bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective mode excitation in finite size plasma crystals by diffusely reflected laser light
Authors: Schablinski Jan , Block Dietmar
Published: February 2015

The possibility to use diffuse reflections of a laser beam to exert a force on levitating dust particles is studied experimentally. Measurements and theoretical predictions are found to be in good agreement. Further, the method is applied to test the selective excitation of breathing-like modes in finite dust clusters.
Rapid inertial solution exchange for enrichment and flow cytometric detection of microvesicles
Authors: Dudani Jaideep S. , Gossett Daniel R. , Tse Henry T. K. , Lamm Robert J. , Kulkarni Rajan P. , Carlo Dino Di
Published: February 2015

Exosomes, nanosized membrane-bound vesicles released by cells, play roles in cell signaling, immunology, virology, and oncology. Their study, however, has been hampered by difficulty in isolation and quantification due to their size and the complexity of biological samples. Conventional approaches to improved isolation require specialized equipment and extensive sample preparation time. Therefore, isolation and detection methods of exosomes will benefit biological and clinical studies. Here, we report a microfluidic platform for inline exosome isolation and fluorescent detection using inertial manipulation of antibody-coated exosome capture beads from biological fluids.
Behavioural adaptation of grazing dairy cows to changes in feeding management: do they follow a predictable pattern?
Authors: Chilibroste P. , Gibb M. J. , Soca P. , Mattiauda D. A.
Published: February 2015

Research conducted over recent decades to improve understanding of the functional responses among sward characteristics, intake rate and grazing behaviour has been reviewed. The opportunities to modify grazing pattern by changes in feeding management are discussed and the implications for dairy-farm feeding strategies are highlighted. Progress in the understanding of the functional responses between sward characteristics and intake rate and their main components (bite mass, bite area, bite depth and bite rates) has been substantial. However, progress in understanding the factors that mediate the initiation and the end of individual meals has been poorer and requires further study. Much of the research has been conducted using short-term experiments with a limited number of experimental animals and mostly conducted on mono-specific uniform swards. The physiological state of the animal as well as the maintenance energy associated with grazing strategies have received very little, if any, attention. More integrated (sward, animal, management) and long-term basic research is required to improve feeding practices at the farm level and the design of farms for the new generation of grassland-based dairy-production systems.
Managing the herbage utilisation and intake by cattle grazing rangelands
Authors: Oltjen J. W. , Gunter S. A.
Published: February 2015

Rangelands throughout the world provide clean water, fix solar energy in plants, sequester carbon, and offer recreational opportunities, with other ecosystem goods and services, including food from wild and domestic herbivores. Grazing rangelands with cattle requires constant management to balance the economic sustainability of the farm with other ecological services that rangelands provide. The challenges in management arise from the diversity of the rangeland forage resources at extremely large spatial and temporal scales. To be able to predict the performance of cattle grazing in extensive rangeland environments, estimating herbage intake is paramount because it quantifies energy intake and performance. Nutrient demand is the major driver of herbage intake, and characteristics of the sward and terrain of the landscape dictate how this demand is met. System models that integrate changes in weather patterns and herbage over long periods of time will allow farmers and scientist to monitor changes in herbage mass and utilisation. Dynamic models that include herbage growth components sensitive to weather patterns and animal demands are needed to predict how long-term changes in beef herd management will affect performance and range condition. Vegetation indexes captured across biomes with satellites can accurately quantify the dynamics of aboveground net primary production and changes in nutritional value with confidence. The computer software, PCRANCH, is a program for simulating cow–calf herd dynamics over long periods of time. The models within the PCRANCH software can simulate herbage growth and animal utilisation at large spatial and temporal scales needed for rangeland management and allow ranchers to evaluate the impacts of management on other ecological services. Knowing the long-term impact of management changes on swards enable ranchers to anticipate the ecological and economic benefits of improvements or demonstrate a protection of current ecological services.
Increasing Rutile Phase Amount in Chromium-Doped Titania by Simple Stirring Approach for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue under Visible Light
Authors: Koh Pei Wen , Yuliati Leny , Lintang Hendrik O. , Lee Siew Ling
Published: February 2015

The amount of rutile phase in chromium-doped titania photocatalyst was controlled by varying stirring time (0.5–2.0 h) at room temperature during a sol–gel synthesis process. The percentage of rutile phase increased from 15.1 % to 28.6 % when stirring time was prolonged from 0.5 to 1.5 h. Further increases in the stirring time had negligible effect on the rutile phase amount. As evidenced by analyses using diffuse reflectance ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a sufficient stirring time was important for more substitution of Cr3+ for Ti4+ in the lattice, resulting in anatase-to-rutile phase transformation. The formation of more rutile phase in Cr-doped TiO2 not only reduced the band gap energy, but also induced surface defects that retarded electron–hole recombination. It has been demonstrated that the Cr-doped TiO2 prepared with a stirring time of 1.5 h possessed the lowest band gap energy of 1.89 eV, and hence it achieved the highest photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis and Activity of Putative Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the F-Box Protein SKP2
Authors: Shouksmith Andrew E. , Evans Laura E. , Tweddle Deborah A. , Miller Duncan C. , Willmore Elaine , Newell David R. , Golding Bernard T. , Griffin Roger J.
Published: February 2015

