bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening three‐dimensional printed ultra‐light ceramic lattices
Authors: Mei Hui , Huang Weizhao , Zhao Yizhi , Cheng Laifei
Published: February 2019

Ceramic is a typical brittle‐essence material, which makes the low strength a fatal problem for ultra‐light ceramic lattices with ultra‐high porosity. In this study, ultra‐light ceramic lattices with calculated density of ca. 0.8 g/cm3 and porosity up to ca. 80% reaching maximum compressive strength of 107 MPa were successfully printed by a three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology stereolithography. Ultra‐high‐specific strength of the printed ceramic lattices (32 N·m/g) was even much higher than that of the steel lattices (2 N·m/g) (Int J Mach Tool Manuf, 62, 2012, 32). Short‐cut quartz fibers and in situ growing Si3N4 whiskers were introduced as reinforcements to improve the strength of the printed lattices. Compressive strengths of the ceramic lattices improved by 2.8 and 3.6 times stronger than the originals, respectively. Significantly, energy absorption of the ceramic lattices under compression reached over 10 times larger than before. In comparison with the originals, micronano reinforcements significantly improved the compressive properties of the lattices with microsupporting structures and network formed in internal pores while maintaining the ultra‐light structure.
Sexual size dimorphism, prey morphology and catch success in relation to flight mechanics in the peregrine falcon: a simulation study
Authors: Mills Robin , Taylor Graham K. , Hemelrijk Charlotte K.
Published: February 2019

In common with many other raptors, female peregrine falconsFalco peregrinusare about 50% heavier than males. Their sexual dimorphism is thought to allow breeding pairs to exploit a wider range of prey through a division of labor: the male being able to catch more maneuverable prey species; the female capable of carrying larger ones. Given the difficulty of assessing the catch success and load carrying capacity of both sexes of falcon in the field, we here adopt a novel approach to test the division‐of‐labor theory by using a detailed physics‐based flight simulator of birds. We study attacks by male and female peregrines on prey species ranging from small passerines to large ducks, testing how catch success relates to the flight performance of predator and prey. Males prove to be better than females at catching highly maneuverable prey in level flight, but the catch success of both sexes improves and becomes more similar when diving, because of the higher aerodynamic forces that are available to both sexes for maneuvering in high‐speed flight. The higher maximum roll acceleration of the male peregrine explains its edge over the female in catching maneuverable prey in level flight. Overall, catch success is more strongly influenced by the differences in maneuverability that exist between different species of prey than between the different sexes of falcon. On the other hand, the female can carry up to 50% greater loads than the male. More generally, our detailed simulation approach highlights the importance of several previously overlooked features of attack and escape. In particular, we find that it is not the prey's instantaneous maximum centripetal acceleration but the prey's ability to sustain a high centripetal acceleration for an extended period of time that is the primary driver of the variation in catch success across species.
Phylogenetic and spatial analyses suggest minimum temperature as an environmental filter for turtle communities
Authors: Rodrigues João Fabrício Mota , Sobral Fernando Landa , Iverson John B. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: February 2019

Aim

This study aims to evaluate phylogenetic structure of turtle communities and their potential correlates on a global scale. More specifically, we tested whether cold temperatures and low precipitation could act as potential environmental filters of turtle communities and whether the dispersal limitation caused by altitudinal range could generate phylogenetic clustered patterns in these communities.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Turtles.

Methods

We used phylogenetic and distributional data of 257 species of turtles on a grid of 100 km × 100 km to generate measures of phylogenetic structure (mean nearest taxon distance and the mean pairwise distance, and their standardized effect sizes—SES) of turtle communities using three different species pools. We evaluated the relationship between SESs with climatic and altitudinal data in order to evaluate our hypotheses. Finally, we inspected whether there was phylogenetic signal in the climatic variables classified as potential filters, as it is a basic assumption for using phylogenetic structure metrics to infer assembly rules.

Results

Phylogenetic clustering was generally stronger than phylogenetic overdispersion in turtle communities. There was a positive relationship between minimum temperature and the phylogenetic structure metrics, while minimum precipitation and altitudinal range were negatively related to these metrics. We found a strong phylogenetic signal in the minimum temperature, while precipitation had a weak signal.

Main conclusions

The positive correlation between phylogenetic community structure metrics and minimum temperature and the phylogenetic signal present in this climatic variable are in accordance with our initial hypothesis regarding minimum temperature acting as an environmental filter for turtles. However, we did not find evidence to support minimum precipitation as a filter. Altitudinal range followed the expected patterns, suggesting that it increases dispersal limitation and allows a concentration of closely related species.
Validation of two watch‐type wearable blood pressure monitors according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO81060‐2:2013 guidelines: Omron HEM‐6410T‐ZM and HEM‐6410T‐ZL
Authors: Kuwabara Mitsuo , Harada Kanako , Hishiki Yukiko , Kario Kazuomi
Published: February 2019

