bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inversions and adaptation to the plant toxin ouabain shape DNA sequence variation within and between chromosomal inversions of Drosophila subobscura.
Authors: Pegueroles Cinta , Ferrés-Coy Albert , Martí-Solano Maria , Aquadro Charles F , Pascual Marta , Mestres Francesc 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAdaptation is defined as an evolutionary process allowing organisms to succeed in certain habitats or conditions. Chromosomal inversions have the potential to be key in the adaptation processes, since they can contribute to the maintenance of favoured combinations of adaptive alleles through reduced recombination between individuals carrying different inversions. We have analysed six genes (Pif1A, Abi, Sqd, Yrt, AtpαandFmr1), located inside and outside three inversions of the O chromosome in European populations ofDrosophila subobscura. Genetic differentiation was significant between inversions despite extensive recombination inside inverted regions, irrespective of gene distance to the inversion breakpoints. Surprisingly, the highest level of genetic differentiation between arrangements was found for theAtpαgene, which is located outside the O1and O7inversions. Two derived unrelated arrangements (O3+4+1and O3+4+7) are nearly fixed for several amino acid substitutions at theAtpαgene that have been described to confer resistance in other species to the cardenolide ouabain, a plant toxin capable of blocking ATPases. Similarities in theAtpαvariants, conferring ouabain resistance in both arrangements, may be the result of convergent substitution and be favoured in response to selective pressures presumably related to the presence of plants containing ouabain in the geographic locations where both inversions are present.
Conductivity tensor of graphene dominated by spin-orbit coupling scatterers: A comparison between the results from Kubo and Boltzmann transport theories
Authors: Liu Zhe , Jiang Liwei , Zheng Yisong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe diagonal and Hall conductivities of graphene arising from the spin-orbit coupling impurity scattering are theoretically studied. Based on the continuous model, i.e. the massless Dirac equation, we derive analytical expressions of the conductivity tensor from both the Kubo and Boltzmann transport theories. By performing numerical calculations, we find that the Kubo quantum transport result of the diagonal conductivity within the self-consistent Born approximation exhibits an insulating gap around the Dirac point. And in this gap a well-defined quantized spin Hall plateau occurs. This indicates the realization of the quantum spin Hall state of graphene driven by the spin-orbit coupling impurities. In contrast, the semi-classical Boltzmann theory fails to predict such a topological insulating phase. The Boltzmann diagonal conductivity is nonzero even in the insulating gap, in which the Boltzmann spin Hall conductivity does not exhibit any quantized plateau.
Analysis of effects of a new environmental pollutant, bisphenol A, on antioxidant systems in soybean roots at different growth stages
Authors: Zhang Jiazhi , Li Xingyi , Zhou Li , Wang Lihong , Zhou Qing , Huang Xiaohua 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) is an important industrial raw material. Because of its widespread use and increasing release into environment, BPA has become a new environmental pollutant. Previous studies about BPA’s effects in plants focus on a certain growth stage. However, the plant’s response to pollutants varies at different growth stages. Therefore, in this work, BPA’s effects in soybean roots at different growth stages were investigated by determining the reactive oxygen species levels, membrane lipid fatty acid composition, membrane lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems. The results showed that low-dose BPA exposure slightly caused membrane lipid peroxidation but didn’t activate antioxidant systems at the seedling stage and this exposure did not affect above process at other growth stages; high-dose BPA increased reactive oxygen species levels and then caused membrane lipid peroxidation at all growth stages although it activated antioxidant systems and these effects were weaker with prolonging the growth stages. The recovery degree after withdrawal of BPA exposure was negatively related to BPA dose, but was positively related to growth stage. Taken together, the effects of BPA on antioxidant systems in soybean roots were associated with BPA exposure dose and soybean growth stage.
