bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas com redução energética contendo diferentes tipos de emulsificantes
Authors: Da Silva Vitor Colossal , Da Fonseca Sanderson Santos , Valentim Jean Kaique , Geraldo Adriano
Published: August 2018

Objetivou-se avaliar a efetividade de emulsificantes comerciais em dietas com redução energética para frangos de corte sobre os parâmetros de desempenho. Foram utilizadas 1152 aves da linhagem comercial COBB 500, distribuídas em 48 parcelas experimentais constituídas por 24 animais (12 machos e 12 fêmeas). Foi utilizado um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos, sendo dois blocos com quatro repetições cada, totalizando oito repetições por tratamento. A alimentação das aves foi à vontade, tipo farelada, à base de milho e farelo de soja. Foram avaliados o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar e o peso médio no 7°, 21°, 35° e 42° dia de vida das aves. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade, através do programa estatístico SISVAR. O uso do emulsificante B à base de polissorbato melhorou o ganho de peso e o peso médio na fase inicial (p < 0,05). Para a fase de 1 a 42 dias de idade, a redução energética de 60 kcal/kg pode ter sidoinsuficiente para a efetividade do produto. Na fase inicial (1 a 21 dias de idade) recomenda-se o uso do emulsificante B, à base de polissobarto, devido aos melhores resultados de desempenho, não havendo efeitos da adição de diferentes emulsificantes sobre o desempenho no período total.
Loss of Fam60a, a Sin3a subunit, results in embryonic lethality and is associated with aberrant methylation at a subset of gene promoters
Authors: Nabeshima Ryo , Nishimura Osamu , Maeda Takako , Shimizu Natsumi , Ide Takahiro , Yashiro Kenta , Sakai Yasuo , Meno Chikara , Kadota Mitsutaka , Shiratori Hidetaka , Kuraku Shigehiro , Hamada Hiroshi
Published: August 2018

We have examined the role of Fam60a, a gene highly expressed in embryonic stem cells, in mouse development. Fam60a interacts with components of the Sin3a-Hdac transcriptional corepressor complex, and most Fam60a–/– embryos manifest hypoplasia of visceral organs and die in utero. Fam60a is recruited to the promoter regions of a subset of genes, with the expression of these genes being either up- or down-regulated in Fam60a–/– embryos. The DNA methylation level of the Fam60a target gene Adhfe1 is maintained at embryonic day (E) 7.5 but markedly reduced at E9.5 in Fam60a–/– embryos, suggesting that DNA demethylation is enhanced in the mutant. Examination of genome-wide DNA methylation identified several differentially methylated regions, which were preferentially hypomethylated, in Fam60a–/– embryos. Our data suggest that Fam60a is required for proper embryogenesis, at least in part as a result of its regulation of DNA methylation at specific gene promoters.
Aurora kinase A localises to mitochondria to control organelle dynamics and energy production
Authors: Bertolin Giulia , Bulteau Anne-Laure , Alves-Guerra Marie-Clotilde , Burel Agnes , Lavault Marie-Thérèse , Gavard Olivia , Le Bras Stephanie , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Poirier Guy G , Le Borgne Roland , Prigent Claude , Tramier Marc
Published: August 2018

Many epithelial cancers show cell cycle dysfunction tightly correlated with the overexpression of the serine/threonine kinase Aurora A (AURKA). Its role in mitotic progression has been extensively characterised, and evidence for new AURKA functions emerges. Here, we reveal that AURKA is located and imported in mitochondria in several human cancer cell lines. Mitochondrial AURKA impacts on two organelle functions: mitochondrial dynamics and energy production. When AURKA is expressed at endogenous levels during interphase, it induces mitochondrial fragmentation independently from RALA. Conversely, AURKA enhances mitochondrial fusion and ATP production when it is over-expressed. We demonstrate that AURKA directly regulates mitochondrial functions and that AURKA over-expression promotes metabolic reprogramming by increasing mitochondrial interconnectivity. Our work paves the way to anti-cancer therapeutics based on the simultaneous targeting of mitochondrial functions and AURKA inhibition.
MDN brain descending neurons coordinately activate backward and inhibit forward locomotion
Authors: Carreira-Rosario Arnaldo , Zarin Aref Arzan , Clark Matthew Q , Manning Laurina , Fetter Richard D , Cardona Albert , Doe Chris Q
Published: August 2018