There is growing evidence of the clinical significance of daytime masked hypertension (MHT) and blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV). Recently, watch‐type wearable devices for self‐BP measurement have become available. Such devices might be promising tools to identify patients with daytime MHT or large BPV in their real‐life conditions. The present study aimed to validate the accuracy of the Omron HEM‐6410T‐ZM and the Omron HEM‐6410T‐ZL, which are automatic watch‐type wearable devices for self‐BP measurement, according to the American National Standards Institute, Inc/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) 81060‐2:2013 guideline. Watches were held with the wrist at heart level. The mean differences between reference BPs and HEM‐6410T‐ZM readings were −0.9 ± 7.6/‐1.1 ± 6.1 mm Hg for systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) for criterion 1, and −0.9 ± 6.8/‐1.1 ± 5.5 mm Hg for SBP/DBP for criterion 2. The mean differences between reference BPs and HEM‐6410T‐ZL readings were 2.4 ± 7.3/0.7 ± 7.0 mm Hg for SBP/DBP for criterion 1, and 2.4 ± 6.5/0.7 ± 6.5 mm Hg for SBP/DBP for criterion 2. The Omron HEM‐6410T‐ZM and the Omron HEM‐6410T‐ZL both fulfilled both validation criteria 1 and 2 of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060‐2:2013 guidelines.
MicroRNA‐383 inhibits doxorubicin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2
Authors: Tu Chaoyong , Chen Wei , Wang Shuqian , Tan Wei , Guo Jingqiang , Shao Chuxiao , Wang Weilin
Published: February 2019

Drug resistance occurs commonly in cancers, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in tumour chemoresistance. However, little is known about the role of miR‐383 in HCC chemoresistance. In the present study, RT‐PCR and western blotting were used to identify the expression profile of miR‐383 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2). The bioinformatics website Targetscan was used to predict the target genes of miR‐383. In vitro and in vivo loss‐ and gain‐of‐function studies were performed to reveal the effects and potential mechanism of the miR‐383/EIF5A2 axis in chemoresistance of HCC cells. The expression level of miR‐383 correlated negatively with doxorubicin (Dox) sensitivity. Overexpression of miR‐383 promoted HCC cells to undergo Dox‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, whereas miR‐383 knockdown had the opposite effects. EIF5A2 was predicted as a target gene of miR‐383. EIF5A2 knockdown sensitized HCC cells to Dox. Moreover, miR‐383 inhibition‐mediated HCC Dox resistance could be reversed by silencing EIF5A2. Finally, we demonstrated that miR‐383 inhibition could enhance Dox sensitivity by targeting EIF5A2 in vivo. The results indicated that miR‐383 inhibited Dox resistance in HCC cells by targeting EIF5A2. Targeting the miR‐383/EIF5A2 axis might help to alleviate the chemoresistance of HCC cells.
Epidemiology and prognostic factors for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in a multi‐ethnic Asian cohort: a 12‐year review
Authors: Lim H.L.J. , Tan E.S.T. , Tee S.I. , Ho Z.Y. , Boey J.J.J. , Tan W.P. , Tang M.B.Y. , Shen L. , Chan Y.H. , Tan S.H.
Published: February 2019

Background

Limited information exists regarding survival of Asian patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS).

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiology, outcome and prognostic factors of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of MF/SS cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2011 at a tertiary referral dermatology centre in Singapore was performed.

Results

Of 246 patients, 63% were male and the median age at diagnosis was 49 years. 73.2% were Chinese, 12.6% Indian, 6.9% Malay and 7.3% Caucasian. A total of 239 patients (97.2%) had MF and seven had SS. Median follow‐up duration was 6.3 years, and median duration of symptoms at diagnosis was 13 months. For patients with MF, the majority had early disease (92.8% stage IA–IIA). 3.8% were stage IIB, 1.7% stage III and 1.7% stage IV. Complete response to treatment occurred in 78.2%, partial response in 9.6%, persistent but non‐progressive disease in 10.0% and disease progression in 4.1% of patients. Large cell transformation occurred in 4.1% of patients. Mean overall survival during this study was 12.7 years, with death occurring in 2.5% of patients (all ≥stage IIB at diagnosis). For patients with SS, 71.4% presented with stage IVA disease, 28.6% stage IVB. Complete response to treatment occurred in 14.2%, persistent but non‐progressive disease in 28.6% and disease progression in 57.2% of patients. Mean overall survival was 3.3 years within this study, with death occurring in 42.9% of SS patients. Prognostic factors associated with favourable recurrence‐free survival were male gender (P = 0.008), early disease stage (T1) at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and absence of maintenance treatment after remission (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Compared to Caucasian and East Asian cohorts, MF in South‐East Asians was diagnosed at a younger age and associated with lower mortality, largely due to greater prevalence of hypopigmented MF.
Preparation and characterization of water in sesame oil microemulsion by spontaneous method
Authors: Nazari Mona , Mehrnia Mohammad Amin , Jooyandeh Hossein , Barzegar Hassan
Published: February 2019

Microemulsions based on their formation mechanism comparing to kinetically stable nanoemulsions are thermodynamically stable. Moreover, water in oil microemulsions could be used for encapsulation of water soluble compounds or preparing low fat products. In this research, we investigated the effects of preparation and formulation conditions on the formation and physical properties of water in sesame oil microemulsions using spontaneous method. Results showed that PGPR comparing to Span 80 formed transparent nanoemulsion with 67 nm droplet size. To investigate PGPR ability for emulsifying higher amounts of dispersed phase, water content increased in fixed concentration of PGPR. Increasing water content (%WOR) from 10 to 50% increased droplet size and viscosity from 53 to 722 nm and from 115 to 183 mPa.s, respectively. By increasing stirring speed to 900 rpm, droplet size decreased to 45 nm, but increasing stirring time to 2.5 hr, droplet size increased to 72 nm comparing to standard conditions. Comparing to pure water dissolving Vitamin C in inner aqueous phase increased droplet size to 171 nm.

