bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐dormant Axillary Bud 1 regulates axillary bud outgrowth in sorghum
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Limin , Zhu Mengjiao , Han Lijie , Lv Ya , Liu Yishan , Li Pan , Jing Haichun , Cai Hongwei
Published: May 2018

Tillering contributes to grain yield and plant architecture and therefore is an agronomically important trait in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Here, we identified and functionally characterized a mutant of the Non‐dormant Axillary Bud 1 (NAB1) gene from an ethyl methanesulfonate‐mutagenized sorghum population. The nab1 mutants have increased tillering and reduced plant height. Map‐based cloning revealed that NAB1 encodes a carotenoid‐cleavage dioxygenase 7 (CCD7) orthologous to rice (Oryza sativa) HIGH‐TILLERING DWARF1/DWARF17 and Arabidopsis thaliana MORE AXILLARY BRANCHING 3. NAB1 is primarily expressed in axillary nodes and tiller bases and NAB1 localizes to chloroplasts. The nab1 mutation causes outgrowth of basal axillary buds; removing these non‐dormant basal axillary buds restored the wild‐type phenotype. The tillering of nab1 plants was completely suppressed by exogenous application of the synthetic strigolactone analog GR24. Moreover, the nab1 plants had no detectable strigolactones and displayed stronger polar auxin transport than wild‐type plants. Finally, RNA‐seq showed that the expression of genes involved in multiple processes, including auxin‐related genes, was significantly altered in nab1. These results suggest that NAB1 functions in strigolactone biosynthesis and the regulation of shoot branching via an interaction with auxin transport.
Deviant Peer Behavior and Adolescent Delinquency: Protective Effects of Inhibitory Control, Planning, or Decision Making?
Authors: Hinnant J. Benjamin , Forman‐Alberti Alissa B.
Published: May 2018

We examined relations between adolescent perceptions of deviant peer behavior and delinquency as moderated by inhibitory control, planning, and decision making in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development at age 15 (N = 991). Adolescents reported perceptions of deviant peer behavior. Inhibitory control, planning, and decision making were assessed behaviorally. Delinquency was evaluated with a latent variable comprised of parent‐guardian perceptions of adolescent delinquency and adolescent self‐reports. Only inhibitory control moderated the relationship between deviant peer behavior and delinquency, showing that better inhibition protected against delinquency in contexts of high levels of adolescent perceptions of deviant peer behavior. Findings are discussed in the context of theories of adolescent delinquency and risk taking.
Effect of adjuvants on in ovo vaccination against Newcastle disease on hatchability, performance and antibody titres in commercial pullets
Authors: Soleimani Roudi P. , Golian A. , Haghparast A. , Bassami M. R. , Majidzadeh Heravi R.
Published: May 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of in ovo administration of aluminium hydroxide (AH) and/or mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) adjuvants along with lentogenic VG/GA strain‐Avinew to alleviate the embryonic pathogenicity of Newcastle disease virus. Six hundred and thirty fertilized Bovans eggs were divided into nine groups of 70 each incubated in a commercial hatchery and administered with eight types of in ovo injections in a factorial design of 2 × 2 × 2 including with/without AH, MOS and Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV), and one uninjected group on day 18 of incubation. Hatchability was higher in the eggs received MOS and/or AH adjuvants plus NDV compared those injected with NDV alone which confirmed the attenuation of NDV. However, the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pullets hatched from NDV‐injected eggs were significantly reduced, but did not affect growth performance during 0‐42 days of age. The performance of pullets hatched from eggs injected with AH, MOS or their mixture with NDV was not significantly different during all growth periods. Pullets from MOS + vaccine injected eggs had significantly higher antibody titres against NDV compared to those hatched from either injected with saline or uninjected on d 28 (p < .05). In addition, AH plus vaccine and MOS significantly improved total anti‐SRBC and IgG respectively. Histological observation revealed that injection of MOS adjuvant into eggs led to increase crypt depth, whereas AH injection caused a reduction in villus surface area of jejunum in chicks on d 14 post‐hatch. It is concluded that in ovo MOS injection as compared to AH may be more effective to attenuate the embryonic pathogenicity of in ovo NDV injection.
A novel index using routine clinical parameters for predicting significant liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang J. , Xia J. , Zhang R. , Yan X. , Yang Y. , Zhao X. , Chang H. , Wang G. , Chen G. , Liu Y. , Chen Y. , Jia B. , Zhang Z. , Ding W. , Huang R. , Wu C.
Published: May 2018

