bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Degree of Cystocele Predict De Novo Stress Urinary Incontinence After Prolapse Repair? Further Analysis of the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts Trial
Authors: Davenport Michael T. , Sokol Eric R. , Comiter Craig V. , Elliott Christopher S.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Cystoceles may cause urethral obstruction by altering the vesicourethral angle. Restoration of normal anatomy after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair can relieve this obstruction but may unmask stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The association between the severity of cystocele and developing de novo SUI after prolapse repair, however, is poorly understood. We hypothesized that, in women undergoing prolapse repair, increasing degrees of bladder prolapse would be associated with increasing rates of postoperative de novo SUI.

Materials and Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) trial data. Using the control arm (women undergoing prolapse repair without a prophylactic SUI procedure), we identified de novo SUI using a composite definition based on original trial criteria. We performed logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between the degree of cystocele and the development of new SUI.

Results

Of the 164 women who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy alone, 54% developed de novo postoperative SUI. Stratifying by the degree of anterior prolapse (point Ba), we found a linear increase in the rate of SUI with worsening preoperative cystocele. The incidence of de novo SUI based on the POP Quantification stage of anterior prolapse was 41.3%, 52.5%, and 66.1%, for stage 2, early stage 3, and advanced stage 3 or stage 4, respectively. Point Ba was found to be significantly associated with de novo SUI on both univariate (odds ratio = 1.17, P = 0.015) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 1.16, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The incidence of de novo SUI after prolapse repair directly correlates to the degree of cystocele on preoperative examination. This simple yet novel relationship should further guide discussions about potential postoperative incontinence.
Age-dependent associations between telomere length and environmental conditions in roe deer
Authors: Wilbourn Rachael V. , Froy Hannah , McManus Marie-Christina , Cheynel Louise , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Gilot-Fromont Emmanuelle , Regis Corinne , Rey Benjamin , Pellerin Maryline , Lemaître Jean-François , Nussey Daniel H.
Published: September 2017

Telomere length (TL) represents a promising biomarker of overall physiological state and of past environmental experiences, which could help us understand the drivers of life-history variation in natural populations. A growing number of studies in birds suggest that environmental stress or poor environmental conditions are associated with shortened TL, but studies of such relationships in wild mammals are lacking. Here, we compare leucocyte TL from cross-sectional samples collected from two French populations of roe deer which experience different environmental conditions. We found that, as predicted, TL was shorter in the population experiencing poor environmental conditions but that this difference was only significant in older individuals and was independent of sex and body mass. Unexpectedly, the difference was underpinned by a significant increase in TL with age in the population experiencing good environmental conditions, while there was no detectable relationship with age in poor conditions. These results demonstrate both the environmental sensitivity and complexity of telomere dynamics in natural mammal populations, and highlight the importance of longitudinal data to disentangle the within- and among-individual processes that generate them.
Do linden trees kill bees? Reviewing the causes of bee deaths on silver linden (Tilia tomentosa)
Authors: Koch Hauke , Stevenson Philip C.
Published: September 2017

For decades, linden trees (basswoods or lime trees), and particularly silver linden (Tilia tomentosa), have been linked to mass bee deaths. This phenomenon is often attributed to the purported occurrence of the carbohydrate mannose, which is toxic to bees, inTilianectar. In this review, however, we conclude that from existing literature there is no experimental evidence for toxicity to bees in linden nectar. Bee deaths onTiliaprobably result from starvation, owing to insufficient nectar resources late in the tree's flowering period. We recommend ensuring sufficient alternative food sources in cities during late summer to reduce bee deaths on silver linden. Silver linden metabolites such as floral volatiles, pollen chemistry and nectar secondary compounds remain underexplored, particularly their toxic or behavioural effects on bees. Some evidence for the presence of caffeine in linden nectar may mean that linden trees can chemically deceive foraging bees to make sub-optimal foraging decisions, in some cases leading to their starvation.
Coexistence of critical sensitivity and subcritical specificity can yield optimal population coding
Authors: Gollo Leonardo L.
Published: September 2017

The vicinity of phase transitions selectively amplifies weak stimuli, yielding optimal sensitivity to distinguish external input. Along with this enhanced sensitivity, enhanced levels of fluctuations at criticality reduce the specificity of the response. Given that the specificity of the response is largely compromised when the sensitivity is maximal, the overall benefit of criticality for signal processing remains questionable. Here, it is shown that this impasse can be solved by heterogeneous systems incorporating
functional diversity
, in which critical and subcritical components coexist. The subnetwork of critical elements has optimal sensitivity, and the subnetwork of subcritical elements has enhanced specificity. Combining segregated features extracted from the different subgroups, the resulting collective response can maximize the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity measured by the dynamic-range-to-noise ratio. Although numerous benefits can be observed when the entire system is critical, our results highlight that optimal performance is obtained when only a small subset of the system is at criticality.
The power–speed relationship is U-shaped in two free-flying hawkmoths (Manducasexta)
Authors: Warfvinge Kajsa , KleinHeerenbrink Marco , Hedenström Anders
Published: September 2017

