bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘TranSeq’ 3′‐end sequencing method for high‐throughput transcriptomics and gene space refinement in plant genomes
Authors: Tzfadia Oren , Bocobza Samuel , Defoort Jonas , Almekias‐Siegl Efrat , Panda Sayantan , Levy Matan , Storme Veronique , Rombauts Stephane , Jaitin Diego Adhemar , Keren‐Shaul Hadas , Van de Peer Yves , Aharoni Asaph
Published: July 2018

High‐throughput RNA sequencing has proven invaluable not only to explore gene expression but also for both gene prediction and genome annotation. However, RNA sequencing, carried out on tens or even hundreds of samples, requires easy and cost‐effective sample preparation methods using minute RNA amounts. Here, we present TranSeq, a high‐throughput 3′‐end sequencing procedure that requires 10‐ to 20‐fold fewer sequence reads than the current transcriptomics procedures. TranSeq significantly reduces costs and allows a greater increase in size of sample sets analyzed in a single experiment. Moreover, in comparison with other 3′‐end sequencing methods reported to date, we demonstrate here the reliability and immediate applicability of TranSeq and show that it not only provides accurate transcriptome profiles but also produces precise expression measurements of specific gene family members possessing high sequence similarity. This is difficult to achieve in standard RNA‐seq methods, in which sequence reads cover the entire transcript. Furthermore, mapping TranSeq reads to the reference tomato genome facilitated the annotation of new transcripts improving >45% of the existing gene models. Hence, we anticipate that using TranSeq will boost large‐scale transcriptome assays and increase the spatial and temporal resolution of gene expression data, in both model and non‐model plant species. Moreover, as already performed for tomato (ITAG3.0; www.solgenomics.net), we strongly advocate its integration into current and future genome annotations.
COPII gets in shape: Lessons derived from morphological aspects of early secretion
Authors: Aridor Meir
Published: July 2018

Our view of the secretory pathway has evolved from a morphological one to one that includes molecular mechanistic understanding of basic traffic components. These components include coat complexes involved in cargo sorting and budding and proteins that mediate targeting, tethering and fusion. The expanding repertoire of regulators that control basic traffic activities begins to paint a unified morphological‐molecular view of secretion. The emerging picture provides key insights into the coupling of secretion with physiology. This review examines aspects of morphological‐molecular relations that are derived from studies on traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum carried by the coat protein complex II.
Perception and production in interaction during non-native speech category learning
Authors: Thorin Jana , Sadakata Makiko , Desain Peter , McQueen James M.
Published: July 2018

Establishing non-native phoneme categories can be a notoriously difficult endeavour—in both speech perception and speech production. This study asks how these two domains interact in the course of this learning process. It investigates the effect of perceptual learning and related production practice of a challenging non-native category on the perception and/or production of that category. A four-day perceptual training protocol on the British English /æ/-/ɛ/ vowel contrast was combined with either related or unrelated production practice. After feedback on perceptual categorisation of the contrast, native Dutch participants in the related production group (N = 19) pronounced the trial's correct answer, while participants in the unrelated production group (N = 19) pronounced similar but phonologically unrelated words. Comparison of pre- and post-tests showed significant improvement over the course of training in both perception and production, but no differences between the groups were found. The lack of an effect of production practice is discussed in the light of previous, competing results and models of second-language speech perception and production. This study confirms that, even in the context of related production practice, perceptual training boosts production learning.
Ultrathin graphdiyne film on graphene through solution-phase van der Waals epitaxy
Authors: Gao Xin , Zhu Yihan , Yi Ding , Zhou Jingyuan , Zhang Shishu , Yin Chen , Ding Feng , Zhang Shuqing , Yi Xiaohui , Wang Jizheng , Tong Lianming , Han Yu , Liu Zhongfan , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2018

A trilayer single-crystalline GDY film on graphene was prepared through a solution-phase van der Waals epitaxial strategy.
Type 2 immunity: Expanding our view
Authors: Lloyd Clare M. , Snelgrove Robert J.
Published: July 2018

This Review focuses on our evolving view of type 2 immunity that has been spurred in recent years by the discovery of group 2 innate lymphoid cells.
Assessment of the Additional Value of Verapamil to a Moxifloxacin and Linezolid Combination Regimen in a Murine Tuberculosis Model
Authors: Pieterman Elise D. , te Brake Lindsey H. M. , de Knegt Gerjo J. , van der Meijden Aart , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , Bax Hannelore I. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , de Steenwinkel Jurriaan E. M.
Published: July 2018

The favorable treatment outcome rate for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is only 54%, and therefore new drug regimens are urgently needed. In this study, we evaluated the activity of the combination of moxifloxacin and linezolid as a possible new MDR-TB regimen in a murine TB model and the value of the addition of the efflux pump inhibitor verapamil to this backbone.
Malaria Parasite-Mediated Alteration of Macrophage Function and Increased Iron Availability Predispose to Disseminated Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infection
Authors: Lokken Kristen L. , Stull-Lane Annica R. , Poels Kikkie , Tsolis Renée M.
Published: July 2018

