bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoparticles exert concentration‐dependent influences on biofilm development and architecture
Authors: Guo Jingyang , Qin Simin , Wei Yan , Liu Shima , Peng Hongzhen , Li Qingnuan , Luo Liqiang , Lv Min
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To investigate the impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the biofilm growth and architecture.

Materials and methods

Silver nitrate was reduced by d‐maltose to prepare AgNPs in the presence of ammonia and sodium hydroxide. The physicochemical properties of AgNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The development of biofilm with and without AgNPs was explored by crystal violet stain. The structures of mature biofilm were visually studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial cell, polysaccharide and protein within biofilm were assessed quantitatively by colony‐counting method, phenol‐sulphuric acid method and Bradford assay, respectively.

Results

The spherical AgNPs (about 30 nm) were successfully synthesized. The effect of AgNPs on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development was concentration‐dependent. Biofilm was more resistant to AgNPs than planktonic cells. Low doses of AgNPs exposure remarkably delayed the growth cycle of biofilm, whereas high concentration (18 μg/mL) of AgNPs fully prevented biofilm development. The analysis of biofilm architecture at the mature stage demonstrated that AgNPs exposure at all concentration led to significant decrease of cell viability within treated biofilms. However, sublethal doses of AgNPs increased the production of both polysaccharide and protein compared to control, which significantly changed the biofilm structure.

Conclusions

AgNPs exert concentration‐dependent influences on biofilm development and structure, which provides new insight into the role of concentration played in the interaction between antibacterial nanoparticles and biofilm, especially, an ignored sublethal concentration associated with potential unintended consequences.
Improving outcomes for children with neurodisability in East Africa
Authors: Samia Pauline
Published: May 2019

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72M_2bh47Uo&feature=youtu.be
Response of 1,5‐anhydroglucitol level to intensive glucose‐ and blood‐pressure lowering interventions, and its associations with clinical outcomes in the ADVANCE trial
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Wang Dan , McEvoy John William , Juraschek Stephen P. , Lazo Mariana , Hamet Pavel , Cooper Mark E. , Marre Michel , Williams Bryan , Harrap Stephen , Chalmers John , Woodward Mark
Published: May 2019

Aims

To evaluate 1,5‐anhydroglucitol (1,5‐AG) according to clinical outcomes and assess the effects of glucose‐ and blood pressure‐lowering interventions on change in 1,5‐AG levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We measured 1,5‐AG in 6826 stored samples at baseline and in a random subsample of 684 participants at the 1‐year follow‐up visit in the ADVANCE trial. We examined baseline 1,5‐AG [< 39.7, 39.7‐66.2, ≥ 66.2 μmol/L (<6, 6‐10, ≥10 μg/mL)] and microvascular and macrovascular events and mortality using Cox regression models during 5 years of follow‐up. Using an intention‐to‐treat approach, we examined 1‐year change in 1,5‐AG (mean and percent) in response to the glucose‐ and blood pressure‐lowering interventions in the subsample.

Results

Low 1,5‐AG level [<39.7 μmol/L vs ≥ 66.2 μmol/L (<6 μg/mL vs ≥10 μg/mL)] was associated with microvascular events (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.03‐1.60) after adjustment for risk factors and baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); however, the associations for macrovascular events and mortality were not independent of HbA1c. The glucose‐lowering intervention was associated with a significant 1‐year increase in 1,5‐AG (vs standard control) of 6.69 μmol/L (SE 2.52) [1.01 μg/mL (SE 0.38)], corresponding to an 8.26% (SE 0.10%) increase from baseline. We also observed an increase in 1,5‐AG of similar magnitude in response to the blood pressure intervention independent of the glucose‐lowering effect.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that 1,5‐AG is a marker of risk in adults with type 2 diabetes, but only for microvascular events independently of HbA1c. We found that 1,5‐AG was improved (increased) in response to an intensive glucose‐lowering intervention, although the independent effect of the blood pressure‐lowering intervention on 1,5‐AG suggests potential non‐glycaemic influences.
Weight loss enhances cardiac energy metabolism and function in heart failure associated with obesity
Authors: Karwi Qutuba G. , Zhang Liyan , Altamimi Tariq R. , Wagg Cory S. , Patel Vaibhav , Uddin Golam M. , Joerg Alice R. , Padwal Raj S. , Johnstone David E. , Sharma Arya , Oudit Gavin Y. , Lopaschuk Gary D.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Obesity is associated with high rates of cardiac fatty acid oxidation, low rates of glucose oxidation, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Whether weight loss can lessen the severity of heart failure associated with obesity is not known. We therefore determined the effect of weight loss on cardiac energy metabolism and the severity of heart failure in obese mice with heart failure.

Materials and methods

Obesity and heart failure were induced by feeding mice a high‐fat (HF) diet and subjecting them to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Obese mice with heart failure were then switched for 8 weeks to either a low‐fat (LF) diet (HF TAC LF) or caloric restriction (CR) (40% caloric intake reduction, HF TAC CR) to induce weight loss.

