bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Student Performance on Computer-Based versus Handwritten Exams: Evidence from a Field Experiment in the Classroom
Authors: Ceka Besir , O’Geen Andrew J.
Published: July 2019

The use of course-management software such as Blackboard, Moodle, and Canvas has become ubiquitous at all levels of education in the United States. A potentially useful feature of these products is the ability for instructors to administer assessments including quizzes and tests that are flexible, easy to customize, and quick and efficient to grade. Although computer-based assessments offer clear advantages, instructors might be concerned about their effect on student performance. This article evaluates whether student performance differs between handwritten and computer-based exams through a randomized field experiment conducted in a research methods course. Overall, our findings suggest a significant improvement in student performance on computer-based exams that is driven primarily by the relative ease of producing thorough responses on the computer versus by hand.
Comic-Con: Can Comics of the Constitution Enable Meaningful Learning in Political Science?
Authors: Owens Katharine A. , Eno Victor , Abrams Jocelyn , Bedney Danielle
Published: July 2019

This article explores the value and application of using comic images to teach difficult political texts. We presented either visual or textual portions of the Constitution to 71 American 18- to 22-year-olds using Survey Monkey Audience, measuring and comparing their knowledge of the Constitution before and after viewing. Respondents viewing the comic of congressional duties experienced statistically significant gains in pretest to posttest mean knowledge scores. Respondents viewing the text also experienced an increase in mean scores pretest to posttest; however, these changes were smaller and not statistically significant. This indicates that students may better comprehend content from visual depictions of difficult texts. We conclude by providing an example of one way that we use comics of political texts as a tool for student learning in an international civics exchange program.
The Political Reception of Michel Houellebecq’sSubmission
Authors: Ågerup Karl
Published: July 2019

In 2015, French writer Michel Houellebecq’s novelSubmission, which depicts a future France with a Muslim president, was repeatedly cited in political discourse about Islam, French identity, and terrorism. In the year of the novel’s publication, several Islamist terrorist attacks targeted France, and Houellebecq was often named in the debate on multiculturalism, immigration and the French secularist principle oflaïcité. The reception of the novel is analysed in this article, focusing on ideological argumentation and political debate. Two opposite camps can be identified in this reception structure. Interestingly, the arguments of these camps are analogous to the arguments of the prosecutor and defence lawyer in the 1857 trial of Gustave Flaubert concerning his novelMadame Bovary. One and a half centuries after that trial, questions about the reader’s moral capacity and the author’s responsibility remain at the heart of the debate. While some liberal critics praise the ambiguities of the novel, trusting the reader’s ethical faculties, other critics condemn the novel and accuse the writer of expressing dubious values. As for the ideological homes of these critics, the liberal group represents left-wing, right-wing, and uncertain ideologies, whereas the gatekeeping group largely consists of left-leaning agents. The division into two reception groups and their respective discursive patterns and practices are analysed using the Bovary trial as a basis for comparison. It is concluded that in the anxious political climate of 2015 when terror, migration, and Islam were attracting considerable attention and when the populist right was on the rise, Houellebecq’s novel functioned as a political vehicle in government-sympathetic opinion making and as a practical tool for critics who positioned themselves as safeguarding generous migration and integration policies.
Keeping Up with Clinical Advances: Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Patel Biren , Kosten Thomas R.
Published: July 2019

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a disorder that can lead to several negative outcomes, including overdose and death. A variety of opioids can be abused by individuals including both prescribed and non-prescribed opioids. Continued opioid use can be driven by negative affective states associated with opioid withdrawal. Several treatments exist in the field including medication assisted treatments such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Treatments such as clonidine and lofexidine can also be used to assist with decreasing withdrawal symptoms. Increasing adherence to treatment can further improve patient outcomes and promote continuation with treatment. A variety of methods to reduce relapse can also be utilized such as opioid agonists and maintenance therapy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, opioid overdoses contributed to 67.8% of overdose deaths in 2017.
Maternal diet during lactation and breast-feeding practices have synergistic association with child diet at 6 years
Authors: Beckerman Jacob P , Slade Emily , Ventura Alison K
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Children breast-fed during infancy consume more fruits and vegetables than formula-fed children. This pattern is likely due, in part, to infant learning from flavours of the mother’s diet transmitted through breast milk, but more research is needed to understand associations between early flavour exposures and later dietary patterns. We examined whether breast-feeding and maternal fruit and vegetable consumption during nursing were synergistically associated with higher child fruit and vegetable consumption.

Design:

Prospective cohort study of breast-feeding duration, maternal diet postpartum and child diet. Complete breast-feeding and maternal diet data were available for 1396 mother–child dyads; multiple imputation was used for missing data in other variables. In separate multivariable logistic regression models, we estimated the adjusted odds of high child fruit or vegetable consumption at 12 months or 6 years as a function of breast-feeding duration, maternal fruit or vegetable consumption during nursing, and their interaction.

Setting:

The Infant Feeding Practices Study II and Year 6 Follow-Up.

Participants:

Mother–child dyads followed from birth to 6 years during 2005–2012 in the USA.

