bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trypanosoma cruzi biochemical changes and cell death induced by an organometallic platinum‐based compound
Authors: Mosquillo M. Florencia , Bilbao Lucía , Hernández Fabricio , Tissot Florencia , Gambino Dinorah , Garat Beatriz , Pérez‐Díaz Leticia
Published: May 2018

Chagas disease is an endemic illness in Latin America caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Current chemotherapies are old and inadequate, and the emergence of drug‐resistant strains underscores the need of new drugs. Platinum‐based complexes have been shown to be a promising approach against parasitic diseases. In this work, the effect of 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene pyridine‐2‐thiolate‐1‐oxide Pt(II) hexafluorophosphate, Pt‐dppf‐mpo, was studied on T. cruzi. A promising antitrypanosomal activity was determined for the CL Brener strain with a low cytotoxicity determined using in vitro‐cultured mammal cells. The compound uptake in parasites treated with concentrations of 1× and 10× the IC50 value reached ~75% and 19%, respectively. Pt‐dppf‐mpo induced necrosis after 24 hr of parasite incubation. This event was preceded by depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell vitality assays showed high esterase activity in treated parasites. However, despite this increase in metabolic activity, treated epimastigotes showed rounded morphology and loss of flagellum with a reduction in mobility as compound concentration and/or time of incubation was increased. At last, we demonstrate that Pt‐dppf‐mpo incubation also affects the trypomastigote infection process as well as the infection persistence evaluated as the number of amastigotes per cell in a dose‐dependent manner.
BCL-2 levels do not predict azathioprine treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease, but inhibition induces lymphocyte apoptosis and ameliorates colitis in mice
Authors: Weder B , Mozaffari M , Biedermann L , Mamie C , Moncsek A , Wang L , Clarke S H , Rogler G , McRae B L , Graff C L , Ruiz P A , Hausmann M
Published: May 2018

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inflammation is sustained by an exaggerated response of lymphocytes. This results from enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma (BCL-2) and BCL-XL associated with a diminished turnover. Azathioprine (AZA) directly targets BCL-2 family-mediated apoptosis. We investigated whether the BCL-2 family expression pattern could be used to predict treatment response to AZA and determined whether BCL-2 inhibitor A-1211212 effectively diminishes lymphocytes and ameliorates inflammation in a model of colitis. BCL-2 family expression pattern was determined by next-generation sequencing (NGS). BCL-2 inhibitor was administered orally to Il10-/- mice. Haematological analyses were performed with an ADVIA 2120 and changes in immune cells were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). We determined similar expression levels of BCL-2 family members in patients with remission and patients refractory to treatment, showing that BCL-2 family expression can not predict AZA treatment response. Expression was not correlated with the modified Truelove and Witts activity index (MTWAI). BCL-2 inhibitor initiated cell death in T cells from patients refractory to AZA and reduced lymphocyte count in Il10-/- mice. FACS revealed diminished CD8+ T cells upon BCL-2 inhibitor in Il10-/- mice without influencing platelets. Tnf, Il1β, IfnƔ and Mcp-1 were decreased upon BCL-2 inhibitor. A-1211212 positively altered the colonic mucosa and ameliorated inflammation in mice. Pro-apoptotic BCL-2 inhibitor A-1211212 diminishes lymphocytes and ameliorates colitis in Il10-/- mice without inducing thrombocytopenia. BCL-2 inhibition could be a new therapy option for patients refractory to AZA.
Predator size divergence depends on community context
Authors: Okuzaki Yutaka , Sota Teiji
Published: May 2018

Body size is a multi‐functional trait related to various fitness components, but the relative importance of different selection pressures is seldom resolved. InCarabus japonicusbeetles, of which the larvae exclusively prey on earthworms, adult body size is related to the presence/absence of a larger congener and habitat temperature. In sympatry,C. japonicusconsistently exhibits smaller body size which is effective for avoiding interspecific mating, but in allopatry, it shows size variation unrelated to temperature. Here, we show that this predator–size variation is attributed to prey–size variation, associated with high phylogenetic diversity in earthworm communities. In allopatry, the predator size was larger where larger prey occurred. Larger adult size may have been selected because larger females produce larger larvae, which can subdue larger prey. Thus, in the absence of a larger congener, variation in prey body size had a pronounced effect on geographic body size divergence inC. japonicus.
Microstructure evolution in flow formed IN 718 products and subsequent fatigue crack growth properties
Authors: Bache M.R. , Coleman C. , Coleman M.P. , Gray V. , Boettcher C.
Published: May 2018