Disseminated infections with nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) are a significant cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. NTS infection in children is clinically associated with malaria, suggesting that malaria compromises the control of disseminated NTS infection.
Mouse Norovirus Infection Reduces the Surface Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Proteins and Inhibits CD8
+
T Cell Recognition and Activation
Authors: Fritzlar Svenja , Jegaskanda Sinthujan , Aktepe Turgut Esad , Prier Julia Emiley , Holz Lauren Elise , White Peter A. , Mackenzie Jason M.
Published: July 2018

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the major cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and impose a great burden on patients and health systems every year. So far, no antiviral treatment or vaccine is available. We show that MNV evades the host immune response by reducing the amount of MHC class I proteins displayed on the cell surface. This reduction leads to a decrease in viral antigen presentation and interferes with the CD8
+
T cell response. CD8
+
T cells respond to foreign antigen by activating cytotoxic pathways and inducing immune memory to the infection. By evading this immune response, MNV is able to replicate efficiently in the host, and the ability of cells to respond to consecutive infections is impaired. These findings have a major impact on our understanding of the ways in which noroviruses interact with the host immune response and manipulate immune memory.
Derivation and external validation of a clinical version of the German Diabetes Risk Score (GDRS) including measures of HbA1c
Authors: Mühlenbruch Kristin , Paprott Rebecca , Joost Hans-Georg , Boeing Heiner , Heidemann Christin , Schulze Matthias B
Published: July 2018

Objective

The German Diabetes Risk Score (GDRS) is a diabetes prediction model which only includes non-invasively measured risk factors. The aim of this study was to extend the original GDRS by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and validate this clinical GDRS in the nationwide German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98) cohort.

Research design and methods

Extension of the GDRS was based on the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study with baseline assessment conducted between 1994 and 1998 (N=27 548, main age range 35–65 years). Cox regression was applied with the original GDRS and HbA1c as independent variables. The extended model was evaluated by discrimination (C-index (95% CI)), calibration (calibration plots and expected to observed (E:O) ratios (95% CI)), and reclassification (net reclassification improvement, NRI (95% CI)). For validation, data from the GNHIES98 cohort with baseline assessment conducted between 1997 and 1999 were used (N=3717, age range 18–79 years). Missing data were handled with multiple imputation.

Results

After 5 years of follow-up 593 incident cases of type 2 diabetes occurred in EPIC-Potsdam and 86 in the GNHIES98 cohort. In EPIC-Potsdam, theC-index for the clinical GDRS was 0.87 (0.81 to 0.92) and the overall NRI was 0.26 (0.21 to 0.30), with a stronger improvement among cases compared with non-cases (NRIcases: 0.24 (0.19 to 0.28); NRInon-cases: 0.02 (0.01 to 0.02)). Almost perfect calibration was observed with a slight tendency toward overestimation, which was also reflected by an E:O ratio of 1.07 (0.99 to 1.16). In the GNHIES98 cohort, discrimination was excellent with aC-index of 0.91 (0.88 to 0.94). After recalibration, the calibration plot showed underestimation of diabetes risk in the highest risk group, while the E:O ratio indicated overall perfect calibration (1.02 (0.83 to 1.26)).

Conclusions

The clinical GDRS provides the opportunity to apply the original GDRS as a first step in risk assessment, which can then be extended in clinical practice with HbA1c whenever it was measured.
Effects of therapeutic play on children undergoing cast-removal procedures: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Ip Wan Yim , Kwok Blondi Ming Chau , Choi Kai Chow , Ng Bobby King Wah , Chan Carmen Wing Han
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine (1) the effectiveness of therapeutic play in reducing anxiety and negative emotional manifestations among children undergoing cast-removal procedures and (2) the satisfaction of parents and cast technicians with cast-removal procedures.

Design

A randomised controlled trial.

Setting

An orthopaedic outpatient department of a regional teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

Participants

Children (n=208) aged 3–12 undergoing cast-removal procedure were invited to participate.

Interventions

Eligible children were randomly allocated to either the intervention (n=103) or control group (n=105) and stratified by the two age groups (3–7 and 8–12 years). The intervention group received therapeutic play intervention, whereas the control group received standard care only. Participants were assessed on three occasions: before, during and after completion of the cast-removal procedure.

Outcome measures

Children’s anxiety level, emotional manifestation and heart rate. The satisfaction ratings of parents and cast technicians with respect to therapeutic play intervention were also examined.

