bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of NKG2D gene variants with susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mariaselvam C M , Tamouza R , Krishnamoorthy R , Charron D , Misra D P , Jain V K , Negi V S 
Published: October 2016

Summary
NKG2D (KLRK1) is a C-type lectin receptor present on natural killer (NK) cells, γδ, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Upon ligand binding, NKG2D mediates activatory and co-stimulatory signals to NK cells and activated CD4+ T cells, respectively. Polymorphisms in NKG2D predispose to infectious diseases, cancer, transplantation and autoimmune disorders. We studied the influence of this NK receptor polymorphism on predisposition to and modification of the disease phenotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eight different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the NKG2 gene were genotyped in 236 patients with RA and 187 controls using Taqman 5' nuclease assays. NKG2D genotype/allele frequency did not differ between patients and controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the frequency of A allele of NKG2D9 and T allele of NKG2D10 was significantly higher in patients with deformities (a marker of severe disease) [11 versus 5%, Pc = 0·03, odds ratio (OR) = 2·44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·09-5·98 and 10 versus 4%, Pc = 0·04, OR = 2·45, 95% CI = 1·05-6·39, respectively], while the frequency of alleles G of NKG2D9 and A of NKG2D10 was greater in patients without deformities (Pc = 0·03, OR = 0·41, 95% CI = 0·17-0·91 and Pc = 0·04, OR = 0·41, 95% CI = 0·16-0·96). Similar trends of association were observed with deforming phenotype of RA in female patients and deforming young onset RA subgroups. Haplotype analysis revealed that the frequency of haplotype G-C-A-G-A-T-C-C was higher in patients than in controls (12 versus 8%, P = 0·04, OR = 1·61, 95% CI = 1·01-2·55), suggesting that it may predispose to RA. Our study suggests that the NKG2D gene polymorphisms may modify the risk of development and severity of RA.
Immediately Loaded Implants in Rehabilitation of the Maxilla: A Two‐Year Randomized Clinical Trial of Guided Surgery versus Standard Procedure
Authors: Amorfini Leonardo , Migliorati Marco , Drago Sara , Silvestrini‐Biavati Armando 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundImplant‐simulation software can now be used to improve treatment planning, guide surgery, and ensure more accurate implant placement.PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a guided surgery protocol versus a conventional protocol.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐six patients were randomly assigned to Guided Surgery or Conventional Surgery. In test group implants were placed in the maxilla using a tooth supported model‐based surgical guide with a minimally invasive flap and immediately loaded. In control group implants were inserted with an open flap surgery following a prosthetic stent and immediately loaded.ResultsA total of 70 implants were placed (36 test and 34 control). Statistically significant differences were found between the test group and the control group for patient opinion about self‐confidence, assumption of analgesic tablets and perceived pain. The test group registered a statistically significant reduction (p < .05) as regards time of surgery and time of provisional insertion with respect to the control group.ConclusionsImplants can successfully integrate in the posterior maxilla using a guided surgery approach with immediate loading. The use of guided surgery helped to reduce the surgery duration, pain intensity, related analgesic consumption, and a more predictable provisional installation.
