bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flotillins bind to the dileucine sorting motif of β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 and influence its endosomal sorting
Authors: John Bincy A. , Meister Melanie , Banning Antje , Tikkanen Ritva 
Published: February 2014

The β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a protease that participates in the amyloidogenic cleavage of the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein. Trafficking of BACE1 has been shown to be largely mediated by an acidic cluster dileucine motif in its cytoplasmic tail. This sorting signal functions both in endocytosis and endosomal sorting/recycling of BACE1 by providing a binding site for various sorting factors, such as the Golgi‐localizing γ‐ear containing ADP ribosylation factor binding (GGA) proteins that mediate BACE1 sorting within endosomes. Because flotillin‐1 has been suggested to bind to BACE1 cytoplasmic tail, we analyzed the role of flotillins in BACE1 sorting. We show that flotillin‐1 directly binds to the dileucine motif in the cytoplasmic tail of BACE1, whereas flotillin‐2 binding is mainly mediated by its interaction with flotillin‐1. Depletion of flotillins results in altered subcellular localization of BACE1 in endosomes and stabilization of BACE1 protein. Furthermore, amyloidogenic processing of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein is increased. Flotillins compete with GGA proteins for binding to the dileucine motif in the BACE1 tail, suggesting that they play an important role in endosomal sorting of BACE1. The present study shows for the first time that flotillins are involved in endosomal sorting of BACE1. Because the endosomal localization of BACE1 affects its function as the β‐secretase by increasing amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein, flotillins may play a novel role in Alzheimer's disease. The present study is the first to show that flotillins bind to a canonical sorting signal and influence the binding of endosomal sorting factors onto cargo tails.Structured digital abstract• BACE1 and flotillin-2 physically interact by proximity ligation assay (View interaction)• BACE1 and flotillin-1 physically interact by proximity ligation assay (View interaction)• BACE1 binds to flotillin-1 by pull down (View interaction)flotillin-2 physically interacts with BACE1 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Experimental investigation on low cycle fatigue and fracture behaviour of a notched Ni‐based superalloy at elevated temperature
Authors: Yuan S. H. , Wang Y. R. , Wei D. S. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIn order to investigate the effects of stress concentration on low cycle fatigue properties and fracture behaviour of a nickel‐based powder metallurgy superalloy, FGH97, at elevated temperature, the low cycle fatigue tests have been conducted with semi‐circular and semi‐elliptical single‐edge notched plate specimens at 550 and 700 °C. The results show that the fatigue life of the notched specimen decreases with the increase of stress concentration factor and the fatigue crack initiation life evidently decreases because of the defect located in the stress concentration zone. Moreover, the plastic deformation induced by notch stress concentration affects the initial crack occurrence zone. The angle α of the crack occurrence zone is within ±10° of notch bisector for semi‐circular notched specimens and ±20° for semi‐elliptical notched specimens. The crack propagation rate decreases to a minimum at a certain length, D, and then increases with the growth of the crack. The crack propagation rate of the semi‐elliptical notched specimen decelerates at a faster rate than that of the semi‐circular notched specimen because of the increase of the notch plasticity gradient. The crack length, D, is affected by both the applied load and the notch plasticity gradient. In addition, the fracture mechanism is shown to transition from transgranular to intergranular as temperature increases from 550 to 700 °C, which would accelerate crack propagation and reduce the fatigue life.
A novel model for cyanobacteria bloom formation: the critical role of anoxia and ferrous iron
Authors: Molot L. A. , Watson S. B. , Creed I. F. , Trick C. G. , McCabe S. K. , Verschoor M. J. , Sorichetti R. J. , Powe C. , Venkiteswaran J. J. , Schiff S. L. 
Published: February 2014

Summary

A novel conceptual model linking anoxia, phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), iron (Fe) and sulphate to the formation of noxious filamentous and colonial cyanobacteria blooms is presented that reconciles seemingly contradictory ideas about the roles of P, N and Fe in bloom formation.