Results

Findings suggested that therapeutic play assists children aged 3–7 to reduce anxiety levels with mean differences between the intervention and control group was −20.1 (95% CI −35.3 to −4.9; p=0.01). Overall, children (aged 3–7 and 8–12) in the intervention groups exhibited fewer negative emotional manifestations than the control group with a mean score difference −2.2 (95% CI −3.1 to −1.4; p<0.001). Parents and technicians in the intervention group also reported a higher level of satisfaction with the procedures than the control group with a mean score difference of 4.0 (95% CI −5.6 to 2.3; p<0.001) and 2.6 (95% CI 3.7 to 1.6; p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Therapeutic play effectively reduces anxiety and negative emotional manifestations among children undergoing cast-removal procedures. The findings highlight the importance of integrating therapeutic play into standard care, in particular for children in younger age.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-IOR-15006822; Pre-results.
Effects of a novel exercise training protocol of Wingate-based sprint bouts dispersed over a day on selected cardiometabolic health markers in sedentary females: a pilot study
Authors: Ho Boon Hor , Lim Ivy , Tian Roger , Tan Frankie , Aziz Abdul Rashid
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Sprint interval training (SIT) provides a strong stimulus for improving cardiovascular fitness, which is among the key markers for premature mortality. Recent literature demonstrated that SIT protocols with as few as two stacked 20 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) cycle sprints provide sufficient training stimulus for a robust increase in maximal aerobic power. However, this effect is lost when only one bout is performed. This suggests training adaptation is still dependent on the volume of SIT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three dispersed 30 s WAnT bouts, done over a day but interspersed with 4 hours of recovery time, on selected cardiometabolic health markers.

Methods

Eighteen sedentary women, age 36±8 years, were recruited and underwent 8 weeks of supervised training using the WAnT protocol, 3 days a week. Criterion measure of cardiovascular fitness (ie, V̇O2peak), skinfolds and blood lipids such as triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured before and after training intervention.

Results

V̇O2peakimproved by a mean of 14.0% after training (21.7±5.7 vs 24.7±5.7 mL/kg/min, p<0.01). No significant change was observed for body fat and lipid profile.

Conclusion

Performing three dispersed WAnT bouts with a 4-hour recovery period between bouts throughout a day, 3 days per week for 8 weeks provides sufficient training stimulus for a robust increase in V̇O2peak, which is comparable with other previous SIT protocols with very short recovery intervals. However, no other changes in the other cardiometabolic health markers were detected.
Changes in the microRNA expression profile during blood storage
Authors: Haberberger Anna , Kirchner Benedikt , Riedmaier Irmgard , Henschler Reinhard , Wichmann Christian , Buhmann Raymund , Pfaffl Michael W
Published: July 2018

Objectives

For several decades, autologous blood doping (ABD) in sports has been a major problem, and even today there is still no reliable method for satisfactorily detecting ABD. For this kind of doping, stored individual erythrocytes are used to increase stamina and endurance caused by a higher erythrocyte level in the athlete’s body. Since there is growing evidence that these cells are enriched with microRNAs (miRNAs), this study has been carried out to discover and validate all miRNAs occurring in fresh blood as well as in stored blood.

Methods

Therefore, small RNA Next Generation Sequencing has been performed, which allows untargeted detection of all miRNAs in a blood sample. The focus of this investigation has been to find miRNA alterations in blood bags after erythrocyte processing and during storage, as compared with fresh blood directly withdrawn from subjects. Blood samples were obtained from 12 healthy, recreationally active male subjects three times before blood donation and from blood bags at several time points after blood processing.

Results

189 miRNAs have been considered stable over two consecutive weeks. A further analysis revealed a complex biomarker signature of 28 miRNAs, consisting of 6 miRNAs that altered during 6 weeks of storage and 22 miRNAs that altered due to processing.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the identified miRNA biomarker signature may be used for the detection of ABD. These 28 miRNA candidates are tested and verified currently in a follow-up study, a human transfusion clinical trial in healthy sportsmen.
Are school zones effective in reducing speeds and improving safety?
Authors: Sun Danyang , El-Basyouny Karim , Ibrahim Shewkar , Kim Amy M.
Published: July 2018

This paper describes a study undertaken to assess the speed and safety effects of reducing speed limits from 50 to 30 km/h in school zones. Mean speeds and 85th percentile speeds were reduced by 12.2 and 11.6 km/h, respectively. Speed variation was also reduced, and the speed cumulative distributions shifted to the left, indicating further reductions for all speed ranges. The safety evaluation results revealed fatal and injury collisions were significantly reduced by 45.3% and injuries to vulnerable road users were reduced by 55.3%. In fact, for every 1 km/h reduction in mean speed, fatal and injury crashes were reduced by about 4%, which is consistent with findings from previous research. Neither spatial nor temporal collision migration or spillover effects were significant factors in the analysis. Consequently, the results of this study provide strong evidence that reducing speed limits to 30 km/h in school zones can bring significant safety benefits by reducing vehicular speeds and fatal and injury crashes.
Galectin-12 is Involved in Corn Silk-Induced Anti-Adipogenesis and Anti-Obesity Effects
Authors: Hsu Yu-An , Kuo Yi-Hsin , Chen Chih-Sheng , Chen Ying-Chi , Huang Chi-Chun , Chang Ching-Yao , Lin Chao-Jen , Lin Cheng-Wen , Lin Hui-Ju , Liu Fu-Tong , Wan Lei
Published: July 2018