Identifying the degree of liver inflammation is critical for therapeutic judgement of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, we lack indexes which can accurately predict significant liver inflammation in patients with CHB. This study aimed to develop a simple predictive index for liver inflammation in CHB using routine clinical parameters. A total of 519 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled and randomly divided into training (n = 346) and validation cohorts (n = 173). Based on routine clinical parameters, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT; P = 0.031) and platelets (PLT; P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of significant inflammation by multivariable analysis in the training cohort. Accordingly, the GGT to PLT ratio (GPR) was developed to amplify the opposing effects for predicting liver inflammation. In the training cohort, the AUCs of GPR in predicting significant inflammation were 0.791 (95% CI: 0.742‐0.839), 0.783 (95% CI: 0.717‐0.849) and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.716‐0.867) in the entire patients with CHB, HBeAg‐positive CHB patients and HBeAg‐negative CHB patients, respectively. The diagnostic performance of GPR for significant inflammation was significantly superior to that of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and GGT in all patients with CHB and HBeAg‐positive CHB patients, but was comparable with ALT, AST and GGT in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients. In the validation cohort, the diagnostic performance of GPR in assessing significant liver inflammation was also superior to other indexes in all patients with CHB and HBeAg‐positive CHB patients, but was comparable with GGT in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients. Thus, GPR can be a novel and simple index for predicting significant liver inflammation in CHB, especially for HBeAg‐positive CHB.
Epidemiological characteristics and associated factors of acute hepatitis A outbreak among HIV‐coinfected men who have sex with men in Taiwan, June 2015‐December 2016
Authors: Cheng C.‐Y. , Wu H.‐H. , Zou H. , Lo Y.‐C.
Published: May 2018

In Taiwan, an outbreak of acute hepatitis A (AHA) infection has been identified since June 2015. Approximately half of the cases occurred in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM). We used the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC)‐operated National Disease Surveillance Systems (NDSS) to identify the incidence of AHA during 2011‐2016. Between June 2015 and December 2016, a total of 1268 AHA cases were documented, and 601 cases (47.4%) were co‐infected with HIV; the majority of whom were MSM (98.4%). Each AHA case was matched to two HIV‐infected controls without AHA reported in the NDSS on age (± 5 years), risk factor of HIV infection, HIV diagnosis date (± 30 days) and county/city of residence at HIV diagnosis. Three hundred forty‐three HIV/AHA cases were matched to 686 controls. In multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, a previous gonorrhoea (adjusted OR=1.77, 95% CI 1.16‐2.70) and recent (aOR=6.77, 95% CI 4.34‐10.55) or remote syphilis report (aOR=3.56, 95% CI 2.48‐5.13) were independently associated with AHA. The epidemic persisted till December 2016, and the cases with a new diagnosis of HIV infection after AHA (28/301, 9.3%) increased after July 2016 (P = .001). HIV/AHA cases were centralized in northern and central metropolitan areas and HIV‐infected MSM with a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases in Taiwan. We recommend surveillance of associated behavioural and virologic characteristics and HAV counselling and testing for HIV‐infected men.
The nature of the L chondrite parent body's disruption as deduced from high‐pressure phases in the Sixiangkou L6 chondrite
Authors: Li Shaolin , Hsu Weibiao
Published: May 2018

The disruption of the L chondrite parent body (LCPB) at ~470 Ma is currently the best‐documented catastrophic celestial impact event, based on the large number of L chondritic materials associated with this event. Uranium‐lead (U‐Pb) dating of apatite and its high‐pressure decomposition product, tuite, in the Sixiangkou L6 chondrite provides a temporal link to this event. The U‐Pb system of phosphates adjacent to shock melt veins was altered to varying degrees and the discordance of the U‐Pb system correlates closely with the extent of apatite decomposition. This suggests that the U‐Pb system of apatite could be substantially disturbed by high‐temperature pulse during shock compression from natural impacts, at least on the scale of mineral grains. Although many L chondrites can be temporally related to the catastrophic LCPB impact event, the shock conditions experienced by each individual meteorite vary. This could be due to the different geologic settings of these meteorites on their parent body. The shock pressure and duration derived from most meteorites may only reflect local shock features rather than the impact conditions, although they could provide lower limits to the impact conditions. The Sixiangkou shock duration (~4 s), estimated from high‐pressure transformation kinetics, provides a lower limit to the high‐pressure pulse of the LCPB disruption impact. Combined with available literature data of L chondrites associated with this impact event, our results suggest that the LCPB suffered a catastrophic collision with a large projectile (with a diameter of at least 18–22 km) at a low impact velocity (5–6 km s−1). This is consistent with astronomical estimates based on the dynamical evolution of L chondritic asteroids.
Phylogenetic patterns of ant–fungus associations indicate that farming strategies, not only a superior fungal cultivar, explain the ecological success of leafcutter ants
Authors: Mueller Ulrich G. , Kardish Melissa R. , Ishak Heather D. , Wright April M. , Solomon Scott E. , Bruschi Sofia M. , Carlson Alexis L. , Bacci Maurício
Published: May 2018