With the drive towards cost‐effective routes for the manufacture of engineering components, flow forming technologies are now under consideration for the production of structural axisymmetric geometries such as tubes and cones. This near net shape process is known to offer improvements in material utilisation when compared with traditional processes where substantial final machining is required. The microstructure, evolved as a result of the flow forming process together with subsequent heat treatments, will govern associated mechanical properties. Laboratory measurements of the structure‐property relationships of flow formed material can be problematic, mainly because of the restrictions imposed on the extraction of conventional specimen geometries since most of the finished tubular or cone structures will contain thin and curved walls. The development of a suitable specimen design and associated test technique for the measurement of fatigue crack growth rates at room and elevated temperatures is presented. Data obtained from flow formed Inconel 718 (IN 718) will be compared with specimens of the exact same geometry but machined from conventionally forged IN 718 stock. This allowed for validation of the novel flow formed test in addition to an assessment of the damage tolerance of the flow formed variant. The intimate relationship between local microstructure and fracture mechanisms will be described.
Effect of microstructural features on the failure behavior of hybrid laser welded AA7020
Authors: Hu Y.N. , Wu S.C. , Song Z. , Fu Y.N. , Yuan Q.X. , Zhang L.L.
Published: May 2018

Detailed investigations of microstructural feature, mechanical property, fatigue strength, and damage mechanism were conducted on hybrid laser welded 7020‐T651 aluminum alloys used into high‐speed railway vehicles. The results show that the hybrid laser welding process can induce significant changes of microstructures and alloying elements, together with numerous gas pores. Such local modifications degrade the fatigue performance. The tensile strength of welded joints was approximately 74% with respect to the base metal, thus satisfying the design standard. The fatigue property was determined in the low and high cycle regimes. It was found that the fatigue strength of welded joints was fairly inferior to that of the base metal, but far higher than the IIW recommended value. Furthermore, welding defects were well believed to contribute to the shorter fatigue life. The small fatigue crack growth presented highly discontinuous and inhomogeneous due to microstructure and porosity. By contrast, the crack stable growth stage was less sensitive to microstructural features of hybrid welded joints.
Research on Fathers in the Military Context: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Karre Jennifer K. , Perkins Daniel F. , Aronson Keith R.
Published: May 2018

Fathering in the military context has been studied for decades. The general approach to this research has mirrored the way in which civilian fathering was studied, with an original emphasis on the deficiencies among fathers as parents, eventually giving way to examining the benefits of father involvement. Largely in the past decade, research has begun to examine the strengths of military fathers and how they can thrive as parents even as they live in a challenging work context. This review examines the literature on fathering in the military. In addition, the article encourages future research on military fathers to use more of a strengths‐based approach. Moreover, virtually nothing is known about civilian fathers who coparent with a service member. Future research should address this gap in understanding the full range of military family formations.
Relational Dialectics Theory: A New Approach for Military and Veteran‐Connected Family Research
Authors: Sahlstein Parcell Erin , Baker Benjamin M. A.
Published: May 2018

Military and veteran‐connected family scholarship focusing on transitions has a lengthy history across disciplines. Much of this research involves normative military families (i.e., a service member husband and civilian wife with biological children); however, military families are diverse, due in part to societal and military policy changes (e.g., marriage equality; repeal of “don't ask, don't tell”). Although theories used in the past might still apply, we argue that critical theories are useful, even necessary, for studying the experiences of normative and nonnormative military families (e.g., those with same gender spouses or parents, stepfamilies), as both are nontraditional relative to their civilian counterparts. We share an approach developed within communication, relational dialectics theory (RDT), that focuses on power from a critical perspective and offers ideas for potential positive social change. RDT also provides contrapuntal analysis, a method ideal for studying relational turning points and transitional periods of military and veteran‐connected families.
Using Base Rate of Low Scores to Identify Progression from Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Oltra‐Cucarella Javier , Sánchez‐SanSegundo Miriam , Lipnicki Darren M , Sachdev Perminder S , Crawford John D , Pérez‐Vicente José A , Cabello‐Rodríguez Luis , Ferrer‐Cascales Rosario ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the implications of obtaining one or more low scores on a battery of cognitive tests on diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

DESIGN

Observational longitudinal study.

SETTING

Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

PARTICIPANTS

Normal controls (NC, n = 280) and participants with MCI (n = 415) according to Petersen criteria were reclassified using the Jak/Bondi criteria and number of impaired tests (NIT) criteria.

MEASUREMENTS

Diagnostic statistics and hazard ratios of progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) were compared according to diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The NIT criteria were a better predictor of progression to AD than the Petersen or Jak/Bondi criteria, with optimal sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value.

CONCLUSION

Considering normal variability in cognitive test performance when diagnosing MCI may help identify individuals at greatest risk of progression to AD with greater certainty.
Association between dietary carbohydrate quality and the prevalence of obesity and hypertension
Authors: Kim D.‐Y. , Kim S. H. , Lim H.
Published: May 2018

Background

Dietary carbohydrate quality may play an important role in disease development. We evaluated the association between carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and the prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders among adults in South Korea.

Methods

We analysed 12 027 adults aged 19–64 years from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). CQI was based on four criteria: crude fibre intake, dietary glycaemic index (DGI), whole grains/total grains ratio and solid carbohydrates/total carbohydrates ratio.