Obesity is a significant risk factor for various diseases. It is a clinical condition caused by the excessive accumulation of fat, which has a negative impact on human health. Galactin-12 is an adipocyte-expressed protein and possesses adipocyte-inducing activity. We investigated the expression level of candidate proteins involved in galactin-12-mediated adipocyte differentiation pathway. We performed a high-throughput screening assay to monitor galectin-12 promoter activity using 105 traditional Chinese herbs. Corn silk extract and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol reduced the expression of galactin-12 promoter in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, corn silk extract and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol decreased the level of lipid droplets and downregulated the gene and protein expression level of C/EBP[Formula: see text], C/EBP[Formula: see text], PPAR[Formula: see text], Ap2, and adipsin in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes via AKT and ERK1/2 inhibition. In vivo study with the oral administration of corn silk extract and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol in a mouse model showed a significant weight reduction and decrease in adipocytes in several organs such as the liver and adipose tissue. Taken together, corn silk extract and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol may effectively reduce pre-adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting galectin-12 activity and exerting anti-obesity effects. These findings highlight the potential use of corn silk extract and [Formula: see text]-sitosterol as potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Effects of Celastrus orbiculatus on Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting Lgr5 Expression from Rats with Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Zhu Yao-Dong , Hu Lei , Li Ping , Zhang Mei , Liu Yan-Qing
Published: July 2018

The extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (COE) has been shown to possess anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity and anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanism by which COE on precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) has not been fully elucidated so far. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect and mechanism of COE in the rat model of PLGC, after the rat model of PLGC was successfully constructed. The effects of COE in gastric mucosa of rats with PLGC were tested using routine pathology and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The protein and mRNA expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) were detected adopting techniques of immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. The body weight of PLGC rats was significantly higher in the COE group than that in the untreated group. The process of PLGC was significantly reversed after COE treatment, shown by observing the changes of histopathological morphology and ultrastructure. Gastric mucosal epithelial cells in COE high dose (COE-H) group showed significantly higher expression levels of E-cadherin, and lower expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Lgr5 than those of the untreated group. COE could suppress the spatial distribution of Lgr5[Formula: see text] cell changes in PLGC rats. These findings suggested that the therapeutic mechanisms of COE in treating PLGC might be related with its effects on reversing the EMT process and inhibiting Lgr5 expression.
Correction to the conservation laws in plane symmetric gravitational wave-like spacetimes
Authors: Ali Farhad , Mashwani Wali Khan , Jan Muhammad Asif
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the approximate Noether symmetries of the action of plane symmetric spacetime. A time-dependent conformal factor is introduced in the plane symmetric metric in such a way so as to obtain the same number of Noether symmetries as for the exact plane symmetric spacetime. The corresponding approximate conservation is obtained to discuss the conservation laws of the energy and momentum during the formation of gravitational wave.
What is the final state of a black hole merger?
Authors: Calmet Xavier , Casadio Roberto
Published: July 2018

In this short paper, we discuss the possibility of testing the nature of astrophysical black holes using the recently observed black hole mergers. We investigate the possibility that a secondary black hole is created in the merger of two astrophysical black holes and discuss potential astrophysical signatures. We point out that black hole mergers are a possible astrophysical mechanism for the creation of quantum black holes with masses close to the Planck mass.
Pairwise disjoint Moebius bands in space
Authors: Frolkina Olga D.
Published: July 2018

V. V. Grushin and V. P. Palamodov proved in 1962 that it is impossible to place in [Formula: see text] uncountably many pairwise disjoint polyhedra each homeomorphic to the Moebius band. We generalize this result in two directions. First, we give a generalization of this result to tame subsets in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Second, we show that in case of [Formula: see text] the theorem holds for arbitrarily topologically embedded (not necessarily tame) Moebius bands.
Norms, Normativity, and the Legitimacy of Justice Institutions: International Perspectives
Authors: Jackson Jonathan
Published: July 2018