The tetrahydropyran 4-(((3-(2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-4-phenylbutyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethylaniline was reported to disrupt the SCFSKP2 E3 ligase complex. Efficient syntheses of this tetrahydropyran derivative and analogues, including the des-dimethyl derivative 4-(((3-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-4-phenylbutyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethylaniline, are described. The enantiomers of the des-dimethyl compound were obtained using Evans’ chiral auxiliaries. Structure–activity relationships for these tetrahydropyrans and analogues have been determined by measurement of growth-inhibitory activities in HeLa cells, which indicated a non-specific mechanism of action that correlates with inhibitor lipophilicity. However, preliminary data with (R)- and (S)-4-(((3-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)-4-phenylbutyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethylaniline showed enantioselective inhibition of the degradation of p27 in a cell-based assay that acts as a reporter of SKP2 activity.
A novel protocol for assessment of aboveground biomass in rangeland environments
Authors: Mundava Charity , Schut Antonius G. T. , Helmholz Petra , Stovold Richard , Donald Graham , Lamb David W.
Published: February 2015

Current methods to measure aboveground biomass (AGB) do not deliver adequate results in relation to the extent and spatial variability that characterise rangelands. An optimised protocol for the assessment of AGB is presented that enables calibration and validation of remote-sensing imagery or plant growth models at suitable scales. The protocol combines a limited number of destructive samples with non-destructive measurements including normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), canopy height and visual scores of AGB. A total of 19 sites were sampled four times during two growing seasons. Fresh and dry matter weights of dead and green components of AGB were recorded. Similarity of responses allowed grouping into Open plains sites dominated by annual grasses, Bunch grass sites dominated by perennial grasses and Spinifex (Triodia spp.) sites. Relationships between non-destructive measurements and AGB were evaluated with a simple linear regression per vegetation type. Multiple regression models were first used to identify outliers and then cross-validated using a ‘Leave-One-Out’ and ‘Leave-Site-Out’ (LSO) approach on datasets including and excluding the identified outliers. Combining all non-destructive measurements into one single regression model per vegetation type provided strong relationships for all seasons for total and green AGB (adjusted R2 values of 0.65–0.90) for datasets excluding outliers. The model provided accurate assessments of total AGB in heterogeneous environments for Bunch grass and Spinifex sites (LSO-Q2 values of 0.70–0.88), whereas assessment of green AGB was accurate for all vegetation types (LSO-Q2 values of 0.62–0.84). The protocol described can be applied at a range of scales while considerably reducing sampling time.
Temporal-spatial changes in ecosystem services and implications for the conservation of alpine rangelands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Xiao-Wen , Li Meng-Di , Dong Shi-Kui , Shi Jian-Bin
Published: February 2015

Ecosystem services emerged as a concept to bridge ecosystem conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Given the limited funding and resources available for ecosystem conservation, fully understanding and identifying the temporal-spatial patterns of ecosystem services can help establish a cost-efficient ecosystem conservation strategy. Although studies have indicated globally important ecosystem services on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), key ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, water provision and habitat quality, have not been spatial-explicitly quantified, leading to a lack of understanding of key spatial patterns for conservation of this unique alpine ecosystem. To fill this gap, these three key ecosystem services were simulated for the QTP rangelands by using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-off model, and the hotspots of those ecosystem services were evaluated and identified. It was shown that alpine meadows played a key role compared with alpine steppe and alpine desert in providing the ecosystem services of water provision, carbon storage and habitat quality in the alpine rangelands of the QTP. In addition, it was shown that there had been a considerable decrease in both the potential and the protected hotspots of ecosystem service between 1990 and 2000, implying that the existing conservation system (i.e. National Nature Reserves) could not effectively maintain these hotspots and that there was a need to restore those degraded rangeland ecosystems within the existing conservation system. The large-scale spatial heterogeneity among the different ecosystem services found in this study can be used to inform a more comprehensive conservation strategy for the provision of ecosystem services as well as biodiversity in the QTP rangelands.
Reproduction and population ecology of the vulnerable western sawshelled turtle, Myuchelys bellii, in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Fielder Darren P. , Limpus Duncan J. , Limpus Colin J.
Published: February 2015