A flying animal can minimize its energy consumption by choosing an optimal flight speed depending on the task at hand. Choice of flight speed can be predicted by modelling the aerodynamic power required for flight, and this tool has previously been used extensively in bird migration research. For insects, however, it is uncertain whether any of the commonly used power models are useful, as insects often operate in a very different flow regime from vertebrates. To investigate this, we measured aerodynamic power in the wake of twoManduca sextaflying freely in a wind tunnel at 1–3.8 ms−1, using tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo-PIV). The expended power was similar in magnitude to that predicted by two classic models. However, the most ubiquitously used model, originally intended for vertebrates, failed to predict the sharp increase in power at higher speeds, leading to an overestimate of predicted flight speed during longer flights. In addition to measuring aerodynamic power, the tomo-PIV system yielded a highly detailed visualization of the wake, which proved to be significantly more intricate than could be inferred from previous smoke trail- and two-dimensional-PIV studies.
Bioelectric gene and reaction networks: computational modelling of genetic, biochemical and bioelectrical dynamics in pattern regulation
Authors: Pietak Alexis , Levin Michael
Published: September 2017

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) describe interactions between gene products and transcription factors that control gene expression. In combination with reaction–diffusion models, GRNs have enhanced comprehension of biological pattern formation. However, although it is well known that biological systems exploit an interplay of genetic and physical mechanisms, instructive factors such as transmembrane potential (Vmem) have not been integrated into full GRN models. Here we extend regulatory networks to include bioelectric signalling, developing a novel synthesis: the bioelectricity-integrated gene and reaction (BIGR) network. Usingin silicosimulations, we highlight the capacity forVmemto alter steady-state concentrations of key signalling molecules inside and out of cells. We characterize fundamental feedbacks whereVmemboth controls, and is in turn regulated by, biochemical signals and thereby demonstrateVmemhomeostatic control,Vmemmemory andVmemcontrolled state switching. BIGR networks demonstrating hysteresis are identified as a mechanisms through which more complex patterns of stableVmemspots and stripes, along with correlated concentration patterns, can spontaneously emerge. As further proof of principle, we present and analyse a BIGR network model that mechanistically explains key aspects of the remarkable regenerative powers of creatures such as planarian flatworms. The functional properties of BIGR networks generate the first testable, quantitative hypotheses for biophysical mechanisms underlying the stability and adaptive regulation of anatomical bioelectric pattern.
Feeding the world's largest fish: highly variable whale shark residency patterns at a provisioning site in the Philippines
Authors: Thomson Jordan A. , Araujo Gonzalo , Labaja Jessica , McCoy Emer , Murray Ryan , Ponzo Alessandro
Published: September 2017

Provisioning wildlife for tourism is a controversial yet widespread practice. We analysed the residency patterns of juvenile whale sharks (
Rhincodon typus
) in Oslob, Philippines, where provisioning has facilitated a large shark-watching operation since 2011. We identified 208 individual sharks over three years, with an average of 18.6 (s.d. = 7.8, range = 6–43) individuals sighted per week. Weekly shark abundance varied seasonally and peak-season abundance (approx. May–November) increased across years. Whale sharks displayed diverse individual site visitation patterns ranging from a single visit to sporadic visits, seasonal residency and year-round residency. Nine individuals became year-round residents, which represents a clear response to provisioning. The timing of the seasonal peak at Oslob did not align with known non-provisioned seasonal aggregations elsewhere in the Philippines, which could suggest that seasonal residents at Oslob exploit this food source when prey availability at alternative sites is low. Since prolonged residency equates to less time foraging naturally, provisioning could influence foraging success, alter distributions and lead to dependency in later life stages. Such impacts must be carefully weighed against the benefits of provisioning (i.e. tourism revenue in a remote community) to facilitate informed management decisions.
Cultural investment and urban socio-economic development: a geosocial network approach
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Hristova Desislava , Noulas Anastasios , Mascolo Cecilia , Sklar Max
Published: September 2017

Being able to assess the impact of government-led investment onto socio-economic indicators in cities has long been an important target of urban planning. However, owing to the lack of large-scale data with a fine spatio-temporal resolution, there have been limitations in terms of how planners can track the impact and measure the effectiveness of cultural investment in small urban areas. Taking advantage of nearly 4 million transition records for 3 years in London from a popular location-based social network service, Foursquare, we study how the socio-economic impact of government cultural expenditure can be detected and predicted. Our analysis shows that network indicators such as average clustering coefficient or centrality can be exploited to estimate the likelihood of local growth in response to cultural investment. We subsequently integrate these features in supervised learning models to infer socio-economic deprivation changes for London’s neighbourhoods. This research presents how geosocial and mobile services can be used as a proxy to track and predict socio-economic deprivation changes as government financial effort is put in developing urban areas and thus gives evidence and suggestions for further policymaking and investment optimization.
Function and flexibility of object exploration in kea and New Caledonian crows
Authors: Lambert Megan L. , Schiestl Martina , Schwing Raoul , Taylor Alex H. , Gajdon Gyula K. , Slocombe Katie E. , Seed Amanda M.
Published: September 2017