Results:

Longer breast-feeding duration was associated with high child fruit and vegetable consumption at 12 months. At 6 years, the interaction between breast-feeding duration and maternal vegetable consumption was associated with high child vegetable consumption.

Conclusions:

Higher maternal vegetable consumption and longer breast-feeding duration were synergistically associated with high child vegetable consumption at 6 years, independent of sociodemographic characteristics and fruit and vegetable availability. Exposures to vegetable flavours through breast milk may promote later child vegetable consumption.
Changing Family Dynamics and In-Work Benefits
Authors: Rooney Clíona , Gray Jane
Published: July 2019

Internationally, in-work benefits (IWBs) are widely adopted as a measure to assist parents transitioning to work and to ‘make work pay’ for low-income families. The family income supplement (FIS) is an Irish IWB, introduced at a time of rapid societal change. This article shows how changing family dynamics, and a shift in policy focus towards a ‘work-first’ approach, challenged the original values underlying FIS. We discuss FIS in the context of changes to family life and social policy. We then outline the results of ten interviews with experts using three themes: work-first approach, child poverty and encouraging care. Our analysis shows that policymakers faced new challenges to provide an income support for children while also promoting full-time labour participation. FIS continues to support working families, but in a manner that creates contradictions for the contemporary ‘work-first’ approach. It is necessary to re-examine FIS in relation to its wider policy context and to address requirements for caring.
Genetic diversity assessment of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) accessions using single nucleotide polymorphism markers
Authors: Afolayan G. , Deshpande S. P. , Aladele S. E. , Kolawole A. O. , Angarawai I. , Nwosu D. J. , Michael C. , Blay E. T. , Danquah E. Y.
Published: July 2019

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important resource to the national economy and it is essential to assess the genetic diversity in existing sorghum germplasm for better conservation, utilization and crop improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of genetic diversity within and among sorghum germplasms collected from diverse institutes in Nigeria and Mali using Single Nucleotide Polymorphic markers. Genetic diversity among the germplasm was low with an average polymorphism information content value of 0.24. Analysis of Molecular Variation revealed 6% variation among germplasm and 94% within germplasms. Dendrogram revealed three groups of clustering which indicate variations within the germplasms. Private alleles identified in the sorghum accessions from National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan, Nigeria and International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Kano, Nigeria shows their prospect for sorghum improvement and discovery of new agronomic traits. The presence of private alleles and genetic variation within the germplasms indicates that the accessions are valuable resources for future breeding programs.
French foreign fighters: The engagement of administrative and criminal justice in France
Authors: Weill Sharon
Published: July 2019

Since 2012, it is estimated that 2,000 French nationals have joined jihadist armed groups listed by the UN as terrorist organizations in Syria and in Iraq. Consequently, a new prosecution policy has been introduced in France. To date, more than 200 persons have been prosecuted and 1,600 persons have been placed under criminal investigation. In parallel, after the 13 November 2015 terror attacks in Paris, a State of emergency was declared. Persisting for two years, it introduced derogative administrative measures that slowly transgressed into regular criminal law. Consequently, French administrative and criminal courts, with ordinary judges and professional routines, find themselves involved in matters related to armed conflicts – a completely new phenomenon for them. What role has been performed by French criminal and administrative judges in the global fight against terrorism?

This article takes a close look at France's fight against terrorism and the engagement of its domestic legal system in the context of foreign fighters and suspects of terrorism. It outlines the radicalization processes of French administrative and criminal law along with their hybridization and complementarity. While the armed conflict in Syria and Iraq and the complex geopolitical context are clearly present in French courtrooms, international humanitarian law and international criminal law frameworks are almost entirely absent. At the same time, by granting a growing power to the administration, the repressive and pre-emptive approaches introduced within criminal and administrative law transform liberal conceptions of law and justice.
Fasten – Auswirkungen auf Körper und Psyche
Authors: Stocker Rahel , Reber Emilie , Aeberhard Carla , Bally Lia , Schütz Philipp , Stanga Zeno
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. Fasten liegt im Trend: sei es zum Gewichtsverlust, zur Steigerung des Wohlbefindens oder zur Behandlung von chronischen und akuten Erkrankungen. Die positiven und/oder negativen Effekte des Fastens sind umstritten. Das Ziel dieser Pilotstudie war es, die Auswirkungen des Fastens auf den Körper und die Psyche zu untersuchen. Dazu wurde eine Fastenwoche durchgeführt. Verschiedene klinische (Gewicht, Blutdruck) und subjektiv empfundene psychische (Hungergefühl, Antriebskraft, Stimmungslage, Kältegefühl und Schlafqualität) Parameter sowie Nebeneffekte wurden untersucht. Insgesamt wurden zwölf Probanden erfasst (zehn Frauen, zwei Männer). Es zeigte sich in dieser Pilotstudie, dass das Fasten unterschiedliche klinische und psychische Auswirkungen hat, die sich individuell sehr unterschiedlich präsentieren.
Lessons Learned From Modeling Irrigation From Field to Regional Scales
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Chen Fei , Barlage Michael , Gochis David , Miao Shiguang , Shen Shuanghe
Published: July 2019