Results

Participants with a lower CQI were younger, had a lower income and were more likely to be smokers and to drink alcohol. The highest quintile CQI group showed the lowest DGI and the lowest consumption of liquid carbohydrates and refined grains, as well as the highest consumption of solid carbohydrates, crude fibre and whole grains (P < 0.05). A higher CQI was negatively associated with the prevalence of obesity (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval = 0.69–0.99) and hypertension (odds ratio = 0.78; 95% confidence interval = 0.61–0.99) but was not associated with other metabolic disorders.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the quality of carbohydrates consumed is associated with the risk of obesity and hypertension. However, the cross‐sectional design does not preclude reverse causality.
miR‐4725‐3p targeting stromal interacting molecule 1 signaling is involved in xanthohumol inhibition of glioma cell invasion
Authors: Ho Kuo‐Hao , Chang Cheng‐Kuei , Chen Peng‐Hsu , Wang Yu‐Jia , Chang Wei‐Chiao , Chen Ku‐Chung
Published: May 2018

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common brain tumor in adults. Because of its highly invasive nature, it is not easy to treat, resulting in high mortality rates. Stromal interacting molecule 1 (Stim1) plays important roles in regulating store‐operated Ca2+ entry, and controls invasion by cancer cells. However, the mechanisms and functions of Stim1 in glioma progression are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of targeting Stim1 expression on glioma cell invasion. By analyzing profiles of glioblastoma multiforme patients from RNA‐sequencing data in The Cancer Genome Atlas, higher expression levels of STIM1 were correlated with the poor survival. Furthermore, signaling pathways associated with tumor malignancy, including the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), were activated in patients with high STIM1 expression according to gene set enrichment analyses. Higher Stim1 levels were found in glioma cells compared to human astrocytes, and these higher levels enhanced glioma cell invasion. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid extracted from the hop plant Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae), significantly reduced cell invasion through inhibiting Stim1 expression. From an micro(mi)RNA array analysis, miR‐4725‐3p was up‐regulated by XN treatment. Over‐expression of miR‐4725‐3p inhibited glioma cell invasion via directly targeting the 3′‐untranslated region of STIM1. The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/c‐Fos pathway was also validated to participate in XN‐up‐regulated miR‐4725‐3p expression according to promoter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. These results emphasize that miR‐4725‐3p‐inhibited STIM1 signaling is involved in XN‐attenuated glioma cell invasion. These findings may provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for future glioblastoma therapy and drug development.

Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge. For more information see: https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/

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Early development of the human dentition revisited
Authors: Hovorakova Maria , Lesot Herve , Peterka Miroslav , Peterkova Renata
Published: May 2018

In this review, classical data on the early steps in human odontogenesis are summarized and updated with specific insights into the development of the upper and lower embryonic jaws to help in understanding some oral pathologies. The initial step of human odontogenesis is classically characterized by two parallel horseshoe‐shaped epithelial laminae. These originate from the oral epithelium and an ingrowth into the jaw mesenchyme: the internal dental lamina gives rise to deciduous tooth primordia, while the external vestibular lamina represents the developmental base of the oral vestibule. However, a more complex situation was revealed by recent studies combining analyses of the dental and adjacent oral epithelia on histological sections and computer‐aided three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions during the 2nd month of human embryonic development. The dental epithelium forms a mound, where swellings appear later, corresponding to the individual primordia of deciduous teeth. External to the developing deciduous dentition, the 3D reconstructions do not show any continuous vestibular lamina but instead a complex of discontinuous epithelial bulges and ridges. The patterns of these epithelial structures and their relationship to the dental epithelium differ not only between the upper and lower jaws but also between the lip and cheek segments in each jaw. Knowledge of early odontogenesis may help in understanding some oral pathologies. For example, the human lateral incisor has a dual origin: it arises in the area of fusion between the medial nasal and maxillary facial processes and involves material from these two regions. Such a dual origin at the site of fusion of facial processes represents a predisposition to developmental vulnerability for the upper lateral incisor, resulting in its frequent anomalies (absence, hypoplasia, duplication), especially in patients with a cleft lip and/or jaw. Other pathologies, such as a minute supernumerary tooth, desmoplastic ameloblastoma or extraosseous odontogenic cysts are located external to the upper or lower dentition, and might be derived from structures that transiently appear during early development of the oral vestibule in humans.
Human neural stem cells dispersed in artificial ECM form cerebral organoids when graftedin vivo
Authors: Basuodan Reem , Basu Anna P. , Clowry Gavin J.
Published: May 2018

