Inducing Customers to Disclose Personal Information to Internet Businesses with Social Adjustment Benefits

In this paper, we investigate the formation of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks with rational participating agents (active peers). In the absence of a central planner, peers choose their own utility-maximizing strategies for coalition and peer formation. P2P networks evolve dynamically through the activities of interactions among individual nodes and group units. We propose a framework for multilevel formation dynamics, including an individual level (content sharing decision and group selection) and a group level (membership admission). The respective utilities of the individual node and the collective player are formulated as functions of operational performance metrics such as expected content availability, search delay, transmission delay, and download delay. We study the impacts of various system parameters on the emergence of self-organized P2P network configuration features such as free-riding level and group size. Furthermore, we investigate the stability and efficiency of P2P networks and propose internal transfer mechanisms that force stable networks to become efficient

Remodeling of RecG Helicase at the DNA Replication Fork by SSB Protein.

The RecG DNA helicase a key player in stalled replication fork rescue. The single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) participates in this process, but its role in the interaction of RecG with the fork remains unclear. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize the interaction of RecG with a fork DNA in the presence of SSB. We discovered that SSB enhances RecG loading efficiency onto the DNA fork by threefold. Additionally, SSB interacts with RecG leading to the RecG remodeling. As a result, RecG separates from the fork, but remains bound to the DNA duplex. Moreover, in this new binding mode RecG is capable of translocation along the parental duplex DNA. We propose a model of RecG interaction with the replication fork involving two RecG binding modes. SSB plays the role of a remodeling factor defining the mode of RecG binding to the fork mediated by the SSB C-terminus. In the translocating mode, RecG remains in the vicinity of the fork and is capable of initiating the fork regression. Our results afford novel mechanistic insights into RecG interaction with the replication fork and provide the basis for further structural studies

Effects of condensed tannins from Leucaena on methane reduction, rumen fermentation and populations of methaogens and protozoa in vitro

Different levels of purified condensed tannins (CT) extracted from Leucaena leucocephala hybrid-Rendang (LLR) were investigated for their effects on CH4 production, rumen fermentation parameters such as pH, dry matter (DM) degradability, N disappearance and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, as well as on populations of rumen methanogenic archaea and protozoa in vitro. Purified CT concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg, and 500 mg of oven dried guinea grass (Panicum maximum) with 40 ml of buffered rumen fluid were incubated for 24 h using an in vitro gas production procedure. Total gas (ml/g DM) decreased at a decreasing rate (linear P < 0.01; quadratic P < 0.05) with increased levels of CT inclusion. CH4 production (ml/g DM) decreased at a decreasing rate (linear P < 0.01; quadratic P < 0.01) with increasing levels of CT. Total VFA concentration (mmol/L) decreased at a decreasing rate (linear P < 0.01; quadratic P < 0.01) with increasing CT inclusions. In vitro DM degradation and N disappearance declined linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of CT. Estimates of rumen methanogenic archaea and protozoa populations using microbiological methods and real-time PCR assay showed linear reductions in total methanogens (P < 0.01) and total protozoa (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of CT. Methanogens in the order Methanobacteriales also declined, but with quadratic and cubic aspects. Results suggest that CT from LLR at a relatively low level of 15 mg of CT/500 mg DM reduce CH4 production by 47%, with only 7% reduction in degradation of feed DM. However, higher CT inclusions, while further reducing CH4 emissions, have substantive negative effects on DM digestibility

Transcriptome profile of the human endothelial cell response to high- and low-density infections of Candida albicans

Background: Candida albicans morphology switching and quorum-sensing are important factors for pathogenicity and virulence in persons with a compromised or deficient immune system. This study investigates the in vitro response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to infections with low and high densities of C. albicans. We hypothesize that higher cell densities of C. albicans yeast-form cells (blastospores), are more detrimental to HUVECs than lower cell densities of hyphal forms. Methods: Three biological replicates of confluent HUVECs in 6-well plates were challenged with 106 C. albicans blastospores (low-density infection) and 5 x 107 blastospores (highdensity infection) for 8 hours. The low-density infection generated true hyphae, but in the high-density infection, C. albicans remained as blastospores. RNA from these samples were subjected to DNA microarray transcript profiling. For MTT and XTT cell proliferation assays, conditioned media from the co-cultures for microarray experiments were incubated with HUVECs in 96-well plates for 24 hours. Results: The high-density blastospore-HUVEC co-cultures elicited significantly higher differential expression of genes involved in functional pathways of apoptosis, immune response, cell-cell signaling and cancer development, such as ZC3HAV1, HES1, CSF2, CXCL2 and PIM1, compared to the low-density true hyphae-HUVEC co-cultures. Cell proliferation assays also show that HUVECs incubated with conditioned media from the highdensity infection caused a higher percentage of cell death compared to incubation with conditioned media from the low-density infection. These results suggest that high densities of unattenuated, innate C. albicans blastospore cells can cause significant cellular toxicity, even though the cells are in the yeast form, not filamentous. Conclusion: Transcript profiling of this in vitro endothelial cell model may provide new insights into how C. albicans cell densities affect the host during the colonization and invasion through the bloodstream to the deep organs. We also suggest that quorum-sensing molecules and other unknown secretions from high-density C. albicans infections are strong inducers of cellular injury leading to cell death in systemic candidiasis