Correctly calculating the timing and amount of crop irrigation is crucial for capturing irrigation effects on surface water and energy budgets and land‐atmosphere interactions. This study incorporated a dynamic irrigation scheme into the Noah with multiparameterization land surface model and investigated three methods of determining crop growing season length by agriculture management data. The irrigation scheme was assessed at field scales using observations from two contrasting (irrigated and rainfed) AmeriFlux sites near Mead, Nebraska. Results show that crop‐specific growing‐season length helped capture the first application timing and total irrigation amount, especially for soybeans. With a calibrated soil‐moisture triggering threshold (IRR_CRI), using planting and harvesting dates alone could reasonably predict the first application for maize. For soybeans, additional constraints on growing season were required to correct an early bias in the first modeled application. Realistic leaf area index input was essential for identifying the leaf area index‐based growing season. When transitioning from field to regional scales, the county‐level calibrated IRR_CRI helped mitigate overestimated (underestimated) total irrigation amount in southeastern Nebraska (lower Mississippi River Basin). In these two heavily irrigated regions, irrigation produced a cooling effect of 0.8–1.4 K, a moistening effect of 1.2–2.4 g/kg, a reduction in sensible heat flux by 60–105 W/m2, and an increase in latent heat flux by 75–120 W/m2. Most of irrigation water was used to increase soil moisture and evaporation, rather than runoff. Lacking regional‐scale irrigation timing and crop‐specific parameters makes transferring the evaluation and parameter‐constraint methods from field to regional scales difficult.
Ionospheric Scintillations: Indices and Modeling
Authors: Béniguel Yannick
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a review of the ionosphere scintillation characteristics recorded at low and high latitudes. The European Space Agency (ESA) MONITOR database has been used to support the analysis. We review in particular the different indices and the values recorded by the different kinds of receivers deployed during the measurement campaign. The climatology of the scintillation occurrences and their dependencies are presented on global maps. At low latitudes, together with the most used scintillation indices, additional parameters have been investigated, such as the time and frequency coherences and the fades and interfade time duration. These additional parameters have been obtained through an analysis of the raw data files recorded on extreme scintillation events. At high latitudes, the different nature of the scintillations recorded is analyzed and compared with the low‐latitude case. The last section of the paper shows a comparison between modeling and measured results for a 1‐month period at low latitudes.
A Study of Optoelectronic Scale Model of Full‐Size Target
Authors: Li Jin , Feng Xiaoyi
Published: July 2019

In this article, a method of establishing a scaled model for a full‐size target composed both of medium and conductive material is proposed. First, the internal electromagnetic field of scale model equals the electromagnetic field of the corresponding full‐size target is proved from the relation of size of target, and the operating frequency as the target and its scale model are illuminated by the identical incident electromagnetic wave. Second, a general expression of target scattering is given. Finally, the scattered field of scale model equal to the scattered field of the corresponding full‐size target is demonstrated. All the measured results by the scaled model have a good agreement with the accurate solutions of the full‐size target. Simulation shows that the effectiveness of the method used to the target of lossy medium is better than that of the principle of similitude. The method has the advantage of being free from the operating frequency, the target permittivity, and target permeability.
Strengthening of the Indian Ocean Dipole With Increasing Seasonal Cycle in the Mid‐Holocene
Authors: Iwakiri T. , Watanabe M.
Published: July 2019

This study presents modeling evidence that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is enhanced in its frequency and amplitude under mid‐Holocene (8‐ka) conditions. This enhancement is identified in a global climate model simulation driven by the 8‐ka insolation, in which negative sea surface temperature anomalies grow more than the present‐day simulation in the eastern Indian Ocean. The mechanism of IOD amplification is explained in terms of a positive feedback among sea surface temperature, precipitation, and wind speeds over the eastern Indian Ocean. A series of idealized experiments in which the present‐day insolation seasonal cycle over the tropics is systematically perturbed in the model demonstrates that the IOD frequency and amplitude are proportional to the seasonal cycle strength of the atmospheric circulation off Sumatra‐Java, consistent with proxy records in the mid‐Holocene. Greater surface warming over Eurasia due to increased insolation in boreal summer is not critical to the amplification of the IOD.
The flagellin-TLR5-Nox4 axis promotes the migration of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Jinoh , Yoo Jung-Yeon , Suh Jung Min , Park Sujin , Kang Dongmin , Jo Hanjoong , Bae Yun Soo
Published: July 2019

