bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and application of a simulation model for reservoir management
Authors: Bhadra A. , Bandyopadhyay A. , Singh R. , Raghuwanshi N. S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe success of irrigation system operation and planning depends on accurate quantification of supply and demand, and an equitable distribution of available water. The ultimate aim of this study was to determine how to meet the irrigation water demands if possible or to minimize the gap between the water supply and the demand. Most of the irrigation literature focuses only on the demand and the distribution aspects of this issue Irrigation projects that receive water from reservoirs, however, can be challenging to manage because the annual fluctuations in available water release from a reservoir can have a considerable impact on the irrigation management strategy. In real‐world situations, the reservoir operating rules guide reservoir operators in making actual water release decisions. This study develops a water balance simulation model for reservoir management, as well as testing it for Kangsabati Reservoir, West Bengal, India. Two rule curves for deciding irrigation water available from the reservoir were generated by taking the average and minimum stage values on a daily basis for a 16‐year period (1988–2003). Maintaining a minimum stage of 120.4 m throughout the year served as another rule to decide the release water available for irrigation. The minimum allowable stage of reservoir corresponding to a particular date of the year can be determined from those reservoir specific rule curves generated for irrigation purposes. The maximum permissible water release/outflow for irrigation from the test reservoir was taken as the volume of water available above the minimum allowable stage corresponding to the selected rule curve. The saturated hydraulic conductivity value (KS) was calibrated to be 4.31 mm day−1 for Kangsabati Reservoir.
Divide et impera: boundaries shape the plant body and initiate new meristems
Authors: Wang Quan , Hasson Alice , Rossmann Susanne , Theres Klaus 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBoundaries, established and maintained in different regions of the plant body, have diverse functions in development. One role is to separate different cell groups, for example the differentiating cells of a leaf primordium from the pluripotent cells of the apical meristem. Boundary zones are also established during compound leaf development, to separate young leaflets from each other, and in many other positions of the plant body. Recent studies have demonstrated that different boundary zones share similar properties. They are characterized by a low rate of cell divisions and specific patterns of gene expression. In addition, the levels of the plant hormones auxin and brassinosteroids are down‐regulated in boundary zones, resulting in a low differentiation level of boundary cells. This feature seems to be crucial for a second important role of boundary zones, the formation of new meristems. The primary shoot meristem, as well as secondary and ectopic shoot meristems, initiate from boundary cells that exhibit competence for meristem formation.

Contents

Summary
485

I.
Introduction
485

II.
Development of boundary zones
486

III.
Boundaries shape the leaf
491

IV.
Boundary zones are launching pads for meristem formation
491

V.
Conclusions/future perspectives
495

Acknowledgements
495

References
495
Heritability of floral volatiles and pleiotropic responses to artificial selection in Brassica rapa
Authors: Zu Pengjuan , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Schiestl Florian P. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

The evolution of the vast diversity of floral volatiles is little understood, although they serve fundamental functions, such as pollinator attraction and herbivore deterrence. Floral volatiles are often species specific, yet highly variable and sensitive to environmental factors. To date, nothing is known about the heritability of floral volatiles, and whether individual compounds can evolve independently or solely in concert with the whole volatile bouquet.

We conducted bi‐directional artificial selection on four target floral volatiles to estimate heritability and correlated pleiotropic responses in the wild turnip (Brassica rapa).

The realized heritability of the four target volatiles ranged from 20% to 45%. The average narrow‐sense heritability of all 13 analyzed floral volatiles was 18% based on parent–offspring regressions. There were pleiotropic effects of the selected floral volatile compounds on other constituents of the floral scent bouquet, on flowering time and on some morphological traits. We found that the whole floral scent bouquet changed, even when there was selection only on single compounds, with the overall phenotypic covariance being unaffected.

