bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slavery's Legalism: Lawyers and the Commercial Routine of Slavery
Authors: Simard Justin
Published: May 2019

Eugenius Aristides Nisbet played a critical role in Georgia's secession from the United States. Elected as a delegate to Georgia's 1861 secession convention, Nisbet introduced a resolution in favor of severing ties with the Union, and he led the committee that drafted his state's secession ordinance. Nisbet was a trained lawyer who had served on the Georgia Supreme Court, and his legal training shaped the way that he viewed secession. He believed that the Constitution did not give states the right to dissolve the Union; instead, this power rested solely in the people, and he framed the resolution and ordinance accordingly. Thanks in part to Nisbet, it was the “people of the State of Georgia” who “repealed, rescinded and abrogated” their ratification of the Constitution in 1788.
A Critical Review of the Travel Cost, Hedonic Travel Cost, and Household Production Models for Measurement of Quality Changes in Recreational Experiences
Authors: Hueth Darrell , Strong Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2019

This paper compares three recreation valuation techniques—the travel cost (TC), the hedonic travel cost (HTC), and the household production (HP) techniques—on the basis of their theoretical underpinnings, econometric and data considerations, and policy considerations. The major focus is on how these techniques can be used to evaluate the benefits to recreationists of changes in the quality of recreation sites. Bockstael and McConnell's (1981) formulation of the HP model for sport fishing is used in the following discussion. Other variants, such as the model used by Smith et al. (1983), are only briefly mentioned.
Economic Impact of Introducing Rotations on Long Island Potato Farms
Authors: Lazarus Sheryl S. , White Gerald B.
Published: May 2019

Potatoes have been grown continuously on many Long Island (New York) fields. Environmental concerns have raised questions about the continued usage of this practice. A farm-level linear programming model was used to investigate the economic impacts of crop rotations which result in reduced potato acreage. Crop rotations (an Integrated Pest Management tactic) reduced total pesticide use, but also reduced returns above variable costs as successively stringent rotation requirements were forced into the solution. The crop rotations which caused the least effect on income were identified.
Special Education Resource Programs — A Perspective from the United States
Authors: Wiederholt J. Lee , Martinez Becky , Harris Julianne
Published: May 2019

In the United States, a certain percentage of the students cannot meet certain requirements of the school. A portion of these students (approximately 12% of the total school population) are identified as having some handicapping condition, i.e. deaf, blind, mentally retarded, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, or orthopedically handicapped. Many of these identified students with mild to moderate handicaps are served in resource programs. When placed in a resource program, students also receive a portion of their academic instruction in a regular education classroom. Special education resource teachers support the regular program efforts by providing specific assessment of the students academic and social/emotional abilities, some direct instruction to the student, as well as consultation with regular classroom teachers, parents, and other specialists concerned with a student’s progress.
Initiatives in Religious Education for Handicapped Children, Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Briese B. D.
Published: May 2019

The Crossroads Special Education Task Group was formed in Queensland early in 1983 at the request of the Joint Board of Christian Education of Australia and New Zealand. Crossroads is an Australia wide, inter-church organisation which promotes the welfare of handicapped persons through:

(a) regular club programs which have spirtual, recreational, educational and social aspects;

(b) holiday activities under structured leadership and help from “enablers”;

(c) special assistance to handicapped persons in church and Sunday school;

(d) provision of religious education programsin State special schools;

(e) chaplaincies to sheltered employment centres and institutions.
Special Education and Visual Arts Learning
Authors: Wilson Peter
Published: May 2019

Art is for all human beings, including the handicapped. Visual Arts Education is able to provide an expressive form for communication, socialisation, creativity, self-expression, self-exploration and manipulation of the environment.
Australia’s sugar tale
Authors: Gupta Adyya , Miller Caroline , Harford Jane , Smithers Lisa G , Braunack-Mayer Annette
Published: May 2019

Objective:

To establish high intake of free sugars and its related disease burden as a significant public health challenge in Australia.

Design:

We discuss five key actions to reduce intake of free sugars tailored to the Australian context. These strategies are informed by reviewing the global scientific evidence on the effectiveness of a range of policy responses to reduce intake of free sugars at the population level.

Setting:

Australia.

Participants:

Australian population.

Results:

The five key actions to reduce population levels for intake of free sugars tailored to the Australian context include prioritising health in trade agreements and policy; introducing a fiscal policy supporting health and promoting food reformulation; regulating advertising and improving labelling; strengthening the current dietary guidelines; and encouraging healthy choices.

