bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melt and surface sublimation across a glacier in a dry environment: distributed energy-balance modelling of Juncal Norte Glacier, Chile
Authors: AYALA A. , PELLICCIOTTI F. , PELEG N. , BURLANDO P. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTPrevious estimates of melt and surface sublimation on glaciers of the subtropical semiarid Andes (29–34°S) have been obtained at few specific locations, but it is not clear how ablation components vary across the entire extent of a glacier in this dry environment. Here, we simulate the distributed energy and mass balance of Juncal Norte Glacier (33°S) during a 2-month summer period. Forcing fields of near-surface air temperature and wind speed are generated using two methods accounting for the main physical processes that shape their spatial variations. Simulated meteorological variables and ablation agree well with observations on the glacier tongue and reveal complex patterns of energy and mass fluxes. Ablation decreases from 70 mm w.e. d−1 at the low-albedo glacier terminus (~3000 m), where almost 100% of total ablation corresponds to melt, to <5 mm w.e. d−1 at wind-exposed, strong-radiated sites above 5500 m, where surface sublimation represents >75% of total ablation. Our simulations provide the first glacier-scale estimates of ablation components on a glacier in the study region and better reproduce the observed and expected spatial variations of melt and surface sublimation, in comparison with more simple assumptions, such as linear gradients and uniform wind speeds.
Diet quality and its implications on the cardio-metabolic, physical and general health of older men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP)
Authors: Ribeiro Rosilene V. , Hirani Vasant , Senior Alistair M. , Gosby Alison K. , Cumming Robert G. , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise M. , Handelsman David J. , Kendig Hal , Seibel Markus J. , Simpson Stephen J. , Stanaway Fiona , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Le Couteur David G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe revised Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013) scores individuals’ diets according to their compliance with the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG). This cross-sectional study assesses the diet quality of 794 community-dwelling men aged 74 years and older, living in Sydney, Australia participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project; it also examines sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with DGI-2013 scores; it studies associations between DGI-2103 scores and the following measures: homoeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, BMI, number of co-morbidities and medications and frailty status while also accounting for the effect of ethnicity in these relationships. Median DGI-2013 score was 93·7 (54·4, 121·2); most individuals failed to meet recommendations for vegetables, dairy products and alternatives, added sugar, unsaturated fat and SFA, fluid and discretionary foods. Lower education, income, physical activity levels and smoking were associated with low scores. After adjustments for confounders, high DGI-2013 scores were associated with lower HDL-cholesterol, lower waist:hip ratios and lower probability of being frail. Proxies of good health (fewer co-morbidities and medications) were not associated with better compliance to the ADG. However, in participants with a Mediterranean background, low DGI-2013 scores were not generally associated with poorer health. Older men demonstrated poor diet quality as assessed by the DGI-2013, and the association between dietary guidelines and health measures and indices may be influenced by ethnic background.
Threonine deficiency decreased intestinal immunity and aggravated inflammation associated withNF-κBandtarget of rapamycinsignalling pathways in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) after infection withAeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Dong Yu-Wen , Jiang Wei-Dan , Liu Yang , Wu Pei , Jiang Jun , Kuang Sheng-Yao , Tang Ling , Tang Wu-Neng , Zhang Yong-An , Zhou Xiao-Qiu , Feng Lin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary threonine on intestinal immunity and inflammation in juvenile grass carp. Six iso-nitrogenous semi-purified diets containing graded levels of threonine (3·99–21·66 g threonine/kg) were formulated and fed to fishes for 8 weeks, and then challenged withAeromonas hydrophilafor 14 d. Results showed that, compared with optimum threonine supplementation, threonine deficiency (1) decreased the ability of fish against enteritis, intestinal lysozyme activities (except in the distal intestine), acid phosphatase activities, complement 3 (C3) and C4 contents and IgM contents (except in the proximal intestine (PI)), and it down-regulated the transcript abundances ofliver-expressed antimicrobial peptide(LEAP)-2A,LEAP-2B,hepcidin, IgZ, IgMandβ-defensin1(except in the PI) (P<0·05); (2) could up-regulate intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokinesTNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6, IL-8andIL-17DmRNA levels partly related toNF-κBsignalling; (3) could down-regulate intestinal anti-inflammatory cytokinetransforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,TGF-β2,IL-4/13A(notIL-4/13B) andIL-10mRNA levels partly by target of rapamycin signalling. Finally, on the basis of the specific growth rate, against the enteritis morbidity and IgM contents, the optimum threonine requirements were estimated to be 14·53 g threonine/kg diet (4·48 g threonine/100 g protein), 15.05 g threonine/kg diet (4·64 g threonine/100 g protein) and 15·17 g threonine/kg diet (4·68 g threonine/100 g protein), respectively.