Human neural stem cells (hNSC) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into neurons that could be used for transplantation to repair brain injury. In this study we dispersed suchhNSCin a three‐dimensional artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) and compared their differentiationin vitroand following grafting into the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of postnatal day (P)14 rat pups lesioned by localised injection of endothelin‐1 at P12. After 10–43 days ofin vitrodifferentiation, a few cells remained asPAX6+neuroprogenitors but many more resembled post‐mitotic neurons expressing doublecortin, β‐tubulin andMAP2. These cells remained dispersed throughout theECM, but with extended long processes for over 50 μm.In vivo, by 1 month post grafting, cells expressing human specific markers instead organised into cerebral organoids: columns of tightly packedPAX6 co‐expressing progenitor cells arranged around small tubular lumen in rosettes, with a looser network of cells with processes around the outside co‐expressing markers of immature neurons including doublecortin, andCTIP2 characteristic of corticofugal neurons. Host cells also invaded the graft including microglia, astrocytes and endothelial cells forming blood vessels. By 10 weeks post‐grafting, the organoids had disappeared and theaECMhad started to break down with fewer transplanted cells remaining.In vitro, cerebral organoids form in rotating incubators that force oxygen and nutrients to the centre of the structures. We have shown that cerebral organoids can formin vivo; intrinsic factors may direct their organisation including infiltration by host blood vessels.
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti‐aging products
Authors: Eren Bilge , Tuncay Tanrıverdi Sakine , Aydın Köse Fadime , Özer Özgen
Published: May 2018

Background

The reactive oxygen species lead to skin aging via oxidative damage that are induced by UV radiation. Therefore, topical formulations which have antioxidant effect could reduce aging level. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant substance.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity potential of the astaxanthin‐loaded gel formulations.

Methods

Astaxanthin‐loaded oleoresin and algae extract were used as natural active materials. The lipogel and hydrogel of these natural materials were prepared as anti‐aging formulations. The formulations were characterized via parameters such as, pH, rheological analysis, mechanical properties, and stability. And also in vitro release experiments of the formulations were carried out. The antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity test were performed.

Results

The results of characterization studies confirmed the formulations suitable for topical application. After 24 hours, 99 μg, 88.3 μg, 403 μg, and 234.8 μg of astaxanthin released through oleoresin lipogel, oleoresin hydrogel, algae extract lipogel, and algae extract hydrogel, respectively. It was found by the cytotoxicity tests that astaxanthin is more proliferative in lipogel formulations compared to hydrogel formulations. And finally, the highest antioxidant activity was found in the algae extract hydrogel and algae extract lipogel formulation, respectively (P < .05).

Conclusions

Topical formulations of astaxanthin‐loaded oleoresin and algae extract were prepared successfully. At the same time, according to antioxidant activity and release studies, algae extract loaded could be suggested as topical anti‐aging formulations.
Evaluation of cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities of aqueous extract from leaves of Conocarpus erectus Linnaeus (Combretaceae)
Authors: Santos Dayane Kelly Dias do Nascimento , de Almeida Vanessa Silva , de Araujo Daniel Rodrigo Cavalcante , Harand Wolfgang , Soares Ana Karine de Araújo , Moreira Leyllane Rafael , de Lorena Virgínia Maria Barros , Magalhães Lucimeri Paulino Machado , Ximenes Rafael Matos , de Sena Kêsia Xisto da Fonseca Ribeiro , de Melo Cristiane Moutinho Lagos , Napoleão Thiago Henrique , Lima Cláudia Sampaio de Andrade , Yara Ricardo , Vieira Jeymesson Raphael Cardoso
Published: May 2018

Objectives

This work evaluated the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) promoted by aqueous extract from Conocarpus erectus leaves (AELCe).

Methods

The extract was characterized by thin layer chromatography and ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Cytotoxicity of AELCe (6.25–50 μg/ml) was investigated using annexin V and propidium iodide. Cytokine and nitric oxide levels in PBMCs culture supernatants exposed or not to AELCe (12.5 μg/ml) were determined, and antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

Key findings

AELCe contained 3′,4′-OH flavonoids, phenylpropanoglycosides, saponins, polymeric proanthocyanidins and hydrolysable tannins. Moreover, 10 other compounds were identified through UPLC-MS technique. AELCe did not affect lymphocyte viability at 6.25 and 12.5 μg/ml. IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and nitric oxide was produced in higher levels by cells treated with AELCe. Proliferation and activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes were also stimulated. AELCe showed bacteriostatic activity against clinical and antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC between 250 and 1000 μg/ml).

Conclusions

AELCe showed a moderate bacteriostatic activity and promoted an immunomodulatory status through higher production of Th1 cytokines, nitric oxide release and T CD8+ lymphocytes stimulation.
Exploring the influence of feedback given by people with lived experience of mental distress on learning for preregistration mental health students
Authors: Stacey Gemma , Pearson Mark
Published: May 2018

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The involvement of those with lived experience is broadly understood to be beneficial to student learning.

The consequence of the process and implications for learning are predominantly unexplored.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

The paper explores an innovative co‐produced model of involving people with lived experience in the assessment process of mental health nursing students.

This method of assessment enables students to further critically analyze the application of humanistic skills and theories of person‐centred care.

What are the implications for practice?

The involvement of people with lived experience in the assessment process of students promotes self‐awareness and empathy.

It is questionable if learning which is potentially troublesome should act as a form of academic assessment which is exposed to the external judgement of another and awarded a credit‐bearing grade.