The model has several critical concepts: (i) P regulates biomass and productivity in fresh waters until excessive loading renders a system N‐limited or light‐limited, but it is the availability of ferrous ions (Fe2+) that regulates the ability of cyanobacteria to compete with its eukaryotic competitors; (ii) Fe2+ diffusing from anoxic sediments is a major Fe source for cyanobacteria, which acquire it by migrating downwards into Fe2+‐rich anoxic waters from oxygenated waters; and (iii) subsequent cyanobacterial siderophore production provides a supply of Fe3+ for reduction at cyanobacteria cell membranes that leads to very low Fe3+ concentrations in the mixing zone.

When light and temperature are physiologically suitable for cyanobacteria growth, bloom onset is regulated by the onset of internal Fe2+ loading which in turn is controlled by anoxia, reducible Fe content of surface sediments and sulphate reduction rate.

This conceptual model provides the basis for improving the success of approaches to eutrophication management because of its far‐reaching explanatory power over the wide range of conditions where noxious cyanobacteria blooms have been observed.
An evolutionary perspective on the resistance of Daphnia to the epizoic rotifer Brachionus rubens
Authors: Pauwels Kevin , De Meester Luc , Michels Helen , Jeppesen Erik , Decaestecker Ellen 
Published: February 2014

Summary

In considering the evolutionary dynamics of host–parasite interactions, it is usually assumed that host populations are able to evolve rapidly under selection from various parasitic pressures. This has been shown for endoparasites, but for ectoparasites and/or epibionts, in general, less strong effects are expected on their hosts.

We show that the exposure of Daphnia magna clones (of a different origin) to lake sediment from the Danish Lake Ring, containing dormant eggs of the epizoic rotifer Brachionus rubens, results in infections that are associated with increased mortality in Daphnia.

Using a resurrection ecology approach, we reconstructed evolutionary change in the Lake Ring D. magna population in response to B. rubens infections. We observed interclonal variation in resistance to B. rubens in this Daphnia population, as well as changes over time in resistance to rotifers.

Both sediment exposure and time period from which Lake Ring clones were isolated affected important life‐history parameters, suggesting that evolution (upon exposure to Brachionus) not only affected resistance to Brachionus, but also other traits in Lake Ring Daphnia.

