bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goodbye (Chinese) Shadow Banking, Hello Market‐based Finance
Authors: Gabor Daniela
Published: February 2018

Shadow banking in developing and emerging countries (DECs) oscillates between two semantic poles. One definition is typically deployed by scholars for the narrow analysis of non‐bank financial intermediation as a viable alternative to banking. The other, more recent, definition circulates in the policy world to capture a new agenda of engineering (securities) market‐based finance. This article argues that this second definition captures the essential but neglected aspect of shadow banking in DECs. The ‘shadow banking into market‐based finance’ narrative reaffirms the celebratory tone of the financial globalization cum liberalization thesis dominant before the global financial crisis. It seeks to depoliticize contentious debates about capital flows and the constraints that financialized globalization poses to development, instead asking DECs to encourage portfolio flows, relax the regulatory grip on shadow funding markets and tap into the growing global demand for securities that marks the new age of asset management. China illustrates this argument well. In joining the global push for market‐based finance with the ambition to further its RMB internationalization agenda, China underestimates the (Minsky‐type) fragilities involved.
Avian coronary endothelium is a mosaic of sinus venosus‐ and ventricle‐derived endothelial cells in a region‐specific manner
Authors: Kamimura Tatsuya , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji
Published: February 2018

The origin of coronary endothelial cells (ECs) has been investigated in avian species, and the results showed that the coronary ECs originate from the proepicardial organ (PEO) and developing epicardium. Genetic approaches in mouse models showed that the major source of coronary ECs is the sinus venosus endothelium or ventricular endocardium. To clarify and reconcile the differences between avian and mouse species, we examined the source of coronary ECs in avian embryonic hearts. Using an enhanced green fluorescent protein‐Tol2 system and fluorescent dye labeling, four types of quail‐chick chimeras were made and quail‐specific endothelial marker (QH1) immunohistochemistry was performed. The developing PEO consisted of at least two cellular populations in origin, one was sinus venosus endothelium‐derived inner cells and the other was surface mesothelium‐derived cells. The majority of ECs in the coronary stems, ventricular free wall, and dorsal ventricular septum originated from the sinus venosus endothelium. The ventricular endocardium contributed mainly to the septal artery and a few cells to the coronary stems. Surface mesothelial cells of the PEO differentiated mainly into a smooth muscle phenotype, but a few differentiated into ECs. In avian species, the coronary endothelium had a heterogeneous origin in a region‐specific manner, and the sources of ECs were basically the same as those observed in mice.
Gaps in kelp cover may threaten the recovery of California sea otters
Authors: Nicholson Teri E. , Mayer Karl A. , Staedler Michelle M. , Fujii Jessica A. , Murray Michael J. , Johnson Andrew B. , Tinker M. Tim , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: February 2018

Despite more than a century of federal protection, the California sea otterEnhydra lutris nereisremains threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the population has not appreciably expanded its range in two decades. Here, we examine a novel dataset of 725 sea otter live strandings from 1984–2015 to gain insights into demographic and environmental factors underlying threats to sea otter recovery. Using multinomial logistic regression to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of stranding causes, we demonstrate that increases in stranding rates, particularly outside the range center, are related to a substantial increase in shark bites. By contrast, trauma linked to human activities has declined dramatically, and now accounts for less than 5% of stranding cases. Within the range core, where the sea otter population seems regulated by prey availability, symptoms of energetic stress represent more than 63% of all strandings and are strongly associated with high sea otter density. Conversely, in range peripheries, the majority of strandings are caused by shark bite and neurological disease. Notably, these threats are virtually absent where nearshore habitat is characterized by at least 10% kelp canopy cover. Our analyses reveal that declining kelp cover may therefore constrain the population's spatial expansion and recovery in two key ways. Absence of kelp intensifies density‐independent threats in the range peripheries, and likely limits dispersal of reproductive females, which depend on kelp canopy for nursery habitat. These results highlight the significance of both top‐down and bottom‐up processes in population dynamics, and inform an ecosystem‐based approach to conservation planning.
Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods
Authors: Carroll Emma L. , Bruford Mike W. , DeWoody J. Andrew , Leroy Gregoire , Strand Alan , Waits Lisette , Wang Jinliang
Published: February 2018