Our study demonstrates that floral scent can evolve rapidly under phenotypic selection, but with additional correlated responses in traits that are not direct targets of selection.
Gómez–López‐Hernández Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Bilateral Nonscarring Alopecia
Authors: Saricam Merve Hatun , Tekin Burak , Unver Olcay , Ekinci Gazanfer , Ergun Tulin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGómez–López‐Hernández syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the triad of rhombencephalosynapsis, parietal alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia. We report a 16‐year‐old girl with bilateral parietotemporal alopecia in whom cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed rhombencephalosynapsis, suggesting a diagnosis of Gómez–López‐Hernández syndrome. Neurologic examination and neuroimaging may be warranted in select patients with parietal alopecia to exclude this uncommon entity.
Melatonin Supplementation During In Vitro Maturation and Development Supports the Development of Porcine Embryos
Authors: Do LTK , Shibata Y , Taniguchi M , Nii M , Nguyen TV , Tanihara F , Takagi M , Otoi T 
Published: September 2015

ContentsMelatonin has been reported to improve the in vitro development of embryos in some species. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of melatonin supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) and development culture on the development and quality of porcine embryos. In the first experiment, when the in vitro fertilized embryos were cultured with different concentrations of melatonin (0, 10, 25 and 50 ng/ml) for 8 days, the blastocyst formation rate of embryos cultured with 25 ng/ml melatonin (10.7%) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control embryos cultured without melatonin (4.2%). The proportion of DNA‐fragmented nuclei in blastocysts derived from embryos cultured with 50 ng/ml melatonin was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of embryos cultured without melatonin (2.1% vs 7.2%). In the second experiment, when oocytes were cultured in the maturation medium supplemented with different concentrations of melatonin (0, 10, 25 and 50 ng/ml), fertilized and then cultured with 25 ng/ml melatonin for 8 days, there were no significant differences in the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation among the groups. However, the proportions (2.7–5.4%) of DNA‐fragmented nuclei in blastocysts derived from oocytes matured with melatonin were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared to those (8.9%) from oocytes matured without melatonin, irrespective of the concentration of melatonin. Our results suggest that supplementation of the culture media with melatonin (25 ng/ml) during IVM and development has beneficial effects on the developmental competence and quality of porcine embryos.
Association between asthma and body mass index and socioeconomic status: A cross‐sectional study on 849 659 adolescents
Authors: Gordon Barak , Hassid Aviad , Bar‐Shai Amir , Derazne Estela , Tzur Dorit , Hershkovich Oded , Afek Arnon 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveAsthma is associated with body mass index (BMI), but its association with socioeconomic status (SES) is controversial. The combined effect of SES and BMI on asthma prevalence is undetermined.MethodsSeventeen‐year‐old pre‐recruits to the Israeli Defense Forces underwent routine physical examinations. SES was determined according to established criteria based on place of residence. The study population was divided according to classic weight groups and three SES groups (low, medium and high). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess odds ratios (OR) of BMI and SES groups for asthma prevalence. The combined effect of BMI and SES was also calculated.ResultsThe 849 659 subjects included 480 993 males (9.5% asthma prevalence) and 368 666 females (6.7% asthma prevalence). Increased BMI were associated with increased OR for asthma in females (1.44, 95% CI 1.36–1.52 for obese vs normal weight). Males had a J‐shaped curve (OR 1.24 95% CI 1.2–1.29 for obese, 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.16 for underweight, both vs normal weight). OR adjusted to SES did not change significantly. All SES groups produced a linear curve (1.59 95% CI 1.53–1.66 for females and 1.79 95% CI 1.74–1.84 for males). Adjustment of SES to BMI produced no significant change in OR. When all groups were compared with the normal weight/lower SES group, the highest OR was for the obese/higher SES group (2.32 95% CI 2.05–2.64 for females and 1.99 95% CI 1.83–2.13 for males).ConclusionsBoth BMI and SES are co‐independently associated with asthma in adolescent males and females
Modelling Heatwaves in Central France: A Case-Study in Extremal Dependence