Introduction

Despite a positive and established perception of people with lived experience of mental distress contributing to the assessment of healthcare professionals, the consequence and implications for learning are predominantly unexplored.

Aim

To gain a greater understanding of the influence of feedback given by people with lived experience, in the role of formative assessor, on student learning.

Method

Qualitative analysis, underpinned by the theory threshold concepts, was conducted on the written reflective assessments, submitted by students, following engaging in an assessment with a lived experience assessor.

Results

Student learning was influenced positively by the involvement of lived experience assessors in relation to person‐centred care. However, students reported the experience to be anxiety provoking due to the desire to seek external approval and conceal personal challenges.

Discussion

The results indicate that the feedback from those with lived experience promotes greater self‐awareness and empathy amongst students. The perceived expectation to present a competent and professional performance acts as a barrier to authentic person‐centred practice.

Implications for practice

It is questionable if learning which is potentially troublesome should act as a form of academic assessment, which is exposed to the external judgement of another and awarded a credit‐bearing grade.
Intradural extramedullary granular cell tumour in a cat
Authors: Valentini A. , Canal S. , Mandara M. T. , Balducci F. , Bernardini M.
Published: May 2018

A 7‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for progressive paraparesis, inability to jump, a paralysed tail and inability to void the bladder. Neurologic examination was consistent with a L4‐S3 localisation. Survey radiographs of the lumbar vertebral column revealed L4‐L7 vertebral body remodelling. A pre‐contrast T1‐weighted hyperintense, diffusely enhancing intradural lesion extending from L4 to S1 vertebral bodies was detected by MRI. Large, mesenchymal, round‐to‐polygonal cells arranged in nests or sheets were found on histologic examination at post mortem. These cells were characterised by abundant intracytoplasmic PAS‐positive, diastase‐resistant granules and positive immunoexpression of vimentin, S‐100, neuron‐specific enolase and desmin. This is the first report of a spinal granular cell tumour in a cat.
Developmental and social constraints on early reproduction in an asocial ground squirrel
Authors: Wells C. P. , Van Vuren D. H.
Published: May 2018

For short‐lived species, selection for early reproduction should be strong, yet females often delay their first reproductive bout. Delay in age of first reproduction due to developmental constraints, such as food availability, or social constraints, such as the inhibitory presence of breeding adults, has been documented for social mammals, but effects on asocial species are less well known. We evaluated the influence of developmental and social factors on early reproduction in a short‐lived, asocial species, the golden‐mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis). We found that females who reproduced as yearlings had been weaned earlier in their natal summer and experienced early snow melt during their yearling spring, suggesting the importance of access to high‐quality food at critical stages. Females were more likely to reproduce as yearlings when there were more adult males present during the breeding season, possibly because exposure to males accelerates reproductive maturity. Maternal presence had no effect on yearling reproduction, but yearlings with a littermate sister present were only 22% as likely to reproduce as females without a sister present, suggesting the effect of sibling competition well past weaning. Furthermore, the negative effect of a sister's presence, but not the presence of other females, suggests that relatedness affects reproductive competition in this asocial species.
Old Janus drinking from his guampa: A Brazilian re‐creation of The Canterbury Tales
Authors: Botelho José Francisco
Published: May 2018

This article explains the circumstances that shaped, and the strategies that guided, my translation of The Canterbury Tales into Brazilian Portuguese. This first complete and versified translation of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales aims to re‐create the aesthetic, poetic, and narrative power of the original, in order to give it new life in the context of Brazilian culture and, more broadly, of contemporary South American culture. The article describes the methods used during the translation to create a fictional Middle Ages, in which Brazilian readers of the twenty‐first century could find a measure of familiarity and strangeness. To do so, the translation incorporates dictions inspired by rural Brazilian culture and popular oral poetry. At the same time, these dictions connect with the cultures of neighboring countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay. The article demonstrates how words, images, and poetic forms extracted from the universe of rural popular culture were used in crucial passages of the Tales, in order to create a veritable fictional universe, based on the idea that the translation of a classic is not only the recreating of a past text but also a way to echo other voices.
A Customized Hybrid Approach to Infrastructure Maintenance Scheduling in Railroad Networks under Variable Productivities
Authors: Xie Siyang , Lei Chao , Ouyang Yanfeng
Published: May 2018

Railroads are maintained routinely by using various types of rail‐bound machines so as to achieve the longest possible rail life and reduce the safety risks associated with unanticipated rail failures. The rail maintenance routing and scheduling problem (RMRSP), which involves routing of multiple maintenance vehicles and scheduling of hundreds of maintenance jobs over a large‐scale network, is usually subject to various types of complex constraints and extremely difficult to solve. This article proposes a vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) formulation for RMRSP and develops a customized stepwise algorithm to solve the problem. A series of numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm works very effectively, significantly outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art commercial solver. The results of two real‐world instances from a Class I railroad company show that the proposed model and solution algorithm enable the expensive maintenance vehicles to achieve a higher level of utilization, that is, spending more time on working and less time on deadhead traveling.
The core effector Cce1 is required for early infection of maize by Ustilago maydis
Authors: Seitner Denise , Uhse Simon , Gallei Michelle , Djamei Armin
Published: May 2018