Command-like descending neurons can induce many behaviors, such as backward locomotion, escape, feeding, courtship, egg-laying, or grooming (we define ‘command-like neuron’ as a neuron whose activation elicits or ‘commands’ a specific behavior). In most animals, it remains unknown how neural circuits switch between antagonistic behaviors: via top-down activation/inhibition of antagonistic circuits or via reciprocal inhibition between antagonistic circuits. Here, we use genetic screens, intersectional genetics, circuit reconstruction by electron microscopy, and functional optogenetics to identify a bilateral pair of Drosophila larval ‘mooncrawler descending neurons’ (MDNs) with command-like ability to coordinately induce backward locomotion and block forward locomotion; the former by stimulating a backward-active premotor neuron, and the latter by disynaptic inhibition of a forward-specific premotor neuron. In contrast, direct monosynaptic reciprocal inhibition between forward and backward circuits was not observed. Thus, MDNs coordinate a transition between antagonistic larval locomotor behaviors. Interestingly, larval MDNs persist into adulthood, where they can trigger backward walking. Thus, MDNs induce backward locomotion in both limbless and limbed animals.
Structure of mouse protocadherin 15 of the stereocilia tip link in complex with LHFPL5
Authors: Ge Jingpeng , Elferich Johannes , Goehring April , Zhao Huaying , Schuck Peter , Gouaux Eric
Published: August 2018

Hearing and balance involve the transduction of mechanical stimuli into electrical signals by deflection of bundles of stereocilia linked together by protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) and cadherin 23 ‘tip links’. PCDH15 transduces tip link tension into opening of a mechano-electrical transduction (MET) ion channel. PCDH15 also interacts with LHFPL5, a candidate subunit of the MET channel. Here we illuminate the PCDH15-LHFPL5 structure, showing how the complex is composed of PCDH15 and LHFPL5 subunit pairs related by a 2-fold axis. The extracellular cadherin domains define a mobile tether coupled to a rigid, 2-fold symmetric ‘collar’ proximal to the membrane bilayer. LHFPL5 forms extensive interactions with the PCDH15 transmembrane helices and stabilizes the overall PCDH15-LHFPL5 assembly. Our studies illuminate the architecture of the PCDH15-LHFPL5 complex, localize mutations associated with deafness, and shed new light on how forces in the PCDH15 tether may be transduced into the stereocilia membrane.
Fishing for ancestry
Authors: Brunsdon Hannah , Patton E Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

The same genes and signalling pathways control the formation of skin appendages in both fish and land animals.
The passive voice and comprehensibility of biomedical texts: An experimental study with 2 cohorts of chiropractic students
Authors: Millar Neil , Budgell Brian S.
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Authors in the health sciences are encouraged to write in the active voice in the belief that this enhances comprehensibility. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare objectively measured and subjectively perceived comprehensibility of texts in which one voice or the other was highly prevalent.

Methods:

Objectively rated comprehensibility was obtained by presenting 161 2nd-year chiropractic students with questions pertaining to 2 methods sections of biomedical articles, each presented in its original form with high prevalence of the passive voice, and in a manipulated form with all main verbs in the active voice. The difficulties and sensitivities of questions were compared for the 2 forms of each text. Comprehensibility was obtained by asking students to rate the comprehensibility of authentic sentences from biomedical manuscripts and matched manipulated form in which the voice of the main verb had been changed. Differences in comprehensibility between the 2 texts were assessed with a dependent t test.

Results:

There were no significant differences in the difficulties or sensitivities of questions pertaining to the 2 original texts written in the passive voice versus the active voice (p > .35 for all comparisons). Students rated sentences written in the passive voice as marginally more comprehensible than sentences written in the active voice (p = .003 per 2-tailed paired t test).

