bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic mechanisms of the regulation of L‐carnitine status in monogastrics and efficacy of L‐carnitine as a feed additive in pigs and poultry
Authors: Ringseis Robert , Keller Janine , Eder Klaus
Published: July 2018

A great number of studies have investigated the potential of L‐carnitine as feed additive to improve performance of different monogastric and ruminant livestock species, with, however, discrepant outcomes. In order to understand the reasons for these discrepant outcomes, it is important to consider the determinants of L‐carnitine status and how L‐carnitine status is regulated in the animal's body. While it is a long‐known fact that L‐carnitine is endogenously biosynthesized in certain tissues, it was only recently recognized that critical determinants of L‐carnitine status, such as intestinal L‐carnitine absorption, tissue L‐carnitine uptake, endogenous L‐carnitine synthesis and renal L‐carnitine reabsorption, are regulated by specific nutrient sensing nuclear receptors. This review aims to give a more in‐depth understanding of the basic mechanisms of the regulation of L‐carnitine status in monogastrics taking into account the most recent evidence on nutrient sensing nuclear receptors and evaluates the efficacy of L‐carnitine as feed additive in monogastric livestock by providing an up‐to‐date overview about studies with L‐carnitine supplementation in pigs and poultry.
Diversification of the climatic niche drove the recent processes of speciation in Sigmodontinae (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Reis Jennifer , Bidau Claudio J. , Maestri Renan , Martinez Pablo A.
Published: July 2018

Evolutionary radiations are among the most intriguing natural phenomena. Sigmodontine rodents form a megadiverse group for which doubts exist about the adaptive or non‐adaptive nature of its radiation. We analysed whether or not the rates of diversification of species of Sigmodontinae are related to the rates of diversification of the climatic niches occupied by the species. Our results show a clear association between niche diversification and speciation processes. However, this association is linked to recent and independent processes of diversification in sigmodontines, as opposed to an early link that would indicate a niche‐filling consistent with an adaptive radiation of the subfamily.
Signaling pathways governing iron homeostasis in budding yeast
Authors: Martins Telma S. , Costa Vítor , Pereira Clara
Published: July 2018

Iron is an essential element for eukaryotes as it participates as a redox‐active co‐factor in many biological processes. Since iron is also potentially toxic, iron levels are carefully regulated. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, iron homeostasis is maintained by the transcriptional control of the iron acquisition systems (iron regulon), mainly by the iron‐responsive transcriptional factors Aft1p and Yap5p. Intracellular iron is stored in the vacuole, mobilized for other locations when necessary, particularly for the mitochondria, the major site of iron‐utilizing pathways. Mitochondria also play an additional role as a sensor for the regulation of cellular iron acquisition and intracellular distribution. Mounting evidence suggest that iron acquisition systems are not only responsive to iron levels but also to signaling pathways. The most recognized is the activation of the iron regulon at the diauxic shift, oppositely regulated by PKA and SNF1 kinases, major regulators of glucose signaling. Hog1p, a MAP kinase involved in stress responses, also negatively regulates iron uptake by phosphorylating Aft1p. In this review, we address organellar signaling and signal transduction pathways that play a major role in the coordination of iron homeostasis with cell growth and division.
Physiology and central carbon metabolism of the gut bacterium Prevotella copri
Authors: Franke Thomas , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: July 2018

The human gut microbiota is a crucial factor for the host’s physiology with respect to health and disease. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing of microbial gut communities revealed that Prevotella copri is one of the most important players in the gastrointestinal tract of many individuals. Because of the importance of this bacterium we analyzed the growth behavior and the central metabolic pathways of P. copri. Bioinformatic data, transcriptome profiling and enzyme activity measurements indicated that the major pathways are based on glycolysis and succinate production from fumarate. In addition, pyruvate can be degraded to acetate and formate. Electron transport phosphorylation depends on fumarate respiration with NADH and reduced ferredoxin as electron donors. In contrast to Bacteroides vulgatus, P. copri showed a more pronounced dependency on the addition of CO2 or bicarbonate for biomass formation, which is a remarkable difference between P. copri and Bacteroides spp. with important implication in the context of gut microbial competition. The analysis of substrate consumption and product concentrations from many P. copri cultures with different optical densities allowed a prediction of the carbon and electron flow in the central metabolism and a detailed calculation of growth yields as well as carbon and redox balances.
A cluster of residues in the lipopolysaccharide exporter that selects substrate variants for transport to the outer membrane
Authors: Bertani Blake R. , Taylor Rebecca J. , Nagy Emma , Kahne Daniel , Ruiz Natividad
Published: July 2018