Practical applications

Water in oil microemulsions fabricated using spontaneous method due to their high stability could be used for preparing low fat products such as seasonings and sauces. In this study, internal aqueous phase increased as much as possible at a fixed concentration of surfactant and factors affecting the emulsion droplet size and consequently their stability were evaluated. Moreover, such emulsions could be used for encapsulating water soluble ingredients such as Vitamin C in aqueous phase.
Preferred Post‐Acute Care Providers in Bundled Payment: Implications for Patient Choice
Authors: Huckfeldt Peter J. , Weissblum Lianna
Published: February 2019

This editorial comments on the Clinical Investigation by Joynt Maddox et al. in this issue.
Elicitor hydrophobin Hyd1 interacts with Ubiquilin1‐like to induce maize systemic resistance
Authors: Yu Chuanjin , Dou Kai , Wang Shaoqing , Wu Qiong , Ni Mi , Zhang Tailong , Lu Zhixiang , Tang Jun , Chen Jie
Published: February 2019

Trichoderma harzianum is a plant‐beneficial fungus that secretes small cysteine‐rich proteins that induce plant defense responses; however, the molecular mechanism involved in this induction is largely unknown. Here, we report that the class II hydrophobin ThHyd1 acts as an elicitor of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants. Immunogold labeling and immunofluorescence revealed ThHyd1 localized on maize (Zea mays) root cell plasma membranes. To identify host plant protein interactors of Hyd1, we screened a maize B73 root cDNA library. ThHyd1 interacted directly with ubiquilin 1‐like (UBL). Furthermore, the N‐terminal fragment of UBL was primarily responsible for binding with Hyd1 and the eight‐cysteine amino acid of Hyd1 participated in the protein‐protein interactions. Hyd1 from T. harzianum (Thhyd1) and ubl from maize were co‐expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana, they synergistically promoted plant resistance against Botrytis cinerea. RNA‐sequencing analysis of global gene expression in maize leaves 24 h after spraying with Curvularia lunata spore suspension showed that Thhyd1‐induced systemic resistance was primarily associated with brassinosteroid signaling, likely mediated through BAK1. Jasmonate/ethylene (JA/ET) signaling was also involved to some extent in this response. Our results suggest that the Hyd1‐UBL axis might play a key role in inducing systemic resistance as a result of Trichoderma‐plant interactions.
Closed system behaviour of argon in osumilite records protracted high‐Tmetamorphism within the Rogaland–Vest Agder Sector, Norway
Authors: Blereau Eleanore , Clark Chris , Jourdan Fred , Johnson Tim E. , Taylor Richard J. M. , Kinny Peter D. , Danišík Martin , Hand Martin , Eroglu Ela
Published: February 2019

Here, we present results of the first40Ar/39Ar dating of osumilite, a high‐Tmineral that occurs in some volcanic and high‐grade metamorphic rocks. The metamorphic osumilite studied here is from a metapelitic rock within the Rogaland–Vest Agder Sector, Norway, an area that experienced regional granulite facies metamorphism and subsequent contact metamorphism between 1,100 Ma and 850 Ma. The large grain size (~1 cm) of osumilite in the studied rock, which preserves a nominally anhydrous assemblage, increases the potential for large portions of individual grains to have remained essentially unaffected by the effects of diffusive argon loss, potentially preserving prograde ages. Step‐heating diffusion experiments yielded a maximum activation energy of ~461 kJ/mol and a pre‐exponential factor of ~8.34 × 108 cm2/s for Ar diffusion in osumilite. These parameters correspond to a relatively high closure temperature of ~620°C for a cooling rate of 10°C/Ma in an osumilite crystal with a 175 µm radius. Fragments of osumilite separated from the sample preserve a range of ages betweenc. 1,070 and 860 Ma. The oldest ages are inferred to date the growth of coarse‐grained osumilite during prograde granulite facies regional metamorphism, which pre‐date contact metamorphism that has historically been ascribed to the growth of osumilite in the region. The majority of fragments record ages betweenc. 920 and 860 Ma, inferred to reflect the growth of osumilite and/or diffusive argon loss during contact metamorphism. The retention of old40Ar/39Ar dates was facilitated by the low diffusivity of Ar in osumilite (i.e. a closed system), large grain sizes, and anhydrous metamorphic conditions. The ability to date osumilite with the40Ar/39Ar method provides a valuable new thermochronometer that may constrain the timing and duration of high‐Tmagmatic and metamorphic events.
Nuclear factor‐kappa β as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jha Niraj Kumar , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Kar Rohan , Nand Parma , Swati Kumari , Goswami Vineet Kumar
Published: February 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a typical progressive, chronic neurodegenerative disorder with worldwide prevalence. Its clinical manifestation involves the presence of extracellular plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). NFTs occur in brain tissues as a result of both Aβ agglomeration and Tau phosphorylation. Although there is no known cure for AD, research into possible cures and treatment options continues using cell‐cultures and model animals/organisms. The nuclear factor‐kappa β (NF‐κβ) plays an active role in the progression of AD. Impairment to this signaling module triggers undesirable phenotypic changes such as neuroinflammation, activation of microglia, oxidative stress related complications, and apoptotic cell death. These imbalances further lead to homeostatic abnormalities in the brain or in initial stages of AD essentially pushing normal neurons toward the degeneration process. Interestingly, the role of NF‐κβ signaling associated receptor‐interacting protein kinase is currently observed in apoptotic and necrotic cell death, and has been reported in brains. Conversely, the NF‐κβ signaling pathway has also been reported to be involved in normal brain functioning. This pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining synaptic plasticity and balancing between learning and memory. Since any impairment in the pathways associated with NF‐κβ signaling causes altered neuronal dynamics, neurotherapeutics using compounds including, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs against such abnormalities offer possibilities to rectify aberrant excitatory neuronal activity in AD. In this review, we have provided an extensive overview of the crucial role of NF‐κβ signaling in normal brain homeostasis. We have also thoroughly outlined several established pathomechanisms associated with NF‐κβ pathways in AD, along with their respective therapeutic approaches.