The relationship among freezing tolerance, vernalization requirement, Ppd alleles and winter hardiness in European wheat cultivars
Authors: GORASH A. , ARMONIENĖ R. , LIATUKAS Ž. , BRAZAUSKAS G. 
Published: August 2017

SUMMARYWinter hardiness of wheat is a complex trait involving a system of structural, regulatory and developmental genes, which interact in a complex pathway. The objective of the present work was to study the relationship among the main traits determining the level of adaptation and the possibility for target manipulation of breeding material by using molecular markers and phenological parameters. Wheat cultivars from different ecoclimatic environments of Europe were included for analysis. Gene-specific assay showed that photoperiod sensitivity of the studied cultivars was determined by polymorphism in the Ppd-D1 allele. The study established the relationship among winter hardiness, LT50 (the temperature at which 50% of plants are killed), photoperiod sensitivity, vernalization duration and earliness per se genes in the environment of Lithuania. The cultivars from Northern and Western Europe exhibited stronger requirement for vernalization and photoperiod. Although the group of cultivars from the southern latitudes were characterized by earliness, they possessed a stronger level of LT50. The level of LT50 was found to be the most crucial component of winter hardiness, the other traits served as supplementary components.
Spatial and temporal distribution ofLigula intestinalis(Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in usipa (Engraulicypris sardella) (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in Lake Nyasa
Authors: Gabagambi N.P. , Skorping A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEngraulicypris sardellais an endemic and economically important cyprinid species in Lake Nyasa/Malawi which has recently been infected by the tapewormLigula intestinalis. This parasite is known to induce severe pathological and behavioural effects on other cyprinids, including castration, followed by a collapse of infected populations. As a first step to understanding the dynamics between this parasite andE. sardella, we studied the spatial and temporal variation in prevalence over a period of 1 year. Overall prevalence was about 15%, but we observed a consistently higher prevalence in the littoral compared to the pelagic zone. Fish in the upper water levels showed the highest prevalence, with a marked decline with increasing water depth down to 150 m. The proportion of infected fish varied over time, with a significantly higher prevalence in the rainy season. In a huge lake like the Nyasa, with a surface area of 29,000 km2and a maximum depth of 785 m, the transmission success of the parasite appears to show large variations in time and space. We suggest that these conditions could lead the parasite to become persistent within the lake, rather than the typical epidemic situation as observed in smaller bodies of water.
Twisted modes instability of electron–positron shell interacted with moving ion background
Authors: Nobahar D. , Hajisharifi K. , Mehdian H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the instability of electrostatic twisted modes carrying orbital angular momentum in the moving electron–positron–ion plasma is investigated. In the kinetic theory approach, the general dispersion relation of twisted modes is derived by using Laguerre–Gaussian perturbed distribution function and electrostatic potential in the paraxial limit. Utilizing the obtained general dispersion relation for a specific case of electron–positron (e–p) shell with temperature anisotropy interacted with moving ion background, the effects of angular mode number, electrons and positrons temperature, and positron concentration on the group velocity and instability growth rate of twisted waves are illustrated, numerically. The results of the present investigation will greatly attribute to the understanding of e–p jet dynamic in astrophysical environments and laboratory experiments where the twisted modes can play a central role as a perturbed term.
Central Protectionism in China: The “Central SOE Problem” in Environmental Governance
Authors: Eaton Sarah , Kostka Genia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article examines the so-called “central State Owned Enterprise (SOE) problem” in China's environmental governance system, namely central SOEs' defiance of environmental regulation. We present evidence showing that, in the last decade, central SOEs have been the source of a large number of serious pollution incidents and have often failed to comply with environmental guidelines and regulations. Central SOEs in the electricity generation and oil and gas industries are particularly culpable, with six firms alone accounting for 62 per cent of all 2,370 reported violations (2004–2016). We argue that a combination of “central protectionism” of state-owned national champions and insufficient regulatory capacity in the environmental bureaucracy have provided state firms under central management with both incentives and opportunities to shirk on environmental regulations. Yet, while the institutions of central protectionism are deeply rooted, countervailing forces within the complex Chinese state are also gaining momentum. In spite of the considerable regulatory challenges, officials in the environment bureaucracy display increasing resolve and ingenuity in trying to strengthen their enforcement capacity.
Authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations
Authors: McLaughlin Rob 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough there are areas of uncertainty and overlap, authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations are beholden to a different regime from that which governs the conduct of armed conflict at sea. This article seeks to briefly describe five regularly employed authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations at sea: flag State consent, agreed pre-authorization, coastal State jurisdiction, UN Security Council resolutions, and the right of visit.