To elucidate fungicultural specializations contributing to ecological dominance of leafcutter ants, we estimate the phylogeny of fungi cultivated by fungus‐growing (attine) ants, including fungal cultivars from (i) the entire leafcutter range from southern South America to southern North America, (ii) all higher‐attine ant lineages (leafcutting generaAtta,Acromyrmex; nonleafcutting generaTrachymyrmex,Sericomyrmex) and (iii) all lower‐attine lineages. Higher‐attine fungi form two clades, Clade‐A fungi (Leucocoprinus gongylophorus, formerlyAttamyces) previously thought to be cultivated only by leafcutter ants, and a sister clade, Clade‐B fungi, previously thought to be cultivated only byTrachymyrmexandSericomyrmexants. Contradicting this traditional view, we find that (i) leafcutter ants are not specialized to cultivate only Clade‐A fungi because some leafcutter species ranging across South America cultivate Clade‐B fungi; (ii)Trachymyrmexants are not specialized to cultivate only Clade‐B fungi because someTrachymyrmexspecies cultivate Clade‐A fungi and otherTrachymyrmexspecies cultivate fungi known so far only from lower‐attine ants; (iii) in some locations, single higher‐attine ant species or closely related cryptic species cultivate both Clade‐A and Clade‐B fungi; and (iv) ant–fungus co‐evolution among higher‐attine mutualisms is therefore less specialized than previously thought. Sympatric leafcutter ants can be ecologically dominant when cultivating either Clade‐A or Clade‐B fungi, sustaining with either cultivar‐type huge nests that command large foraging territories; conversely, sympatricTrachymyrmexants cultivating either Clade‐A or Clade‐B fungi can be locally abundant without achieving the ecological dominance of leafcutter ants. Ecological dominance of leafcutter ants therefore does not depend primarily on specialized fungiculture ofL. gongylophorus(Clade‐A), but must derive from ant–fungus synergisms and unique ant adaptations.
Plasticity and evolutionary divergence in gene expression associated with alternative habitat use in larvae of the European Fire Salamander
Authors: Czypionka Till , Goedbloed Daniel J. , Steinfartz Sebastian , Nolte Arne W.
Published: May 2018

Transcriptomes of organisms reveal differentiation associated with the use of different habitats. However, this leaves open how much of the observed differentiation can be attributed to genetic differences or to transcriptional plasticity. In this study, we disentangle causes of differential gene expression in larvae of the European fire salamander from the Kottenforst forest in Germany. Larvae inhabit permanent streams and ephemeral ponds and represent an example of a young evolutionary split associated with contrasting ecological conditions. We hypothesized that adaptation towards differences in water temperature plays a role because the thermal regime between stream and pond habitats differs notably. Tissue samples from tail fins of larvae were collected to study gene expression using microarrays. We found ample evidence for differentiation among larvae occupying different habitats in nature with 2,800 of 11,797 genes being differentially expressed. We then quantified transcriptional plasticity towards temperature and genetic differentiation based on controlled temperature laboratory experiments. Gene‐by‐environment interactions modelling revealed that 28% of the gene expression divergence observed among samples in nature could be attributed to plasticity related to water temperature. Expression patterns of only a small number of 101 genes were affected by the genotype. Our analysis demonstrates that effects of environmental factors must be taken into account to explain variation of gene expression in salamanders in nature. Notwithstanding, it provides first evidence that genetic factors determined gene expression divergence between pond and stream ecotypes and could be involved in adaptive evolution.
Persistent effects of obesity: a neuroplasticity hypothesis
Authors: Matikainen‐Ankney Bridget A. , Kravitz Alexxai V.
Published: May 2018

The obesity epidemic is a leading cause of health problems in the United States, increasing the risk of cardiovascular, endocrine, and psychiatric diseases. Although many people lose weight through changes in diet and lifestyle, keeping the weight off remains a challenge. Here, we discuss a hypothesis that seeks to explain why obesity is so persistent. There is a great degree of overlap in the circuits implicated in substance use disorder and obesity, and neural plasticity of these circuits in response to drugs of abuse is well documented. We hypothesize that obesity is also associated with neural plasticity in these circuits, and this may underlie persistent changes in behavior, energy balance, and body weight. Here, we discuss how obesity‐associated reductions in motivation and physical activity may be rooted in neurophysiological alterations in these circuits. Such plasticity may alter how humans and animals use, expend, and store energy, even after weight loss.
Mesenchymal cell differentiation and diseases: involvement of translin/TRAX complexes and associated proteins
Authors: Kasai Masataka , Ishida Reiko , Nakahara Kazuhiko , Okumura Ko , Aoki Katsunori
Published: May 2018

Translin and translin‐associated factor X (translin/TRAX) proteins have been implicated in a variety of cellular activities central to nucleic acid metabolism. Accumulating evidence indicates that translin/TRAX complexes participate in processes ensuring the replication of DNA, as well as cell division. Significant progress has been made in understanding the roles of translin/TRAX complexes in RNA metabolism, such as through RNA‐induced silencing complex activation or the microRNA depletion that occurs in Dicer deficiency. At the cellular level, translin‐deficient (Tsn–/–) mice display delayed endochondral ossification or progressive bone marrow failure with ectopic osteogenesis and adipogenesis, suggesting involvement in mesenchymal cell differentiation. In this review, we summarize the molecular and cellular functions of translin homo‐octamer and translin/TRAX hetero‐octamer. Finally, we discuss the multifaceted roles of translin, TRAX, and associated proteins in the healthy and disease states.
Is auditory perceptual timing a core deficit of developmental coordination disorder?
Authors: Trainor Laurel J. , Chang Andrew , Cairney John , Li Yao‐Chuen
Published: May 2018