Authors: Winter Hugo C. , Tawn Jonathan A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryHeatwaves are phenomena that have large social and economic consequences. Understanding and estimating the frequency of such events are of great importance to climate scientists and decision makers. Heatwaves are a type of extreme event which are by definition rare and as such there are few data in the historical record to help planners. Extreme value theory is a general framework from which inference can be drawn from extreme events. When modelling heatwaves it is important to take into account the intensity and duration of events above a critical level as well as the interaction between both factors. Most previous methods assume that the duration distribution is independent of the critical level that is used to define a heatwave: a shortcoming that can lead to incorrect inferences. The paper characterizes a novel method for analysing the temporal dependence of heatwaves with reference to observed temperatures from Orleans in central France. This method enables estimation of the probabilities for heatwave events irrespectively of whether the duration distribution is independent of the critical level. The methods are demonstrated by estimating the probability of an event more severe than the 2003 European heatwave or an event that causes a specified increase in mortality.
Comparing Two Binary Diagnostic Tests with Repeated Measurements
Authors: Steiner Stefan H. , Danila Oana , Cotton Cecilia A. , Severn Daniel , Mackay R. Jock 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWe compare two binary diagnostic tests when each subject is measured more than once with each test and with a gold standard. We introduce a new model that allows the correlation between two measurements on a single subject by the same test to be different from the correlation between two measurements by different tests. We show that moment estimators of the population parameters for the mean sensitivities and specificities are virtually identical to the maximum likelihood estimates from our random-effects model. We apply the model to data comparing two rapid malaria tests and provide guidance for choosing the number of subjects and repeated measurements.
A limit to the divergent allele advantage model supported by variable pathogen recognition across HLA‐DRB1 allele lineages
Authors: Lau Q. , Yasukochi Y. , Satta Y. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGenetic diversity in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules is thought to have arisen from the co‐evolution between host and pathogen and maintained by balancing selection. Heterozygote advantage is a common proposed scenario for maintaining high levels of diversity in HLA genes, and extending from this, the divergent allele advantage (DAA) model suggests that individuals with more divergent HLA alleles bind and recognize a wider array of antigens. While the DAA model seems biologically suitable for driving HLA diversity, there is likely an upper threshold to the amount of sequence divergence. We used peptide‐binding and pathogen‐recognition capacity of DRB1 alleles as a model to further explore the DAA model; within the DRB1 locus, we examined binding predictions based on two distinct phylogenetic groups (denoted group A and B) previously identified based on non‐peptide‐binding region (PBR) nucleotide sequences. Predictions in this study support that group A allele and group B allele lineages have contrasting binding/recognition capacity, with only the latter supporting the DAA model. Furthermore, computer simulations revealed an inconsistency in the DAA model alone with observed extent of polymorphisms, supporting that the DAA model could only work effectively in combination with other mechanisms. Overall, we support that the mechanisms driving HLA diversity are non‐exclusive. By investigating the relationships among HLA alleles, and pathogens recognized, we can provide further insights into the mechanisms on how humans have adapted to infectious diseases over time.
Immunology in Africa
Authors: Cose Stephen , Bagaya Bernard , Nerima Barbara , Joloba Moses , Kambugu Andrew , Tweyongyere Robert , Dunne David W. , Mbidde Edward , Kaleebu Pontiano , Elliott Alison M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAfrica is a continent with a large burden of both infectious and non‐communicable diseases. If we are to move forward as a continent, we need to equip our growing cadre of exceptional young scientists with the skills needed to tackle the diseases endemic to this continent. For this, immunology is among the key disciplines. Africans should be empowered to study and understand the diseases that affect them, and to perform their cutting‐edge research in their country of origin. This requires a multifaceted approach, with buy‐in from funders, overseas partners and perhaps, most important of all, African governments themselves.
Skeletal muscle hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 and exercise
Authors: Lindholm Malene E. , Rundqvist Helene 
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?
The role of hypoxia and, more specifically, the role of the hypoxia‐sensitive transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) in skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise.

What advances does it highlight?
Skeletal muscle HIF‐1 induces genes involved in angiogenesis and glycolysis. It may also contribute to an active inhibition of oxygen consumption and aerobic metabolism, features discordant with exercise adaptation. Although acute exercise has been shown to activate HIF‐1 in skeletal muscle, this activation may be blunted after a period of endurance exercise training, possibly through increased expression of the negative regulators of HIF.