The biotrophic pathogen Ustilago maydis, the causative agent of corn smut disease, infects one of the most important crops worldwide – Zea mays. To successfully colonize its host, U. maydis secretes proteins, known as effectors, that suppress plant defense responses and facilitate the establishment of biotrophy. In this work, we describe the U. maydis effector protein Cce1. Cce1 is essential for virulence and is upregulated during infection. Through microscopic analysis and in vitro assays, we show that Cce1 is secreted from hyphae during filamentous growth of the fungus. Strikingly, Δcce1 mutants are blocked at early stages of infection and induce callose deposition as a plant defense response. Cce1 is highly conserved among smut fungi and the Ustilago bromivora ortholog complemented the virulence defect of the SG200Δcce1 deletion strain. These data indicate that Cce1 is a core effector with apoplastic localization that is essential for U. maydis to infect its host.
What makes working memory traces stable over time?
Authors: Jarjat Gabriel , Hoareau Violette , Plancher Gaën , Hot Pascal , Lemaire Benoît , Portrat Sophie
Published: May 2018

Understanding the factors that make working memory (WM) traces stable over time is important because WM is the keystone of general cognitive achievement. Two views of attentional WM maintenance have been suggested to account for the long‐term retention of WM information. First, the distractors in a WM task are thought to foster the creation of episodic memory cues through covert retrieval. Second, the cognitive load (CL) of the distractors is thought to vary long‐term memory instantiation. In this study, we propose an additional parsimonious perspective: the total time during which each trace is under the control of attention in WM is the key to long‐term retention. Participants performed a complex span task in which the CL and number of distractors were orthogonally manipulated, and thereafter the participants performed a delayed recall test. Similar to previous findings, the results showed effects of the number of distractors and of CL on delayed recall. Our results went further, however, by showing a non‐linear relationship between delayed recall performance and the free time accumulated between encoding and immediate recall. The role of time in episodic memory performance and the underlying WM maintenance mechanism are discussed.
Managing medications for individuals living with a dementia: Evaluating a web‐based information resource for informal carers
Authors: Horne Frances , Burns Pippa , Traynor Victoria , Gillespie Robyn , Mullan Judy , Baker Amanda , Harrison Lindsey , Win Khin Than
Published: May 2018

Aims

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the “Managing Medicines for People with Dementia” (www.dementiameds.com) website for informal carers.

Background

The management of medications for individuals living with a dementia by informal carers is a neglected area of care. We know that informal carers find it difficult accessing reliable and comprehensive information about medications. We also know that the Internet is a contemporary and growing medium through which consumers access health information. This study was unique in that it brought these two elements together through an interdisciplinary study about the usefulness of a new website providing information on medication management.

Methods

Data collection consisted of focus groups with informal carers of individuals living with a dementia. Data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings

Four themes were generated from the data to explain the evaluation of the website by informal carers: (1) Suitability of the website; (2) Presentation of the website; (3) Unexpected benefits of the website content; (4) Future enhancements for website. Participants overwhelmingly agreed the content of the website filled a gap in information needs about medication management for individuals living with a dementia.

Implications for practice

This qualitative evaluation demonstrated the value of the website as a resource for informal carers of individuals living with a dementia. The resource could also be used by community nurses and other healthcare practitioners to help informal carers better manage the medication regimes of individuals living with a dementia. The resource has the potential to reduce complications associated with mismanagement of medications and contribute to new policies for implementing safe medication practices.
Development of rice (Oryza sativa) lines resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides through induced mutation with gamma rays
Authors: de Andrade Alexander , Tulmann‐Neto Augusto , Tcacenco Fernando A. , Marschalek Rubens , Pereira Adriana , de Oliveira Neto Antonio M. , Scheuermann Klaus K. , Wickert Ester , Noldin José A.
Published: May 2018

The aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides (APPs) are graminicides with excellent control of many grass weeds species, including weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.). These herbicides block the fatty acid biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase), resulting in the death of susceptible plants. Inducing mutation with gamma rays to rice seeds, two lines resistant to APPs herbicides were developed. Plant dose–response assays confirmed the resistance to the APPS herbicides quizalofop‐p‐ethyl and haloxyfop‐p‐methyl. The carboxyltransferase domain fragments of ACCase from the resistant biotype and susceptible control were sequenced and compared. A point mutation was detected in the amino acid position 2,027 (Rice Genome Annotation Project: Os05g22940.1). Results indicated that resistance to APPs is a consequence of an altered ACCase enzyme that confers resistance. The use of APPs herbicide‐resistant rice lines represents an innovative and promising alternative for weedy rice control in paddy rice systems.
Influence of drought and heat stress, applied independently or in combination during seed development, on qualitative and quantitative aspects of seeds of lentil (Lens culinarisMedikus) genotypes, differing in drought sensitivity
Authors: Sehgal Akanksha , Sita Kumari , Bhandari Kalpna , Kumar Shiv , Kumar Jitendra , Vara Prasad P.V. , Siddique Kadambot H.M. , Nayyar Harsh
Published: May 2018

