bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 6‐bp Deletion Variant in a Novel Canine Glutathione‐S‐Transferase Gene (GSTT5) Leads to Loss of Enzyme Function
Authors: Craft S. , Ekena J. , Sacco J. , Luethcke K. , Trepanier L. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesGlutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) detoxify reactive xenobiotics, and defective GST gene polymorphisms increase cancer risk in humans. A low activity GST‐theta variant was previously found in research beagles. The purpose of our study was to determine the molecular basis for this phenotype and its allele frequency in pet dogs.MethodsBanked livers from 45 dogs of various breeds were screened for low GST‐theta activity by the substrate 1,2‐dichloro‐4‐nitrobenzene (DCNB), and were genotyped for variants in a novel canine GST gene, GSTT5. Whole‐genome sequences from 266 dogs were genotyped at one discovered variant GSTT5 locus.ResultsCanine livers ranged 190‐fold in GST‐theta activities, and a GSTT5 exon coding variant 385_390delGACCAG (Asp129_Gln130del) was significantly associated with low activity (P < 0.0001) and a marked decrease in hepatic protein expression (P = 0.0026). Recombinant expression of variant GSTT5 led to a 92% decrease in Vmax for DCNB (P = 0.0095). The minor allele frequency (MAF) for 385_390delGACCAG was 0.144 in 45 dog livers, but was significantly higher in beagles (0.444) versus nonbeagles (0.007; P = 0.0004). The homozygous genotype was significantly over‐represented in Pembroke Welsh corgis (P < 0.0001) based on available whole‐genome sequence data.ConclusionsAn Asp129_Gln130del variant in canine GSTT5 is responsible for marked loss of GST‐theta enzyme activity. This variant is significantly over‐represented in purpose‐bred laboratory beagles and in Pembroke Welsh corgis. Additional work will determine the prevalence of this variant among other purebred dogs, and will establish the substrate range of this polymorphic canine enzyme with respect to common environmental carcinogens.
The cotton MAPK kinase GhMPK20 negatively regulates resistance to Fusarium oxysporum by mediating the MKK4–MPK20–WRKY40 cascade
Authors: Wang Chen , He Xiaowen , Li Yuzhen , Wang Lijun , Guo Xulei , Guo Xingqi 
Published: November 2017

SummaryFusarium wilt is one of the most serious diseases affecting cotton. However, the pathogenesis and mechanism by which Fusarium oxysporum overcomes plant defence responses are unclear. Here, a new group D mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene, GhMPK20, was identified and functionally analysed in cotton. GhMPK20 expression was significantly induced by F. oxysporum. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of GhMPK20 in cotton increased the tolerance to F. oxysporum, whereas ectopic GhMPK20 overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana reduced F. oxysporum resistance via disruption of the salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated defence pathway. More importantly, an F. oxysporum‐induced MAPK cascade pathway composed of GhMKK4, GhMPK20 and GhWRKY40 was identified. VIGS of GhMKK4 and GhWRKY40 also enhanced F. oxysporum resistance in cotton, and the function of GhMKK4–GhMPK20 was shown to be essential for F. oxysporum‐induced GhWRKY40 expression. Together, our results indicate that the GhMKK4–GhMPK20–GhWRKY40 cascade in cotton plays an important role in the pathogenesis of F. oxysporum. This research broadens our knowledge of the negative role of the MAPK cascade in disease resistance in cotton and provides an important scientific basis for the formulation of Fusarium wilt prevention strategies.
The relationship between esophageal acid exposure and the esophageal response to volumetric distention
Authors: Carlson D. A. , Kathpalia P. , Craft J. , Tye M. , Lin Z. , Kahrilas P. J. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIncreased esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility is thought to contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Using the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP), we aimed to assess the esophageal response to distension among patients undergoing esophageal pH monitoring.Methods25 patients (ages 22‐73; 13 females) who underwent ambulatory wireless esophageal pH testing while off proton‐pump inhibitors were evaluated with FLIP during sedated upper endoscopy. Esophageal reflux was quantified by total percent acid exposure time (AET; <6% was considered normal). FLIP studies were analyzed using a customized program generate FLIP topography plots to identify esophageal contractility patterns and to calculate the EGJ‐distensibility index (DI). Reflux symptoms were assessed with the GERDQ. Values reflect median (interquartile range).ResultsAmong all patients, the AET was 7.2% (3.7‐11.1) and EGJ‐DI was 4.2 (2.5‐7.6) mm2/mm Hg. Repetitive antegrade contractions (RACs) were induced in 19/25 (76%) of patients; AET was lower among patients with (6.1%, 3‐7.8) than without (14.9, 8.5‐22.3) RACs (P = .009). Correlation was weak and insignificant between AET and EGJ‐DI, GERDQ and AET, and GERDQ and EGJ‐DI. Patients with abnormal AET (n = 16) and normal AET (n = 9) had similar EGJ‐DI, 4.6 mm2/mm Hg (2.9‐9.2) vs 3.2 (2.2‐5.1), P = .207 and GERDQ, P = .138.ConclusionsAbnormal esophageal acid exposure was associated with an impaired contractile response to volume distention of the esophagus. This supports that acid exposure is dependent on acid clearance mechanisms.
A role for the gene regulatory module microRNA172/TARGET OF EARLY ACTIVATION TAGGED 1/FLOWERING LOCUS T (miRNA172/TOE1/FT) in the feeding sites induced by Meloidogyne javanica in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Díaz‐Manzano Fernando E. , Cabrera Javier , Ripoll Juan‐José , del Olmo Iván , Andrés Mari Fe , Silva Ana Cláudia , Barcala Marta , Sánchez María , Ruíz‐Ferrer Virginia , de Almeida‐Engler Janice , Yanofsky Martin F. , Piñeiro Manuel , Jarillo Jose Antonio , Fenoll Carmen , Escobar Carolina 
Published: November 2017