The decreasing cost and increasing scope and power of emerging genomic technologies are reshaping the field of molecular ecology. However, many modern genomic approaches (e.g., RAD‐seq) require large amounts of high‐quality template DNA. This poses a problem for an active branch of conservation biology: genetic monitoring using minimally invasive sampling (MIS) methods. Without handling or even observing an animal, MIS methods (e.g., collection of hair, skin, faeces) can provide genetic information on individuals or populations. Such samples typically yield low‐quality and/or quantities of DNA, restricting the type of molecular methods that can be used. Despite this limitation, genetic monitoring using MIS is an effective tool for estimating population demographic parameters and monitoring genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic monitoring is likely to become more important in the future as many natural populations are undergoing anthropogenically driven declines, which are unlikely to abate without intensive adaptive management efforts that often include MIS approaches. Here, we profile the expanding suite of genomic methods and platforms compatible with producing genotypes from MIS, considering factors such as development costs and error rates. We evaluate how powerful new approaches will enhance our ability to investigate questions typically answered using genetic monitoring, such as estimating abundance, genetic structure and relatedness. As the field is in a period of unusually rapid transition, we also highlight the importance of legacy data sets and recommend how to address the challenges of moving between traditional and next‐generation genetic monitoring platforms. Finally, we consider how genetic monitoring could move beyond genotypes in the future. For example, assessing microbiomes or epigenetic markers could provide a greater understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environment.
Structural mechanisms for the S‐nitrosylation‐derived protection of mouse galectin‐2 from oxidation‐induced inactivation revealed by NMR
Authors: Sakakura Masayoshi , Tamura Mayumi , Fujii Norihiko , Takeuchi Tomoharu , Hatanaka Tomomi , Kishimoto Seishi , Arata Yoichiro , Takahashi Hideo
Published: February 2018

Galectin‐2 (Gal‐2) is a lectin thought to play protective roles in the gastrointestinal tract. Oxidation of mouse Gal‐2 (mGal‐2) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) results in the loss of sugar‐binding activity, whereas S‐nitrosylation of mGal‐2, which does not change its sugar‐binding profile, has been shown to protect the protein from H2O2‐induced inactivation. One of the two cysteine residues, C57, has been identified as being responsible for controlling H2O2‐induced inactivation; however, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. We performed structural analyses of mGal‐2 using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and found that residues near C57 experienced significant chemical shift changes following S‐nitrosylation, and that S‐nitrosylation slowed the H2O2‐induced aggregation of mGal‐2. We also revealed that S‐nitrosylation improves the thermal stability of mGal‐2 and that the solvent accessibility and/or local dynamics of residues near C57 and the local dynamics of the core‐forming residues in mGal‐2 are reduced by S‐nitrosylation. Structural models of Gal‐2 indicated that C57 is located in a hydrophobic pocket that can be plugged by S‐nitrosylation, which was supported by the NMR experiments. Based on these results, we propose two structural mechanisms by which S‐nitrosylation protects mGal‐2 from H2O2‐induced aggregation without changing its sugar‐binding profile: (a) stabilization of the hydrophobic pocket around C57 that prevents oxidation‐induced destabilization of the pocket, and (b) prevention of oxidation of C57 during the transiently unfolded state of the protein, in which the residue is exposed to H2O2.

Database

Nuclear magnetic resonance assignments for non‐S‐nitrosylated mGal‐2 and S‐nitrosylated mGal‐2 have been deposited in the BioMagResBank (http://www.bmrb.wisc.edu/) under ID code 27237 for non‐S‐nitrosylated mGal‐2 and ID code 27238 for S‐nitrosylated mGal‐2.
Contusion of the cervical spinal cord following dental treatment of a patient at risk to stroke: A case report
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Noack Michael Johannes , Barbe Michael Thomas , Nitschke Ina
Published: February 2018

Objectives

It is essential that especially elderly patients are correctly positioned in dental chairs, based on medical history and careful observation.

Method

We report a case where reclination of the patient's head resulted in weakness of the limbs.

Results

Subsequent investigation determined traumatic contusion of the cervical spinal cord.

Conclusions

This case highlights the need for accurate anamnesis, close observation and interdisciplinary communication to determine correct positioning. Exceptional circumstances necessitate speedy response to minimise adverse events in elderly patients.
Utility and limitations of climate‐matching approaches in detecting different types of spatial errors in biodiversity data
Authors: Simões Marianna V. P. , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: February 2018

The increase of digitally available primary biodiversity data has been a positive result of sharing initiatives in the natural history museum community and among citizen scientists. Owing to the heterogeneity of sources, however, limitations related to data quality control emerge, as incomplete and/or erroneous information at different stages of input must be overcome. To facilitate detection of spatial errors, species distribution modelling (SDM) has been suggested, but its efficiency in detection of different types of spatial errors has not been assessed.

We investigate the utility of SDM‐based assessments in detection of two types of spatial errors found in large biodiversity databases, random errors versus errors of misidentification as congeneric taxa. We used available distributional data for five closely related species of the tortoise beetle genus Mesomphalia (Coleoptera, Chyrsomelidae, Cassidinae) to test the suitability values associated with simulated erroneous points mimicking the two error types.

Overall, we observed that habitat suitability values associated with random outliers were lower than those for congeneric outliers, fitting expectations based on the idea of niche conservatism. Also, detecting outliers in small datasets is more challenging, whereas in larger datasets, the detection of random outliers should be more efficient.

