bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSISE statement on the reporting of Seroepidemiologic Studies for influenza (ROSES‐I statement): an extension of the STROBE statement
Authors: Horby Peter W. , Laurie Karen L. , Cowling Benjamin J. , Engelhardt Othmar G. , Sturm‐Ramirez Katharine , Sanchez Jose L. , Katz Jacqueline M. , Uyeki Timothy M. , Wood John , Van Kerkhove Maria D. ,   the CONSISE Steering Committee
Published: July 2016

Background

Population‐based serologic studies are a vital tool for understanding the epidemiology of influenza and other respiratory viruses, including the early assessment of the transmissibility and severity of the 2009 influenza pandemic, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. However, interpretation of the results of serologic studies has been hampered by the diversity of approaches and the lack of standardized methods and reporting.

Objective

The objective of the CONSISE ROSES‐I statement was to improve the quality and transparency of reporting of influenza seroepidemiologic studies and facilitate the assessment of the validity and generalizability of published results.

Methods

The ROSES‐I statement was developed as an expert consensus of the CONSISE epidemiology and laboratory working groups. The recommendations are presented in the familiar format of a reporting guideline. Because seroepidemiologic studies are a specific type of observational epidemiology study, the ROSES‐I statement is built upon the STROBE guidelines. As such, the ROSES‐I statement should be seen as an extension of the STROBE guidelines.

Results

The ROSES‐I statement presents 42 items that can be used as a checklist of the information that should be included in the results of published seroepidemiologic studies, and which can also serve as a guide to the items that need to be considered during study design and implementation.

Conclusions

We hope that the ROSES‐I statement will contribute to improving the quality of reporting of seroepidemiologic studies.
Class I HDACs specifically regulate E‐cadherin expression in human renal epithelial cells
Authors: Choi Sin Y. , Kee Hae J. , Kurz Thomas , Hansen Finn K. , Ryu Yuhee , Kim Gwi R. , Lin Ming Q. , Jin Li , Piao Zhe H. , Jeong Myung H.
Published: July 2016

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis are closely involved in chronic kidney disease. Inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) has an anti‐fibrotic effect in various diseases. However, the pathophysiological role of isoform‐specific HDACs or class‐selective HDACs in renal fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we investigated EMT markers and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in a human proximal tubular cell line (HK‐2) by using HDAC inhibitors or by knockdown of class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2, 3 and 8). Trichostatin A (TSA), MS275, PCI34051 and LMK235 inhibited ECM proteins such as collagen type I or fibronectin in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced HK2 cells. However, restoration of TGF‐β1‐induced E‐cadherin down‐regulation was only seen in HK‐2 cells treated with TSA or MS275, but not with PCI34051, whereas TGF‐β1‐induced N‐cadherin expression was not affected by the inhibitors. ECM protein and EMT marker levels were prevented or restored by small interfering RNA transfection against HDAC8, but not against other class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2 and 3). E‐cadherin regulation is mediated by HDAC8 expression, but not by HDAC8 enzyme activity. Thus, class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2, 3 and 8) play a major role in regulating ECM and EMT, whereas class IIa HDACs (HDAC4 and 5) are less effective.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a C‐type lectin in yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco
Authors: Ke F. , Zhang H. B. , Wang Y. , Hou L. F. , Dong H. J. , Wang Z. F. , Pan G. W. , Cao X. Y.
Published: July 2016

This study represents the first report of a C‐type lectin (ctl) in yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco. The complete sequence of ctl complementary (c)DNA consisted of 685 nucleotides. The open reading frame potentially encoded a protein of 177 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of c.y 20.204 kDa. The deduced amino‐acid sequence contained a signal peptide and a single carbohydrate recognition domain with four cysteine residues and GlnProAsp (QPD) and TrpAsnAsp (WND) motifs. Ctl showed the highest identity (56.0%) to the predicted lactose binding lectin from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Quantitative real‐time (qrt)‐PCR analysis showed that ctl messenger (m)RNA was constitutively expressed in all examined tissues in normal fish, with high expression in trunk kidney and head kidney, which was increased following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge in a duration‐dependent manner. Purified recombinant Ctl (rCtl) from Escherichia coli BL21 was able to bind and agglutinate Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in a calcium‐dependent manner. These results suggested that Ctl might be a C‐type lectin of T. fulvidraco involved in innate immune responses as receptors (PRR).
Three‐dimensional visualization of green fluorescence protein‐labelled Edwardsiella tarda in whole Medaka larvae
Authors: Kataoka C , Tomiyama H , Kashiwada S
Published: July 2016