Effective management decisions about the conservation of threatened species often rely on good information about their biology and life-history traits. Nearly half of all turtle species face extinction in the wild through worldwide rapid declines in species abundance and habitat loss. The vulnerable western sawshelled turtle, Myuchelys bellii, from eastern Australia is one such species under threat and for which fundamental information is lacking. The three known populations of M. bellii in the Murray–Darling Basin from the Namoi, Gwydir and Border Rivers catchments were studied over a period of nearly eight years. From capture–mark–recapture data, we studied M. bellii’s sexual maturity and reproduction, compared age of individuals using growth rates derived from annuli and growth increment data and calculated a population estimate for the Queensland population. For the first time this study has quantified the life-history traits of M. bellii including having delayed age at first breeding, with males taking nearly 10 years to mature and females approaching 20 years (from growth increment data), low reproductive effort (14.3 eggs per adult female; 78% of females breeding in any one year) and high survivorship with a predicted lifespan of over 40 years. Of particular management concern for M. bellii is the long-term conservation of the small isolated Queensland population (<400 individuals). The extensive dataset provides a baseline for future investigations and management actions required to improve the conservation outcomes for this threatened turtle.
Cross-talk and regulatory interactions between the essential response regulator RpaB and cyanobacterial circadian clock output
Authors: Espinosa Javier , Boyd Joseph S. , Cantos Raquel , Salinas Paloma , Golden Susan S. , Contreras Asuncion
Published: February 2015

Significance

In cyanobacteria, genome-wide transcriptional oscillations and cell division are under the control of the global response regulator RpaA. Here we show that regulator of phycobilisome-associated B (RpaB), a closely related response regulator that is essential in the model cyanobacterium
Synechococcus elongatus
PCC 7942, is involved in complex regulatory interactions with the RpaA signaling system. RpaB influences circadian timing and cell dimensions by modulating the RpaA∼P levels and by controlling a subset of the RpaA target genes. Our results suggest that regulatory interactions between RpaA and RpaB are required for transmission of updated time information to the level of gene expression, paving the way to uncover regulatory mechanisms involved in integration of temporal and environmental information.
Contrasting Population Demographics of Invasive Silver Carp between an Impounded and Free-Flowing River
Authors: Stuck Jason G. , Porreca Anthony P. , Wahl David H. , Colombo Robert E.
Published: February 2015

Extensive research has been conducted on Silver Carp Hypopthalmicthys molitrix in the heavily modified Illinois River in the midwestern United States due to the potential for populations to enter the Great Lakes; however, little research has been conducted on populations in unimpounded rivers. The Wabash River is an unimpounded large river in the U.S. Midwest that may be a good model for studying Silver Carp in unregulated river ecosystems that could potentially be invaded if reproducing populations in the Great Lakes are established. In this study we compared population demographics of Silver Carp in the Wabash and Illinois rivers. Abundance was over three times greater in the Illinois than in the Wabash River, although Wabash River Silver Carp had significantly greater mean length, age, and condition and a higher growth rate than did Illinois River Silver Carp. Although the heavily modified and degraded environment in the Illinois River may have aided in the rapid expansion of Silver Carp, intraspecific competition, increased commercial fishing, and competition with native species have likely reduced condition, decreased growth rate, and increased mortality rate of the population. Differences between Silver Carp populations in the Illinois and Wabash rivers suggest that the impacts of invasion may be reduced in ecosystems with little modification.

Received May 1, 2014; accepted November 6, 2014
A Laboratory Evaluation of Tagging-Related Mortality and Tag Loss in Juvenile Humpback Chub
Authors: Ward David L. , Persons William R. , Young Kirk L. , Stone Dennis M. , Vanhaverbeke David R. , Knight William K.
Published: February 2015

We quantified tag retention, survival, and growth in juvenile, captive-reared Humpback Chub Gila cypha marked with three different tag types: (1) Biomark 12.5-mm, 134.2-kHz, full duplex PIT tags injected into the body cavity with a 12-gauge needle; (2) Biomark 8.4-mm, 134.2-kHz, full duplex PIT tags injected with a 16-gauge needle; and (3) Northwest Marine Technology visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags injected under the skin with a 29-gauge needle. Estimates of tag loss, tagging-induced mortality, and growth were evaluated for 60 d with each tag type for four different size-groups of fish: 40–49 mm, 50–59 mm, 60–69 mm, and 70–79 mm TL. Total length was a significant predictor of the probability of PIT tag retention and mortality for both 8-mm and 12-mm PIT tags, and the smallest fish had the highest rates of tag loss (12.5–30.0%) and mortality (7.5–20.0%). Humpback Chub of sizes 40–49 mm TL and tagged with VIE tags had no mortality but did have a 17.5% tag loss. Growth rates of all tagged fish were similar to controls. Our data indicate Humpback Chub can be effectively tagged using either 8-mm or 12-mm PIT tags with little tag loss or mortality at sizes as low as 65 mm TL.