The Terminal Oxidase Cytochrome bd Promotes Sulfide-resistant Bacterial Respiration and Growth
Authors: Forte Elena , Borisov Vitaliy B. , Falabella Micol , Colaço Henrique G. , Tinajero-Trejo Mariana , Poole Robert K. , Vicente João B. , Sarti Paolo , Giuffrè Alessandro 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) impairs mitochondrial respiration by potently inhibiting the heme-copper cytochrome c oxidase. Since many prokaryotes, including Escherichia (E.) coli, generate H2S and encounter high H2S levels particularly in the human gut, herein we tested whether bacteria can sustain sulfide-resistant O2-dependent respiration. E. coli has three respiratory oxidases, the cyanide-sensitive heme-copper bo3 enzyme and two bd oxidases much less sensitive to cyanide. Working on the isolated enzymes, we found that, whereas the bo3 oxidase is inhibited by sulfide with half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 1.1 ± 0.1 μM, under identical experimental conditions both bd oxidases are insensitive to sulfide up to 58 μM. In E. coli respiratory mutants, both O2-consumption and aerobic growth proved to be severely impaired by sulfide when respiration was sustained by the bo3 oxidase alone, but unaffected by ≤200 μM sulfide when either bd enzyme acted as the only terminal oxidase. Accordingly, wild-type E. coli showed sulfide-insensitive respiration and growth under conditions favouring the expression of bd oxidases. In all tested conditions, cyanide mimicked the functional effect of sulfide on bacterial respiration. We conclude that bd oxidases promote sulfide-resistant O2-consumption and growth in E. coli and possibly other bacteria. The impact of this discovery is discussed.
Connecting the innate and adaptive immune responses in mouse choroidal neovascularization via the anaphylatoxin C5a and γδT-cells
Authors: Coughlin Beth , Schnabolk Gloriane , Joseph Kusumam , Raikwar Himanshu , Kunchithapautham Kannan , Johnson Krista , Moore Kristi , Wang Yi , Rohrer Bärbel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNeovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). An overactive complement system is associated with AMD pathogenesis, and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, are elevated in AMD patients. IL-17 is produced by complement C5a-receptor-expressing T-cells. In murine CNV, infiltrating γδT- rather than Th17-cells produce the IL-17 measurable in lesioned eyes. Here we asked whether C5a generated locally in response to CNV recruits IL-17-producing T-cells to the eye. CNV lesions were generated using laser photocoagulation and quantified by imaging; T-lymphocytes were characterized by QRT-PCR. CNV resulted in an increase in splenic IL-17-producing γδT- and Th17-cells; yet in the CNV eye, only elevated levels of γδT-cells were observed. Systemic administration of anti-C5- or anti-C5a-blocking antibodies blunted the CNV-induced production of splenic Th17- and γδT-cells, reduced CNV size and eliminated ocular γδT-cell infiltration. In ARPE-19 cell monolayers, IL-17 triggered a pro-inflammatory state; and splenocyte proliferation was elevated in response to ocular proteins. Thus, we demonstrated that CNV lesions trigger a systemic immune response, augmenting local ocular inflammation via the infiltration of IL-17-producing γδT-cells, which are presumably recruited to the eye in a C5a-dependent manner. Understanding the complexity of complement-mediated pathological mechanisms will aid in the development of an AMD treatment.
Lipid-laden cells differentially distributed in the aging brain are functionally active and correspond to distinct phenotypes
Authors: Shimabukuro Marilia Kimie , Langhi Larissa Gutman Paranhos , Cordeiro Ingrid , Brito José M. , Batista Claudia Maria de Castro , Mattson Mark P. , de Mello Coelho Valeria 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe characterized cerebral Oil Red O-positive lipid-laden cells (LLC) of aging mice evaluating their distribution, morphology, density, functional activities and inflammatory phenotype. We identified LLC in meningeal, cortical and neurogenic brain regions. The density of cerebral LLC increased with age. LLC presenting small lipid droplets were visualized adjacent to blood vessels or deeper in the brain cortical and striatal parenchyma of aging mice. LLC with larger droplets were asymmetrically distributed in the cerebral ventricle walls, mainly located in the lateral wall. We also found that LLC in the subventricular region co-expressed beclin-1 or LC3, markers for autophagosome or autophagolysosome formation and perilipin (PLIN), a lipid droplet-associated protein, suggesting lipophagic activity. Some cerebral LLC exhibited β galactosidase activity indicating a senescence phenotype. Moreover, we detected production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in cortical PLIN+ LLC. Some cortical NeuN+ neurons, GFAP+ glia limitans astrocytes, Iba-1+ microglia and S100β+ ependymal cells expressed PLIN in the aging brain. Our findings suggest that cerebral LLC exhibit distinct cellular phenotypes and may participate in the age-associated neuroinflammatory processes.