Most Gram‐negative bacteria assemble lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on their surface to form a permeability barrier against many antimicrobials. LPS is synthesized at the inner membrane and then transported to the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. Although the overall LPS structure is conserved, LPS molecules can differ in composition at the species and strain level. Some bacteria also regulate when to modify phosphates on LPS at the inner membrane in order to become resistant to cationic antimicrobial peptides. The multi‐protein Lpt trans‐envelope machine, which transports LPS from the inner to the outer membrane, must therefore handle a variety of substrates. The most poorly understood step in LPS transport is how the ATP‐binding cassette LptB2FG transporter extracts LPS from the inner membrane. Here, we define residue K34 in LptG as a site within the structural cavity of the Escherichia coli LptB2FG transporter that interacts electrostatically with phosphates on unmodified LPS. Alterations to this residue cause transport defects that are suppressed by the activation of the BasSR two‐component signaling system, which results in modifications to the LPS phosphates. We also show this residue is part of a larger site in LptG that differentially contributes to the transport of unmodified and modified LPS.
Bioremediation and microbial metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene
Authors: Ostrem Loss Erin M. , Yu Jae‐Hyuk
Published: July 2018

The growing release of organic contaminants into the environment due to industrial processes has inevitably increased the incidence of their exposure to humans which often results in negative health effects. Microorganisms are also increasingly exposed to the pollutants, yet their diverse metabolic capabilities enable them to survive toxic exposure making these degradation mechanisms important to understand. Fungi are the most abundant microorganisms in the environment, yet less has been studied to understand their ability to degrade contaminants than in bacteria. This includes specific enzyme production and the genetic regulation which guides metabolic networks. This review intends to compare what is known about bacterial and fungal degradation of toxic compounds using benzo(a)pyrene as a relevant example. Most research is done in the context of using fungi for bioremediation, however, we intend to also point out how fungal metabolism may impact human health in other ways including through their participation in microbial communities in the human gut and skin and through inhalation of fungal spores.
Novel dual regulators of Pseudomonas aeruginosa essential for productive biofilms and virulence
Authors: Heacock‐Kang Yun , Zarzycki‐Siek Jan , Sun Zhenxin , Poonsuk Kanchana , Bluhm Andrew P. , Cabanas Darlene , Fogen Dawson , McMillan Ian A. , Chuanchuen Rungtip , Hoang Tung T.
Published: July 2018

Gene regulation network in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is complex. With a relatively large genome (6.2 Mb), there is a significant portion of genes that are proven or predicted to be transcriptional regulators. Many of these regulators have been shown to play important roles in biofilm formation and maintenance. In this study, we present a novel transcriptional regulator, PA1226, which modulates biofilm formation and virulence in P. aeruginosa. Mutation in the gene encoding this regulator abolished the ability of P. aeruginosa to produce biofilms in vitro, without any effect on the planktonic growth. This regulator is also essential for the in vivo fitness and pathogenesis in both Drosophila melanogaster and BALB/c mouse lung infection models. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PA1226 regulates many essential virulence genes/pathways, including those involved in alginate, pili, and LPS biosynthesis. Genes/operons directly regulated by PA1226 and potential binding sequences were identified via ChIP‐seq. Attempts to confirm the binding sequences by electrophoretic mobility shift assay led to the discovery of a co‐regulator, PA1413, via co‐immunoprecipitation assay. PA1226 and PA1413 were shown to bind collaboratively to the promoter regions of their regulons. A model is proposed, summarizing our finding on this novel dual‐regulation system.
Extracellular reduction of solid electron acceptors byShewanella oneidensis
Authors: Beblawy Sebastian , Bursac Thea , Paquete Catarina , Louro Ricardo , Clarke Thomas A. , Gescher Johannes
Published: July 2018

Shewanella oneidensisis the best understood model organism for the study of dissimilatory iron reduction. This review focuses on the current state of our knowledge regarding this extracellular respiratory process and highlights its physiologic, regulatory and biochemical requirements. It seems that we have widely understood how respiratory electrons can reach the cell surface and what the minimal set of electron transport proteins to the cell surface is. Nevertheless, even after decades of work in different research groups around the globe there are still several important questions that were not answered yet. In particular, the physiology of this organism, the possible evolutionary benefit of some responses to anoxic conditions, as well as the exact mechanism of electron transfer onto solid electron acceptors are yet to be addressed. The elucidation of these questions will be a great challenge for future work and important for the application of extracellular respiration in biotechnological processes.
ZomB is essential for flagellar motor reversals in Shewanella putrefaciens and Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Brenzinger Susanne , Pecina Anna , Mrusek Devid , Mann Petra , Völse Kerstin , Wimmi Stephan , Ruppert Ulrike , Becker Anke , Ringgaard Simon , Bange Gert , Thormann Kai M
Published: July 2018

The ability of most bacterial flagellar motors to reverse the direction of rotation is crucial for efficient chemotaxis. In Escherichia coli, motor reversals are mediated by binding of phosphorylated chemotaxis protein CheY to components of the flagellar rotor, FliM and FliN, which induces a conformational switch of the flagellar C‐ring. Here, we show that for Shewanella putrefaciens, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and likely a number of other species an additional transmembrane protein, ZomB, is critically required for motor reversals as mutants lacking ZomB exclusively exhibit straightforward swimming also upon full phosphorylation or overproduction of CheY. ZomB is recruited to the cell poles by and is destabilized in the absence of the polar landmark protein HubP. ZomB also co‐localizes to and may thus interact with the flagellar motor. The ΔzomB phenotype was suppressed by mutations in the very C‐terminal region of FliM. We propose that the flagellar motors of Shewanella, Vibrio and numerous other species harboring orthologs to ZomB are locked in counterclockwise rotation and may require interaction with ZomB to enable the conformational switch required for motor reversals. Regulation of ZomB activity or abundance may provide these species with an additional means to modulate chemotaxis efficiency.
Genetic dissection of the secretory route followed by a fungal extracellular glycosyl hydrolase
Authors: Hernández‐González Miguel , Pantazopoulou Areti , Spanoudakis Dimitris , Seegers Christel L.C. , Peñalva Miguel A.
Published: July 2018