Received July 24, 2014; accepted October 31, 2014
In vitro susceptibility of Clostridium difficile to SMT19969 and comparators, as well as the killing kinetics and post-antibiotic effects of SMT19969 and comparators against C. difficile
Authors: Corbett D. , Wise A. , Birchall S. , Warn P. , Baines S. D. , Crowther G. , Freeman J. , Chilton C. H. , Vernon J. , Wilcox M. H. , Vickers R. J.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

SMT19969 is a novel antimicrobial under clinical development for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The objective was to determine the comparative susceptibility of 82 C. difficile clinical isolates (which included ribotype 027 isolates and isolates with reduced metronidazole susceptibility) to SMT19969, fidaxomicin, vancomycin and metronidazole and to determine the killing kinetics and post-antibiotic effects of SMT19969, fidaxomicin and vancomycin against C. difficile.

Methods

MICs were determined by agar incorporation. Killing kinetics and post-antibiotic effects were determined against C. difficile BI1, 630 and 5325 (ribotypes 027, 012 and 078, respectively).

Results

SMT19969 showed potent inhibition of C. difficile (MIC90=0.125 mg/L) and was markedly more active than either metronidazole (MIC90 = 8 mg/L) or vancomycin (MIC90 = 2 mg/L). There were no differences in susceptibility to SMT19969 between different ribotypes. Fidaxomicin was typically one doubling dilution more active than SMT19969 and both agents maintained activity against isolates with reduced susceptibility to metronidazole. In addition, SMT19969 was bactericidal against the C. difficile strains tested, with reductions in viable counts to below the limit of detection by 24 h post-inoculation. Vancomycin was bacteriostatic against all three strains. Fidaxomicin was bactericidal although reduced killing was observed at concentrations <20 × MIC against C. difficile BI1 (ribotype 027) compared with other strains tested.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that SMT19969 is associated with potent and bactericidal activity against the strains tested and support further investigation of SMT19969 as potential therapy for CDI.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrates in Trauma and Perioperative Bleeding
Authors: Grottke Oliver , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: February 2015

There is increasing interest in prothrombin complex concentrates as therapy for perioperative and trauma-related bleeding. A suitable point-of-care test is needed to guide such therapy, and randomized controlled trials are needed for robust, evidence-based recommendations.
Inhalational Anesthetics Disrupt Postsynaptic Density Protein-95, Drosophila Disc Large Tumor Suppressor, and Zonula Occludens-1 Domain Protein Interactions Critical to Action of Several Excitatory Receptor Channels Related to Anesthesia
Authors: Tao Feng , Chen Qiang , Sato Yuko , Skinner John , Tang Pei , Johns Roger A.
Published: February 2015

AbstractAbstract

Halothane and isoflurane disrupted PDZ domain–mediated interactions between potassium channel Kv1.4 and GluA2 subunit of AMPA receptor with their respective binding partners. Neither agent affected binding of γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptors with their binding partners. Anesthetics affected binding to PDZ1 and PDZ2 but not PDZ3 domains. Anesthetics interfere with PDZ domain–mediated protein–protein interactions of several receptors that are important to neuronal function.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

The authors have shown previously that inhaled anesthetics disrupt the interaction between the second postsynaptic density protein-95, Drosophila disc large tumor suppressor, and zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domain of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and the C-terminus of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B. The study data indicate that PDZ domains may serve as a molecular target for inhaled anesthetics. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be illustrated.

Methods:

Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and yeast two-hybrid analysis were used to assess PDZ domain–mediated protein–protein interactions in different conditions. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to investigate isoflurane-induced chemical shift changes in the PDZ1–3 domains of PSD-95. A surface plasmon resonance–based BIAcore (Sweden) assay was used to examine the ability of isoflurane to inhibit the PDZ domain–mediated protein–protein interactions in real time.

Results:

Halothane and isoflurane dose-dependently inhibited PDZ domain–mediated interactions between PSD-95 and Shaker-type potassium channel Kv1.4 and between α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit GluA2 and its interacting proteins—glutamate receptor–interacting protein or protein interacting with c kinase 1. However, halothane and isoflurane had no effect on PDZ domain–mediated interactions between γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor and its interacting proteins. The inhaled anesthetic isoflurane mostly affected the residues close to or in the peptide-binding groove of PSD-95 PDZ1 and PDZ2 (especially PDZ2), while barely affecting the peptide-binding groove of PSD-95 PDZ3.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that inhaled anesthetics interfere with PDZ domain–mediated protein–protein interactions at several receptors important to neuronal excitation, anesthesia, and pain processing.
Biliary Atresia
Authors: Feldman Amy G. , Mack Cara L.
Published: February 2015

