bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the comparison between differential vibrational spectroscopy spectra and theoretical data in the carboxyl region of photosystem II
Authors: Capone Matteo , Narzi Daniele , Tychengulova Aliya , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: February 2019

Understanding the structural modification experienced by the Mn4CaO5 oxygen‐evolving complex of photosystem II along the Kok‐Joliot's cycle has been a challenge for both theory and experiments since many decades. In particular, differential infrared spectroscopy was extensively used to probe the surroundings of the reaction center, to catch spectral changes between different S‐states along the catalytic cycle. Because of the complexity of the signals, only a limited quantity of identified peaks have been assigned so far, also because of the difficulty of a direct comparison with theoretical calculations. In the present work, we critically reconsider the comparison between differential vibrational spectroscopy and theoretical calculations performed on the structural models of the photosystem II active site and an inorganic structural mimic. Several factors are currently limiting the reliability of a quantitative comparison, such as intrinsic errors associated to theoretical methods, and most of all, the uncertainty attributed to the lack of knowledge about the localization of the underlying structural changes. Critical points in this comparison are extensively discussed. Comparing several computational data of differential S2/S1 infrared spectroscopy, we have identified weak and strong points in their interpretation when compared with experimental spectra.
When Do Municipal Consolidations Reduce Government Expenditures? Evidence on the Role of Local Involvement
Authors: Mughan Siân
Published: February 2019

Higher levels of government motivate municipal consolidations as a tool to increase efficiency in the local government sector, yet research shows that consolidations typically fail to deliver the promised spending reductions. Since mergers often require significant changes to institutional structures, one explanation is that local decision makers can substantially influence the outcomes of the consolidation process. To explore this possibility, this article contrasts “encouraged but voluntary” mergers with those that were “forced” on local governments in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Results show that voluntary mergers resulted in a 10 percent decline in total per capita expenditures, but forced consolidations failed to reduce spending across the board. The policy conclusion is that decision makers considering structural reform should invest in obtaining the support and participation of local government decision makers.
Subnational Government Performance: Testing Multiple Dimensions of Governors' Experience
Authors: Olvera Johabed G. , Avellaneda Claudia N.
Published: February 2019

This article tests whether governors' work experience explains their state performance. Although the experience‐performance relationship has been researched, empirical studies report inconsistent results. This inconsistency might be due to the dissimilar conceptualization and operationalization of the work experience construct, for it can be conceptualized in qualitative or quantitative components. To address this disparity, the authors follow Tesluk and Jacob's conceptualization by operationalizing gubernatorial experience across three dimensions: type (qualitative component), number of jobs, and years of work experience (quantitative component). The study tests the moderating effects of state context (level of violence) on the experience‐performance relationship, relying on data derived from 32 Mexican states over 16 years. Education outputs (high school enrollment) and health outcomes (infant mortality rate) are used to assess state performance. Results indicate that only the qualitative dimension of governors' work experience boosts state performance by reducing infant mortality and increasing high school enrollment. However, this positive effect is undermined by state violence. The number of jobs decreases gubernatorial performance, magnified by the degree of state violence.
The 19th‐century Kitzur Shulhan Arukh: The story of a classic manual of Jewish law
Authors: Marienberg Evyatar
Published: February 2019

This article explores the history of the Kitzur Shulhan Arukh, one of the most popular manuals of Jewish law ever written.
Efficacy of corticosteroid and intravenous cyclophosphamide in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Hozumi Hironao , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Miyashita Koichi , Yasui Hideki , Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Hashimoto Dai , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Yokomura Koshi , Nakamura Hidenori , Suda Takafumi
Published: February 2019

Background and objective

Acute exacerbation (AE) is a leading cause of death in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although optimal treatment for AE‐IPF remains unclear, high‐dose corticosteroids (CS) with/without immunosuppressants, including intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCY), are often used as empirical therapy. However, the survival benefit of adding IVCY to CS therapy is unknown. We investigated the efficacy of this therapy in patients with AE‐IPF.

Methods

Overall, 102 consecutive patients with IPF with a first idiopathic AE were included. Post‐AE survival rates and treatment safety were retrospectively assessed. Efficacy of CS + IVCY therapy for the first AE was compared with that of CS monotherapy using a propensity score‐matched analysis.

Results

The post‐AE 90‐day survival rate of the entire cohort was 64.7%. On the basis of the propensity scores, 26 matched patient pairs were made. Characteristics of matched patients with AE‐IPF treated with CS (matched CS group) and those with CS + IVCY (matched CS + IVCY group) were well balanced. No significant between‐group differences were observed in post‐AE 90‐day survival rates (84.6% vs 76.9%; P = 0.70), cumulative survival rates (P = 0.57 by log‐rank test) or incidence of adverse events ≥ CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) v5.0 grade 3 (61.5% vs 65.4%; P = 1.00).