The invasive fish pathogen Edwardsiella tarda is common in aquatic environments and causes the environmentally and economically destructive emphysematous putrefactive disease called edwardsiellosis. In order to understand the organism's infection pathway, medaka larvae (Oryzias latipes) were immersion‐infected with E. tarda labelled with green fluorescence protein (GFP) and then visualized in three dimensions under confocal laser microscopy and light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy. Confocal microscopy revealed GFP‐labelled E. tarda in the mouth, head, gill bridges, gill cover, skin, membrane fin, gastrointestinal tract and air bladder, and in the caudal vein, somite veins, caudal artery and caudal capillaries. Light‐sheet microscopy additionally showed GFP‐labelled E. tarda in the pharyngeal cavity, muscle of the pectoral fin and cardiac atrium and ventricle. These findings suggest that during its infection of fish, E. tarda initially adheres to, and invades, the epithelial cells of the skin, gills and gastrointestinal tract (through the pharyngeal cavity); E. tarda then enters the blood vessels to access organs, including the air bladder and heart.
Hyper Production of Β‐Galactosidase From Newly Isolated Strain of Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Kamran Aysha , Bibi Zainab , Aman Afsheen , Qader Shah Ali Ul
Published: July 2016

Several Aspergillus species were isolated from soil samples collected from local dairy farms and screened for the production of β‐galactosidase. The potent isolate was identified as Aspergillus nidulans on the basis of microscopic and phenotypic characteristics. The production of β‐galactosidase from A. nidulans was optimized in batch fermentation using one‐variable‐at‐a‐time approach. Evaluation of process parameters indicated that A. nidulans produced high titer of β‐galactosidase at 35°C after 10.0 days of fermentation. It was found that A. nidulans is capable of releasing 60.0 U mg−1 of β‐galactosidase at pH 3.0. Among various carbon sources xylose (0.5%) showed maximum enzyme production. Glucose (1.0%), tri‐sodium citrate (0.7%), and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.3%) indicated positive affect by inducing the culture for maximum synthesis of β‐galactosidase. Various organic and inorganic nitrogen sources were also tested and it was noticed that peptone (0.5%), yeast extract (0.5%), ammonium sulfate (0.2%), and ammonium nitrate (0.2%) improved the production of β‐galactosidase. These results suggested the feasibility of A. nidulans for the large scale production of β‐galactosidase.

Practical Applications

Beta galactosidase has potential applications in food processing industry and enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose is best process as compared to high temperature and acids treatment as it retains maximum quality of product. This enzyme is used to obtain the hydrolyzed lactose from milk and milk whey for utilization in bakery products, animal feeds and as a sugar source for several fermentation products. This enzyme is also used in ice creams and condensed dairy products to avoid lactose crystallization. The syrup produced by lactose conversion using enzyme hydrolysis is used in dairy and soft drink industries. In pharmaceutical industry, it is used to produce lactose‐free milk for lactose intolerant consumers who are unable to digest the milk lactose.
Fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the detection of proximal synchronous lesions in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Wan Soo , Lee Hyo Sang , Lee Jeong‐Mi , Kwak Min Seob , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Kim Kyung‐Jo , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Byeon Jeong‐Sik
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

We aimed to investigate the ability of fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to detect synchronous neoplasms, specifically obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) and CRC in the proximal colon and to suggest a management strategy based on FDG PET/CT findings.

Methods

From the CRC surgery database of our institution, 518 patients with obstructive CRC whose proximal colon could not be examined by colonoscopy and who underwent preoperative FDG PET/CT were eligible for this study. Of these, final analyses were performed in 345 patients who had reference standards for the proximal colon, which were a surgical colectomy specimen and/or postsurgical colonoscopy. The per‐patient and per‐lesion performances of FDG PET/CT for synchronous CRC diagnosis were determined.

Results

Of 345 patients, 14 (4.1%) had 14 proximal synchronous CRCs. Thirty‐four patients showed 39 areas of abnormal FDG uptake on PET/CT in the colon proximal to the obstructive CRC. PET/CT detected all of the 14 proximal synchronous CRCs. The per‐patient PET/CT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for proximal synchronous CRC were 100%, 93.9%, 41.2%, and 100%, respectively. Per‐lesion values were 100%, 92.6%, 35.9%, and 100%, respectively. The per‐lesion sensitivity and negative predictive value of PET/CT for advanced adenoma were 45.5% and 92.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

The FDG PET/CT shows a high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the detection of proximal synchronous CRC in patients with obstructive CRC, enabling negative findings in the proximal colon on PET/CT to definitively exclude proximal synchronous CRC. Preoperative PET/CT recommended to determine the proper surgical plan in patients with obstructive CRC.
Prospective clinical study of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage using novel balloon catheter (with video)
Authors: Amano Mio , Ogura Takeshi , Onda Saori , Takagi Wataru , Sano Tastsushi , Okuda Astushi , Miyano Akira , Masuda Daisuke , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

On endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage, fistula dilation may be accompanied by leakage of bile juice, potentially along with bacteria or air, so this procedure should be kept as simple and short as possible. To date, various techniques to dilate the fistula have been reported. This prospective, single‐center, single‐arm study evaluated the technical feasibility and safety of EUS‐guided biliary drainage using novel balloon catheters.

Methods

Tip of novel balloon catheters is only 3 Fr and tapered, and the catheters also show favorable push ability. First, biliary tract was punctured using 19‐G fine needle aspiration needle. Next, we immediately inserted the novel balloon catheter, and the biliary tract and intestinal wall were dilated. Then, we performed metallic stent placement without any dilation fistula.