Conclusion:

The texts written in the active voice were not more comprehensible than texts written in the passive voice. The results of this study do not support editorial guidelines that favor active voice over passive voice.
Spectro‐Electrochemical Microfluidic Platform for Monitoring Multi‐Step Cascade Reactions
Authors: Andersen Nalin I. , Artyushkova Kateryna , Matanović Ivana , Hickey David P. , Minteer Shelley D. , Atanassov Plamen
Published: August 2018

Benefits of utilizing cascade reactions for chemical synthesis include minimizing waste and decreasing experimentation times. However, these complex systems lack an efficient screening platform for evaluating their progression. A paper‐based microfluidic platform was developed to monitor cascade systems without the need for off‐line product verification. Two types of paper‐based platforms were fabricated to facilitate this study: electrochemical and spectro‐electrochemical. Electrochemical platforms were integrated with stencil‐printed electrodes and used to perform electrochemical alcohol oxidation reactions with two derivatives of the organocatalyst TEMPO (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐N‐oxyl). The catalyst 4‐amino‐TEMPO (TEMPO‐NH2) was used as a model catalyst that was studied not immobilized and immobilized (pyrene‐amido‐TEMPO) on electrochemical platforms. These platforms were designed to provide quasi‐stationary flow allowing constant electrochemical data collection as catalytic reactions proceeded. TEMPO‐NH2 and pyrene‐amido‐TEMPO were evaluated for the partial oxidation of glycerol and its intermediates. In comparison to TEMPO‐NH2, the pyrene‐amido‐TEMPO catalyst produced higher current outputs. Spectro‐electrochemical platforms were integrated with stencil‐printed electrodes, and a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection zone. The spectro‐electrochemical platforms allowed for catalytic conversions at the electrodes and subsequent delivery of catalytically transformed analytes to a SERS detection zone for product analysis. This platform was demonstrated for pyrene‐amido‐TEMPO and was shown to convert glycerol to mesoxalic acid. The experimental procedures for making components of the spectro‐electrochemical device were described and include: preparation of the paper‐based platform, construction of stencil‐printed electrodes, and fabrication of SERS detection zones. These platforms provide an approach to analyzing multi‐step cascade chemical reactions.
Waterborne Polyurethane Colloids with Sensitive CO2‐Switchable Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Properties
Authors: Shieh Yeong‐Tarng , Zeng Zi‐Hau , Cheng Chih‐Chia
Published: August 2018

A novel conceptual approach to gas‐responsive functionality, with the capability to tune the amphiphilic characteristics of existing waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs), via CO2/N2 bubbling in aqueous solution, is exploited. In this study, a series of functional WPUs are successfully prepared. These colloids exhibit high aqueous stability, excellent capability for emulsification/demulsification as a surfactant, and reversible hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase transition owing to reversible formation of carboxylic acid moieties induced by bubbling CO2 gas. More interestingly, when carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are covalently incorporated into these WPUs, the CNT exhibits CO2‐switchable amphiphilic behavior in a two‐phase mixture of n‐butanol (BuOH)/deionized water, forming a stable hydrophobic CNT dispersion in BuOH upon CO2 bubbling, and reversibly reverting to the previous hydrophilic CNT dispersion in water upon N2 bubbling. With simple preparation and switchable amphiphilic properties, these CO2‐responsive WPUs offer a paradigm for the development of multifunctional gas‐responsive polymers.
Development of Toolboxes for Precision Genome/Epigenome Editing and Imaging of Epigenetics
Authors: Nomura Wataru
Published: August 2018