Conclusion

The propensity score‐matched analysis demonstrated that compared with CS monotherapy, CS + IVCY therapy did not significantly improve post‐AE survival in patients with AE‐IPF. Further studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of CS + IVCY therapy for AE‐IPF.
Pathophysiology, causes and genetics of paediatric and adult bronchiectasis
Authors: Bush Andrew , Floto R. Andres
Published: February 2019

Bronchiectasis has historically been considered to be irreversible dilatation of the airways, but with modern imaging techniques it has been proposed that ‘irreversible’ be dropped from the definition. The upper limit of normal for the ratio of airway to arterial development increases with age, and a developmental perspective is essential. Bronchiectasis (and persistent bacterial bronchitis, PBB) is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis, and should be the start not the end of the patient's diagnostic journey. PBB, characterized by airway infection and neutrophilic inflammation but without significant airway dilatation may be a precursor of bronchiectasis, and there are many commonalities in the microbiology and the pathology, which are reviewed in this article. A high index of suspicion is essential, and a history of chronic wet or productive cough for more than 4–8 weeks should prompt investigation. There are numerous underlying causes of bronchiectasis, although in many cases no cause is found. Causes include post‐infectious, especially after tuberculosis, adenoviral or pertussis infection; aspiration syndromes; defects in host defence, which may solely affect the airways (cystic fibrosis, not considered in this review, and primary ciliary dyskinesia); and primary ciliary dyskinesia or be systemic, such as common variable immunodeficiency; genetic syndromes; and anatomical defects such as intraluminal airway obstruction (e.g. foreign body), intramural obstruction (e.g. complete cartilage rings) and external airway compression (e.g. by tuberculous lymph nodes). Identification of the underlying cause is important, because some of these conditions have specific treatments and others genetic implications for the family.
Estimation of the Von Bertalanffy Growth Model When Ages are Measured With Error
Authors: Dey Rajib , Cadigan Noel , Zheng Nan
Published: February 2019

The Von Bertalanffy (VB) growth function specifies the length of a fish as a function of its age. However, in practice, age is measured with error which introduces problems when estimating the VB model parameters. We study the structural errors-in-variables (SEV) approach to account for measurement error in age. In practice the gamma distribution is often used for unobserved true ages in the SEV approach. We investigate whether SEV VB parameter estimators are robust to the gamma approximation of the distribution of true ages. By robust we mean a lack of bias due to measurement error and model misspecification. Our results demonstrate that this method is not robust. We propose a flexible parametric normal mixture distribution for the true ages to reduce this bias. We investigate the performance of this approach through extensive simulation studies and a published data set. Computer code to implement the model is provided.
The Role of Trade Policies in Building Regional Value Chains – Some Preliminary Evidence From Africa
Authors: Slany Anja
Published: February 2019

Regional value chains (RVCs) are considered as an important step towards greater integration into global value chains (GVCs), but African countries trade very little value added with each other. Based on the UNCTAD‐Eora GVC database, this paper estimates a panel model from 2006 to 2012 for 37 African countries and sheds light on the role of trade costs in building RVCs in Africa. First evidence is provided for a significantly negative effect on foreign value added of charged tariffs on capital goods and higher time to trade. In addition, higher regulatory quality and a stronger telecommunication infrastructure seem to be positively correlated with a country's ability to participate in RVCs.
Dads Tuning in to Kids: A randomized controlled trial of an emotion socialization parenting program for fathers
Authors: Havighurst Sophie S. , Wilson Katherine R. , Harley Ann E. , Kehoe Christiane E.
Published: February 2019

Fathers play an important role in shaping their children’s emotional competence although most literature has focused on the influence of mothers. Dads Tuning in to Kids (Dads TIK) is a parenting program that teaches fathers to coach their children in learning about emotions, while also helping fathers increase awareness and regulation of their own emotions. A randomized controlled efficacy trial of Dads TIK was conducted with a community sample of 162 fathers of a 4‐year‐old child attending preschool in Melbourne, Australia. Those allocated to the intervention attended a seven‐session manualized group program. Questionnaires were completed by fathers, the fathers’ partners and the children’s teachers at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Results were that fathers in the intervention condition but not control condition reported significant increases in emotion socialization, parenting satisfaction and efficacy, and reductions in their children’s difficult behaviors. Partners of fathers in the intervention condition reported reductions in their own emotion dismissing parenting and improvements in psychological well‐being. Partners and teachers reported significant improvements in children’s behavior across both intervention and control conditions. These findings suggest a father‐focused program appears to lead to changes in fathers’ emotion socialization skills that may have benefits for partners’ functioning and children’s behavior.
Post‐transcriptional adaptation of the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza under stress and hormonal stimuli
Authors: Fourounjian Paul , Tang Jie , Tanyolac Bahattin , Feng Yaping , Gelfand Brian , Kakrana Atul , Tu Min , Wakim Chris , Meyers Blake C. , Ma Jiong , Messing Joachim
Published: February 2019