This article reviews the international evidence on the potential nature, sources, and consequences of police and legal legitimacy. In brief, I find that procedural justice is the strongest predictor of police legitimacy in most of the countries under investigation, although normative judgements about fair process may—in some contexts—be crowded out by public concerns about police effectiveness and corruption, the scale of the crime problem, and the association of the police with a historically oppressive and underperforming state. Legitimacy tends to be linked to people's willingness to cooperate with the police, with only a small number of national exceptions. There is also a fair amount of evidence that people who say they feel a moral duty to obey the law tend also to report complying with the law in the past or intending to comply with the law in the future. The main argument is, however, that international enthusiasm for testing procedural justice theory is outpacing methodological rigor and theoretical clarity. On the one hand, the lack of attention to methodological equivalence is holding back the development of a properly comparative cross-national analysis. On the other hand, the literature would benefit from ( a) greater delineation between legitimation (the bases on which citizens judge the rightfulness of an institution) and legitimacy (the acceptance or rejection of the rightfulness of an institution and the normatively grounded duty to obey), ( b) stronger differentiation between police and legal legitimacy, and ( c) more attention given to isolating the mechanisms through which rightfulness and consent motivate cooperation and compliance.
Network Analysis: A Systems Framework to Address Grand Challenges in Plant Pathology
Authors: Garrett K.A. , Alcalá-Briseño R.I. , Andersen K.F. , Buddenhagen C.E. , Choudhury R.A. , Fulton J.C. , Hernandez Nopsa J.F. , Poudel R. , Xing Y.
Published: July 2018

Plant pathology must address a number of challenges, most of which are characterized by complexity. Network analysis offers useful tools for addressing complex systems and an opportunity for synthesis within plant pathology and between it and relevant disciplines such as in the social sciences. We discuss applications of network analysis, which ultimately may be integrated together into more synthetic analyses of how to optimize plant disease management systems. The analysis of microbiome networks and tripartite phytobiome networks of host-vector-pathogen interactions offers promise for identifying biocontrol strategies and anticipating disease emergence. Linking epidemic network analysis with social network analysis will support strategies for sustainable agricultural development and for scaling up solutions for disease management. Statistical tools for evaluating networks, such as Bayesian network analysis and exponential random graph models, have been underused in plant pathology and are promising for informing strategies. We conclude with research priorities for network analysis applications in plant pathology.
Identifying the Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
Authors: Carter Colin , Cui Xiaomeng , Ghanem Dalia , Mérel Pierre
Published: July 2018

The ultimate impact of climate change on human systems will depend on the natural resilience of ecosystems on which societies rely as well as on adaptation measures taken by agents, individually and collectively. No sector of the economy is more reliant on climate than agriculture. Evidence from the American settlement process suggests that societies can successfully adapt to new climatic environments. Whether and how much agriculture will manage to adapt to a changing climate remains an open question in the empirical economics literature, however. This article reviews the existing evidence on weather and/or climate impacts on agricultural outcomes from the economics literature, with a focus on methodological questions. Some key econometric issues associated with climate impact measurement are discussed. We also outline important questions that have not been adequately addressed and suggest directions for future research.
Cerebrovascular Accident Risk in a Population with Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep: A Preliminary Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Tzu-Chao , Zeng Bing-Yan , Chen Yen-Wen , Wu Meng-Ni , Chen Tien-Yu , Lin Pao-Yen , Wu Ching-Kuan , Tseng Ping-Tao , Hsu Chung-Yao
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose: Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) are usually comorbid with hypertension, tachycardia, and coronary arterial diseases, which are also risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). However, evidence about the relationship between CVA and PLMS is still weak. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence of CVA in patients with PLMS, and (2) the severity of PLMS in patients with or without CVA through a meta-analysis. Methods: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. The inclusion criteria were (1) articles investigating comorbidity between PLMS and CVA, and (2) clinical trials in humans. Results: This meta-analysis included (1) 9,823 patients with PLMS and 9,416 controls from 5 studies to analyze the prevalence of CVA in PLMS, and (2) 158 patients with PLMS with CVA and 88 PLMS controls without CVA from 3 studies to analyze the severity of PLMS with and without CVA. The results showed (1) significantly higher comorbidity rates of CVA in the patients with PLMS than in the controls without PLMS (OR 1.267, p = 0.019), and (2) higher PLM index in the patients with CVA than in the controls (Hedges’ g = 0.860, p = 0.001; means difference: 4.435, p = 0.016). Conclusions: The results revealed (1) a worse severity of PLMS in the patients with CVA, and (2) increased prevalence of CVA in the patients with PLMS. Based on our results, the patients had a higher prevalence of CVA within 8 years of a diagnosis of PLMS compared to those without PLMS by about 1.3-fold. Whether (1) patients with PLMS receiving treatment have a similar incidence of stroke to those without PLMS, and (2) secondary stroke prevention can lower the severity of PLMS or whether those with severe PLMS have a higher risk of stroke is still inconclusive. Future studies investigating the prevalence of CVA in patients with PLMS should use a follow-up period of over 8 years.
Immunomodulatory and Kidney-Protective Effects of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Derivate EA-230
Authors: van Groenendael Roger , Kox Matthijs , van Eijk Lucas T. , Pickkers Peter
Published: July 2018