Prioritization of anticancer drugs against a cancer using genomic features of cancer cells: A step towards personalized medicine
Authors: Gupta Sudheer , Chaudhary Kumardeep , Kumar Rahul , Gautam Ankur , Nanda Jagpreet Singh , Dhanda Sandeep Kumar , Brahmachari Samir Kumar , Raghava Gajendra P. S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this study, we investigated drug profile of 24 anticancer drugs tested against a large number of cell lines in order to understand the relation between drug resistance and altered genomic features of a cancer cell line. We detected frequent mutations, high expression and high copy number variations of certain genes in both drug resistant cell lines and sensitive cell lines. It was observed that a few drugs, like Panobinostat, are effective against almost all types of cell lines, whereas certain drugs are effective against only a limited type of cell lines. Tissue-specific preference of drugs was also seen where a drug is more effective against cell lines belonging to a specific tissue. Genomic features based models have been developed for each anticancer drug and achieved average correlation between predicted and actual growth inhibition of cell lines in the range of 0.43 to 0.78. We hope, our study will throw light in the field of personalized medicine, particularly in designing patient-specific anticancer drugs. In order to serve the scientific community, a webserver, CancerDP, has been developed for predicting priority/potency of an anticancer drug against a cancer cell line using its genomic features (http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/cancerdp/).
Robust seizure detection in EEG using 2D DWT of time‐frequency distributions
Authors: Yusaf M. , Nawaz R. , Iqbal J. 
Published: March 2016

Seizure is a psychological disorder which is observed through electroencephalography (EEG) by monitoring the electrical activity inside our brain. Joint time‐frequency (TF) analysis is helpful for capturing the dynamic property of EEG signals as solely time or frequency analysis is not sufficient to clearly depict the non‐stationary electrical activity. This study is based on the use of 2D discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for feature extraction from the TF image with seizure classification performed through support vector machine. For classifier evaluation a dataset of 80 seizure and 80 non‐seizure samples are used, with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method. The proposed scheme achieved an impressive accuracy of 99.375% and has outperformed state of the art by 6%. This work will assist physicians in seizure detection, particularly in neonatal case where it can cause a life‐time disability.
First experimental impulse‐radio ultra‐wideband transmission under the Russian spectral emission mask
Authors: Grakhova E.P. , Rommel S. , Jurado‐Navas A. , Sultanov A.Kh. , Vegas Olmos J.J. , Tafur Monroy I. 
Published: March 2016

Ultra‐wideband impulse‐radio wireless transmission under the stringent conditions and complex shape of the Russian spectral emission mask is experimentally demonstrated for the first time. Transmission of 1 and 1.25 Gbit/s signals over distances of 6 and 3 m is achieved with a bit error rate below 3.8 × 10−3.
Tapered optical fibre coated with chitosan for lead (II) ion sensing
Authors: Ibrahim S.A. , Ridzwan A.H. , Mansoor A. , Dambul K.D. 
Published: March 2016

This Letter reports a lead (II) ion sensor composed of a tapered multimode fibre (MMF) coated with chitosan. The diameter and length of the tapered fibre region is 20 µm and 1 cm, respectively. Tapered MMF is used because it is more flexible and compact compared with plastic clad silica. Chitosan is chosen as the sensing layer because it can absorb heavy metal ions due to its unique properties as polyelectrolyte and chelating agent. The refractive index of the chitosan layer changes as it absorbs lead (II) ion and this leads to an increase in the absorbance measured by the spectrophotometer. This is tested by immersing the sensor in a solution that contains lead (II) ion with different concentrations, from 0.2 to 1 ppm. The results show that the absorbance measured by the spectrophotometer increased as the concentration of the lead (II) ion increased. The sensor's average sensitivity is measured as 40.554 abs/ppm. This sensor is simpler compared with surface plasmon resonance‐based lead (II) ion sensor because it does not require metal coating prior to the sensing layer coating.