Biliary atresia is a rare disease of unclear etiology, in which obstruction of the biliary tree causes severe cholestasis leading to cirrhosis and ultimately death if left untreated. Biliary atresia is the leading cause of neonatal cholestasis and the most frequent indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Any infant with persistent jaundice beyond 2 weeks of life needs to be evaluated for biliary atresia with fractionation of the bilirubin into conjugated and unconjugated portions. Early performance of a hepatoportoenterostomy in the first 45 days of life to restore bile flow and lessen further damage to the liver is thought to optimize outcome. Despite surgery, progressive liver scarring occurs, and 80% of patients with biliary atresia will require liver transplantation during childhood.
Post-settlement dispersal: the neglected link in maintenance of soft-sediment biodiversity
Authors: Pilditch Conrad A. , Valanko Sebastian , Norkko Joanna , Norkko Alf
Published: February 2015

Seafloor integrity is threatened by disturbances owing to human activities. The capacity of the system to recover from disturbances, as well as maintain resilience and function, depends on dispersal. In soft-sediment systems, dispersal continues after larval settlement, but there are very few measurements of how far the post-settlers disperse in nature. Spatial scales of post-settlement dispersal are, however, likely to be similar to pelagic larval dispersal because of continued, frequent, small-scale dispersal over longer periods. The consequences of this dispersal may be more important for the maintenance of biodiversity and metacommunity dynamics than is pelagic larval dispersal, because of the greater size and competency of the dispersers. We argue that an increased empirical understanding of post-settlement dispersal processes is key for predicting how benthic communities will respond to local disturbances and shrinking regional species pools, with implications for monitoring, managing and conserving biodiversity.
Introgression of mitochondrial DNA among lineages in a hybridogenetic ant
Authors: Darras Hugo , Aron Serge
Published: February 2015

We report a remarkable pattern of incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial variations in a social insect, the desert antCataglyphis hispanica. This species reproduces by social hybridogenesis. In all populations, two distinct genetic lineages coexist; non-reproductive workers develop from hybrid crosses between the lineages, whereas reproductive offspring (males and new queens) are typically produced asexually by parthenogenesis. Genetic analyses based on nuclear markers revealed that the two lineages remain highly differentiated despite constant hybridization for worker production. Here, we show that, in contrast with nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) does not recover the two lineages as monophyletic. Rather, mitochondrial haplotypes cluster according to their geographical origin. We argue that this cytonuclear incongruence stems from introgression of mtDNA among lineages, and review the mechanisms likely to explain this pattern under social hybridogenesis.
Enhancing physiologic simulations using supervised learning on coarse mesh solutions
Authors: Kolandaivelu Kumaran , O'Brien Caroline C. , Shazly Tarek , Edelman Elazer R. , Kolachalama Vijaya B.
Published: February 2015

Computational modelling of physical and biochemical processes has emerged as a means of evaluating medical devices, offering new insights that explain current performance, inform future designs and even enable personalized use. Yet resource limitations force one to compromise with reduced order computational models and idealized assumptions that yield either qualitative descriptions or approximate, quantitative solutions to problems of interest. Considering endovascular drug delivery as an exemplary scenario, we used a supervised machine learning framework to process data generated from low fidelity coarse meshes and predict high fidelity solutions on refined mesh configurations. We considered two models simulating drug delivery to the arterial wall: (i) two-dimensional drug-coated balloons and (ii) three-dimensional drug-eluting stents. Simulations were performed on computational mesh configurations of increasing density. Supervised learners based on Gaussian process modelling were constructed from combinations of coarse mesh setting solutions of drug concentrations and nearest neighbourhood distance information as inputs, and higher fidelity mesh solutions as outputs. These learners were then used as computationally inexpensive surrogates to extend predictions using low fidelity information to higher levels of mesh refinement. The cross-validated, supervised learner-based predictions improved fidelity as compared with computational simulations performed at coarse level meshes—a result consistent across all outputs and computational models considered. Supervised learning on coarse mesh solutions can augment traditional physics-based modelling of complex physiologic phenomena. By obtaining efficient solutions at a fraction of the computational cost, this framework has the potential to transform how modelling approaches can be applied in the evaluation of medical technologies and their real-time administration in an increasingly personalized fashion.
Rapid diversification and secondary sympatry in Australo-Pacific kingfishers (Aves: Alcedinidae:Todiramphus)
Authors: Andersen Michael J. , Shult Hannah T. , Cibois Alice , Thibault Jean-Claude , Filardi Christopher E. , Moyle Robert G.
Published: February 2015