The systemic inflammatory response following infectious or non-infectious insults is related to morbidity (including acute kidney injury) and mortality. Pregnancy is associated with immunotolerance and an increased glomerular filtration rate. EA-230, a linear tetrapeptide (Alanine-Glutamine-Glycine-Valine), derived from the β-chain of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, has shown immunomodulatory and renoprotective properties in several pre-clinical animal models of systemic inflammation. Furthermore, an excellent safety profile of EA-230 was observed in phase 1 studies in humans, and the immunomodulatory effects of EA-230 were recently demonstrated in a phase IIa study during human experimental endotoxemia. A prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial in 180 patients undergoing elective CABG-surgery with or without valve surgery is currently conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory and renoprotective properties of EA-230.
The Role of MiR-132 in Regulating Neural Stem Cell Proliferation, Differentiation and Neuronal Maturation
Authors: Chen Dong , Hu Siyuan , Wu Zhong , Liu Jie , Li Shaohua
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: microRNAs are of vital importance in neural development. As a brain-specific miRNA, miR-132 has been well studied in mature neurons. However, its role in neural stem cells (NSCs) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-132 in regulating NSCs proliferation, differentiation and neuronal maturation. Methods: NSCs were obtained from fetal mice spinal cord. Proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell motility were measured through CCK-8, BrdU, AnnexinV-FITC/PI and migration assay respectively. The expression of synaptic proteins and ERK1/2 pathway were detected by western blot. The inactivation of Notch pathway was checked using qPCR. The neurite outgrowth was recorded using Image J software and Neuron J software. Dendritic length was further analyzed through sholl analysis. Fate determination of NSCs, developmental synapse formation was assessed by immunostaining. Results: miR-132 negatively regulated NSCs proliferation by affecting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis. Inactivated Notch-Hes1pathway was observed in miR-132 overexpression cells. miR-132 was significantly increased in differentiating NSCs following activation of ERK1/2 pathway. miR-132 could impair neuronal differentiation but promote glial cell differentiation by regulating Mecp2 expression. miR-132 was implicated in neurite outgrowth but slightly inhibited postsynaptic PSD-95 expression. The differentiated neurons exhibited normal electrophysiological characteristics, and already interacted with other neurons to form synaptic-like structures. Conclusion: miR-132 was demonstrated as a negative regulator for NSCs self-renewal, neuronal differentiation but promoted glial cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
Binding of Dickkopf-3 to CXCR7 Enhances Vascular Progenitor Cell Migration and Degradable Graft Regeneration
Authors: Issa Bhaloo Shirin , Wu Yifan , Le Bras Alexandra , Yu Baoqi , Gu Wenduo , Xie Yao , Deng Jiacheng , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Zhongyi , Kong Deling , Hu Yanhua , Qu Aijuan , Zhao Qiang , Xu Qingbo
Published: July 2018

Rationale:

Vascular progenitor cells play key roles in physiological and pathological vascular remodeling—a process that is crucial for the regeneration of acellular biodegradable scaffolds engineered as vital strategies against the limited availability of healthy autologous vessels for bypass grafting. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms driving vascular progenitor cells recruitment and differentiation could help the development of new strategies to improve tissue-engineered vessel grafts and design drug-targeted therapy for vessel regeneration.

Objective:

In this study, we sought to investigate the role of Dkk3 (dickkopf-3), recently identified as a cytokine promotor of endothelial repair and smooth muscle cell differentiation, on vascular progenitor cells cell migration and vascular regeneration and to identify its functional receptor that remains unknown.

Methods and Results:

Vascular stem/progenitor cells were isolated from murine aortic adventitia and selected for the Sca-1 (stem cell antigen-1) marker. Dkk3 induced the chemotaxis of Sca-1+ cells in vitro in transwell and wound healing assays and ex vivo in the aortic ring assay. Functional studies to identify Dkk3 receptor revealed that overexpression or knockdown of chemokine receptor CXCR7 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7) in Sca-1+ cells resulted in alterations in cell migration. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments using Sca-1+ cell extracts treated with Dkk3 showed the physical interaction between DKK3 and CXCR7, and specific saturation binding assays identified a high-affinity Dkk3-CXCR7 binding with a dissociation constant of 14.14 nmol/L. Binding of CXCR7 by Dkk3 triggered the subsequent activation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2)-, PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)-, Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1)-, and RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A)-signaling pathways involved in Sca-1+ cell migration. Tissue-engineered vessel grafts were fabricated with or without Dkk3 and implanted to replace the rat abdominal aorta. Dkk3-loaded tissue-engineered vessel grafts showed efficient endothelization and recruitment of vascular progenitor cells, which had acquired characteristics of mature smooth muscle cells. CXCR7 blocking using specific antibodies in this vessel graft model hampered stem/progenitor cell recruitment into the vessel wall, thus compromising vascular remodeling.

