bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of visuo‐spatial abilities in environment learning from maps and navigation over the adult lifespan
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Meneghetti Chiara , De Beni Rossana
Published: March 2019

Visuo‐spatial abilities have an important role in environment learning. The aim of the present study was to explore whether these abilities relate to spatial recall after learning an environment from a map or a video, and irrespective of the learner's age (from youth to old age). The study involved 431 participants from 25 to 84 years old, who were assessed for their visuo‐spatial working memory, object‐based mental rotation, and perspective‐taking abilities. Then, they learned environments from a map and a video, and performed pointing, map drawing, and route repetition tasks after learning from each type of input. The resulting path models showed that age related to visuo‐spatial abilities and (in some cases) to spatial accuracy, too. After accounting for age, visuo‐spatial abilities also related to spatial recall performance, whatever the type of learning input, especially in pointing tasks and, to a lesser degree, in map drawing and route repetition tasks. Overall, the relationship between individual visuo‐spatial abilities and environment learning relates to the learning input and the type of task used to assess recall. This relationship was found in a large and diverse sample of participants ranging from youth to old age.
Amlodipine induces vasodilation via Akt2/Sp1‐activated miR‐21 in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fang Qin , Tian Min , Wang Feng , Zhang Zhihao , Du Tingyi , Wang Wei , Yang Yong , Li Xianqing , Chen Guangzhi , Xiao Lei , Wei Haoran , Wang Yan , Chen Chen , Wang Dao Wen
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

The calcium antagonist amlodipine exerts important cardioprotective effects by modulating smooth muscle and endothelial functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood.

Experimental Approach

Western blotting was used to compare the expression of key genes involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype conversion. Recombinant adeno‐associated virus system was used to regulate miRNA expression in rats via tail vein. Bioinformatics was used to predict the transcriptional regulation of miR‐21 upstream followed by biochemical validation using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA assays.

Key Results

Only the calcium antagonist amlodipine, and no other type of anti‐hypertensive drug, induced miR‐21 overexpression in plasma and aortic vessels in the animal model. Real‐time PCR and luciferase assays showed that amlodipine induced miR‐21 overexpression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that amlodipine activated Akt2, rather than Akt1, followed by activation of transcription factor Sp1, which regulated VSMC phenotype conversion via binding to the miR‐21 promoter. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses and luciferase assays demonstrated that amlodipine activated miR‐21 transcription at the ‐2034/‐2027 Sp1‐binding site, which was further demonstrated by ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA assays. Consistently, small‐interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of Akt2 and Sp1 significantly attenuated the effects of amlodipine on miR‐21 expression in smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion and Implications

These results indicate that amlodipine induces smooth muscle cell differentiation via miR‐21, which is regulated by p‐Akt2 and Sp1 nuclear translocation, thereby providing a novel target for cardiovascular diseases.
Short lipopeptides specifically inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes with a dual antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory action
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Jingyu , Lu Shengsheng , Chen Zhao , Fan Sheng , Chen Daiwei , Xue Huanxin , Shi Wenyuan , He Jian
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Propionibacterium acnes is a Gram‐positive bacterium associated with the skin disorder acne. In this study, as fatty acids are considered to be important in the life habitat of P. acnes, we tested our lipopeptide library in an attempt to create potent P. acnes‐specific antimicrobial agents.

Experimental Approach

The antimicrobial activity of various lipopeptides was determined by measuring their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Lipids from P. acnes were used to explore their mode of action. RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and P. acnes respectively were used to measure their anti‐inflammatory activity. Mice ears injected with P. acnes were used to assess the antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects of the peptides tested in vivo.

Key Results

The most potent candidate, C16‐KWKW, was observed to be more active against P. acnes than against other non‐targeted bacterial strains, such as Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The mode of action of C16‐KWKW was observed to be through interference with the integrity of the bacterial membrane, thereby impairing membrane permeability and causing leakage of inner contents of bacterial cells. Furthermore, C16‐KWKW inhibited the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and inducible NOS stimulated by both LPS and P. acnes, thus showing potential anti‐inflammatory activity, which was further verified in the in vivo animal studies.

Conclusions and Implications

C16‐KWKW is a lipopeptide displaying both anti‐P. acnes and anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo and shows potential as a treatment for acne vulgaris induced by P. acnes.
Differential Influence of Same‐ and Cross‐Ethnic Friends on Ethnic‐Racial Identity Development in Early Adolescence
Authors: Jugert Philipp , Leszczensky Lars , Pink Sebastian
Published: March 2019

Recent research has shown that peers influence ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) development during early adolescence. Arguments based on social identity theory, however, suggest that only same‐ethnic but not cross‐ethnic friends are important for ERI development. Using longitudinal social network analysis, we examined peer influence of both same‐ and cross‐ethnic friends on ERI attachment and private regard. Data were drawn from six ethnically diverse schools in Western Germany (N = 1,349;Mage = 13.3). Our results provide empirical evidence for early adolescents’ ERI being influenced by same‐ but less by cross‐ethnic friends. Considering peers’ ethnicity therefore is crucial for understanding peer influence on ERI development.
Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) serum levels and risk of spontaneous abortion: A prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kianpour Maryam , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Amini Massoud , Feizi Awat , Aminorroaya Yamini Sima , Janghorbani Mohsen
Published: March 2019

Objective

Thyroid dysfunction, a common complication of pregnancy, is associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal consequences. This study aimed to determine the effect of TSH levels on early pregnancy outcome in a prospective population‐based cohort study.