Todiramphus chlorisis the most widely distributed of the Pacific's ‘great speciators’. Its 50 subspecies constitute a species complex that is distributed over 16 000 km from the Red Sea to Polynesia. We present, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of this enigmatic radiation of kingfishers. Ten PacificTodiramphusspecies are embedded within theT. chloriscomplex, rendering it paraphyletic. Among these is a radiation of five species from the remote islands of Eastern Polynesian, as well as the widespread migratory taxon,Todiramphus sanctus. Our results offer strong support that PacificTodiramphus, includingT. chloris, underwent an extensive range expansion and diversification less than 1 Ma. Multiple instances of secondary sympatry have accumulated in this group, despite its recent origin, including on Australia and oceanic islands in Palau, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Significant ecomorphological and behavioural differences exist between secondarily sympatric lineages, which suggest that pre-mating isolating mechanisms were achieved rapidly during diversification. We found evidence for complex biogeographic patterns, including a novel phylogeographic break in the eastern Solomon Islands that separates a Northern Melanesian clade from Polynesian taxa. In light of our results, we discuss systematic relationships ofTodiramphusand propose an updated taxonomy. This paper contributes to our understanding of avian diversification and assembly on islands, and to the systematics of a classically polytypic species complex.
Sex and hibernaculum temperature predict survivorship in white-nose syndrome affected little brown myotis (
Myotis lucifugus
)
Authors: Grieneisen Laura E. , Brownlee-Bouboulis Sarah A. , Johnson Joseph S. , Reeder DeeAnn M.
Published: February 2015

White-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging infectious disease caused by the novel fungus
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
, has devastated North American bat populations since its discovery in 2006. The little brown myotis,
Myotis lucifugus
, has been especially affected. The goal of this 2-year captive study was to determine the impact of hibernacula temperature and sex on WNS survivorship in little brown myotis that displayed visible fungal infection when collected from affected hibernacula. In study 1, we found that WNS-affected male bats had increased survival over females and that bats housed at a colder temperature survived longer than those housed at warmer temperatures. In study 2, we found that WNS-affected bats housed at a colder temperature fared worse than unaffected bats. Our results demonstrate that WNS mortality varies among individuals, and that colder hibernacula are more favourable for survival. They also suggest that female bats may be more negatively affected by WNS than male bats, which has important implications for the long-term survival of the little brown myotis in eastern North America.
Pedobacter silvilitoris sp. nov., isolated from wood falls
Authors: Park Sooyeon , Jung Yong-Taek , Park Ji-Min , Won Sung-Min , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: February 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated W-WS1T, was isolated from wood falls collected around Wando, an island located in the South Sea, Republic of Korea. Strain W-WS1T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain W-WS1T belonged to the genus

Pedobacter

, clustering coherently with the type strains of

Pedobacter daechungensis

,

Pedobacter lentus

,

Pedobacter terricola

,

Pedobacter arcticus

and

Pedobacter glucosidilyticus

, showing 94.3–96.3 % sequence similarity. Strain W-WS1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 91.2–94.0 % to the type strains of other species of the genus

Pedobacter

. Strain W-WS1T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain W-WS1T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain W-WS1T was 37.7 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain W-WS1T is separated from recognized species of the genus

Pedobacter

. On the basis of the data presented, strain W-WS1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Pedobacter

, for which the name Pedobacter silvilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W-WS1T ( = KCTC 42174T = CECT 8669T).
Antioxidant activity and physiological properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves extracts with different solvents
Authors: Kwon Yu-ri , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activity and physiological properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves extracted with three different solvents (water, ethanol, and methanol). The extraction yield from water, methanol, and ethanol were 13.17, 9.54, and 7.48%, respectively. The highest total polyphenol content (58.04 mg/100 g) and total flavonoid contents (12.36 mg/100 g) were observed in water extract. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was the highest in the water extract (79.18%) at the 500 mg% level, similar to BHT (77.18%). Additionally the same tendency was observed with DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging ability, and ferreous ion chelating ability. The water extract showed relatively high antioxidant activities. The angiotensin Ⅰ-converting enzyme (ACE) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of water extract at a concentration of 500 mg% were somewhat higher than those of the other extracts. Additionally, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of the water extract was significantly slightly lower than that of the positive control (cholorogenic acid). These results suggest that Moringa leaves extracted with water will be useful as antioxidant-rich and functional natural foods.
Observation for drying non-uniformity of allium vegetables using NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Cho Hyeong Ho , Lee Seon Mi , Park Sang Wook , Cho Rae Kwang
Published: February 2015

