bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of School Characteristics and Implementation in the X:IT Study—A School‐Randomized Smoking Prevention Program
Authors: Bast Lotus S. , Due Pernille , Ersbøll Annette K. , Damsgaard Mogens T. , Andersen Anette
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Assessment of implementation is essential for the evaluation of school‐based preventive activities. Interventions are more easily implemented in schools if detailed instructional manuals, lesson plans, and materials are provided; however, implementation may also be affected by other factors than the intervention itself—for example, school‐level characteristics, such as principal support and organizational capacity. We examined school‐level characteristics of schools in groups of high, medium, and low implementation of a smoking prevention intervention.

METHODS

The X:IT study is a school‐randomized trial testing a multicomponent intervention to prevent smoking among adolescents. Our data came from electronic questionnaires completed by school coordinators at 96.1% of participating intervention schools (N = 49) at first follow ‐up.

RESULTS

Schools that implemented the X:IT intervention to a medium or high degree had higher levels of administrative leadership (77.3% and 83.3% vs 42.9%), school climate/organizational health (95.5% and 91.7% vs 66.7%), mission‐policy alignment (90.9% and 100.0% vs 71.4%), personnel expertise (81.8% and 75.0% vs 46.7%), school culture (77.3% and 91.7% vs 53.3%), positive classroom climate (91.4% and 96.2% vs 82.9%) compared with low implementation schools.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the importance of considering the school context in future health prevention initiatives.
Patterns in Vegetable Consumption: Implications for Tailored School Meal Interventions
Authors: Orlowski Marietta , Lee Miryoung , Spears William , Narayan Roopsi , Pobocik Rebecca S. , Kennel Julie , Krafka Erin , Patton Susan
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Vegetable consumption is a challenging behavioral target; consumption rates are below recommended levels and when interventions produce improvements, increases in vegetable consumption are typically a fraction of the change in fruit consumption. We describe vegetable consumption within Ohio school meals and examine how fruit selection, the more popular item, impacts vegetable consumption.

METHODS

Fruit and vegetable waste was collected on 11,250 trays from 17 elementary and 16 middle/high schools, using the quarter‐waste visualization method.

RESULTS

One in 4 students ate at least a one‐fourth of a cup of vegetables with their school lunch. Consumption was the highest (30.8%) in elementary school buildings with a majority of regular priced meals. Fruit selection was associated with vegetable consumption (p < .001). Middle/high school students who consumed a fruit were 88% more likely to consume a vegetable as oppose to waste it (95% CI: 1.45‐2.42). Fruit selection was also associated with not selecting a vegetable, but the association was of a lower magnitude (odds ratio 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06‐1.64). Trends were similar in elementary schools.

CONCLUSIONS

Fruit and vegetable consumption should be approached as 2 distinct behaviors with particular attention given to vegetables. Fruit items can be leveraged, though, as a means to encourage vegetable selection.
Survey Experiments on Candidate Religiosity, Political Attitudes, and Vote Choice
Authors: Castle Jeremiah J. , Layman Geoffrey C. , Campbell David E. , Green John C.
Published: April 2017

Because identification with and affect toward social groups is a primary heuristic for citizens, the social group profiles of candidates are important for electoral behavior. We focus on an increasingly important element of candidates’ social characteristics: their levels of religiosity and secularism. We argue that as religious groups and identities become structured less by what religion they are and more by how religious they are (or are not), candidate religiosity and secularism should condition the impact of political orientations such as partisanship and cultural policy attitudes on vote choice. Highly religious candidates should attract more support from Republicans and from cultural conservatives, while overtly secular candidates should appeal more to Democrats and cultural liberals. Using a survey experiment in which respondents evaluate a state legislative candidate with varying levels of religiosity and secularism, we find strong support for our argument.
Minding the source: The impact of mindfulness on source monitoring
Authors: Alberts Hugo J. E. M. , Otgaar Henry , Kalagi Janice
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study addressed the impact of mindfulness on source monitoring.

Methods

Participants engaged in a brief mindfulness meditation or received no intervention. Next, all participants watched a video of a crime and were then exposed to misinformation regarding this video. Using a source monitoring test, participants’ memory performance was measured.

Results

Participants who performed the mindfulness meditation showed better source monitoring compared to controls. Mindfulness practice was not found to enhance memory performance.