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Neuroticism as mental noise: Evidence from a continuous tracking task
Authors: Klein Robert J. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Prominent theories of Neuroticism emphasize its potential link to threat‐ or punishment‐sensitivity processes. Even in the absence of external threats, though, Neuroticism may predispose people to a sort of “mental noise,” or cognitive instability, that creates problems for ongoing efforts after control. If this is the case, cognitive views of Neuroticism might be needed to complement the primarily emotion‐related views that currently exist.

Method

In a four study program of research (total N = 541), momentary forms of monitoring and control were assessed using variants of a continuous tracking task.

Results

As hypothesized, the dimension of Neuroticism was consistently linked to performance deficits, regardless of whether aversive sounds were present or not (Studies 1–3), and the relevant deficits also predicted daily levels of negative affect (Study 4).

Conclusions

The results support the idea that momentary self‐regulation is noisier in the context of higher levels of Neuroticism.
Passion and moral disengagement: Different pathways to political activism
Authors: Bélanger Jocelyn J. , Schumpe Birga M. , Nociti Noëmie , Moyano Manuel , Dandeneau Stéphane , Chamberland Pier‐Eric , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Four studies examined the relationship between motivational imbalance―the degree to which a goal dominates other goals―and political activism.

Method

Based on the dualistic model of passion (Vallerand, 2015) and recent theorizing on violent extremism (Kruglanski, Jasko, Chernikova, Dugas, & Webber, 2017), we predicted that obsessive passion (OP), which facilitates alternative goal suppression, would increase support for violent political behaviors. In contrast, we predicted that harmonious passion (HP), which facilitates the integration of multiple goal pursuits, would increase support for peaceful political behaviors.

Results

Study 1a demonstrated that OP for environmentalism was positively associated with moral disengagement, which in turn predicted violent behaviors. HP was positively associated with peaceful behaviors. Political activism among Democrats yielded similar findings in Study 1b. Study 2 replicated Studies 1a–1b using an implicit measure of moral disengagement. Study 3 replicated Studies 1–2 by demonstrating that experimentally inducing a harmonious (vs. obsessive) passion mindset indirectly reduced violent behaviors through the attenuation of moral disengagement while directly promoting peaceful behaviors. Study 4 conceptually replicated Studies 1–3 by experimentally manipulating moral disengagement.

Conclusions

These results offer insights into the workings of radicalization and suggest theory‐driven methods of reducing political violence.
Recovering a sense of self in schizophrenia
Authors: Davidson Larry
Published: February 2019

Objective

Diverse theoretical orientations on psychopathology, including the most recent phenomenological and neuroscientific approaches, consistently have viewed a core component of schizophrenia to be the loss, or distortion, of a person’s sense of self as an effective agent in a shared, social world. How such a sense of self becomes lost or distorted and the questions of whether or not, and if so, how it can be recovered have received considerably less attention. These questions are taken up in the present paper.

Method

A review of a substantial body of longitudinal research, enhanced by a growing trove of recovery narratives, provides ample evidence that many people recover a sense of self over time. Based on a review of this qualitative literature, this contribution describes the components and processes involved in the gradual reconstruction of an effective sense of social agency.

Results

Processes of reconstructing a sense of self begin with acceptance and an instillation of hope, which together provide a foundation for rediscovering one’s efficacy in seemingly small but concrete ways that then are incorporated into a sense of social identity as a worthwhile member of one’s community.