Summary

Root knot nematodes (RKNs) penetrate into the root vascular cylinder, triggering morphogenetic changes to induce galls, de novo formed ‘pseudo‐organs’ containing several giant cells (GCs). Distinctive gene repression events observed in early gall/GCs development are thought to be mediated by post‐transcriptional silencing via microRNAs (miRNAs), a process that is far from being fully characterized.

Arabidopsis thaliana backgrounds with altered activities based on target 35S::MIMICRY172 (MIM172), 35S::TARGET OF EARLY ACTIVATION TAGGED 1 (TOE1)‐miR172‐resistant (35S::TOE1R) and mutant (flowering locus T‐10 (ft‐10)) lines were used for functional analysis of nematode infective and reproductive parameters. The GUS‐reporter lines, MIR172A–E::GUS, treated with auxin (IAA) and an auxin‐inhibitor (a‐(phenyl ethyl‐2‐one)‐indole‐3‐acetic acid (PEO‐IAA)), together with the MIR172C AuxRE::GUS line with two mutated auxin responsive elements (AuxREs), were assayed for nematode‐dependent gene expression.

Arabidopsis thaliana backgrounds with altered expression of miRNA172, TOE1 or FT showed lower susceptibility to the RKNs and smaller galls and GCs. MIR172C−D::GUS showed restricted promoter activity in galls/GCs that was regulated by auxins through auxin‐responsive factors. IAA induced their activity in galls while PEO‐IAA treatment and mutations in AuxRe motifs abolished it.

The results showed that the regulatory module miRNA172/TOE1/FT plays an important role in correct GCs and gall development, where miRNA172 is modulated by auxins.
Assessing fitness parameters of hybrids between weed beets and transgenic sugar beets
Authors: Vigouroux Yves , Darmency Henri 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHerbicide resistance is a desired trait for sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) production because it is a low‐competitor crop that requires careful weed management. However, gene flow to weed beet (also B. vulgaris) could jeopardize the weed control strategy by causing the emergence of resistant weed beets; it could also lead to further adaptation of weed beet as a troublesome weed for other crops by selecting more competitive plants. To evaluate the hazard that such a selection process represents, apart the herbicide resistance, we investigated the morphology and reproduction of progeny of weed beets having inherited a herbicide resistance gene. First‐generation resistant weed beet exhibited traits likely counter‐selected. But such crop traits rapidly disappeared with backcrossing to weedy relatives: no biologically relevant difference was noted between resistant and susceptible near‐isogenic siblings in the various experiments. In the absence of resistance selection, our data indicate low chances for weed beet to evolve more competitive forms than present weed beet populations. However, they also suggest that there is no fitness cost limiting transgenes spread.
Armillaria root rot spreading into a natural woody ecosystem in South Africa
Authors: Coetzee M. P. A. , Musasira N. Y. , Roux J. , Roets F. , van der Merwe N. A. , Wingfield M. J. 
Published: November 2017