Conclusions

Mindfulness practice may entail an effective way to circumvent memory distortions due to incorrect source monitoring.
Prevalence of premastication among children aged 6–36 months and its association with health: A cross‐sectional study in eight cities of China
Authors: Zhao Ai , Zheng Wei , Xue Yong , Li Hao , Tan Shengjie , Zhao Wenzhi , Wang Peiyu , Zhang Yumei
Published: April 2017

Premastication is thought to be an adaptive behavior in the introduction of complementary plant‐bassed food to infants. It arouses controversy, however, because of the potential for transmitting saliva‐born infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to explore whether premastication by healthy caregivers was associated with children's health and behavior. The data were collected as part of the Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Growth study. From 8 cities in China, 1341 pairs of infants/toddlers and their caregivers were recruited. An interviewer‐administrated questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, feeding behaviors, and self‐reported health status. Anthropometric measurements were taken and blood samples were collected for analysis of hemoglobin levels. The overall prevalence of premastication was 26.9% and varies from 14–43% among the 8 cities. Premastication was not associated with occurrences of illness or with the nutritional indicators of height‐for‐age Z score, weight‐for‐age Z score, weight‐for‐height Z score, head circumference Z score and hemoglobin (P all >.05). Premastication occurred more often among infants who were raised by their parents (P = .005), whose mothers' education was lower (P < .001), who were subject to more concern from their parents (P = .022), and whose parents thought their children had an obesity problem (P = .001). Presmastication was not associated with food picky behaviors. Premastication is still a common feeding practice in China. More studies are needed to determine the biological, economic, and cultural benefits or harm from premastication.
Survival of an Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans quorum sensing luxS mutant in the mouths of Rhesus monkeys: insights into ecological adaptation
Authors: Velusamy Senthil K. , Sampathkumar Vandana , Godboley Dipti , Fine Daniel H.
Published: April 2017

Experiments were designed to explore a prominent autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) producing gene (luxS) related to colonization and survival of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a low abundance member of the indigenous flora, that forms a key component of the dysbiotic flora in localized aggressive periodontitis. The luxS gene was disrupted in a primate strain of A. actinomycetemcomitans before implantation into the oral cavity of Rhesus monkeys (Rh). The colonization efficiency of the luxS mutant (RhAa‐VS4) was compared with the parental wild‐type strain (RhAa3) (positive control) and a ltxA mutant (RhAa‐VS2) (negative control). The in vivo results showed that the luxS mutation had minimal impact on A. actinomycetemcomitans colonization compared with the wild‐type RhAa3 strain. In vitro studies revealed that there was a significant upregulation of attachment‐related genes aae, apiA, and flp in the RhAa‐VS4 strain compared with RhAa3. Biofilm forming ability was also significantly increased in the RhAa‐VS4 strain compared with RhAa3, whereas the AI‐2 signal was ablated. The exogenous addition of the AI‐2 precursor dihydroxy pentanedione allowed the RhAa‐VS4 strain to achieve RhAa3 biofilm levels. This is the first primate study to test the relevance of LuxS in vivo. In vitro assessment suggests that in vivo survival of the RhAa‐VS4 strain was due to the production of signaling AI‐2 molecules derived from other members of the flora as well as the upregulation of genes related to attachment and biofilm formation.
Comparison of genotyping by sequencing and microsatellite markers for unravelling population structure in the clonal fungus Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Rafiei V. , Banihashemi Z. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Landa B. B. , Jiménez‐Gasco M. M. , Turgeon B. G. , Milgroom M. G.
Published: April 2017

Microsatellite genotyping of a large sample of isolates of Verticillium dahliae from diverse locations recently identified seven distinct genotypic clusters. However, these clusters were not put in the context of phenotypes known to be correlated with clonal lineages in V. dahliae. The objective of this study was to compare clusters defined by microsatellite markers with clonal lineages defined by single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Genotyping isolates known to belong to specific clonal lineages (based on SNPs) with microsatellite markers determined the correspondence of clusters and lineages. All but one cluster corresponded to a known clonal lineage, allowing analysis of correlations of phenotypes with microsatellite genotypes from other studies. As shown previously, most race 1 isolates are in lineage 2A, and most isolates with the defoliating pathotype are in lineage 1A. Phylogenetic incompatibility was used to test for recombination or homoplasy caused by hypervariable microsatellite loci; incompatibility was highly correlated with the number of alleles per locus, suggesting that homoplasy caused by parallel evolution of microsatellite alleles is the cause of incompatibility. Microsatellite genotyping of lineage 1A isolates from cotton and olive in Spain over a 29‐year period revealed remarkably little variation; these markers did not mutate enough to provide insight on the spatial and temporal expansion of this clone. Overall, this study showed that microsatellite genotyping can be used to identify clonal lineages in V. dahliae, which has predictive power for inferring phenotypes of phytopathological relevance such as race and pathotype.
Rogue Waves for an Alternative System of Coupled Hirota Equations: Structural Robustness and Modulation Instabilities
Authors: Chan H. N. , Chow K. W.
Published: April 2017

The Hirota system consists of two coupled, third‐order partial differential equations with cubic nonlinearities. Rogue wave (RW) modes for such coupled Hirota equations different from those usually considered in the literature are derived by the bilinear method. RWs exist in the defocusing regime (dispersion and nonlinearities of different signs), with an existence criterion closely related to the condition for baseband modulation instability (MI). This connection is examined further through numerical simulations. RW‐like structures can emerge from a plane wave background perturbed by random noise only if baseband MI is present. Furthermore, the development of an individual RW will not be “masked” by the growth of the noise if the MI itself is not too strong. Even more illuminating information is revealed with disturbance of a specified wavelength (or a narrow range of frequency input). A disturbance with wave numbers in the passband will not generate any coherent structures, but those in the baseband may generate an Akhmediev breather or a RW‐like structure.
Factors influencing blood donation: a cross‐sectional survey in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Ou‐Yang J. , Bei C.‐H. , He B. , Rong X.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine major factors that influence blood donation in China.