Design and methods

The serum TSH, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and urinary iodine concentration of 418 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy were measured. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the local reference ranges for TSH, women were divided into two groups of 0.1‐2.5, >2.5 mIU/L and 0.2‐4.6, >4.6 mIU/L. The risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) was calculated for each group.

Results

Spontaneous abortion was detected in 7.2% (n = 30) of total 418 pregnancies. Women with TSH levels > 2.5 mIU/L had an increased risk of SA, compared to women with TSH levels of 0.1‐2.5 mIU/L (relative risk [RR] 3.719, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.713‐8.074). The risk of SA was increased in women with TSH levels > 4.6 mIU/L (RR 5.939, 95% CI: 1.711‐20.620). The rate of SA was increased by 78% for every unit increase in standard deviation of TSH concentration (RR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09‐1.70). The rate of miscarriages in the treated group by levothyroxine was 9.8% (n = 6) compared to 28.6% (n = 8) in the untreated group (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Our finding suggests that the upper limit for the TSH normal range should be redefined to <2.5 mIU/L during the first trimester of gestation. The local upper limit was 4.6 mIU/L, consistent with 4.0 mIU/L cut‐off value recommended by the ATA.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial using a novel collagen membrane for guided bone regeneration at dehisced single implant sites: Outcome at prosthetic delivery and at 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Urban Istvan A. , Wessing Bastian , Alández Nuria , Meloni Silvio , González‐Martin Oscar , Polizzi Giovanni , Sanz‐Sanchez Igancio , Montero Eduardo , Zechner Werner
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To compare clinical performance of a novel resorbable non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane (CXP) with a reference membrane (non‐cross‐linked resorbable membrane; BG) for simultaneous implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR) at dehisced single implant sites.

Materials and methods

Preliminary data from this randomized controlled trial were reported previously; this is the 12‐month report. The primary outcome measure was defected height at 6 months post‐GBR. Secondary outcomes included implant cumulative survival rate (CSR) and success rate since placement; bone level changes, pink esthetic score (PES), and patient satisfaction since definitive prosthesis delivery; patient quality of life since pretreatment; and the 1‐year bleeding index. Non‐parametric statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Among patients, 24 were treated with CXP and 25 with BG. The 1‐year implant CSR and success rate were 100% (n = 42). Bone level change between definitive prosthetic delivery and 1 year was not significantly different between the CXP and BG groups (BG + 0.42 mm, CXP + 0.01 mm). The PES increased from 7.55 to 8.10 for the CXP group and from 6.48 to 7.48 for the BG group; 1‐year bleeding indices were 0 (16 CXP, 18 BG) and 1 (4 CXP, 2 BG). Patient quality of life changed from an OHIP‐14 score of 6.5 at pretreatment to 1.9 at 1 year. Overall satisfaction (visual analogue score) with function and esthetics was 9.9 and 9.7, respectively. Inter‐group differences were not significant for assessed outcomes. No device‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The use of CXP and BG for simultaneous implant placement and GBR at dehisced implant sites similarly reduced defect height and improved secondary measures, indicating non‐inferiority.
Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma: A clinicopathologic study of 62 cases and proposed diagnostic criteria
Authors: Roy Simon F. , Dong Danni , Myung Peggy , McNiff Jennifer M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) is an uncommon and likely underdiagnosed entity that is thought to be of vascular and fibrohistiocytic origin.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases diagnosed as MCAH at the Yale Medicine Dermatopathology laboratory between 1 January 1990 and 1 September 2018. Sixty‐two cases were retained. We performed immunohistochemistry on the ten most inflamed lesions found and assessed for a possible alteration within the Wnt/ß‐catenin signaling pathway, involved in follicular induction in dermatofibroma. We subsequently established histologic diagnostic criteria to differentiate MCAH from its mimickers.

Results

MCAH affected both genders equally. The hands or fingers were affected in 51.6% of cases. We found the most specific histologic criteria to be: (a) presence of odd multinucleated fibroblasts, (b) presence of superficial parallel fibrosis, (c) presence and thickening of superficial papillary dermal vessels, and (d) absence of perifollicular fibrosis. As for immunoreactivity, we found positivity to CD138, CD163, and CD117 in the mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. There was no histopathologic evidence of follicular induction, as can be seen in dermatofibromas, and no expression of nuclear beta‐catenin as seen in dermatofibromas with follicular induction.