Results

Weight loss improved cardiac function (%EF was 38 ± 6% and 36 ± 6% in HF TAC LF and HF TAC CR mice vs 25 ± 3% in HF TAC mice, P < 0.05) and it decreased cardiac hypertrophy post TAC (left ventricle mass was 168 ± 7 and 171 ± 10 mg in HF TAC LF and HF TAC CR mice, respectively, vs 210 ± 8 mg in HF TAC mice, P < 0.05). Weight loss enhanced cardiac insulin signalling, insulin‐stimulated glucose oxidation rates (1.5 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.1 μmol/g dry wt/min in HF TAC LF and HF TAC CR mice, respectively, vs 0.2 ± 0.1 μmol/g dry wt/min in HF TAC mice, P < 0.05) and it decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphorylation. Cardiac fatty acid oxidation rates, AMPKTyr172/ACCSer79 signalling and the acetylation of ß‐oxidation enzymes, were attenuated following weight loss.

Conclusions

Weight loss is an effective intervention to improve cardiac function and energy metabolism in heart failure associated with obesity.
Spinning their wheels: a reply to Jane Humphries and Benjamin Schneider
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: May 2019

Jane Humphries and Benjamin Schneider have assembled several large databases of spinners’ production and wages that they believe disprove my view that high wages led to mechanization in eighteenth‐century England. This reply examines their data and shows that they have little value for understanding the incentives to mechanize. In addition, I present new evidence that substantiates my earlier estimates of productivity and earnings. The high wage hypothesis is unimpaired by the critique of Humphries and Schneider.
The Shaping of Diversity Management in France: An Institutional Change Analysis
Authors: Djabi‐Saïdani Anissa , Pérugien Sabrina
Published: May 2019

This paper addresses the shaping of diversity management in France using a neo‐institutional perspective, through which non‐discrimination in the workplace is viewed as an organizational field structured around the problem of discrimination and the challenge of diversity management. The analysis draws on the process approach, together with the institutional change model as an analytical framework. By analysing the conditions in France, the authors contribute to the understanding of how diversity management has been managed over time. They also show how the environmental context, the position of institutional entrepreneurs, practices and boundaries affect institutional dynamics in a given organizational field.
Model‐based evaluation of low‐dose factor VIII prophylaxis in haemophilia A
Authors: Brekkan Ari , Degerman Johanna , Jönsson Siv
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The optimal treatment modality for haemophilia A is lifelong prophylaxis which is expensive and may not be implementable everywhere where factor VIII (FVIII) availability is limited. A less costly alternative to prophylaxis is low‐dose prophylaxis (LDP) which was compared to conventional prophylaxis in this model‐based simulation study.

Aim

To explore whether LDP is motivated where standard prophylaxis is not implementable, including evaluating LDP efficacy compared to high‐dose prophylaxis and investigating the potential economic benefit of individualized dosing.

Methods

For a virtual adult haemophilia A population, FVIII activity levels were simulated following alternative treatment regimens, based on a published population PK model. The regimens included very LDP, LDP and conventional prophylaxis twice and thrice weekly. The annual probability of bleeding was predicted based on the weekly time spent below 1 IU/dL, using a previously published relationship. Additionally, PK‐based dose individualization was evaluated to determine FVIII savings using Bayesian forecasting.

Results

A treatment regimen of 10 IU/kg administered thrice weekly cost 75% less than a standard high‐dose regimen and was predicted to have a 5% higher median probability of annual bleeds. PK‐based dose individualization may result in further cost‐savings, but implementation needs benefit versus feasibility consideration.

Conclusion

Based on simulations, a promising LDP regimen was identified that decreased treatment costs compared with standard high‐dose prophylaxis at a small increase in bleeding risk. The results indicate that LDP is advocated where the standard‐of‐care is on‐demand treatment; however, the results should be considered in the context of any limitations of the applied models.
Conversation from Beyond the Grave? A Neo‐Confucian Ethics of Chatbots of the Dead
Authors: Elder Alexis
Published: May 2019

Digital records, from chat transcripts to social media posts, are being used to create chatbots that recreate the conversational style of deceased individuals. Some maintain that this is merely a new form of digital memorial, while others argue that they pose a variety of moral hazards. To resolve this, I turn to classical Chinese philosophy to make use of a debate over the ethics of funerals and mourning. This ancient argument includes much of interest for the contemporary issue at hand, including the use of impersonators of the dead to help the bereaved to deal well with their grief. I connect this historical discussion with a modern trend in clinical psychology that reframes therapeutic interventions with bereaved individuals. The trend directs practitioners away from facilitating detachment and toward affirming continuing bonds. I conclude that these chatbots can offer an important source of support to mourners, but also discuss parameters and features of social context that will be important to avoid the moral hazards identified by sceptics.
Lnc‐NA inhibits proliferation and metastasis in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma through regulation of NR4A1
Authors: Sun Linying , Zhou Rongfang , Dong Jing , Liu Shuang , Jiao Yulian , Wang Laicheng , Hu Shengnan , He Pengjuan , Liu Xiaowen , Zhao Xingbo , Jiang Guosheng , Zhao Yueran
Published: May 2019

Endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide. Long non‐coding RNAs have previously been demonstrated to play important roles in regulating human diseases, particularly cancer. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of long non‐coding RNAs in EEC have not been extensively studied. Here, we describe the discovery of Lnc‐NA from the promoter of the transcription factor nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) gene. The role and function of Lnc‐NA in EEC remain unknown. In this study, we used quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions to confirm that Lnc‐NA expression was down‐regulated in 30 EEC cases (90%) and in EEC cell lines compared with that in the paired adjacent tissues and normal endometrial cells. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that overexpressing Lnc‐NA decreased EEC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis via inactivation of the apoptosis signalling pathway. Moreover, the results show that Lnc‐NA expression was positively correlated with NR4A1. Furthermore, Lnc‐NA regulated NR4A1 expression and activated the apoptosis signalling pathway to inhibit tumour progression. In summary, our results demonstrate that the Lnc‐NA‐NR4A1 axis could be a useful tumour suppressor and a promising therapeutic target for EEC.
Travesti Subjectivity and HIV Care: the Collision of the Global LGBT Rights and Evangelical Ex‐Gay Movements in Bolivia
Authors: Heckert Carina
Published: May 2019

Este articulo analiza las experiencias de ex‐travestis en Bolivian que dejaron su identidad travesti en favor de retornar a la vida de un hombre. Se concentra primeramente en la historia de la vida de José Luis‐Natalia, y en menor grado, dos otras ex‐travestis. Explorando el tema de porque una travesti decidiría ser hombre otra vez se revela que las experiences del cuidado del VIH tiene una influencia en la subjetividad de genero, porque el cuidado del VIH es un punto de colisión entre ideologías de género contradictorias. Este articulo muestra como la presencia de ideologías contradictorias esta conectada a la historia de Bolivia en la época después de la dictadura. Además, la relación entre Bolivia y las agencias de desarrollo internacionales han contribuido a un auge en las ONGs en Bolivia que facilitó la habilidad de organizaciones GLBT y evangélicas a ser actores importantes en las intervenciones del VIH. Etnográficamente, este articulo interroga como las travestis y ex‐travestis experimentan el apoyo recibido por estas organizaciones y como estas experiencias se influyen la subjetividad de genero.
The Effects of State‐Mandated Financial Education on College Financing Behaviors
Authors: STODDARD CHRISTIANA , URBAN CARLY
Published: May 2019

Students entering college have limited financial experience while making complex borrowing decisions. This paper examines a policy lever that may improve these decisions: high school personal finance graduation requirements. We use a difference‐in‐difference strategy to determine their effects on financial aid decisions of incoming freshmen at 4‐year institutions. Our results suggest financial education shifts students from high‐cost to low‐cost financing. The requirements increase aid applications and acceptance of federal loans, while decreasing the likelihood of holding credit card balances. Students from less affluent family backgrounds reduce their likelihoods of working and borrowers from more affluent backgrounds reduce private loan amounts.
Exploring Women's Experiences in Accessing, Understanding, Appraising, and Applying Health Information During Pregnancy
Authors: Vamos Cheryl A. , Merrell Laura , Detman Linda , Louis Judette , Daley Ellen
Published: May 2019

Introduction

This study explored pregnant women's experiences in accessing, understanding, evaluating, communicating, and using health information and services during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant participants (aged 18‐45 years) were recruited from an obstetrics and gynecology department of a large urban training hospital. Focus groups were facilitated by a moderator's guide developed from health literacy domains (access, understand, evaluate, and communicate and use), audio recorded, transcribed, and uploaded into ATLAS.ti. Constant comparative and thematic analysis were employed.

Results

Participants (N = 17) were predominantly Hispanic (53%), married (67%), college educated (87%), employed (80%), insured (100%), and nulliparous (59%). Health care providers and online and digital sources were preferred sources of information. Participants’ understanding was facilitated by plain language, pictures and other visuals, numbers and statistics, and tailored information. Participants evaluated information credibility by source (health care provider, advertisement, multiple sources) and personal circumstances (eg, health history, gestational age). In addition, these women used the information to communicate with health care providers, family, and partners and to change health‐related behaviors.