Background

Factors affecting blood donation often vary in various populations.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used self‐administered, standardised, structured questionnaires to survey selected donors and non‐donors in Guangzhou, China between 10 December 2013 and 25 June 2014.

Results

Among the 1080 questionnaires collected, 1034 (95·7%) questionnaires were valid for this analysis, including 602 donors and 432 non‐donors. Results revealed that helping patients (n = 405, 68·2%) was the main objective of blood donation, and self‐perception of poor health (n = 138, 33·1%) was the main reason for not donating. Responses to questions raised by donors and inquiring about a donor's physical condition were thought to be the most important blood donation routines (n = 302, 65·5%). For non‐donors, 90·3% (n = 390) expressed their intention to donate blood in the future, and usage of blood (n = 182, 46·7%) was the most asked question. Prepaid cellular phone cards were the most popular incentives. Raising the awareness of blood donation was the most effective way of enhancing blood donation programmes, and television ads and the internet were the most effective means.

Conclusion

Helping patients was the main objective of blood donation in China. However, self‐perception of poor health was a major barrier to donating blood. Raising the awareness of blood donation in combination with multiple aspects of campaigns that target different populations with potential blood donors is critical. Television and the internet are the most effective tools for promotion of and recruitment for blood donation.
Predicting weed distribution at the regional scale in the native range: environmental determinants and biocontrol implications of Phyla nodiflora (Verbenaceae)
Authors: Sosa A J , Cardo M V , Julien M H
Published: April 2017

Alien plants produce severe environmental and economic losses in the territories they invade. Modelling the spatial distribution of alien species as a function of the environment in the native range has therefore become an essential first step in the struggle against invasions. Phyla nodiflora var. minor is a fast‐growing perennial herb native to South America that has spread through three continents, where it poses a major threat to biodiversity and significantly impacts on conservation and grazing systems, mainly in riparian areas. To assess the distribution of native Argentine populations of P. nodiflora as a function of the environment, we conducted long‐term roadside surveys and associated the occurrence of the plant with climatic, geographical, demographical and vegetation cover variables in a generalised linear mixed model. The plant was recorded in 230 of 431 sites, mostly east of 66°W and north of 39°S. According to the best model, which predicted the data 58% better than random assignment, its occurrence was associated with temperature variables (mean annual values and daytime range) and relative humidity. Based on these associations, we generated a presence probability map for the occurrence of P. nodiflora in southern South America. Understanding the environmental determinants of the distribution of weeds in their native range provides valuable baseline data to further manage the spread of alien species.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: April 2017

Applied Economics and Finance [AEF] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 2 Aaron Morey, Productivity Commission, AustraliaAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelArash Riasi, University of Delaware, USAAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU- Khartoum, SudanEyup Kadioglu, TurkeyFarhat Iqbal, University of Balochistan, PakistanGetamesay Bekele, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaIan McFarlane, University of Reading, UKIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineJin Yong Yang, Hankook University of Foreign Studies, KoreaLuca Giordano, IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions), ItalyMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMagdalena Ziolo, University of Szczecin, PolandMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMarta Borda, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandMohammed Alkali Yusuf, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyPatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitSorin Gabriel Anton, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, RomaniaStelios Markoulis, University of Cyprus, CyprusSteven V. Cates, Kaplan University, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaTaro Abe, Nagoya Gakuin University, JapanVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaWing-Keung Wong, Asia University, TaiwanY. Saidi, M’sila University, Algeria Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
H2S‐induced gastric fundus smooth muscle tension potentiation is mediated by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway
Authors: Meng Xiang‐Min , Huang Xu , Lu Hong‐Li , Zhang Chun‐Mei , Kim Young‐chul , Chen Jie , Xu Wen‐Xie
Published: April 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The present study investigated the relationship between H2S and NO in regulation of gastric fundus tension.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Endogenous or exogenous H2S and NO have opposite effects on fundus tension, and H2S‐induced gastric fundus tension enhancements are mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt pathway. These results are very important in exploring the mechanism of physiological accommodation and accommodation disorder.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is considered a new gasotransmitter, along with NO and CO. It was recently confirmed that H2S and NO play important roles in the regulation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle tension. The present study was designed to elucidate the interactions between H2S and NO with respect to the regulation of gastric fundus smooth muscle tension using Western blotting, physiological and electrochemical techniques. Real‐time H2S and NO generation was detected in gastric smooth muscle tissue. NaHS, an H2S donor, enhanced fundus smooth muscle tension, whereas SNP, an NO donor, decreased fundus smooth muscle tension in a dose‐dependent manner. NaHS‐induced increases in fundus smooth muscle tension were suppressed by l‐NAME, an NO synthase inhibitor. Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), a cystathionine β‐synthase inhibitor, exerted inhibitory effects on fundus smooth muscle tension; these effects were also suppressed by l‐NAME. Real‐time NO generation was significantly potentiated by AOAA. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly inhibited by NaHS. LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor, blocked these NaHS‐mediated effects. However, eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly potentiated by AOAA. Cystathionine β‐synthase siRNA interference significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473. Cystathionine β‐synthase siRNA interference also increased total eNOS protein expression levels but did not significantly change total Akt kinase protein expression levels. These results suggest that H2S‐induced enhancement of gastric fundus tension is mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt pathway.
A Western‐style obesogenic diet alters maternal metabolic physiology with consequences for fetal nutrient acquisition in mice
Authors: Musial Barbara , Vaughan Owen R. , Fernandez‐Twinn Denise S. , Voshol Peter , Ozanne Susan E. , Fowden Abigail L. , Sferruzzi‐Perri Amanda N.
Published: April 2017