Our results indicate that SDM tools can be useful in detection of outliers more efficiently when erroneous points fall outside the ecological niche profile of the species, as in the case of random typographical errors, but not as effective with errors of misidentification. This paper explores a potential tool to promote better assessment of the quality of biodiversity data.
ECONOMICS: BETWEEN PREDICTION AND CRITICISM
Authors: Gilboa Itzhak , Postlewaite Andrew , Samuelson Larry , Schmeidler David
Published: February 2018

We suggest that one way in which economic analysis is useful is by offering a critique of reasoning. According to this view, economic theory may be useful not only by providing predictions, but also by pointing out weaknesses of arguments. It is argued that when a theory requires a nontrivial act of interpretation, its roles in producing predictions and offering critiques vary in a substantial way. We offer a formal model in which these different roles can be captured.
DOES TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS MAGNIFY REGIONAL DISPARITIES?
Authors: Tabuchi Takatoshi , Thisse Jacques‐François , Zhu Xiwei
Published: February 2018

We study how technological progress in manufacturing and migration costs interact to shape the space economy. Rising labor productivity in the manufacturing sector fosters the agglomeration of activities, whereas falling transport costs associated with technological and organizational innovations foster their dispersion. Since these two forces have been at work for a long time, the final outcome must depend on how drops in the costs of producing and trading goods interact with the various costs borne by migrants. Various extensions show the robustness of these conclusions.
In vitro digestion and characterisation of 2S albumin and digestion‐resistant peptides in pecan
Authors: Spiric Jelena , Koppelman Stef J. , Knulst Andre , Nordlee Julie A. , Taylor Steve L. , Baumert Joseph L.
Published: February 2018

The 2S albumins are one of the major protein families involved in severe food allergic reactions to nuts, seeds and legumes, thus potentially making these proteins clinically relevant for allergic sensitisation and potential diagnostic markers. In this study, we sought to purify native 2S albumin protein from pecan to further characterise this putative allergen. The purified 2S albumin, Car i 1, from pecan was found to be resistant to digestion by pepsin in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and comparatively stable to proteolysis by trypsin and pancreatin in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Digestion of purified Car i 1 in SGF and SIF resulted in formation of different digestion‐resistant peptides that were capable of binding IgE antibodies from allergic individuals. Digestion stability of Car i 1 and formation of digestion‐resistant antigenic peptides may explain why it is a potent sensitising protein in pecan for susceptible individuals. The observation that digestion‐resistant peptides are able to bind IgE implies that pecan can trigger systemic allergic reactions even after digestion in the stomach and small intestine.
The role of gut microbiome and associated metabolome in the regulation of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis and its implications in attenuating chronic inflammation in other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Dopkins Nicholas , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: February 2018

The importance of the gut microbiome in the regulation of non‐infectious diseases has earned unprecedented interest from biomedical researchers. Widespread use of next‐generation sequencing techniques has prepared a foundation for further research by correlating the presence of specific bacterial species with the onset or severity of a disease state, heralding paradigm‐shifting results. This review covers the mechanisms through which a dysbiotic gut microbiota contributes to the pathological symptoms in an autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder, multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the central nervous system (CNS) is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), it is unclear how gut dysbiosis can trigger potential immunological changes in the CNS in the presence of the BBB. This review focuses on the immunoregulatory functionality of microbial metabolites, which can cross the BBB and mediate their effects directly on immune cells within the CNS and/or indirectly through modulating the response of peripheral T cells to stimulate or inhibit pro‐inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, which in turn regulate the autoimmune response in the CNS. Although more research is clearly needed to directly link the changes in gut microbiome with neuroinflammation, focusing research on microbiota that produce beneficial metabolites with the ability to attenuate chronic inflammation systemically as well as in the CNS, can offer novel preventive and therapeutic modalities against a wide array of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
The origin of the heterogeneous distribution of bismuth in aluminosilicate laser glasses
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Cao Jiangkun , Peng Mingying
Published: February 2018

As one kind of novel and burgeoning laser materials, bismuth‐doped silicate glasses have aroused increasing attention for the super broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission. However, the large optical scattering loss, resulting from optical heterogeneity in glass color and refractive index, limits their further applications in telecommunication system. Thus, it is urgent to uncover the essence of heterogeneity in Bi‐doped silicate glasses and subsequently improve glass optical performance. It will give us some hint to homogenize the glass component and Bi active centers so as to boost the development of Bi‐based glass materials. Here, taking 1 typical Bi‐doped calcium aluminosilicate glass as an example, we revealed the origin of the optical heterogeneities in glass color and refractive index through the NIR emission spectra, electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) of elements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of Bi 4f5/2, Bi 4f7/2, and Al 2p. The inhomogeneous distribution of Bi and aluminum components is responsible for the heterogeneity in this glass system. In addition, we found that tetrahedral coordinated aluminum favors the existence of Bi NIR centers, consequently resulting in enhanced Bi NIR emissions. Furthermore, based on our results and the role of Al3+ in glass network, we demonstrate the homogenizing of glass component by finely tuning glass composition. This work will enrich the understanding of Bi‐doped laser glass and provide a guideline for the design of component‐derived Bi‐doped silicate glasses and fibers with efficient NIR emission and high optical quality.
Computational study of impact of composition, density, and temperature on thermal conductivity of amorphous silicon boron nitride
Authors: Dasmahapatra Atreyi , Kroll Peter
Published: February 2018