A range of non-human animals frequently manipulate and explore objects in their environment, which may enable them to learn about physical properties and potentially form more abstract concepts of properties such as weight and rigidity. Whether animals can apply the information learned during their exploration to solve novel problems, however, and whether they actually change their exploratory behaviour to seek functional information about objects have not been fully explored. We allowed kea (Nestor notabilis) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) to explore sets of novel objects both before and after encountering a task in which some of the objects could function as tools. Following this, subjects were given test trials in which they could choose among the objects they had explored to solve a tool-use task. Several individuals from both species performed above chance on these test trials, and only did so after exploring the objects, compared with a control experiment with no prior exploration phase. These results suggest that selection of functional tools may be guided by information acquired during exploration. Neither kea nor crows changed the duration or quality of their exploration after learning that the objects had a functional relevance, suggesting that birds do not adjust their behaviour to explicitly seek this information.
Group foraging increases foraging efficiency in a piscivorous diver, the African penguin
Authors: McInnes Alistair M. , McGeorge Cuan , Ginsberg Samuel , Pichegru Lorien , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: September 2017

Marine piscivores have evolved a variety of morphological and behavioural adaptations, including group foraging, to optimize foraging efficiency when targeting shoaling fish. For penguins that are known to associate at sea and feed on these prey resources, there is nonetheless a lack of empirical evidence to support improved foraging efficiency when foraging with conspecifics. We examined the hunting strategies and foraging performance of breeding African penguins equipped with animal-borne video recorders. Individuals pursued both solitary as well as schooling pelagic fish, and demonstrated independent as well as group foraging behaviour. The most profitable foraging involved herding of fish schools upwards during the ascent phase of a dive where most catches constituted depolarized fish. Catch-per-unit-effort was significantly improved when targeting fish schools as opposed to single fish, especially when foraging in groups. In contrast to more generalist penguin species, African penguins appear to have evolved specialist hunting strategies closely linked to their primary reliance on schooling pelagic fish. The specialist nature of the observed hunting strategies further limits the survival potential of this species if Allee effects reduce group size-related foraging efficiency. This is likely to be exacerbated by diminishing fish stocks due to resource competition and environmental change.
Sweepstake evolution revealed by population-genetic analysis of copy-number alterations in single genomes of breast cancer
Authors: Kato Mamoru , Vasco Daniel A. , Sugino Ryuichi , Narushima Daichi , Krasnitz Alexander
Published: September 2017

Single-cell sequencing is a promising technology that can address cancer cell evolution by identifying genetic alterations in individual cells. In a recent study, genome-wide DNA copy numbers of single cells were accurately quantified by single-cell sequencing in breast cancers. Phylogenetic-tree analysis revealed genetically distinct populations, each consisting of homogeneous cells. Bioinformatics methods based on population genetics should be further developed to quantitatively analyse the single-cell sequencing data. We developed a bioinformatics framework that was combined with molecular-evolution theories to analyse copy-number losses. This analysis revealed that most deletions in the breast cancers at the single-cell level were generated by simple stochastic processes. A non-standard type of coalescent theory, the multiple-merger coalescent model, aided by approximate Bayesian computation fit well with the data, allowing us to estimate the population-genetic parameters in addition to false-positive and false-negative rates. The estimated parameters suggest that the cancer cells underwent sweepstake evolution, where only one or very few parental cells produced a descendent cell population. We conclude that breast cancer cells successively substitute in a tumour mass, and the high reproduction of only a portion of cancer cells may confer high adaptability to this cancer.
A Cretaceous-aged Palaeotropical dispersal established an endemic lineage of Caribbean praying mantises
Authors: Svenson Gavin J. , Rodrigues Henrique M.
Published: September 2017