Conclusions:

The adoption and implementation of the strategies discussed in the current commentary would aid in tackling the rising health burden from the intake of free sugars in Australia.
An online decision support tool to evaluate ecological weed management strategies
Authors: Bessette Douglas , Wilson Robyn , Beaudrie Christian , Schroeder Clayton
Published: May 2019

Weeds remain the most commonly cited concern of organic farmers. Without the benefit of synthetic herbicides, organic farmers must rely on a host of ecological weed management (EWM) practices to control weeds. Despite EWM’s ability to improve soil quality, the perceived rate of integrated EWM strategy adoption remains low. This low adoption is likely a result of the complexity in designing and evaluating EWM strategies, the tendency for outreach to focus on the risks of EWM strategies rather than their benefits, and a lack of quantitative measures linking the performance of EWM strategies to farmers’ on-farm objectives and practices. Here we report on the development and deployment of an easy-to-use online decision support tool (DST) that aids organic farmers in identifying their on-farm objectives, characterizing the performance of their practices, and evaluating EWM strategies recommended by an expert advisory panel. Informed by the principles of structured decision making, the DST uses multiple choice tasks to help farmers evaluate the short- and long-term trade-offs of EWM strategies, while also focusing their attention on their most important objectives. We then invited organic farmers across the United States, in particular those whose email addresses were registered on the USDA’s Organic Research Integrity Database, to engage the DST online. Results show considerable movement in participants’ (n= 45) preferences from practices focused on reducing weeding costs and labor in the short term to EWM strategies focused on improving soil quality in the long term. Indeed, nearly half of those farmers (48%) who initially ranked a strategy composed of their current practices highest ultimately preferred a better-performing EWM strategy focused on eliminating the weed seedbank over 5 yr.
Levees Formed by Turbidity Currents: A Depth‐Averaged Modeling Treatment
Authors: Halsey Thomas C. , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2019

The formation of levees with accompanying channels is a ubiquitous feature of turbidity flows both in submarine canyons and on submarine fans. We examine the latter situation using numerical and theoretical calculations based on a depth‐averaged model for subaqueous turbidity currents, introduced by Parker et al. (1986, https://doi.org/S0022112086001404) and reinterpreted by Halsey et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JC012635). Using a novel similarity solution to these equations, applied to a two‐component sand/mud flow, we show that in a well‐defined limit levees form along rays emanating from the source of the flows, which in our case is the outlet of a submarine canyon. The width of the channel between the levees decreases as particle size increases and increases with increasing slope of the surface. The levees form with a characteristic right‐triangle shape, with the steep slope facing inward toward the channel. The levee height is comparable to the height of the turbidity flow. Levees form even in the absence of preexisting scour. We confirm these analytical results with numerical simulations of the depth‐averaged equations. Further downslope, the formation of levees seems to be inconsistent with an erosion law introduced by Garcia and Parker (1991, 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1991)117:4(414)), calling the applicability of this law to natural systems into question.
Finite‐Frequency Inversion of Cross‐Correlation Amplitudes for Ambient Noise Source Directivity Estimation
Authors: Datta Arjun , Hanasoge Shravan , Goudswaard Jeroen
Published: May 2019

We present a new method for determining the azimuthal variation of ambient noise sources, which combines the computational speed and simplicity of traditional approaches with the rigor of waveform‐inversion‐based approaches to noise source estimation. This method is based on a previously developed theoretical framework of sensitivity kernels for cross‐correlation amplitudes. It performs a tomographic inversion for ambient noise sources on the Earth's surface and is suitable for small‐ (local‐) scale studies. We apply the method to passive seismic data acquired in an exploration context and account for azimuth‐dependent uncertainties in observed cross‐correlation amplitudes. Our inversion results correlate well with the azimuthal distribution of noise sources suggested by signal‐to‐noise ratio analysis of noise cross‐correlation functions.
Nutrient-extraction blender preparation reduces postprandial glucose responses from fruit juice consumption
Authors: Redfern K M , Cammack V L , Sweet N , Preston L A ,   SoBHCS Student Team, Jarvis M A , Rees G A
Published: May 2019

Although whole-fruit consumption is regarded as protective against type 2 diabetes (T2DM), conventionally prepared fruit juice is associated with increased T2DM risk, and current public health advice recommends its restriction. ‘Nutrient extractor’ style blenders are increasing in popularity worldwide as an alternative means of juicing fruit, but little is known about their effect on postprandial glucose levels. The current study investigated the effect of nutrient extraction on postprandial blood glucose response and glycemic index (GI) compared with a glucose control for both mixed fruit and a high GI fruit (mango). Remarkably, consumption of nutrient-extracted mixed fruit resulted in a significant lowering of the GI (32.7±8.5) compared with whole mixed fruit (66.2±8.2, P<0.05). For the high GI mango, there were no differences between nutrient-extracted and whole fruit, indicating that even for a high GI fruit the effect of nutrient extraction does not increase GI compared with the whole fruit. These findings suggest that, in contrast to conventionally prepared fruit juice, fruit juice prepared by nutrient extraction in some cases elicits a more favorable postprandial glycemic response than whole fruit and even for high GI fruits do not worsen the response. The mechanism responsible for this effect is currently unclear. However, these results suggest that fruit homogenized by nutrient extraction should be considered as a potential dietetic strategy for glycemic control.
DDX5 plays essential transcriptional and post-transcriptional roles in the maintenance and function of spermatogonia
Authors: Legrand Julien M. D. , Chan Ai-Leen , La Hue M. , Rossello Fernando J. , Änkö Minna-Liisa , Fuller-Pace Frances V. , Hobbs Robin M.
Published: May 2019