Role of alpha‐ and beta‐adrenergic receptors in cardiomyocyte differentiation from murine‐induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Li Xiao‐Li , Zeng Di , Chen Yan , Ding Lu , Li Wen‐Ju , Wei Ting , Ou Dong‐Bo , Yan Song , Wang Bin , Zheng Qiang‐Sun 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesInduced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes are a promising source of cells for regenerative heart disease therapies, but progress towards their use has been limited by their low differentiation efficiency and high cellular heterogeneity. Previous studies have demonstrated expression of adrenergic receptors (ARs) in stem cells after differentiation; however, roles of ARs in fate specification of stem cells, particularly in cardiomyocyte differentiation and development, have not been characterized.Materials and methodsMurine‐induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) were cultured in hanging drops to form embryoid bodies, cells of which were then differentiated into cardiomyocytes. To determine whether ARs regulated miPSC differentiation into cardiac lineages, effects of the AR agonist, epinephrine (EPI), on miPSC differentiation and underlying signalling mechanisms, were evaluated.ResultsTreatment with EPI, robustly enhanced miPSC cardiac differentiation, as indicated by increased expression levels of cardiac‐specific markers, GATA4, Nkx2.5 and Tnnt2. Although β‐AR signalling is the foremost signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes, EPI‐enhanced cardiac differentiation depended more on α‐AR signalling than β‐AR signalling. In addition, selective activation of α1‐AR signalling with specific agonists induced vigorous cardiomyocyte differentiation, whereas selective activation of α2‐ or β‐AR signalling induced no or less differentiation, respectively. EPI‐ and α1‐AR‐dependent cardiomyocyte differentiation from miPSCs occurred through specific promotion of CPC proliferation via the MEK‐ERK1/2 pathway and regulation of miPS cell‐cycle progression.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that activation of ARs, particularly of α1‐ARs, promoted miPSC differentiation into cardiac lineages via MEK‐ERK1/2 signalling.
Modelling the potential geographic distribution of an endangered pollination corridor in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Gómez‐Ruiz Emma P. , Lacher Thomas E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimEvery spring endangered Mexican long‐nosed bats (Leptonycteris nivalis) migrate up to 1200 km from central Mexico to southern United States. Evidence suggests that L. nivalis follows the blooms of paniculate agave plants (genus Agave, subgenus Agave). Paniculate agave inflorescences are adapted to attract bats, and studies have indicated that Leptonycteris spp. played a key role in Agave speciation. We test the hypothesis of the Agave migratory corridor by (1) modelling the distribution of the relevant Agave species; and (2) testing whether bat records are significantly related to Agave species richness as predicted by our models.LocationMexico and United States.MethodsWe selected nine paniculate Agave species based on a set of criteria and modelled the current distribution of those species using maxent and the Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Production (GARP), and geographic information systems to analyse the spatial correspondence of Agave richness and presence of L. nivalis.ResultsWe combined the Agave presence maps that resulted from the models with higher performance to create a richness map. This map indicated up to five species overlapping. L. nivalis occurrence areas correspond with areas with two, three and four Agave species more often than random expectations at the 0.05 significance level. The opposite is observed for areas with 0 Agave species where L. nivalis correspond less often than random.Main conclusionsPresence–pseudo‐absence and presence–background modelling tools allowed us to map potential Agave presence. These maps could guide conservation actions to ensure the maintenance of this pollination corridor. Areas with higher number of Agave species are distributed along mountain chains and may provide foraging resources for L. nivalis for longer period of time during its migration. We recommend implementing a long‐term monitoring programme in those areas to document inflorescence timing in Agave species and the presence of L. nivalis.
Using the stable isotope marker 13C to study extrafloral nectar uptake by parasitoids under controlled conditions and in the field
Authors: Pollier Anna , Dosdat Simon , Tricault Yann , Bischoff Armin , Plantegenest Manuel , Jaloux Bruno 
Published: October 2016

AbstractParasitic wasps are prominent natural enemies of crop pests. They usually feed on floral resources during the adult stage (nectar, pollen, or honeydew). Extrafloral nectar is an alternative source of sugar easily accessible to adult parasitoids. We developed an original method of nectar labelling based on the injection of labelled sugar solution into the plant stem in order to analyse the nectar uptake by parasitoids (cotton wick method). This method was used to artificially enrich extrafloral cornflower, Centaurea cyanus L. (Asteraceae), nectar with the stable isotope 13C. We analysed (1) the transfer of 13C from the sugar solution into extrafloral nectaries, (2) the uptake of labelled nectar by parasitoids under laboratory conditions, and (3) the ability of the method to discriminate, in an oilseed rape (Brassica napus L., Brassicaceae) field, between labelled parasitoids (i.e., those who have fed on labelled cornflowers located adjacent to the field) and unlabelled parasitoids to track parasitoid movements from the margin into the field. The extrafloral nectar of all test plants was 13C‐labelled. Most (66%) of the parasitoids were identified as marked after 96 h of exposure to labelled plants in the laboratory. We could also detect labelled parasitoids inside the field, but the detection rate was only 1%. The experiments clearly demonstrate that the cotton wick method is appropriate to label extrafloral nectar and parasitoids feeding on this labelled nectar. Further research is needed on the amount of labelled extrafloral nectar required to obtain a sufficient marker level to track parasitoid movements in the field.