Zinc finger (ZF) proteins are composed of repeated ββα modules and coordinate a zinc ion. ZF domains recognizing specific DNA target sequences can be substituted for the binding domains of various DNA‐modifying enzymes to create designer nucleases, recombinases, and methyltransferases with programmable sequence specificity. Enzymatic genome editing and modification can be applied to many fields of basic research and medicine. The recent development of new platforms using transcription activator‐like effector (TALE) proteins or the CRISPR‐Cas9 system has expanded the range of possibilities for genome‐editing technologies. In addition, these DNA binding domains can also be utilized to build a toolbox for epigenetic controls by fusing them with protein‐ or DNA‐modifying enzymes. Here, our research on epigenome editing including the development of artificial zinc finger recombinase (ZFR), split DNA methyltransferase, and fluorescence imaging of histone proteins by ZIP tag‐probe system is introduced. Advances in the ZF, TALE, and CRISPR‐Cas9 platforms have paved the way for the next generation of genome/epigenome engineering approaches.
Successful Use of an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis for the Treatment of Distal Deficiency of the Tunica Albuginea and Cavernous Tissue
Authors: Punjani Nahid , McGarry Patrick , Brock Gerald
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Congenital hypoplasia of the distal half of the tunica albuginea has not been previously described.

Aim

To review a patient presenting with erectile dysfunction secondary to congenital penile hypoplasia.

Methods

History, physical exam and penile Doppler ultrasound of the patient, followed by a discussed of treatment options and definitive management.

Results

Successful operative treatment of our patient with insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis.

Conclusion

We present a case of congenital hypoplasia of the distal tunica albuginea and a successful treatment strategy. We highlight the need for further study of penile embryology.
Successful Hemodialysis Through Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: a Case Report
Authors: Meena Priti , Bhargava Vinant , Gupta Anurag , Srivastava Apurva , Gaur Lovy , Rana Devender Singh
Published: August 2018

Persistent left superior vena cava is an extremely rare venous anomaly affecting 0.5% to 2% of the general population. Persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava, also termed as “isolated persistent left superior vena cava.” Persistent left superior vena cava, without associated cardiac anomalies, is usually innocuous. Its discovery, however, has important clinical implications. It can pose clinical difficulties with central venous access, hemodialysis catheter placement, and pacemaker implantation. We hereby present a case of persistent left superior vena cava that was incidentally encountered after the placement of a hemodialysis catheter through the left internal jugular vein. This case highlights the pertinent radiologic findings and emphasizes the importance of familiarity to such an anatomic anomaly.
Valuing supply‐chain responsiveness under demand jumps
Authors: Biçer Işık , Hagspiel Verena , de Treville Suzanne
Published: August 2018

As the time between the decision about what to produce and the moment when demand is observed (the decision lead time) increases, the demand forecast becomes more uncertain. Uncertainty can increase gradually in decision lead time, or can increase as a dramatic change in median demand. Whether the forecast evolves gradually or in jumps has important implications for the value of responsiveness, which we model as the cost premium worth paying to reduce the decision lead time (the justified cost premium). Demand uncertainty arising from jumps rather than from constant volatility increases the justified cost premium when an average jump increases median demand, but decreases the justified cost premium when an average jump decreases median demand. We fit our model to two data sets, first publicly available demand data from Reebok, then point‐of‐sale data from a supermarket chain. Finally, we present two special cases of the model, one covering a sudden loss of demand, and the other a one‐time adjustment to median demand.
An Introduction to Grammar for Language Learners
Authors: Ringe Don
Published: August 2018

Learning a foreign language is much easier when it is approached with a knowledge of language structure ('grammar'), but many students find grammar mystifying. This text explains points of grammar straightforwardly using examples from several widely-studied languages, including English, so that students can see how the same principles work across different languages, and how the structures of different languages correspond both formally and functionally. The use of concrete examples makes grammar less abstract and easier to grasp, allowing students to relate what they are learning to knowledge that they already possess unconsciously; it simultaneously brings that knowledge up to a conscious level.
The Many Faces of Authoritarian Persistence: A Set-Theory Perspective on the Survival Strategies of Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Maerz Seraphine F.
Published: August 2018