Mammalian spermatogenesis is sustained by mitotic germ cells with self-renewal potential known as undifferentiated spermatogonia. Maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia and spermatogenesis is dependent on tightly co-ordinated transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The RNA helicase DDX5 is expressed by spermatogonia but roles in spermatogenesis are unexplored. Using an inducible knockout mouse model, we characterise an essential role for DDX5 in spermatogonial maintenance and show thatDdx5is indispensable for male fertility. We demonstrate that DDX5 regulates appropriate splicing of key genes necessary for spermatogenesis. Moreover, DDX5 regulates expression of cell cycle genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia post-transcriptionally and is required for cell proliferation and survival. DDX5 can also act as a transcriptional co-activator and we demonstrate that DDX5 interacts with PLZF, a transcription factor required for germline maintenance, to co-regulate select target genes. Combined, our data reveal a critical multifunctional role for DDX5 in regulating gene expression programmes and activity of undifferentiated spermatogonia.
Discovery of hexagonal ternary phase Ti2InB2 and its evolution to layered boride TiB
Authors: Wang Junjie , Ye Tian-Nan , Gong Yutong , Wu Jiazhen , Miao Nanxi , Tada Tomofumi , Hosono Hideo
Published: May 2019

Mn+1AXn phases are a large family of compounds that have been limited, so far, to carbides and nitrides. Here we report the prediction of a compound, Ti2InB2, a stable boron-based ternary phase in the Ti-In-B system, using a computational structure search strategy. This predicted Ti2InB2 compound is successfully synthesized using a solid-state reaction route and its space group is confirmed as P$$\bar 6$$

6

¯

m2 (No. 187), which is in fact a hexagonal subgroup of P63/mmc (No. 194), the symmetry group of conventional Mn+1AXn phases. Moreover, a strategy for the synthesis of MXenes from Mn+1AXn phases is applied, and a layered boride, TiB, is obtained by the removal of the indium layer through dealloying of the parent Ti2InB2 at high temperature under a high vacuum. We theoretically demonstrate that the TiB single layer exhibits superior potential as an anode material for Li/Na ion batteries than conventional carbide MXenes such as Ti3C2.
The brain represents people as the mental states they habitually experience
Authors: Thornton Mark A. , Weaverdyck Miriam E. , Tamir Diana I.
Published: May 2019

Social life requires us to treat each person according to their unique disposition. To tailor our behavior to specific individuals, we must represent their idiosyncrasies. Here, we advance the hypothesis that our representations of other people reflect the mental states we perceive those people to habitually experience. We tested this hypothesis by measuring whether neural representations of people could be accurately reconstructed by summing state representations. Separate participants underwent functional MRI while considering famous individuals and individual mental states. Online participants rated how often each famous person experiences each state. Results supported the summed state hypothesis: frequency-weighted sums of state-specific brain activity patterns accurately reconstructed person-specific patterns. Moreover, the summed state account outperformed the established alternative—that people represent others using trait dimensions—in explaining interpersonal similarity. These findings demonstrate that the brain represents people as the sums of the mental states they experience.
Author Correction: Coordinated Turning Behaviour of Loitering Honeybees
Authors: Mahadeeswara Mandiyam Y. , Srinivasan Mandyam V.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) exploit tortoises (Kinixys erosa) via percussive technology
Authors: Pika Simone , Klein Harmonie , Bunel Sarah , Baas Pauline , Théleste Erwan , Deschner Tobias
Published: May 2019

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), one of humankinds’ closest living relatives, are known to hunt and consume the meat of various animal taxa. Although some researchers have presented indirect evidence that chimpanzees may also prey on tortoises, until now, direct observations of this behaviour did not exist. Here, we provide systematic descriptions of the first observations of chimpanzee predation on tortoises (Kinixys erosa). We made these unprecedented observations on newly habituated chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) of the Rekambo community, living in the Loango National Park, Gabon. The behaviour qualified as customary, that is occurring in most or all adult males, involved a distinct smashing technique, and resulted frequently in food sharing with other group members. Our observations shed new light on the hitherto little understood percussive technology of chimpanzees, and expand our current knowledge on chimpanzees’ dietary and predatory repertoires with respect to reptiles. We also report a case of food storage and discuss it in the context of future-oriented cognition. Our findings suggest the need for more nuanced interpretations of chimpanzees’ cognitive skills in combination with an in-depth understanding of their unique socio-ecological niches. They further emphasize the importance of nonhuman primate field observations to inform theories of hominin evolution.
Reduced mosquito survival in metal-roof houses may contribute to a decline in malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lindsay Steve W. , Jawara Musa , Mwesigwa Julia , Achan Jane , Bayoh Nabie , Bradley John , Kandeh Balla , Kirby Matthew J. , Knudsen Jakob , Macdonald Mike , Pinder Margaret , Tusting Lucy S. , Weiss Dan J. , Wilson Anne L. , D’Alessandro Umberto
Published: May 2019