We study thermal conductivity (κ) of amorphous silicon boron nitride (a‐SiBN) for different compositions and densities as a function of temperature using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and equilibrium molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Our library of amorphous structures consists of network models comprising 100‐200 atoms and large‐scale models with up to 57 000 atoms generated using the empirical Marian‐Gastreich two‐body potential. Crystalline structures within the Si3N4‐BN system are considered as well. We use 2 distinct approaches to compute thermal conductivity of a‐SiBN. To estimate κ in the high‐temperature limit we feed Clarke's phenomenological model with elasticity data obtained by DFT calculations. We further perform equilibrium MD simulations and apply the Green‐Kubo method. This approach shows decrease of κ with increasing temperature and provides results at high temperatures that agree with results derived within Clarke's model. We find that κ of a‐SiBN depends on composition and increases as the BN content in the structure increases. The effect is pronounced at low temperature but almost vanishes at high temperature. Furthermore, thermal conductivity depends on density and porosity, with a linear relation between κ and density.
Molecular simulations of the structure and thermal transport of high alumina aluminosilicate molten core glass fiber
Authors: Greenberg Bennett , Garofalini Stephen H.
Published: February 2018

The atomistic structure and phonon transport in aluminosilicate glasses made via an interfacial mixing model of the Molten Core process were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. In the simulations, silica glass was brought in contact with different size alumina crystals (to afford core glasses with 4, 18, 24, 29, and 41 mole% alumina concentrations), followed by a melt‐quench process to enable mixing of the phases. The atomistic structure of the resulting glasses and radius of gyration calculations of resultant Al‐O‐Al connected clusters were evaluated. Variation in the 1‐dimensional thermal transport in each glass was also determined and showed that increased alumina concentration in the glasses resulted in increased transport of thermal energy. Results of the structural analyses showed a double peak in the Al‐Al pair distribution function, with the short‐distance peak indicative of edge‐sharing Al‐O‐Al‐O bonding and a longer distance peak of Al‐O‐Al bonding that is not indicative of edge‐sharing structures. The ratio of the first Al‐Al peak to the second Al‐Al peak varied inversely with the thermal transport behavior. An increased radius of gyration of Al‐O‐Al connectivity occurred with increasing alumina concentration, providing a mechanism for the increased thermal transport. Nanosegregation was also observed. Interconnectivity between Al ions created isolated Al‐O‐Al bonded clusters at low alumina concentrations with lower thermal transport than the high alumina glasses, whereas the latter showed a percolated network of Al‐O‐Al bonds that increased thermal transport.
Fine Ti‐dispersed Al2O3 composites and their mechanical and electrical properties
Authors: Shi Shengfang , Cho Sunghun , Goto Tomoyo , Sekino Tohru
Published: February 2018

Al2O3/Ti composites containing 0‐30 vol% dispersed fine Ti particles were fabricated using a hot‐press sintering method at 1500°C from mixtures of Al2O3 and TiH2 powders. During sintering, TiH2 decomposed to form metallic Ti. The effects of the Ti content on the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites were then investigated. No Ti‐Al intermetallic compounds were detected by X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated the presence of Al‐Ti‐O solid solution and Ti‐O phases. The composites showed enhanced densification; the measured densities were higher than the calculated theoretical values. Microstructural observation revealed homogeneously distributed fine Ti particles dispersed in the Al2O3 matrix. The Ti particle size ranged from submicrometer to a few micrometers depending on the Ti content. The fracture mode of the composites was primarily transgranular, in contrast to the intergranular fracture mode of monolithic Al2O3. Although the flexural strength was decreased with increase in Ti content, the composite containing 20 vol% Ti displayed the maximum fracture toughness of 4.3 MPa·cm1/2, which was 37% greater than that of monolithic Al2O3. The composites containing more than 15 vol% Ti exhibited drastic decreases in resistivity (~10−1 Ωcm), which were attributed to the formation of interconnected Ti networks at these Ti contents. The percolation threshold volume for electrical conduction in the present system was calculated to be 13.8 vol%. The results indicate that dispersing fine Ti particles into Al2O3 increased the fracture toughness and improved the conductivity of Al2O3.
Alpha particle spectroscopy using FNTD and SIM super‐resolution microscopy
Authors: KOUWENBERG J.J.M. , KREMERS G.J. , SLOTMAN J.A. , WOLTERBEEK H.T. , HOUTSMULLER A.B. , DENKOVA A.G. , BOS A.J.J.
Published: February 2018