Time is an essential dimension for perceiving and processing auditory events, and for planning and producing motor behaviors. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 5–6% of children that is characterized by deficits in motor skills. Studies show that children with DCD have motor timing and sensorimotor timing deficits. We suggest that auditory perceptual timing deficits may also be core characteristics of DCD. This idea is consistent with evidence from several domains, (1) motor‐related brain regions are often involved in auditory timing process; (2) DCD has high comorbidity with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity, which are known to be associated with auditory timing deficits; (3) a few studies report deficits in auditory–motor timing among children with DCD; and (4) our preliminary behavioral and neuroimaging results show that children with DCD at age 6 and 7 have deficits in auditory time discrimination compared to typically developing children. We propose directions for investigating auditory perceptual timing processing in DCD that use various behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. From a clinical perspective, research findings can potentially benefit our understanding of the etiology of DCD, identify early biomarkers of DCD, and can be used to develop evidence‐based interventions for DCD involving auditory–motor training.
Drosophila melanogaster has the enzymatic machinery to make the melanic component of neuromelanin
Authors: Barek Hanine , Veraksa Alexey , Sugumaran Manickam
Published: May 2018

In Drosophila, the same set of genes that are used for cuticle pigmentation and sclerotization are present in the nervous system and are responsible for neurotransmitter recycling. In this study, we carried out biochemical analysis to determine whether insects have the enzymatic machinery to make melanic component of neuromelanin. We focused our attention on two key enzymes of melanogenesis, namely phenoloxidase and dopachrome decarboxylase/tautomerase. Activity staining of the proteins isolated from the Drosophila larval brain tissue, separated by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicated the presence of these two enzymes. Mass spectral sequence analysis of the band also supported this finding. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of the enzymatic machinery to make melanin part of neuromelanin in any insect brain.
Zone of Acceptance under Performance Measurement: Does Performance Information Affect Employee Acceptance of Management Authority?
Authors: Nielsen Poul Aaes , Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher
Published: May 2018

Public sector employees have traditionally enjoyed substantial influence and bargaining power in organizational decision making, but few studies have investigated the formation of employee acceptance of management authority. Drawing on the “romance of leadership” perspective, the authors argue that performance information shapes employee attributions of leader quality and perceptions of a need for change in ways that affect their acceptance of management authority, conceptualized using Simon's notion of a “zone of acceptance.” A survey experiment was conducted among 1,740 teachers, randomly assigning true performance information about each respondent's own school. When employees were exposed to signals showing low or high performance, their acceptance of management authority increased, whereas average performance signals reduced employee acceptance of management authority. The findings suggest that performance measurement can alter public sector authority relations and have implications regarding how public managers can use performance information strategically to gain acceptance of management authority and organizational change.
Multi‐scale analysis of a migrating submarine channel system in a tectonically‐confined basin: The Miocene Gorgoglione Flysch Formation, southern Italy
Authors: Casciano Claudio I. , Patacci Marco , Longhitano Sergio G. , Tropeano Marcello , McCaffrey William D. , Di Celma Claudio
Published: May 2018

The Miocene Gorgoglione Flysch Formation records the stratigraphic product of protracted sediment transfer and deposition through a long‐lived submarine channel system developed in a narrow and elongate thrust‐top basin of the Southern Apennines (Italy). Channel‐fill deposits are exposed in an outcrop belt approximately 500 m thick and 15 km long, oriented oblique to the palaeoflow, which was roughly south‐eastward. These exceptional exposures of channel‐fill strata allow the stacking architectures and the evolution of the channel system to be analyzed at multiple scales, enabling the effects of syn‐sedimentary thrust tectonics and basin confinement on the depositional system development to be deciphered. Two end‐member types of elementary channel architecture have been identified: high‐aspect‐ratio, weakly‐confined channels, and low‐aspect‐ratio, incisional channels. Their systematic stacking results in a complex pattern of seismic‐scale depositional architectures that determines the stratigraphic framework of the deep‐water system. From the base of the succession, two prominent channel complex sets have been recognized, namely CS1 and CS2, consisting of amalgamated incisional channel elements and weakly‐confined channel elements. These channelized units are overlain by isolated incisional channels, erosional into mud‐prone slope deposits. The juxtaposition of different channel architectures is interpreted to have been governed by regional thrust‐tectonics, in combination with a high subsidence rate that promoted significant aggradation. In this scenario, the alternating ‘in sequence’ and ‘out of sequence’ tectonic pulses of the basin‐bounding thrusts controlled the activation of coarse‐clastic inputs in the basin and the resulting stacking architectures of channelized units. The tectonically‐driven confinement of the depositional system limited the lateral offset in channel stacking, preventing large‐scale avulsions. This study represents an excellent opportunity to analyze the stratigraphic evolution of a submarine channel system in tectonically‐active settings from an outcrop perspective. It should find wide applicability in analogous depositional systems, whose stratigraphic architecture has been influenced by tectonically‐controlled lateral confinement and associated lateral tilting.
Bullying, defending, and outsider behaviors: The moderating role of social status and gender in their relationship with empathy
Authors: Lucas‐Molina Beatriz , Pérez‐Albéniz Alicia , Fonseca‐Pedrero Eduardo , Giménez‐Dasí Marta
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine whether the effect of empathy on the role children play in bullying situations, as either bullies, defenders or outsiders, was moderated by children's social status within their classroom, and whether this moderation was gender dependent. For this purpose, we used a representative sample of 2,050 Spanish primary school children (50.80% girls) from grades 3–6 (Mage = 9.80 years; SD = 1.24), recruited from 27 primary schools. Results showed that the effect of empathy on bullying behavior was moderated by the sociometric rating only in girls. Both empathy and social rating had an effect on defending behavior. However, neither the children's sociometric rating nor their gender moderated the relationship between empathy and defending and outsider behaviors. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for interventions designed to prevent bullying in school settings.
Cover Image, Volume 16, Issue 2
Authors: Dressel S. , Gosselin M.‐C. , Capstick M. H. , Carrasco E. , Weyland M. S. , Scheidegger S. , Neufeld E. , Kuster N. , Bodis S. , Rohrer Bley C.
Published: May 2018