We hypothesized that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is involved in the formation of neointimal atherosclerotic plaques through the migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in response to flagellin. Here, we demonstrate that TLR5-mediated Nox4 activation regulates the migration of SMCs, leading to neointimal plaque formation in atherosclerosis. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which the TLR5-Nox4 cascade mediates SMC migration, we analyzed the signaling cascade in primary vascular SMCs (VSMCs) from wild-type (WT) or Nox4 KO mice. Stimulation of VSMCs from Nox4 KO mice with flagellin failed to induce H2O2 production and Rac activation compared with stimulation of VSMCs from WT mice. Moreover, the migration of Nox4-deficient VSMCs was attenuated in response to flagellin in transwell migration and wound healing assays. Finally, we performed partial carotid artery ligation in ApoE KO and Nox4ApoE DKO mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without recombinant FliC (rFliC) injection. Injection of rFliC into ApoE KO mice fed a HFD resulted in significantly increased SMC migration into the intimal layer, whereas SMC accumulation was not detected in Nox4ApoE DKO mice. We conclude that activation of the TLR5-Nox4 cascade plays an important role in the formation of neointimal atherosclerotic plaques.
Time series modeling of cell cycle exit identifies Brd4 dependent regulation of cerebellar neurogenesis
Authors: Penas Clara , Maloof Marie E. , Stathias Vasileios , Long Jun , Tan Sze Kiat , Mier Jose , Fang Yin , Valdes Camilo , Rodriguez-Blanco Jezabel , Chiang Cheng-Ming , Robbins David J. , Liebl Daniel J. , Lee Jae K. , Hatten Mary E. , Clarke Jennifer , Ayad Nagi G.
Published: July 2019

Cerebellar neuronal progenitors undergo a series of divisions before irreversibly exiting the cell cycle and differentiating into neurons. Dysfunction of this process underlies many neurological diseases including ataxia and the most common pediatric brain tumor, medulloblastoma. To better define the pathways controlling the most abundant neuronal cells in the mammalian cerebellum, cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs), we performed RNA-sequencing of GCPs exiting the cell cycle. Time-series modeling of GCP cell cycle exit identified downregulation of activity of the epigenetic reader protein Brd4. Brd4 binding to the Gli1 locus is controlled by Casein Kinase 1δ (CK1 δ)-dependent phosphorylation during GCP proliferation, and decreases during GCP cell cycle exit. Importantly, conditional deletion of Brd4 in vivo in the developing cerebellum induces cerebellar morphological deficits and ataxia. These studies define an essential role for Brd4 in cerebellar granule cell neurogenesis and are critical for designing clinical trials utilizing Brd4 inhibitors in neurological indications.
Use cases, best practice and reporting standards for metabolomics in regulatory toxicology
Authors: Viant Mark R. , Ebbels Timothy M. D. , Beger Richard D. , Ekman Drew R. , Epps David J. T. , Kamp Hennicke , Leonards Pim E. G. , Loizou George D. , MacRae James I. , van Ravenzwaay Bennard , Rocca-Serra Philippe , Salek Reza M. , Walk Tilmann , Weber Ralf J. M.
Published: July 2019

Metabolomics is a widely used technology in academic research, yet its application to regulatory science has been limited. The most commonly cited barrier to its translation is lack of performance and reporting standards. The MEtabolomics standaRds Initiative in Toxicology (MERIT) project brings together international experts from multiple sectors to address this need. Here, we identify the most relevant applications for metabolomics in regulatory toxicology and develop best practice guidelines, performance and reporting standards for acquiring and analysing untargeted metabolomics and targeted metabolite data. We recommend that these guidelines are evaluated and implemented for several regulatory use cases.
Activation of STAT3 signaling is mediated by TFF1 silencing in gastric neoplasia
Authors: Soutto Mohammed , Chen Zheng , Bhat Ajaz A. , Wang Lihong , Zhu Shoumin , Gomaa Ahmed , Bates Andreia , Bhat Nadeem S. , Peng Dunfa , Belkhiri Abbes , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Washington M. Kay , Steven Xi Chen , Peek Richard , El-Rifai Wael
Published: July 2019

TFF1, a secreted protein, plays an essential role in keeping the integrity of gastric mucosa and its barrier function. Loss of TFF1 expression in the TFF1-knockout (KO) mouse leads to a pro-inflammatory phenotype with a cascade of gastric lesions that include low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinomas. In this study, we demonstrate nuclear localization of p-STATY705, with significant overexpression of several STAT3 target genes in gastric glands from the TFF1-KO mice. We also show frequent loss of TFF1 with nuclear localization of STAT3 in human gastric cancers. The reconstitution of TFF1 protein in human gastric cancer cells and 3D gastric glands organoids from TFF1-KO mice abrogates IL6-induced nuclear p-STAT3Y705 expression. Reconstitution of TFF1 inhibits IL6-induced STAT3 transcription activity, suppressing expression of its target genes. TFF1 blocks IL6Rα-GP130 complex formation through interfering with binding of IL6 to its receptor IL6Rα. These findings demonstrate a functional role of TFF1 in suppressing gastric tumorigenesis by impeding the IL6-STAT3 pro-inflammatory signaling axis.
Author Correction: Sema7A/PlxnCl signaling triggers activity-dependent olfactory synapse formation
Authors: Inoue Nobuko , Nishizumi Hirofumi , Naritsuka Hiromi , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Sakano Hitoshi
Published: July 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Integrating biomedical research and electronic health records to create knowledge-based biologically meaningful machine-readable embeddings
Authors: Nelson Charlotte A. , Butte Atul J. , Baranzini Sergio E.
Published: July 2019