The Lemnaceae family comprises aquatic plants of angiosperms gaining attention due to their utility in wastewater treatment, and rapid production of biomass that can be used as feed, fuel, or food. Moreover, it can serve as a model species for neotenous growth and environmental adaptation. The latter properties are subject to post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression, meriting investigation of how miRNAs in Spirodela polyrhiza, the most basal and most thoroughly sequenced member of the family, are expressed under different growth conditions. To further scientific understanding of its capacity to adapt to environmental cues, we measured miRNA expression and processing of their target sequences under different temperatures, and in the presence of abscisic acid, copper, kinetin, nitrate, and sucrose. Using two small RNA sequencing experiments and one degradome sequencing experiment, we provide evidence for 108 miRNAs. Sequencing cleaved mRNAs validated 42 conserved miRNAs with 83 targets and 24 novel miRNAs regulating 66 targets and created a list of 575 predicted and verified targets. These analyses revealed condition‐induced changes in miRNA expression and cleavage activity, and resulted in the addition of stringently reviewed miRNAs to miRBase. This combination of small RNA and degradome sequencing provided not only high confidence predictions of conserved and novel miRNAs and targets, but also a view of the post‐transcriptional regulation of adaptations. A unique aspect is the role of miR156 and miR172 expression and activity in its clonal propagation and neoteny. Additionally, low levels of 24 nt sRNAs were observed, despite the lack of recent retrotransposition.
Melanin processing by keratinocytes: A non‐microbial type of host‐pathogen interaction?
Authors: Moreiras Hugo , Lopes‐da‐Silva Mafalda , Seabra Miguel C. , Barral Duarte C.
Published: February 2019

The mechanisms that regulate skin pigmentation have been the subject of intense research in recent decades. In contrast with melanin biogenesis and transport within melanocytes, little is known about how melanin is transferred and processed within keratinocytes. Several models have been proposed for how melanin is transferred, with strong evidence supporting coupled exo/endocytosis. Recently, two reports suggest that upon internalization, melanin is stored within keratinocytes in an arrested compartment, allowing the pigment to persist for long periods. In this commentary, we identify a striking parallelism between melanin processing within keratinocytes and the host‐pathogen interaction with Plasmodium, opening new avenues to understand the complex molecular mechanisms that ensure skin pigmentation and photoprotection.
Reversal of the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor by simulated platelet transfusion
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Xu Ke , Mei Lianlian , Zhu Hui , Li Jimin , Wang Fei , Yang Lu , Zhang Jing , Fan Yuansheng , Zou Fengwei , Niles Kelecia , Eikelboom John W. , Li Chunjian
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Reversal of antiplatelet therapy is desirable in patients presenting with life‐threatening bleeding or requiring urgent surgery. This study aimed to examine ticagrelor reversal using donor platelets and to explore the effects of residual ticagrelor on donor platelets.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In Cohort 1, 16 healthy subjects were treated with ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily alone or in combination with aspirin 100 mg once daily for 7 days followed by single blood sampling for preparation of platelet‐rich plasma. An additional 16 healthy subjects served as controls. In Cohort 2, 16 healthy subjects were treated with ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or clopidogrel 75 mg once daily for 7 days followed by serial blood samplings for preparation of platelet‐poor plasma (PPP). An additional 16 healthy subjects served as controls.

RESULTS

In Cohort 1, inhibition of adenosine diphosphate–induced platelet aggregation (PLADP) by ticagrelor could not be fully reversed by mixing with up to 90% control platelets, whereas inhibition of arachidonic acid–induced platelet aggregation by aspirin was fully reversed with the addition of 60% control platelets. In Cohort 2, 10% PPP obtained from ticagrelor‐treated subjects reduced PLADP from 74% to 40% at 2 hours, 72% to 58% at 6 hours, and 73% to 59% at 10 hours, while 10% or 20% PPP obtained from clopidogrel‐treated subjects did not inhibit PLADP.

CONCLUSION

The antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor cannot be fully reversed by donor platelets, which could be explained by the presence of active drug. The effect of residual drug on donor platelets appears to be evident for at least 10 hours after ticagrelor ingestion.
Ventral mandibulectomy for removal of oral tumours in the dog: Surgical technique and results in 19 cases
Authors: de Mello Souza Carlos H. , Bacon Nicholas , Boston Sarah , Randall Victoria , Wavreille Vincent , Skinner Owen
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe in detail a novel ventral approach for mandibulectomy and the results in 19 dogs. The medical records of 19 dogs that received a partial or total unilateral mandibulectomy with the new ventral approach were reviewed. Information obtained included signalment, tumour type, extent of mandibulectomy, removal of regional lymph nodes, intrasurgical complications, immediate postoperative complications, histopathological diagnosis and study of margins. Intrasurgical complication occurred in one dog (haemorrhage) and required a blood transfusion. Postoperative morbidity was minor and included transient ventral cervical swelling and self‐limiting sublingual swelling (two dogs). All 19 animals were discharged between 24 and 48 hours of the procedure, and appetite was considered normal at discharge. Some perceived advantages of this procedure include easy identification of all the important anatomic structures in the area, including the inferior alveolar artery and temporo‐mandibular joint, and the fact that osteotomy of the zygomatic arch is not necessary (in case of caudal mandibulectomy). In addition, dissection of both mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes is easily achieved by caudal extension of the same skin incision.
Antigens under cover—The preservation and demasking of selected antigens for successful poststaining immunocytochemistry of effusion, brain smears, and lymph node aspirates
Authors: Dörfelt Stefanie , Matiasek Lara A. , Felten Sandra , Sangl Laura , Hartmann Katrin , Matiasek Kaspar
Published: February 2019

Background

In clinical cytology, the applicability of an ancillary test such as immunocytochemistry is too often limited by low sample volume, poor cell representation, and sample preservation. Diagnosticians often read Romanowsky‐stained cytology, although specific techniques such as immunocytochemistry are often essential for a definitive diagnosis.