The cover image, by S. Dressel et al., is based on the Original Article Novel hyperthermia applicator system allows adaptive treatment planning: Preliminary clinical results in tumour‐bearing animals, DOI: 10.1111/vco.12340

image
Evidence of synergy with ‘stacked’ intrarow cultivation tools
Authors: Brown B , Gallandt E R
Published: May 2018

Intrarow cultivation efficacy is often low and highly variable. As the mechanisms affecting weed mortality likely vary by tool, several companies have developed cultivators with the ability to use several different intrarow tools at once. We evaluated the potential for such ‘stacking’ of cultivation tools to increase efficacy. We used different sequences of torsion weeders, finger weeders and row harrows in a test crop of maize with surrogate weeds, Sinapis alba and Panicum miliaceum. Most tool combinations resulted in an additive increase in efficacy compared with the individual tools, but the combination of torsion–finger–row harrow demonstrated a synergistic increase in efficacy. In separate experiments, forward speed, soil moisture and weed size were negatively correlated with efficacy, but the torsion–finger–row harrow combination continued to demonstrate a synergistic increase in efficacy compared with the individual tools in 7 of 11 cases. The drawback was high crop mortality (16.0 ± 1.16%); further mechanistic research is needed to reduce crop mortality while maintaining high mean efficacy, through tool design, adjustment and cultural factors.
Influence of growth temperature on structural and optical properties of laser MBE grown epitaxial thin GaN films on a-plane sapphire
Authors: Ramesh Chodipilli , Tyagi Prashant , Singh Sandeep , Singh Preetam , Gupta Govind , Maurya Kamlesh Kumar , Srivatsa Kuchibhotla Murali Krishna , Senthil Kumar Muthusamy , Kushvaha Sunil Singh
Published: May 2018

Epitaxial thin GaN films (∼60 nm) have been grown on a-plane sapphire substrates at different growth temperatures (500–700 °C) using laser molecular beam epitaxy (LMBE). The effect of growth temperatures on the structural and optical properties of GaN layers grown on low temperature (LT) GaN buffer on prenitridated a-sapphire have been studied systematically. The in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction pattern revealed the three-dimensional epitaxial growth of GaN films on a-sapphire under the adopted growth conditions. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) value of x-ray rocking curves (XRCs) along GaN (0002) and (10-12) planes decreases with increasing growth temperature. The FWHM values of (0002) and (10-12) XRC for the 700 °C grown GaN film are 1.09° and 1.08°, respectively. Atomic force microscopy characterization showed that the grain size of GaN increases from 30–60 to 70–125 nm with the increase in growth temperature as GaN coalescence time is shorter at high temperature. The refractive index value for the dense GaN film grown at 600 °C is obtained to be ∼2.19 at the wavelength of 632 nm as deduced by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed that the epitaxial GaN layers grown on a-sapphire at 600–700 °C possess near band edge emission at ∼3.39 eV, close to bulk GaN. The GaN growth at 700 °C without a buffer still produced films with better crystalline and optical properties, but their surface morphology and coverage were inferior to those of the films grown with LT buffer. The results show that the growth temperature strongly influences the structural and optical quality of LMBE grown epitaxial GaN thin films on a-plane sapphire, and a growth temperature of >600 °C is necessary to achieve good quality GaN films.
Comparison of virtual source synthetic aperture beamforming with an element-based model
Authors: Bottenus Nick
Published: May 2018

Ultrasound beamforming relies on models of propagation to convert samples of the backscattered field through time into spatial image samples. The most common model is straight-line propagation of a focused wave, assuming a narrow steered and focused beam that propagates along a selected direction. The reconstructed image suffers from defocusing, reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast loss away from the focus. “Virtual source” methods coherently combine the recorded data from multiple transmissions to form a synthetic transmit focus by making geometric assumptions about the transmissions. These also include diverging waves (virtual source behind the array) and plane waves (virtual source at infinity). Retrospective encoding for conventional ultrasound sequences (REFoCUS) beamforming has been proposed to instead model transmission as the superposition of the responses of individual transmit elements on the transducer array and to efficiently estimate the “complete data set”—individual element transmit and receive responses. In addition to isolating individual element contributions, the result of this unifying framework is a high-SNR, two-way focused image from focused plane wave or diverging transmissions. No significant differences were observed for either SNR or image quality measured by contrast-to-noise ratio between the appropriate virtual source method and REFoCUS beamforming in simulation and experimental imaging.
Utilizing sensory prediction errors for movement intention decoding: A new methodology
Authors: Ganesh Gowrishankar , Nakamura Keigo , Saetia Supat , Tobar Alejandra Mejia , Yoshida Eiichi , Ando Hideyuki , Yoshimura Natsue , Koike Yasuharu
Published: May 2018