Results

A total of 20 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. Technical success rate was 100%. Eleven patients underwent EUS‐guided choledochoduodenostomy, and nine patients underwent EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy. Median procedure time was only 11 min (range, 8–16 min) for EUS‐guided choledochoduodenostomy and 14 min (range, 11–18 min) for EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy. Adverse events were seen in 15% (3/20; self‐limited abdominal pain n = 2, peritonitis n = 1).

Conclusions

Although additional cases and a randomized controlled comparison with another dilation technique such as the graded dilation or cystotome dilation technique are needed, our technique may be helpful for EUS‐guided biliary drainage.
Front‐of‐Pack Food Labeling and the Politics of Nutritional Nudges
Authors: Scrinis Gyorgy , Parker Christine
Published: July 2016

This article examines the potential for new front‐of‐pack (FOP) nutrition labeling initiatives to nudge consumers toward healthier food choices. The libertarian‐paternalist approach to policy known as nudge initially developed by Thaler and Sunstein is discussed, with its emphasis on designing spaces (including the space of the food label) to shape the behavior of individuals while not restricting consumer choice or imposing restrictions or penalties on producers. In the context of concerns over diet‐related chronic diseases and obesity, new FOP interpretive nutrition labels have been proposed or implemented in an attempt to shift consumer dietary choices, including the Multiple Traffic Light labeling system in the United Kingdom and the Health Star Rating system in Australia. We identify some of the characteristics, the underlying nutritional philosophies, and the limitations of these FOP labeling schemes. We suggest that the potential of these schemes is compromised by the coexistence on the food label of many other forms of nutrition information and food marketing. Some alternative ways of labeling and communicating the nutritional quality of foods are also discussed.
Thermoregulatory responses to combined moderate heat stress and hypoxia
Authors: Low David A. , Bailey Tom G. , Timothy Cable Nigel , Jones Helen
Published: July 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the cutaneous vascular and sudomotor responses to combined moderate passive heat stress and normobaric hypoxia.

Method

Thirteen healthy young males, dressed in a water‐perfused suit, underwent passive heating (Δcore temperature ~0.7°C) twice (Normoxia; 20.9% O2 and Hypoxia; 13% O2). Chest and forearm skin blood flow (SkBF; laser‐Doppler flux) and sweat rate (SR; capacitance hygrometry), core (intestinal pill), and skin temperatures, were recorded.

Results

Hypoxia reduced baseline oxygen saturation (98±1 vs 89±6%, P<.001) and elevated chest (P=.03) and forearm SkBF (P=.03), and HR (64±9 vs 69±8 beats.min−1, P<.01). During heating, mean body temperature () thresholds for SkBF (P=.41) and SR (P=.28) elevations were not different between trials. The SkBF: linear sensitivity during the initial phase of heating was lower at the chest (P=.035) but not different at the forearm (P=.17) during hypoxia. With increasing levels of heating chest SkBF was not different (P=.55) but forearm SkBF was lower (P<.01) during hypoxia. Chest (P=.85) and forearm (P=.79) SR: linear sensitivities were not different between trials.

Conclusion

While sudomotor responses and the initiation of cutaneous blood flow elevations are unaffected, hypoxia differentially effects regional SkBF responses during moderate passive heating.
Spirochetes flagellar collar protein FlbB has astounding effects in orientation of periplasmic flagella, bacterial shape, motility, and assembly of motors in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Moon Ki Hwan , Zhao Xiaowei , Manne Akarsh , Wang Juyu , Yu Zhou , Liu Jun , Motaleb Md A.
Published: July 2016

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is a highly motile spirochete, and motility, which is provided by its periplasmic flagella, is critical for every part of the spirochete's enzootic life cycle. Unlike externally flagellated bacteria, spirochetes possess a unique periplasmic flagellar structure called the collar. This spirochete‐specific novel component is linked to the flagellar basal body; however, nothing is known about the proteins encoding the collar or their function in any spirochete. To identify a collar protein and determine its function, we employed a comprehensive strategy that included genetic, biochemical, and microscopic analyses. We found that BB0286 (FlbB) is a novel flagellar motor protein, which is located around the flagellar basal body. Deletion of bb0286 has a profound effect on collar formation, assembly of other flagellar structures, morphology, and motility of the spirochete. Orientation of the flagella toward the cell body is critical for determination of wild‐type spirochete's wave‐like morphology and motility. Here, we provide the first evidence that FlbB is a key determinant of normal orientation of the flagella and collar assembly.
Nystatin and miconazole: pharmacological and clinical evidence regarding interactions with warfarin
Authors: Pemberton MN
Published: July 2016

Objective

A retrospective case series published in 2012 concluded that miconazole and nystatin used as topical antifungal drugs appear to interact equally strongly with warfarin. If confirmed, this finding has significant implications for clinical practice. This study evaluates the evidence.

Materials and methods

Evidence from the pharmacology literature, the medical literature and the ‘yellow card’ adverse drug reaction surveillance reports was analysed regarding possible interactions of nystatin and miconazole with warfarin.