Signs and symptoms of a disease similar to those of armillaria root rot have recently been observed on various native woody plants on the foothills of Table Mountain in South Africa, one of the most botanically diverse natural environments globally. This is of concern because the root rot fungus Armillaria mellea has previously been shown to be an alien pathogen of European origin in planted gardens in the City of Cape Town. An aim of this study was to identify the cause of the root rot disease on infected plants. Based on DNA‐sequence phylogeny, it was shown that isolates collected from at least 16 native tree and woody shrub species represented the non‐native A. mellea. Microsatellite markers were then used to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of the A. mellea isolates from Table Mountain and two planted gardens where the pathogen has previously been found. Population genetic analyses revealed low levels of gene diversity and no population differentiation amongst the three populations. The results provide the first firm evidence that A. mellea has escaped the planted environment and invaded a sensitive and ecologically important natural woody environment in South Africa. This is only the second definitive case of a non‐native tree pathogen invading a natural ecosystem in the country.
Reduced Numbers of Mature Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells in SKG Mice
Authors: Engelmann R. , Biemelt A. , Johl A. , Kuthning D. , Müller‐Hilke B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAttenuated T cell receptor (TCR) signalling contributes to the susceptibility for autoimmunity as shown via mutants of PTPN22 and Zap70 genes. We here set out to investigate the effect of an attenuated TCR signal on the composition of the thymic epithelial cell (TEC) compartment. To that extent, we combined flow cytometry and histology and compared the TEC subpopulations of Zap70 wild type with SKG mutant mice. We found an increased cortical TEC compartment in SKG thymi at the expense of reduced numbers of mature medullary TECs and a 4.8‐fold reduced medulla area. We also found reduced proportions of CD69+‐activated thymocytes among double‐negative, double‐positive and CD4−CD8+ single‐positive stages, reduced absolute numbers of single‐positive thymocytes, diminished expression of Lta and Ltb by CD4−CD8+ single‐positive thymocytes and a diminished expression of Ccl19, a target gene of the lymphotoxin‐b‐receptor. While the reduced thymocyte numbers together with the attenuated TCR signal explain the diminished expression of lymphotoxins, the latter is required for an AIRE‐independent expression of tissue‐restricted antigens as well as attracting positively selected thymocytes to the medulla. Our results describe altered TEC compartments in SKG mice that are likely to support the development of autoimmunity.
Methods for the Measurement of Non-Linear Damping and Frequency in Built-Up Structures
Authors: Goyder Hugh G. D. , Lancereau Damien P. T. 
Published: November 2017

Two key properties of a vibrating structure are the frequencies at which it resonates and its ability to absorb energy. For a linear structure, these properties are characterised by the natural frequencies and the damping ratios. For nonlinear systems, such properties may not exist and equivalents must be sought. A method of measuring equivalent properties has been developed for nonlinear systems by examining the decaying vibration time history following excitation of the system.
In a first stage, the time history is filtered to separate out a frequency range of interest. In the second stage, which is the main concern of this paper, instantaneous values of natural frequencies and damping ratios are extracted from the decaying time history by means of a curve fitting process. The curve fitting involves finding four parameters two of which are the instantaneous natural frequency and damping ratio and two more which account for the amplitude and phase. The curve fitting is a minimisation process which is divided into two stages. For each minimisation step, the amplitude and phase are extracted first. It is shown that this may be done in a one-step process. Next the frequency and damping are determined. This is found to be a straightforward although more difficult process. The key to simplifying the problem is to recast the model in a favourable form that reduces the curve fitting process from one of finding four parameters to finding just two. The procedure is found to be robust and capable of detailed investigation.
A Goal-Oriented, Inverse Decision-Based Design Method to Achieve the Vertical and Horizontal Integration of Models in a Hot Rod Rolling Process Chain
Authors: Nellippallil Anand Balu , Rangaraj Vignesh , Gautham B. P. , Singh Amarendra Kumar , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: November 2017