Key points

In the Western world, obesogenic diets containing high fat and high sugar (HFHS) are commonly consumed during pregnancy, although their effects on the metabolism of the mother, in relation to feto‐placental glucose utilization and growth, are unknown.

In the present study, the consumption of an obesogenic HFHS diet compromised maternal glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in late pregnancy in association with dysregulated lipid and glucose handling by the dam.

These maternal metabolic changes induced by HFHS feeding were related to altered feto‐placental glucose metabolism and growth.

A HFHS diet during pregnancy therefore causes maternal metabolic dysfunction with consequences for maternal nutrient allocation for fetal growth.

These findings have implications for the health of women and their infants, who consume obesogenic diets during pregnancy.

In the Western world, obesogenic diets containing high fat and high sugar (HFHS) are commonly consumed during pregnancy. However, the impacts of a HFHS diet during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and signalling in relation to feto‐placental growth and glucose utilization are unknown. The present study examined the effects of a HFHS diet during mouse pregnancy on maternal glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, as well as, on feto‐placental glucose metabolism. Female mice were fed a control or HFHS diet from day (D) 1 of pregnancy (term = D20.5). At D16 or D19, dams were assessed for body composition, metabolite and hormone concentrations, tissue abundance of growth and metabolic signalling pathways, glucose tolerance and utilization and insulin sensitivity. HFHS feeding perturbed maternal insulin sensitivity in late pregnancy; hepatic insulin sensitivity was higher, whereas sensitivity of the skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue was lower in HFHS than control dams. These changes were accompanied by increased adiposity and reduced glucose production and glucose tolerance of HFHS dams. The HFHS diet also disturbed the hormone and metabolite milieu and altered expression of growth and metabolic signalling pathways in maternal tissues. Furthermore, HFHS feeding was associated with impaired feto‐placental glucose metabolism and growth. A HFHS diet during pregnancy therefore causes maternal metabolic dysfunction with consequences for maternal nutrient allocation for fetal growth. These findings have implications for the health of women and their infants, who consume HFHS diets during pregnancy.
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) modulates afterhyperpolarizations in oxytocin neurons of the supraoptic nucleus
Authors: Kirchner Matthew K. , Foehring Robert C. , Wang Lie , Chandaka Giri Kumar , Callaway Joseph C. , Armstrong William E.
Published: April 2017

Key points

Afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) generated by repetitive action potentials in supraoptic magnocellular neurons regulate repetitive firing and spike frequency adaptation but relatively little is known about PIP2’s control of these AHPs.

We examined how changes in PIP2 levels affected AHPs, somatic [Ca2+]i, and whole cell Ca2+ currents.

Manipulations of PIP2 levels affected both medium and slow AHP currents in oxytocin (OT) neurons of the supraoptic nucleus.

Manipulations of PIP2 levels did not modulate AHPs by influencing Ca2+ release from IP3‐triggered Ca2+ stores, suggesting more direct modulation of channels by PIP2.

PIP2 depletion reduced spike‐evoked Ca2+ entry and voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents.

PIP2 appears to influence AHPs in OT neurons by reducing Ca2+ influx during spiking.

