássia Silva Dionísio
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de analisar as transformações presentes no conto “Teleco, o coelhinho”, do escritor mineiro Murilo Rubião (1916-1981), enfatizando as metamorfoses ocorridas no olhar dos personagens. Assim, pode-se observar que os olhos têm a função de externar as mudanças do comportamento dos personagens, servindo como portas para revelá-los.
Marine Spatial Planning in the North Sea—Are National Policies and Legal Structures Compatible Enough? The Case of Norway and the Netherlands
Authors: Platjouw Froukje Maria
Published: September 2017

Marine spatial planning is an important tool to achieve a more ecosystem-based governance approach to marine ecosystems. Marine ecosystems often transcend national jurisdictional boundaries, so the compatibility of national policies and legal structures are important prerequisites for transboundary marine spatial planning. This article explores marine spatial planning in the North Sea ecosystem and analyses whether national policies and legal structures in the Netherlands and Norway are compatible enough. Both countries have an extensive body of law regulating the different uses of the North Sea and have also developed integrated management approaches for ‘their’ respective parts of the North Sea. The article demonstrates that marine spatial planning in regional sea areas is complicated when national legal frameworks and governance structures and traditions are very different.
Resource Development and Sámi Rights in the Sápmi Region: Integrating Human Rights Impact Assessment in Licensing Processes
Authors: Hossain Kamrul , Petrétei Anna
Published: September 2017

In recent years, the Sápmi region has witnessed an expansion of resource extraction activities. The enjoyment of human rights of the Sámi indigenous people will likely be challenged by extractive industries, unless effective measures are implemented to mitigate the possible effects of these activities. In this article, we explore the possibility of integrating human rights impact assessment (hria) in license granting mechanisms such as environmental impact assessment (eia). Our goal is to explore what international standards are available for conducting hrias and whether these would bring benefit to license granting processes. Based on our analysis, we recommend that the integration of hrias, particularly concerning Sámi rights, in response to resource developments in the Sápmi region, would on one hand bring a stronger normative value to such processes, offering a greater legal protection for Sámi, and on the other hand offer strengthened trust between communities and the companies, in resource extractions.
Does the Flag Still Follow Trade? Agency, Politicization and External Opportunity Structures in the Post-Lisbon System of eu Diplomacy
Authors: Smith Michael H.
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on the past and present of the European Union’s system of diplomacy, and asks whether the changes initiated by the Lisbon Treaty have really transformed that system. The Lisbon Treaty promised to transform the situation in which ‘the flag followed trade’ and give a primary role to the diplomacy of politics and security. Using arguments based on the location of agency, the politicization of economic diplomacy and the logic of external opportunity structures, the article argues that the transformation has not taken place, and that eu external action remains essentially a hybrid construct in which economic diplomacy plays a central role. Such a situation has important implications for eu diplomacy in third countries and for the character of the eu’s diplomatic representation, especially when it comes to the demand expressed in the eu’s 2016 Global Strategy for ‘joined up’ or closely coordinated external action.
Semantically Congruent Visual Information Can Improve Auditory Recognition Memory in Older Adults
Authors: Heikkilä Jenni , Fagerlund Petra , Tiippana Kaisa
Published: September 2017

In the course of normal aging, memory functions show signs of impairment. Studies of memory in the elderly have previously focused on a single sensory modality, although multisensory encoding has been shown to improve memory performance in children and young adults. In this study, we investigated how audiovisual encoding affects auditory recognition memory in older (mean age 71 years) and younger (mean age 23 years) adults. Participants memorized auditory stimuli (sounds, spoken words) presented either alone or with semantically congruent visual stimuli (pictures, text) during encoding. Subsequent recognition memory performance of auditory stimuli was better for stimuli initially presented together with visual stimuli than for auditory stimuli presented alone during encoding. This facilitation was observed both in older and younger participants, while the overall memory performance was poorer in older participants. However, the pattern of facilitation was influenced by age. When encoding spoken words, the gain was greater for older adults. When encoding sounds, the gain was greater for younger adults. These findings show that semantically congruent audiovisual encoding improves memory performance in late adulthood, particularly for auditory verbal material.
Taxonomy of Atlantic Central African orchids, 6: three new species of Angraecum sect. Afrangraecum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from Gabon and São Tomé
Authors: JEČMENICA VLADIMIR , DROISSART VINCENT , AKOUANGOU ERIC , NYANGALA CHRISTELLE , BAKITA BAKITA , BITEAU JEAN PHILIPPE , STÉVART TARIQ
Published: September 2017