Results

There is strong evidence to support the derangement of warfarin anticoagulation by miconazole oral gel in all areas of evidence studied. No postulated mechanism of interaction, no additional published reported cases and no supportive data from adverse drug reports were identified which would corroborate the case for a significant interaction between nystatin and warfarin.

Conclusion

Miconazole and nystatin used as topical antifungal drugs do not interact equally strongly with warfarin. Miconazole oral gel can clearly interact with warfarin to cause derangement of anticoagulation. Nystatin appears unlikely to interact with warfarin.
OsASR5 enhances drought tolerance through a stomatal closure pathway associated with ABA and H2O2 signalling in rice
Authors: Li Jinjie , Li Yang , Yin Zhigang , Jiang Jihong , Zhang Minghui , Guo Xiao , Ye Zhujia , Zhao Yan , Xiong Haiyan , Zhang Zhanying , Shao Yujie , Jiang Conghui , Zhang Hongliang , An Gynheung , Paek Nam‐Chon , Ali Jauhar , Li Zichao
Published: July 2016

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that directly implicate plant growth and crop productivity. Although many genes in response to drought stress have been identified, genetic improvement to drought resistance especially in food crops is showing relatively slow progress worldwide. Here, we reported the isolation of abscisic acid, stress and ripening (ASR) genes from upland rice variety, IRAT109 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica), and demonstrated that overexpression of OsASR5 enhanced osmotic tolerance in Escherichia coli and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis and rice by regulating leaf water status under drought stress conditions. Moreover, overexpression of OsASR5 in rice increased endogenous ABA level and showed hypersensitive to exogenous ABA treatment at both germination and postgermination stages. The production of H2O2, a second messenger for the induction of stomatal closure in response to ABA, was activated in overexpression plants under drought stress conditions, consequently, increased stomatal closure and decreased stomatal conductance. In contrast, the loss‐of‐function mutant, osasr5, showed sensitivity to drought stress with lower relative water content under drought stress conditions. Further studies demonstrated that OsASR5 functioned as chaperone‐like protein and interacted with stress‐related HSP40 and 2OG‐Fe (II) oxygenase domain containing proteins in yeast and plants. Taken together, we suggest that OsASR5 plays multiple roles in response to drought stress by regulating ABA biosynthesis, promoting stomatal closure, as well as acting as chaperone‐like protein that possibly prevents drought stress‐related proteins from inactivation.
Osmoconditioning prevents the onset of microtubular cytoskeleton and activation of cell cycle and is detrimental for germination ofJatropha curcasL. seeds
Authors: de Brito C. D. , Loureiro M. B. , Ribeiro P. R. , Vasconcelos P. C. T. , Fernandez L. G. , de Castro R. D.
Published: July 2016

Jatropha curcasis an oilseed crop renowned for its tolerance to a diverse range of environmental stresses. In Brazil, this species is grown in semiarid regions where crop establishment requires a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying appropriate seed, seedling and plant behaviour under water restriction conditions. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the physiological and cytological profiles ofJ. curcasseeds in response to imbibition in water (control) and in polyethylene glycol solution (osmoticum).

Seed germinability and reactivation of cell cycle events were assessed by means of different germination parameters and immunohistochemical detection of tubulin and microtubules,i.e. tubulin accumulation and microtubular cytoskeleton configurations in water imbibed seeds (control) and in seeds imbibed in the osmoticum.

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increasing accumulation of tubulin and appearance of microtubular cytoskeleton in seed embryo radicles imbibed in water from 48 h onwards. Mitotic microtubules were only visible in seeds imbibed in water, after radicle protrusion, as an indication of cell cycle reactivation and cell proliferation, with subsequent root development. Imbibition in osmoticum prevented accumulation of microtubules,i.e. activation of cell cycle, therefore germination could not be resumed.

Osmoconditioned seeds were able to survive re‐drying and could resume germination after re‐imbibition in water, however, with lower germination performance, possibly due to acquisition of secondary dormancy. This study provides important insights into understanding of the physiological aspects ofJ. curcasseed germination in response to water restriction conditions.
Cumulative and residual effects of different potato cropping system management strategies on soilborne diseases and soil microbial communities over time
Authors: Larkin R. P. , Honeycutt C. W. , Griffin T. S. , Olanya O. M. , He Z. , Halloran J. M.
Published: July 2016