Hyphal tip cells of Aspergillus nidulans are > 100 µm‐long, which challenges intracellular traffic. In spite of the basic and applied interest of the secretory pathway of filamentous fungi, only recently has it been investigated in detail. We used InuA, an inducible and highly glycosylated inulinase, and mutations affecting different intracellular membranous compartments, to investigate the route by which the enzyme traffics to the extracellular medium. InuA is core‐N‐glycosylated in the ER and hyperglycosylated during transit across the Golgi. Hyperglycosylation was prevented by ts mutations in sarASAR1 impeding ER exit, and in sedVSED5 and rabORAB1 dissipating the early Golgi, but not by mutations in the TGN regulators hypATRS120 and hypBSEC7, implicating the early Golgi in cargo glycosylation. podB1ts(cog2ts) affecting the COG complex also prevents glycosylation, without disassembling early Golgi cisternae. That InuA exocytosis is prevented by inactivation of any of the above genes shows that it follows a conventional secretory pathway. However, ablation of RabBRAB5 regulating early endosomes (EEs), but not of RabSRAB7, its equivalent in late endosomes, also prevents InuA accumulation in the medium, indicating that EEs are specifically required for InuA exocytosis. This work provides a framework to understand the secretion of enzyme cargoes by industrial filamentous fungi.
DcuA of aerobically grown Escherichia coli serves as a nitrogen shuttle (L‐aspartate/fumarate) for nitrogen uptake
Authors: Strecker Alexander , Schubert Christopher , Zedler Sandra , Steinmetz Philipp , Unden Gottfried
Published: July 2018

DcuA of Escherichia coli is known as an alternative C4‐dicarboxylate transporter for the main anaerobic C4‐dicarboxylate transporter DcuB. Since dcuA is expressed constitutively under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, DcuA was suggested to serve aerobically as a backup for the aerobic (DctA) transporter, or for the anabolic uptake of C4‐dicarboxylates. In this work, it is shown that DcuA is required for aerobic growth with L‐aspartate as a nitrogen source, whereas for growth with L‐aspartate as a carbon source, DctA was needed. Strains with DcuA catalyzed L‐aspartate and C4‐dicarboxylate uptake (like DctA), or an L‐aspartate/C4‐dicarboxylate antiport (unlike DctA). DcuA preferred L‐aspartate to succinate in transport (KM = 43 and 844 µM, respectively), whereas DctA has higher affinity for C4‐dicarboxylates like succinate compared to L‐aspartate. When L‐aspartate was supplied as the sole nitrogen source together with glycerol as the carbon source, L‐aspartate was taken up by the bacteria and fumarate (or L‐malate) was excreted in equimolar amounts. Both reactions depended on DcuA. L‐Aspartate was taken up in amounts required for nitrogen metabolism but not for carbon metabolism. Therefore, DcuA catalyzes an L‐aspartate/C4‐dicarboxylate antiport serving as a nitrogen shuttle for nitrogen supply without net carbon supply.
PcrX, an sRNA derived from the 3′‐ UTR of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides puf operon modulates expression of puf genes encoding proteins of the bacterial photosynthetic apparatus
Authors: Eisenhardt Katrin M.H. , Reuscher Carina M. , Klug Gabriele
Published: July 2018

Facultative phototrophic bacteria like Rhodobacter sphaeroides can produce ATP by anoxygenic photosynthesis, which is of advantage under conditions with limiting oxygen. However, the simultaneous presence of pigments, light and oxygen leads to the generation of harmful singlet oxygen. In order to avoid this stress situation, the formation of photosynthetic complexes is tightly regulated by light and oxygen signals. In a complex regulatory network several regulatory proteins and the small non‐coding RNA PcrZ contribute to the balanced expression of photosynthesis genes. With PcrX this study identifies a second sRNA that is part of this network. The puf operon encodes pigment binding proteins of the light‐harvesting I complex (PufBA) and of the reaction center (PufLM), a protein regulating porphyrin flux (PufQ), and a scaffolding protein (PufX). The PcrX sRNA is derived from the 3′ UTR of the puf operon mRNA by RNase E‐mediated cleavage. It targets the pufX mRNA segment, reduces the half‐life of the pufBALMX mRNA and as a consequence affects the level of photosynthetic complexes. By its action PcrX counteracts the increased expression of photosynthesis genes that is mediated by protein regulators and is thus involved in balancing the formation of photosynthetic complexes in response to external stimuli.
The impact of DNA methylation in Alphaproteobacteria
Authors: Mouammine Annabelle , Collier Justine
Published: July 2018