Objectives

The goal of the present study aimed to investigate if immunocytochemistry on previously‐stained cytologic specimens was possible. Different pretreatments were examined to determine which treatment preserved antigenicity best.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐two impression smears and 64 fine‐needle aspirate preparations of brain and lymph nodes were processed and evaluated microscopically. The impact of staining cytologic preparations with a modified Wright's stain, using a destaining method, performing a coverslipping and decoverslipping process, and subjecting smears to a microwave treatment (MWT) were examined for the immunolabeling of selected nuclear, cytoplasmic, and plasmalemmal antigens, as well as intracellular feline coronavirus (FCoV). Biotinylated secondary antibodies were used, and the bound primary antibody was visualized using an ABC amplification kit.

Results

Cellular antigens were reliably detected with immunocytochemistry after smears were stained with a Romansky stain and were coverslipped early after staining and stayed coverslipped until immediately before immunolabeling. The staining intensity reached the same levels as that of the controls if the films underwent MWT in citrate buffer. In contrast, FCoV antigen detection was abolished after any physicochemical interference.

Conclusions

Poststaining immunocytochemistry represents a practical tool for additional investigations on prestained cytologic specimens when searching for cellular antigens. Paired untreated samples should be kept in case the workup requires testing for more vulnerable viral antigens.
Chondrogenic differentiation potential of adult and fetal equine cell types
Authors: Adam Emma N. , Janes Jennifer , Lowney Rachael , Lambert Joshua , Thampi Parvathy , Stromberg Arnold , MacLeod James N.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine the chondrogenic potential of cells derived from interzone tissue, the normal progenitor of articular cartilage during fetal development, compared to that of adult bone marrow‐derived and adipose‐derived mesenchymal cell isolates.

The objective of this study was to compare the chondrogenic potential of fetal musculoskeletal progenitor cells to adult cell types, which are currently used therapeutically to facilitate joint cartilage repair in equine clinical practice. The hypothesis tested was that cells derived from interzone tissue have a chondrogenic potential that exceeds that of adult bone marrow‐derived and adipose‐derived mesenchymal cell isolates.

Study design

In vitro study.

Animals

Six young adult horses (15–17 months of age) and 6 equine fetuses aged 45–46 days of gestation.

Methods

Three‐dimensional pellet cultures were established under chondrogenic conditions with fresh, primary cells isolated from adult (articular cartilage, bone marrow, adipose, dermis) and fetal (interzone, skeletal anlagen cartilage, dermis) tissues. Cellular morphology, pellet architecture, and proteoglycan synthesis were assessed in the pellet cultures. Steady state levels of ACAN (aggrecan core protein), COL2A1 (collagen type II), and COL1A1 (collagen type I) messenger RNA (mRNA) were compared among these cell types as pellet cultures and monolayer cultures.

Results

Adult articular chondrocytes, fetal interzone cells, and fetal anlage cells generated the largest pellets under these chondrogenic culture conditions. Pellets derived from adult articular chondrocytes and fetal anlage cells had the highest scores on a neocartilage grading scale. Fetal anlage and adult articular chondrocyte pellets had low steady‐state levels of COL1A mRNA but high COL2A1 expression. Anlage chondrocyte pellets also had the highest expression of ACAN.

Conclusion

Adult articular chondrocytes, fetal interzone cells, and fetal anlage chondrocytes exhibited the highest chondrogenic potential. In this study, adult adipose‐derived cells exhibited very limited chondrogenesis, and bone marrow‐derived cells had limited and variable chondrogenic potential.

Clinical significance

Additional investigation of the high chondrogenic potential of fetal interzone cells and anlage chondrocytes to advance cell‐based therapies in diarthrodial joints is warranted.
Evaluation of chilling injury and internal browning condition on quality attributes, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity during sub-optimal cold storage of malaysian cultivar pineapples
Authors: Dolhaji Noer Hartini , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Ya’akub Harisun , Abd Aziz Azila
Published: February 2019