Conclusions

Implications of such an understanding for recovery‐oriented practice are considered.
Modifying dietary risk behaviors to prevent obesity and dental caries in very young children: results of the Baby Steps to Health pediatric dental pilot
Authors: Chomitz Virginia Rall , Park Hubert J. , Koch‐Weser Susan , Chui Kenneth Kwan Ho , Sun Lingxia , Malone Mary Ellen , Palmer Carole , Loo Cheen Y. , Must Aviva
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To describe the design, feasibility, and acceptability of a theory‐informed obesity and dental caries prevention pilot study, Baby Steps to Health, conducted in an academic dental clinic among a primarily Asian immigrant population.

Methods

Baby Steps used self‐determination theory and behavioral motivation strategies for a caregiver/child (6–36 months) nutrition and oral health behavior change intervention implemented in a pediatric dental clinic. Caregivers completed a dietary practice assessment to identify risk behaviors and potential courses of action. With assistance from dental providers, caregiver responses were matched to customized dietary behavioral guidance and a behavior change goal to reinforce caregivers' autonomous motivation to improve feeding practices. A 1‐month, post‐visit phone caregiver interview assessed adherence to the behavioral goal(s) and solicited qualitative input for further program development.

Results

Fifty caregivers (82 percent Asian) participated in the initial visit, and 46 (92 percent) participated in the follow‐up interview. Reported obesogenic/cariogenic risk behaviors were prevalent: 57 percent of bottle‐fed children consumed non‐water beverages in bottles to aid sleep and 38 percent of parents offered snacks ad libitum. At follow‐up, 93 percent of caregivers who selected goals reported positive behavior change and 91 percent said they would participate in a similar future program.

Conclusions

Tailored guidance delivered in a program that uses self‐determination theory may represent a strategic use of the dental encounter to impart actionable information and motivate health‐related behavior change for families with very young children. Partnerships between dental and nutrition professionals offer opportunities to address key dietary behaviors that may prevent obesity and improve oral health, particularly among at‐risk children.
Increased temperature benefits growth and photosynthetic performance of the sea ice diatom Nitzschia cf. neglecta (Bacillariophyceae) isolated from saroma lagoon, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yan Dong , Endo Hisashi , Suzuki Koji
Published: February 2019

During ice melt in spring, ice algae are released from the ice and could be exposed to variable temperatures and irradiances in surface water. Saroma Lagoon is an embayment with two inlets leading to the Sea of Okhotsk. With seasonal development of sea ice, its water temperature changes dramatically throughout the year. To investigate the living and photoprotective strategies of ice algae in such a coastal water system, we grew Nitzschia cf. neglecta, an ice diatom isolated from the sea ice of this lagoon, under irradiance levels of 30 and 100 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, and temperatures of 2°C and 10°C. Then the acclimated cells were exposed to high light in order to investigate the plasticity of their photosynthetic apparatus. At 10°C, cells grew faster and showed decreased susceptibility to high light. At 2°C, an immediate decrease in all pigment content upon exposure, as well as a higher cellular content of diatoxanthin was used to compensate for the more severe excitation stress. Highly efficient photoprotection was achieved through the diadinoxanthin‐diatoxanthin cycle‐dependent nonphotochemical quenching. While regulation through psbA and rbcL at the transcription level played a minor role in the response to high light stress at both temperatures. The wide tolerance to both temperature and light changes suggest that the thinning of sea ice and higher temperatures in a warmer world will lead to more intense blooms in Saroma Lagoon.
Community‐based, point‐of‐care hepatitis C testing: perspectives and preferences of people who inject drugs
Authors: Latham Ned H. , Pedrana Alisa , Doyle Joseph S. , Howell Jessica , Williams Bridget , Higgs Peter , Thompson Alexander J. , Hellard Margaret E.
Published: February 2019

A barrier to hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs (PWID) is needing to attend multiple appointments for diagnosis. Point‐of‐care hepatitis C tests provide results within 20 to 105 minutes and can be offered opportunistically in nonclinical settings such as needle syringe programmes. In this nested qualitative study, we explored the acceptability of point‐of‐care testing for PWID. PWID attending participating needle syringe programmes were screened using the OraQuick HCV antibody mouth swab (result in 20 minutes); those with a reactive result then underwent venepuncture for a point‐of‐care RNA test: the Xpert HCV Viral Load (result in 105 minutes). Convenience sampling was used to select participants for a semi‐structured interview. A hybrid thematic analysis was performed, guided by Sekhon's “Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.” Nineteen participants were interviewed. Three core themes emerged: "people and place," "method of specimen collection," and "rapidity of result return." It was highly acceptable to be offered testing at the needle syringeprogrammes by nurses and community health workers, who were described as competent and nonjudgemental. Most participants reported that even if a finger‐stick point‐of‐care RNA test were an option in the future, they would prefer venepuncture, as the sample could be used for pre‐treatment workup and bundled testing. Waiting 20 minutes to receive the antibody test result was acceptable, whereas the 105 minutes required for the RNA result was unacceptable. Offering point‐of‐care hepatitis C testing at needle syringe programmes is acceptable to PWID, however tests that avoid venepuncture are not necessarily the most attractive to PWID.
Tilmicosin enteric granules and premix to pigs: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and comparative pharmacokinetics
Authors: Xiong Jincheng , Zhu Qianqian , Zhao Yaxin , Yang Shuaike , Cao Jiyue , Qiu Yinsheng
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules and premix after oral administration at a dose of 40 mg/kg in pigs. Three kinds of different respiratory pathogens were selected for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to tilmicosin. Eight healthy pigs were assigned to a two‐period, randomized crossover design. A modified rapid, sensitive HPLC method was used for determining the concentrations of tilmicosin in plasma. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using WinNonlin 5.2 software. The MIC90 of tilmicosin against Haemophilus parasuis, Actinbacillus pleuropneumoniae, and Pasteurella multocida were all 8 μg/ml. These results indicated that these common pig respiratory bacteria are sensitive to tilmicosin. The main parameters of time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), elimination half‐life (t1/2β), mean residence time (MRT), and apparent volume of distribution (VF) were 2.03 ± 0.37 hr, 29.31 ± 5.56 hr, 25.22 ± 2.57 hr, 4.06 ± 1.04 L/kg, and 3.05 ± 0.08 hr, 17.06 ± 1.77 hr, 15.55 ± 1.37 hr, 2.95 ± 0.62 L/kg after the orally administrated tilmicosin enteric granules and premix. The relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules to premix was 114.97 ± 7.19%, according to the AUC0‐t values. These results demonstrated that tilmicosin enteric granules produced faster tilmicosin absorption, slower elimination, larger tissue distribution, and higher bioavailability compared to the tilmicosin premix. The present study results manifest that tilmicosin enteric granules can be used as a therapeutic alternative to premix in clinical treatment.
Ancient refugia and present‐day habitat suitability of native laurophylls in Italy
Authors: Alessi Nicola , Těšitel Jakub , Zerbe Stefan , Spada Francesco , Agrillo Emiliano , Wellstein Camilla
Published: February 2019