Soilborne potato diseases and soil microbial community characteristics were evaluated over 8 years in different potato cropping systems designed to address specific management goals of soil conservation, soil improvement and disease suppression. Results were compared to a standard rotation and non‐rotation control in field trials in Maine. Standard rotation consisted of barley underseeded with red clover, followed by potato (2‐year). Soil‐conserving system (SC) featured an additional year of forage grass and reduced tillage (3‐year, barley/timothy–timothy–potato). Soil‐improving system (SI) added yearly compost amendments to SC, and the disease‐suppressive system (DS) featured crops with known disease‐suppressive capability (3‐year, mustard/rapeseed–sudangrass/rye–potato). Systems were established in 2004, evaluated with and without irrigation, and actively managed until 2010, with potato also planted in 2011 and 2012 to examine residual effects. All rotations reduced soilborne diseases black scurf and common scab, and increased yield after one rotation cycle (3 years), but diseases increased overall after two rotation cycles. DS maintained lower soilborne disease levels than all other rotations, as well as high yields, throughout the study. Cropping system effects became more pronounced after multiple cycles. SI system and irrigation both resulted in higher yields, but also higher levels of soilborne disease. Cropping system and irrigation effects were significant even after systems were no longer maintained. Soil microbial community data showed significant changes associated with cropping system, and differences increased over time. Cropping system strategy had significant and lasting effects on soil microbiology and soilborne diseases, and can be used to effectively enhance potato production.
Age‐related risk factors for bacterial aetiology in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Sahuquillo‐Arce José M. , Menéndez Rosario , Méndez Raúl , Amara‐Elori Isabel , Zalacain Rafael , Capelastegui Alberto , Aspa Javier , Borderías Luis , Martín‐Villasclaras Juan J. , Bello Salvador , Alfageme Inmaculada , de Castro Felipe Rodriguez , Rello Jordi , Molinos Luis , Ruiz‐Manzano Juan , Torres Antoni
Published: July 2016

Background and objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age and comorbidities, smoking and alcohol use on microorganisms in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

A prospective multicentre study was performed with 4304 patients. We compared microbiological results, bacterial aetiology, smoking, alcohol abuse and comorbidities in three age groups: young adults (<45 years), adults (45–64 years) and seniors (>65 years).

Results

Bacterial aetiology was identified in 1522 (35.4%) patients. In seniors, liver disease was independently associated with Gram‐negative bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobacteriaceae), COPD with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 2.69 (1.46–4.97)) and Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 2.8 (1.24–6.3)) and neurological diseases with S. aureus. In adults, diabetes mellitus (DM) was a risk factor for Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. aureus, and COPD for H. influenzae (OR = 3.39 (1.06–10.83)). In young adults, DM was associated with S. aureus. Smoking was a risk factor for Legionella pneumophila regardless of age. Alcohol intake was associated with mixed aetiology and Coxiella burnetii in seniors, and with S. pneumoniae in young adults.

Conclusion

It should be considered that the bacterial aetiology may differ according to the patient's age, comorbidities, smoking and alcohol abuse. More extensive microbiological testing is warranted in those with risk factors for infrequent microorganisms.
Parathyroid Ultrasonography in Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: An Overlooked and Useful Procedure
Authors: Vulpio Carlo , Bossola Maurizio
Published: July 2016

In secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), ultrasonography (US) can accurately define the size and structure of parathyroid glands as well as differentiate diffuse and nodular hyperplasia. US may be also useful to predict the response of SHPT to vitamin D analogs and cinacalcet and to assess for regression of parathyroid glands hyperplasia by measurement of parathyroid gland volume. There is increasing evidence that US can potentially identify patients who will benefit from prompt surgical intervention. Therefore, US should be part of the diagnostic armamentarium in the treatment of SHPT in the daily clinical practice.
Heat‐Shock Protein gp96 Enhances T Cell Responses and Protective Potential to Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin Vaccine
Authors: Ding Y. , Zheng H. , Feng C. , Wang B. , Liu C. , Mi K. , Cao H. , Meng S.
Published: July 2016

The commonly used Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine only induces moderate T cell responses and is less effective in protecting against pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adults and ageing populations. Thus, developing new TB vaccine candidates is an important strategy against the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here, we demonstrated that immunization with heat‐shock protein gp96 as an adjuvant led to a significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response to a BCG vaccine. Secretion of the Th1‐type cytokines was increased by splenocytes from gp96‐immunized mice. In addition, adding gp96 as an adjuvant effectively improved the protection against intravenous challenge with Mycobacterium bovis BCG in mice. Our study reveals the novel property of gp96 in boosting the vaccine‐specific T cell response and its potential use as an adjuvant for BCG vaccines against mycobacterial infection.
Relative Age, Class Assignment, and Academic Performance: Evidence from Brazilian Primary Schools
Authors: Foureaux Koppensteiner Martin
Published: July 2016

Students in Brazil are typically assigned to classes based on the age ranking in their cohort. I exploit this rule to estimate how fifth‐grade students’ achievement in mathematics is affected when they are in classes with older peers. I find that being assigned to the older class leads to a drop in maths scores of about 0.4 of a standard deviation for students at the cut‐off. I provide evidence that heterogeneity in age is an important factor behind this effect. Information on teaching practices and student behaviour sheds light on how class heterogeneity harms learning.
What's the Matter with Kansas? Now It's the High White Death Rate
Authors: Young Frank W.
Published: July 2016

This article reports empirical tests for an explanation of the anomalous finding that Case and Deaton recently identified. They found that middle‐aged white people were dying at increased rates during the 1998–2013 years. By contrast, the Hispanic and African Americans enjoyed lower rates. The explanation proposed here for this deviant trend is that the middle‐aged whites are especially vulnerable to the stress of “white status loss” as measured by the decline in the county white population. Using data for the 105 Kansas counties, the analysis replicates the divergent mortality trends and shows that white population decline predicts the rising mortality rate for the middle‐aged segment of the population. This explanation opens the door to a new branch of public health, one based on social problems, not pathogens.
Evangelical Protestantism and Bias Against Female Political Leaders*
Authors: Setzler Mark , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Gender and politics scholars have paid little attention to religion as a source of individual‐level biases against female politicians. We begin to address this gap by modeling the relationship among evangelical Protestantism, partisanship, and the beliefs that males are better issue advocates and political leaders than women.