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) for the imaging of alpha particle tracks in fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTD) was evaluated and compared to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). FNTDs were irradiated with an external alpha source and imaged using both methodologies. SIM imaging resulted in improved resolution, without increase in scan time. Alpha particle energy estimation based on the track length, direction and intensity produced results in good agreement with the expected alpha particle energy distribution. A pronounced difference was seen in the spatial scattering of alpha particles in the detectors, where SIM showed an almost 50% reduction compared to CLSM. The improved resolution of SIM allows for more detailed studies of the tracks induced by ionising particles. The combination of SIM and FNTDs for alpha radiation paves the way for affordable and fast alpha spectroscopy and dosimetry.
Reduced angiogenic factor expression in intrauterine fetal growth restriction using semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis
Authors: Alahakoon Thushari I. , Zhang Weiyi , Arbuckle Susan , Zhang Kewei , Lee Vincent
Published: February 2018

Aim

To localize, quantify and compare angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), as well as their receptors fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor (Flt‐1) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) in the placentas of normal pregnancy and complications of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) and PE + IUGR.

Methods

In a prospective cross‐sectional case–control study, 30 pregnant women between 24–40 weeks of gestation, were recruited into four clinical groups. Representative placental samples were stained for VEGF, PlGF, Flt‐1 and KDR. Analysis was performed using semiquantitative methods and digital image analysis.

Results

The overall VEGF and Flt‐1 were strongly expressed and did not show any conclusive difference in the expression between study groups. PlGF and KDR were significantly reduced in expression in the placentas from pregnancies complicated by IUGR compared with normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.

Conclusion

The lack of PlGF and KDR may be a cause for the development of IUGR and may explain the loss of vasculature and villous architecture in IUGR. Automated digital image analysis software is a viable alternative method to the manual reading of placental immunohistochemical staining.
The Historical Political Ecological and Political Economic Context of Mohawk Efforts at Land Reclamation in the Mohawk Valley
Authors: Rose Samuel W.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this article is to elaborate on the history of the relationship between the political ecological and political economic changes occurring in the Mohawk communities in the Saint Lawrence river valley during the Twentieth Century with three Mohawk efforts at land reclamation in Upstate New York and the reestablishment of a Mohawk residential community in the ancestral homelands of the Mohawk river valley. I demonstrate how each of these efforts is conceptualized and should be understood in historical materialist terms as a social response to the changing social, economic, ecological, and political conditions in those communities and the processes involved in the reshaping and remaking of those communities.
Applying Restrictive Measures in the Care of Adolescents With Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Attitudes of Support Staff and Policy Implications
Authors: Dörenberg Vivianne E. T. , de Veer Anke J. E. , Francke Anneke L. , Embregts Petri J. C. M. , van Nieuwenhuijzen Maroesjka , Frederiks Brenda J. M.
Published: February 2018

Research suggests that restrictive measures are widely used on adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities. In the Netherlands, restrictive measures are defined as all measures that limit the freedom of a person. In most countries, legislation and policies that seek to reduce the use of restrictive measures focus on seclusion and mechanical and physical restraints. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which restrictive practices are used in the care of adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities while also exploring the attitudes of support staff toward these interventions. A survey study was done among a nationally representative Dutch research sample consisting of support staff. A structured questionnaire was completed by 195 staff members (response of 68.7%) working in settings providing care for people with intellectual disabilities. The measures generally used by staff members who work with adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities involved restricting the freedom of movement and so‐called social restrictions (such as limiting the use of mobile phones). Nearly all respondents considered restrictive measures to be justified in the case of danger, physical aggression, or sexually abusive behavior (87.8–96.8%). Frequently mentioned reasons for using restrictive measures were averting or avoiding danger (90.4 and 83.0%, respectively) and calming the adolescent (63.8%). Although seclusion and mechanical and physical restraints were generally considered most intrusive, staff members were aware that social restrictions could also be instrusive. The fact that current policies do not address these measures makes support staff question the lawfulness of their actions. As well as staff training to reduce the use of restrictive measures, rules, and legislation are also needed to clarify the options and limits to using such measures in the professional care of adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities.
Evaluating the Factor Structure of the MIDI Personality Scale Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the factor structure of the 26‐item Midlife Development Inventory (MIDI) Personality Scale in a sample of 2,720 Americans. It was found that whereas confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) did not provide an acceptable fit to the data, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) provided an acceptable fit. The results of ESEM revealed that the a priori five‐factor structure of personality was generally consistent with the data, and all items had salient loadings on their target factors. ESEM also revealed that some of the items contributed significantly to more than one personality factor. The results are in line with previous research, and indicate that ESEM is more suitable than CFA for the study of personality traits.
Acute kidney injury, but not sepsis, is associated with higher procedure‐related bleeding in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Hung Adelina , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe
Published: February 2018

Background

Bleeding after low‐risk invasive procedures can be life‐threatening or can lead to further complications in decompensated cirrhosis patients. In unstratified cohorts of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, the rate of procedure‐related bleeding is low despite abnormal coagulation parameters. Our objective was to identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis at a high risk of developing procedure‐related bleeding in whom the value of pre‐procedure transfusions could be assessed.