Conclusion

This large case series establishes MCAH as a distinct clinical and histopathologic entity.
Refractory macrophage activation syndrome in the setting of adult‐onset Still disease with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis detected on skin biopsy treated with canakinumab and tacrolimus
Authors: Chamseddin Bahir , Marks Etan , Dominguez Arturo , Wysocki Christian , Vandergriff Travis
Published: March 2019

A 19‐year‐old Caucasian female with adult‐onset Still disease (AOSD) presented for evaluation of an acute clinical decompensation and atypical annular papules and plaques with purpura on the lower extremities. A punch biopsy demonstrated histiocytes with engulfed degenerated erythrocytes and lymphocytes, consistent with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH, clinically referred to as macrophage activation syndrome, is a rare complication of AOSD and is life‐threatening. Relevant clinical, laboratory, and histologic features of this diagnosis are reviewed.
Thermoforming technique for maintaining the thickness of single‐layer mouthguard during pressure formation
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Bando Yogetsu
Published: March 2019

Background/Aim

Using mouthguards can reduce the risk of injury when playing sports, but the sheet material and thickness have a large effect on their efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of moving the model position just before formation in the pressure forming technique to maintain the thickness of a single‐layer mouthguard.

Materials and Methods

A 4.0‐mm‐thick ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard sheet (diameter: 125 mm) and a pressure forming machine were used. The working model was placed with its anterior rim positioned 40 mm from the front of the forming table. The sheets were placed in the forming table with the sheet extrusion direction either vertical (V) or parallel (P) to the model's centerline. Two molding methods were compared: (a) The sheet was formed when it sagged 15 mm (control) and (b) the sheet was covered on the model when it sagged 15 mm, next the model was pushed forward 20 mm, and the sheet was then formed (MP). Mouthguard thickness was measured for the labial surface, palatal surface, cusp, and buccal surface using a specialized caliper. Thickness differences according to molding methods and sheet extrusion directions were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA.

Results

The thicknesses of the labial surface, cusp, and buccal surface were significantly larger in MP than in the control (P < 0.01). In particular, the thickness differences caused by the molding method were large on the labial and buccal surfaces: For the control, the thicknesses were 1.9 ± 0.03 and 2.1 ± 0.02 mm, whereas for MP, they were 3.2 ± 0.03 and 2.9 ± 0.03 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The molding method of moving the model forward just before formation was useful as a thermoforming technique for maintaining the thickness of single‐layer mouthguards during pressure forming with 4.0‐mm‐thick EVA sheet. This method produced labial and buccal thicknesses of 3.2 ± 0.03 and 2.9 ± 0.03 mm.
The Vascular Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders criteria for vascular cognitive disorders: a validation study
Authors: Sachdev P. S. , Lipnicki D. M. , Crawford J. D. , Brodaty H.
Published: March 2019

Background and purpose

The Vascular Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders (VASCOG) criteria for vascular cognitive disorders were published in 2014, but their concurrent and predictive validity have not been examined.

Methods

Participants (N = 165, aged 49–86 years) were from Sydney Stroke Study, a longitudinal study of post‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia. Diagnoses using the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Association Internationale pour la Recherché et l'Enseignement en Neurosciences (NINDS‐AIREN), the Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (ADDTC) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV), criteria for vascular dementia (VaD) were made by consensus at multidisciplinary case conferences. Diagnoses for mild vascular cognitive disorder (mVCD) and VaD using VASCOG, DSM‐5 and the Vascular Impairment of Cognition Classification Consensus Study (VICCCS) criteria were made by two study authors. Agreement levels between criteria sets were examined using Cohen's kappa (κ). The ability of VaD diagnoses to predict mortality over 10 years and of mVCD to predict dementia over 5 years was investigated.

Results

The VASCOG criteria yielded rates of mVCD slightly lower than for DSM‐5 and VICCCS. VaD rates were similar for all criteria, although slightly lower for DSM‐IV. Agreement between the VASCOG, VICCCS and DSM‐5 criteria was excellent for VaD and mVCD (κ = 0.83–1.0), but lower for VaD between VASCOG and the other criteria (κ = 0.47–0.63). VaD‐based mortality predictions were similar for the VASCOG, VICCCS and DSM‐5 criteria, and higher than those for other criteria. The prediction of incident dementia within 5 years from mVCD was slightly lower with VASCOG criteria than with DSM‐5 and VICCCS criteria.