Oxytocin (OT)‐ and vasopressin (VP)‐secreting magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) display calcium‐dependent afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) following a train of action potentials that are critical to shaping the firing patterns of these cells. Previous work demonstrated that the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) enabled the slow AHP component (sAHP) in cortical pyramidal neurons. We investigated whether this phenomenon occurred in OT and VP neurons of the SON. Using whole cell recordings in coronal hypothalamic slices from adult female rats, we demonstrated that inhibition of PIP2 synthesis with wortmannin robustly blocked both the medium and slow AHP currents (ImAHP and IsAHP) of OT, but not VP neurons with high affinity. We further tested this by introducing a water‐soluble PIP2 analogue (diC8‐PIP2) into neurons, which in OT neurons not only prevented wortmannin's inhibitory effect, but slowed rundown of the ImAHP and IsAHP. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 did not inhibit either ImAHP or IsAHP in OT neurons, consistent with wortmannin's effects not being due to reducing diacylglycerol (DAG) or IP3 availability, i.e. PIP2 modulation of AHPs is not likely to involve downstream Ca2+ release from inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐triggered Ca2+‐store release, or channel modulation via DAG and protein kinase C (PKC). We found that wortmannin reduced [Ca2+]i increase induced by spike trains in OT neurons, but had no effect on AHPs evoked by uncaging intracellular Ca2+. Finally, wortmannin selectively reduced whole cell Ca2+ currents in OT neurons while leaving VP neurons unaffected. The results indicate that PIP2 modulates both the ImAHP and IsAHP in OT neurons, most likely by controlling Ca2+ entry through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels opened during spike trains.
Educación de la naturaleza y profesión de fe del vicario saboyano de Rousseau
Authors: Conforti Rojas María Cristina
Published: April 2017

Este escrito presenta una síntesis de la idea de la educación de la naturaleza y su significado en el Emilio o de la Educación de Rousseau; aborda la forma como el ginebrino expone, de acuerdo a la edad, el desarrollo de las disposiciones fundamentales de la naturaleza humana. Afronta, también, la reflexión roussoniana a propósito de la educación moral y religiosa, la crítica al escepticismo de los filósofos que lleva a Rousseau a decantarse por consultar la propia interioridad desde donde hallará los principios de su fe y de su relación con Dios.
La transformación de la metaphysica naturalis en metaforología
Authors: Cardona Suárez Luis Fernando
Published: April 2017

En el presente texto se examinará el sentido de la transformación kantiana de la metafísica a la luz de la metaforología de Hans Blumenberg. En un primer momento, se indicará la noción kantiana de la metaphysica naturalis que podemos encontrar en la Crítica de la razón pura, para mostrar cómo el programa de la metaforología asume esta formulación, pero tomandodistancia del proyecto de la historia de los conceptos realizado por Joachin Ritter. En un segundo momento, se examinará por qué para Blumenberg la metáfora puede ser asumida como una función antropológica específica. Finalmente, en un tercer momento, se indicará también por qué el despliegue histórico de la disposición natural del hombre a plantearse preguntas que no puede contestar, pero que tampoco puede rechazar porque surgen de su propia naturaleza, realiza el devenir de la metáfora en el mundo de la vida del hombre.
Study on Hydraulic Transport of Large Solid Particles in Inclined Pipes for Subsea Mining
Authors: Masanobu Sotaro , Takano Satoru , Fujiwara Tomo , Kanada Shigeo , Ono Masao , Sasagawa Hiroki
Published: April 2017

For subsea mining, the prediction of pressure loss due to the hydraulic transport of solid particles in the flexible pipe to connect the mining tool and the lifting system is important for the design of mining system. The configuration of the flexible pipe is expected to have an inclined part. In the present paper, the authors developed a mathematical model to predict the pressure loss in inclined pipes. The total pressure loss is expressed by the summation of the loss due to a liquid single-phase flow and the additional loss due to the existence of solid particles. The additional pressure loss can be divided into the variation in static pressure due to the existence of solid particles, the loss due to the particle-to-pipe wall friction and collisions, and the loss due to the particle-to-particle collisions. The empirical formula in horizontal pipes proposed by the other researchers was applied to the model of the last two losses. Furthermore, we carried out the experiment on hydraulic transport of solid particles in a pipe. In the experiment, alumina beads, glass beads, and gravel were used as the solid particles, and the inclination angles of the pipe were varied to investigate the effect of the pipe inclination on the pressure loss. The calculated pressure loss using the model was compared with the experimental data. As the results of the comparison, it was confirmed that the developed model could be applied to the prediction of the pressure loss in inclined pipes.
Pupillometry shows the effort of auditory attention switching
Authors: McCloy Daniel R. , Lau Bonnie K. , Larson Eric , Pratt Katherine A. I. , Lee Adrian K. C.
Published: April 2017

Successful speech communication often requires selective attention to a target stream amidst competing sounds, as well as the ability to switch attention among multiple interlocutors. However, auditory attention switching negatively affects both target detection accuracy and reaction time, suggesting that attention switches carry a cognitive cost. Pupillometry is one method of assessing mental effort or cognitive load. Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the effort associated with attention switches is detectable in the pupillary response. In both experiments, pupil dilation, target detection sensitivity, and reaction time were measured; the task required listeners to either maintain or switch attention between two concurrent speech streams. Secondary manipulations explored whether switch-related effort would increase when auditory streaming was harder. In experiment 1, spatially distinct stimuli were degraded by simulating reverberation (compromising across-time streaming cues), and target-masker talker gender match was also varied. In experiment 2, diotic streams separable by talker voice quality and pitch were degraded by noise vocoding, and the time alloted for mid-trial attention switching was varied. All trial manipulations had some effect on target detection sensitivity and/or reaction time; however, only the attention-switching manipulation affected the pupillary response: greater dilation was observed in trials requiring switching attention between talkers.
Viscous effects on the attenuation of a plane wave by an acoustic lining in shear flow
Authors: Khamis Doran , Brambley Edward James
Published: April 2017