In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy was used to observe the drying non-uniformity of vegetables such as spring onions, onions, and garlic, which are commonly used for seasoning. For the warm-air convection drying method, the vegetables showed drying non-uniformity, which is due to the unevenness of the wind temperature and humidity depending on the height and position of the drying tray. The second derivative spectra between the vegetable samples with different drying degrees were compared. The peak at around 1,390~1,400 nm, which is assigned to weak hydrogen bonds of water, was changed during drying whereas the peak near 1,420 nm, which represents strong hydrogen (H-) bonds of water, was not changed, indicating that water with weak H-bonds evaporates first during drying, and that water with strong H-bonds remains after drying. The hyperspectral NIR imaging technique combined with principal-component analysis made it possible to discriminate the dried vegetables according to their drying degree.
Physiological activities of Lespedeza cuneata extracts
Authors: Park Hye-Mi , Hong Joo-Heon
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to examine the physiological activities of Lespedeza cundata extracts. The extraction yield of 50% ethanol extract (17.60%) was higher than that of hot water extract (12.60%). The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the 50% ethanol extract were 242.26 mg/g and 160.73 mg/g, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of the hot water and 50% ethanol extracts were 92.07% and 96.38%, respectively. The superoxide radical scavenging activities of hot water and 50% ethanol extracts on 250~1,000 μg/mL were 54.89~85.68% and 44.50~94.46%, respectively. The tyrosinase inhibition activity of the 50% ethanol extract at 1,000 μg/mL (63.31%) was the highest. The nitrite scavenging activity of the 50% ethanol extract was higher than that of the hot water extract. The nitric oxide production of 50% ethanol extract (7.15~20.61 μM) improved with an increase in the treatment concentration. The hot water and 50% ethanol extracts at 1,000 μg/mL inhibited the proliferation of the cancer cell lines A549, HeLa, Hep3B, and Sarcoma180. There results suggest that the 50% ethanol Lespedeza cuneata extracts may be useful as a functional food material in the food industry.
GC/MS analysis of hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones from γ-ray irradiated walnut (Juglans nigra)
Authors: Nho Eun Yeong , Choi Ji Yeon , Kim Kyong Su
Published: February 2015

This study was conducted to analyze the hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones as marker compounds in walnuts after the walnuts’ exposure to γ irradiation. The samples were irradiated with gamma rays at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 kGy doses. The lipids were extracted via soxhlet extraction using hexane, and were separated by florisil column and identified via gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The hydrocarbons that were detected were 8-heptadecene (C17:1) and 1,7-hexadecadiene (C16:2) from oleic acid and 8,11-heptadecadiene (C17:2) and 1,7,10-hexadecatriene (C16:3) from linoleic acid. The 2-alkylcyclobutanones that were detected were 2- dodecylcyclobutanone (DCB) from palmitic acid, 2-tetradecylcyclobutanone (TCB) from stearic acid, 2- (5'-tetradecenyl)cyclobutanone (TECB) from oleic acid, and 2-(5',8'-tetradecadienyl)cyclobutanone (5',8'-TCB) from linoleic acid. The correlation between the irradiation dose and the concentrations of the hydrocarbons and 2- alkylcyclobutanones in the walnuts was found to be linear. The radio-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones were clearly detected in the irradiated walnuts at 1 kGy and above, but not in the non-irradiated ones. The major hydrocarbons obtained after irradiation were 8-heptadecene from oleic acid and 8,11-heptadecadiene and 1,7,10-hexadecatriene from linoleic acid, and the major 2-alkylcyclobutanones were TECB from oleic acid and 5',8'-TCB from linoleic acid. Therefore, these major compounds were concluded to be the marker compounds for determining the irradiated and non-irradiated samples.
DNA methylation at hepatitis B viral integrants is associated with methylation at flanking human genomic sequences
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Oikawa Ritsuko , Toyota Minoru , Yamamoto Masakazu , Kokudo Norihiro , Tanaka Shinji , Arii Shigeki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Itoh Fumio
Published: February 2015

Integration of DNA viruses into the human genome plays an important role in various types of tumors, including hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular details and clinical impact of HBV integration on either human or HBV epigenomes are unknown. Here, we show that methylation of the integrated HBV DNA is related to the methylation status of the flanking human genome. We developed a next-generation sequencing-based method for structural methylation analysis of integrated viral genomes (denoted G-NaVI). This method is a novel approach that enables enrichment of viral fragments for sequencing using unique baits based on the sequence of the HBV genome. We detected integrated HBV sequences in the genome of the PLC/PRF/5 cell line and found variable levels of methylation within the integrated HBV genomes. Allele-specific methylation analysis revealed that the HBV genome often became significantly methylated when integrated into highly methylated host sites. After integration into unmethylated human genome regions such as promoters, however, the HBV DNA remains unmethylated and may eventually play an important role in tumorigenesis. The observed dynamic changes in DNA methylation of the host and viral genomes may functionally affect the biological behavior of HBV. These findings may impact public health given that millions of people worldwide are carriers of HBV. We also believe our assay will be a powerful tool to increase our understanding of the various types of DNA virus-associated tumorigenesis.
The inactive X chromosome is epigenetically unstable and transcriptionally labile in breast cancer
Authors: Chaligné Ronan , Popova Tatiana , Mendoza-Parra Marco-Antonio , Saleem Mohamed-Ashick M. , Gentien David , Ban Kristen , Piolot Tristan , Leroy Olivier , Mariani Odette , Gronemeyer Hinrich , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Stern Marc-Henri , Heard Edith
Published: February 2015