Terminal droughts, along with high temperatures, are becoming more frequent to strongly influence the seed development in cool‐season pulses like lentil. In the present study, the lentil plants growing outdoors under natural environment were subjected to following treatments at the time of seed filling till maturity: (a) 28/23 °C day/night temperature as controls; (b) drought stressed, plants maintained at 50% field capacity, under the same growth conditions as in a; (c) heat stressed, 33/28 °C day/night temperature, under the same growth conditions as in a; and (d) drought + heat stressed, plants at 50% field capacity, 33/28 °C day/night temperature, under the same growth conditions as in (a). Both heat and drought resulted in marked reduction in the rate and duration of seed filling to decrease the final seed size; drought resulted in more damage than heat stress; combined stresses accentuated the damage to seed starch, storage proteins and their fractions, minerals, and several amino acids. Comparison of a drought‐tolerant and a drought‐sensitive genotype indicated the former type showed significantly less damage to various components of seeds, under drought as well as heat stress suggesting a cross tolerance, which was linked to its (drought tolerant) better capacity to retain more water in leaves and hence more photo‐assimilation ability, compared with drought‐sensitive genotype.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without in vivo T‐cell depletion for pediatric aplastic anemia: A single‐center experience
Authors: Li Sidan , Wang Bin , Fu Lingling , Pang Yilin , Zhu Guanghua , Zhou Xuan , Ma Jie , Su Yan , Qin Maoquan , Wu Runhui
Published: May 2018

For young patients, HLA‐MRD HSCT is the first‐line treatment of SAA. However, due to China's birth control policy, few patients could find suitable sibling donors and HLA‐MUD. More and more transplantation centers have used Haplo‐D as the donor source for young adult and pediatric patients. However, studies with larger amount of pediatric patients are rare. We retrospectively analyzed the data of children with AA who were treated with allogeneic HSCT and compared the therapeutic efficacy of Haplo‐HSCT and MRD/MUD group. A total of 62 patients were enrolled. Implantation was successfully performed in 58 patients. There was no significant difference in the time for reconstruction of hematopoietic function between patients in the two groups. Thirty‐two had grade I‐IV aGVHD with incidence of 51.61%. The incidence of aGVHD was 79.41% for patients in the Haplo‐HSCT, significantly higher than that of 17.86% for patients in the MRD/MUD group (P < .01). However, the incidence of cGVHD was not significantly different between patients in the two groups (26.47% vs 10.71%, P = .09), the incidence of CMV infection was 28.57% and 52.94% for patients in the MRD/MUD and Haplo group, respectively, showing no significant difference (P = .053). The incidence of EBV infection was 47.06% for patients in the Haplo group and 28.57% for patients in the MRD/MUD group, showing no significant difference (P = .11). However, the 3‐ and 5‐year cumulative OS and FFS rates showed statistically significant difference in the two groups, P = .012 and .045, respectively. Compared to Haplo‐HSCT, MRD/MUD is more economic. In this study, we achieved good Haplo transplantation results. The incidences of cGVHD and CMV/EBV were not significantly different between Haplo group and MRD/MUD group. Although OS and FFS of the Haplo group were not as good as those of the MRD/MUD group, it is still acceptable as an alternative treatment under emergency.
The floral homeotic protein SEPALLATA3 recognizes target DNA sequences by shape readout involving a conserved arginine residue in the MADS‐domain
Authors: Käppel Sandra , Melzer Rainer , Rümpler Florian , Gafert Christian , Theißen Günter
Published: May 2018

SEPALLATA3 of Arabidopsis thaliana is a MADS‐domain transcription factor (TF) and a key regulator of flower development. MADS‐domain proteins bind to sequences termed ‘CArG‐boxes’ [consensus 5′‐CC(A/T)6GG‐3′]. Because only a fraction of the CArG‐boxes in the Arabidopsis genome are bound by SEPALLATA3, more elaborate principles have to be discovered to better understand which features turn CArG‐boxes into genuine recognition sites. Here, we investigate to what extent the shape of the DNA is involved in a ‘shape readout’ that contributes to the binding of SEPALLATA3. We determined in vitro binding affinities of SEPALLATA3 to DNA probes that all contain the CArG‐box motif, but differ in their predicted DNA shape. We found that binding affinity correlates well with a narrow minor groove of the DNA. Substitution of canonical bases with non‐standard bases supports the hypothesis of minor groove shape readout by SEPALLATA3. Analysis of mutant SEPALLATA3 proteins further revealed that a highly conserved arginine residue, which is expected to contact the DNA minor groove, contributes significantly to the shape readout. Our studies show that the specific recognition of cis‐regulatory elements by a plant MADS‐domain TF, and by inference probably also of other TFs of this type, heavily depends on shape readout mechanisms.
Monetary union in West Africa and business cycles synchronicity: New evidence
Authors: Simons Daniel , Jean Louis Rosmy
Published: May 2018