The attenuation of a plane acoustic wave incident on a flat impedance surface in a sheared and viscous fluid is investigated numerically and asymptotically. Predictions of various boundary models of impedance surfaces in shear flow are tested by comparing their predicted reflection coefficient. It is found that viscosity has a significant effect, reducing the reflection of upstream propagating sound while increasing the reflection of cross-stream propagating sound. The classical Ingard–Myers boundary condition is shown to incorrectly predict the damping rate of sound in many cases, and in some cases viscous effects are shown to be comparable to shear effects.
Reovirus infection triggers inflammatory responses to dietary antigens and development of celiac disease
Authors: Bouziat Romain , Hinterleitner Reinhard , Brown Judy J. , Stencel-Baerenwald Jennifer E. , Ikizler Mine , Mayassi Toufic , Meisel Marlies , Kim Sangman M. , Discepolo Valentina , Pruijssers Andrea J. , Ernest Jordan D. , Iskarpatyoti Jason A. , Costes Léa M. M. , Lawrence Ian , Palanski Brad A. , Varma Mukund , Zurenski Matthew A. , Khomandiak Solomiia , McAllister Nicole , Aravamudhan Pavithra , Boehme Karl W. , Hu Fengling , Samsom Janneke N. , Reinecker Hans-Christian , Kupfer Sonia S. , Guandalini Stefano , Semrad Carol E. , Abadie Valérie , Khosla Chaitan , Barreiro Luis B. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Ng Aylwin , Dermody Terence S. , Jabri Bana
Published: April 2017

A nonpathogenic virus can promote inflammatory immunity to dietary antigens and may be linked to the development of celiac disease.
All-printed thin-film transistors from networks of liquid-exfoliated nanosheets
Authors: Kelly Adam G. , Hallam Toby , Backes Claudia , Harvey Andrew , Esmaeily Amir Sajad , Godwin Ian , Coelho João , Nicolosi Valeria , Lauth Jannika , Kulkarni Aditya , Kinge Sachin , Siebbeles Laurens D. A. , Duesberg Georg S. , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: April 2017

Printing nanosheet-network transistors

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and metal chalcogenides such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2) are attractive for use in low-cost thin-film transistors (TFTs) because they have high charge-carrier mobility. Kelly
et al.
printed TFTs from networks of exfoliated dispersions of 2D materials with graphene contacts, WSe
2
as the semiconductor, and a boron nitride separator. Electrolytic gating with ionic liquids enabled higher operating currents than achieved with comparable organic TFTs.

Science
, this issue p.
69
Giant viruses with an expanded complement of translation system components
Authors: Schulz Frederik , Yutin Natalya , Ivanova Natalia N. , Ortega Davi R. , Lee Tae Kwon , Vierheilig Julia , Daims Holger , Horn Matthias , Wagner Michael , Jensen Grant J. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Koonin Eugene V. , Woyke Tanja
Published: April 2017

Viral evolution is revealed by giant viruses encoding multiple components of the protein translation machinery.
Real-time spectral interferometry probes the internal dynamics of femtosecond soliton molecules
Authors: Herink G. , Kurtz F. , Jalali B. , Solli D. R. , Ropers C.
Published: April 2017

Spectral interferometry images the formation, binding, and internal dynamics of optical soliton complexes.
Engrams and circuits crucial for systems consolidation of a memory
Authors: Kitamura Takashi , Ogawa Sachie K. , Roy Dheeraj S. , Okuyama Teruhiro , Morrissey Mark D. , Smith Lillian M. , Redondo Roger L. , Tonegawa Susumu
Published: April 2017

The representation of contextual fear memories evolves over time in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.
Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Method for Phenotypic Detection of Carbapenemase Production among Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Pierce Virginia M. , Simner Patricia J. , Lonsway David R. , Roe-Carpenter Darcie E. , Johnson J. Kristie , Brasso William B. , Bobenchik April M. , Lockett Zabrina C. , Charnot-Katsikas Angella , Ferraro Mary Jane , Thomson Richard B. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Limbago Brandi M. , Das Sanchita
Published: April 2017