In order to advance precision medicine, detailed clinical features ought to be described in a way that leverages current knowledge. Although data collected from biomedical research is expanding at an almost exponential rate, our ability to transform that information into patient care has not kept at pace. A major barrier preventing this transformation is that multi-dimensional data collection and analysis is usually carried out without much understanding of the underlying knowledge structure. Here, in an effort to bridge this gap, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) of individual patients are connected to a heterogeneous knowledge network called Scalable Precision Medicine Oriented Knowledge Engine (SPOKE). Then an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm creates Propagated SPOKE Entry Vectors (PSEVs) that encode the importance of each SPOKE node for any code in the EHRs. We argue that these results, alongside the natural integration of PSEVs into any EHR machine-learning platform, provide a key step toward precision medicine.
Publisher Correction: Electrosynthesis of high-entropy metallic glass nanoparticles for designer, multi-functional electrocatalysis
Authors: Glasscott Matthew W. , Pendergast Andrew D. , Goines Sondrica , Bishop Anthony R. , Hoang Andy T. , Renault Christophe , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: July 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Unavoidable disorder and entropy in multi-component systems
Authors: Toher Cormac , Oses Corey , Hicks David , Curtarolo Stefano
Published: July 2019

The need for improved functionalities is driving the search for more complicated multi-component materials. Despite the factorially increasing composition space, ordered compounds with four or more species are rare. Here, we unveil the competition between the gain in enthalpy and entropy with increasing number of species by statistical analysis of the AFLOW data repositories. A threshold in the number of species is found where entropy gain exceeds enthalpy gain. Beyond that, enthalpy can be neglected, and disorder—complete or partial—is unavoidable.
Global ocean synoptic thermocline gradient, isothermal-layer depth, and other upper ocean parameters
Authors: Chu Peter C. , Fan Chenwu
Published: July 2019

Different from the existing global ocean climatological datasets of isothermal layer (ITL) depth (h), a global ocean synoptic dataset of h along with other parameters has been established from temperature profiles of the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) world ocean database 1961–2017. The exponential leap-forward gradient method was used to identify h and thermocline gradient (G) from each temperature profile measured by expendable bathythermograph (XBT) and conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) instruments. Due to quality and vertical resolution of the profiling data, the numbers of (G, h) pairs are 446,811 out of 964,942 CTD profiles and 755,086 out of 2,303,433 XBT profiles. With the given h, other parameters such as ITL heat content (HITL), sea surface temperature (SST), temperature below ITL (Tm), and quality measures (Q, I) indices are provided. Altogether, the dataset contains 1,201,897 temporally and horizontally varying sets of (G, h, HITL, SST, Tm, Q-index, I-index). Note that we added 200° to the longitude. This synoptic dataset is located on the NCEI website for public use.
CD14 is a unique membrane marker of porcine spermatogonial stem cells, regulating their differentiation
Authors: Park Hyun-Jung , Lee Won-Young , Park Chankyu , Hong Kwonho , Song Hyuk
Published: July 2019

Molecular markers of spermatogonia are necessary for studies on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and improving our understanding of molecular and cellular biology of spermatogenesis. Although studies of germ cell surface marker have been extensively conducted in the testes of rodents, these markers have not been well studied in domestic animals. We aimed to determine the expression pattern of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) in developing porcine testes and cultured porcine SSCs (pSSCs), as well as its role in pSSC colony formation. Interestingly, expression of CD14 was observed in porcine testes with PGP9.5-positive undifferentiated spermatogonia at all developmental stages. In addition,in vitrocultured pSSCs expressed CD14 and showed successful colony formation, as determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and flow cytometry. PKH26 dye-stained CD14-positive cells transplants were performed into the testes of recipient mice, which were depleted of both testicular germ and somatic cells from immunodeficiency mice and were shown to colonise the recipient testes. Moreover, a colony-forming assay showed that the development of pSSC colonies was disrupted by a high concentration of lipopolysaccharide. These studies indicated that CD14 is surface marker of early spermatogonia in developing porcine testes and in pSSCs, suggesting a role for CD14 in porcine spermatogenesis.
Myosin binding protein H-like (MYBPHL): a promising biomarker to predict atrial damage
Authors: Lahm Harald , Dreßen Martina , Beck Nicole , Doppler Stefanie , Deutsch Marcus-André , Matsushima Shunsuke , Neb Irina , König Karl Christian , Sideris Konstantinos , Voss Stefanie , Eschenbach Lena , Puluca Nazan , Deisenhofer Isabel , Doll Sophia , Holdenrieder Stefan , Mann Matthias , Lange Rüdiger , Krane Markus
Published: July 2019