Discussion

Participants described rich, contextual health literacy experiences. Future interventions that maximize access to health care providers and online and digital sources, while ensuring materials are easy to understand, convenient, and patient centered, could facilitate informed decision making during this critical period. Future prenatal education and counseling interventions could be developed and evaluated using established health literacy principles to ensure that information is accessible, understandable, and actionable.
Would you like to purchase a rodent with dermatophytes?
Authors: Tekin Hasan Gökcer , Sigsgaard Viktoria , Zachariae Claus , Hare Rasmus Krøger , Arendrup Maiken Cavling , Saunte Ditte Marie Lindhardt
Published: May 2019

The zoophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae has received attention due to increasing infections in human in recent years. Trichophyton benhamiae has been found on asymptomatic rodents from pet shops in several countries posing a potential risk for transmission to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive dermatophyte cultures from rodents in Danish pet shops in order to clarify the magnitude of potential sources of zoophilic infections and to prevent further spread. Specimen sampling was performed in 17 Danish pet shops using the brush technique (MacKenzie technique). After incubation, cultures were sent to ITS DNA sequencing for molecular species identification. Pet shop employees were asked to fulfil a five‐question survey regarding purchase and procedures of diseased animals. A total of 98 animals were sampled (N = 32 rabbits, N = 32 guinea pigs and N = 34 hamsters). Trichophyton benhamiae was found in 14/98 samples (14%); 12/32 guinea pigs (38%) were positive with T benhamiae, 2/34 (6%) hamsters and 0/32 rabbits (0%). We found that hamsters and particularly guinea pigs from Danish pet shops are common asymptomatic carriers of the dermatophyte T benhamiae. Although a larger study is warranted to test this postulate, and it raises the question if infection control measures should be implemented in pet shops.
Isavuconazole to prevent invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised adults: Initial experience at an academic medical centre
Authors: Bowen Christina D. , Tallman Gregory B. , Hakki Morgan , Lewis Ⅱ James S.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate clinical and economic outcomes associated with the use of isavuconazole as antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk immunocompromised patients.

Patients/Methods

Retrospective, single‐centre cohort study of patients who received isavuconazole prophylaxis. Outcomes assessed included breakthrough IFI, early discontinuation of isavuconazole for any reason and antifungal prophylaxis prescribed at discharge. The impact on inpatient drug expenditure was evaluated using current isavuconazole and posaconazole drug costs per observed isavuconazole days of therapy (DOT) during the study period.

Results

One hundred thirty‐eight courses of isavuconazole prophylaxis were administered to 98 inpatients (2193 DOT). Relapsed/refractory acute myelogenous leukaemia was the indication for prophylaxis in over half (59.4%) of patients. Breakthrough IFI occurred in 8 (5.8%) courses. Suspected drug‐related toxicities led to early discontinuation in 6 (4.3%) courses (five hepatotoxicity, one drug rash). At discharge, 24 (17.4%) courses lacked insurance coverage for isavuconazole. The formulary switch to isavuconazole prophylaxis resulted in an estimated mean drug cost savings of $128.25 per DOT relative to estimated posaconazole costs (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Isavuconazole may be an option for antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk immunocompromised adults and has the potential to produce significant inpatient drug cost savings. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of isavuconazole in this role.
On the Expected Utility Objection to the Dutch Book Argument for Probabilism*
Authors: Pettigrew Richard
Published: May 2019

The Dutch Book Argument for Probabilism assumes Ramsey's Thesis (RT), which determines the prices an agent is rationally required to pay for a bet. Hedden (2013) argues that Ramsey's Thesis is wrong. He claims that Maximise Subjective Expected Utility (MSEU) determines those prices, and it often disagrees with Ramsey's Thesis. I suggest two responses to Hedden's objection. First, we might be permissive: agents are permitted to pay any price that is required or permitted by RT, and they are permitted to pay any price that is required or permitted by MSEU. This allows us to give a revised version of the Dutch Book Argument for Probabilism, which I call the Permissive Dutch Book Argument. Second, I suggest that even Hedden should admit that RT gives the correct answer in certain very limited cases, and I show that, together with MSEU, this very restricted version of RT gives a new pragmatic argument for Probabilism, which I call the Bookless Pragmatic Argument.
Arabidopsis translation initiation factors eIFiso4G1/2 link repression of mRNA cap‐binding complex eIFiso4F assembly with RNA‐binding protein SOAR1‐mediated ABA signaling
Authors: Bi Chao , Ma Yu , Jiang Shang‐Chuan , Mei Chao , Wang Xiao‐Fang , Zhang Da‐Peng
Published: May 2019

The translation initiation factor eIF4E‐binding protein‐mediated regulation of protein translation by interfering with assembly of mRNA cap‐binding complex eIF4F is well described in mammalian and yeast cells. However, it remains unknown whether a signaling regulator or pathway interacts directly with any translation initiation factor to modulate assembly of eIF4F in plant cells.

Here, we report that the two isoforms of Arabidopsis eIF4G, eIFiso4G1 and eIFiso4G2, interact with a cytoplasmic–nuclear dual‐localized pentatricopeptide repeat protein SOAR1 to regulate abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. SOAR1 inhibits interactions of eIFiso4E, eIF4Es, eIF4A1, eIF4B2 and poly(A)‐binding protein PAB6 with eIFiso4G1 and eIFiso4G2, thereby inhibiting eIFiso4F/mixed eIF4F assembly and repressing translation initiation.

SOAR1 binds mRNA of a key ABA‐responsive gene ABI5 and cooperates with eIFiso4G1/2 to repress translation of ABI5. The binding of SOAR1 to ABI5 mRNA is likely to inhibit the interaction of SOAR1 with eIFiso4G1/2, suggesting a regulatory loop.