The ability of clinical microbiology laboratories to reliably detect carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CP-CRE) is an important element of the effort to prevent and contain the spread of these pathogens and an integral part of antimicrobial stewardship. All existing methods have limitations. A new, straightforward, inexpensive, and specific phenotypic method for the detection of carbapenemase production, the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM), was recently described. Here we describe a two-stage evaluation of a modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), in which tryptic soy broth was substituted for water during the inactivation step and the length of this incubation was extended. A validation study was performed in a single clinical laboratory to determine the accuracy of the mCIM, followed by a nine-laboratory study to verify the reproducibility of these results and define the zone size cutoff that best discriminated between CP-CRE and members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
that do not produce carbapenemases. Bacterial isolates previously characterized through whole-genome sequencing or targeted PCR as to the presence or absence of carbapenemase genes were tested for carbapenemase production using the mCIM; isolates with Ambler class A, B, and D carbapenemases, non-CP-CRE isolates, and carbapenem-susceptible isolates were included. The sensitivity of the mCIM observed in the validation study was 99% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 93% to 100%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 82% to 100%). In the second stage of the study, the range of sensitivities observed across nine laboratories was 93% to 100%, with a mean of 97%; the range of specificities was 97% to 100%, with a mean of 99%. The mCIM was easy to perform and interpret for
Enterobacteriaceae
, with results in less than 24 h and excellent reproducibility across laboratories.
Comprehensive Whole-Genome Sequencing and Reporting of Drug Resistance Profiles on Clinical Cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in New York State
Authors: Shea Joseph , Halse Tanya A. , Lapierre Pascal , Shudt Matthew , Kohlerschmidt Donna , Van Roey Patrick , Limberger Ronald , Taylor Jill , Escuyer Vincent , Musser Kimberlee A.
Published: April 2017

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a newer alternative for tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics and is capable of providing rapid drug resistance profiles while performing species identification and capturing the data necessary for genotyping. Our laboratory developed and validated a comprehensive and sensitive WGS assay to characterize
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and other
M. tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) strains, composed of a novel DNA extraction, optimized library preparation, paired-end WGS, and an in-house-developed bioinformatics pipeline. This new assay was assessed using 608 MTBC isolates, with 146 isolates during the validation portion of this study and 462 samples received prospectively. In February 2016, this assay was implemented to test all clinical cases of MTBC in New York State, including isolates and early positive Bactec mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 cultures from primary specimens. Since the inception of the assay, we have assessed the accuracy of identification of MTBC strains to the species level, concordance with culture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST), and turnaround time. Species identification by WGS was determined to be 99% accurate. Concordance between drug resistance profiles generated by WGS and culture-based DST methods was 96% for eight drugs, with an average resistance-predictive value of 93% and susceptible-predictive value of 96%. This single comprehensive WGS assay has replaced seven molecular assays and has resulted in resistance profiles being reported to physicians an average of 9 days sooner than with culture-based DST for first-line drugs and 32 days sooner for second-line drugs.
Vertex-Specific Proteins pUL17 and pUL25 Mechanically Reinforce Herpes Simplex Virus Capsids
Authors: Snijder Joost , Radtke Kerstin , Anderson Fenja , Scholtes Luella , Corradini Eleonora , Baines Joel , Heck Albert J. R. , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Sodeik Beate , Roos Wouter H.
Published: April 2017

Using atomic force microscopy imaging and nanoindentation measurements, we investigated the effect of the minor capsid proteins pUL17 and pUL25 on the structural stability of icosahedral herpes simplex virus capsids. pUL17 and pUL25, which form the capsid vertex-specific component (CVSC), particularly contributed to capsid resilience along the 5-fold and 2-fold but not along the 3-fold icosahedral axes. Our detailed analyses, including quantitative mass spectrometry of the protein composition of the capsids, revealed that both pUL17 and pUL25 are required to stabilize the capsid shells at the vertices. This indicates that herpesviruses withstand the internal pressure that is generated during DNA genome packaging by locally reinforcing the mechanical sturdiness of the vertices, the most stressed part of the capsids.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, the structural, material properties of herpes simplex virus 1 were investigated. The capsid of herpes simplex virus is built up of a variety of proteins, and we scrutinized the influence of two of these proteins on the stability of the capsid. For this, we used a scanning force microscope that makes detailed, topographic images of the particles and that is able to perform mechanical deformation measurements. Using this approach, we revealed that both studied proteins play an essential role in viral stability. These new insights support us in forming a complete view on viral structure and furthermore could possibly help not only to develop specific antivirals but also to build protein shells with improved stability for drug delivery purposes.
Improving the Expression and Purification of Soluble, Recombinant Native-Like HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers by Targeted Sequence Changes
Authors: Ringe Rajesh P. , Ozorowski Gabriel , Yasmeen Anila , Cupo Albert , Cruz Portillo Victor M. , Pugach Pavel , Golabek Michael , Rantalainen Kimmo , Holden Lauren G. , Cottrell Christopher A. , Wilson Ian A. , Sanders Rogier W. , Ward Andrew B. , Klasse P. J. , Moore John P.
Published: April 2017