Within‐field spatial distribution patterns of corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, and severity of hopperburn and Maize mosaic virus symptoms as influenced by sunn hemp intercropping
Authors: Manandhar Roshan , Wright Mark G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHabitat management (e.g., intercropping) may alter within‐field spatial distribution patterns of herbivores, from a typical pattern as observed in a monoculture, and may influence patterns of crop injury. Field trials were conducted to study the effect of intercropping maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), with sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae) strips on within‐field spatial distribution patterns of corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and combined severity of hopperburn and Maize mosaic virus (MMV) (Rhabdoviridae: Nucleorhabdovirus) symptoms. In each field trial, spatially explicit data on P. maidis counts and ratings of severity of symptoms were obtained by sampling maize plants at weekly intervals. These data were used to examine the spatial patterns of P. maidis and severity of symptoms in maize‐intercropped and monoculture plots with Spatial Analysis for Distance IndicEs (SADIE) methodology. Spatial aggregation patterns of P. maidis in each treatment plot were not consistent among the field trials and tended to be mediated by their population densities. Interpolation of local cluster indices showed that P. maidis were more often aggregated at the field edges, irrespective of treatment. At times of MMV incidence in field trials (fall 2010 and spring 2011), the patch clusters of P. maidis and symptomatic plants were located at the field edges, but were spatially unassociated in both treatment plots. The results provided an approximation of the unpredictability of P. maidis spatial patterns at different population densities and their association with severity of symptoms in two maize‐cropping systems. However, the gap clusters of symptomatic plants were primarily located at the field interiors and were larger in intercropped than in monoculture plots. Such spatial pattern of symptomatic plants resulted in the reduced incidence of MMV in the intercropped plot compared with the monoculture plot, suggesting intercropping sunn hemp can be a useful tool in the management of MMV in maize fields.
Effect of juvenile hormone and pyriproxyfen treatments on the production ofSpodoptera lituranuclear polyhedrosis virus
Authors: Liao Z.H. , Kuo T.C. , Shih C.W. , Tuan S.J. , Kao Y.H. , Huang R.N. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEfficient production is essential for developing baculoviruses into marketable bioinsecticides. In this study, we evaluated how juvenile hormone (JH)IIIand theJHanalog pyriproxyfen affected the production efficiency ofSpodoptera litura(Fabricius) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)Nucleopolyhedrovirus(SpltNPV) in SpltNPV‐inoculated early sixth instars. Both theJH IIIand pyriproxyfen treatments significantly enhanced the body size and weight ofS. litura, which resulted in a 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase in the production of occlusion bodies (OBs). TheOBs obtained fromJH‐ and pyriproxyfen‐treated larvae were as pathogenic as those produced in untreated larvae. More importantly,JH‐ or pyriproxy‐fen‐treated larvae consumed less than twice the amount of food consumed by two untreated larvae. These results indicate thatJHand pyriproxyfen treatments improve the production efficiency of SpltNPVinS. litura. SpltNPVinfection affected the development ofS. lituranot only as larvae, but also during subsequent growth stages and generations.