Myosin binding protein H-like (MYBPHL) is a protein associated with myofilament structures in atrial tissue. The protein exists in two isoforms that share an identical amino acid sequence except for a deletion of 23 amino acids in isoform 2. In this study, MYBPHL was found to be expressed preferentially in atrial tissue. The expression of isoform 2 was almost exclusively restricted to the atria and barely detectable in the ventricle, arteria mammaria interna, and skeletal muscle. After atrial damage induced by cryo- or radiofrequency ablation, MYBPHL was rapidly and specifically released into the peripheral circulation in a time-dependent manner. The plasma MYBPHL concentration remained substantially elevated up to 24 hours after the arrival of patients at the intensive care unit. In addition, the recorded MYBPHL values were strongly correlated with those of the established biomarker CK-MB. In contrast, an increase in MYBPHL levels was not evident in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In these patients, the values remained virtually constant and never exceeded the concentration in the plasma of healthy controls. Our findings suggest that MYBPHL can be used as a precise and reliable biomarker to specifically predict atrial myocardial damage.
Theta oscillations show impaired interference detection in older adults during selective memory retrieval
Authors: Ferreira Catarina S. , Maraver Maria J. , Hanslmayr Simon , Bajo Teresa
Published: July 2019

Seemingly effortless tasks, such as recognizing faces and retrieving names, become harder as we age. Such difficulties may be due to the competition generated in memory by irrelevant information that comes to mind when trying to recall a specific face or name. It is unknown, however, whether age-related struggles in retrieving these representations stem from an inability to detect competition in the first place, or from being unable to suppress competing information once interference is detected. To investigate this, we used the retrieval practice paradigm, shown to elicit memory interference, while recording electrophysiological activity in young and older adults. In two experiments, young participants showed Retrieval-Induced Forgetting (RIF), reflecting the suppression of competing information, whereas older adults did not. Neurally, mid-frontal theta power (~4–8 Hz) during the first retrieval cycle, a proxy for interference detection, increased in young compared to older adults, indicating older adults were less capable of detecting interference. Moreover, while theta power was reduced across practice cycles in younger adults, a measure of interference resolution, older adults did not show such a reduction. Thus, in contrast with younger adults, the lack of an early interference detection signal rendered older adults unable to recruit memory selection mechanisms, eliminating RIF.
The astrocyte transcriptome in EAE optic neuritis shows complement activation and reveals a sex difference in astrocytic C3 expression
Authors: Tassoni Alessia , Farkhondeh Vista , Itoh Yuichiro , Itoh Noriko , Sofroniew Michael V. , Voskuhl Rhonda R.
Published: July 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory multifocal disorder. Optic neuritis is common in MS and leads to visual disability. No current treatments repair this damage. Discerning gene expression changes within specific cell types in optic nerve (ON) may suggest new treatment targets for visual disability in MS. Astrocytes are pivotal regulators of neuroinflammation, playing either detrimental or beneficial roles. Here, we used RiboTag technology to characterize the astrocyte-specific transcriptome in ON in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. RNA sequencing analysis showed the Complement Cascade and Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathways as the most enriched and de-enriched pathways, respectively, in ON astrocytes in EAE. Expression of complement component 3 (C3) was confirmed to be increased in ON astrocytes at the protein level during EAE. A bigger increase in C3 expressing ON astrocytes was found in EAE females versus healthy females, as compared to that in EAE males versus healthy males. Also, there was worse retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and axonal loss in EAE females. Regression analyses showed a negative correlation between C3 expressing astrocytes and RGC density. This cell-specific and sex-specific investigation of the optic nerve provides targets for the development of therapeutic strategies tailored for optic neuritis in MS.
Characterisation of a human antibody that potentially links cytomegalovirus infection with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Neo Jie Ying Jacklyn , Wee Seng Yin Kelly , Bonne Isabelle , Tay Sen Hee , Raida Manfred , Jovanovic Vojislav , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , Lu Jinhua , Hanson Brendon J. , MacAry Paul A.
Published: July 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that has been linked with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thus far, molecular mimicry has been implicated as the principal mechanism that explains this association. In this study, we characterise a potential alternative process whereby HCMV contributes to SLE. In a cohort of SLE patients, we show a significant association between HCMV infection and SLE through a human antibody response that targets UL44. UL44 is an obligate nuclear-resident, non-structural viral protein vital for HCMV DNA replication. The intracellular nature of this viral protein complicates its targeting by the humoral response – the mechanism remains unresolved. To characterise this response, we present a thorough molecular analysis of the first human monoclonal antibody specific for UL44 derived from a HCMV seropositive donor. This human antibody immunoprecipitates UL44 from HCMV-infected cells together with known nuclear-resident SLE autoantigens – namely, nucleolin, dsDNA and ku70. We also show that UL44 is redistributed to the cell surface during virus-induced apoptosis as part of a complex with these autoantigens. This phenomenon represents a potential mechanism for the bystander presentation of SLE autoantigens to the humoral arm of our immune system under circumstances that favour a break in peripheral tolerance.
Improving the management procedures in farms infected with the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus using PDP models
Authors: Colomer Ma Àngels , Margalida Antoni , Fraile Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