In The Gambia, metal-roof houses were hotter during the day than thatched-roof houses. After 24 h, the mortality of Anopheles gambiae, the principal African malaria vector, was 38% higher in metal-roof houses than thatched ones. During the day, mosquitoes in metal-roof houses moved from the hot roof to cooler places near the floor, where the temperature was still high, reaching 35 °C. In laboratory studies, at 35 °C few mosquitoes survived 10 days, the minimum period required for malaria parasite development. Analysis of epidemiological data showed there was less malaria and lower vector survival rates in Gambian villages with a higher proportion of metal roofs. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the indoor climate of metal-roof houses, with higher temperatures and lower humidity, reduces survivorship of indoor-resting mosquitoes and may have contributed to the observed reduction in malaria burden in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Electrochemical water oxidation by simple manganese salts
Authors: Heidari Sima , Singh Jitendra Pal , Feizi Hadi , Bagheri Robabeh , Chae Keun Hwa , Song Zhenlun , Khatamian Maasoumeh , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: May 2019

Recently, it has been great efforts to synthesize an efficient water-oxidizing catalyst. However, to find the true catalyst in the harsh conditions of the water-oxidation reaction is an open area in science. Herein, we showed that corrosion of some simple manganese salts, MnCO3, MnWO4, Mn3(PO4)2 · 3H2O, and Mn(VO3)2 · xH2O, under the water-electrolysis conditions at pH = 6.3, gives an amorphous manganese oxide. This conversion was studied with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), as well as, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroelectrochemistry and electrochemistry methods. When using as a water-oxidizing catalyst, such results are important to display that long-term water oxidation can change the nature of the manganese salts.
Integrating data from different survey types for population monitoring of an endangered species: the case of the Eld’s deer
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Nilsen Erlend B. , Bischof Richard , O’Hara Robert B. , Yu Thin Thin , Oo Tun , Aung Myint , Linnell John D. C.
Published: May 2019

Despite its value for conservation decision-making, we lack information on population abundances for most species. Because establishing large-scale monitoring schemes is rarely feasible, statistical methods that combine multiple data sources are promising approaches to maximize use of available information. We built a Bayesian hierarchical model that combined different survey data of the endangered Eld’s deer in Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Myanmar and tested our approach in simulation experiments. We combined spatially-restricted line-transect abundance data with more spatially-extensive camera-trap occupancy data to enable estimation of the total deer abundance. The integrated model comprised an ecological model (common to both survey types, based on the equivalence between cloglog-transformed occurrence probability and log-transformed expected abundance) and separate observation models for each survey type. We estimated that the population size of Eld’s deer in SWS is c. 1519 (1061–2114), suggesting it is the world’s largest wild population. The simulations indicated that the potential benefits of combining data include increased precision and better sampling of the spatial variation in the environment, compared to separate analysis of each survey. Our analytical approach, which integrates the strengths of different survey methods, has widespread application for estimating species’ abundances, especially in information-poor regions of the world.
An Optimized Method for Extraction and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Dendranthema indicum var. aromaticum Flower
Authors: Zhong Lijie , Yuan Zhiyang , Rong Lin , Zhang Yaohua , Xiong Guoxi , Liu Yi , Li Chao
Published: May 2019

Dendranthema indicumvar.aromaticumplant has been widely used as herbal medicine in China, however, the material basis responsible for the therapeutic benefits remains largely unclear. This study aimed to provide an optimized method for extracting and characterizing phenolic compounds inD.indicumvar.aromaticumflower. Firstly, an ultrasound-assisted method combined with central composite circumscribed (CCC) design was applied to optimize phenolic compound extraction. Ethanol-acetic acid (70%:2%, v/v) was selected as solvent, and the optimal extraction condition was: extraction temperature, 57 °C; solid/liquid ratio, 1:30 g/mL; extraction time, 20 min. Secondly, an effective and economic HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSnmethod was established and validated for phenolic compound characterization and quantification. As a result, 14 phenolic compounds were identified, including 8 phenolic acids and 6 flavonoids, and for the first time, oleuropein derivatives, chrysoeriol, and tricin are reported inD.indicumvar.aromaticumflower. The content of phenolics identified by HPLC-MSnwas 6.42 ± 0.32 mg/g DW. The optimized method for extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds has significant meaning to future pharmaceutical and medicinal research onD.indicumvar.aromaticum, and the results in this study can provide references for herbal research.
Sugar-induced de novo cytokinin biosynthesis contributes to Arabidopsis growth under elevated CO2
Authors: Kiba Takatoshi , Takebayashi Yumiko , Kojima Mikiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi
Published: May 2019