Pineapple cold storage at sub-optimal temperature (4 ± 2 °C) and duration of storage (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) was periodically tracked to investigate its effect on physical injuries known as chilling injury (CI) and internal browning (IB), which contribute to degradation of pineapple’s quality attributes (i.e., pH, total soluble solids (TSS) concentration, ascorbic acid (AA) content, ion leakage (EL), antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content (TPC). In this study, three main Malaysian pineapple cultivars were evaluated based on the hypothesis that pineapple’s physical injuries (CI and IB) affect the quality attributes, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity.  Towards day 28 of sub-optimal cold storage treatment, cv. Morris (Queen) showed higher CI and IB incidences. However, the incidences were not statistically significant at a significance level of 0.05 in two other pineapple varieties cv. Josephine (hybrid, between ‘Johor’ Spanish and Smooth Cayenne) and cv. MD-2 or gold (the hybrid of Smooth Cayenne)), which exhibited resistance to CI and IB. Meanwhile, it was found that sub-optimal cold storage up to 28 days affects CI and IB of three main Malaysian pineapple cultivars regardless of their genetic capability towards these injuries. Further, the study revealed that CI and IB symptoms were correlated with a decrease in TSS and pH, and an increase in the percentage of EL, TPC, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant activities measured by FRAP and DPPH, respectively. Meanwhile, in terms of overall quality attributes result with focus interaction of TPC and antioxidant capacity, cv. MD-2 was observed to be impacted the most during sub-optimal cold storage. The study concluded that CI and IB conditions were positively correlated with the degradation of quality attributes as reflected in TSS content, pH, EL, TPC content, and total antioxidant capacity.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: February 2019

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS 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 7, Number 2Abdul Azim Akhtar, Independent Academic & Researcher, Delhi, IndiaAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalBassam Yousef Ibrahim Banat, Al-Quds University, PalestineElena Montanari, Politecnico Di Milano, ItalyEmilio Greco, Sapienza University of Rome, ItalyHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II,Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMałgorzata Haładewicz, Opole University of Technology, PolandMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMichael Brooks, North Carolina A&T State University, USAMickey Langlais, University of Nebraska – Kearney, USAQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education, Chhatisgarh-India, India
The Examination of Exercise Addiction Levels of University Students Studying in Health Field
Authors: Çakir Ergün
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the exercise addiction levels of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Vocational School of Health Services and Health Vocational School Students. The population of the study consisted of the students studying in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Health Services Vocational School and Health Vocational School. The Exercise Addiction Scale (ESS), eveloped by Tekkurşun Demir et al. (2018) was applied to the participants. Significant differences were found in comparisons (a) between age and over-focussing and change of emotion, (b) gender and postponement of individual-social needs and conflict, (c) regular sporting and conflict, (d) tolerance development and passion, (e) sporting frequency and over-focussing and change of emotion,(p <0.05). As a result, it was determined that age, sex, the frequency of doing sports and regular sporting affected exercise addiction.
NOX5: Molecular biology and pathophysiology
Authors: Touyz Rhian M. , Anagnostopoulou Aikaterini , Rios Francisco , Montezano Augusto C. , Camargo Livia L.
Published: February 2019

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review provides a comprehensive overview of Nox5 from basic biology to human disease and highlights unique features of this Nox isoform

What advances does it highlight?

Major advances in Nox5 biology relate to crystallization of the molecule and new insights into the pathophysiological role of Nox5. Recent discoveries have unravelled the crystal structure of Nox5, the first Nox isoform to be crystalized. This provides new opportunities to develop drugs or small molecules targeted to Nox5 in an isoform‐specific manner, possibly for therapeutic use. Moreover genome wide association studies (GWAS) identified Nox5 as a new blood pressure‐associated gene and studies in mice expressing human Nox5 in a cell‐specific manner have provided new information about the (patho) physiological role of Nox5 in the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Nox5 seems to be important in the regulation of vascular contraction and kidney function. In cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy, Nox5 activity is increased and this is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress implicated in tissue damage.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (Nox), comprise seven family members (Nox1–Nox5 and dual oxidase 1 and 2) and are major producers of reactive oxygen species in mammalian cells. Reactive oxygen species are crucially involved in cell signalling and function. All Noxs share structural homology comprising six transmembrane domains with two haem‐binding regions and an NADPH‐binding region on the intracellular C‐terminus, whereas their regulatory systems, mechanisms of activation and tissue distribution differ. This explains the diverse function of Noxs. Of the Noxs, NOX5 is unique in that rodents lack the gene, it is regulated by Ca2+, it does not require NADPH oxidase subunits for its activation, and it is not glycosylated. NOX5 localizes in the perinuclear and endoplasmic reticulum regions of cells and traffics to the cell membrane upon activation. It is tightly regulated through numerous post‐translational modifications and is activated by vasoactive agents, growth factors and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The exact pathophysiological significance of NOX5 remains unclear, but it seems to be important in the physiological regulation of sperm motility, vascular contraction and lymphocyte differentiation, and NOX5 hyperactivation has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, kidney injury and cancer. The field of NOX5 biology is still in its infancy, but with new insights into its biochemistry and cellular regulation, discovery of the NOX5 crystal structure and genome‐wide association studies implicating NOX5 in disease, the time is now ripe to advance NOX5 research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of NOX5, from basic biology to human disease, and highlights the unique characteristics of this enigmatic Nox isoform.
Multirotor Systems Using Three Shrouded Wind Turbines for Power Output Increase
Authors: Watanabe Koichi , Ohya Yuji
Published: February 2019