Questions

European native laurophyllous species are interesting for their biogeography and evolutionary history, as well as for their responses to global changes. We identified Italian native laurophylls on the basis of morphology, biogeographical history and ecological niche to study whether these species are in equilibrium with the present‐day climate. Furthermore, we localized Quaternary refugia and areas of potential spread of native laurophylls using distribution patterns of realized and potential aggregations of native laurophylls, respectively.

Location

Italy.

Methods

We extracted data for 17 087 forest plots from a phytosociological database. Detrended Correspondence Analysis of these plots with overlay of climatic and environmental variables was performed to identify native laurophylls, i.e., evergreen broad‐leaved species of late Tertiary radiation, occupying a warm and humid niche. Potential ranges of laurophylls were calculated using Beals’ index of sociological favourability. The realized/potential range‐size ratio was calculated for each single laurophyll to understand whether it is in equilibrium with the present‐day climate. Distribution patterns of realized and potential aggregations of laurophylls were mapped.

Results

Ordination analysis provided a selection of 11 species as Italian native laurophylls. Most of them occupied less than half of their estimated potential range. Realized aggregations richest in native laurophylls were localized in the central Apennines. However, the Italian forests showed high potential for native laurophylls with the richest potential aggregations in the whole Apennines and in the southern Alps.

Conclusions

Most of the Italian native laurophylls showed non‐equilibrium with the current climate, suggesting that late‐Quaternary events could better explain their present‐day distribution than on‐going climate change. Furthermore, their refugia in central Italy suggest the persistence in sites with temperate climate during Quaternary environmental changes. The high suitability of Italian forests for laurophylls, along with global changes, suggests possible future spreading of these species.
The future of Genesis science
Authors: Burnett D. S. , Jurewicz A. J. G. , Woolum D. S.
Published: February 2019

Solar abundances are important to planetary science since the prevalent model assumes that the composition of the solar photosphere is that of the solar nebula from which planetary materials formed. Thus, solar abundances are a baseline for planetary science. Previously, solar abundances have only been available through spectroscopy or by proxy (CI). The Genesis spacecraft collected and returned samples of the solar wind for laboratory analyses. Elemental and isotopic abundances in solar wind from Genesis samples have been successfully measured despite the crash of the re‐entry capsule. Here we present science rationales for a set of 12 important (and feasible postcrash) Science and Measurement Objectives as goals for the future (Table 1). We also review progress in Genesis sample analyses since the last major review (Burnett ). Considerable progress has been made toward understanding elemental fractionation during the extraction of the solar wind from the photosphere, a necessary step in determining true solar abundances from solar wind composition. The suitability of Genesis collectors for specific analyses is also assessed. Thus far, the prevalent model remains viable despite large isotopic variations in a number of volatile elements, but its validity and limitations can be further checked by several Objectives.
Shifting the paradigm in Evolve and Resequence studies: From analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms to selected haplotype blocks
Authors: Barghi Neda , Schlötterer Christian
Published: February 2019

For almost a decade the combination of whole genome sequencing with experimental evolution (Evolve and Resequence, E&R; Turner, Stewart, Fields, Rice, & Tarone, 2011) has been used to study adaptation in outcrossing organisms. However, complications caused by inversions and hitchhiking variants have prevented this powerful approach from living up to its potential. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Michalak, Kang, Schou, Garner, and Loeschke (2018), provide an important step ahead by using a population of Drosophila melanogaster devoid of segregating inversions to identify the genetic basis of resistance to five environmental stressors. They further address the challenge of hitchhiking variants by reconstructing selected haplotype blocks. While it is apparent that the haplotype block reconstruction needs further refinements, their work underpins the potential of E&R studies in Drosophila to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology.
Multi‐domain analysis of microvascular flow motion dynamics in NAFLD
Authors: Chipperfield Andrew J. , Thanaj Marjola , Scorletti Eleonora , Byrne Christopher D. , Clough Geraldine F.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine whether analysis of microvascular network perfusion using complexity‐based methods can discriminate between groups of individuals at an increased risk of developing CVD.