Carbon availability is a major regulatory factor in plant growth and development. Cytokinins, plant hormones that play important roles in various aspects of growth and development, have been implicated in the carbon-dependent regulation of plant growth; however, the details of their involvement remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that sugar-induced cytokinin biosynthesis plays a role in growth enhancement under elevated CO2 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Growing Arabidopsis seedlings under elevated CO2 resulted in an accumulation of cytokinin precursors that preceded growth enhancement. In roots, elevated CO2 induced two genes involved in de novo cytokinin biosynthesis: an adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase gene, AtIPT3, and a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene, CYP735A2. The expression of these genes was inhibited by a photosynthesis inhibitor, DCMU, under elevated CO2, and was enhanced by sugar supplements, indicating that photosynthetically generated sugars are responsible for the induction. Consistently, cytokinin precursor accumulation was enhanced by sugar supplements. Cytokinin biosynthetic mutants were impaired in growth enhancement under elevated CO2, demonstrating the involvement of de novo cytokinin biosynthesis for a robust growth response. We propose that plants employ a system to regulate growth in response to elevated CO2 in which photosynthetically generated sugars induce de novo cytokinin biosynthesis for growth regulation.
Ras suppressor-1 (RSU-1) promotes cell invasion in aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in non-aggressive cells through STAT6 phospho-regulation
Authors: Louca Maria , Stylianou Andreas , Minia Angeliki , Pliaka Vaia , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Gkretsi Vasiliki , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: May 2019

Most gliomas are invasive tumors formed from glial cells and associated with high mortality rates. In this study, we characterized four glioma cell lines of varying degree of aggressiveness (H4, SW1088, A172 and U87-MG) in terms of morphology, cytoskeleton organization and stiffness, and evaluated their invasive potential by performing invasion, colony forming and spheroid invasion assays. Cells were divided into two distinct groups: aggressive cell lines (A172 and U87-MG) with more elongated, softer and highly invasive cells and less aggressive cells (H4 and SW088). Interestingly, we found that Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU-1), a cell-matrix adhesion protein involved in cancer cell invasion, was significantly upregulated in more aggressive glioma cells compared to less aggressive. Importantly, RSU-1 silencing had opposing effects on glioma cell invasion depending on their aggressiveness, inhibiting migration and invasion of aggressive cells and promoting those of less aggressive cells. Finally, we found that RSU-1 silencing in aggressive cells led to decreased Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription6 (STAT6) phosphorylation and Matrix Metalloproteinase13 (MMP13) expression in contrast to less invasive cells. Our study demonstrates that RSU-1 promotes invasion of aggressive glioma cells and inhibits it in the non-aggressive cells, indicating that it could serve as a predictor of gliomas progression.
Analysis of the Ribonuclease A Superfamily of Antimicrobial Peptides in Patients Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Pottanat Neha Dhingra , Brook Amy C. , Bartosova Maria , Cortado Hanna , Gupta Sudipti , Li Birong , Jackson Ashley R. , Vonau Martin , Cohen Shira , Ferrara Maria , Ching Christina B. , Spencer John David , Brauner Annelie , Fraser Donald J. , Schmitt Claus Peter , Eberl Matthias , Ayoob Rose , Becknell Brian
Published: May 2019

Infectious peritonitis is a common complication in patients undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD), limiting the duration of PD as a modality for renal replacement therapy and increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve critical roles in mucosal defense, but their expression and activity during peritonitis are poorly understood. We hypothesized that AMPs belonging to the Ribonuclease (RNase) A Superfamily are present in peritoneal fluid and increase during peritonitis in patients undergoing chronic PD. In the absence of peritonitis, we detected RNase 3, RNase 6, and RNase 7 in cell-free supernatants and viable cells obtained from peritoneal fluid of chronic PD patients. The cellular sources of these RNases were eosinophils (RNase 3), macrophages (RNase 6), and mesothelial cells (RNase 7). During peritonitis, RNase 3 increased 55-fold and RNase 7 levels increased 3-fold on average, whereas RNase 6 levels were unchanged. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for RNase 3 and RNase 7 were 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96–1.0) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64–0.93), respectively, indicating their potential as biomarkers of peritonitis. Discrete omental reservoirs of these RNases were evident in patients with end stage kidney disease prior to PD initiation, and omental RNase 3 reactive cells increased in patients undergoing PD with a history of peritonitis. We propose that constitutive and inducible pools of antimicrobial RNases form a network to shield the peritoneal cavity from microbial invasion in patients undergoing chronic PD.
Comparison of diffusion, cytotoxicity and tissue inflammatory reactions of four commercial bleaching products against human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Llena C. , Collado-González M. , García-Bernal D. , Oñate-Sánchez R. E. , Martínez C. M. , Moraleda J. M. , Rodríguez-Lozano F. J. , Forner L.
Published: May 2019