Conclusions:

We provide a novel and solid evidence that CXCR7 serves as Dkk3 receptor, which mediates Dkk3-induced vascular progenitor migration in vitro and in tissue-engineered vessels, hence harnessing patent grafts resembling native blood vessels.
Focus on Russian Scope: An Experimental Investigation of the Relationship between Quantifier Scope, Prosody, and Information Structure
Authors: Ionin Tania , Luchkina Tatiana
Published: July 2018

An experimental investigation of quantifier scope in Russian SVO and OVS sentences, in which the factors of word order, prosody, information structure, and indefinite form are manipulated, shows that native Russian speakers have a preference for surface scope under neutral prosody, though this preference is more pronounced with odin ‘one’ indefinites than with dva ‘two’ indefinites. Furthermore, contrastive focus on the fronted object QP in OVS order is found to facilitate the inverse scope reading, but contrastive focus on the subject in SVO order is not. These findings have implications for the syntactic analysis of noncanonical word order in Russian ( Bailyn 2011 , Slioussar 2013 ) and support the link between contrastive focus and scope reconstruction in Russian ( Ionin 2003 , Neeleman and Titov 2009 ).
“Let’s Not be Laughed at Anymore: Donald Trump and Japan from the 1980s to the Present”
Authors: Miller Jennifer M.
Published: July 2018

This article explores the central role of Japan’s rise to global economic prominence in the evolution of Donald J. Trump’s worldview. It traces how the transformation of the relationship between the United States and Japan during the 1980s informed Trump’s ideas about trade and protectionism, globalization, the international economy, and executive power. Trump, it argues, was a product of U.S.-Japanese relationship; while he began his public career as a prominent critic of Japan, claiming that the country exploited American trade and defense policy, his career in real estate heavily relied on Japanese finance. This contradictory approach continues to shape his understanding of Japan. As president, Trump repeatedly condemns Japan as predatory and protectionist, but also seeks expanded Japanese investment in the United States to revitalize the U.S. economy. Equally important, Trump has expanded criticisms originating with Japan to countries like China and Mexico, international agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the World Trade Organization. By tracing Trump’s rhetorical, financial, and diplomatic encounters with Japan over the past thirty years, this article uncovers the sources of Trump’s contradictory attitudes towards trade, globalization, and cross-border investment and his understandings of strong leadership and executive power.
New data on the genus Epipactis (Orchidaceae) in the North Caucasus with description of a new species
Authors: FATERYGA ALEXANDER V. , POPOVICH ANTON V. , FATERYGA VALENTINA V. , AVERYANOVA ELENA A. , KREUTZ KAREL (C.A.J.)
Published: July 2018

A new self-pollinating species, Epipactis euxina, is described from Gelendzhik District of Krasnodar Territory. The species is closely related to E. persica from which it differs by its remarkable long pedicel, distinctly longer epichile, and indistinct or absent viscidium. It grows in sparse pine forest mixed with oak, on calcareous soils. Four other taxa collected in different localities of Krasnodar Territory are new for the North Caucasus: E. krymmontana, E. leptochila subsp. leptochila, E. leptochila subsp. neglecta, and E. muelleri. A new synonymy is proposed for E. persica = E. helleborine subsp. transcaucasica. An updated key to the species of the genus Epipactis in the North Caucasus is provided. The lectotype of E. muelleri is designated.
A new species of northeastern Brazilian endemic genus Harpochilus (Acanthaceae)
Authors: MONTEIRO FERNANDA KALINA DA SILVA , FERNANDO EMANOEL MESSIAS PEREIRA , LUCENA MARIA DE FÁTIMA DE ARAÚJO , MIRANDA DE MELO JOSÉ IRANILDO
Published: July 2018

A new species, Harpochilus paraibanus (Acanthaceae), is described from the semiarid region of Paraiba State, Brazil. The species is characterized mainly by having cylindrical branches and pale yellow corollas. Only nine individuals of this new species were encountered in the study area, resulting in its classification as endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria.
The species group Amabilis of the genus Euplocania Enderlein (Psocodea: Psocomorpha: Ptiloneuridae)
Authors: VINASCO-MONDRAGÓN ANDRÉS FELIPE , GONZÁLEZ-OBANDO RANULFO , GARCÍA-ALDRETE ALFONSO N.
Published: July 2018

We here describe and illustrate 11 species of Euplocania in species group Amabilis from Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. They raise to 33 the number of species described in the genus. An identification key to the males in the species group is included.
Comparing Area Probability Forecasts of (Extreme) Local Precipitation Using Parametric and Machine Learning Statistical Postprocessing Methods
Authors: Whan Kirien , Schmeits Maurice
Published: July 2018