This article examines how authoritarian regimes combine various strategies of repression, co-optation and legitimation to remain in power. The contribution of the article is two-fold. First, I conceptualize the hexagon of authoritarian persistence as a framework to explain how authoritarian regimes manage to survive. The hexagon is based on Gerschewski’s (2013) three pillars of stability but proposes some crucial modifications. In contrast to the model of the three pillars, the hexagon can grasp the causal complexity of autocratic survival because it is rooted in set theory and accounts for asymmetric causal relations, conjunctural causation and equifinality. Based on this, it illuminates how authoritarian regimes use multiple, mutually non-exclusive survival strategies. The second contribution is an empirical exploration which applies the hexagon and provides a case-oriented analysis of 62 persistent and non-persistent authoritarian regimes (1991–2010). By using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, the findings of this assessment illustrate five configurations of the hexagon – called hegemonic, performance-dependent, rigid, overcompensating and adaptive authoritarianism – as those combinations of strategies which facilitate authoritarian survival.
Bass Extension of Microspeaker System on Mobile Device
Authors: Chang J. R. , Wang C. N.
Published: August 2018

This study provides a solution for the bass extension of a microspeaker system in a mobile device that involves using a resonant combination of a front chamber and a rectangular, long, pipe-shaped port. The efficient resonant coupling of the microspeaker system to the acoustic load in this structure enables a microspeaker with modest cone displacement to achieve a high sound pressure level (SPL) and bass extension below the resonance of the microspeaker in free air, and the total dimensions of the structure are minimized. A combination of electro-mechanic-acoustic and finite element methods was applied to determine the SPL and bass extension levels for mobile devices. Simulation results show acceptable agreement with experimental results. A suitable extended-range microspeaker system was applied in a 10 inch tablet. The audio frequency response could be extended from 630 to 300 Hz with the greatest loudness. As much as possible add low bound frequency extension to make the article more clear. Finally, five cases of parameter settings for the front chamber volume, rear chamber volume, rectangular pipe-shaped port, cross-sectional area, and opening area were studied. The results can be applied for optimizing a suitable extended-range microspeaker system.
Narrating events and imputing those responsible: Reflexivity and the temporal basis of retrospective responsibility
Authors: Teles Fazendeiro Bernardo
Published: August 2018

By showing how a number of temporal assumptions shape three mutually exclusive narratives, the article argues for a mediated and reflexive understanding of events, one that is more open and less likely to fall into the pitfalls of a confrontation between different versions of retrospective responsibility. The article begins by looking beyond the agency and structure debate and into the temporal dimension of narrative, mainly for the sake of understanding the relationship between continuity and change. The article covers three potential narratives, focusing on their influence on the study of events, policy, and retrospective responsibility. It then illustrates their impact on mainstream understandings of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. Upon describing the problems of positing strict continuity and change, both of which impact accounts of retrospective responsibility, the outline of a more reflexive, mediated approach to events and temporality is introduced, based on Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics. In doing so, the article demonstrates the disadvantages ofErlebnis, an approach that unreflexively applies a limited set of temporal assumptions, highlighting instead the advantages ofErfahrung, an approach that strives for a mediated understanding of events.
Identifying the contribution of prenatal risk factors to offspring development and psychopathology: What designs to use and a critique of literature on maternal smoking and stress in pregnancy
Authors: Rice Frances , Langley Kate , Woodford Christopher , Davey Smith George , Thapar Anita
Published: August 2018

Identifying prenatal environmental factors that have genuinely causal effects on psychopathology is an important research priority, but it is crucial to select an appropriate research design. In this review we explain why and what sorts of designs are preferable and focus on genetically informed/sensitive designs. In the field of developmental psychopathology, causal inferences about prenatal risks have not always been based on evidence generated from appropriate designs. We focus on reported links between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or conduct problems. Undertaking a systematic review of findings from genetically informed designs and “triangulating” evidence from studies with different patterns of bias, we conclude that at present findings suggest it is unlikely that there is a substantial causal effect of maternal smoking in pregnancy on either attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or conduct problems. In contrast, for offspring birth weight (which serves as a positive control) findings strongly support a negative causal effect of maternal smoking in pregnancy. For maternal pregnancy stress, too few studies use genetically sensitive designs to draw firm conclusions, but continuity with postnatal stress seems important. We highlight the importance of moving beyond observational designs, for systematic evaluation of the breadth of available evidence and choosing innovative designs. We conclude that a broader set of prenatal risk factors should be examined, including those relevant in low- and middle-income contexts. Future directions include a greater use of molecular genetically informed designs such as Mendelian randomization to test causal hypotheses about prenatal exposure and offspring outcome.
Incorporating epigenetic mechanisms to advance fetal programming theories
Authors: Conradt Elisabeth , Adkins Daniel E. , Crowell Sheila E. , Raby K. Lee , Diamond Lisa M. , Ellis Bruce
Published: August 2018