In the light of the initiative of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) to introduce a common currency by 2020, this paper investigates the intricacies of the business cycles synchronicity among the six countries. Given: (i) the rising importance of trade and cooperation with China; (ii) the consideration of the Euro as a potential anchor currency and a vehicle for trade with the Eurozone; and (iii) the importance of Nigeria as the largest country of the group and the main supplier of oil, we investigate the relative importance of these three major players in having their business cycles linked with the group. In addition, we investigate the underlying determinants of the business cycles synchronicity among the WAMZ countries on a pairwise basis. Results show a clear dominance of China's business cycle synchronicity with the WAMZ over Europe's and Nigeria's. Trade integration emerges as the key underlying factor of the common cycle observed.
On the Communicative Value of Multi-Grade Denotation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying
Published: May 2018

In this paper the author will discuss the communicative value of Multi-Grade Denotation. Denotation has always been one of the main topics in both linguistics and philosophy. And it is also very widely used in human’s daily communication. In our daily conversation, denotation is a means used at any moment. G-1 Denotation is suitable only for low situation communication. It has no special situational value. If we leap from G-1 Denotation to G-2 Denotation, this is the new information it conveys, possessing a certain communicative value. The G-3 Denotation (the denotation in plays and TV screens) is a rather special type of denotation. Multi-Grade denotation is a special communication means, but it possesses special communication value.
Training, Performance, and Physiological Predictors of a Successful Elite Senior Career in Junior Competitive Road Cyclists
Authors: Svendsen Ida S. , Tønnesen Espen , Tjelta Leif Inge , Ørn Stein
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To determine whether training, performance, or physiological variables at age 18 can predict which athletes become World Tour (WT) riders at senior level. Methods: Based on performance level at age 23, 80 competitive male cyclists were retrospectively categorized into 4 groups: retired (n = 21), club (n = 26), continental (n = 24), or WT (n = 9). Data collected at age 18 were analyzed to determine whether training, performance, or physiological variables differed significantly between groups. Results: At age 23, 9 riders (11%) were WT level. These riders competed significantly more at age 18 than athletes who were club level (91.5 [19.1] h vs 62.8 [21.8] h, P = .032) or retired by age 23 (61.8 [23.4] h, P = .014). WT athletes placed significantly better in national road championships at age 18 than did continental, club, and retired athletes (all P < .01). Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis showed that placing at national championships at age 18 had good accuracy in predicting whether the athlete would later reach WT level (area under the curve = 0.882). WT athletes had significantly higher maximal aerobic power at age 18 than athletes who did not reach WT level (533 [23] vs 451 [41] W and 6.9 [0.4] vs 6.2 [0.4] W/kg, P < .05). Conclusion: Already at junior level, there were performance and physiological differences distinguishing those who later became WT riders. The findings emphasize the need for high volumes of training and competition, as well as a high level of race performance already at junior level, to become a successful elite road cyclist.
Technology Feature | PCR: Thirty-five years and counting
Authors: Dove Alan
Published: May 2018

In the 35 years since its invention, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a standard technique in laboratory biology, but scientists continue to find groundbreaking—and even life-saving—applications for it.

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The histone demethylase KDM6B regulates temperature-dependent sex determination in a turtle species
Authors: Ge Chutian , Ye Jian , Weber Ceri , Sun Wei , Zhang Haiyan , Zhou Yingjie , Cai Cheng , Qian Guoying , Capel Blanche
Published: May 2018

Making males and back again

Temperature-dependent sex determination occurs in many reptilian species. An epigenetic mechanism is presumed to be at work, but thus far it has not been identified. Ge
et al.
show that in the red-eared slider turtle, an epigenetic modifier, the histone demethylase KDM6B, binds to the promoter of the dominant male gene to activate male development (see the Perspective by Georges and Holleley). Knock down the expression of KDM6B, and embryos destined to be male turn into females.

Science
, this issue p.
645
; see also p.
601
Handedness in shearing auxetics creates rigid and compliant structures
Authors: Lipton Jeffrey Ian , MacCurdy Robert , Manchester Zachary , Chin Lillian , Cellucci Daniel , Rus Daniela
Published: May 2018

Giving a hand to metamaterials

Auxetic materials expand in an unusual way: perpendicular to the direction in which they are stretched. Lipton
et al.
engineered a type of auxetic material that also has handedness. When this material is sheared, it twists either to the right or the left. By tiling the underlying patterns onto spheres and cylinders, rigid or compliant structures can be made. Linear and 4-degree-of-freedom actuators can thus be made from hollow tubes, which could be valuable for a variety of engineering and medical applications.

Science
, this issue p.
632