Multiple side effects related to bleaching were found to occur in the dental pulp tissue, including decreased cell metabolism and viability. In this work we evaluated the in vitro diffusion capacity, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of four commercial bleaching products on stem cells from human dental pulp (hDPSCs). Two commercial bleaching gels hydrogen peroxide-based (HP), Norblanc Office 37.5% (Nor-HP) and Opalescence Boost 40% (Opal-HP) were applied for 30 min to enamel/dentine discs. Another two gels from the same manufacturers, 16% carbamide peroxide-based (CP), Norblanc Home (Nor-CP) and Opalescence CP 16% (Opal-CP), were applied for 90 min. The diffusion of HP was analysed by fluorometry. Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assays, the determination of apoptosis, immunofluorescence assays and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Tissue inflammatory reactions were evaluated histopathologically in rats. Statistical differences were performed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-test (α < 0.05). Normon products showed lower cytotoxicity and diffusion capacity than the Ultradent products. A high intracellular ROS level was measured in hDPSCs after exposure to Opal-HP. Finally, a severe necrosis of both coronal and radicular pulp was observed with Opal-HP. Similar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide in a variety of bleaching products exhibited different responses in cells and dental pulp tissue, suggesting that bleaching products contain unknown agents that could influence their toxicity.
Latent Infection of Valsa mali in the Seeds, Seedlings and Twigs of Crabapple and Apple Trees is a Potential Inoculum Source of Valsa Canker
Authors: Meng Xiang-long , Qi Xing-hua , Han Ze-yuan , Guo Yong-bin , Wang Ya-nan , Hu Tong-le , Wang Li-ming , Cao Ke-qiang , Wang Shu-tong
Published: May 2019

A real-time quantitative PCR assay using a species-specific primer pair was developed to rapidly and accurately quantify Valsa mali, the causative pathogen of apple Valsa canker (AVC), in crabapple seeds, crabapple seedlings, apple twigs and apple seeds. Surveys were conducted in different regions, and crabapple or apple seeds were collected for V. mali detection by qPCR assay. Our results showed that 12.87% to 49.01% of crabapple seeds collected from different regions were positive for V. mali. The exopleura and endopleura were the two major areas of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds. The presence of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds was also confirmed by a high-throughput sequencing approach. With the growth of crabapple seedlings, the concentration of V. mali gDNA in crabapple seedlings gradually increased until eight or more leaf blades emerged. One-year-old twigs from an apple scion nursery were infected with V. mali, and only apple seeds from infected apple trees showing evident Valsa canker symptoms carried V. mali. In conclusion, this study reports that crabapple seeds and apple seeds carried V. mali as latent inoculum sources. V. mali infected not only apple tissues but also crabapple seedlings, which are the rootstocks of apple trees. This study indicated that the inoculum sources for AVC vary. Application of a novel qPCR assay can potentially improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, and is helpful to reveal the epidemic regularity of AVC.
Associations of Electrocardiographic Parameters with Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain and Prognosis in Cardiac Light Chain Amyloidosis
Authors: Kim Darae , Lee Ga Yeon , Choi Jin-Oh , Kim Kihyun , Kim Seok Jin , Jeon Eun-Seok
Published: May 2019

A 12-lead ECG is a simple and less costly measure to assess cardiac amyloidosis and may reflect the infiltrative nature of cardiac amyloidosis and have prognostic value for predicting overall survival in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Therefore, we investigated the associations of surface ECG parameters with left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and prognosis in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. We performed a multi-center, retrospective analysis of 102 biopsy-proven cardiac AL amyloidosis patients. Baseline studies included 12-lead surface ECG and echocardiography, with two-dimensional strain analysis performed within one month of diagnosis. From the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) had significantly poorer survival. ECG scores were assigned according to presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis, and the study participants were divided into three groups according to ECG score. Mean absolute value of LV GLS and regional LV longitudinal strain (LS) differed significantly among the three groups and decreased in a stepwise manner as ECG score increased. Log NT-proBNP increased in a stepwise manner as ECG score increased. Prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis showed significant incremental values in addition to the revised Mayo stage. The presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec) and abnormal QRS axis showed significant incremental values for overall mortality rates. In addition, ECG scores consisting of presence of prolonged QTc (≥483 msec), and abnormal QRS axis showed good association with longitudinal LV dysfunction and NT-proBNP. ECG finding may provide prognostic additional information regarding prognosis of AL amyloidosis with cardiac involvement.
Intraspecific Competition Affects the Pupation Behavior of Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)
Authors: Bezerra Da Silva Cherre Sade , Park Kyoo R. , Blood Rachel A. , Walton Vaughn M.
Published: May 2019