Alphaproteobacteria include bacteria with very different modes of life, from free‐living to host‐associated and pathogenic bacteria. Their genomes vary in size and organization from single circular chromosomes to multipartite genomes and are often methylated by one or more adenine or cytosine methyltransferases (MTases). These include MTases that are part of restriction/modification systems and so‐called orphan MTases. The development of novel technologies accelerated the analysis of methylomes and revealed the existence of epigenetic patterns in several Alphaproteobacteria. This review describes the known functions of DNA methylation in Alphaproteobacteria and also discusses its potential drawbacks through the accidental deamination of methylated cytosines. Particular emphasis is given to the strong connection between the cell cycle‐regulated orphan MTase CcrM and the complex network that controls gene expression and cell cycle progression in Alphaproteobacteria.
Genetic diversity of Pneumocystis jirovecii from a cluster of cases of pneumonia in renal transplant patients: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ricci Giannina , Santos Daniel Wagner , Kovacs Joseph A. , Nishikaku Angela Satie , de Sandes‐Freitas Taina Veras , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , Kutty Geetha , Affonso Regina , Silva Hélio Tedesco , Medina‐Pestana José Osmar , de Franco Marcello Fabiano , Colombo Arnaldo Lopes
Published: July 2018

Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause severe potentially life‐threatening pneumonia (PCP) in kidney transplant patients. Prophylaxis of patients against PCP in this setting is usually performed during 6 months after transplantation. The aim of this study is to describe the molecular epidemiology of a cluster of PCP in renal transplant recipients in Brazil. Renal transplant patients who developed PCP between May and December 2011 had their formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) lung biopsy samples analysed. Pneumocystis jirovecii 23S mitochondrial large subunit of ribosomal RNA (23S mtLSU‐rRNA), 26S rRNA, and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced, and analysed for genetic variation. During the study period, 17 patients developed PCP (only four infections were documented within the first year after transplantation) and six (35.3%) died. Thirty FFPE samples from 11 patients, including one external control HIV‐infected patient, had fungal DNA successfully extracted for further amplification and sequencing for all three genes. A total of five genotypes were identified among the 10 infected patients. Of note, four patients were infected by more than one genotype and seven patients were infected by the same genotype. DNA extracted from FFPE samples can be used for genotyping; this approach allowed us to demonstrate that multiple P. jirovecii strains were responsible for this cluster, and one genotype was found infecting seven patients. The knowledge of the causative agents of PCP may help to develop new initiatives for control and prevention of PCP among patients undergoing renal transplant and improve routine PCP prophylaxis.
Exploring the putative role of kallikrein‐6, calpain‐1 and cathepsin‐D in the proteolytic degradation of α‐synuclein in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Kiely A. P. , Miners J. S. , Courtney R. , Strand C. , Love S. , Holton J. L.
Published: July 2018

Aims

There is evidence that accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) results from impaired removal of α‐syn rather than its overproduction. Kallikrein‐6 (KLK6), calpain‐1 (CAPN1) and cathepsin‐D (CTSD) are among a small number of proteases that cleave α‐syn and are dysregulated in PD and DLB. Our aim in this study was to determine whether protease activity is altered in another α‐synucleinopathy, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and might thereby modulate the regional distribution of α‐syn accumulation.

Methods

mRNA and protein level and/or activity of KLK6, CAPN1 and CTSD were measured and assessed in relation to α‐syn load in multiple brain regions (posterior frontal cortex, caudate nucleus, putamen, occipital cortex, pontine base and cerebellar white matter), in MSA (n = 20) and age‐matched postmortem control tissue (n = 20).

Results

CTSD activity was elevated in MSA in the pontine base and cerebellar white matter. KLK6 and CAPN1 levels were elevated in MSA in the putamen and cerebellar white matter. However, the activity or level of these proteolytic enzymes did not correlate with the regional distribution of α‐syn.

Conclusions

Accumulation of α‐syn in MSA is not due to reduced activity of the proteases we have studied. We suggest that their upregulation is likely to be a compensatory response to increased α‐syn in MSA.
Fatalism and the Logic of Unconditionals
Authors: Bledin Justin
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I consider a variant of the ancient Idle Argument involving so‐called “unconditionals” with interrogative antecedents. This new Idle Argument provides an ideal setting for probing the logic of these close relatives ofif‐conditionals, which has been comparatively underexplored. In the course of refuting the argument, I argue that contrary to received wisdom, many unconditionals do not entail their main clauses, yetmodus ponensis still unrestrictedly valid for this class of expressions. I make these lessons precise in a formal system drawing on recent work in inquisitive semantics. My larger aim is to challenge standard truth preservation accounts of logic and deductive argumentation.
Using involvement to enhance employee engagement in IT firms: examining leadership initiatives in a key developing national context
Authors: Donnelly Rory
Published: July 2018