Reducing the manufacturing and marketing time of products by means of integrated simulation-based design and development of the material, product, and the associated manufacturing processes is the need of the hour for industry. This requires the design of materials to targeted performance goals through bottom-up and top-down modeling and simulation practices that enables handshakes between modelers and designers along the entire product realization process. Manufacturing a product involves a host of unit operations and the final properties of the manufactured product depends on the processing steps carried out at each of these unit operations. In order to effectively couple the material processing-structure-property-performance spaces, there needs to be an interplay of the systems-based design of materials with enhancement of models of various unit operations through multiscale modeling methodologies and integration of these models at different length scales (vertical integration). This ensures the flow of information from one unit operation to another thereby establishing the integration of manufacturing processes (horizontal integration). Together these types of integration will support the decision-based design of the manufacturing process chain so as to realize the end product.
In this paper, we present a goal-oriented, inverse decision-based design method to achieve the vertical and horizontal integration of models for the hot rolling and cooling stages of the steel manufacturing process chain for the production of a rod with defined properties. The primary mathematical construct used for the method presented is the compromise Decision Support Problem (cDSP) supported by the proposed Concept Exploration Framework (CEF) to generate satisficing solutions under uncertainty. The efficacy of the method is illustrated by exploring the design space for the microstructure after cooling that satisfies the requirements identified by the end mechanical properties of the product. The design decisions made are then communicated in an inverse manner to carry out the design exploration of the cooling stage to identify the design set points for cooling that satisfies the new target microstructure requirements identified. Specific requirements such as managing the banded microstructure to minimize distortion in forged gear blanks are considered in the problem. The proposed method is generic and we plan to extend the work by carrying out the integrated decision-based design exploration of rolling and reheating stages that precede to realize the end product.
A Fast Finite Element Based Methodology to Predict the Temperature Field in a Thermoplastic Spur Gear Drive
Authors: Roda-Casanova V. , Sanchez-Marin F. , Porras-Vazquez A. 
Published: November 2017

Plastic gears bring some interesting advantages compared to metal gears. However, they also have some drawbacks, many of them related to the dependency of their mechanical properties with the temperature. Among other reasons, the friction between the gear teeth causes a heat flux that heats the gears and produces temperature variations within the gear geometries. These temperature variations have effects on the mechanical response of the gears, that must be taken into account when designing plastic gear drives.
In this work, two different finite element models have been proposed to perform heating contact analysis, that is a coupled thermal-stress analysis that takes into account the heating produced by friction and the non-linear properties of the material. As a result of these models, the temperature field of the gears can be determined at any running time, as well as other interesting results, such as the transmission error function or the instantaneous power loss.
Tangible Augmented Reality Model to Support Manual Assembly
Authors: Matteucci Marco , Raponi Damiano , Mengoni Maura , Peruzzini Margherita 
Published: November 2017

Manual work is a cornerstone of manufacturing, also for factories of Industry 4.0 era. Use cases of manual work regard the production of single item, customized assemblies, small batches. Several injuries can be caused or aggravated by manual handling activities at work. Moreover, the efficiency of the whole process can benefit from correct body posture, parts’ visibility and accessibility. Finally, manual work is strongly human-centered and its performance is affected by the expertise, the level of knowledge, attitudes and belief of workers.
In this complex context where multiple factors such as Efficiency, Work Performance, Ergonomics and Safety relate each other to achieve a satisfactory smart industry, the paper proposes an innovative Tangible Augmented Reality platform to train and assist workers during the manual handling and assembly tasks necessary to produce consumer goods with high aesthetic qualities. The proposed platform is the result of the application of a multipath methodology to link health and safety elements, typologies of injuries, ergonomics factors and relative qualitative and quantitative assessment methods and ergonomics analysis tools. The TAR platform allows the worker to consult the assembly instructions in a simple and user friendly way and to be informed by potential risk of injuries by a real-time alert. Based on video mapping techniques, the TAR system superimposes the necessary digital contents on the physical model of the product while the operator is building it.
Lithium-Ion Laptop Battery Testing and Energy Recycling
Authors: Zhou Jiexin , Wang Qing , Wang Jie 
Published: November 2017