Recent phylogenetic advances have uncovered remarkable biogeographic histories that have challenged traditional concepts of dispersal, vicariance and diversification in the Greater Antilles. Much of this focus has centred on vertebrate lineages despite the high diversity and endemism of terrestrial arthropods, which account for 2.5 times the generic endemism of all Antillean plants and non-marine vertebrates combined. In this study, we focus on three Antillean endemic praying mantis genera,
Callimantis
,
Epaphrodita
and
Gonatista
, to determine their phylogenetic placement and geographical origins. Each genus is enigmatic in their relation to other praying mantises due to their morphological affinities with both Neotropical and Old World groups. We recovered the three genera as a monophyletic lineage among Old World groups, which was supported by molecular and morphological evidence. With a divergence at approximately 107 Ma, the lineage originated during the break-up of Gondwana. Ancestral range reconstruction indicates the lineage dispersed from an African + Indomalayan range to the Greater Antilles, with a subsequent extinction in the Old World. The profound ecomorphic convergence with non-Caribbean groups obscured recognition of natural relationships within the same geographical distribution. To the best of our knowledge, the lineage is one of the oldest endemic animal groups in the Greater Antilles and their morphological diversity and restricted distribution mark them as a critical taxon to conserve.
현초의 항산화 활성에 의한 산화적 DNA 손상 보호효과 및 항균활성
Authors: Kwon Tae-Hyung , Lee Su-Jin , Park Jae-Ho , Kim Taewan , Park Jung-Ja , Park Nyun-Ho
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to investigate the various biological activities of Geranium thunbergii such as antimicrobial activity and protective effect against oxidative damage. To evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, we first performed methanol extraction; this methanol extract was further partitioned using various solvents. And then, its antioxidant activity was measured using various assays including total phenolic content and protection against oxidative DNA damage, and antimicrobial activities were examined using minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) test, and paper disc method. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography was performed to analyze the major chemical components of ethyl acetate fraction. The G. thunbergii fraction with ethyl acetate exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than the other fractions. The results showed that G. thunbergii ethyl acetate fraction at 50 μg/mL had strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of 80.88% and 80.12%, respectively. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction protected DNA from the oxidative damage induced by ferrous ion and hydroxyl radicals and showed high antimicrobial activity with diameter of inhibition zones ranging from 13.33 to 15.67 mm. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the major phenolic compounds of G. thunbergii to be ellagic acid and gallic acid. These results suggest that G. thunbergii might protect DNA against oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species and can be utilized as a natural source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agent in the food industry.
관행 및 유기재배 현미의 생리활성 성분의 함량 및 항산화활성 비교
Authors: Kim Gee An , Cho Jeong-Yong , Lee You Seok , Lee Hyoung Jae , Jeong Hang Yeon , Lee Yu Geon , Moon Jae-Hak
Published: September 2017

The content of bioactive substances and antioxidative activity in conventionally grown brown rice (CGBR) and organically grown brown rice (OGBR) were compared. Minerals (mg/100 g) such as magnesium (OGBR, 168.59±2.62; CGBR, 121.43±2.22), copper (OGBR, 0.50±0.06; CGBR, 0.41±0.05), and manganese (OGBR, 4.70±0.04; CGBR, 2.49±0.02) were higher in OGBR than in CGBR (p<0.05). In addition, levels of (μg/100 g) vitamins B2 (OGBR, 27.22±2.56; CGBR, 22.12±2.24) and B6 (OGBR, 46.32±2.66; CGBR, 39.91±3.32) were higher in OGBR than in CGBR (p<0.05). The contents (mg/100 g) of β-sitosterol (OGBR, 27.40±2.79; CGBR, 24.75±1.06), total phenolic (OGBR, 6.72±0.02; CGBR, 6.64±0.02), and ferulic acid (OGBR, 1.75±0.45; CGBR, 1.11±0.14) as well as the antioxidative activity (OGBR, 53.09±1.90%; CGBR, 48.29±3.38%) evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay were higher in OGBR than in CGBR, although no significant differences between samples were observed. In comparison to the control group, brown rice samples significantly inhibited cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide formation in rat plasma subjected to copper ion-induced lipid peroxidation. The inhibitory effect of OGBR was higher than that of CGBR. These results indicate that OGBR showed higher levels of bioactive substances and enhanced antioxidative activity than CGBR, although the differences were not statistically significant.
Effect of shelf-life extension of birch sap using high pressure processing
Authors: Choi Kyung Hwa , Kim Sun Im , lee Dong Uk , Jeon Jung Tae
Published: September 2017

Effects of high pressure processing on physicochemical and microorganisms properties in birch sap were investigated using variable high pressure processing conditions. The viable cell counts of untreated birch sap was 4.0 log CFU, whereas high pressure processed sap were not detected. In birch sap was treated with 450 to 550 MPa, microorganisms were not detected during storage period, and physicochemical properties as well as color were slightly changed. The more processing time and pressure, its quality variations were more stable and then its optimum processing condition was determined with 120 sec at 550 MPa. The microorganisms and physicochemical properties of treated birch sap were investigated during storage at 5℃ and 10℃ for 45 and 28 days. Changes of physicochemical properties of treated birch sap were smaller than those of the untreated, but viable cell count were not detected during storage period. As for pH, °Brix, and turbidity result of birch sap, quality shelf life of control and treatment were 4 and 24 days, respectively. Especially, ΔE value of instrumental color was untreated birch sap 4 days similar with the high pressure processed it for 28 days. These results indicated that the high pressure processing can be used as an effective method to improve the shelf life of birch sap.
Glucosinolate and isothiocyabate contents according to processing of Kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Jang Miran , Kim Gun-Hee
Published: September 2017