Methods

We employ logistic regression models with data from a 2008 survey administered by the Pew Social and Demographic Trends Project.

Results

We find that evangelical Protestantism, but not religious attendance more generally, is a strong predictor of whether Americans will hold biases against female political leaders. The effect of evangelical Protestantism is especially pronounced within the Republican Party.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a potential cause of the underrepresentation of women in the political world. They further underscore the need to control for religious denomination in future studies of gender stereotyping.
Testing the Importance of Individuals’ Motives for Explaining Environmentally Significant Behavior*
Authors: Jagers Sverker C. , Linde Stefan , Martinsson Johan , Matti Simon
Published: July 2016

Objective

This article explores how different motives affect behavior, and attempts to explain how the causal chain of values and beliefs forms our understanding of and motives for private‐sphere environmentally significant behaviors (ESBs). As a point of departure, we postulate that traditional models focusing primarily on individual‐level motivation as a driver for ESB should benefit significantly from making a distinction in the dependent variable between: (1) behaviors that are explicitly pro‐environmental, judging both by their outcomes and the individual's stated motives for undertaking them; (2) behaviors that have a positive environmental impact but that are connected to motives other than environmental ones; as well as (3) behaviors where both environmental and other motives coincide as drivers for ESB.

Methods

In order to answer our research questions, we use survey data collected from a random sample from the Swedish population register. The main dependent variable is the self‐reported frequency of 12 different kinds of nonactivist, private‐sphere behaviors. We employ ordinary least square regressions to analyze the explanatory strength of individual‐level motivational factors for ESB when taking stated motives for behavior into account.

Results and Conclusion

The results support our main assumption that to explain drivers for ESB, stated motives should be taken into account. For all of the 12 ESBs in the survey, a considerable share of the respondents do not perceive or motivate behavior as pro‐environmentalism at all, and others provide multiple motives for their behavior, combining, for example, economic or health with environmentalism. Furthermore, when analyzing the relationship between a scientifically well‐established model aspiring to explain pro‐environmental behavior, and individuals’ behavioral perceptions and their stated behavior, we find that the explanatory power of this model is clearly sensitive to people's stated motives.
Direct 40Ar/39Ar dating of Late Ordovician and Silurian brittle faulting in the southwestern Norwegian Caledonides
Authors: Scheiber Thomas , Viola Giulio , Wilkinson Camilla Maya , Ganerød Morgan , Skår Øyvind , Gasser Deta
Published: July 2016

Structural data as well as U–Pb zircon and 40Ar/39Ar biotite and muscovite ages were collected from the Rolvsnes granodiorite in western Norway. The granodiorite intruded at c. 466 Ma, cooled quickly and escaped later viscous deformation. Brittle top‐to‐the‐NNW thrust faults (Set I) and WNW–ESE striking dextral strike‐slip faults (Set II) formed in a NNW–SSE transpressional regime. 40Ar/39Ar dating of synkinematic mica from both sets reveals a c. 450 Ma (Late Ordovician) age of faulting, which constrains early‐Caledonian brittle deformation. Set I and II faults are overprinted by a set of lower‐grade, variably oriented chlorite‐ and epidote‐coated faults (Set III) constraining WNW–ESE shortening. A lamprophyric dyke oriented compatibly with this stress field intruded at c. 435 Ma (Silurian), indicating that Set III formed at the onset of the Scandian Baltica–Laurentia collision. The preservation of Caledonian brittle structures indicates that the Rolvsnes granodiorite occupied a high tectonic level throughout the Caledonian orogeny.
Cell cycle‐regulated PLEIADE/AtMAP65‐3 links membrane and microtubule dynamics during plant cytokinesis
Authors: Steiner Alexander , Rybak Katarzyna , Altmann Melina , McFarlane Heather E. , Klaeger Susan , Nguyen Ngoc , Facher Eva , Ivakov Alexander , Wanner Gerhard , Kuster Bernhard , Persson Staffan , Braun Pascal , Hauser Marie‐Theres , Assaad Farhah F.
Published: July 2016