A new high-accuracy movement intention decoder using <100 ms of EEG and requiring no training or cognitive loading of users.
Divergent hydrological response to large-scale afforestation and vegetation greening in China
Authors: Li Yue , Piao Shilong , Li Laurent Z. X. , Chen Anping , Wang Xuhui , Ciais Philippe , Huang Ling , Lian Xu , Peng Shushi , Zeng Zhenzhong , Wang Kai , Zhou Liming
Published: May 2018

We found high spatial heterogeneity in the hydrological response to 30-year afforestation and vegetation greening in China.
Analysis of the bystander effect in cone photoreceptors via a guided neural network platform
Authors: Ma Yuan , Han Xin , de Castro Ricardo Bessa , Zhang Pengchao , Zhang Kai , Hu Zhongbo , Qin Lidong
Published: May 2018

Guided neural network platform was developed to analyze the bystander effect in cones in a quantitative, high-throughput manner.
Survival of syngeneic and allogeneic iPSC–derived neural precursors after spinal grafting in minipigs
Authors: Strnadel Jan , Carromeu Cassiano , Bardy Cedric , Navarro Michael , Platoshyn Oleksandr , Glud Andreas N. , Marsala Silvia , Kafka Jozef , Miyanohara Atsushi , Kato Tomohisa , Tadokoro Takahiro , Hefferan Michael P. , Kamizato Kota , Yoshizumi Tetsuya , Juhas Stefan , Juhasova Jana , Ho Chak-Sum , Kheradmand Taba , Chen PeiXi , Bohaciakova Dasa , Hruska-Plochan Marian , Todd Andrew J. , Driscoll Shawn P. , Glenn Thomas D. , Pfaff Samuel L. , Klima Jiri , Ciacci Joseph , Curtis Eric , Gage Fred H. , Bui Jack , Yamada Kazuhiko , Muotri Alysson R. , Marsala Martin
Published: May 2018

Syngeneic iPSC–derived neurons survive and mature without immunosuppression after grafting into the spinal cord of adult pigs.
Computational modeling guides tissue-engineered heart valve design for long-term in vivo performance in a translational sheep model
Authors: Emmert Maximilian Y. , Schmitt Boris A. , Loerakker Sandra , Sanders Bart , Spriestersbach Hendrik , Fioretta Emanuela S. , Bruder Leon , Brakmann Kerstin , Motta Sarah E. , Lintas Valentina , Dijkman Petra E. , Frese Laura , Berger Felix , Baaijens Frank P. T. , Hoerstrup Simon P.
Published: May 2018

Computational modeling–inspired heart valve designs guide tissue remodeling and ensure long-term functionality in tissue-engineered heart valves in sheep.
PGD2/DP2 receptor activation promotes severe viral bronchiolitis by suppressing IFN-
λ
production
Authors: Werder Rhiannon B. , Lynch Jason P. , Simpson Jennifer C. , Zhang Vivian , Hodge Nick H. , Poh Matthew , Forbes-Blom Elizabeth , Kulis Christina , Smythe Mark L. , Upham John W. , Spann Kirsten , Everard Mark L. , Phipps Simon
Published: May 2018

RSV-induced prostaglandin D2 release contributes to disease severity by impairing IFN-λ production.
High-throughput sequencing of the T cell receptor β gene identifies aggressive early-stage mycosis fungoides
Authors: de Masson Adele , O’Malley John T. , Elco Christopher P. , Garcia Sarah S. , Divito Sherrie J. , Lowry Elizabeth L. , Tawa Marianne , Fisher David C. , Devlin Phillip M. , Teague Jessica E. , Leboeuf Nicole R. , Kirsch Ilan R. , Robins Harlan , Clark Rachael A. , Kupper Thomas S.
Published: May 2018

The malignant T cell clone frequency in cutaneous T cell lymphoma lesions is an independent prognostic indicator for early disease progression and death.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Collected in Asia-Pacific Countries: Results from the INFORM Global Surveillance Program, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , Stone Gregory G. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: May 2018