Many organisational leaders increasingly use employee involvement to serve their interests, spurred by the unitarist rationale of leader‐member exchange (LMX). Existing research into employee involvement and participation (EIP) management has mainly focused on manufacturing firms in advanced economies and has not kept pace with developments in settings where practice is primarily governed by organisational leaders plus greater use is made of informal and technologically assisted EIP. Consequently, this paper investigates the management of EIP in IT firms at the forefront of these developments in India. The findings reveal how an array of informal initiatives, including social media, are being used to permeate traditional LMX and EIP boundaries to reinforce unitarist leadership goals. Limitations to some of these initiatives are elucidated, as they are unevenly used and contested by employees. Thus, the paper contributes to critiques of LMX as an ancillary framework for EIP.
Plant‐made E2 glycoprotein single‐dose vaccine protects pigs against classical swine fever
Authors: Laughlin Richard C. , Madera Rachel , Peres Yair , Berquist Brian R. , Wang Lihua , Buist Sterling , Burakova Yulia , Palle Sreenath , Chung Chungwon J. , Rasmussen Max V. , Martel Erica , Brake David A. , Neilan John G. , Lawhon Sara D. , Adams L. Garry , Shi Jishu , Marcel Sylvain
Published: July 2018

Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) causes classical swine fever, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever affecting both feral and domesticated pigs. Outbreaks of CSF in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America had significant adverse impacts on animal health, food security and the pig industry. The disease is generally contained by prevention of exposure through import restrictions (e.g. banning import of live pigs and pork products), localized vaccination programmes and culling of infected or at‐risk animals, often at very high cost. Current CSFV‐modified live virus vaccines are protective, but do not allow differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), a critical aspect of disease surveillance programmes. Alternatively, first‐generation subunit vaccines using the viral protein E2 allow for use of DIVA diagnostic tests, but are slow to induce a protective response, provide limited prevention of vertical transmission and may fail to block viral shedding. CSFV E2 subunit vaccines from a baculovirus/insect cell system have been developed for several vaccination campaigns in Europe and Asia. However, this expression system is considered expensive for a veterinary vaccine and is not ideal for wide‐spread deployment. To address the issues of scalability, cost of production and immunogenicity, we have employed an Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression platform in Nicotiana benthamiana and formulated the purified antigen in novel oil‐in‐water emulsion adjuvants. We report the manufacturing of adjuvanted, plant‐made CSFV E2 subunit vaccine. The vaccine provided complete protection in challenged pigs, even after single‐dose vaccination, which was accompanied by strong virus neutralization antibody responses.
High‐throughput development of SSR marker candidates and their chromosomal assignment in rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Li Jianjian , Zhou Ruonan , Endo Takashi R. , Stein Nils
Published: July 2018

Shotgun survey sequences of flow‐sorted individual rye chromosomes were data mined for the presence of simple sequence repeats (SSRs). For 787,850 putative SSR loci, a total of 358,660 PCR primer pairs could be designed and 51,138 nonredundant SSR marker candidates were evaluated by in silico PCR. Of the 51,138 SSR primer candidates, 1,277 were associated with 1,125 rye gene models. A total of 2,112 of the potential SSR markers were randomly selected to represent about equal numbers for each of the rye chromosomes, and 856 SSRs were assigned to individual rye chromosomes experimentally. Potential transferability of rye SSRs to wheat and barley was of low efficiency with 4.3% (2,189) and 0.4% (223) of rye SSRs predicted to be amplified in wheat and barley, respectively. This data set of rye chromosome‐specific SSR markers will be useful for the specific detection of rye chromatin introgressed into wheat as well as for low‐cost genetic and physical mapping in rye without the need for high‐tech equipment.
Clinical cut‐off point for the Distrust dimension of the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory 2 (IDCP‐2)
Authors: Carvalho Lucas de Francisco , Lima Costa Ariela Raissa
Published: July 2018

The Clinical Dimensional Personality Inventory 2 (IDCP‐2) is a 206‐item self‐report tool developed for the assessment of 12 dimensions (divided into 47 factors) of personality pathology. One of the scales comprising the instrument, the Distrust scale, is intended to provide psychometric information on traits closely related to the Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD). In the present research, we used the Item Response Theory and the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis to establish a clinical meaningful cutoff for the Distrust scale. Participants were 1,679 adults, among outpatients diagnosed with PPD, outpatients diagnosed with other PDs, and adults from the community. The Wright map revealed that outpatients were located at the very high levels on the latent continuum of the Distrust scale, with a very large effect size for the mean difference between patients and non‐patients. The ROC curve supported a cutoff at −1.00 score in theta standardization which yielded 0.87 of sensitivity and 0.54 of specificity. Findings from the present investigation suggest the IDCP‐2 Distrust scale is useful as a screening tool of the core features of the PPD. We address potential clinical applications for the instrument and discuss limitations from the present study.
The phylogeny of the genus Indoplanorbis (Gastropoda, Planorbidae) from Africa and the French West Indies
Authors: Mouahid Gabriel , Clerissi Camille , Allienne Jean‐François , Chaparro Cristian , Al Yafae Salem , Mintsa Nguema Rodrigue , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Moné Hélène
Published: July 2018