Decades of fetal programming research indicates that we may be able to map the origins of many physical, psychological, and medical variations and morbidities before the birth of the child. While great strides have been made in identifying associations between prenatal insults, such as undernutrition or psychosocial stress, and negative developmental outcomes, far less is known about how adaptive responses to adversity regulate the developing phenotype to match stressful conditions. As the application of epigenetic methods to human behavior has exploded in the last decade, research has begun to shed light on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in explaining how prenatal conditions shape later susceptibilities to mental and physical health problems. In this review, we describe and attempt to integrate two dominant fetal programming models: the cumulative stress model (a disease-focused approach) and the match–mismatch model (an evolutionary–developmental approach). In conjunction with biological sensitivity to context theory, we employ these two models to generate new hypotheses regarding epigenetic mechanisms through which prenatal and postnatal experiences program child stress reactivity and, in turn, promote development of adaptive versus maladaptive phenotypic outcomes. We conclude by outlining priority questions and future directions for the fetal programming field.
Impact of maternal prenatal smoking on fetal to infant neurobehavioral development
Authors: Stroud Laura R. , McCallum Meaghan , Salisbury Amy L.
Published: August 2018

Despite recent emphasis on the profound importance of the fetal environment in “programming” postnatal development, measurement of offspring development typically begins after birth. Using a novel coding strategy combining direct fetal observation via ultrasound and actocardiography, we investigated the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) on fetal neurobehavior; we also investigated links between fetal and infant neurobehavior. Participants were 90 pregnant mothers and their infants (52 MSDP-exposed; 51% minorities; ages 18–40). Fetal neurobehavior at baseline and in response to vibro-acoustic stimulus was assessed via ultrasound and actocardiography atM= 35 weeks gestation and coded via the Fetal Neurobehavioral Assessment System (FENS). After delivery, the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale was administered up to seven times over the first postnatal month. MSDP was associated with increased fetal activity and fetal limb movements. Fetal activity, complex body movements, and cardiac–somatic coupling were associated with infants' ability to attend to stimuli and to self-regulate over the first postnatal month. Furthermore, differential associations emerged by MSDP group between fetal activity, complex body movements, quality of movement, and coupling, and infant attention and self-regulation. The present study adds to a growing literature establishing the validity of fetal neurobehavioral measures in elucidating fetal programming pathways.
Linear pattern matching of compressed terms and polynomial rewriting
Authors: SCHMIDT-SCHAUß MANFRED
Published: August 2018

We consider term rewriting under sharing in the form of compression by singleton tree grammars (STG), which is more general than the term dags. Algorithms for the subtasks of rewriting are analysed: finding a redex for rewriting by locating a position for a match, performing a rewrite step by constructing the compressed result and executing a sequence of rewrite steps. The first main result is that locating a match of a linear termsin another termtcan be performed in polynomial time ifs,tare both STG-compressed. This generalizes results on matching of STG-compressed terms, matching of straight-line-program-compressed strings with character-variables, where every variable occurs at most once, and on fully compressed matching of strings. Also, for the case wheresis directed-acyclic-graph (DAG)-compressed, it is shown that submatching can be performed in polynomial time. The general case of compressed submatching can be computed in non-deterministic polynomial time, and an algorithm is described that may be exponential in the worst case, its complexity isnO(k), wherekis the number of variables with double occurrences insandnis the size of the input. The second main result is that in case there is an oracle for the redex position, a sequence ofmparallel or single-step rewriting steps under STG-compression can be performed in polynomial time. This generalizes results on DAG-compressed rewriting sequences. Combining these results implies that for an STG-compressed term rewrite system with left-linear rules,mparallel or single-step term rewrite steps can be performed in polynomial time in the input sizenandm.
Labour Standards Provisions in EU Free Trade Agreements: Reflections on the European Commission's Reform Agenda
Authors: HARRISON JAMES , BARBU MIRELA , CAMPLING LIAM , EBERT FRANZ CHRISTIAN , MARTENS DEBORAH , MARX AXEL , ORBIE JAN , RICHARDSON BEN , SMITH ADRIAN
Published: August 2018