The
in vitro
activities of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparators against 9,149 isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
and 2,038 isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
collected by 42 medical centers in nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region from 2012 to 2015 were determined as part of the International Network for Optimal Resistance Monitoring (INFORM) global surveillance program. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution, and isolate subset analysis was performed on the basis of the resistant phenotypes and β-lactamase content. Ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated potent
in vitro
activity (MIC, ≤8 μg/ml) against all
Enterobacteriaceae
tested (99.0% susceptible) and was the most active against isolates that were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) negative (99.8% susceptible). Against
P. aeruginosa
, 92.6% of all isolates and 96.1% of MBL-negative isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam (MIC, ≤8 μg/ml). The rates of susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam ranged from 97.0% (Philippines) to 100% (Hong Kong, South Korea) for
Enterobacteriaceae
and from 83.1% (Thailand) to 100% (Hong Kong) among
P. aeruginosa
isolates, with lower susceptibilities being observed in countries where MBLs were more frequently encountered (Philippines, Thailand). Ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 97.2 to 100% of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates, per country, that carried serine β-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases, AmpC cephalosporinases, and carbapenemases (KPC, GES, OXA-48-like). It also inhibited 91.3% of
P. aeruginosa
isolates that were carbapenem nonsusceptible in which no acquired β-lactamase was detected. Among MBL-negative
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates that were ceftazidime nonsusceptible, meropenem nonsusceptible, colistin resistant, and multidrug resistant, ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 96.1, 87.7, 100, and 98.8% of isolates, respectively, and among MBL-negative
P. aeruginosa
isolates that were ceftazidime nonsusceptible, meropenem nonsusceptible, colistin resistant, and multidrug resistant, ceftazidime-avibactam inhibited 79.6, 83.6, 83.3, and 68.2% of isolates, respectively. Overall, clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
and
P. aeruginosa
collected in nine Asia-Pacific countries from 2012 to 2015 were highly susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.
Complete and Annotated Genome Sequence of the Sourdough Lactic Acid Bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum IMDO 130101
Authors: Verce Marko , De Vuyst Luc , Weckx Stefan
Published: May 2018

Lactobacillus fermentum
is a species of lactic acid bacteria that is frequently found in sourdough, a fermented flour-water mixture used in the production of bread and other baked goods. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
L. fermentum
IMDO 130101, a candidate sourdough starter culture strain isolated from a backslopped rye sourdough.
A Screen for Epstein-Barr Virus Proteins That Inhibit the DNA Damage Response Reveals a Novel Histone Binding Protein
Authors: Ho Ting-Hin , Sitz Justine , Shen Qingtang , Leblanc-Lacroix Ariane , Campos Eric I. , Borozan Ivan , Marcon Edyta , Greenblatt Jack , Fradet-Turcotte Amelie , Jin Dong-Yan , Frappier Lori
Published: May 2018

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most people worldwide and is causatively associated with several types of cancer, including ∼10% of gastric carcinomas. EBV encodes ∼80 proteins, many of which are believed to manipulate cellular regulatory pathways but are poorly characterized. The DNA damage response (DDR) is one such pathway that is critical for maintaining genome integrity and preventing cancer-associated mutations. In this study, a screen for EBV proteins that inhibit the DDR identified BKRF4 as a DDR inhibitor that binds histones and blocks their ubiquitylation at the DNA damage sites. We also present evidence that BKRF4 is expressed in both latent and lytic forms of EBV infection, where it downregulates the DDR, as well as in EBV-positive gastric tumors. The results suggest that BKRF4 could contribute to the development of gastric carcinoma through its ability to inhibit the DDR.
Iron deficiency, its epidemiological features and feeding practices among infants aged 12 months in Qatar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zainel Abdul Jaleel A Latif , Osman Sherif R Omar , Al-Kohji Sadriya Mohammed S , Selim Nagah A
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To estimate the magnitude of anaemia, iron deficiency (ID), iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and to explore epidemiological features of ID and feeding practices among infants aged 12 months in Qatar.

Setting

Well baby clinics in 14 randomly selected primary healthcare centres covering all geographical areas on the national level.

Participants

Three hundred and six (163 male and 143 female) infants of all nationalities were enrolled. Mothers were asked to complete a predesigned interview questionnaire and infants were blood tested for anaemia, ID and IDA.

Outcome measures

Cut-off point used to diagnose anaemia was haemoglobin <11.1 g/dL, and to diagnose ID, serum ferritin <6 ug/L with normal C reactive protein.

Results

Prevalence of anaemia was 23.5%, ID was 9.2% and IDA was 7.8%. ID was more prevalent among non-Qatari infants compared with Qatari (10.9% vs1.7%, p=0.029), more prevalent among infants born to housewives and to families of low income (p≤0.05). With regard to feeding practice, ID was higher in infants who continued breastfeeding until the age of 1 year and among those who never took infant formula milk (p≤0.05). Mothers who received infant feeding counselling had less ID occurrence among their infants compared with their counterparts who did not receive such counselling (4.2%vs13.4%, p=0.005).

Conclusion

Although ID and IDA among infants in Qatar are less prevalent compared with many developing countries, still further efforts are needed for improvement towards more developed countries. Efforts should be contextualised and should target the key epidemiological features with special emphasis on infant feeding and infant feeding counselling to mothers.
Trajectories of disposable income among people of working ages diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: a nationwide register-based cohort study in Sweden 7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis with a population-based reference group
Authors: Murley Chantelle , Mogard Olof , Wiberg Michael , Alexanderson Kristina , Karampampa Korinna , Friberg Emilie , Tinghög Petter
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To describe how disposable income (DI) and three main components changed, and analyse whether DI development differed from working-aged people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to a reference group from 7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis in Sweden.