Our findings identify a novel translation initiation repressor interfering with cap‐binding complex assembly, and establish a link between cap‐binding complex assembly and ABA signaling.
Robert Nozick and Axel Honneth: An attempt to shed light on mental health service in Norway through two diametrical philosophers
Authors: Terkelsen Toril Borch , Nodeland Siren , Tomstad Solveig Thorbjørnsen
Published: May 2019

This article aims at giving insight into Norwegian mental health service by exploring the ideologies of two diametrical philosophers, the American Robert Nozick (1938–2002) and the German Axel Honneth (1949‐). Nozick proposes as an ideal a minimal state in which citizens have a “negative right” to the absence of interference and to follow their own interests without restriction from the state. On the other side, Axel Honneth claims that there is no freedom without state interference. In his view, governmental involvement is understood as a prerequisite for personal freedom. We may call this state an opposite of the minimal state; a maximal state. To get a better understanding of these opposite philosophies, we use texts written from conversations with people suffering from mental health problems, nurses and other caregivers in four Norwegian municipalities. Nozick's notion of the minimal state and Honneth's political philosophy of freedom and recognition were used as analytical tools. Among patients and helpers, there were different opinions about good care and how much caregivers should intervene. Some emphasized autonomy, independency, minimal involvement in human contact by nurses and other caregivers, similar a minimal state. Others perceived good care as bonding between helpers and service‐users. They underlined equal and personal relationships, as well as helping with practicalities, similar a maximal state. In the discussion, we focus on how people with chronic illnesses are supposed to transform themselves into self‐cared individuals, able to manage their own condition successfully with minimal help from public welfare and at a lower cost. Finally, we express concerns about who will care for disempowered patients without family and other resources in a minimal state.
Narrating an unnarratable present
Authors: Freed Mark M.
Published: May 2019

Robert Musil characterizes the moment of modernity that is the historical setting of his novel The Man without Qualities with the expression “Seinesgleichen geschieht,” which he glosses by explaining that the present lacks determinacy and as a result remains unsurveyable (unübersichtlich). This characterization raises the question of how the novel is able to give rise to an understanding of the historical moment that is one object of its narration. Literature attempting to represent the un‐representable is the fundamental form of the problematic called Romanticism, which offers conceptual resources for understanding how Musil goes about narrating an unnarratable present. One of the pivots on which early German Romanticism turns away from transcendental philosophy involves assimilating the Kantian notion of “schematism” to the particular functioning of language Novalis and Schlegel call “Poesie.” Schematism is also found working in the narrative technique of Musil's novel. In the sense that schematism names the inscription of relations by which, in the absence of any representable object, the world becomes the world‐for‐us and therefore intelligible, this inscription—this schematism—is the “writing” of modernity.
Monetization on Mobile Platforms: Balancing in‐App Advertising and User Base Growth
Authors: Ji Yonghua , Wang Ruibing , Gou Qinglong
Published: May 2019

Monetizing the growth of mobile platforms is increasingly important as more and more users adopt mobile platforms such as the Google’s Android OS and the Apple’s iOS. In this study, we use a differential game theoretical model to study the problem of joint advertising investment and in‐app advertising adoption decisions by platform owners and app developers on a mobile platform. A key finding is that a platform owner may delay or even not offer an in‐app advertising program if the revenue from such a program is low, which could explain the termination of Apple’s iAd in‐app advertising program. One unexpected result is that when determining advertising effort or the timing of an in‐app advertising program, a platform owner does not need to consider the app developer’s advertising effectiveness. Another interesting result is that an app developer acts strategically with an increase in ease of app searching: he either follows the platform owner to increase advertising or decreases it to take a free ride, depending on the effectiveness of his advertising effort. Finally, our analysis shows that in order to coordinate the mobile platform system, a central planner should adopt a mixed transfer payment scheme that includes both revenue sharing and advertising cost sharing, regardless of whether competition exists.
Follow Your Heart: Could Psychophysiology Be Associated with Political Discussion Network Homogeneity?
Authors: Carlson Taylor N. , McClean Charles T. , Settle Jaime E.
Published: May 2019

Most Americans are sorted into social networks that are largely politically homogeneous. A large body of political science research has explored the behavioral implications of being embedded in a politically homogeneous or heterogeneous network, but substantially less attention has been given to explaining why some people find themselves in politically homogeneous or heterogeneous social networks. In this article, we explore the psychological and physiological underpinnings of political network homogeneity. We use social network data from an original survey of 129 undergraduates paired with lab experimental evidence that measures individuals' physiological reactivity to an anticipated political discussion. Using our original survey and a separate nationally representative survey, we find suggestive evidence that individuals who are more socially anxious are more likely to share partisanship with their social network ties. Moreover, we find that individuals who experienced a greater increase in heart rate when anticipating a political discussion were more likely to be in homogeneous discussion networks, but we do not find a relationship between electrodermal activity and network homogeneity. Aversion to psychological and physiological discomfort induced by political discussions could contribute to social polarization in the American public.
Fish type I and type II interferons: composition, receptor usage, production and function
Authors: Gan Zhen , Chen Shan Nan , Huang Bei , Zou Jun , Nie Pin
Published: May 2019