In Drosophila, intraspecific competition (IC) may cause stress, cannibalism, and affect survival and reproduction. By migrating to less crowded environments, individuals can escape IC. Larvae of spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) are often exposed to IC. They are known to pupate either attached to or detached from their hosts. Here, we hypothesized that SWD pupates detached from the larval host as a means to escape IC and increase their survival and fitness. Under laboratory conditions, IC resulted in increased pupation detached from the larval host in both cornmeal medium and blueberry fruit. Males were more prone to detached pupation than females. In blueberry, IC-exposed larvae pupated farther away from the fruit relative to singly-developed individuals. Detached pupation was associated to survival and fitness gains. For example, larvae that displayed detached pupation showed shorter egg-pupa development times, higher pupa-adult survival, and larger adult size relative to fruit-attached individuals. These findings demonstrate that SWD larvae select pupation sites based on IC, and that such a strategy is associated with improved survival and fitness. This information contributes to a better understanding of SWD basic biology and behavior, offering insights to the development of improved practices to manage this pest in the field.
Survival and ice nucleation activity of Pseudomonas syringae strains exposed to simulated high-altitude atmospheric conditions
Authors: de Araujo Gabriel Guarany , Rodrigues Fabio , Gonçalves Fabio Luiz Teixeira , Galante Douglas
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas syringae produces highly efficient biological ice nuclei (IN) that were proposed to influence precipitation by freezing water in clouds. This bacterium may be capable of dispersing through the atmosphere, having been reported in rain, snow, and cloud water samples. This study assesses its survival and maintenance of IN activity under stressing conditions present at high altitudes, such as UV radiation within clouds. Strains of the pathovars syringae and garcae were compared to Escherichia coli. While UV-C effectively inactivated these cells, the Pseudomonas were much more tolerant to UV-B. The P. syringae strains were also more resistant to radiation from a solar simulator, composed of UV-A and UV-B, while only one of them suffered a decline in IN activity at −5 °C after long exposures. Desiccation at different relative humidity values also affected the IN, but some activity at −5 °C was always maintained. The pathovar garcae tended to be more resistant than the pathovar syringae, particularly to desiccation, though its IN were found to be generally more sensitive. Compared to E. coli, the P. syringae strains appear to be better adapted to survival under conditions present at high altitudes and in clouds.
Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains as low-cost high-rate performance electrode for energy storage applications
Authors: Urso Mario , Torrisi Giacomo , Boninelli Simona , Bongiorno Corrado , Priolo Francesco , Mirabella Salvo
Published: May 2019

Energy storage performances of Ni-based electrodes rely mainly on the peculiar nanomaterial design. In this work, a novel and low-cost approach to fabricate a promising core-shell battery-like electrode is presented. Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains were obtained by an electrochemical oxidation of a 3D nanoporous Ni film grown by chemical bath deposition and thermal annealing. This innovative nanostructure demonstrated remarkable charge storage ability in terms of capacity (237 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate capability (76% at 16 A g−1, 32% at 64 A g−1). The relationships between electrochemical properties and core-shell architecture were investigated and modelled. The high-conductivity Ni core provides low electrode resistance and excellent electron transport from Ni(OH)2 shell to the current collector, resulting in improved capacity and rate capability. The reported preparation method and unique electrochemical behaviour of Ni(OH)2@Ni core-shell nanochains show potential in many field, including hybrid supercapacitors, batteries, electrochemical (bio)sensing, gas sensing and photocatalysis.
Tunable electron transfer rate in a CdSe/ZnS-based complex with different anthraquinone chloride substitutes
Authors: Zhao Huifang , Sun Chaofan , Yin Hang , Li Yuanzuo , Gao Jianbo , Shi Ying , Sun Mengtao
Published: May 2019

We use femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study ultrafast electron transfer (ET) dynamics in a model donor and acceptor system using CdSe/ZnS core/shell structure quantum dots (QDs) as donors and anthraquinone (AQ) molecules as acceptors. The ET rate can be enhanced by decreasing the number of chlorine substituents in the AQ molecules because that increases the driving force, which is the energy level offset between the conduction band energy of CdSe/ZnS and the lowest upper molecular orbital potential of AQ derivatives, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry measurements. However, the electronic coupling between the QDs and AQ derivatives, and the sum of reorganization energy of AQ molecules and solvent calculated by density functional theory are not the main reasons for the change in ET rate in three systems. Our findings provide new insights into selecting an acceptor molecule and will be useful in tuning ET processes for advanced QD-based applications.
In vitro NTPase activity of highly purified Pdr5, a major yeast ABC multidrug transporter
Authors: Wagner Manuel , Smits Sander H. J. , Schmitt Lutz
Published: May 2019

The ABC transporter Pdr5 of S. cerevisiae is a key player of the PDR network that works as a first line of defense against a wide range of xenobiotic compounds. As the first discovered member of the family of asymmetric PDR ABC transporters, extensive studies have been carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanism of drug efflux and the details of the catalytic cycle. Pdr5 turned out to be an excellent model system to study functional and structural characteristics of asymmetric, uncoupled ABC transporters. However, to date studies have been limited to in vivo or plasma membrane systems, as it was not possible to isolate Pdr5 in a functional state. Here, we describe the solubilization and purification of Pdr5 to homogeneity in a functional state as confirmed by in vitro assays. The ATPase deficient Pdr5 E1036Q mutant was used as a control and proves that detergent-purified wild-type Pdr5 is functional resembling in its activity the one in its physiological environment. Finally, we show that the isolated active Pdr5 is monomeric in solution. Taken together, our results described in this study will enable a variety of functional investigations on Pdr5 required to determine molecular mechanism of this asymmetric ABC transporter.
Author Correction: Differential expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on CD4+ T-lymphocytes with distinct memory phenotypes characterizes tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Silveira-Mattos Paulo S. , Narendran Gopalan , Akrami Kevan , Fukutani Kiyoshi F. , Anbalagan Selvaraj , Nayak Kaustuv , Subramanyam Sudha , Subramani Rajasekaran , Vinhaes Caian L. , Souza Deivide Oliveira-de , Antonelli Lis R. , Satagopan Kumar , Porter Brian O. , Sher Alan , Swaminathan Soumya , Sereti Irini , Andrade Bruno B.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Multimodal floral cues guide mosquitoes to tansy inflorescences
Authors: Peach Daniel A. H. , Gries Regine , Zhai Huimin , Young Nathan , Gries Gerhard
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus sets freshwater teleost record as improved age analysis reveals centenarian longevity
Authors: Lackmann Alec R. , Andrews Allen H. , Butler Malcolm G. , Bielak-Lackmann Ewelina S. , Clark Mark E.
Published: May 2019