This study examined the total glucosinolate (GSL) and isothiocyanate (ITC) contents according to different processing conditions; fresh Kimchi cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis), salted Kimchi cabbage and kimchi (storage temperature 4℃ and 20℃) using two different cultivars (Bomatnorang and Chunkwang). Four GSL peaks representing gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin, glucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin were detected in Kimchi cabbage by HPLC and HPLC/MS analysis. The total GSL contents of fresh Kimchi cabbage of Bomatnorang and Chunkwang were 21.37±1.06 μg/g dry weight (DW) and 20.96±3.33 μg/g DW, respectively. After salting, the total GSL contents of salted Kimchi cabbage decreased by 39% and 52% in Bomatnorang and Chunkwang, respectively. Finally, the total GSL contents of kimchi after storage at 20℃ decreased by 83% and 56% in Bomatnorang and Chunkwang, respectively. The extracted ITC contents were analyzed by GC/MS. Three ITC peaks were detected in Kimchi cabbage representing 2-phenylethyl ITC, 3-butenyl ITC and 4-pentenyl ITC. The 2-phenylethyl ITC levels increased during the salting process but this generally fell during storage at 20℃ as kimchi. The 3-butenyl ITC levels of Kimchi cabbage according to processing decreased rapidly due to salting and then decreased slowly during storage as kimchi. The 4-pentenyl ITC of Kimchi cabbage was lost during the salting process. The results for the change in GSL and ITC contents during the kimchi making process will be used in the food industry.
Effect of biomass pyrolysis liquid on the quality characteristics of ‘Xiangshui’ pears (Pyrus ussuriensis) during storage
Authors: Zhang Xian , Jiang Gui-Hun , Li Fan-Zhu , Eun Jong-Bang
Published: September 2017

The quality characteristics of ‘Xiangshui’ pears (Pyrus ussuriensis) treated with different concentrations of biomass pyrolysis liquid (BPL) during storage at 25℃ were investigated. The weight of ‘Xiangshui’ pears treated with BPL declined at a slower rate than that of the control. The rot index of BPL-treated ‘Xiangshui’ pears decreased with increasing storage times, and treatment with 20-fold-diluted BPL resulted in the lowest rot index after storage for 12 days. The total acid content of ‘Xiangshui’ pears treated with 20-fold-diluted BPL was 0.19%, and was the highest after storage for 12 days. After storage for 12 days, the total sugar content of ‘Xiangshui’ pears treated with 20-fold-diluted BPL was 7.19%; this was significantly higher than that of the control, but not significantly different from that of pears treated with other BPL dilutions. The vitamin C content of ‘Xiangshui’ pears showed a decreased trend, and pears treated with 20-fold-diluted BPL had a vitamin C content of 2.21 mg/100 g after storage for 12 days and showed the least decline compared to other treatments. In addition, respiration in ‘Xiangshui’ pears was effectively inhibited by treatment with BPL. In conclusion, BPL treatment exerts a protective effect on the quality of ‘Xiangshui’ pears during storage, with 20-fold-diluted BPL being the most effective.
Enhancement of ergocalciferol (vitamin D) content in mushrooms by UV irradiation
Authors: Choi Seong-Jin
Published: September 2017

Ergocalciferol is known as having vitamin D activity. In this study, the effects of UV irradiation on the increase of egocalciferol content were investigated in 7 kinds of mushrooms, i.e, lily mushroom (Flammulina velutipes), oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), young oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and wood ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae). Mushrooms which were not exposed to UV light contained negligible amount of ergocalciferol in all kinds of tested mushrooms, but UV irradiation increased their content of ergocalciferol. Of UV A, B and C, UV B light was the most effective to increase ergocalciferol contents. In mushrooms, the increase in ergocalciferol content occurred only in the peel within 1 mm depth from the surface, which was directly exposed to the UV light. Therefore, when fresh whole mushrooms were irradiated with UV light, lily mushroom, the mushroom with a larger surface area compared to volume, such as lily mushroom, was more favorable in producing ergocalciferol. On the other hand when the mushrooms were freeze-dried and cut, the mushrooms with a higher ergosterol, such as king oyster mushroom, shiitake or button mushroom, were more favorable in generating ergocalciferol.
Physicochemical characteristics and physiological activities of mixture extracts from Liriope platyphylla, Schizandra chinensis, and Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer
Authors: Gu Yul-Ri , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: September 2017