Methods

Hospitalized patients with cirrhosis who developed post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum confirmed by CT scan, from the period of January 2012 to August 2016, constituted the study group. They were compared to patients hospitalized in the same period in whom post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum was suspected but ruled out by CT scan. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine specifics of the adverse event, patient characteristics and risk factors for bleeding.

Results

On multivariate analysis, acute kidney injury prior to paracentesis was the only independent predictor of post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.3‐13.5, P = .01), independent of MELD score, large volume paracentesis, sepsis, platelets, INR and haemoglobin levels.

Conclusions

Infection/sepsis is generally considered predictive of bleeding in cirrhosis. Our study suggests that acute kidney injury, and not sepsis, is the most important predictor of post‐procedure bleeding in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Although end‐stage renal disease is a known cause of bleeding in non‐cirrhotic patients, there are no studies establishing acute kidney injury as a risk factor for post‐procedure bleeding in cirrhosis. Future studies investigating blood product transfusion needs in cirrhosis prior to procedures should carefully look at patients with acute kidney injury.
Depth influence on biochemical performance and thallus size of the red alga Gelidium corneum
Authors: Quintano Endika , Díez Isabel , Muguerza Nahiara , Figueroa Félix López , Gorostiaga José María
Published: February 2018

Recent declines in the foundation species Gelidium corneum (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux in pristine coastal stretches of the Southeastern Bay of Biscay have been documented in which individuals showed a high bleaching incidence. Among the potential factorsthat may be responsible for these changes in G. corneum abundance, it has been suggested that high levels of irradiance may be imposing stressful environmental conditions for shallow populations. Given that light is reduced exponentially as depth increases, in this investigation we examined the influence of depth on the stress of G. corneum by comparing the performance of several biochemical parameters and thallus size in plants collected at three different depths. The results revealed that plants growing in shallow waters showed lower antioxidant activity, lower concentrations of photosynthetic pigments (Chl‐a, total carotenoids, phycoerythrin), lower internal nitrogen levels (higher C:N ratio) and shorter thallus lengths than those living in deeper waters. Some of these results may be an expression of photoacclimation, but the low antioxidant activity and total carotenoid concentration detected in plants living in shallow waters suggest that the photoprotective mechanisms of G. corneum may have failed to offset photodamage. If so, our findings support previous studies that suggest that recent changes in solar radiation are partially responsible for G. corneum declines. Nevertheless, given that the metabolic performance of macroalgae is determined by the inter‐play of irradiance with other factors, including temperature and nutrient availability, further research is needed to reach a better understanding of the factors causing stress in G. corneum.
Micro‐inflammation in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Du L. , Chen B. , Kim J. J. , Chen X. , Dai N.
Published: February 2018

Background and Purpose

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder of unknown etiology. Although micro‐inflammation appears to be important in the pathogenesis, studies evaluating immune activation in FD have been inconsistent. A systematic review of literature and meta‐analysis was performed to compare immunologic cell counts and cytokine levels in the mucosa and peripheral blood of individuals with FD and healthy controls. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched. Data on immunologic cell counts and cytokines levels among individuals with FD and control groups were extracted and compared by calculating standard mean differences (SMD). Thirty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Mast cell (SMD = 0.94, 95%CI 0.26‐1.62, P = .007) and eosinophil counts (SMD = 0.36, 95%CI 0.06‐0.68, P = .03) in the stomach were increased, among individuals with FD compared to controls. Similarly, mast cell (SMD = 0.66, 95%CI 0.20‐1.13, P = 0.005) and eosinophil (SMD = 0.95, 95%CI 0.66‐1.24; P < .001) counts in the duodenum were also increased in those with FD compared to controls. In a subgroup analysis, elevated eosinophil counts in the duodenum were observed in both post‐prandial distress syndrome (SMD = 0.97, 95%CI 0.46‐1.47, P = .0002) and epigastric pain syndrome subtypes (SMD = 1.16, 95%CI 0.48‐1.83, P = .0008). No differences in mucosal intraepithelial lymphocyte, enterochromaffin cell, and neutrophil counts, as well as, peripheral interlukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐10 levels were observed among individuals with FD and controls. Micro‐inflammation in the form of local immune cell infiltration, particularly eosinophils and mast cells, characterizes the pathogenesis of FD.
Acupuncture for patients with chronic functional constipation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng H. , Liu Z.‐S. , Zhang W. , Chen M. , Zhong F. , Jing X.‐H. , Rong P.‐J. , Zhu W.‐Z. , Wang F.‐C. , Liu Z.‐B. , Tang C.‐Z. , Wang S.‐J. , Zhou M.‐Q. , Li Y. , Zhu B.
Published: February 2018

Background

Acupuncture is used to treat chronic functional constipation (CFC) in China, despite limited evidence. We aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in managing CFC.