Methods

Data were obtained from laser Doppler recordings of skin blood flux at the forearm in 50 participants with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease grouped for absence (n = 28) or presence (n = 14) of type 2 diabetes and use of calcium channel blocker medication (n = 8). Power spectral density was evaluated and Lempel‐Ziv complexity determined to quantify signal information content at single and multiple time‐scales to account for the different processes modulating network perfusion.

Results

Complexity was associated with dilatory capacity and respiration and negatively with baseline blood flux and cardiac band power. The relationship between the modulators of flowmotion and complexity of blood flux is shown to change with time‐scale improving discrimination between groups. Multiscale Lempel‐Ziv achieved best classification accuracy of 86.1%.

Conclusions

Time and frequency domain measures alone are insufficient to discriminate between groups. As cardiovascular disease risk increases, the degree of complexity of the blood flux signal reduces, indicative of a reduced temporal activity and heterogeneous distribution of blood flow within the microvascular network sampled. Complexity‐based methods, particularly multiscale variants, are shown to have good discriminatory capabilities.
A high‐throughput and rapid method for accurate identification of emerging multidrug‐resistant Candida auris
Authors: Ahmad Ausaf , Spencer Jonathan E. , Lockhart Shawn R. , Singleton Sabrina , Petway David J. , Bagarozzi Dennis A. , Herzegh Owen T.
Published: February 2019

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug‐resistant yeast associated with invasive infection in healthcare settings. Recently, C auris cases in the United States have been detected in 11 states with the majority of cases in New York, New Jersey and Illinois. Rapid and accurate identification of C auris is critical for patient care and the implementation of public health measures to control the spread of infection. Our aim was to develop and validate a rapid DNA extraction method using the Roche MagNA Pure 96 instrument and a TaqMan real‐time PCR assay for reliable, high‐throughput identification of C auris. We evaluated 247 patient dermal swab samples previously analysed by culture/MALDI‐TOF. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 93.6% and 97.2%, respectively. The assay was highly reproducible with a detection limit of 1 C auris CFU/10 μL. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the real‐time PCR data showed an area of 0.982 under the curve, with a CT cut‐off value of ≤37.0. The turnaround time from DNA extraction to real‐time PCR results was approximately 200 samples/day. In conclusion, we successfully validated a rapid and high‐throughput method for accurate and reproducible identification of C auris with a significantly reduced turnaround time compared to culture/MALDI‐TOF based methods.
JAZ proteins modulate seed germination through interaction with ABI5 in bread wheat and Arabidopsis
Authors: Ju Lan , Jing Yexing , Shi Pengtao , Liu Jie , Chen Jiansheng , Yan Jijun , Chu Jinfang , Chen Kun‐Ming , Sun Jiaqiang
Published: February 2019

Appropriate regulation of crop seed germination is of significance for agriculture production. In this study, we show that TaJAZ1, most closely related to Arabidopsis JAZ3, negatively modulates abscisic acid (ABA)‐inhibited seed germination and ABA‐responsive gene expression in bread wheat. Biochemical interaction assays demonstrate that the C‐terminal part containing the Jas domain of TaJAZ1 physically interacts with TaABI5.

Similarly, Arabidopsis jasmonate‐ZIM domain (JAZ) proteins also negatively modulate ABA responses. Further we find that a subset of JAZ proteins could interact with ABI5 using the luciferase complementation imaging assays.

Choosing JAZ3 as a representative, we demonstrate that JAZ3 interacts with ABI5 in vivo and represses the transcriptional activation activity of ABI5. ABA application could abolish the enrichment of JAZ proteins in the ABA‐responsive gene promoter. Furthermore, we find that ABA application could induce the expression of jasmonate (JA) biosynthetic genes and then increase the JA concentrations partially dependent on the function of ABI5, consequently leading to the degradation of JAZ proteins.

This study sheds new light on the crosstalk between JA and ABA in modulating seed germination in bread wheat and Arabidopsis.
A delayed and severe presentation of coronectomy complication
Authors: Pellatt A. , Bhola S. , Collin J. , Cobb A.
Published: February 2019

Coronectomy involves removal of the crown of the tooth, while leaving the roots in situ. It is generally performed in the secondary care setting as an alternative to extraction of the entire tooth, when the mandibular third molar is in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. Although many clinicians are aware of how to identify high‐risk mandibular third molars and the potential advantages of performing coronectomy on such teeth, they may not be familiar with the associated risks and potential complications associated with coronectomy. We report a severe, albeit rare, complication of coronectomy and discuss the risks associated with the technique.
A WRKY transcription factor PbrWRKY53 from Pyrus betulaefolia is involved in drought tolerance and AsA accumulation
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Tianyuan , Lin Zekun , Gu Bingjie , Xing Caihua , Zhao Liangyi , Dong Huizhen , Gao Junzhi , Xie Zhihua , Zhang Shaoling , Huang Xiaosan
Published: February 2019