Exploiting a novel conformational switch to control innate immunity mediated by complement protein C3a
Authors: Lohman Rink-Jan , Hamidon Johan K. , Reid Robert C. , Rowley Jessica A. , Yau Mei-Kwan , Halili Maria A. , Nielsen Daniel S. , Lim Junxian , Wu Kai-Chen , Loh Zhixuan , Do Anh , Suen Jacky Y. , Iyer Abishek , Fairlie David P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractComplement C3a is an important protein in innate and adaptive immunity, but its specific roles in vivo remain uncertain because C3a degrades rapidly to form the C3a-desArg protein, which does not bind to the C3a receptor and is indistinguishable from C3a using antibodies. Here we develop the most potent, stable and highly selective small molecule modulators of C3a receptor, using a heterocyclic hinge to switch between agonist and antagonist ligand conformations. This enables characterization of C3 areceptor-selective pro- vs. anti-inflammatory actions in human mast cells and macrophages, and in rats. A C3a receptor-selective agonist induces acute rat paw inflammation by first degranulating mast cells before activating macrophages and neutrophils. An orally administered C3a receptor-selective antagonist inhibits mast cell degranulation, thereby blocking recruitment and activation of macrophages and neutrophils, expression of inflammatory mediators and inflammation in a rat paw edema model. These novel tools reveal the mechanism of C3a-induced inflammation and provide new insights to complement-based medicines.
Development of novel monoclonal antibodies against starch and ulvan - implications for antibody production against polysaccharides with limited immunogenicity
Authors: Rydahl Maja G. , Kračun Stjepan K. , Fangel Jonatan U. , Michel Gurvan , Guillouzo Alexia , Génicot Sabine , Mravec Jozef , Harholt Jesper , Wilkens Casper , Motawia Mohammed Saddik , Svensson Birte , Tranquet Olivier , Ralet Marie-Christine , Jørgensen Bodil , Domozych David S. , Willats William G. T. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used and powerful research tools, but the generation of mAbs against glycan epitopes is generally more problematic than against proteins. This is especially significant for research on polysaccharide-rich land plants and algae (Viridiplantae). Most antibody production is based on using single antigens, however, there are significant gaps in the current repertoire of mAbs against some glycan targets with low immunogenicity. We approached mAb production in a different way and immunised with a complex mixture of polysaccharides. The multiplexed screening capability of carbohydrate microarrays was then exploited to deconvolute the specificities of individual mAbs. Using this strategy, we generated a set of novel mAbs, including one against starch (INCh1) and one against ulvan (INCh2). These polysaccharides are important storage and structural polymers respectively, but both are generally considered as having limited immunogenicity. INCh1 and INCh2 therefore represent important new molecular probes for Viridiplantae research. Moreover, since the α-(1-4)-glucan epitope recognised by INCh1 is also a component of glycogen, this mAb can also be used in mammalian systems. We describe the detailed characterisation of INCh1 and INCh2, and discuss the potential of a non-directed mass-screening approach for mAb production against some glycan targets.
MicroRNA-204 promotes vascular endoplasmic reticulum stress and endothelial dysfunction by targeting Sirtuin1
Authors: Kassan Modar , Vikram Ajit , Li Qiuxia , Kim Young-Rae , Kumar Santosh , Gabani Mohanad , Liu Jing , Jacobs Julia S. , Irani Kaikobad 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in vascular endothelial dysfunction of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. MicroRNAs play an important role in regulating ER stress. Here we show that microRNA-204 (miR-204) promotes vascular ER stress and endothelial dysfunction by targeting the Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) lysine deacetylase. Pharmacologic ER stress induced by tunicamycin upregulates miR-204 and downregulates Sirt1 in the vascular wall/endothelium in vivo and in endothelial cells in vitro. Inhibition of miR-204 protects against tunicamycin-induced vascular/endothelial ER stress, associated impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, and preserves endothelial Sirt1. A miR-204 mimic leads to ER stress and downregulates Sirt1 in endothelial cells. Knockdown of Sirt1 in endothelial cells, and conditional deletion of endothelial Sirt1 in mice, promotes ER stress via upregulation of miR-204, whereas overexpression of Sirt1 in endothelial cells suppresses miR-204-induced ER stress. Furthermore, increase in vascular reactive oxygen species induced by ER stress is mitigated by by miR-204 inhibition. Finally, nutritional stress in the form of a Western diet promotes vascular ER stress through miR-204. These findings show that miR-204 is obligatory for vascular ER stress and ER stress-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction, and that miR-204 promotes vascular ER stress via downregulation of Sirt1.