Conclusions

The VASCOG criteria have greater sensitivity, modest concurrent validity and better predictive validity than older criteria for VaD, but are comparable to DSM‐5 and VICCCS criteria. Their operationalization and inclusion of a mild VCD category make them useful for clinical and research applications.
Mechanistic insights into Nav1.7‐dependent regulation of rat prostate cancer cell invasiveness revealed by toxin probes and proteomic analysis
Authors: Chen Bo , Zhang Changxin , Wang Zijun , Chen Yan , Xie Huali , Li Sha , Liu Xiaoqian , Liu Zhonghua , Chen Ping
Published: March 2019

Voltage‐gated sodium channels are involved in tumor metastasis, as potentiating or attenuating their activities affects the migration and invasion process of tumor cells. In the present study, we tested the effect of two peptide toxins, JZTX‐I and HNTX‐III which function as Nav1.7 activator and inhibitor, respectively, on the migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer (PCa) cell line Mat‐LyLu. These two peptides showed opposite effects, and subsequently a comparative proteomic analysis characterized 64 differentially expressed membrane proteins from the JZTX‐I‐ and HNTX‐III‐treated groups. Among these, 15 proteins were down‐regulated and 49 proteins were up‐regulated in the HNTX‐III group. Bioinformatic analysis showed eight proteins are cytoskeleton proteins or related regulators, which might play important roles in the metastasis of Mat‐LyLu cells. The altered expressions of four of these proteins, fascin, muskelin, annexin A2, and cofilin‐1, were validated by western blot analysis. Further function network analysis of these proteins revealed that the Rho family GTPases RhoA and Rac1 might be of particular importance for the rat PCa cell invasion. Pharmacological data revealed that JZTX‐I and HNTX‐III could modulate the Rho signaling pathway in a Nav1.7‐dependent manner. In summary, this study suggests that the Nav1.7‐dependent regulation of Rho GTPase activity plays a vital role in Mat‐LyLu cell migration and invasion and provides new insights into the treatment of PCa.
MicroRNA 10a induces glioma tumorigenesis by targeting myotubularin‐related protein 3 and regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Yan , Yan Hua , Wang Qin , Zhang Le , Liu Ying , Yu Haimiao
Published: March 2019

MicroRNAs are involved in the regulation of tumor formation. A previous study suggested that miR‐10a promotes glioma cell migration and invasion. However, the effect of miR‐10a on the proliferation of glioma cells remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that miR‐10a promoted proliferation and reduced apoptosis in glioma cells by directly targeting the 3′‐UTR of myotubularin‐related protein 3 (MTMR3). miR‐10a enhanced, while MTMR3 weakened, the growth of glioma in vivo. Ectopic expression of MTMR3 neutralized the effect of miR‐10a on glioma. Furthermore, miR‐10a and MTMR3 regulated β‐catenin expression and genes downstream of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, such as Bcl‐2, c‐myc, p‐c‐Jun, and cleaved caspase‐3, to affect the proliferation ability and apoptosis of glioma cells. In conclusion, our results indicated that miR‐10a regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis by directly targeting MTMR3 and could function as a prognostic factor for progression of glioma.
Legumes regulate grassland soil N cycling and its response to variation in species diversity and N supply but not CO2
Authors: Wei Xiaorong , Reich Peter B. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: April 2019

Legumes are an important component of plant diversity that modulate nitrogen (N) cycling in many terrestrial ecosystems. Limited knowledge of legume effects on soil N cycling and its response to global change factors and plant diversity hinders a general understanding of whether and how legumes broadly regulate the response of soil N availability to those factors. In a 17‐year study of perennial grassland species grown under ambient and elevated (+180 ppm) CO2and ambient and enriched (+4 g N m−2 year−1) N environments, we compared pure legume plots with plots dominated by or including other herbaceous functional groups (and containing one or four species) to assess the effect of legumes on N cycling (net N mineralization rate and inorganic N pools). We also examined the effects of numbers of legume species (from zero to four) in four‐species mixed plots on soil N cycling. We hypothesized that legumes would increase N mineralization rates most in those treatments with the greatest diversity and the greatest relative limitation by and competition for N. Results partially supported these hypotheses. Plots with greater dominance by legumes had greater soil nitrate concentrations and mineralization rates. Higher species richness significantly increased the impact of legumes on soil N metrics, with 349% and 505% higher mineralization rates and nitrate concentrations in four‐species plots containing legumes compared to legume‐free four‐species plots, in contrast to 185% and 129% greater values, respectively, in pure legume than nonlegume monoculture plots. N‐fertilized plots had greater legume effects on soil nitrate, but lower legume effects on net N mineralization. In contrast, neither elevated CO2nor its interaction with legumes affected net N mineralization. These results indicate that legumes markedly influence the response of soil N cycling to some, but not all, global change drivers.
Do government formation deadlocks really damage economic growth? Evidence from history's longest period of government formation impasse
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà
Published: April 2019