Brimmed-diffuser augmented wind turbines (B-DAWTs) can significantly increase the performance of the rotor. Multirotor systems (MRSs) have a lot of merits such as significant saving mass and overall cost of the wind turbine system. In the present research, B-DAWTs are studied in a MRS. In wind tunnel experiments, the power output and aerodynamics of three B-DAWTs placed in close vicinity have been investigated. The results show a significant increase of up to 12% in total power output of the MRS with B-DAWTs compared to the sum of the stand-alone (SA) same turbines. The accelerated gap flows between B-DAWTs in a MRS cause lowered pressure regions due to vortex interaction behind the brimmed diffusers and draw more wind into turbines.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound versus MRI of the hands in healthy subjects – a pilot study
Authors: Micu Mihaela , Bolboaca Sorana D. , Rusu Georgeta M. , Crivii Carmen B. , Solomon Carolina M.
Published: February 2019

Aim: High resolution imaging methods detect a spectrum of inflammatory-like and structural modifications at joint and tendon level in healthy subjects. The knowledge of their extent and degree is important when subclinical disease activity (implying therapy reassessment) must be differentiated from normality. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) evaluation may be challenging even for experts when borderline or low grade lesions are present. Our objective was to analyse the frequency of inflammatory-like lesions in hand joint and tendons in healthy young subjects and to evaluate the concordance between MSUSand magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.Material and methods: Ten healthy young women (age range 24-32 years) clinically asymptomatic (joints and tendons) were selected to have bilateral hand MSUS and MRI evaluation. Based on current definitions, synovitis/tenosynovitis-like lesions, erosions, osteophytes and bone edema were quantified and concordance between the two imaging methods was calculated.Results: Overall, both imaging evaluation methods showed a low frequency of inflammatory-like and structural lesions. No joint presented power Doppler signal or erosions. No abnormalities suggestive for inflammatory or structural pathology were detected at the tendon compartments level. No erosions and no signs of osteitis were detected. The concordance between MSUS and MRI findings was high except for the wrist area.Conclusion: MSUS was demonstrated to be a very accurate imaging method, mostly for hand tendon evaluation. This would allow a better discrimination between normality and pathologic findings, adding supplementary information.
Atomic layer deposition of InN using trimethylindium and ammonia plasma
Authors: Deminskyi Petro , Rouf Polla , Ivanov Ivan G. , Pedersen Henrik
Published: February 2019

Indium nitride (InN) is a low bandgap, high electron mobility semiconductor material of interest to optoelectronics and telecommunication. Such applications require the deposition of uniform crystalline InN thin films on large area substrates, with deposition temperatures compatible with this temperature-sensitive material. As conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) struggles with the low temperature tolerated by the InN crystal, the authors hypothesize that a time-resolved, surface-controlled CVD route could offer a way forward for InN thin film deposition. In this work, the authors report atomic layer deposition of crystalline, wurtzite InN thin films using trimethylindium and ammonia plasma on Si(100). They found a narrow atomic layer deposition window of 240–260 °C with a deposition rate of 0.36 Å/cycle and that the flow of ammonia into the plasma is an important parameter for the crystalline quality of the film. X-ray diffraction measurements further confirmed the polycrystalline nature of InN thin films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show nearly stoichiometric InN with low carbon level (<1 at. %) and oxygen level (<5 at. %) in the film bulk. The low carbon level is attributed to a favorable surface chemistry enabled by the NH3 plasma. The film bulk oxygen content is attributed to oxidation upon exposure to air via grain boundary diffusion and possibly by formation of oxygen containing species in the plasma discharge.
Real-time in situ ellipsometric monitoring of aluminum nitride film growth via hollow-cathode plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition
Authors: Mohammad Adnan , Shukla Deepa , Ilhom Saidjafarzoda , Willis Brian , Johs Blaine , Okyay Ali Kemal , Biyikli Necmi
Published: February 2019

The authors report on the real-time monitoring of self-limiting aluminum nitride growth process by using multiwavelength in situ ellipsometry. Aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films were grown on Si(100) substrates via hollow-cathode plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (HCPA-ALD) using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and Ar/N2/H2 plasma as metal precursor and coreactant, respectively. Growth saturation experiments within 100–250 °C temperature range were carried out without interruption as extended single runs featuring 10-cycle subruns for each parameter change. The sensitivity of the multiwavelength ellipsometry provided sufficient resolution to observe not only the minuscule changes in the growth-per-cycle (GPC) parameter, but also the single chemical adsorption (chemisorption) and plasma-assisted ligand removal events. GPC values showed a slight increasing slope within 100–200 °C, followed by a stronger surge at 250 °C, signaling the onset of thermal decomposition. The real-time dynamic in situ monitoring revealed mainly the following insights into the HCPA-ALD process of AlN: (i) film growth rate and TMA chemisorption amount exhibited plasma power dependent saturation behavior, which was also correlated with the substrate temperature; (ii) time-dependent refractive index evolution indicated a nonconstant relationship: a faster increase within the first ∼100 cycles followed by a slower increase as the AlN film gets thicker; and (iii) a considerable improvement in crystallinity was observed when the substrate temperature exceeded 200 °C. Besides in situ optical characterization, ex situ optical, structural, and chemical characterization studies were also carried out on 500-cycle grown AlN films as a function of substrate temperature. All AlN samples displayed a single-phase wurtzite polycrystalline character with no detectable carbon and relatively low (<5%) oxygen content within the bulk of the films. Moreover, regardless of the deposition temperature, HCPA-ALD grown AlN films exhibited highly stoichiometric elemental composition.
An in-ear speech database in varying conditions of the audio-phonation loop
Authors: Bouserhal Rachel E. , Bernier Antoine , Voix Jérémie
Published: February 2019