Disappearance of the Barr body is considered a hallmark of cancer, although whether this corresponds to genetic loss or to epigenetic instability and transcriptional reactivation is unclear. Here we show that breast tumors and cell lines frequently display major epigenetic instability of the inactive X chromosome, with highly abnormal 3D nuclear organization and global perturbations of heterochromatin, including gain of euchromatic marks and aberrant distributions of repressive marks such as H3K27me3 and promoter DNA methylation. Genome-wide profiling of chromatin and transcription reveal modified epigenomic landscapes in cancer cells and a significant degree of aberrant gene activity from the inactive X chromosome, including several genes involved in cancer promotion. We demonstrate that many of these genes are aberrantly reactivated in primary breast tumors, and we further demonstrate that epigenetic instability of the inactive X can lead to perturbed dosage of X-linked factors. Taken together, our study provides the first integrated analysis of the inactive X chromosome in the context of breast cancer and establishes that epigenetic erosion of the inactive X can lead to the disappearance of the Barr body in breast cancer cells. This work offers new insights and opens up the possibility of exploiting the inactive X chromosome as an epigenetic biomarker at the molecular and cytological levels in cancer.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a novel prochiral ketoimine: (E)-acetophenoneO-diphenylphosphoryl oxime
Authors: Majer Sean H. , Tanski Joseph M.
Published: February 2015

A novel activated prochiral ketoimine, (E)-acetophenoneO-diphenylphosphoryl oxime, C20H18NO2P, with an electron-withdrawing substituent on the imine N atom similar to other prochiral ketoimines, has been synthesized and the X-ray crystal stucture determined. The molecules pack together in the solid stateviaweak intermolecular C—H...O interactions and both face-to-face and edge-to-face π-stacking interactions.
The practice of strategic performance measurement systems
Authors: Silvi Riccardo , Bartolini Monica , Raffoni Anna , Visani Franco
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– For over 20 years, management control literature has indicated the importance of supporting the strategy development and implementation process with strategic performance measurement systems (SPMS) and integrating traditional financial indicators with a set of multidimensional forward-looking measures focusing on the long term and linked to cause-effect relationships. Nevertheless, knowledge on the specific SPMS models used in practice and their effectiveness in supporting the managerial decision-making process is still fragmented and ambiguous. The purpose of this paper is to first analyse the SPMS models used in practice, also considering the role of strategy and firm size as drivers of adoption, thereafter analysing the capability of SPMS models to provide managers with measures that are consistent with their strategic information needs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is based on a survey involving 88 Italian medium-large sized firms (or subsidiaries of multinational firms) operating on a global level.

Findings

– The cluster analysis identifies two very different SPMS models used in practice. The first is the Short-term Financial Model, and as its name indicates, is based on short-term, internally focused and unconnected financial indicators. The second is the Multidimensional Additive Model, which integrates financial and non-financial measures but without a fully developed fit with the strategy. The research primarily indicates unsatisfied information needs in both clusters, presenting a significant challenge to the further development of existing SPMS models and in defining new theoretical SPMS frameworks.

Practical implications

– The adoption of an incremental approach to SPMS, simply adding new operational and strategic non-financial measures without a real fit with the strategy does not increase the information effectiveness of the system.

Originality/value

– The paper analyses the characteristics and use of SPMS models in practice from an exploratory perspective, defining and applying a model to evaluate the information effectiveness of SPMS.
The construction of knowledge from the scientific literature about the theme seaport performance evaluation
Authors: Dutra Ademar , Ripoll-Feliu Vicente Mateo , Fillol Arturo Giner , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Ensslin Leonardo
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to know what scientific literature presents about the theme evaluation of seaport performance, thus enabling the construction of knowledge in the researchers and the identification of gaps in the research that will lead to advances in the area from the identification of the characteristics of a portfolio of relevant international publications.

Design/methodology/approach

– From the basic philosophical (constructivism), of the kind strategy (research-action) and the method used for the accomplishment of such strategy (structured process knowledge development process – constructivist (ProKnow-C)) the current research has a qualitative approach.

Findings

– From the analysis of the bibliographic portfolio composed of 23 articles, the main results were: focus of the evaluation of seaport performance is on operational and tactical efficiency rather than on strategic and global performance; the majority of the studies does not relate to the reality experienced by seaport managers due to the limited interaction with these managers, evidencing a distance of the researchers from the object of their research; and performance evaluation was barely used/explored as a tool to support management, only for the sake of evaluation itself.

Research limitations/implications

– The search occurred in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest, Ebsco, Sciece Direct and Wiley.

Originality/value

– The identification of gaps that might promote advances in this field of knowledge, once the seaport segment is not exploring the potential that performance evaluation can offer and is already available in literature.