Pig meat production need to be built up in the future due to the increase of the human population worldwide. To address this challenge, there is plenty of room for improvement in terms of pig production efficiency that could be severely hampered by the presence of diseases. In this sense, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is one of the most costly disease present in industrial pork production in Europe and North America. We have developed a model to analyze the effect of different management procedures to control this important virus in different epidemiological scenarios. Our results clearly suggest that no cross-fostering during lactation and the maintaining of litter integrity significantly decrease the number of sick and dead animals during the rearing period compared to scenarios where cross-fostering and no litter integrity are practiced. These results highlight the relevance of different management strategies to control PRRSV and quantify the effect of limiting cross-fostering and avoiding mixing animals from different litters in PRRSV positive farms to optimize animal production. Our findings will allow pig farmers to apply these management procedures to control this disease under field conditions in a very cost-effective way.
Gram-scale synthesis of FICZ, a photoreactive endogenous ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Zhang Cunyu , Creech Katrina L. , Zuercher William J. , Willson Timothy M.
Published: July 2019

Development of an efficient and scalable synthesis of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a naturally-occurring aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, allowed its biological and physical properties to be studied. FICZ was shown to be the most potent among a series of 6-substituted indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles for activation of AhR in cells. Photostability studies of FICZ revealed a non-enzymatic mechanism for its conversion to a biologically active quinone. These results further support the hypothesis that FICZ is a light-dependent hormone that links sun exposure to regulation of biological pathways in peripheral tissues.
Bypassed and Preserved Stomach Resulted in Superior Glucose Control in Sprague-Dawley Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Widjaja Jason , Dolo Ponnie Robertlee , Zhang Qiang , Yao Libin , Li Chao , Hong Jian , Wang Hui , Meng Song , Shao Yong , Zhu Xiaocheng
Published: July 2019

Recent studies suggest the possibility of the stomach playing a role in diabetes remission after bariatric surgery. In this study, we investigated whether bypassing the stomach alleviates diabetes in diabetic rodent model. Eighteen moderately obese and diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to Esophagoduodenostomy with or without gastric preservation (EDG and EDNG/total gastrectomy, respectively), and SHAM groups. Bodyweight, food intake, fasting glucose level, oral glucose tolerance test result (OGTT), and hormone levels (insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, ghrelin, gastrin and glucagon) were measured preoperative and postoperatively. Postoperatively, bodyweight and food intake did not differ significantly between the EDG and EDNG groups. Postoperative fasting blood glucose and OGTT results declined significantly in the EDG and EDNG group when compared with the respective preoperative levels. Postoperative glucose control improvements in EDNG group was significantly inferior when compared to EDG. Compared preoperatively, postoperative plasma ghrelin and gastrin levels declined significantly in EDNG group. Preoperative and postoperative plasma GLP-1 level did not differ significantly among all the groups. Postoperatively, EDG group had significantly higher insulin and lower glucagon levels when compared with SHAM. In conclusion, bypassing and preserving the stomach resulted in superior glucose control improvements than total gastrectomy.
Metabolic hormones and breast cancer risk among Mexican American Women in the Mano a Mano Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Jie , Hernandez Daphne , Ye Yuanqing , Wu Xifeng , Chow Wong-Ho , Zhao Hua
Published: July 2019

C-peptide, insulin, leptin, and other metabolic hormones are assumed to play roles in breast cancer development; though, results are inconsistent. In this prospective case-control study nested within the Mano a Mano Cohort Study, we assessed the risk of breast cancer with regard to plasma levels of c-peptide, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, insulin, leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, pancreatic polypeptide, and peptide YY. Among women followed for a median of 8.5 years, 109 breast cancer cases were identified and frequency-matched to 327 controls at a ratio of 1:3. Overall, only c-peptide was observed significantly associated with breast cancer risk. High c-peptide levels (≥ the median level of controls) were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.44). In an analysis of participants stratified by age, the significant association between c-peptide levels and breast cancer risk was evident in only women age ≥51 years (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.27). Among women age <51 years, high leptin levels were significantly associated with decreased breast cancer risk (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.82). Our findings suggest that selected metabolic hormones are associated with breast cancer development in Mexican American women.
Effect of different shading materials on grain yield and quality of rice
Authors: Chen Hong , Li Qiu-Ping , Zeng Yu-Ling , Deng Fei , Ren Wan-Jun
Published: July 2019

Light is a basic environmental factor required for plant growth and development; however, these are not only affected by light quantity, but also by light quality - light and radiation of different wavelengths and different compositions. In four different rice varieties (Oryza sativaL.), two kinds of shading materials, white cotton yarn (Shading (W)) and black nylon net (Shading (B)) were used to simulate cloudy days. Yield decreased under Shading (W) (15.3–17.7%) and Shading (B) (16.6–20.0%) compared to under sunny day (CK), and different effects on rice quality, which is mainly affected by changes in light quality, were observed. The change in light quality (Blue, Green, Red and R/FR proportions) represented under Shading (W) was significantly different from that under CK and Shading (B) conditions. Red light composition under Shading (W) was closer to that of the cloudy day condition. The proportion of blue light under Shading (W) was significantly lower than that under CK conditions; under Shading (B), it was higher than that under all conditions. The differences in light quality may affect photosynthesis in leaves and final starch synthesis, resulting in increased chalky grain rate, chalkiness, and poor rice quality. White cotton yarn as the shading material for further research used to simulate the influence of the light environment on rice growth under cloudy conditions will be better than black net.
Development of liver surface nodularity quantification program and its clinical application in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Ji Eon , Ryu Jong-Hyun , Jeong Chang-Won
Published: July 2019