Reduced oxygen levels in skeletal muscle during exercise are a consequence of increased oxygen consumption. The cellular response to hypoxia is conferred to a large extent by activation of the hypoxia‐sensitive transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1). The target genes of HIF‐1 increase oxygen transport through mechanisms such as erythropoietin‐mediated erythropoiesis and vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced angiogenesis and improve tissue function during low oxygen availability through increased expression of glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes, which makes HIF‐1 an interesting candidate as a mediator of skeletal muscle adaptation to endurance training. However, HIF‐1 may also inhibit cellular oxygen consumption and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, features discordant with the phenotype of a trained muscle. Skeletal muscle readily adjusts to altered functional demands. Adaptation of skeletal muscle to long‐term aerobic training enables better aerobic performance at higher intensities through improved metabolic capacity and oxygen supply. The components of acute exercise that act as triggers for adaptation are still largely unknown; however, an early hypothesis was that local hypoxia acts as a possible stimulus for exercise adaptation. The hypoxia‐sensitive subunit, HIF‐1α, is stabilized in skeletal muscle in response to an acute bout of endurance exercise. However, long‐term endurance exercise seems to attenuate the acute HIF‐1α response. This attenuation is concurrent with an increase in expression of several negative regulators of the HIF system. We propose that the HIF‐1α response is blunted in response to long‐term exercise training through induction of its negative regulators and that this inhibition enables the enhanced oxidative metabolism that is part of a local physiological response to exercise.
Measurement of gold nanofilm dose enhancement using unlaminated radiochromic film
Authors: Rakowski Joseph T. , Laha Suvra S. , Snyder Michael G. , Buczek Matthew G. , Tucker Mark A. , Liu Fangchao , Mao Guangzhao , Hillman Yair , Lawes Gavin 
Published: September 2015

Purpose:Bombarding high‐Z material with x‐ray radiation releases Auger electrons and Coster–Kronig electrons, along with deeper penetrating fluorescent x‐rays and photoelectrons. The Auger and Coster–Kronig electron penetration distance is on the order of nanometers to micrometers in water or tissue, creating a large dose enhancement accompanied by a RBE greater than 1 at the cellular level. The authors’ aim is to measure the gold nanofilm dose enhancement factor (DEF) at the cellular level with unlaminated radiochromic film via primary 50 kVp tungsten x‐ray spectrum interaction, similar to an electronic brachytherapy spectrum.Methods:Unlaminated Gafchromic® EBT2 film and Monte Carlo modeling were combined to derive DEF models. Gold film of thickness 23.1 ±  4.3 nm and surface roughness of 1.2 ± 0.2 nm was placed in contact with unlaminated radiochromic film in a downstream orientation and exposed to a 50 kVp tungsten bremsstrahlung, mean energy 19.2 keV. Film response correction factors were derived by Monte Carlo modeling of electron energy deposition in the film's active layer, and by measuring film energy dependence from 4.5 keV to 50 kVp.Results:The measured DEF within a 13.6 μm thick water layer was 0.29 with a mean dose of 94 ± 9.4 cGy from Au emissions and 324 ± 32.4 cGy from the 50 kVp primary beam. Monte Carlo derived correction factors allowed determination of Au contributed dose in shallower depths at 0.25 μm intervals. Maximum DEF of 18.31 was found in the first 0.25 μm water depth.Conclusions:Dose enhancement from Au nanofilm can be measured at the cellular level using unlaminated radiochromic film. Complementing the measured dose value with Monte Carlo calculations allows estimation of dose enhancement at depth increments within the cellular range.
Efficacy of Posaconazole in a Murine Model of Systemic Infection by Saprochaete capitata
Authors: Thomson Pamela , Guarro Josep , Mayayo Emilio , Capilla Javier 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