Interferons (IFNs) have been reported in vertebrates from fish to mammals. To date, two types of IFNs, i.e. type I and type II IFNs have been reported in a range of fish species in aquaculture. In fish, type I IFNs are clarified into group I and group II, with two cysteines and four cysteines, and further into subgroups a, d, e, h, and b, c, f, respectively. Group I IFNs appear to exist in all fish species, whereas group II IFNs are discovered only in certain species such as cyprinids, salmonids and perciform fish. It seems preferentially functional that group I IFNs signal through cytokine receptor family B (CRFB) 5 and CRFB1, while group II IFNs through CRFB5 and CRFB2. But they all initiate a same signalling pathway for the expression of interferon induced genes. The information about the production and the function of type I IFNs in fish are further summarized in the review. Interestingly, two members of type II IFNs, IFN‐γ and a unique member, IFN‐γ related gene (IFN‐γrel) exist in fish, and IFN‐γ and IFN‐γrel can separately become homodimers for signalling through CRFB13, CRFB17, CRFB6 and CRFB17, respectively. In addition, the variation in the composition of type I and type II IFNs as well as in their receptors in some cyprinid and salmonid fish has also been reviewed. It is suggested that future perspectives for the research on type I and type II IFNs in fish are outlined from a comparative and evolutionary point of view.
The anatomy of fragile states in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Understanding the interrelationship between fragility and indicators of wellbeing
Authors: McKay Andy , Thorbecke Erik
Published: May 2019

According to most classifications, Sub‐Saharan Africa is the region of the world with the highest presence of fragile states. In this paper we examine the relationship between fragility and poverty, suggesting that countries may become trapped in a vicious circle of fragility and low levels of wellbeing. We consider fragility as a continuum and begin by reviewing available measures. These show the high presence of fragility in Sub‐Saharan Africa and allow the more fragile countries to be identified. There is seen to be a strong association between fragility, poor growth performance, and lower wellbeing in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Building on the strong evidence for the two‐way relationship between economic growth and poverty, we present an analysis of how the vicious circle linking poorer welfare outcomes and fragility may be able to be broken. We argue that building successful institutions is key here, and this can be enabled by specific policy interventions that are both poverty reducing and productive.
The effect of exergaming on executive functions in children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Benzing Valentin , Schmidt Mirko
Published: May 2019

Background

Children with ADHD frequently suffer from deficits in cognitive (ie, executive functions) and motor abilities. Although medication usually has a positive effect, a lack of commitment and possible side effects result in a need for adjunct or alternative treatments. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of cognitively and physically demanding exergaming on executive functions, ADHD symptoms, and motor abilities.

Methods

In a parallel group randomized trial, 51 children between 8‐12 years (M = 10.63; SD = 1.32) diagnosed with ADHD were assigned either to an 8‐week exergame intervention group (three training sessions per week for 30 minutes) or a waiting‐list control group. The core executive functions (inhibition, switching, updating), parent ratings of symptoms, and motor abilities were assessed/gathered before and after the intervention.

Results

Analyses of covariance (using pre‐test values as covariates) revealed that children in the exergame intervention group improved in specific executive functions (reaction times in inhibition and switching), general psychopathology as well as motor abilities compared to control group.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that exergaming might benefit two domains in which frequent deficits can be observed in children with ADHD, executive functions and motor abilities. Given that these beneficial effects in turn might positively affect psychopathology, exergaming could serve as an individualized home‐based intervention in the future. However, in order to maximize benefits and make exergaming a valuable adjunct to treatment for children with ADHD, customized exergames are needed.
China's one belt one road initiative: The impact of trade facilitation versus physical infrastructure on exports
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Yeung Matthew C. H.
Published: May 2019

The One Belt One Road (OBOR) project is perhaps China's most significant international relations initiative in recent times. It is based on openness, harmony, inclusivity, mutual benefit and market operations and aims to connect the economically vibrant East Asia and the developed Europe by land and by sea, and in the process, it brings growth and development to tens of countries along the modern Silk routes. In this paper, we compare the impact of the main initiatives ofOBOR, namely enhancements in physical infrastructure and improvements in border administration, on the trade of countries that have signed on to this project, especially countries along the six economic corridors. We find overwhelming evidence that shows improvements in border administration has the greatest impact on exports of corridor countries. Although physical infrastructure is important for trade, the Chinese government should place equal attention to improvements in trade facilitation to ensure trade routes operate seamlessly across the various corridors.
International joint ventures and technology diffusion: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Qing , Lu Ruosi , Yang Chao
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates international technology diffusion through FDI by explicitly considering the ownership structure of FDI projects with detailed Chinese data. We find that international joint ventures (JVs) generate significantly positive technology diffusion effects, while wholly foreign‐owned firms (WFOs) generate significantly negative competition effects. The differentiated impacts of JVs and WFOs are robust, heterogeneous and causal as shown by our instrumental variable estimation. As for the mechanisms, evidence suggests that JVs bring better technology to the host country, invest more in R&D and employee training, and also provide easier technology access to local firms than WFOs.
Laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopic characterization of equine immune‐mediated keratitis
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Irby Nita L.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To describe the corneal in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) findings in horses with putative immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK).