Labour standards provisions within the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters of EU Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are presented as a key element of the EU's commitment to a ‘value-based trade agenda’. But criticism of TSD chapters has led the European Commission to commit to improving their implementation and enforcement, creating a critical juncture in the evolution of the EU's trade–labour linkage. This contribution synthesizes findings from academic studies that have examined the effectiveness of labour standards provisions in EU FTAs. It then considers the reform agenda as presented by the European Commission, and explains how some of the proposals could tackle failures identified. However, it also argues that there are various limitations with the Commission's current proposals, and outlines how legal obligations and institutional mechanisms created by trade agreements could better be harnessed to improve working conditions and rights at work around the world.
The Political Debate on Basic Income and Welfare Reform in Spain
Authors: Noguera José A.
Published: August 2018

Two factors have boosted the debate on Basic Income (BI) in Spain in recent years: on the one hand, the combination of welfare budget cuts and growing poverty rates has spread claims for a radical reform of Spanish welfare policies; on the other hand, the emergence of Podemos as a new key actor in the Spanish political arena has generated a vivid discussion on BI and income guarantee proposals. By reviewing the political debates on these proposals, I will argue that economic feasibility concerns and implementation problems are closely related to their political feasibility. Significantly, the radical rejection of ‘means-testing’ by BI defenders fails to grasp the different types and degrees of conditions that an income guarantee system may establish. The main lesson from the Spanish experience is that BI supporters should be ready to compromise and accept generous means-tested guaranteed income programs as stepping-stones.
Demand-based models and market failure in health care: projecting shortages and surpluses in doctors and nurses
Authors: Birch Stephen
Published: August 2018

Models for projecting the demand for and supply of health care workers are generally based on objectives of meeting demands for health care and assumptions of status quo in all but the demographic characteristics of populations. These models fail to recognise that public intervention in health care systems arises from market failure in health care and the absence of an independent demand for health care. Hence projections of demand perpetuate inefficiencies in the form of overutilisation of services on the one hand and unmet needs for care on the other. In this paper the problems with basing workforce policy on projected demand are identified and the consequences for health care system sustainability explored. Integrated needs-based models are offered as alternative approaches that relate directly to the goals of publicly funded health care systems and represent an important element of promoting sustainability in those systems.
Basic Values and the Dark Triad Traits
Authors: Jonason Peter K. , Foster Joshua D. , Kavanagh Phillip S. , Gouveia Valdiney V. , Birkás Béla
Published: August 2018

Abstract. In samples from America, Brazil, and Hungary (N = 937), we examined the associations between the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) and individual differences in excitement (i.e., valuing personal enjoyment), promotion (i.e., valuing achievements), existence (i.e., valuing physical survival), suprapersonal (i.e., valuing abstract ideas), interactive (i.e., valuing social relationships), and normative (i.e., valuing cultural norms) values. The traits were associated with the values of excitement and promotion, psychopathy was associated with a diminished emphasis on existence, psychopathy and Machiavellianism were associated with limited interactive or normative values, whereas narcissism was associated with a greater emphasis on suprapersonal, interactive, and normative values. We also found that sex differences in psychopathy were mediated by individual differences in the existence and normative values. Results are discussed from a life history framework.
The Association of Mastery With Loneliness
Authors: Ben-Zur Hasida
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The focus of this paper is on the association of sense of mastery with feelings of loneliness, reviewing research conducted during the period 2000–2017. The basic findings show that across different age groups and different situations, mastery is negatively correlated with loneliness. The presumed contributions of mastery to loneliness are summarized by several explanatory models: Mastery can be conceived as contributing to low loneliness through the initiation of active coping to change the situation, through behavior that changes loneliness, and through changes in perceptions. Future research should include intervention studies, longitudinal designs, and mediating variables to assess the processes by which a high sense of mastery can lower feelings of loneliness.
Resolving Future Arctic/Midlatitude Weather Connections
Authors: Overland James E. , Wang Muyin
Published: August 2018