Methods

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was performed involving 684 patients with CFC; the patients were randomly allocated to receive He acupuncture (n = 172), Shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), He‐shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), or oral administration of mosapride (n = 170). Sixteen sessions of acupuncture were given in the treatment duration of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) at week 4 (at the end of treatment) compared to baseline. The secondary outcomes included stool consistency (Bristol scale), the degree of straining during defecation, and adverse events.

Key Results

The SBMs increased in all the four groups at week 4, and the magnitude of increase was equivalent in the four groups (He acupuncture, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3‐3.1]; Shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3‐3.0]; He‐shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.9‐2.5]; and mosapride, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.0‐2.9]; P = .226). However, the change in SBMs at week 8 was significantly smaller in mosapride group (1.4 [95% CI, 1.0‐1.8]) than the three acupuncture groups (2.4 [95% CI, 2.1‐2.7], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9‐2.7], 2.1 [95% CI, 1.7‐2.5] in He, Shu‐mu, and He‐shu‐mu group, respectively, P = .005).

Conclusions & Interferences

The three acupuncture treatments were as effective as mosapride in improving stool frequency and stool consistency in CFC, but the magnitude of the treatment effect is unknown due to the lack of sham acupuncture control.
Biogastronomy: Factors that determine the biological response to meal ingestion
Authors: Pribic T. , Azpiroz F.
Published: February 2018

Background

The biological response to a meal includes physiological changes, primarily related to the digestive process, and a sensory experience, involving sensations related to the homeostatic control of food consumption, eg, satiety and fullness, with a hedonic dimension, ie associated with changes in digestive well‐being and mood. The responses to a meal include a series of events before, during and after ingestion. While much attention has been paid to the events before and during ingestion, relatively little is known about the postprandial sensations, which are key to the gastronomical experience.

Purpose

The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview and to define the framework to investigate the factors that determine the postprandial experience. Based on a series of proof‐of‐concept studies and related information, we propose that the biological responses to a meal depend on the characteristics of the meal, primarily its palatability and composition, and the responsiveness of the guest, which may be influenced by multiple previous and concurrent conditioning factors. This information provides the scientific backbone to the development of personalized gastronomy.
SWEET11 and 15 as key players in seed filling in rice
Authors: Yang Jungil , Luo Dangping , Yang Bing , Frommer Wolf B. , Eom Joon‐Seob
Published: February 2018

Despite the relevance of seed‐filling mechanisms for crop yield, we still have only a rudimentary understanding of the transport processes that supply the caryopsis with sugars. We hypothesized that SWEET sucrose transporters may play important roles in nutrient import pathways in the rice caryopsis.

We used a combination of mRNA quantification, histochemical analyses, translational promoter–reporter fusions and analysis of knockout mutants created by genomic editing to evaluate the contribution of SWEET transporters to seed filling.

In rice caryopses, SWEET11 and 15 had the highest mRNA levels and proteins localized to four key sites: all regions of the nucellus at early stages; the nucellar projection close to the dorsal vein; the nucellar epidermis that surrounds the endosperm; and the aleurone. ossweet11;15 double knockout lines accumulated starch in the pericarp, whereas caryopses did not contain a functional endosperm.

Jointly, SWEET11 and 15 show all the hallmarks of being necessary for seed filling with sucrose efflux functions at the nucellar projection and a role in transfer across the nucellar epidermis/aleurone interface, delineating two major steps for apoplasmic seed filling, observations that are discussed in relation to observations made in rice and barley regarding the relative prevalence of these two potential import routes.
CLE peptide tri‐arabinosylation and peptide domain sequence composition are essential for SUNN‐dependent autoregulation of nodulation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Imin Nijat , Patel Neha , Corcilius Leo , Payne Richard J. , Djordjevic Michael A.
Published: February 2018

MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 encode CLAVATA3/EMBRYO‐SURROUNDING REGION RELATED (CLE) peptides which regulate autoregulation of nodulation (AON) in Medicago through the shoot receptor, SUNN (SUPER NUMERIC NODULES). Genetics suggests RDN1 (ROOT‐DETERMINED NODULATION 1) arabinosylates MtCLE12 to enable SUNN perception. The functional structures of MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 peptides, however, remain elusive.

We combined genetic and chemical synthesis approaches to determine if glyco‐modifications of three nodule‐expressed CLE peptides are essential for AON. We also examined how root and shoot applied AON‐CLEs inhibit nodulation.