Additionally, there were complex effects of a joint exposure of D. magna to rotifers and the indirect effect of fish predation: exposure to fish kairomones resulted in an increased allocation of energy to early reproduction and Daphnia performance. Further, fish kairomones apparently increased B. rubens infectivity.
Different types of nitrogen deposition show variable effects on the soil carbon cycle process of temperate forests
Authors: Du Yuhan , Guo Peng , Liu Jianqiu , Wang Chunyu , Yang Ning , Jiao Zhenxia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNitrogen (N) deposition significantly affects the soil carbon (C) cycle process of forests. However, the influence of different types of N on it still remained unclear. In this work, ammonium nitrate was selected as an inorganic N (IN) source, while urea and glycine were chosen as organic N (ON) sources. Different ratios of IN to ON (1 : 4, 2 : 3, 3 : 2, 4 : 1, and 5 : 0) were mixed with equal total amounts and then used to fertilize temperate forest soils for 2 years. Results showed that IN deposition inhibited soil C cycle processes, such as soil respiration, soil organic C decomposition, and enzymatic activities, and induced the accumulation of recalcitrant organic C. By contrast, ON deposition promoted these processes. Addition of ON also resulted in accelerated transformation of recalcitrant compounds into labile compounds and increased CO2 efflux. Meanwhile, greater ON deposition may convert C sequestration in forest soils into C source. These results indicated the importance of the IN to ON ratio in controlling the soil C cycle, which can consequently change the ecological effect of N deposition.
Diagnosis of inherited von Willebrand disease: comparison of two methodologies and analysis of the discrepancies
Authors: Costa‐Pinto J. , Pérez‐Rodríguez A. , Goméz‐del‐Castillo M. del C. , Lourés E. , Rodríguez‐Trillo Á. , Batlle J. , López‐Fernández M. F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDiagnostics of von Willebrand disease (VWD) includes assessment of factor VIII (FVIII) coagulant activity, von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen (VWF:Ag) and VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), and more specific tests as multimeric and genetic analyses are necessary for the correct VWD classification. The ACL AcuStar™ analyzer introduces chemiluminescence (CL) technology in detection of VWD with automated VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo assays. Compare VWF:Ag‐ELISA and VWF:RCo by aggregometry conventional assays with new CL VWF:Ag‐IL and VWF:RCo‐IL assays, investigate the ability to make accurate VWD diagnosis and concordance with multimeric and genetic analyses. 146 patients with congenital VWD (51 Type 1; 34 Type2A; 16 Type 2B; 31 Type 2M; 5 Type 2N; 9 Type 3) and 30 healthy normal subjects were included. A comparison was made between CL and conventional methods. Diagnostic evaluation included: VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio, multimeric distribution (sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]‐agarose gel) of VWF and genetic analysis in 110 of 146 patients. CL and conventional methods revealed good correlation. Kappa test agreement diagnosis was >0.8. CL diagnostic sensitivity was 100% and specificity 97%. Multimeric and genetic analysis were of help in clarifying 13 discrepancies of diagnosis between methods, of which six discrepancies were explained by lack of conventional methods′ sensibility. CL methodology can detect VWD and discriminate between type 1, 3 and variant forms and offers an automated, faster, sensitive and less cumbersome method when compared to conventional assays, in particular VWF:RCo by aggregometry. In some cases, even with all phenotype and genetic analyses, discrepancies exist in the classification of VWD.
Gender, low Kt/V, and mortality in Japanese hemodialysis patients: Opportunities for improvement through modifiable practices
Authors: Kimata Naoki , Karaboyas Angelo , Bieber Brian A. , Pisoni Ronald L. , Morgenstern Hal , Gillespie Brenda W. , Saito Akira , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi , Robinson Bruce M. , Port Friedrich K. , Akiba Takashi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractGuidelines have recommended single pool Kt/V > 1.2 as the minimum dose for chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients on thrice weekly HD. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) has shown that “low Kt/V” (<1.2) is more prevalent in Japan than many other countries, though survival is longer in Japan. We examined trends in low Kt/V, dialysis practices associated with low Kt/V, and associations between Kt/V and mortality overall and by gender in Japanese dialysis patients. We analyzed 5784 HD patients from Japan DOPPS (1999–2011), restricted to patients dialyzing for >1 year and receiving thrice weekly dialysis. Logistic regression models estimated the relationships of patient characteristics with Kt/V. Logistic models also were used to estimate the proportion of low Kt/V cases attributable to various treatment practices. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the associations of low Kt/V, blood flow rate (BFR), and treatment time (TT), with all‐cause mortality. From 1999 to 2009, the prevalence of low Kt/V declined in men (37–27%) and women (15–10%). BFR <200 mL/min, TT <240 minutes, and dialyzate flow rate (DFR) < 500 mL/min were common (35, 13, and 19% of patients, respectively) and strongly associated with low Kt/V. Fifteen percent of low Kt/V cases were attributable to BFR <200 and 13% to TT <240, compared to only 3% for DFR <500. Lower Kt/V was associated with elevated mortality, more so among women (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13 per 0.1 lower Kt/V, 95% CI: 1.07–1.20) than among men (HR = 1.06 per 0.1 lower Kt/V, 95% CI: 1.00–1.12). The relatively large proportion of low Kt/V cases in Japanese facilities may potentially be reduced 30% by increasing BFR to 200 mL/min and TT to 4 hours thrice weekly in HD patients. Associations of low Kt/V with elevated mortality suggest that modification of these practices may further improve survival for Japanese HD patients.