Understanding the age structure and population dynamics of harvested species is crucial for sustainability, especially in fisheries. The Bigmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus) is a fish endemic to the Mississippi and Hudson Bay drainages. A valued food-fish for centuries, they are now a prized sportfish as night bowfishing has become a million-dollar industry in the past decade. All harvest is virtually unregulated and unstudied, and Bigmouth Buffalo are declining while little is known about their biology. Using thin-sectioned otoliths and bomb-radiocarbon dating, we find Bigmouth Buffalo can reach 112 years of age, more than quadrupling previous longevity estimates, making this the oldest known freshwater teleost (~12,000 species). We document numerous populations that are comprised largely (85–90%) of individuals over 80 years old, suggesting long-term recruitment failure since dam construction in the 1930s. Our findings indicate Bigmouth Buffalo require urgent attention, while other understudied fishes may be threatened by similar ecological neglect.
Nanozyme: new horizons for responsive biomedical applications
Authors: Jiang Dawei , Ni Dalong , Rosenkrans Zachary T. , Huang Peng , Yan Xiyun , Cai Weibo
Published: May 2019

Nanozymes are nanomaterial-based artificial enzymes.
Dye sensitized photoelectrolysis cells
Authors: Yun Sining , Vlachopoulos Nick , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq , Ahmad Shahzada , Hagfeldt Anders
Published: May 2019

This review from theory to practice discusses the principles and designs of dye-sensitized semiconductor photoelectrodes for water splitting and electrolysis reactions.
The impact of students’ educational background, interest in learning, formal reasoning and visualisation abilities on gas context-based exercises achievements with submicro-animations
Authors: Pavlin Jerneja , Glažar Saša A. , Slapničar Miha , Devetak Iztok
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain students’ achievements in solving context-based gas exercises comprising the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels of chemical concepts. The influence of specific variables, such as interest in learning, formal-reasoning abilities, and visualisation abilities, is a significant factor that should be considered when explaining students’ achievements with context-based exercises. Seventy-nine students of three age groups (12, 16, and 23) participated in the study. Questionnaires, tests, and a semi-structured interview including computer-displayed context-based exercises were used to collect data. In addition, an eye-tracker was used to determine the exact location of the participants’ points of gaze. The results show that students on average answered correctly from 40 to 79% of all questions in the context-based exercises. The context-based exercise related to air compression is indicated as being difficult for students. In students’ explanations of different levels of chemical concepts, representation difficulties are detected in all three age groups of students. Students’ achievements in solving context-based gas exercises do not depend on interest in learning chemistry and visualisation abilities. However, statistically significant differences exist in total fixation duration on the correct submicrorepresentation animation between students with different formal-reasoning abilities. The results serve as a starting point for the planning of different context-based exercises and problems comprising the chemistry triplet with 3D dynamic submicrorepresentations.
Traceless synthesis of protein thioesters using enzyme-mediated hydrazinolysis and subsequent self-editing of the cysteinyl prolyl sequence
Authors: Komiya Chiaki , Shigenaga Akira , Tsukimoto Jun , Ueda Masahiro , Morisaki Takuya , Inokuma Tsubasa , Itoh Kohji , Otaka Akira
Published: May 2019

Thioester-producing protocol featuring carboxypeptidase Y (CPaseY)-mediated hydrazinolysis and subsequent self-editing of tag affords protein thioesters in a traceless manner.
Effects and distribution of Zr introduced in Ni-based cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Yongseon
Published: May 2019

The spatial and site distribution of Zr introduced to the Ni-based cathode material and the related effects are investigated.
Systematic exploration of N,C coordination effects on the ORR performance of Mn–Nx doped graphene catalysts based on DFT calculations
Authors: Zhu Guangqi , Liu Fan , Wang Yicheng , Wei Zidong , Wang Wei
Published: May 2019

Five-coordination Mn–Nx experiences a significant increase in ORR catalytic activity due to its moderate binding ability compared with Mn–N4 and Mn–N3.
Correction: Kinetic analysis methods applied to single motor protein trajectories
Authors: Nord A. L. , Pols A. F. , Depken M. , Pedaci F.
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Kinetic analysis methods applied to single motor protein trajectories’ by A. L. Nord et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 18775–18781.
On the safety of nanoformulations to non-target soil invertebrates – an atrazine case study
Authors: Gomes Susana I. L. , Scott-Fordsmand Janeck J. , Campos Estefânia V. R. , Grillo Renato , Fraceto Leonardo F. , Amorim Mónica J. B.
Published: May 2019

The commercial formulation of atrazine (Gesaprim) was the least toxic to E. crypticus, followed by nano_ATZ and ATZ (a.i.).