WRKY comprises a large family of transcription factors in plants, but most WRKY members are still poorly understood. In this study, we report the identification and functional characterization of PbrWRKY53 isolated from Pyrus betulaefolia. PbrWRKY53 was greatly up‐regulated by drought and abscisic acid, but slightly induced by salt and cold. Subcellar localization analyses showed that PbrWRKY53 was located in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of PbrWRKY53 in tobacco and Pyrus ussuriensis conferred enhanced tolerance to drought stress. The transgenic plants exhibited better water status, less reactive oxygen species generation and higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolites than the wild type. In addition, overexpression of PbrWRKY53 in transgenic tobacco resulted in enhanced expression level of PbrNCED1, and led to the increase in larger amount of vitamin C accumulation in comparison to WT. Knock‐down of PbrWRKY53 in P. ussuriensis down‐regulated PbrNCED1 abundance, accompanied by compromised drought tolerance. Yeast one‐hybrid assay, EMSA and transient expression analysis demonstrated that PbrWRKY53 could bind to the W‐box element in the promoter region of PbrNCED1. Taken together, these results demonstrated that PbrWRKY53 plays a positive role in drought tolerance, which might be, at least in part, promoting production of vitamin C via regulating PbrNCED1 expression.
Spousal understanding and marital satisfaction in pain patients and their spouses
Authors: Tate Ashley M. , Martire Lynn M. , Zhaoyang Ruixue
Published: February 2019

The current study tested the hypotheses that knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and spouses who report more spousal understanding of patient's pain would report greater marital satisfaction. A total of 124 couples completed interviews at three time points across 18 months. Results from dyadic analyses showed that patients who felt more understood by their spouse report, and have spouses who report, higher marital satisfaction concurrently. In addition, patients who felt more understood by their spouse reported higher marital satisfaction over time. Spouses' reports of understanding also had a significant influence on the patients' and their own marital satisfaction concurrently. Results highlight the importance of spouses understanding knee OA patients' pain for both dyad members' marital satisfaction.
Sublethal effects of chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos or imidacloprid insecticides or their binary mixtures on Culex pipiens mosquitoes
Authors: Al Naggar Yahya , Giesy John P. , El Kholy Samar
Published: February 2019

Mosquitoes represent one of the most significant threats to human and veterinary health throughout the world. Consequently, improving strategies for the control of mosquitoes is essential. In the present study, juvenile Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the common house mosquito, are chronically exposed to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos (20% of LC50) and imidacloprid (5% of LC50), both separately and as a mixture. Developmental time, the emergence rate of adults and the expression of five selected genes involved in detoxification and resistance to pesticides are assessed. To assess the effects on oviposition choice, gravid females are forced to oviposit into cups containing water with added chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid or a mixture of both. The time required for the development of second‐ and third‐instar larvae is observed to differ significantly between treatments. Adults of C. pipiens fail to emerge from larvae hatched in both imidacloprid and the binary mixture. The expression of the four quantified detoxification genes differs significantly in third‐larval instars exposed to chlorpyrifos and/or imidacloprid compared with controls. Gravid females also fail to lay eggs on water to which either of the insecticides or the binary mixture is added, although they do lay eggs in cups containing water only. Chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos or imidacloprid has significant adverse effects on development and thus the reproductive fitness of C. pipiens and, accordingly, could be used in the population control of these mosquitoes.
Systemic necrosis in tomato induced by a Japanese isolate of rehmannia mosaic virus in a temperature‐sensitive manner
Authors: Hamada T. , Mise K. , Kiba A. , Hikichi Y.
Published: February 2019

The Japanese isolate of rehmannia mosaic virus (ReMV‐J) was initially isolated from chilli pepper in Japan. The leaves of diseased chilli pepper plants, which hold no tobamovirus‐resistance genes, have mosaic symptoms. As the symptoms progress, the infected plants develop prominent leaf necrosis and severe leaf fall, followed by stem necrosis and fruit distortion. Additionally, ReMV‐J systematically infects tomato and this reportedly leads to mottle in tomato when incubated at 20 °C. This study found that ReMV‐J induces systemic necrosis of tomato – except for cultivar Micro‐Tom – when incubated at 25 °C. To determine the virus factor involved in the induction of temperature‐sensitive systemic necrosis on tomato, intergenic recombinants between ReMV‐J and tomato mosaic virus were constructed. All recombinant viruses systemically infected tomato similar to ReMV‐J. Recombinant viruses with the movement protein (MP) gene of ReMV‐J induced systemic necrosis on tomato. Incubation at 20 °C significantly reduced the ability of recombinant viruses with the MP gene of ReMV‐J to induce systemic necrosis. Thus, the ReMV‐J MP gene is involved in the temperature‐sensitive induction of systemic necrosis on most tomato cultivars tested. This study is the first to report the involvement of the MP gene in temperature‐sensitive induction of systemic necrosis by tobamovirus on tobamovirus‐susceptible tomato.