This study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activities and physiological activities of mixture extracts (Liriope platyphylla, Schizandra chinensis and Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) with different extraction mixing ratios (MEC, 2:1:1; ME1, 1:2:1; ME2, 1:1:2; ME3, 1.34:1.33:1.33). The yield of extracts ranged from 25.33 to 33.87%. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of ME1 extracts were 1.01 g/100 g, 0.07 g/100 g, respectively. The total sugar contents of MEC extract was 22.83 g/100 g, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of ME1 extracts at 1,000 μg/mL were 26.79% and 21.08%. The superoxide radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of ME1 extracts at 1,000 μg/mL were 67.83% and 295.47 μM, respectively. The functionalities of extracts were investigated with L-132 and RAW264.7 cell lines. The extracts on different mixing ratios did not show the toxicity on L-132 and RAW264.7 cell line in 100-2,500 μg/mL. The ME1 extract of 1,000 μg/mL performed better than other extracts protective effects against oxidative stess in L-132 cells (81.22%) and the ME2 extract at 1,000 μg/mL decreased nitric oxide production by 7.48 μM which was more potent than other extracts. There results suggest that the ME1 extracts may be a useful functional food material in the food industry.
Biological activities and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Gloiopeltis furcata prepared by using various enzymes
Authors: Lee Dae-Hoon , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: September 2017

In this study, the biological activities and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Gloiopeltis furcata were investigated. Polysaccharides were isolated by enzymes treatment (celluclast, flavourzyme, papain, termamyl, viscozyme) followed by ethanol precipitation and lyophilization. The yield of polysaccharides by enzymes treatment group were 52.8-66.4%. The major constituents in viscozyme treatment group were total sugar (71.04%), protein (7.22%), uronic acid (23.18 g/100 g), and sulfate (28.27%), respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential of the viscozyme treatment group at 5 mg/mL were 23.10% and 218.50 μM, respectively. The protective effects against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in L132 cell of viscozyme treatment group at 1 μg/mL was 85.64%. The viscozyme treatment group increased the production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner. The antitumor activity of viscozyme treatment group (at 25 μg/mL) in A549, HeLa, SNU719 and MCF7 was 69.57%, 52.74%, 61.06% and 68.64%, respectively. All of data showed that the biological activities and chemical characteristics of enzymes treatment group are higher than that of the control group. The polysaccharides isolated from Gloiopeltis furcata investigated herein are useful as functional materials agents.
Characteristics in the components of the paprika by drying methods
Authors: Lee Hyun-Suk , Hong Ju-Yeon , Choi Young-Jun , Lee Yang Suk , Seo Su-Jeong , Shin Seung-Ryeul
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of paprika dried by various methods. Moisture content of dried paprika was higher in vacuum freeze-dried red paprika (DRP) (11.85%) than in vacuum freeze-drying of osmotic dried red paprika in sugar (RPS), vacuum freeze-drying of osmotic dried red paprika in fructose (RPF) and vacuum freeze-drying of osmotic dried red paprika in corn syrup (RPCS). Carbohydrate content of DRP was the lowest among the dried groups, but fat, protein, and ash contents were the highest in DRP. The pH of paprika was the highest in RPF (5.34), while it was the lowest in DRP (5.05). Reducing sugar and sugar contents of RPF were 28.59 g/100 g and 5.03 °Brix, respectively, which are the highest level among the groups. All color values in inside of paprika were the highest in RPCS, while in outside of paprika, L value is the highest in RPCS, and the value of a, b were the highest in RPS. Regarding the texture characteristics of paprika, strongness, hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness and brittleness were the highest in RPS (p<0.05).
Determination of fusel oil content in various types of liquor distributed in Korea
Authors: Lee Soo-Baek , Shin Jung-Ah , Lee Ki-Teak
Published: September 2017

This study was performed to analyze the content of 6 different fusel oils in 9 types of liquor distributed in domestic market. GC-FID method was employed for quantifying fusel oil (1-propanol, iso-butanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, iso-amyl alcohol, active amyl alcohol) levels in 260 liquor samples of liquor. Relative standard deviations (%) of intraand interday measurements were under 1.56 and 2.44%, respectively, while recovery rates (%) were 98.22-105.26% and 98.53-107.15%, respectively. Pretreatment method (filtering and centrifugation) of Takju did not affect analytic results. The average of total fusel oil contents in Yakju (39 types) and fruit wines (30 types) were 497.6 and 151.9 mg/L, showing Yakju contains more fusel oils than Takju or fruit wines. In fruit wines, iso-amyl alcohol was the major fusel oil component (at 6.8-249.0 mg/L). The highest content of fusel oil was found in foreign brandy, whereas the diluted Soju did not contain fusel oils. However, the average of total fusel oil contents was high at 764.5 mg/L in the three types of distilled Soju and iso-amyl alcohol content ranged from 114.2 to 421.0 mg/L. Domestic and foreign beers were similar in terms of their fusel oil compositions and contents. In conclusion, excluding the diluted Soju, the contents of total fusel oils ranged from 114.8 to 1447.3 mg/L in the monitored liquors.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated resistance to cauliflower mosaic virus
Authors: Liu Haijie , Soyars Cara L. , Li Jianhui , Fei Qili , He Guijuan , Peterson Brenda A. , Meyers Blake C. , Nimchuk Zachary L. , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2017