Before recycling used lithium-ion laptop batteries, testing and sorting work is needed through charge and discharge tests. For current lithium-ion battery charge and discharge tests, the battery is discharged through a resistor. Thus, the energy in the process is all dissipated.
In this paper, an energy-recycling battery test system model is introduced. In the system, a Li-ion 18650 battery can be charged at a constant current mode and a constant voltage mode and discharged at a constant current mode, which are realized by PWM-controlled DC-DC converters. The modes are automatically switched through a controller. In the discharging process, energy is transferred from the under-test battery to a storage battery, which can also serve as a charging source instead of the DC power supply to recycle the energy.
The system is simulated using Matlab Simulink. Its test accuracy and energy-transferring efficiency is considerable. According to the simulation results, the system can save about 50% energy overall in one charge and discharge cycle.
Design of Wearable Lower Leg Orthotic Based on Six-Bar Linkage
Authors: Ghosh Shramana , Robson Nina , McCarthy J. M. 
Published: November 2017

The paper presents the design of a lower leg orthotic device based on dimensional synthesis of multi-loop six-bar linkages. The wearable device is comprised of a 2R serial chain, termed the backbone, sized according to the wearer’s limb anthropometric dimensions. The paper is a result of our current efforts in proposing a systematic process for the development of 3D printed customized assistive devices for patients with reduced limb mobility, based on anthropometric data and physiological task.
To design the wearable device, the physiological task of the limb is obtained using an optical motion capture system and its dimensions are set such that it matched the lower leg kinematics as closely as possible. As a next step a six-bar linkage is synthesized and ensured that its motion is as close as possible to the physiological task. Next, the 2R backbone is replaced by the wearer’s limb to provide the skeletal structure for the multi-loop wearable device. During the final stage of the process the 2R backbone is relocated to parallel the human’s limb on one side, providing support and stability. The designed device can be secured to the thigh of the user to guide the lower leg without causing any discomfort and to ensure a natural physiological gait trajectory. This results in orthotic device for assisting people with lower leg injuries with compact size and better wearability.
Perceptions of Prototypes: Pilot Study Comparing Students and Professionals
Authors: Lauff Carlye , Kotys-Schwartz Daria , Rentschler Mark E. 
Published: November 2017

Just as design is a fundamental part of engineering work, prototyping is an essential part of the design process. For many engineering design courses, students must develop a final prototype as part of the course requirements. And in industry, engineers build multiple prototypes when creating a product for market. Although prototyping is core to design education, there is a lack of research on understanding the perceptions and usage of prototypes from both students and professionals. Without understanding students’ perceptions of prototypes, we cannot adequately train them. Likewise, without knowing how professionals use prototypes, we cannot translate these practices back to design education.
This paper reports on the pilot study comparing the perceptions of prototypes between mechanical engineering students and professional engineers. The findings indicate that the interpretation of the term “prototype” varies between students and professionals. Specifically, these mechanical engineering students have a more narrow perception and identify prototypes as only having a few key elements, namely for building and testing functionality and feasibility of physical elements in a product. Comparatively, professionals have a broad perception of prototypes. They identify a wider range of attributes, including prototypes as a communication tool, an aid in making decisions, and a way to learn about unknowns throughout the design process.
Many instructors in design education are cognizant of the importance of prototyping. However, we believe that students require explicit instruction about key concepts. It is not enough to just tell students to “prototype.” As design educators, we must be aware of the various roles of prototypes, and teach these concepts to students. We provide some immediate recommendations for practice, including a list of ten principles of prototypes to create similar mental models between students.