The powdery mildew-resistant Arabidopsis mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutant displays altered infection phenotypes with diverse types of phytopathogens
Authors: Acevedo-Garcia Johanna , Gruner Katrin , Reinstädler Anja , Kemen Ariane , Kemen Eric , Cao Lingxue , Takken Frank L. W. , Reitz Marco U. , Schäfer Patrick , O’Connell Richard J. , Kusch Stefan , Kuhn Hannah , Panstruga Ralph 
Published: August 2017

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutant plants exhibit complete immunity against infection by otherwise virulent obligate biotrophic powdery mildew fungi such as Golovinomyces orontii. While this phenotype is well documented, the interaction profile of the triple mutant with other microbes is underexplored and incomplete. Here, we thoroughly assessed and quantified the infection phenotypes of two independent powdery mildew-resistant triple mutant lines with a range of microbes. These microorganisms belong to three kingdoms of life, engage in diverse trophic lifestyles, and deploy different infection strategies. We found that interactions with microbes that do not directly enter leaf epidermal cells were seemingly unaltered or showed even enhanced microbial growth or symptom formation in the mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutants, as shown for Pseudomonas syringae and Fusarium oxysporum. By contrast, the mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutants exhibited reduced host cell entry rates by Colletotrichum higginsianum, a fungal pathogen showing direct penetration of leaf epidermal cells comparable to G. orontii. Together with previous findings, the results of this study strengthen the notion that mutations in genes MLO2, MLO6 and MLO12 not only restrict powdery mildew colonization, but also affect interactions with a number of other phytopathogens.
Genomic DNA variation confirmed Seriola lalandi comprises three different populations in the Pacific, but with recent divergence
Authors: Premachandra H. K. A. , la Cruz Fabiola Lafarga-De , Takeuchi Yutaka , Miller Adam , Fielder Stewart , O’Connor Wayne , Frère Celine H. , Nguyen Nguyen Hong , Bar Ido , Knibb Wayne 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCaptive breeding programs and aquaculture production have commenced worldwide for the globally distributed yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), and captive bred fingerlings are being shipped from the Southern Hemisphere to be farmed in the Northern Hemisphere. It was recently proposed that PacificS.lalandicomprise at least three distinct species that diverged more than 2 million years ago. Here, we tested the hypothesis of different “species” in the Pacific using novel genomic data (namely single nucleotide polymorphisms and diversity array technology markers), as well as mtDNA and DNA microsatellite variation. These new data support the hypothesis of population subdivision between the Northeast Pacific, Northwest Pacific and South Pacific, and genetic divergence indicates restriction to the gene flow between hemispheres. However, our estimates of maximum mtDNA and nuclear DNA divergences of 2.43% and 0.67%, respectively, were within the ranges more commonly observed for populations within species than species within genera. Accordingly our data support the more traditional view thatS.lalandiin the Pacific comprises three distinct populations rather than the subdivisions into several species.
A novel approach to low-temperature synthesis of cubic HfO2 nanostructures and their cytotoxicity
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , George Blassan Plackal Adimuriyil , Abrahamse Heidi , Parashar Vyom , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Ngila Jane Catherine 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe development of a strategy to stabilise the cubic phase of HfO2 at lower temperatures is necessary for the emergence of unique properties that are not realised in the thermodynamically stable monoclinic phase. A very high temperature (>2600 °C) is required to produce the cubic phase of HfO2, whereas the monoclinic phase is stable at low temperature. Here, a novel rapid synthesis strategy was designed to develop highly crystalline, pure cubic-phase HfO2 nanoparticles (size <10 nm) using microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the as-prepared nanoparticles were converted to different morphologies (spherical nanoparticles and nanoplates) without compromising the cubic phase by employing a post-hydrothermal treatment in the presence of surface modifiers. The cytotoxicities and proliferative profiles of the synthesised cubic HfO2 nanostructures were investigated over the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, along with caspase-3/7 activities. The low-temperature phase stabilisation was significantly attributed to surface imperfections (defects and deformations) induced in the crystal lattice by the desirable presence of Na2S·xH2O and NaOH. Our work provides unprecedented insight into the stabilisation of nanoscale cubic-phase HfO2 in ambient environments; the method could be extended to other challenging phases of nanomaterials.
Maximum Power Point Tracking for Cascaded PV-Converter Modules Using Two-Stage Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Mao Mingxuan , Duan Qichang , Zhang Li , Chen Hao , Hu Bei , Duan Pan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe paper presents a novel two-stage particle swarm optimization (PSO) for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control of a PV system consisting of cascaded PV-converter modules, under partial shading conditions (PSCs). In this scheme, the grouping method of the shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) is incorporated with the basic PSO algorithm, ensuring fast and accurate searching of the global extremum. An adaptive speed factor is also introduced to improve its convergence speed. A PWM algorithm enabling permuted switching of the PV sources is applied. The method enables this PV system to achieve the maximum power generation for any number of PV and converter modules. Simulation studies of the proposed MPPT scheme are performed on a system having two chained PV buck-converter modules and a dc-ac H-bridge connected at its terminals for supplying an AC load. The results show that this type of PV system allows each module to achieve the maximum power generation according its illumination level without affecting the others, and the proposed new control method gives significantly higher power output compared with the conventional P&O and PSO methods.