Several countries have experienced lengthy periods of government formation deadlock in recent years, as they have sought to form a new government. This study examines whether government formation deadlocks damage a country's economy. To do so, we analyze the case of Belgium, which took a record 541 days to create a post‐election government, following the June 2010 federal elections. Employing the synthetic control method, our results show that the Belgium economy did not suffer an economic toll; on the contrary, gross domestic product per capita growth was higher than would have otherwise been expected. As such, our evidence contradicts frequent claims that long periods of government formation deadlock negatively affect an economy.
Sustainable urbanization in Southeast Asia and beyond: Challenges of population growth, land use change, and environmental health
Authors: Arfanuzzaman Md. , Dahiya Bharat
Published: April 2019

As economic growth centres, the Southeast Asian cities feature high population pressure, unsustainable land use, environmental degradation, and large ecological footprints. It is difficult to manage environmental health and basic services for urban dwellers, and ensure optimum flow of ecosystem services in the context of rapid, unplanned, and haphazard urbanization. These challenges are particularly multifaceted in the developing countries of Southeast Asian region. This study, based on secondary sources, adopted multidisciplinary lenses, such as geographical information systems, socio‐economic perspective, and sustainability science to examine the population situation, land use change pattern, and drivers of environmental degradation in the Southeast Asian cities as well as the Dhaka megacity, and brought forth a fresh perspective to look into contemporary urban ecosystems, population dynamics, environmental health, and sustainability. It also focused on identifying the commonalities among the cities under study to create a common understanding towards promoting collaborative urban development. This study shows that the urbanization process in the Southeast Asia region is taking place mostly in an unplanned and haphazard manner. With little concern for nature, life‐supporting ecological systems, and the environment, urban spatial growth continues unabated. The data surveyed and discussed in this paper shows that the current style of urbanization in Southeast Asia can best be called unsustainable. The findings also suggest that the general wellbeing and welfare of the current and future generations in Southeast Asian cities as well as in Dhaka is at risk. The paper recommends concerted efforts towards making the urbanization process sustainable, including better urban planning, policymaking, and international and regional cooperation.
Mucocutaneous manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children in relation to the degree of immunosuppression
Authors: Britto Gillian R. , Augustine Mary
Published: March 2019

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children is becoming a common occurrence. Worldwide, limited studies have been done on the mucocutaneous manifestations in HIV‐positive children. The aim of our study was to analyze the spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations of pediatric HIV infection and correlate to degree of immunosuppression.

Material and methods

One hundred and sixty‐five children under 18 years with HIV, who presented to the departments of dermatology and pediatrics, were examined for mucocutaneous manifestations. Patients were classified into four groups of immunodeficiency such as normal, mild, advanced, and severe, based on NACO guidelines of immunosuppression. The most recent CD4 count (within 6 months of study period) was considered.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐five patients were examined, and skin manifestations were seen in 100 (61%) of them.The highest incidence of mucocutaneous manifestations was in 6–10 age group. Papular pruritic eruptions (PPE) (16%) was the most common condition, with highest prevalence in severe CD4 category (38%). Molluscum contagiosum (MC) (10%) was the most common infectious condition, with highest prevalence in advanced CD4 category (14%). Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) caused by nevirapine were seen in three children. The percentage of skin manifestations was highest in the advanced (107%) and severe (100%) CD4 category. There was no significant difference in manifestations between those who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and those not.

Conclusion

The percentage of skin manifestations increased with degree of CD4 depletion. PPE was found to be the hallmark of severe immunosuppression. However, opportunistic infections did not correlate with severity of immunodeficiency.
Bioactive components, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties (on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells) of soaked and germinated purple rice extracts
Authors: Owolabi Iyiola Oluwakemi , Chakree Korawan , Takahashi Yupanqui Chutha
Published: March 2019

The bioactive components, antioxidative properties and phenolic profile of Thai purple rice after 24 h soaking and 36 h germination periods were investigated. Anti‐inflammatory properties of the rice extracts were also evaluated on macrophage cells, stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide. These conditions significantly increased the bioactive components and antioxidative properties. Total anthocyanin contents, total carotenoid contents and gamma‐aminobutyric acid were increased more than twofold in the soaked sample. Protocatechuic, caffeic, p‐coumaric, ferullic, rutin trihydrate, catechin and Trans‐cinnamic acids were detected in the extracts. Gallic acid was only identified after soaking and germination. All the extracts led to cell proliferation and inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production. Twenty‐four hour soaking exhibited highest bioactive compounds, antioxidative properties and showed greater NO inhibitory effects with IC50 of 234.00 ± 0.01 μg mL−1. In addition to established information on germination, soaking greatly improved the bioactive components and anti‐inflammatory properties of the rice variety.
The Need for Objective Measures in Forensic Evidence
Authors: Kafadar Karen
Published: April 2019

Forensic practitioners have long relied on their expertise in judging evidence from a crime scene. But the reliance on expert judgement can be problematic as it is inherently subjective. By Karen Kafadar.
“Source” or “Activity” What is the Level of Issue in a Criminal Trial?
Authors: Jackson Graham , Biedermann Alex
Published: April 2019