Effect of splash block using Lidocaine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Twelve dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomly assigned to receive either 8 mg/kg of lidocaine 1% or an equal volume of NaCl 0.9% as the splash block. Following celiotomy and prior to manipulation of ovarian pedicles, lidocaine or 0.9% NaCl was instilled onto the mesovarium by using a dog urinary catheter. Pulse rates, respiratory rates, systemic arterial pressures and oxihemoglobin saturation levels were measured throughout the surgery at pre-determined time points. Ketamine-diazepam supplemental boluses (0.05 mL/kg, intravenously) were administered when there were movements, vocalization, increased in palpebral reflexes and jaw tones. There was no difference between the lidocaine-treated and the control group in the cardiopulmonary parameters. All animals recovered and were returned to their owners without complications. Only 2 dogs in the lidocaine group, compared to 5 dogs in the control group required supplementary dose of ketamine-diazepam to complete surgery. The use of 8 mg/kg lidocaine 1% as splash block in addition to the routine anesthetic protocol was safe and did not cause suppression to the cardiopulmonary parameters. It significantly reduced the need for supplementary dose of ketamine-diazepam

Validated method to measure yakuchinone A in plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats

BACKGROUND: Yakuchinone A has a plethora of beneficial biological effects. However, the pharmacokinetic (PK) data of yakuchinone A still remain unknown so far. Furthermore, the quantification of yakuchinone A in biological samples has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to develop a new method for the fast, efficient and accurate assessment of yakuchinone A concentration in plasma, as a means for facilitating the PK evaluation of yakuchinone A. RESULTS: A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of yakuchinone A in rat plasma. Mass spectrometric and chromatographic conditions were optimized. Plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol. LC separation was performed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water containing 0.5 mM formic acid (HCOOH) at a flow rate of 0.28 mL/min. ESI-MS spectra were acquired in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). The precursor-to-product ion pairs used for MRM of yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B were m/z 313.1 → 137.0 and 311.2 → 117.1, respectively. Low concentration of HCOOH reduced the ion suppression caused by matrix components and clearly improved the analytical sensitivity. Yakuchinone A showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r > 0.99). The accuracy, precision, stability and linearity were found to be within the acceptable criteria. This new method was successfully applied to analyze the rat plasma concentration of parent yakuchinone A after a single oral administration of SuoQuan capsules. Low systemic exposure to parent yakuchinone A was observed. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is sensitive and reliable. It is hoped that this new method will prove useful for the future PK studies

Habitat Elevation Shapes Microbial Community Composition and Alter the Metabolic Functions in Wild Sable (Martes zibellina) Guts

In recent decades, wild sable (Carnivora Mustelidae Martes zibellina) habitats, which are often natural forests, have been squeezed by anthropogenic disturbances such as clear-cutting, tilling and grazing. Sables tend to live in sloped areas with relatively harsh conditions. Here, we determine effects of environmental factors on wild sable gut microbial communities between high and low altitude habitats using Illumina Miseq sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Our results showed that despite wild sable gut microbial community diversity being resilient to many environmental factors, community composition was sensitive to altitude. Wild sable gut microbial communities were dominated by Firmicutes (relative abundance 38.23%), followed by Actinobacteria (30.29%), and Proteobacteria (28.15%). Altitude was negatively correlated with the abundance of Firmicutes, suggesting sable likely consume more vegetarian food in lower habitats where plant diversity, temperature and vegetation coverage were greater. In addition, our functional genes prediction and qPCR results demonstrated that energy/fat processing microorganisms and functional genes are enriched with increasing altitude, which likely enhanced metabolic functions and supported wild sables to survive in elevated habitats. Overall, our results improve the knowledge of the ecological impact of habitat change, providing insights into wild animal protection at the mountain area with hash climate conditions

Effect of seaweed powder on the quality of the Pineapple-Chili sauce

This study was conducted to produce pineapple-chili sauce mixed with seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) based on the best formulation, to determine nutritional composition of the control and the best formulation and to determine the effect on quality of this product. A total of 3 formulations had been developed using different composition of seaweed powder at 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0% and were undergo sensory evaluation and physicochemical analysis to choose the best formulation. The selected and control samples were then analysed for proximate values. The increasing in seaweed powder composition influenced significantly (p0.05) the total soluble solids, total acidity and pH. The results of proximate analysis shown the composition of the best formulation was 72.54% moisture content, 23.44 % carbohydrate, 2.70% ash, 0.81% crude fibre, 0.37% crude protein and 0.14 % rude fat showed significantly higher (p<0.05) in ash, crude protein, and crude fibre compared to control

Habitat Elevation Shapes Microbial Community Composition and Alter the Metabolic Functions in Wild Sable (Martes zibellina) Guts

In recent decades, wild sable (Carnivora Mustelidae Martes zibellina) habitats, which are often natural forests, have been squeezed by anthropogenic disturbances such as clear-cutting, tilling and grazing. Sables tend to live in sloped areas with relatively harsh conditions. Here, we determine effects of environmental factors on wild sable gut microbial communities between high and low altitude habitats using Illumina Miseq sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Our results showed that despite wild sable gut microbial community diversity being resilient to many environmental factors, community composition was sensitive to altitude. Wild sable gut microbial communities were dominated by Firmicutes (relative abundance 38.23%), followed by Actinobacteria (30.29%), and Proteobacteria (28.15%). Altitude was negatively correlated with the abundance of Firmicutes, suggesting sable likely consume more vegetarian food in lower habitats where plant diversity, temperature and vegetation coverage were greater. In addition, our functional genes prediction and qPCR results demonstrated that energy/fat processing microorganisms and functional genes are enriched with increasing altitude, which likely enhanced metabolic functions and supported wild sables to survive in elevated habitats. Overall, our results improve the knowledge of the ecological impact of habitat change, providing insights into wild animal protection at the mountain area with hash climate conditions