Soluble, recombinant native-like envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers of various human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotypes are being developed for structural studies and as vaccine candidates aimed at the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). The prototypic design is designated SOSIP.664, but many HIV-1
env
genes do not yield fully native-like trimers efficiently. One such
env
gene is CZA97.012 from a neutralization-resistant (tier 2) clade C virus. As appropriately purified, native-like CZA97.012 SOSIP.664 trimers induce autologous neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) efficiently in immunized rabbits, we sought to improve the efficiency with which they can be produced and to better understand the limitations to the original design. By using structure- and antigenicity-guided mutagenesis strategies focused on the V2 and V3 regions and the gp120-gp41 interface, we developed the CZA97 SOSIP.v4.2-M6.IT construct. Fully native-like, stable trimers that display multiple bNAb epitopes could be expressed from this construct in a stable CHO cell line and purified at an acceptable yield using either a PGT145 or a 2G12 bNAb affinity column. We also show that similar mutagenesis strategies can be used to improve the yields and properties of SOSIP.664 trimers of the DU422, 426c, and 92UG037 genotypes.

IMPORTANCE
Recombinant trimeric proteins based on HIV-1
env
genes are being developed for future vaccine trials in humans. A feature of these proteins is their mimicry of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) structure on virus particles that is targeted by neutralizing antibodies, i.e., antibodies that prevent cells from becoming infected. The vaccine concept under exploration is that recombinant trimers may be able to elicit virus-neutralizing antibodies when delivered as immunogens. Because HIV-1 is extremely variable, a practical vaccine may need to incorporate Env trimers derived from multiple different virus sequences. Accordingly, we need to understand how to make recombinant trimers from many different
env
genes. Here, we show how to produce trimers from a clade C virus, CZA97.012, by using an array of protein engineering techniques to improve a prototypic construct. We also show that the methods may have wider utility for other
env
genes, thereby further guiding immunogen design.
Delayed presentation of button battery ingestion: a devastating complication
Authors: Chessman Robert , Verkerk Misha , Hewitt Richard , Eze Nneka
Published: April 2017

A 12-month-old child presented with a prolonged history of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, which was initially treated as bronchiolitis. She was discharged but presented again to Accident and Emergency department 4 days later with worsening symptom. Following deterioration in the Emergency department, a chest X-ray revealed a button battery in the upper oesophagus. Emergency oesophagoscopy was performed where a 20 mm button battery was removed and a tracheoesophageal fistula was seen 12 mm above the carina. Near total oesophagectomy, cervical oesophagostomy and gastrostomy were performed with a patch repair of the trachea, followed by a bioabsorbable tracheal stent. The patient spent a prolonged period of time in intensive care and was treated with intravenous antibiotics for mediastinitis. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosis of button batteries when there is no clear history and the devastating consequences of prolonged exposure.
miRNA-132 induces hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidaemia by synergistic multitarget suppression
Authors: Hanin Geula , Yayon Nadav , Tzur Yonat , Haviv Rotem , Bennett Estelle R , Udi Shiran , Krishnamoorthy Yoganathan R , Kotsiliti Eleni , Zangen Rivka , Efron Ben , Tam Joseph , Pappo Orit , Shteyer Eyal , Pikarsky Eli , Heikenwalder Mathias , Greenberg David S , Soreq Hermona
Published: April 2017

Objective

Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the multitarget complexity of microRNA (miR) suppression have recently raised much interest, but the in vivo impact and context-dependence of hepatic miR-target interactions are incompletely understood. Assessing the relative in vivo contributions of specific targets to miR-mediated phenotypes is pivotal for investigating metabolic processes.

Design

We quantified fatty liver parameters and the levels of miR-132 and its targets in novel transgenic mice overexpressing miR-132, in liver tissues from patients with NAFLD, and in diverse mouse models of hepatic steatosis. We tested the causal nature of miR-132 excess in these phenotypes by injecting diet-induced obese mice with antisense oligonucleotide suppressors of miR-132 or its target genes, and measured changes in metabolic parameters and transcripts.

Results

Transgenic mice overexpressing miR-132 showed a severe fatty liver phenotype and increased body weight, serum low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein (LDL/VLDL) and liver triglycerides, accompanied by decreases in validated miR-132 targets and increases in lipogenesis and lipid accumulation-related transcripts. Likewise, liver samples from both patients with NAFLD and mouse models of hepatic steatosis or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) displayed dramatic increases in miR-132 and varying decreases in miR-132 targets compared with controls. Furthermore, injecting diet-induced obese mice with anti-miR-132 oligonucleotides, but not suppressing its individual targets, reversed the hepatic miR-132 excess and hyperlipidemic phenotype.

Conclusions

Our findings identify miR-132 as a key regulator of hepatic lipid homeostasis, functioning in a context-dependent fashion via suppression of multiple targets and with cumulative synergistic effects. This indicates reduction of miR-132 levels as a possible treatment of hepatic steatosis.