Higher Education in Ethiopia: Expansion, Quality Assurance and Institutional Autonomy
Authors: Akalu Girmaw Abebe 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article chronicles the key challenges facing Ethiopia as it embarks on an ambitious, ideologically‐driven and aggressive expansion of its higher education system in an effort to address its national goals of economic growth and poverty reduction. It is argued that the urge for higher education expansion has placed undue pressures particularly on the state of quality enhancement and autonomy of universities. As government pressures for more expansion mounted, universities struggled with dwindling per student budgetary allocations, shortage of qualified staff, inadequate supply of much needed inputs and the erosion of their autonomy. It is suggested that while higher education expansion remains an important goal for Ethiopia for many years to come, a reasonable balance should be struck between the ideological aspects of expansion and the practical realities of limited resources, heightened concerns about the quality of student learning and the autonomy of universities.
Investigation of chemical changes in sealers during application of the warm vertical compaction technique
Authors: Viapiana R. , Baluci C. A. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Camilleri J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo assess (i) heat generated by pluggers during warm vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and investigation of temperature changes on the external root surface during canal filling, and (ii) the chemical changes of root canal sealers induced by heat.MethodologyFour sealers, namelyAHPlus,MTAPlus and two other experimental sealers based on tricalcium silicate, were characterised. External temperatures generated on the root surface during warm vertical compaction of gutta‐percha with different sealers inside the root canal were monitored using an infrared thermography camera. Chemical changes induced by heating the sealers were assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy.ResultsMTAPlus and the experimental sealers were composed of a cement and radiopacifier, with epoxy resin or a water‐soluble polymer as dispersant, whilstAHPlus was epoxy resin‐based. The heat generated at the tips of the continuous wave pluggers was found to be lower than the temperature set and indicated on the deviceLCDdisplay. The sealers reduced the heat generated on the external root surfaces during the heating phase.AHPlus sustained changes to its chemical structure after exposure to heat, whilst the other sealers were unaffected.ConclusionsThe temperatures recorded at the tips of continuous wave pluggers varied with their taper and were lower than the temperature set on the System BLCDdisplay. Root canal sealers reduced the dissipation of heat generated during warm vertical compaction, with the temperature at the external root surface maintained at 37–41 °C, a temperature below that is necessary to cause irreversible damage to bone and periodontium. The use ofAHPlus sealer during warm vertical compaction techniques results in chemical changes in the sealer. The effect on sealer properties needs to be further investigated.
Herpes simplex virus inoculation in murine rete testis results in irreversible testicular damage
Authors: Malolina Ekaterina A. , Kulibin Andrey Y. , Naumenko Victor A. , Gushchina Elena A. , Zavalishina Larisa E. , Kushch Alla A. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis study aimed to establish the influence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) on testis morphology and germ cell development using a model of ascending urogenital HSV infection in mice. Adult C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with 100 plaque‐forming units of HSV1 in rete testis. Viral proteins and HSV DNA were detected from 3 days postinoculation (DPI), while capsids and virions could be visualized at 6 DPI. Infectious activity of HSV was revealed by rapid culture method in testes from 3 to 14 DPI, and virus DNA by PCR – from 3 to 100 DPI. Germ and Sertoli cells were infected during the early stages of the infection, whereas interstitial cells only occasionally contained the virus at 21 and 45 DPI. Microscopic analysis revealed severe degeneration of the germinal epithelium in the infected testes. By 21 DPI, testes became atrophic and most Sertoli cells were destroyed. No testicular regeneration and no spermatozoa in the epididymis were observed at 45 and 100 DPI. From 3 DPI, inflammatory cells accumulated in the interstitium between damaged tubules; a significant increase in the number of CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes and F4/80+ cells was observed in the infected testes. This study shows that in the case of HSV retrograde ascent into seminiferous tubules, the acute viral infection results in irreversible atrophy of the germinal epithelium, orchitis and infertility. These results may be used to further study viral orchitis and the influence of HSV on spermatogenesis and male fertility.
Pharmacy practice-based research networks: do pharmacists need them?
Authors: Koshy Samuel 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this article is to highlight the need for the development of pharmacy practice-based research networks (PBRNs).