With DNA evidence, so-called match probabilities are potentially misleading if they are used to answer questions that they are not designed to answer. Are we interested in who is the source of the detected DNA, or are we interested in whether a particular alleged activity occurred? Graham Jackson and Alex Biedermann explore this issue.
Enhancement of photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties of BiOI nanosheets and silver quantum dots co‐modified TiO2 nanorod arrays
Authors: Yang Haocheng , Chen Jinjun , Zuo Yong , Zhang Miao , He Gang , Sun Zhaoqi
Published: March 2019

In this study, TiO2 nanorod arrays (TNR), Ag quantum dots (QDs) sensitized with TNR TiO2/Ag, bismuth oxyhalide (BiOI) nanosheets, and Ag QDs co‐modified with TNR and TiO2/BiOI/Ag (TBA) were prepared by a stepwise process. The morphological, structural, compositional, optical, photocatalytic (PC), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the samples were investigated. The TBA‐2 sample exhibited the highest photocurrent density (281.8 μA/cm2) and photodegradation efficiency (93.3%), with values 9.7 times and 2.25 times higher than those for TNR, respectively. The improvement in sample performance can be attributed to the formation of a heterojunction between BiOI and TiO2, thereby enhancing the absorption of visible light and improving the charge separation efficiency; Ag QDs limit interfacial electron‐hole pair recombination. The experimental results show that TBA can effectively promote light‐induced carrier transport and visible light absorption, while inhibiting the recombination rate of the electron‐hole pairs, PEC, and PC.
Dynamic incentive effects of assignment mechanisms: Experimental evidence
Authors: Gall Thomas , Hu Xiaocheng , Vlassopoulos Michael
Published: March 2019

Optimal assignment and matching mechanisms have been the focus of exhaustive analysis. We focus on their dynamic effects, which have received less attention, especially in the empirical literature: Anticipating that assignment is based on prior performance may affect prior performance. We test this hypothesis in a lab experiment. Participants first perform a task individually without monetary incentives; in a second stage, they are paired with another participant according to a pre‐announced assignment policy. The assignment is based on the first‐stage performance, and compensation is determined by average performance. Our results are largely consistent with a theory: Pairing the worst‐performing individuals with the best yields 20% lower first‐stage effort than random matching (RAM) and does not induce truthful revelation of types, which undoes any policy that aims to reallocate types based on performance. Perhaps surprisingly, however, pairing the best with the best yields only 5% higher first‐stage effort than RAM and the difference is not statistically significant.
A Simple and Rapid Cryopreservation Technique for Ciliates: A Long‐Term Storage Procedure Used for Marine Scuticociliates
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Nan Bei , Duan Lili , Cheng Ting , Bourland William A. , Liu Mingjian , Zhao Yan
Published: March 2019

Pseudocohnilembus persalinusis a free‐living marine scuticociliate that, as a new model organism, has been used in a wide variety of studies. However, long‐term laboratory maintenance for this species is mainly achieved by subculture that requires rigorous culture environments and, too often, cultures of the organism die out for a variety of reasons. Successful transport of viable cultures also poses problems for researchers. This study describes a simple and rapid protocol for long‐term cryopreservation ofP. persalinus. The effects of physiological states of individuals before freezing, the type and concentration of cryoprotectant, and optimal temperatures for freezing and thawing were assessed. A cryopreservation protocol, using a mixture of 30% glycerol and 70% concentratedP. persalinuscell culture, incorporating rate‐controlled freezing at −80 °C before liquid nitrogen storage, maintained a high recovery efficiency after 8 wk of storage. These results suggest that broader application of this protocol to build a cryopreserved marine protozoa culture bank for biological studies may be possible.
Potential net primary production footprint of agriculture: A global trade analysis
Authors: Weinzettel Jan , Vačkářů Dava , Medková Helena
Published: April 2019

Agriculture is one of the most important sources of biomass for human society but increasingly contributes to anthropogenic degradation of ecosystems through negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, climate change, and ecosystem services. Here we estimate NPPpot agricultural footprint, that is, the level of appropriation of potential net primary production (NPPpot) by global cropland and human‐made pastures from the consumer responsibility (footprint) perspective and reveal the role of international trade. To quantify the NPPpot agricultural footprint, we utilize environmentally extended multi‐regional input–output analysis to attribute the terrestrial potential NPP altered by global cropland and human‐made pastures to the final consumers responsible for pulling the supply chains. We identify the NPPpot of geographically specific cropland area of 186 agricultural crops in 236 countries and we track each of those crops through the global web of international trade and supply chains to the point of final consumption. We show that human society appropriates 20% (13 petagrams of carbon per year) of global potential net primary production by the transformation of natural ecosystems into cropland and human‐made pastures. International trade accounts for 23% of global NPPpot footprint of agriculture. While the two and half billion people living in China and India (the two countries with lowest NPPpot agricultural footprint per capita) appropriate about 16% of the global NPPpot agricultural footprint of cropland and human‐made pastures, the same share is appropriated by only 360 million people living in countries with the highest per capita footprint.
Does synaesthesia protect against age‐related memory loss?
Authors: Mealor Andy D. , Simner Julia , Ward Jamie
Published: March 2019