Effects of entomopathogenic fungi on the mortality and immune system of the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus
Authors: Couceiro Joel da Cruz , Marcelino Wesler Luiz , Amaral Karina Dias , Gandra Lailla Cristina , de Souza Danival José , Della Lucia Terezinha Maria Castro 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAcromyrmex leaf‐cutting ants use the antibiotics produced by ectosymbionts (Actinobacteria) to suppress the growth of Escovopsis spp., which are the specialized parasites of attine fungus gardens. However, the spectrum of activity of these bacteria and their interactions with insect immune systems have not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of symbiotic actinobacteria covering the entire cuticle of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) workers provides protection against two fungus species, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin (Hypocreales), a persistent entomopathogenic, and Aspergillus ochraceus G. Wilh. (Eurotiales), an opportunistic insect pathogen. We assessed the mortality rates of three groups of Ac. subterraneus subterraneus workers inoculated with a suspension of one of the two pathogens: external workers (EXT), internal workers with actinomycetes covering the whole body (INB), and internal workers without actinomycetes covering the whole body (INØ). We also assessed the encapsulation response, which is a parameter of innate immunity, to determine whether the pathogens affect immune responses in the ant. All bioassays were conducted on workers from seven laboratory colonies of Ac. subterraneus subterraneus. Mortality tests showed that actinomycetes do protect the workers of group INB against M. anisopliae, but not against A. ochraceus. Regarding the encapsulation response, INB ants treated with A. ochraceus conidia exhibited immunosuppression due to this pathogen. All three groups of workers that received M. anisopliae conidia presented some degree of immunosuppression after pathogen exposure. These results indicate that workers without visible bacteria cover, specially the external workers (EXT), are more resistant to entomopathogenic fungi. Nevertheless, bacterial actinomycetes present in young workers are important in protecting them from ubiquitous entomopathogenic fungi.
Female sex pheromone of a nettle caterpillar, Monema flavescens, in China
Authors: Yang Shu‐Zhen , Liu Hong‐Xia , Yang Mei‐Hong , Zhang Jin‐Tong , Li Zhan‐Wen , Jing Xiao‐Yuan , Zheng Hai‐Xia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMonema flavescens Walker (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) is a multivoltine, generalist moth whose larvae cause serious damage to many types of trees. Pheromone lures prepared according to a study of a Japanese population were found to be ineffective at attracting M. flavescens nettle caterpillars in China, and some studies have shown intraspecific geographical differences in the composition of sex pheromones. We therefore reexamined the sex pheromone composition of M. flavescens in a Chinese population. In this study, the electroantennographically (EAG) active compounds in an extract from Chinese virgin females of M. flavescens were identified as (E)‐8‐decen‐1‐ol (E8‐10:OH), (Z)‐7,9‐decadien‐1‐ol (Z7,9‐10:OH), (Z)‐9,11‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (Z9,11‐12:OH), and (Z)‐9,11‐dodecadienal (Z9,11‐12:Ald) via coupled gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) and coupled GC‐mass spectrometry (MS). Pheromone dimorphism might occur in this species, as this mixture of compounds in Chinese females was different from that of E8‐10:OH and E7,9‐10:OH extracted from Japanese females in previous research. In wind tunnel and field tests, the males were significantly attracted to a blend of the pheromone components E8‐10:OH, Z7,9‐10:OH, and Z9,11‐12:OH in a 100:5:4 ratio. The addition of Z9,11‐12:Ald did not change the male response. The optimized three‐component lure blend may provide a useful tool for monitoring and controlling Chinese populations of M. flavescens.
Behavioural notes on the Neotropical parasocial spider wasp Ageniella (Lissagenia) flavipennis (Banks) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), with host association
Authors: DOS SANTOS EDUARDO F. , WAICHERT CECILIA , SCOTT DOS SANTOS CRISTIANE PRADO 
Published: October 2016

1. Ageniella is a species‐rich group of spider wasps restricted to the New World. Knowledge regarding the behaviour of this genus is based mainly on the Nearctic species, which have been reported to nest solitarily in the soil. This study reports for the first time the nesting behaviour, with host association of Ageniella (Lissagenia) flavipennis Banks.2. Behavioural aspects on the nesting of A. flavipennis were observed from a study of six nests found in an Atlantic Forest conservation area in São Paulo State, Brazil. Host specimens were collected from a nest, as well as while being carried by an A. flavipennis individual.3. The present study reports the A. flavipennis females cohabiting or nesting solitarily in mud nests, indicating that this spider wasp shows some lower level of parasociality. In addition, the spider Enoploctenus cyclothorax (Bertkau) was reported for the first time as host. As has been observed for other Ageniellini, females of A. flavipennis amputate the host's legs and transport the spider to the nest, flying or walking forward.4. Communal behaviour has been reported for species of different genera of Pompilidae, such as Macromeris Lepeletier, Paragenia Bingham and Auplopus Spinola. Recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that the Lissagenia species are more closely related to the other Ageniellini genera than to the other Ageniella species. The present information on nesting and prey could contribute towards a more conclusive phylogenetic position of Lissagenia.