With the rise of hearables and the advantages of using in-ear microphones with intra-aural devices, accessibility to an in-ear speech database in adverse conditions is essential. Speech captured inside the occluded ear is limited in its frequency bandwidth and has an amplified low frequency content. In addition, occluding the ear canal affects speech production, especially in noisy environments. These changes to speech production have a detrimental effect on speech-based algorithms. Yet, to the authors' knowledge, there are no speech databases that account for these changes. This paper presents a speech-in-ear database, of speech captured inside an occluded ear in noise and in quiet. The database is bilingual (in French and in English) and is intended to aid researchers in developing algorithms for intra-aural devices utilizing in-ear microphones.
Specifying the perceptual relevance of onset transients for musical instrument identification
Authors: Siedenburg Kai
Published: February 2019

Sound onsets are commonly considered to play a privileged role in the identification of musical instruments, but the underlying acoustic features remain unclear. By using sounds resynthesized with and without rapidly varying transients (not to be confused with the onset as a whole), this study set out to specify precisely the role of transients and quasi-stationary components in the perception of musical instrument sounds. In experiment 1, listeners were trained to identify ten instruments from 250 ms sounds. In a subsequent test phase, listeners identified instruments from 64 ms segments of sounds presented with or without transient components, either taken from the onset, or from the middle portion of the sounds. The omission of transient components at the onset impaired overall identification accuracy only by 6%, even though experiment 2 suggested that their omission was discriminable. Shifting the position of the gate from the onset to the middle portion of the tone impaired overall identification accuracy by 25%. Taken together, these findings confirm the prominent status of onsets in musical instrument identification, but suggest that rapidly varying transients are less indicative of instrument identity compared to the relatively slow buildup of sinusoidal components during onsets.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Antibiotic Treatment Duration for Bacteremia Due to
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Tansarli Giannoula S. , Andreatos Nikolaos , Pliakos Elina E. , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: February 2019

The duration of antibiotic therapy for bacteremia due to
Enterobacteriaceae
is not well defined. We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes with shorter- versus longer-course treatment.
The Indoor-Air Microbiota of Pig Farms Drives the Composition of the Pig Farmers’ Nasal Microbiota in a Season-Dependent and Farm-Specific Manner
Authors: Kraemer Julia G. , Aebi Susanne , Oppliger Anne , Hilty Markus
Published: February 2019

The airborne microbiota of pig farms poses a potential health hazard and impacts both livestock and humans working in this environment. Therefore, a more thorough understanding of the microbiota composition and dynamics in this setting is needed. This study was of a prospective design (12 months) and used samples from different sites. This means that the microbiota of air, animals (pigs), and humans was simultaneously investigated. Our findings highlight that the potential health hazard might be particularly high in winter compared to that in summer.
Embedding Bacillus velezensis NH-1 in Microcapsules for Biocontrol of Cucumber
Fusarium
Wilt
Authors: Luo Wenjian , Liu Lidong , Qi Gaofu , Yang Fan , Shi Xuanjie , Zhao Xiuyun
Published: February 2019

Bacillus
species are often used for the biocontrol of various plant pathogens, but the control efficiency of
Bacillus
is usually unstable in field experiments. To improve the control efficiency of
Bacillus
, in this study, microcapsules of
Bacillus velezensis
strain NH-1 were prepared using different wall materials (sodium alginate, chitosan, and cassava-modified starch). It was found that the control efficiency of alginate-coated monolayer microcapsules on
Fusarium
wilt was 100% in field experiments, which was higher than for NH-1 culture and double-layer and triple-layer microcapsules. This study provides a new approach for preparing a biocontrol agent against
Fusarium
wilt with high biocontrol efficiency.
Candida parapsilosis: from Genes to the Bedside
Authors: Tóth Renáta , Nosek Jozef , Mora-Montes Héctor M. , Gabaldon Toni , Bliss Joseph M. , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Turner Siobhán A. , Butler Geraldine , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Gácser Attila
Published: February 2019