Cytokinesis, the partitioning of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, requires extensive coordination between cell cycle cues, membrane trafficking and microtubule dynamics. Plant cytokinesis occurs within a transient membrane compartment known as the cell plate, to which vesicles are delivered by a plant‐specific microtubule array, the phragmoplast. While membrane proteins required for cytokinesis are known, how these are coordinated with microtubule dynamics and regulated by cell cycle cues remains unclear. Here, we document physical and genetic interactions between Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) tethering factors and microtubule‐associated proteins of the PLEIADE/AtMAP65 family. These interactions do not specifically affect the recruitment of either TRAPPII or MAP65 proteins to the cell plate or midzone. Rather, and based on single versus double mutant phenotypes, it appears that they are required to coordinate cytokinesis with the nuclear division cycle. As MAP65 family members are known to be targets of cell cycle‐regulated kinases, our results provide a conceptual framework for how membrane and microtubule dynamics may be coordinated with each other and with the nuclear cycle during plant cytokinesis.
Potential mediators linking gut bacteria to metabolic health: a critical view
Authors: Janssen Aafke W. F. , Kersten Sander
Published: July 2016

Growing evidence suggests that the bacteria present in our gut may play a role in mediating the effect of genetics and lifestyle on obesity and metabolic diseases. Most of the current literature on gut bacteria consists of cross‐sectional and correlative studies, rendering it difficult to make any causal inferences as to the influence of gut bacteria on obesity and related metabolic disorders. Interventions with germ‐free animals, treatment with antibiotic agents, and microbial transfer experiments have provided some evidence that disturbances in gut bacteria may causally contribute to obesity‐related insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. Several potential mediators have been hypothesized to link the activity and composition of gut bacteria to insulin resistance and adipose tissue function, including lipopolysaccharide, angiopoietin‐like protein 4, bile acids and short‐chain fatty acids. In this review we critically evaluate the current evidence related to the direct role of gut bacteria in obesity‐related metabolic perturbations, with a focus on insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. It is concluded that the knowledge base in support of a role for the gut microbiota in metabolic regulation and in particular insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation needs to be strengthened.

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Hydrodynamic and Thermal Performance of Microchannels With Different In-Line Arrangements of Cylindrical Micropin Fins
Authors: Mohammadi Ali , Koşar Ali
Published: July 2016

This study presents results on the hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of single-phase water flows inside microchannels (MCs) with different micropin fin (MPF) configurations. Different inline arrangements of micropin fins were considered over Reynolds numbers ranging from 20 to 160. The computational studies were performed using the commercial software ansys 14.5. The hydrodynamic performances of the configurations were compared using two parameters, namely, pressure drop and friction factor while the comparison in their thermal and thermal-hydraulic performances were based on Nusselt number and thermal performance index (TPI). Wake-pin fin interactions were carefully analyzed through streamline patterns in different arrangements and under different flow conditions. The results showed strong dependencies of all four evaluated performance parameters on the vertical pitch ratio (ST/D). Weaker dependencies on height over diameter ratio (H/D), horizontal pitch ratio (SL/D), and minimum available area (Amin) were observed. With an increase in the Reynolds number, extension of the wake regions behind MPFs was observed to be the paramount factor in increasing pressure drop and Nusselt number. Regarding TPI, two adverse trends were observed corresponding to different ST/D ratios, while the effect of SL/D ratio was unique. For friction factors, H/D and SL/D ratios of 1 and 1.5, respectively, led to minimum values, while different ST/D ratios are needed for each diameter size for the maximum performance. Moreover, a twofold increase in Reynolds number resulted in about 40% decrease in friction factor in each configuration.
Experimental Investigation of Transitional Natural Convection in a Cube Using Particle Image Velocimetry—Part II: Turbulence Quantities and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Georgiou Marios D. , Bonanos Aristides M. , Georgiadis John G.
Published: July 2016

An experimental investigation of transitional natural convection in an air filled cube was conducted in this research. The characteristic dimension of the enclosure was H = 0.35 m, and data were collected in the middle plane of the cavity. The Rayleigh number range examined was 5.0×107≤Ra≤3.4×108. In Part I, the authors presented the mean velocity profiles in the enclosure and conducted heat transfer measurements on the hot wall. An expression between Nu and Ra numbers was concluded and compared against other correlations available in literature. In the present work, the authors present a complete description of the flow in the enclosure by quantifying the low turbulence regime developed in the cavity. This was accomplished by estimating Reynolds stresses, turbulent kinetic energy, vorticity, and swirling strength. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) was employed to analyze the flow fields obtained from the experimental data and retain the most salient features of the flow field. This study attempts to close the gap of available experimental data in the literature and provide experimental benchmark data that can be used to validate CFD codes since the estimated error from particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements is within 1–2%.
A BIG RESPONSIBILITY! The Moralization of markets and Rise of supermarket patriotism
Authors: Sanin Juan Diego
Published: July 2016