Synaesthesia is known to be linked to enhanced episodic memory abilities, across a variety of stimuli and tests, but the evidence has tended to come from younger adults. This enhanced cognitive ability in early adult life, together with the known brain‐related differences linked to synaesthesia (e.g., in both grey and white matter structure), makes it an ideal candidate for exploring the notion of ‘reserve’. That is, synaesthetes may be able to utilize additional cognitive and/or neural resources to mitigate against the effects of age‐related decline. This was explored in a 2 × 2 design contrasting age (young, old) against the presence/absence of synaesthesia in two different studies: recognition memory for digits, snowflakes, and music; and visual associative learning. Synaesthesia and age had independent, non‐interacting, effects on memory ability suggesting that, while synaesthetes show a memory advantage and maintain this advantage in later life, the presence of synaesthesia is not able to act as a reserve to protect against the effects of ageing. On our tasks, the benefit of having synaesthesia (enhancing memory) was of a similar magnitude to the effects of age (impairing memory); in other words, elderly synaesthetes present with ‘youthful’ memory abilities. It is important for future research on elderly cohorts to consider the presence of synaesthesia as an individual difference.
Calcineurin‐dependent dephosphorylation of the transcription factor CrzA at specific sites controls conidiation, stress tolerance, and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Shwab E. Keats , Juvvadi Praveen R. , Waitt Greg , Soderblom Erik J. , Barrington Blake C. , Asfaw Yohannes G. , Moseley M. Arthur , Steinbach William J.
Published: March 2019

Calcium signaling through calcineurin and its major transcription factor (TF), CrzA, is integral to hyphal growth, stress response and virulence of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the leading etiology of invasive aspergillosis. Dephosphorylation of CrzA by calcineurin activates the TF, but the specific phosphorylation sites and their roles in the activation/inactivation mechanism are unknown. Mass spectroscopic analysis identified 20 phosphorylation sites, the majority of which were specific to filamentous fungi and distributed throughout the CrzA protein, with particular concentration in a serine‐rich region N‐terminal to the conserved DNA‐binding domain (DBD). Site‐directed mutagenesis of phosphorylated residues revealed that CrzA activity during calcium stimulation can only be suppressed by a high degree of phosphorylation in multiple regions of the protein. Our findings further suggest that this regulation is not solely accomplished through control of CrzA nuclear import. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of the CrzA phosphorylation state in regulating growth, conidiation, calcium and cell wall stress tolerance, and virulence. Finally, we identify two previously undescribed nuclear localization sequences in the DBD. These findings provide novel insight into the phosphoregulation of CrzA which may be exploited to selectively target A. fumigatus.
Net photosynthetic CO2 assimilation: more than just CO2 and O2 reduction cycles
Authors: Tcherkez Guillaume , Limami Anis M.
Published: March 2019

Net photosynthetic assimilation in C3 plants is mostly viewed as a simple balance between CO2 fixation by Rubisco‐catalyzed carboxylation and CO2 production by photorespiration (and to a lower extent, by day respiration) that can be easily manipulated during gas exchange experiments using the CO2 : O2 ratio of the environment. However, it now becomes clear that it is not so simple, because the photosynthetic response to gaseous conditions involves ‘ancillary’ metabolisms, even in the short‐term. That is, carbon and nitrogen utilization by pathways other than the Calvin cycle and the photorespiratory cycle, as well as rapid signaling events, can influence the observed rate of net photosynthesis. The potential impact of such ancillary metabolisms is assessed as well as how it must be taken into account to avoid misinterpretation of photosynthetic CO2 response curves or low O2 effects in C3 leaves.
Induction and inhibition of oral malodor
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Yoneda Masahiro , Takeshita Toru , Hirofuji Takao , Hanioka Takashi
Published: March 2019