Indoplanorbis exustus is a freshwater snail known as the intermediate host of various trematode parasites, including different species of the genus Schistosoma. Although its genetic diversity is well described in Asia, the phylogenetic diversity of strains from Africa and Guadeloupe (French West Indies) and their relationship to Asian and South‐East Asian strains remain unknown. To tackle this issue, we sampled individuals from Africa and Guadeloupe, and we computed phylogenetic reconstructions using five molecular markers: partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes, cox1 and 16S, and three nuclear markers, ITS1, ITS2 (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 and 2) and 5.8S. Our results suggest that strains in Africa and Guadeloupe come from Asia and that they all belong to a single clade that is widespread around the globe.
The Size of Simulated Lytic Metastases Affects the Strain Distribution on the Anterior Surface of the Vertebra
Authors: Palanca Marco , Barbanti-Bròdano Giovanni , Cristofolini Luca
Published: July 2018

Metastatic lesions of the vertebra are associated with risk of fracture, which can be disabling and life-threatening. In the literature, attempts are found to identify the parameters that reduce the strength of a metastatic vertebra leading to spine instability. However, a number of controversial issues remain. Our aim was to quantify how the strain distribution in the vertebral body is affected by the presence and by the size of a simulated metastatic defect. Five cadaveric thoracic spine segments were subjected to non-destructive presso-flexion while intact, and after simulation of metastases of increasing size. For the largest defect, the specimens were eventually tested to failure. The full-field strain distribution in the elastic range was measured with digital image correlation (DIC) on the anterior surface of the vertebral body. The mean strain in the vertebra remained similar to the intact when the defects were smaller than 30% of the vertebral volume. The mean strains became significantly larger than in the intact for larger defects. The map of strain and its statistical distribution indicated a rather uniform condition in the intact vertebra and with defects smaller than 30%. Conversely, the strain distribution became significantly different from the intact for defects larger than 30%. A strain peak appeared in the region of the simulated metastasis, where fracture initiated during the final destructive test. This is a first step in understanding how the features of metastasis influence the vertebral strain and for the construction of a mechanistic model to predicted fracture.
Chondrules as direct thermochemical sensors of solar protoplanetary disk gas
Authors: Libourel Guy , Portail Marc
Published: July 2018

Cathodoluminescence reveals structures indicative of gas-assisted epitaxial growth during chondrule melt crystallization.
Evidence of an early projectile point technology in North America at the Gault Site, Texas, USA
Authors: Williams Thomas J. , Collins Michael B. , Rodrigues Kathleen , Rink William Jack , Velchoff Nancy , Keen-Zebert Amanda , Gilmer Anastasia , Frederick Charles D. , Ayala Sergio J. , Prewitt Elton R.
Published: July 2018

Human presence in North America before ~16 thousand years ago is confirmed by age measurements from Area 15 of the Gault Site.
Evaluation of patient-reported outcome measurements as a reliable tool to measure acceptability of the taste of paediatric medicines in an inpatient paediatric population
Authors: Mistry Punam , Stirling Heather , Callens Claire , Hodson James , Batchelor Hannah
Published: July 2018

Objective

To evaluate the age appropriateness and suitability of patient-reported outcome measures to assess the acceptability of the taste of oral liquid medicines in children.

Design and setting

An observational mixed-methods study involving children aged 2–16 years taking oral liquid medicine in paediatric inpatient wards across the West Midlands (UK). Assessment tools included patient-reported scores on the taste of medicines via a five-point Facial Hedonic Scale; a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); a question, ‘Did you think the medicine tasted OK?’ and researcher observations of facial expressions and behaviours immediately before, during and after administration.

Results

611 children participated. The percent unable to complete the scales was 7% (n=46) for the VAS; 2% (n=15) for the hedonic scale and 1% (n=7) for the question about taste. Significant correlations (Spearman’s r) were observed between the patient-reported outcome measures: 0.80 and 0.78 for the taste question and hedonic and VAS, respectively, and 0.84 for the hedonic and VAS. Researcher observations demonstrated the ability of the patient to take the medicine as intended but did not provide sensitive measures of taste. 5% of administrations were not taken as intended by the children. Medicines known to have poor taste (clarithromycin and prednisolone) showed mean hedonic and VAS scores of ≥3.5 and >65 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Patient-reported outcome measures correlate with each other and are a useful means to assess the taste (and acceptability) of medicines. Hedonic scales are better understood by children and should be the first choice tool in the assessment of medicines taste.
A novel copper selective sensor based on ion imprinted 2-vinylpyridine polymer
Authors: Yolcu Murat , Dere Nurşen
Published: July 2018