The fungus
Saprochaete capitata
causes opportunistic human infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies. The best therapy for this severe infection is still unknown. We evaluated the
in vitro
killing activity and the
in vivo
efficacy of posaconazole at 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg twice a day (BID) in a murine neutropenic model of systemic infection with
S. capitata
by testing a set of six clinical isolates. Posaconazole showed fungistatic activity against all of the isolates tested. The different doses of the drug, especially the highest one, showed good efficacy, measured by prolonged survival, reduction of (1-3)-β-
d
-glucan levels in serum, tissue burden reduction, and histopathology.
Cellular Uptake and Localization of Polymyxins in Renal Tubular Cells Using Rationally Designed Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Yun Bo , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Nowell Cameron J. , Nation Roger L. , Thompson Philip E. , Roberts Kade D. , Velkov Tony , Li Jian 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Polymyxins are cyclic lipopeptide antibiotics that serve as a last line of defense against Gram-negative bacterial superbugs. However, the extensive accumulation of polymyxins in renal tubular cells can lead to nephrotoxicity, which is the major dose-limiting factor in clinical use. In order to gain further insights into the mechanism of polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity, we have rationally designed novel fluorescent polymyxin probes to examine the localization of polymyxins in rat renal tubular (NRK-52E) cells. Our design strategy focused on incorporating a dansyl fluorophore at the hydrophobic centers of the polymyxin core structure. To this end, four novel regioselectively labeled monodansylated polymyxin B probes (MIPS-9541, MIPS-9542, MIPS-9543, and MIPS-9544) were designed, synthesized, and screened for their antimicrobial activities and apoptotic effects against rat kidney proximal tubular cells. On the basis of the assessment of antimicrobial activities, cellular uptake, and apoptotic effects on renal tubular cells, incorporation of a dansyl fluorophore at either position 6 or 7 (MIPS-9543 and MIPS-9544, respectively) of the polymyxin core structure appears to be an appropriate strategy for generating representative fluorescent polymyxin probes to be utilized in intracellular imaging and mechanistic studies. Furthermore, confocal imaging experiments utilizing these probes showed evidence of partial colocalization of the polymyxins with both the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in rat renal tubular cells. Our results highlight the value of these new fluorescent polymyxin probes and provide further insights into the mechanism of polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity.
The Nucleoside Analog BMS-986001 Shows GreaterIn VitroActivity against HIV-2 than against HIV-1
Authors: Smith Robert A. , Raugi Dana N. , Wu Vincent H. , Leong Sally S. , Parker Kate M. , Oakes Mariah K. , Sow Papa Salif , Ba Selly , Seydi Moussa , Gottlieb Geoffrey S. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTTreatment options for individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) are restricted by the intrinsic resistance of the virus to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and the reduced susceptibility of HIV-2 to several protease inhibitors (PIs) used in antiretroviral therapy (ART). In an effort to identify new antiretrovirals for HIV-2 treatment, we evaluated thein vitroactivity of the investigational nucleoside analog BMS-986001 (2′,3′-didehydro-3′-deoxy-4′-ethynylthymidine; also known as censavudine, festinavir, OBP-601, 4′-ethynyl stavudine, or 4′-ethynyl-d4T). In single-cycle assays, BMS-986001 inhibited HIV-2 isolates from treatment-naive individuals, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) ranging from 30 to 81 nM. In contrast, EC50s for group M and O isolates of HIV-1 ranged from 450 to 890 nM. Across all isolates tested, the average EC50for HIV-2 was 9.5-fold lower than that for HIV-1 (64 ± 18 nM versus 610 ± 200 nM, respectively; mean ± standard deviation). BMS-986001 also exhibited full activity against HIV-2 variants whose genomes encoded the single amino acid changes K65R and Q151M in reverse transcriptase, whereas the M184V mutant was 15-fold more resistant to the drug than the parental HIV-2ROD9strain. Taken together, our findings show that BMS-986001 is an effective inhibitor of HIV-2 replication. To our knowledge, BMS-986001 is the first nucleoside analog that, when tested against a diverse collection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates, exhibits more potent activity against HIV-2 than against HIV-1 in culture.