Spectral characterisation of the silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using Ambrosia maritima plant
Authors: El‐Kemary Maged , Zahran Moustafa , Khalifa Shaden A.M. , El‐Seedi Hesham R. 
Published: March 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesised by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) using Ambrosia maritima aqueous leaves extract. The biosynthesised AgNPs were characterised by transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential analyser. The nanoparticles were generally found to be spherical in shape with average size of 30 nm and were stable at zeta potential of −26.29 mV. The data collected by cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer and spectrofluorophotometer proved the characteristic electrochemical and optical properties of the biosynthesised AgNPs. The metallic nanoparticles showed an anodic peak at 0.4 mV, a surface plasmon resonance peak at 437 nm and a fluorescence emission peak at the wavelength of 467 nm. In conclusion, AgNPs biosynthesised using A. maritima proved to be compatible and feasible to be studied further in in vitro and in vivo systems. Overall, the biosynthesised AgNPs can be used as a tool applied in a broad range of industrial and medical applications.
Tick tock: time for a change?
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Talati Zenobia , Neal Bruce 
Published: March 2016

Issue addressedNew developments in front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling are substantially improving the nutrition information available at the point of purchase. This has led to a need to reconsider the role of health logos such as the National Heart Foundation's ‘Tick’.MethodsUsing a qualitative, exploratory approach involving 10 focus groups with adults and children, this study investigated consumers' attitudes to the Tick and its relevance to their purchase decisions.ResultsBoth adults and children exhibited awareness of the Tick and its aim to indicate healthier product alternatives. Views on the effectiveness of the Tick were polarised, with some considering it a useful tool and others querying the basis of its licensing arrangements.ConclusionsWhile the Tick has in the past played a role in assisting consumers to make more informed decisions and encouraging favourable modification of the food supply, recent questions relating to its role and credibility have resulted in the Heart Foundation deciding to retire it.So what?After a quarter of a century in the Australian marketplace, the National Heart Foundation's Tick program has been reviewed. The findings of the present study provide insight into consumers' views of the Tick and suggest that the emergence of more comprehensive food labelling initiatives may make logo‐based nutrition labels redundant.
Examining the Behavior, Management Preferences, and Sociodemographics of Artificial Reef Users in the Gulf of Mexico Offshore from Texas
Authors: Schuett Michael A. , Ding Chen , Kyle Gerard , Shively J. Dale 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This study used a mixed-mode approach (mail and online) to survey licensed private boat owners (26 ft [8 m] and larger) from Texas on the use, choice and management of artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore from Texas. Results showed that reef users (n = 569) had a mean age of 55 years, were mostly white males, and over half of the respondents reported household incomes exceeding US$160,000 annually. The highest percentage of boat owners took one to five trips to the GOM in the last 12 months, enjoyed going to standing rigs and oil production structures, and preferred reefs to be over 30 mi (48.3 km) from shore. Fishing and the presence of fish were important factors for visiting artificial reefs. Boat owners believed artificial reefs bring tourism to local economies, provide new areas in which to recreate, and do not degrade the environment. In managing the reefs, boat owners would like to see more artificial reefs in the GOM and be able to place their own structures offshore in safe locations. Future research recommendations are suggested for filling the gaps in the human dimensions of artificial reefs focusing on other recreation groups, diverse users, communication, and education.