Steering Dynamics in the Dutch Education System
Authors: Waslander Sietske , Hooge Edith , Drewes Tineke 
Published: October 2016

Based on detailed empirical analyses, we paint a layered picture of emerging steering dynamics. Inspired by Foucault, we put the focus on roles stakeholders define both for themselves and others, how they give sense to policy, how they work together in policy elaboration and implementation, and the subtle and sometimes deceitful function of soft policy instruments such as information, communication, support and research. The policy to stimulate ‘schools as learning organisations' in secondary education in the Netherlands is used as a case study. The Dutch education system is one of the most decentralised en complex systems in the world. While central Government aims to turn schools into learning organisations, it has no formal responsibility nor any direct means of control in this area.The study draws information from (1) relevant government reports, policy documents and websites and (2) semi‐structured interviews with key actors. Data analysis consisted of data reduction through coding and memoing, data displays in tables and networks, and drawing and verifying conclusions.In the ground layer of the steering picture, we reconstruct how ‘schools as learning organisations' came to be a topic for Government policy. The next layer identifies 20 (networks of) actors who play a substantial role in steering. The mutual relationships between the main actors are manifold, while funding appears to be an important means for the Ministry to position actors in a steering network. A wide array of steering modes was identified. The last step in our analysis adds a dynamic element to the picture, as we look at how different actors interact, starting with how actors envision their own steering roles and the role of others. The non‐complementary role definitions that were identified in the documents, were confirmed in the interviews. Our results illustrate, in Foucault's terminology, different processes of responsibilisation and normalisation. Above all, the study illustrates that the theoretical framework provides a promising starting point for the empirical study of steering dynamics in complex education systems.
Governance Dynamics and the Application of the Multilevel Governance Approach in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the European Neighbourhood Countries: the case of the ENPI South region
Authors: Manuel Galvin Arribas J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis article analyses moves towards good multilevel governance approaches in Vocational Education and Training (VET) as an effective way to improve VET policy making in transition and developing countries, focusing on the Southern Neighbourhood of the EU (ENPI South). The centralised approaches in public administration and to VET governance still prevail in this region.The new modes of governance applied by the EU in the policy area of education and training are based on the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). They are a source of inspiration to improve VET governance, taking into account the complexity of VET policies and systems. According to current European and international experiences, the most effective, relevant and attractive VET models and systems are demand‐driven. They rely on the effective and accountable participation of both state (national/local public actors) and non‐state VET stakeholders (e.g. employers, sectoral actors, unions) in decision‐making and policy implementation processes. This could also pave the way towards self‐governed and performance‐based VET provider institutions which would give quicker responses to rapidly changing labour market skills, competences and qualification needs. Thus, this means putting in practice more and better inclusion and effective cooperation and coordination of regional and local voices of VET actors and developing stronger social partnerships to engage employers, unions and civil society in shaping and investing in skills development.Furthermore, the role of methodological tools for VET governance is not only to provide an analytical ground to capture data and structure further policy advice. These tools can also be used as ice‐breakers to improve collaboration, inclusiveness, multi‐participation and trust‐building among policy makers as they work together on very sensitive issues such as reviewing country VET governance models, modes and institutional arrangements, and/or planning policy thinking and/or learning for implementing coordination mechanisms for VET policy making. The European Training Foundation (ETF) has implemented a methodology to map, analyse and self‐assess good multilevel governance in VET, inspired by how EU governance soft tools in education and training are being used. This methodology has been applied to the Governance for Employability in the Mediterranean (GEMM) project in the ENPI South region, which is a regional project implemented by the ETF and financed by the European Commission's Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargements Negotiations (NEAR).