Viral diseases are a leading cause of worldwide yield losses in crop production. Breeding of resistance genes (Rgene) into elite crop cultivars has been the standard and most cost-effective practice. However,Rgene-mediated resistance is limited by the availableRgenes within genetic resources and in many cases, by strain specificity. Therefore, it is important to generate new and broad-spectrum antiviral strategies. The CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat, CRISPR-associated) editing system has been employed to confer resistance to human viruses and several plant single-stranded DNA geminiviruses, pointing out the possible application of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for virus control. Here we demonstrate that strong viral resistance to cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), a pararetrovirus with a double-stranded DNA genome, can be achieved through Cas9-mediated multiplex targeting of the viral coat protein sequence. We further show that small interfering RNAs (siRNA) are produced and mostly map to the 3' end of guide RNAs (gRNA), although very low levels of siRNAs map to the spacer region as well. However, these siRNAs are not responsible for the inhibited CaMV infection because there is no resistance if Cas9 is not present. We have also observed edited viruses in systematically infected leaves in some transgenic plants, with short deletions or insertions consistent with Cas9-induced DNA breaks at the gRNA target sites in coat protein coding sequence. These edited coat proteins, in most cases, led to earlier translation stop and thus, non-functional coat proteins. We also recovered wild-type CP sequence in these infected transgenic plants, suggesting these edited viral genomes were packaged by wild-type coat proteins. Our data demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be used for virus control against plant pararetroviruses with further modifications.
Contribution of the β-glucosidase BglC to the Onset of the Pathogenic Lifestyle ofStreptomyces scabies
Authors: Jourdan Samuel , Francis Isolde M. , Deflandre Benoit , Tenconi Elodie , Riley Jennifer , Planckaert Sören , Tocquin Pierre , Martinet Loïc , Devreese Bart , Loria Rosemary , Rigali Sébastien
Published: September 2017

Common scab disease on root and tuber plants is caused byStreptomyces scabiesand related species which use the cellulose synthase inhibitor thaxtomin A as main phytotoxin. Thaxtomin production is primarily triggered by the import of cello-oligosaccharides. Once inside the cell, the fate of the cello-oligosaccharides is dichotomized into i) fueling glycolysis with glucose for the saprophytic lifestyle through the action of β-glucosidase(s) (BG), and ii) eliciting the pathogenic lifestyle by inhibiting the CebR-mediated transcriptional repression of thaxtomin biosynthetic genes. Here we investigated the role ofscab57721encoding a putative BG (BglC) in the onset of the pathogenicity ofS. scabies. Enzymatic assays showed that BglC was able to release glucose from cellobiose, cellotriose and all other cello-oligosaccharides tested. Its inactivation resulted in a phenotype opposite to what was expected as we monitored reduced production of thaxtomin when the mutant was cultivated on media containing cello-oligosaccharides as unique carbon source. This unexpected phenotype could be attributed to the highly increased activity of alternative intracellular BGs, probably as a compensation ofbglCinactivation, which then prevented cellobiose and cellotriose accumulation to reduce the activity of CebR. In contrast, when thebglCnull mutant was cultivated on media devoid of cello-oligosaccharides it instead constitutively produced thaxtomin. This observed hypervirulent phenotype does not fit with the proposed model of the cello-oligosaccharide-mediated induction of thaxtomin production and suggests that the role of BglC in the route to the pathogenic lifestyle ofS. scabiesis more complex than currently presented.
Extracting Evidence Fragments for Distant Supervision of Molecular Interactions
Authors: Burns Gully A , Dasigi Pradeep , Hovy Eduard H.
Published: September 2017

We describe a methodology for automatically extracting ‘evidence fragments’ from a set of biomedical experimental research articles. These fragments provide the primary description of evidence that is presented in the papers’ figures. They elucidate the goals, methods, results and interpretations of experiments that support the original scientific contributions the study being reported. Within this paper, we describe our methodology and showcase an example data set based on the European Bioinformatics Institute’s INTACT database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/intact/). Using figure codes as anchors, we linked evidence fragments to INTACT data records as an example ofdistant supervisionso that we could use INTACT’s preexisting, manually-curated structured interaction data to act as a gold standard for machine reading experiments. We report preliminary baseline event extraction measures from this collection based on a publicly available, machine reading system (REACH). We use semantic web standards for our data and provide open access to all source code.
Award or Reward? Which comes first, NIH funding or research impact?
Authors: Parra Lucas C. , Hirsch Lukas
Published: September 2017

Which comes first, funding or research impact? We use causal inference to determine the direction of influence in a record of 70,000 NIH-funded investigators, which was recently released. Contrary to the basic premise of many funding policies, we find that the number of citations of an investigator determine funding levels, but not the other way around.
A neural decoder for learned vocal behavior
Authors: Arneodo Ezequiel M. , Chen Shukai , Gilja Vikash , Gentner Timothy Q.
Published: September 2017