A novel potentiometric Cu2+-selective microsensor has been developed that is based upon ion imprinted 2-vinylpyridine polymer. The polymer was synthesized using Cu(II) ions, 2-vinylpyridine, methacrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. The resultant polymer was used as ionophore to obtain a selective potentiometric response towards Cu(II) ions in the structure of the PVC membrane. The detection limit of the microsensor was determined to be 8.4 × 10−7mol/L, and its response time was considerably short (less than 15 s). The prepared microsensor exhibited a near-Nernstian response for Cu(II) ions over the concentration range of 10−1to 10−6mol/L, with a slope of 28.5 mV per decade over 2 months, and without any considerable divergence in potentials. The microsensor was effectively performed in a pH range between 4.0 and 7.0 and used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Cu(II) ions with EDTA. The proposed microsensor has been successfully demonstrated for the determination of copper in a number of environmental water samples. The obtained potentiometric results were in good harmony with the results obtained by the AAS method.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of nanofluid natural convection heat transfer in a channel with a sinusoidal obstacle
Authors: Abchouyeh Monireh Asadi , Mohebbi Rasul , Fard Omid Solaymani
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work is to conduct numerical study of fluid flow and natural convection heat transfer by utilizing the nanofluid in a two-dimensional horizontal channel consisting of a sinusoidal obstacle by lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The fluid in the channel is a water-based nanofluid containing Cuo nanoparticles. Thermal conductivity and nanofluid’s viscosity are calculated by Patel and Brinkman models, respectively. A wide range of parameters such as the Reynolds number ([Formula: see text]–400) and the solid volume fraction ranging ([Formula: see text]–0.05) at different non-dimensional amplitude of the wavy wall of the sinusoidal obstacle ([Formula: see text]–20) on the streamlines and temperature contours are investigated in the present study. In addition, the local and average Nusselt numbers are illustrated on lower wall of the channel. The sensitivity to the resolution and representation of the sinusoidal obstacle’s shape on flow field and heat transfer by LBM simulations are the main interest and innovation of this study. The results showed that increasing the solid volume fraction [Formula: see text] and Reynolds number Re leads to increase the average Nusselt numbers. The maximum average Nusselt number occurs when the Reynolds number and solid volume fraction are maximum and amplitude of the wavy wall is minimum. Also, by decreasing the [Formula: see text], the vortex shedding forms up at higher Reynolds number in the wake region downstream of the obstacle.
SOCIAL WELFARE, PHANTOM VOTERS, AND INTERNAL MIGRATION IN TAIWAN — EVIDENCE FROM PANEL SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: HUANG JR-TSUNG , CHANG MING-LEI
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to investigate the following two issues related to internal migration in Taiwan: one is the widely discussed issue of the existence of magnetic effects induced by welfare benefits and the other is a rarely discussed issue of the existence of phantom voters. Using panel data for 23 counties and cities from 1995 to 2010 and estimating three fixed-effects spatial Durbin models, the primary findings of this study are that, by keeping other factors constant and considering the spatial dependence of migration, welfare migration is found to exist, particularly for females, and the number of phantom voters in an election year can significantly affect internal migration in Taiwan.
Fast Video Stitching for Aerially Captured HD Videos
Authors: Lu Yan , Liu Bin , Li Weihai , Yu Nenghai
Published: July 2018

Videos captured from the air by flying devices like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have great application prospects in many fields such as journalism, art, military and public security. Due to the difficulties such as vibration, needing for speed and high resolution and so on, it is non-trivial to apply traditional static image stitching algorithms to flying cameras. To this end, we propose a real-time video stitching system which is capable to stitch high definition (HD) videos captured by mobile aerial devices. In our work, we use scale invariant information to speed up the feature point extraction.
Scalar–tensor theories of gravity with torsion and the propagation of photons
Authors: Kanazawa T. , Yoshioka A. , Lambiase G. , Vilasi G.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we study the propagation of photons in a spacetime of a scalar–tensor screwed cosmic string. We determine the Stokes parameters and compute the rotation of the polarization angle. The latter turns out to depend on the wavelength of the propagating photons and on the cosmological redshift. We then compute the circular polarization of photons showing that, to leading order in the coupling constant, it is zero for the model under consideration.
Antineutrino detection based on 6Li-doped pulse shape sensitive plastic scintillator and gadolinium-doped water
Authors: Dazeley Steven , Bernstein Adam , Classen Tim , Reedy Edward , Hellfeld Dan , Duvall Mark , Marianno Craig
Published: July 2018

The need for sensitive new reactor antineutrino detection methods is discussed. Two new methods are proposed, including a new technique suited for near field detectors unshielded from cosmic ray backgrounds and a new directional antineutrino detection technique suitable for long distance detectors.
Identifying the chaîne opératoire of prehistoric clay figurines using experimental archeology and imaging methods
Authors: Ignat Theodor , Bugoi Roxana , Constantin Florin , Parnic Valentin , Lazăr Cătălin
Published: July 2018

This paper reports the use of experimental archaeology and imaging methods—X-ray computed tomography (CT) and radiography—that were employed to decipher the manufacturing techniques of Eneolithic clay artefacts. This study was triggered by the archaeological research conducted in some tell settlements in Southeastern Romania that belong to the Kodjadermen-Gumelniţa-Karanovo VI culture (c. 4500–3900 BC). The findings reported here represent the first accounts of a recently started research project, which has as its main goal the re-creation of Eneolithic clay artefacts and the identification of the chaîne opératoire used for manufacturing these objects. In particular, X-ray imaging techniques were used as complementary methods to help understand the structure of intact Eneolithic artefacts. In a subsequent step of this research, these techniques will be employed to check for similarities between the archaeological items and modern pottery replicas created in experimental archaeology workshops.
Synthesis, processing and electron paramagnetic resonance response of Y1.98Eu0.02O3 micro rods
Authors: Santos S. C. , Rodrigues O. , Campos L. L.
Published: July 2018