Animals

Sixty five horses with IMMK.

Procedures

Horses diagnosed with IMMK were examined with a modified Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II and Rostock Cornea Module. The findings from the IVCM examinations were correlated with clinical details from ophthalmic examination and diagnostic test results.

Results

Eighty eyes from 65 horses were examined. Clinical IMMK lesions were categorized as epithelial (n = 17 eyes), superficial stromal (n = 38), midstromal (n = 18), and endothelial (n = 7). Epithelial, superficial stromal, and midstromal lesions were characterized with IVCM by variable corneal leukocyte infiltrates and vascularization of the approximate corneal anatomic region that was clinically affected as determined by biomicroscopy. In addition, all horses displayed a dense network of dendritic cells in the epithelial basement membrane and immediate subepithelial stroma. Less consistent IVCM findings included epithelial disorganization, corneal edema, mineral deposition, stromal fibrosis, and epithelial pigment granules. Endothelial IMMK was distinct from the other forms of IMMK and characterized with IVCM by stromal edema, endothelium disorganization, endothelial cell loss, and multifocal accumulations of highly reflective material within the endothelium.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The distinguishing feature of epithelial and stromal forms of IMMK is a dense accumulation of dendritic cells in the epithelial basement membrane and immediate subepithelial stroma. Cellular changes in endothelial IMMK were largely confined to the endothelium and distinct from the other forms of IMMK evaluated.
Self-Healing Performance Comparison Between Two Promising Vascular Vessel Systems of the Wind Turbine Blade
Authors: Shen Rulin , Amano Ryoichi S. , Lewinski Giovanni
Published: May 2019

Hollows produced by wires and borosilicate tubes are two significant approaches for the storage and transport of healing agent for self-healing wind turbine blades. To compare the performance for the two approaches, sheet samples and prototype blades were molded with vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and max-flexural strength was evaluated before and after the self-healing process. One millimeter outer diameter with 0.5 mm inner diameter borosilicate tubes were used to store and transport the healing agent. Dicyclopentadiene was used as the healing agent and Grubbs' first-generation catalyst was used to initiate polymerization. To obtain the same structure of the tube, a lost-wax method was applied twice to form hollows with 1 mm outer diameter and 0.5 mm inner diameter. Since the samples need to be heated to form the hollows, the effect of the heating process on flexural strength was investigated. The flexural strength of the samples showed to be enhanced with the heating process. The percentage improval for flexural strength was 14.18% at 120 °C, 21.79% at 135 °C, and 10.89% at 150 °C. The growth trend continued until 135 °C and decreased after 135 °C. The toughness of the samples was also weakened. With the heating process, the initial and post self-healing flexural strength between samples with tubes and samples with hollows showed little difference. The recovery percentage of samples with tubes was 81.55%, while that of samples with hollows was 81.92%. Without the heating process, the initial and post self-healing flexural strength between samples with tubes and samples with hollows also showed little difference. The recovery percentage of samples with tubes was 89.52%, while that of samples with hollows was 89.46%. The space between the tubes/hollows greatly affected the flexural strength. The flexural strength of samples with a larger space between tubes/hollows was higher than that of samples with a smaller space between tubes/samples. For the prototype wind turbine blade, the initial and post self-healing flexural strength followed the same trend. For samples with hollows, the ratio of the inner diameter to outer diameter can be close to one so the walls can be very thin improving storage and transport efficiency.
Bladelets—Winglets on Blades of Wind Turbines: A Multiobjective Design Optimization Study
Authors: Reddy Sohail R. , Dulikravich George S. , Sobieczky Helmut , Gonzalez Manuel
Published: May 2019

The work presented in this paper used rigorous 3D flow-field analysis combined with multi-objective constrained shape design optimization for the design of complete blade + bladelet configurations for a three-blade horizontal-axis wind turbine. The fluid flow analysis in this work was performed using Openfoam software. The 3D, steady, incompressible, turbulent flow Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved in the rotating frame of reference for each combination of wind turbine blade and bladelet geometry. The free stream uniform wind speed in all cases was assumed to be 9 m s−1. The three simultaneous design optimization objectives were as follows: (a) maximize the coefficient of power, (b) minimize the coefficient of thrust force, and (c) minimize twisting moment around the blade axis. The bladelet geometry was fully defined by using a small number of parameters. The optimization was carried out by creating a multidimensional response surface for each of the simultaneous objectives. The response surfaces were based on radial basis functions, where the support points were designs analyzed using the high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the full blade + bladelet geometry. The response surfaces were then coupled to an optimization algorithm in modefrontier software. The predicted values of the objective functions for the optimum designs were then again validated using Openfoam high-fidelity analysis code. Results for a Pareto-optimized bladelet on a given blade indicate that more than 4% increase in the coefficient of power at minimal thrust force penalty is possible at off-design conditions compared to the same wind turbine rotor blade without a bladelet.
High-pressure, high-temperature molecular doping of nanodiamond
Authors: Crane M. J. , Petrone A. , Beck R. A. , Lim M. B. , Zhou X. , Li X. , Stroud R. M. , Pauzauskie P. J.
Published: May 2019