Brain Machine Interfaces (BMIs) hold promise to restore impaired motor function and, because they decode neural signals to infer behavior, can serve as powerful tools to understand the neural mechanisms of motor control. Yet complex behaviors, such as vocal communication, exceed state-of-the-art decoding technologies which are currently restricted to comparatively simple motor actions. Here we present a BMI for birdsong, that decodes a complex, learned vocal behavior directly from neural activity.
Introducing site-specific cysteines into nanobodies for mercury labelling allowsde novophasing of their crystal structures
Authors: Hansen Simon Boje , Laursen Nick Stub , Andersen Gregers Rom , Andersen Kasper R.
Published: September 2017

The generation of high-quality protein crystals and the loss of phase information during an X-ray crystallography diffraction experiment represent the major bottlenecks in the determination of novel protein structures. A generic method for introducing Hg atoms into any crystal independent of the presence of free cysteines in the target protein could considerably facilitate the process of obtaining unbiased experimental phases. Nanobodies (single-domain antibodies) have recently been shown to promote the crystallization and structure determination of flexible proteins and complexes. To extend the usability of nanobodies for crystallographic work, variants of the Nb36 nanobody with a single free cysteine at one of four framework-residue positions were developed. These cysteines could be labelled with fluorophores or Hg. For one cysteine variant (Nb36-C85) two nanobody structures were experimentally phased using single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) and single isomorphous replacement with anomalous signal (SIRAS), taking advantage of radiation-induced changes in Cys–Hg bonding. Importantly, Hg labelling influenced neither the interaction of Nb36 with its antigen complement C5 nor its structure. The results suggest that Cys–Hg-labelled nanobodies may become efficient tools for obtainingde novophase information during the structure determination of nanobody–protein complexes.
A parallel partition of unity method for the unsteady Stokes equations
Authors: Zhao Xiaoying , Hou Yanren , Du Guangzhi
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a parallel partition of unity method to solve the time-dependent Stokes problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper solved the time-dependent Stokes equations using the finite element method and the partition of unity method.

Findings

The proposed method in this paper obtained the same accuracy as the standard Galerkin method, but it, in general, saves time.

Originality/value

Based on a combination of the partition of unity method and the finite element method, the authors, in this paper, propose a new parallel partition of unity method to solve the unsteady Stokes equations. The idea is that, at each time step, one need to only solve a series of independent local sub-problems in parallel instead of one global problem. Numerical tests show that the proposed method not only reaches the same convergence orders as the fully discrete standard Galerkin method but also saves ample computing time.
Mentally disordered young offenders in transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services across England and Wales
Authors: Livanou Maria I. , Furtado Vivek , Singh Swaran P.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper provides an overview of transitions across forensic child and adolescent mental health services in England and Wales. The purpose of this paper is to delineate the national secure services system for young people in contact with the youth justice system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews findings from the existing literature of transitions across forensic child and adolescent mental health services, drawing attention to present facilitators and barriers to optimal transition. The authors examine the infrastructure of current services and highlight gaps between child and adult service continuity and evaluate the impact of poor transitions on young offenders’ mental health and wellbeing.

Findings

Young offenders experience a broad range of difficulties, from the multiple interfaces with the legal system, untreated mental health problems, and poor transition to adult services. Barriers such as long waiting lists, lack of coordination between services and lack of transition preparation impede significantly smooth transitions.

Research limitations/implications

The authors need to develop, test and evaluate models of transitional care that improve mental health and wellbeing of this group.

Practical implications

Mapping young offenders’ care pathway will help to understand their needs and also to impact current policy and practice. Key workers in forensic services should facilitate the transition process by developing sustainable relationships with the young person and creating a safe clinical environment.

Originality/value

Transition of care from forensic child and adolescent mental health services is a neglected area. This paper attempts to highlight the nature and magnitude of the problems at the transition interface in a forensic context.
Hague Securities Convention goes into effect in the United States
Authors: Barreras Bryan L. , Goodstein Barbara M. , McDonald Kevin C.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To explain the Hague Securities Convention in the context of secured financing transactions in the US and to discuss the implications of the Convention on new and existing transactions, as well as on market practice going forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a broad overview of the Hague Securities Convention and the impact of the Convention’s choice of law rules on secured financing transactions in the US involving intermediated securities, including how this deviates from previously applicable laws (such as the Uniform Commercial Code), and provides practical considerations with respect to secured financing transactions.

Findings

While in most circumstances the Convention provides for the same choice of law as previously applicable laws, there are certain scenarios where the Convention will produce a different result. Market practice with respect to perfecting security interests will likely change to take account of the Convention and to provide the parties with certainty regarding the law applicable to secured transactions.

Practical implications

The Convention calls for increased diligence with respect to the law governing the account agreement between the debtor and the securities intermediary and whether the securities intermediary has a qualifying office in that jurisdiction.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced finance lawyers.