Innovating dosimetric materials, which includes design and development of new dosimetric materials based on rare earth oxides, is challenging. Yttrium oxide (Y[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] is one of the most important sesquioxides and presents crystal characteristics that enable doping with rare earth ions, making it a promising material for radiation dosimetry. This paper reports on the development and measurement of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) signal response for Y[Formula: see text]Eu[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]micro rods that have undergone facile low-pressure hydrothermal synthesis and bio-prototyping. As- synthesized powders with narrow sub-micrometer particle size distribution with d[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] of 584 nm exhibited a reactive surface, which led to the formation of stable aqueous suspensions by controlling the surface charge density of particles through alkaline pH adjustment. Ceramic samples with dense microstructure were formed by sintering at 1600 [Formula: see text]C for 4h at ambient atmosphere. Y[Formula: see text]Eu[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]micro rods were irradiated using a [Formula: see text]Co source with doses from 1 to 100 kGy, and EPR spectra were measured at room temperature in X-band microwave frequencies. Sintered samples exhibited linearity of the main EPR signal response from 10 Gy to 10 kGy. Supralinearity was observed for higher doses, which is possibly ascribed to formation of more defects. Using europium as a dopant enhanced the EPR signal of yttrium rods remarkably, due to 4f–4f transitions of the Eu[Formula: see text] ion. These innovative findings make europium-doped yttrium oxide a promising material for radiation dosimetry.
Investigating artifacts associated with β-particle interactions in charge-coupled devices
Authors: Newton Rosie , Scott Mike J. , Joyce Malcolm J.
Published: July 2018

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) show potential for detecting charged particles and ionizing radiation. In particular, the clusters in the pixel images produced can be distinctive for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] radiation, with [Formula: see text] particles causing symmetrical clusters or vertical tracks, and [Formula: see text] particles causing long, curved tracks. This distinction may be exploited by means of a handheld, portable device for in-situ detection, and identification of radioactive contamination. [Formula: see text]-particle track interactions in CCDs have been investigated. Simulative results using CASINO (Monte Carlo Simulation of Electron Trajectory in Solids) attempt to predict the size of [Formula: see text]-particle pixel clusters, using 512 keV and 310 keV electrons to represent [Formula: see text]Cs and [Formula: see text]Co, respectively. The number of pixels that higher-energy electrons traversed peaked at two, while lower-energy electrons had a smaller peak of 2.5 pixels, with a higher proportion of large cluster sizes. This finding is consistent with the higher scattering cross-section for lower-energy [Formula: see text] particles. By contrast, experimental data show a peak at one pixel for both sources, owing to the addition of smaller [Formula: see text] clusters. The [Formula: see text]Co source shows a higher proportion of large cluster sizes than the [Formula: see text]Cs, as was also seen in the simulation; however, the difference was small, as these sources are similar in energy. Simulative and experimental data will be used to process the CCD images further, with the objective of distinguishing between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] radiation. Investigations have also been carried out using a [Formula: see text]Po [Formula: see text] particle source. Horizontal streaks were seen in the images produced, with an average length of 14 pixels. Further research will be performed using an accelerator to obtain different [Formula: see text]-particle energies.
Development of trigger and start detectors for experiments with high-energy heavy ions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research
Authors: Yurevich V. I. , Agakichiev G. N. , Sergeev S. V. , Bogoslovski D. N. , Lobastov S. P. , Rogov V. Yu. , Averichev G. S. , Tikhomirov V. V. , Timoshenko A. A. , Batenkov O. I.
Published: July 2018

Fast Cherenkov and scintillation detectors based on microchannel-plate photomultiplier tubes and silicon photomultipliers are being developed for application in the multi-purpose detector and baryonic matter at the Nuclotron experiments with the heavy ion beams at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. The aim of the detectors is the fast triggering of nucleus–nucleus collisions with high efficiency and to generate the start signal with picosecond time resolution for time-of-flight measurements. The detectors provide a time resolution better than 50 ps and can operate in the strong magnetic field of the experimental facilities.
Conditions of Confinement in American Prisons and Jails
Authors: Wildeman Christopher , Fitzpatrick Maria D. , Goldman Alyssa W.
Published: July 2018

Research on the consequences of incarceration for inmates and ex-inmates, their families, and their communities has proliferated in just the last 20 years. Yet little of this research has documented variation across facilities in conditions of confinement or how these variations in conditions of confinement shape the consequences of incarceration for inmates and ex-inmates, their families, and their communities. Also, the conditions of confinement that have to this point been considered represent a very incomplete portrait of the range of conditions of confinement inmates could face. In this review, we fill this gap in four ways. First, we provide a partial overview of possible variations in conditions of confinement. Second, we use data from multiple years of the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails and the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities to provide an assessment of how much conditions of confinement vary across American jails, state prisons, and federal prisons, with an emphasis on variation within as well as between facility types. Third, we briefly review research on conditions of confinement in the United States and, as appropriate, other developed democracies. Finally, we conclude by providing a road map for future research to further enliven this research area.