We create defects for quantum technologies by using high temperatures and pressures to convert molecularly doped carbon to diamond.
Grayscale digital light processing 3D printing for highly functionally graded materials
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Wu Jiangtao , Chen Kaijuan , Zhao Zeang , Ding Zhen , Hu Fengjingyang , Fang Daining , Qi H. Jerry
Published: May 2019

We present a single-vat grayscale digital light processing 3D printing method for highly functionally graded materials.
Anti-Stokes excitation of solid-state quantum emitters for nanoscale thermometry
Authors: Tran Toan Trong , Regan Blake , Ekimov Evgeny A. , Mu Zhao , Zhou Yu , Gao Wei-bo , Narang Prineha , Solntsev Alexander S. , Toth Milos , Aharonovich Igor , Bradac Carlo
Published: May 2019

We demonstrate anti-Stokes excitation of single color centers in diamond for high-sensitivity, nanoscale temperature measurements.
A First-in-Human Study To Assess the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of LYS228, a Novel Intravenous Monobactam Antibiotic in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Osborn Megan , Stachulski Noah , Sun Haiying , Blais Johanne , Venishetty Vinay , Raccuglia Marc , Kankam Martin , Colvin Richard , Segal Florencia
Published: May 2019

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria expressing extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases are a growing global problem resulting in increased morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options. LYS228 is a novel intravenous monobactam antibiotic targeting penicillin binding protein 3 with potent activity against
Enterobacteriaceae
, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates expressing serine and metallo-β-lactamases.
Phylogenetic and Structural Identification of a Novel MagnetotacticDeltaproteobacteriaStrain, WYHR-1, from a Freshwater Lake
Authors: Li Jinhua , Zhang Heng , Liu Peiyu , Menguy Nicolas , Roberts Andrew P. , Chen Haitao , Wang Yinzhao , Pan Yongxin
Published: May 2019

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) represent a model system for understanding biomineralization and are also studied intensively in biogeomagnetic and paleomagnetic research. However, many uncultured MTB strains have not been identified phylogenetically or investigated structurally at the single-cell level, which limits comprehensive understanding of MTB diversity and their role in biomineralization. We have identified a novel MTB strain, WYHR-1, from a freshwater lake using a coupled fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy approach at the single-cell scale. Our analyses further indicate that strain WYHR-1 represents a novel genus from theDeltaproteobacteriaclass. In contrast to bullet-shaped magnetosomes produced by other MTB in theDeltaproteobacteriaclass and theNitrospiraephylum, WYHR-1 magnetosomes are bullet-shaped, straight, and highly elongated along the [001] direction, are terminated by a large {100} face at their base, and have a conical top. Our findings imply that, consistent with phylogenetic diversity of MTB, bullet-shaped magnetosomes have diverse crystal habits and growth patterns.
Physical activity patterns among children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Solomon-Moore Emma , Jago Russell , Beasant Lucy , Brigden Amberly , Crawley Esther
Published: May 2019

Objective

Chronic fatigue syndromemyalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is relatively common among children and adolescents; however, little is known about the physical activity levels and patterns of this population. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying patterns of physical activity among youth with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME. Cross-sectional associations between physical activity patterns with self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression were also examined.

Design

Baseline cross-sectional data from the Managed Activity Graded Exercise iN Teenagers and pre-Adolescents randomised controlled trial.

Patients

Children and adolescents (aged 8–17 years) diagnosed with mild-to-moderate CFS/ME who wore an accelerometer for at least three valid weekdays.

Analyses

Latent profile analysis was used to identify physical activity patterns. Linear regression models examined associations between physical activity classes and self-reported physical function, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Results

138 children and adolescents (72.5% females) had valid data. Overall, participants did less than half the government recommended level of physical activity for children and adolescents, but not all were inactive: three (2.2%) did more than 1 hour of physical activity every day, and 13 (9.4%) achieved an average of 60 min a day. Adolescents (≥12 years) were less active than younger children, but activity levels were similar between genders. Three latent classes emerged from the data: ‘active’, ‘light’ and ‘inactive’. Compared with being ‘inactive’, being in the ‘light’ class was associated with greater self-reported physical function (10.35, 95% CI 2.32 to 18.38) and lower fatigue (−1.60, 95% CI −3.13 to −0.06), while being ‘active’ was associated with greater physical function (15.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 30.40), but also greater anxiety (13.79, 95% CI 1.73 to 25.85).

Conclusions

Paediatricians need to be aware that physical activity patterns vary widely before recommending treatment.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN registry: 23 962 803