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) are the main components of oral malodor, and are produced as the end products of the proteolytic processes of oral microorganisms. The main pathway of proteolysis is the metabolism of sulfur‐containing amino acids by gram‐negative anaerobic bacteria. Gram‐positive bacteria may promote VSC production by gram‐negative anaerobes by cleaving sugar chains from glycoproteins and thus providing proteins. A large variety of bacteria within the oral microbiota are thought to be involved in the complex phenomenon of halitosis. Oral microbiota associated with a lack of oral malodor, oral microbiota associated with severe and H2S‐dominant oral malodor, and oral microbiota associated with severe and CH3SH‐dominant oral malodor have been distinguished through molecular approaches using the 16S rRNA gene. Pathological halitosis may primarily be addressed through treatment of causative diseases. In all cases, plaque control is the basis of oral malodor control, and dentifrices, mouthwashes, and functional foods play a supplementary role in addition to brushing. Recently, the use of natural ingredients in products tends to be favored due to the increase in antibiotic‐resistant strains and the side effects of some chemical ingredients. In addition, probiotics and vaccines are expected to offer new strategies for improving the oral conditions through mechanisms other than antibacterial agents.
Significados e interacciones de paz de jóvenes integrantes del grupo "juventud activa" de Soacha, Colombia
Authors: Tovar Guerra Claudia Constanza , Sacipa Stella
Published: April 2019

El artículo presenta y discute los resultados de la investigación que se desarrolló con la participación de jóvenes agrupados en la organización ‘Juventud activa’ orientados por una ONG que trabaja en el municipio de Soacha. Se estudiaron las similitudes y diferencias entre sus interacciones narradas acerca de su hacer cotidiano en el grupo, en la familia y en el barrio en contraste con las formas en que significan la paz; empleando como método el análisis de narrativas. Los resultados mostraron consistencia entre interacciones narradas y significados, exceptuando algunos pocos casos. Se encontraron interacciones familiares ricas y diversas significadas positivamente por la mayoría de los jóvenes. La violencia es narrada en el contexto barrial mientras la paz es significada tanto en relación con esta violencia como con las interacciones armoniosas en las cuales es evidente el papel del grupo "Juventud activa".
Evaluation of subjective well-being: Analysis of the Satisfaction with Life Scale in the Chilean population
Authors: Vera Villarroel Pablo , Urzúa Alfonso , Pavez Paula , Celis-Atenas Karem , Silva Jaime
Published: April 2019

The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), in the adult population from ages 18 to 65. In order to do this two studies were conducted. In the first one, we evaluated the internal consistency and construct validation of data from 330 people between 18 and 52 years of age; in the second study, we evaluated the confirmatory factor and validation of data indicators from 1157 people between 18 and 65 years of age. The results show suitable indicators of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis finds a one factor’s solution. The correlation between the SWLS, the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), display significant, consistent correlations in the expected direction. We conclude that the SWLS is a reliable and valid instrument to use for evaluating the cognitive sphere of subjective well-being in Chile’s adult population.
Thermofluid Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Melt Pool in Powder-Bed Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rahman M Shafiqur , Schilling Paul J. , Herrington Paul D. , Chakravarty Uttam K.
Published: March 2019

Electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) is a powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology that can make full density metallic components using a layer-by-layer fabrication method. To build each layer, the EBAM process includes powder spreading, preheating, melting, and solidification. The quality of the build part, process reliability, and energy efficiency depends typically on the thermal behavior, material properties, and heat source parameters involved in the EBAM process. Therefore, characterizing those properties and understanding the correlations among the process parameters are essential to evaluate the performance of the EBAM process. In this study, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model with Ti-6Al-4V powder was developed incorporating the temperature-dependent thermal properties and a moving conical volumetric heat source with Gaussian distribution to conduct the simulations of the EBAM process. The melt pool dynamics and its thermal behavior were investigated numerically, and results for temperature profile, melt pool geometry, cooling rate and variation in density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and enthalpy were obtained for several sets of electron beam specifications. Validation of the model was performed by comparing the simulation results with the experimental results for the size of the melt pool.
Nonaxisymmetric Stator Design for Boundary Layer Ingesting Fans
Authors: Gunn Ewan J. , Hall Cesare A.
Published: March 2019

In a boundary layer ingesting (BLI) fan system, the inlet flow field is highly nonuniform. In this environment, an axisymmetric stator design suffers from a nonuniform distribution of hub separations, increased wake thicknesses, and casing losses. These additional loss sources can be reduced using a nonaxisymmetric design that is tuned to the radial and circumferential flow variations at exit from the rotor. In this paper, a nonaxisymmetric design approach is described for the stator of a low-speed BLI fan. First, sectional design changes are applied at each radial and circumferential location. Next, this approach is combined with the application of nonaxisymmetric lean. The designs were tested computationally using full-annulus unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of the complete fan stage with a representative inlet distortion. The final design has also been manufactured and tested experimentally. The results show that a 2D sectional approach can be applied nonaxisymmetrically to reduce incidence and diffusion factor at each location. This leads to reduced loss, particularly at the casing and midspan, but it does not eliminate the hub separations that are present within highly distorted regions of the annulus. These are relieved by nonaxisymmetric lean where the pressure surface is inclined toward the hub. For the final design, the loss in the stator blades operating with BLI was measured to be 10% lower than that for the original stator design operating with undistorted inflow. Overall, the results demonstrate that the nonaxisymmetric design has the potential to eliminate any additional loss in a BLI fan stator caused by the nonuniform ingested flow field.