Design

Population-based cohort study, 12-year follow-up (7 years before to 4 years after diagnosis).

Setting

Swedish working-age population with microdata linked from two nationwide registers.

Participants

Residents diagnosed with MS in 2009 aged 25–59 years (n=785), and references without MS (n=7847) randomly selected with stratified matching (sex, age, education and country of birth).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

DI was defined as the annual after tax sum of incomes (earnings and benefits) to measure individual economic welfare. Three main components of DI were analysed as annual sums: earnings, sickness absence benefits and disability pension benefits.

Results

We found no differences in mean annual DI between people with and without MS by independent t-tests (p values between 0.15 and 0.96). Differences were found for all studied components of DI from diagnosis year by independent t-tests, for example, in the final study year (2013): earnings (−64 867 Swedish Krona (SEK); 95% CI−79 203 to −50 528); sickness absence benefits (13 330 SEK; 95% CI 10 042 to 16 500); and disability pension benefits (21 360 SEK; 95% CI 17 380 to 25 350). A generalised estimating equation evaluated DI trajectory development between people with and without MS to find both trajectories developed in parallel, both before (−4039 SEK; 95% CI −10 536 to 2458) and after (−781 SEK; 95% CI −6988 to 5360) diagnosis.

Conclusions

The key finding of parallel DI trajectory development between working-aged MS and references suggests minimal economic impact within the first 4 years of diagnosis. The Swedish welfare system was responsive to the observed reductions in earnings around MS diagnosis through balancing DI with morbidity-related benefits. Future decreases in economic welfare may be experienced as the disease progresses, although thorough investigation with future studies of modern cohorts are required.
Predictors of physical activity among older adults in Germany: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Manz Kristin , Mensink Gert B M , Jordan Susanne , Schienkiewitz Anja , Krug Susanne , Finger Jonas D
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To investigate individual, interpersonal and environmental baseline factors predicting regular aerobic physical activity (PA) participation among older adults in Germany at follow-up 12 years later.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Cluster-randomised general population sample selected based on population registry address information from 130 nationally distributed sample points collected from 1997 to 1999 and re-evaluated 12 years later from 2008 to 2011.

Participants

1184 adults, aged 65 years or older at follow-up with complete data at baseline and follow-up, were included in the final study sample.

Outcome measure

Regular ‘aerobic PA ≥1 day/week’ assessed based on self-reported information.

Results

At follow-up, 53.2% of the participants engaged in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week. Participants aged 50 to 60 years at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants aged 61 to 78 years; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.40. Participants with middle and high socioeconomic status (SES) were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week than participants with low SES; OR middle SES 2.08, 1.33 to 3.25; high SES 3.44, 2.11 to 5.60. Participants with high social support were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than participants with low social support; OR 1.98, 1.26 to 3.12. Furthermore, participants who engaged in leisure time PA at least once per week at baseline were more likely to engage in aerobic PA ≥1 day/week at follow-up than those who engaged less than once per week; OR 1.95, 1.46 to 2.60.

Conclusions

Several influencing factors assessed at baseline predicted regular aerobic PA participation 12 years later. These factors should be considered when planning interventions to prevent physical inactivity in older adults. There is great potential to increase aerobic PA participation in older adults in Germany, in particular among those with low SES and low social support.
Job strain and loss of healthy life years between ages 50 and 75 by sex and occupational position: analyses of 64 934 individuals from four prospective cohort studies
Authors: Magnusson Hanson Linda L , Westerlund Hugo , Chungkham Holendro S , Vahtera Jussi , Rod Naja H , Alexanderson Kristina , Goldberg Marcel , Kivimäki Mika , Stenholm Sari , Platts Loretta G , Zins Marie , Head Jenny
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Poor psychosocial working conditions increase the likelihood of various types of morbidity and may substantially limit quality of life and possibilities to remain in paid work. To date, however, no studies to our knowledge have quantified the extent to which poor psychosocial working conditions reduce healthy or chronic disease-free life expectancy, which was the focus of this study.

Methods

Data were derived from four cohorts with repeat data: the Finnish Public Sector Study (Finland), GAZEL (France), the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (Sweden) and Whitehall II (UK). Healthy (in good self-rated health) life expectancy (HLE) and chronic disease-free (free from cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes) life expectancy (CDFLE) was calculated from age 50 to 75 based on 64 394 individuals with data on job strain (high demands in combination with low control) at baseline and health at baseline and follow-up.

Results

Multistate life table models showed that job strain was consistently related to shorter HLE (overall 1.7 years difference). The difference in HLE was more pronounced among men (2.0 years compared with 1.5 years for women) and participants in lower occupational positions (2.5 years among low-grade men compared with 1.7 years among high-grade men). Similar differences in HLE, although smaller, were observed among those in intermediate or high occupational positions. Job strain was additionally associated with shorter CDFLE, although this association was weaker and somewhat inconsistent.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that individuals with job strain have a shorter health expectancy compared with those without job strain.