Probabilistic forecasts, which communicate forecast uncertainties, enable users to make better weather-based decisions. Using precipitation and numerous instability indices from the deterministic model HARMONIE–AROME (HA; a nonhydrostatic numerical weather prediction model) as potential predictors, we generate summer areal probabilistic maximum hourly precipitation forecasts across 11 regions of the Netherlands. We compare the skill of three statistical postprocessing methods: an extended logistic regression (ELR), a zero-adjusted gamma distribution (ZAGA), and a machine learning-based method, quantile regression forests (QRF). Forecast skill for low and moderate precipitation thresholds increases with the inclusion of extra predictors, in addition to HA precipitation. HA precipitation is the most important predictor at all lead times in ELR and QRF, while in ZAGA, the most important predictor for the location parameter shifts over lead times from HA precipitation to indices of atmospheric instability. All three methods improve upon a climatological forecast for low and moderate precipitation thresholds. ZAGA and QRF are generally the most skillful methods at moderate thresholds. QRF tends to be the most skillful method at higher thresholds, particularly during the afternoon period. Forecasts are reliable at low and moderate thresholds but tend to be overconfident at higher thresholds. QRF and ZAGA have more potential economic value than the deterministic forecast, with value remaining at high thresholds. A maximum local hourly precipitation threshold of 30 mm h−1 (a criterion in the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute’s code yellow warning for severe thunderstorms) is skillfully forecast by QRF in the afternoon period at short lead times.
Intumescent flame retardant coating for polyamide 6,6 (PA 6,6) fabrics containing carbon nanotubes: Synergistic effect of filler on thermal stability and flame retardancy
Authors: Zhu Fanglong , Feng QQ , Xu YF , Hu JF
Published: July 2018

Flame retardant mixtures of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and intumescent flame retardant (IFR) coatings were applied to polyamide 6,6 (PA 6,6) fabrics to explore whether MWCNTs acted as a good synergist on the thermal stability and flame resistance of the IFR system. The influence of MWCNTs on the flame retardant properties and thermal degradation of the PA 6,6 fabrics were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (VBT), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The peak heat release rate and total heat release of the IFR-PA 6,6 fabric with three kinds of wt% MWCNTs were lower than those of the only traditional IFR-PA 6,6 fabric (reduced by 74.2–76.4% and 74.3–76.5%, respectively). As compared to the traditional IFR coating, it was found that no enhancements for thermal stability and flame retardancy in terms of the ability to retard ignition were achieved for the MWCNT/IFR coating. These results demonstrated that the introduction of MWCNTs into an IFR coating can improve the flame retardancy of PA 6,6 fabric in terms of the heat release rate from CCT analysis, but it failed other burning measurements, such as LOI and VBT.
The Determinants of Ballot-box Budgeting in California
Authors: Cummins Jeff
Published: July 2018

Although California often receives national attention for its budgeting at the ballot box, virtually all states engage in some level of it because bonds and constitutional amendments involving fiscal matters require voter approval. These decisions can constrain the discretion of policy makers, often making it harder to adopt annual budgets. Despite these consequences, little scholarly attention has been paid to this phenomenon. This article investigates the factors that lead to initiative use on budgetary matters. Specifically, data on California initiatives that earmark revenue or cut taxes from 1948 to 2004 are used to estimate count models. The results show that divided government and party polarization are central factors in determining the number of initiatives on the ballot, but they have divergent effects on earmarks and tax cuts. These factors increase initiative earmarks, while they reduce tax-cut initiatives. Budget conditions also play a significant role in the frequency of these measures.
Neo-Institutional Theory and Organization Studies: A Mid-Life Crisis?
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Spicer André
Published: July 2018

We trace the development of neo-institutional theory in Organization Studies from a marginal topic to the dominant theory. We show how it has evolved from infancy, through adolescence and early adulthood to being a fully mature theory, which we think is now facing a mid-life crisis. Some of the features of this mid-life crisis include over-reach, myopia, tautology, pseudo-progress and re-inventing the wheel. To address these problems, we argue that institutional theorists should limit the range of the concept, sharpen their lens, avoid tautologies and problematize the concept. By doing this, we think institutional theorists could develop a narrower and more focused conception of institutions.
Effects of Community Sanitation Program on the Awareness of Environmental Sustainability in Assam, India
Authors: Jena Ananta Kumar
Published: July 2018

Community sanitation is now an essential issue of environmental sustainability. In recently, community-led total sanitation program is going in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Kenya with the help of government and nongovernmental organizations. In this context, a community sanitation program was organized in Silchar, India, in which the students, local community members, and university professors directly and indirectly participated and gave their valuable feedback. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of community sanitation program on the awareness of environmental sustainability. In this empirical research design, 20 university students, 6 university professors, and 14 local people participated in the community sanitation and hands-on activity program organized on the roadside of Silchar Medical College & Hospital and Irongmara Market nearer to the Assam University, Silchar. The participants’ responses towards the feedback cum questionnaire was analyzed by Kruskal -Wallis H test resulted significant effects of community sanitation program on the awareness of environmental sustainability.