MtCLE12, MtCLE13 and MtCLE42 peptides were synthesized with hydroxylation, mono‐arabinosylation or tri‐arabinosylation (TaP) at proline 7. Only MtCLE12‐TaP and MtCLE13‐TaP peptides induced AON in wild‐type (WT) and rdn1‐1, but not in sunn‐4. The application of MtCLE13‐TaP to cotyledons 1 d before rhizobial inoculation completely inhibited both rhizobial infection and nodulation. By contrast, MtCLE12‐TaP induced significant AON without abolishing rhizobial infection.

The results indicate that key CLE domain amino acids and TaP modifications to MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 are essential for SUNN‐dependent AON. We also show evidence that RDN1 does not tri‐arabinosylate MtCLE13. Finally, MtCLE13‐TaP can induce a strong AON response in shoots that inhibits the entire symbiotic processes in roots. We present a new model for AON in Medicago.
Effects of UV Irradiation by Light Emitting Diodes on Heterotrophic Bacteria in Tap Water
Authors: Oguma Kumiko , Kanazawa Kaori , Kasuga Ikuro , Takizawa Satoshi
Published: February 2018

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs) are small mercury‐free devices that can be installed at the point of use (POU) of water for disinfection. Considering that heterotrophic bacteria are of concern in drinking water systems, we applied a flow‐through UV‐LED apparatus to dechlorinated tap water, and determined the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) in samples after UV‐LED exposure (UV+) compared to samples without UV‐LED application (UV−). The UV+ and UV− samples were maintained at 20°C to track HPC profiles during storage for 7 days. It was confirmed that UV+ samples showed negative HPC or lower HPC than UV− for 5 days of storage after the flow‐through test. HPC bacteria formed colonies with different morphological characteristics, and yellow colonies were closest to Novosphingobium sp., with 99% identity, while white and pale pink colonies were closest to Methylobacterium sp., with 99–100% identity, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. White colonies became dominant in UV+, indicating that UV‐LED exposure can select UV‐resistant species such as Methylobacterium. This study shows the effects of UV‐LED application on HPC bacteria in tap water and implies that future research is required on the significance and impacts of microbial selection by UV‐LED exposure.
Up‐regulation of PR1 and less disruption of hormone and sucrose metabolism in roots is associated with lower susceptibility to ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Wu J. , Alférez F. M. , Johnson E. G. , Graham J. H.
Published: February 2018

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las), is a devastating disease of citrus trees in Florida. Previous work showed that the rootstock cultivar Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reticulata) has a higher population of Las in roots than Swingle citrumelo (C. paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata). Las reduced fibrous root biomass and sucrose content in Cleopatra mandarin more than in Swingle citrumelo. To understand the mechanisms for susceptibility to Las infection, sucrose and hormone metabolism status were evaluated in Cleopatra mandarin and Swingle citrumelo. In fibrous roots of Cleopatra mandarin, higher expression of genes related to sucrose cleavage was consistent with lower sucrose content compared to noninoculated seedlings at 5 weeks post‐root trimming (wpt). In fibrous roots of Swingle citrumelo, both sucrose content and gene expression related to sucrose cleavage were less disrupted by Las infection compared to Cleopatra mandarin at 5 wpt. Genes associated with salicylic acid (SA), ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, and ABA signalling, phospholipases D (PLD), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were activated by Las infection at 5 wpt in Cleopatra mandarin. Expression of downstream effectors of SA, i.e. NPR1, WRKY70 and PR1, did not change in Cleopatra mandarin, suggesting inhibition of the response to SA by the elevation of ABA, ET and PLD. In contrast, the up‐regulation of PR1, lower response of sucrose metabolism genes and down‐regulation of biosynthesis of phytohormones indicates that Swingle citrumelo activates a more effective defence against this biotrophic pathogen than Cleopatra mandarin.
Toward an Application Guide for Safety Integrity Level Allocation in Railway Systems
Authors: Ouedraogo Kiswendsida Abel , Beugin Julie , El‐Koursi El‐Miloudi , Clarhaut Joffrey , Renaux Dominique , Lisiecki Frederic
Published: February 2018

The work in the article presents the development of an application guide based on feedback and comments stemming from various railway actors on their practices of SIL allocation to railway safety‐related functions. The initial generic methodology for SIL allocation has been updated to be applied to railway rolling stock safety‐related functions in order to solve the SIL concept application issues. Various actors dealing with railway SIL allocation problems are the intended target of the methodology; its principles will be summarized in this article with a focus on modifications and precisions made in order to establish a practical guide for railway safety authorities. The methodology is based on the flowchart formalism used in CSM (common safety method) European regulation. It starts with the use of quantitative safety requirements, particularly tolerable hazard rates (THR). THR apportioning rules are applied. On the one hand, the rules are related to classical logical combinations of safety‐related functions preventing hazard occurrence. On the other hand, to take into account technical conditions (last safety weak link, functional dependencies, technological complexity, etc.), specific rules implicitly used in existing practices are defined for readjusting some THR values. SIL allocation process based on apportioned and validated THR values is finally illustrated through the example of “emergency brake” subsystems. Some specific SIL allocation rules are also defined and illustrated.