Key findings
Large multicenter research projects that provide evidence for the provision of patient care services by pharmacists are required, which can be facilitated by pharmacy PBRNs.

Conclusions
There is a growing need for pharmacy PBRNs, and the time is appropriate for pharmacists around the world to engage in the development of pharmacy PBRNs.
Second‐Generation “Return” to Greece: New Dynamics of Transnationalism and Integration
Authors: King Russell , Christou Anastasia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBased on in‐depth narrative interviews with 64 second‐generation Greek‐Germans and Greek‐Americans who have “returned” to Greece, this article explores intersections between return, transnationalism and integration. Having grown up with a strong Greek identity in the diaspora, second‐generation “returnees” move to Greece mainly for idealistic, lifestyle and life‐stage reasons. However, most find living in Greece long‐term a challenging experience: they remark on the corruption and chaos of Greek life, and are surprised at the high level of xenophobia in Greek society, not only towards foreign immigrants but also towards themselves as “hyphenated Greeks”. The “return” to Greece provokes new “reverse” transnational links back to their birth country, where they still need to keep in touch with relatives and friends, including caring obligations towards parents who remain abroad. Some contemplate another “return”, back to the US or Germany.
Policy Implications

Policymakers responsible for integration should not assume that the second generation has no connections with its parents' country of origin.

In the diasporic home country (in this case Greece), more effort should be made to facilitate the reintegration of the second generation returning ‘home’ and to break down discrimination towards hyphenated Greeks.

Greek policymakers should pay heed to homecoming second‐generation Greeks in order to benefit from their bicultural insights into how Greek society can be improved, especially as regards efficient public services, transparent employment opportunities, better environment management, gender equality, and the elimination of racism and discrimination.
Productive Verbs Facilitate Action Prediction in Toddlers
Authors: Gampe Anja , Daum Moritz M. 
Published: February 2014

Children can represent events in our everyday life in both non‐linguistic and linguistic formats. We aimed to investigate whether non‐linguistic representations are changed once children acquire their linguistic counterparts. In the present study, we explored whether and how language changes the perception of simple means‐end actions using an eye‐tracking paradigm. Children between 12 and 24 months of age heard a sentence containing a verb and subsequently watched an action video. Results show an interfering influence of language on action perception at 12 months and a facilitating influence at 24 months. However, this was only the case for verbs that are already in the toddlers' productive vocabulary but not for those that are acquired later. Taken together, the results suggest that a communication between non‐linguistic and linguistic representations starts early and develops in the second year of life. The successful facilitatory influence depends on the productive repertoire of the language in question.
The influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 in Sri Lanka: its demographic cost, timing, and propagation
Authors: Chandra Siddharth , Sarathchandra Dilshani 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundAs an island and a former British colony, Sri Lanka is a case of special interest for the study of 1918–1919 influenza pandemic because of its potential for isolation from as well as integration into the world epidemiologic system.ObjectivesTo estimate population loss attributable to the influenza pandemic and weekly district‐level excess mortality from the pandemic to analyze its spread across the island.MethodsTo measure population loss, we estimated a population growth model using a panel of 100 district‐level observations on population for five consecutive censuses from 1891 to 1931, allowing for a one‐time drop in population in 1918–1919. To estimate weekly excess mortality from the pandemic, we estimated a seasonally adjusted weekly time series of district‐specific mortality estimates from vital registration records, ranked them, and plotted the ranks on weekly maps to create a picture of the geographic pattern of propagation across Sri Lanka.ResultsTotal loss of population from the influenza pandemic was 307 000 or approximately 6·7% of the population. The pandemic peaked in two discrete (northern and southern) regions in early October of 1918 and in a third (central) region in early March 1919.ConclusionsThe population loss estimate is significantly higher than earlier estimates of mortality from the pandemic in Sri Lanka, suggesting underreporting of influenza‐attributable deaths and a role for influenza‐related fertility declines. The spatial pattern of peak mortality indicates the presence of two distinct entry points and three distinct epidemiologic regions, defined by population density and ethnicity, in colonial Sri Lanka.