Patients with suppressed immunity are at the highest risk for hospital-acquired infections. Among these, invasive candidiasis is the most prevalent systemic fungal nosocomial infection.
Interleukin-10 Produced by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Provides Protection to Carbapenem-ResistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeSequence Type 258 by Enhancing Its Clearance in the Airways
Authors: Peñaloza Hernán F. , Noguera Loreani P. , Ahn Danielle , Vallejos Omar P. , Castellanos Raquel M. , Vazquez Yaneisi , Salazar-Echegarai Francisco J. , González Liliana , Suazo Isidora , Pardo-Roa Catalina , Salazar Geraldyne A. , Prince Alice , Bueno Susan M.
Published: February 2019

Carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaesequence type 258 (CRKP-ST258) can cause chronic infections in lungs and airways, with repeated episodes of bacteremia. In this report we addressed whether the recruitment of myeloid cells producing the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) modulates the clearance of CKRP-ST258 in the lungs and establishes bacterial persistence.
Differential Recognition of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
OmpU by Toll-Like Receptors in Monocytes and Macrophages for the Induction of Proinflammatory Responses
Authors: Gulati Aakanksha , Kumar Ranjai , Mukhopadhaya Arunika
Published: February 2019

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a human pathogen, and it is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in coastal areas. OmpU is one of the major outer membrane porins of
V. parahaemolyticus
.
NK Cells Accumulate in Infected Tissues and Contribute to Pathogenicity of Ebola Virus in Mice
Authors: Fausther-Bovendo H. , Qiu X. , He S. , Bello A. , Audet J. , Ippolito G. , Wong G. , Kobinger G.
Published: February 2019

Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreaks can claim numerous lives and also devastate the local health infrastructure, as well as the economy, of affected countries. Lethal EBOV infection has been documented to decrease the levels of several immune cells in the blood that are necessary to defend the host. This decrease in immune cells is, however, not observed in individuals who survive EBOV infection. Having a better grasp of how these immune cells are lost is therefore of high importance to develop and improve new and existing therapeutics. The significance of our research is in identifying the mechanism responsible for the apparent loss of immune cells in lethal EBOV infection. This will allow therapeutic options aimed at preventing the loss of these immune cells, therefore allowing infected individuals to better fight the infection.
Culture of Clinical Specimens Reveals Extensive Diversity of Legionella pneumophila Strains in Arizona
Authors: Raphael Brian H. , Huynh Trung , Brown Ellen , Smith Jessica C. , Ruberto Irene , Getsinger Linda , White Stacy , Winchell Jonas M.
Published: February 2019

Culture of clinical specimens from patients with Legionnaires’ disease is rarely performed, restricting our understanding of the diversity and ecology of
Legionella
. Culture of
Legionella
from patient specimens in Arizona revealed a greater proportion of non-serogroup 1
Legionella
pneumophila
isolates than in other U.S. isolates examined. Disease caused by such isolates may go undetected using other diagnostic methods. Moreover, genome sequence analysis revealed that these isolates were genetically diverse, and understanding these populations may help in future environmental source attribution studies.
Secretory Microneme Proteins Induce T-Cell Recall Responses in Mice Chronically Infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Saraav Iti , Wang Qiuling , Brown Kevin M. , Sibley L. David
Published: February 2019

Current diagnosis of toxoplasmosis relies almost exclusively on antibody detection, and while detection of IgG provides a useful estimate of prior infection, it does not alone indicate immune status. In contrast, detection of IFN-γ responses toT. gondiiantigens has been used to monitor immune responsiveness in HIV-infected patients, thus providing valuable predictions about the potential for disease reactivation. However, specificT. gondiiantigens that can be used in assays to detect cellular immunity remain largely undefined. In this study, we examined the diagnostic potential of microneme antigens ofT. gondiiusing IFN-γ detection assays. Our findings demonstrate that MIC antigens (MIC1, MIC3, MIC4, and MIC6) elicit IFN-γ responses from memory T cells in chronically infected mice. Monitoring IFN-γ production by T cells stimulated with MIC antigens provided high sensitivity and specificity for detection ofT. gondiiinfection in mice. Taken together, these studies suggest that microneme antigens might be useful as an adjunct to serological testing to monitor immune status during infection.
Vitamin D supplementation: are multivitamins sufficient?
Authors: Moon Rebecca J , Curtis Elizabeth M , Cooper Cyrus , Davies Justin H , Harvey Nicholas C
Published: February 2019

Background

Public Health England advises 400 IU/day vitamin D supplementation for children over 1 year. Commercially available children’s multivitamin and vitamin D supplements were surveyed to determine the vitamin D content.

Methods

Multivitamins and vitamin D supplements marketed at children <12 years and sold by nine UK supermarkets and health supplement retailers were surveyed. Vitamin D content was determined from manufacturer’s websites and product packaging.

Results

67 multivitamins were surveyed, containing 0–800 IU/day vitamin D. Only 25%–36%, depending on the child’s age, provided ≥400 IU/day vitamin D. Supplements containing only vitamin D or labelled as for ‘healthy bones’ typically had higher vitamin D content (57%–67% contained ≥400 IU/day).

Conclusions

Few multivitamin products supply the recommended 400 IU/day vitamin D. Clinicians need to be aware of this when recommending vitamin D supplementation and advise parents/carers to choose a product that contains ≥400 IU/day vitamin D.