Received August 14, 2015; accepted November 18, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
The Influence of Size at Release on Performance of Imnaha River Chinook Salmon Hatchery Smolts
Authors: Feldhaus Joseph W. , Hoffnagle Timothy L. , Carmichael Richard W. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Ten brood years (BYs 1988–1990 and 1992–1998) of spring–summer Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha smolts that were reared at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery (Oregon) and released from the Imnaha River Weir and Acclimation Facility were evaluated to determine whether size at release affected juvenile migration survival, smolt-to-adult survival (SAS) rate, smolt-to-adult return (SAR) rate, production efficiency, age composition, straying rate, or harvest rate. Smolts were marked with adipose fin clips and were tagged with coded wire tags (all BYs) and PIT tags (BYs 1992–1998). For BYs 1992–1998, the out-migration survival rate to Lower Granite Dam (LGD) on the Snake River was greater for large smolts (30–38 g) than for small smolts (18–23 g). This juvenile survival difference did not translate to an adult survival difference, as the total (ages 3–5) and adult (ages 4–5) SAR and SAS rates did not differ between large and small smolts. Straying rates were less than 0.02% and harvest rates were less than 0.05% for both treatments, and we found no significant differences between groups. Total production efficiency (number of mature salmon/10 kg of smolts released) was greater for small smolts than for large smolts but not significantly so. Small smolts produced significantly more (~10%) age-5 females than did large smolts. Treatments (smolt size at release) did not differ in sex ratio or the age composition of male returns. Because broodstock availability limited production in 5 of the 10 years, we also compared size at release within standard-density (14.8‒22.2 kg/m3) and low-density (2.2‒8.6 kg/m3) rearing years. At standard density but not at low density, juvenile survival to LGD was significantly greater for large smolts than for small smolts. Adult and total SAR and SAS rates, total production efficiency, and straying rates did not differ between standard-density and low-density rearing years. Harvest rate of the small smolts was significantly greater than that of the large smolts at low density but not at standard density. We found no performance benefit in rearing large Chinook Salmon smolts instead of small smolts.
Received April 27, 2015; accepted December 2, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
Short-Term Discard Mortality Estimates for Gray Snapper in a West-Central Florida Estuary and Adjacent Nearshore Gulf of Mexico Waters
Authors: Flaherty-Walia Kerry E. , Winner Brent L. , Tyler-Jedlund Amanda J. , Davis John P. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus are fished extensively by recreational anglers in inshore estuarine habitats and in coastal and nearshore reef habitats along Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast. Although a detailed fishery assessment of Gray Snapper has never been conducted, there is a need for discard mortality estimates due to the large number of individuals captured by the recreational fishery. Our objective was to characterize discard mortality for the Gray Snapper recreational fishery in a study area that was representative of the regions in which most of the recreational fishing for this species takes place. In total, 247 Gray Snapper were caught during short-term (48-h) discard mortality experiments; 17 of the fish died, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 6.9%. Discard mortality was lower for fish caught from inshore waters (2/143 fish; 1.4%) than for those captured from the nearshore zone (15/104 fish; 14.4%). The water depth at the capture site and the anatomical hook location significantly influenced the probability of mortality. Individuals that were caught in shallower water and that were hooked in the lip were most likely to survive catch and release, whereas fish that were hooked in the esophagus were least likely to survive.
Received July 31, 2015; accepted December 2, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
Exploratory insights from the right‐sided electrocardiogram following prolonged endurance exercise
Authors: Lord Rachel , George Keith , Somauroo John , Jain Nikhil , Reese Kristin , Hoffman Martin D. , Haddad Francois , Ashley Euan , Jones Helen , Oxborough David 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground: Prolonged strenuous exercise has a profound effect on cardiac function. The right heart may be more susceptible to this imposition; yet, right‐sided chest leads have not been utilised in this setting. Methods: Thirty highly trained athletes at the 2014 Western States 100‐mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California (body mass 68 ± 12 kg, age 45 ± 10 years, 57 ± 15 miles per week) were recruited for the study. Pre‐ and post‐race, a right‐sided 12‐lead ECG was obtained and data were extracted for P, R and S waves, J point, ST segment and T wave amplitude. Data were compared using Students T‐test and statistical significance set as P < .05. Results: There was a significant increase in P wave amplitude (29%) and QTc interval (4%) pre‐ to post‐race from standard 12‐lead ECG. From the right‐sided12‐lead ECG, a 23% (P = .01) and 38% (P = .03) increase in J point amplitude in V1R and V2R and a 22% (P = .05) increase in ST segment integral in V2R and V3R were evident. T wave inversion was evident in leads V2R–V6R in 50–90% of athletes, respectively. Close examination revealed marked heterogeneity in individual ECGs. Conclusions: Completion of a 100‐mile ultra‐marathon resulted in significant changes in the right‐sided ECG alongside more marked responses in specific individuals. P wave, ST segment and T wave changes post‐race are indicative of acute exercise‐induced right heart electrical adaptation.