The liver morphological changes in relation to fibrosis stage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have not yet been clearly understood. This study was to develop a liver surface nodularity (LSN) quantification program and to compare the fibrosis grades in simple steatosis (SS) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Thirty subjects (7 normal controls [NC], 12 SS and 11 NASH) were studied. LSN quantification procedure was bias correction, boundary detection, segmentation and LSN measurement. LSN scores among three groups and fibrosis grades compared using Kruskal–Wallis H test. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Mean LSN scores were NC 1.30 ± 0.09, SS 1.54 ± 0.21 and NASH 1.59 ± 0.23 (p = 0.008). Mean LSN scores according to fibrosis grade (F) were F0 1.30 ± 0.09, F1 1.45 ± 0.17 and F2&F3 1.67 ± 0.20 (p = 0.001). The mean LSN score in F2&F3 is significantly higher than that in F1 (p = 0.019). The AUROC curve to distinguish F1 and F2&F3 was 0.788 (95% CI 0.595–0.981, p = 0.019) at a cut-off LSN score greater than 1.48, and its diagnostic accuracy had 0.833 sensitivity and 0.727 specificity. This study developed LSN program and its clinical application demonstrated that the quantitative LSN scores can help to differentially diagnose fibrosis stage in NAFLD.
Thermophysical Fingerprinting of Probiotic-Based Products
Authors: Razafindralambo Hary , Razafindralambo Aurélie , Blecker Christophe
Published: July 2019

Variability in efficacy and safety is a worldwide concern with commercial probiotics for their growing and inevitable use in food and health sectors. Here, we introduce a probiotic thermophysical fingerprinting methodology using a coupling thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. Qualitative and quantitative information on the material decomposition and transition phases is provided under heating conditions. By monitoring the changes in both mass and internal energy over temperature and time, a couple of thermal data at the maximum decomposition steps allow the creation of a unique and global product identity, depending on both strain and excipient components. We demonstrate that each powder formulation of monostrain and multistrain from different lots and origins have a unique thermophysical profile. Our approach also provides information on the formulation thermostability and additive/excipient composition. An original fingerprint form is proposed by converting the generated thermal data sequence into a star-like pattern for a perspective library construction.
Determination of styrene hydrogenation surface kinetics through detailed simulation of the hydrogen uptake curve
Authors: Stamatiou Ilias , Brennan Colin , Muller Frans L.
Published: July 2019

The styrene hydrogenation over Pd/C in a three-phase dead-end stirred tank reactor has been simulated without neglecting the mass transfer effects.
Preparation of hierarchical trimetallic coordination polymer film as efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Bai Xiao-Jue , Li Yu-Nong , Yang Xi-Man , Zhang Ming-Yu , Shao Lei , Zhang Bing , Wang Tie-Qiang , Zhang Xue-Min , Zhang Li-Ying , Fu Yu , Qi Wei
Published: July 2019

A trimetallic coordination polymer film exhibits hierarchical structure with 1D interconnected nanofibers and can be an efficient OER electrocatalyst.
Endohedral alkali cations promote charge transfer transitions in complexes of C60 with [10]cycloparaphenylenes
Authors: González-Veloso Iván , Rodríguez-Otero Jesús , Cabaleiro-Lago Enrique M.
Published: July 2019

The endohedral alkali cations in M+@C60⋯[10]CPP complexes boost the near infrared absorption bands associated with charge transfer from the nanoring to the fullerene.
Dual-action organoplatinum polymeric nanoparticles overcoming drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Jayawardhana Amarasooriya M. D. S. , Qiu Zhihan , Kempf Susan , Wang Han , Miterko Mitchell , Bowers David J. , Zheng Yao-Rong
Published: July 2019

This work demonstrates the development of “dual-action” organometallic polymeric nanoparticles (OPNPs) for treating drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Exceptionally slow magnetic relaxation in a mononuclear hexacoordinate Ni(ii) complex
Authors: Titiš Ján , Chrenková Veronika , Rajnák Cyril , Moncol Ján , Valigura Dušan , Boča Roman
Published: July 2019

A hexacoordinate mononuclear [Ni(pydm)2](dnbz)2 complex shows field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with two or three relaxation channels that are strongly supported by an external magnetic field.
Investigation of binding and activity of perfluoroalkyl substances to the human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ
Authors: Li Chuan-Hai , Ren Xiao-Min , Cao Lin-Ying , Qin Wei-Ping , Guo Liang-Hong
Published: July 2019

In addition to PPARα and PPARγ, PPARβ/δ mediated pathway might also be a potential adverse outcome pathway for PFASs.
Ion specific effects of monovalent cations on deposition kinetics of engineered nanoparticles onto the silica surface in aqueous media
Authors: Huang Ruixing , Ma Chengxue , He Qiang , Ma Jun , Wu Zhengsong , Huangfu Xiaoliu
Published: July 2019

The cations decreased the deposition kinetics of different charged NPs onto silica with the decrease in the hydration degree of additive cations.