Three new species of Angraecum sect. Afrangraecum from Central Africa are here described and illustrated. They are morphologically similar to A. affine and A. cribbianum. Two of them, A. gereauanum and A. geerinckianum, are only known from Massif du Chaillu in Gabon and appear to be closely related based on morphological and preliminary molecular evidence. The third species, A. oliveirae, is endemic to São Tomé. A dichotomous key to all fourteen species of A. sect. Afrangraecum and a table with the distinguishing characters of the three new species and closely allied taxa are provided. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the new species is also presented, using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.
New species of Lanonia, Licuala, and Pinanga (Arecaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: HENDERSON ANDREW , DUNG NGUYEN QUOC
Published: September 2017

Four new species of Lanonia, six of Licuala, and one of Pinanga (Arecaceae) are described and illustrated and compared with similar species. One species in Licuala is transferred to Lanonia.
Impatiens nilalohitae (Balsaminaceae): a new species from Northeastern India
Authors: HAREESH VADAKKOOT SANKARAN , SABU MAMIYIL
Published: September 2017

Impatiens nilalohitae is described from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India. The new species shows similarities with I. adamowskiana and I. rugosipetala, but differs by having a 10–15-flowered inflorescence, dark purple flowers, and four lateral sepals, among other characters. A detailed description and colour photographs, as well as remarks on geographic distribution and ecology, are provided.
EFSR: Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Error Covariance
Authors: Hotta Daisuke , Kalnay Eugenia , Ota Yoichiro , Miyoshi Takemasa
Published: September 2017

Data assimilation (DA) methods require an estimate of observation error covariance [Formula: see text] as an external parameter that typically is tuned in a subjective manner. To facilitate objective and systematic tuning of [Formula: see text] within the context of ensemble Kalman filtering, this paper introduces a method for estimating how forecast errors would be changed by increasing or decreasing each element of [Formula: see text], without a need for the adjoint of the model and the DA system, by combining the adjoint-based [Formula: see text]-sensitivity diagnostics presented by Daescu previously with the technique employed by Kalnay et al. to derive ensemble forecast sensitivity to observations (EFSO). The proposed method, termed EFSR, is shown to be able to detect and adaptively correct misspecified [Formula: see text] through a series of toy-model experiments using the Lorenz ’96 model. It is then applied to a quasi-operational global DA system of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction to provide guidance on how to tune the [Formula: see text]. A sensitivity experiment in which the prescribed observation error variances for four selected observation types were scaled by 0.9 or 1.1 following the EFSR guidance, however, resulted in forecast improvement that is not statistically significant. This can be explained by the smallness of the perturbation given to the [Formula: see text]. An iterative online approach to improve on this limitation is proposed. Nevertheless, the sensitivity experiment did show that the EFSO impacts from each observation type were increased by the EFSR-guided tuning of [Formula: see text].
Cognitive Development and Language: Some Work in Progress
Authors: Kelly Max , Philp Hugh , Lewis June
Published: September 2017

Several questions remain unanswered on the relationship between cognitive development and language. The Piagetian position, emphasizing the dominant role of cognitive growth, rests heavily on some experimental work of Sinclair-de-Zwart. There are theoretical and methodological problems associated with Sinclair's studies and the present article reports on some work in progress on a clarification of these issues. In particular it examines the relationship between conservation of length and the knowledge of relevant comparative dimensional adjectives. A tentative conclusion is that the Piagetian contention is ‘not proven’ and a great deal of further investigation is necessary. Some possible educational implications are suggested.
Some Evidence on the Reliability and Validity of the Biggs Study Process Questionnaire with Filipino Children
Authors: Watkins David , Astilla Estela
Published: September 2017

An investigation of the high school version of Biggs's Study Process Questionnaire (SPQHS) with 275 Filipino secondary school children found satisfactory scale internal consistency reliability coefficients and significant correlations with school grades (but not IQ) for two of the three SPQHS scales. However, factor analysis failed to support Biggs's proposed structure of the SPQHS, perhaps because of the existence of an acquiescence response set.