This article looks at how the ‘moralization of economy’ -a phenomenon associated with the neoliberal culture- is manifested in Australia. It argues that a distinctive characteristic of this phenomenon is the adoption of patriotism as the responsibility of producers, ethical concern of consumers and property of commodities. This argument will be advanced through a case study focusing on Australia’s two biggest supermarket chains, Woolworths and Coles, and their branding campaigns. This case study demonstrates how neoliberalism and nationalism are not binary paradigms; that parallel to the decline of the nation-state there is another process related in this case to the rise of nationalistic corporations, which in this case I propose to call ‘supermarket patriotism’. However, far from being a balancing force that alleviates the inequalities of ‘extreme capitalism’ this form of patriotic moralization proves neoliberalism’s ability to transform critique into promotion, moral values in commodities and civic action into shopping practices.
Questioning the role of 'faith' in a micropolitics of the neoliberal university
Authors: Ng Edwin
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes that the question of the role of faith in academia invites collective attention because it pertains to a micropolitics of the neoliberal university. It locates the question of faith within discourses that foreground the academic’s experiences of the vicissitudes of the scholarly profession in order to expose and transform the depoliticising, injurious, and silencing effects of the neoliberal academic regime. The paper proposes that faith can play a role in revitalising the relational capacities that are inhibited within the prevailing climate of competitive individualism and precarity. Building on deconstructive writings on faith, the paper will develop this two-pronged hypothesis: that faith is necessary to foster intellectual hospitality, relations of reciprocity, and solidarity; and that we investigate it in relation to scholarly affect.
Post-authoritarian and Democratic Neoliberalism: Chile and New Zealand in the Wake of Global Discontent
Authors: Pereda Perez Paula Andrea , Howard Christopher Allan
Published: July 2016

This article traces the neoliberal trajectories of two Pacific Rim countries, Chile and New Zealand. In Chile, neoliberal policies were introduced in 1974 under a totalitarian military regime. By contrast, in New Zealand these were implemented by a democratically elected Labour Government in 1984. Although in both cases the radical implementation of neoliberal policies has led to growing inequality and job insecurity, the two societies differ dramatically in their contemporary responses to neoliberalism. Large-scale social movements and protests against the neoliberal ‘model’ have been having a systemic impact on Chile since 2011, while the majority of New Zealanders continue to demonstrate their support of neoliberal policies under the centre right National Government, now in its third term. Whether neoliberalism was implemented under democratic or authoritarian governments, we argue, is central to understanding its contemporary support and legitimacy in the Pacific Rim and beyond.
Modelling acoustic scattering, sound speed, and attenuation in gassy soft marine sediments
Authors: Mantouka A. , Dogan H. , White P. R. , Leighton T. G.
Published: July 2016

A model for nonlinear gas bubble pulsation in marine sediments is presented. This model is then linearized to determine the resonance frequency and the damping terms for linear radial oscillations. The linear model is then used to predict the effects that such bubble pulsations will have on the sound speed and attenuation of acoustic waves propagating in gassy marine sediment. The results are compared for monodisperse populations against the predictions of a model of Anderson and Hampton and, furthermore, the additional abilities of the model introduced in this paper are discussed. These features include the removal of the sign ambiguities in the expressions, the straightforward implementation for acoustic propagation through polydisperse bubble populations, the capability to estimate bubble size distributions through a full acoustic inversion, and the capability to predict nonlinear effects.
Homogenization models for thin rigid structured surfaces and films
Authors: Marigo Jean-Jacques , Maurel Agnès
Published: July 2016

A homogenization method for thin microstructured surfaces and films is presented. In both cases, sound hard materials are considered, associated with Neumann boundary conditions and the wave equation in the time domain is examined. For a structured surface, a boundary condition is obtained on an equivalent flat wall, which links the acoustic velocity to its normal and tangential derivatives (of the Myers type). For a structured film, jump conditions are obtained for the acoustic pressure and the normal velocity across an equivalent interface (of the Ventcels type). This interface homogenization is based on a matched asymptotic expansion technique, and differs slightly from the classical homogenization, which is known to fail for small structuration thicknesses. In order to get insight into what causes this failure, a two-step homogenization is proposed, mixing classical homogenization and matched asymptotic expansion. Results of the two homogenizations are analyzed in light of the associated elementary problems, which correspond to problems of fluid mechanics, namely, potential flows around rigid obstacles.
Early Neolithic genomes from the eastern Fertile Crescent
Authors: Broushaki Farnaz , Thomas Mark G. , Link Vivian , López Saioa , van Dorp Lucy , Kirsanow Karola , Hofmanová Zuzana , Diekmann Yoan , Cassidy Lara M. , Díez-del-Molino David , Kousathanas Athanasios , Sell Christian , Robson Harry K. , Martiniano Rui , Blöcher Jens , Scheu Amelie , Kreutzer Susanne , Bollongino Ruth , Bobo Dean , Davoudi Hossein , Munoz Olivia , Currat Mathias , Abdi Kamyar , Biglari Fereidoun , Craig Oliver E. , Bradley Daniel G. , Shennan Stephen , Veeramah Krishna R. , Mashkour Marjan , Wegmann Daniel , Hellenthal Garrett , Burger Joachim
Published: July 2016

Near Eastern genomes from Iran

The genetic composition of populations in Europe changed during the Neolithic transition from hunting and gathering to farming. To better understand the origin of modern populations, Broushaki
et al.
sequenced ancient DNA from four individuals from the Zagros region of present-day Iran, representing the early Neolithic Fertile Crescent. These individuals unexpectedly were not ancestral to early European farmers, and their genetic structures did not contribute significantly to those of present-day Europeans. These data indicate that a parallel Neolithic transition probably resulted from structured farming populations across southwest Asia.

Science
, this issue p.
499