Given ongoing large changes in the Arctic, high‐latitude forcing is a new potential driver for sub‐seasonal weather impacts at midlatitudes in coming decades. Such linkage research, however, is controversial. Some metrics find supporting evidence and others report no robust correlations. Model studies reach different conclusions. Case studies from particular historical months suggest potential connections. We propose that a difficulty in resolving the science is due to the inherent complexity and intermittent character of atmospheric dynamics, which serves as a variable causal bridge between changes in the Arctic and midlatitude weather. Linkages may be more favorable in one atmospheric jet stream pattern than another. Linkages are a two‐step process: thermodynamic forcing, i.e. warm Arctic temperatures and loss of sea ice, is generally favorable in the last decade, but internal atmospheric dynamics, i.e. the jet stream location and strength, must also allow for a connection. Thus, in the last decade only a few possible linkage events are noted into and out of the Arctic; for examples 2006, 2016, and 2018 had warm Arctic Januaries, and 2010 and 2017 had cold eastern North American Decembers. Record large sea‐ice‐free areas and warm temperatures north of Alaska and over Baffin Bay helped to anchor the long wave atmospheric pattern, which in turn fed cold temperatures into the eastern US. Intra‐seasonal and inter‐annual intermittency explains low direct Arctic/midlatitude linkage correlations and large variability in model studies. Yet a full understanding is necessary for important future forecasts of increased Arctic/midlatitude interactions impacting millions of people.
Seeing Surface Water From Space
Authors: Huang Chang
Published: August 2018

Satellite-based optical sensors can detect, measure and monitor changes in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and wetlands, providing useful data with multiple applications for science and society.
The size of the attentional window when measured by the pupillary response to light
Authors: Tkacz-Domb Shira , Yeshurun Yaffa
Published: August 2018

This study measured the size of the attentional window when attention is narrowly focused, using attentional modulation of the pupillary light response – pupillary constriction when covertly attending a brighter than darker area. This allowed us to avoid confounds and biases involved in relying on observers’ response (e.g., RT), which contaminated previous measurements of this window. We presented letters to the right and left of fixation, each surrounded by task-irrelevant disks with varying distances. The disks were bright on one side and dark on the other. A central cue indicated which letter to attend. Luminance levels were identical across trials. We found that pupil size was modulated by the disks’ luminance when they were 1° away from the attended letter, but not when this distance was larger. This suggests that the diameter of the attentional window is at least 2°, which is twice as large as that established with behavioral measurements.
Scaffold hopping from natural products to synthetic mimetics by holistic molecular similarity
Authors: Grisoni Francesca , Merk Daniel , Consonni Viviana , Hiss Jan A. , Tagliabue Sara Giani , Todeschini Roberto , Schneider Gisbert
Published: August 2018

Natural products offer unexplored molecular frameworks for the development of chemical leads and innovative drugs. However, the structural complexity of natural products compared with synthetic drug-like molecules often limits the scaffold hopping potential of natural-product-inspired molecular design. Here we introduce a holistic molecular representation incorporating pharmacophore and shape patterns, which facilitates scaffold hopping from natural products to isofunctional synthetic compounds. This computational approach captures simultaneously the partial charge, atom distributions and molecular shape. In a prospective application, we use four natural cannabinoids as queries in a chemical database search for novel synthetic modulators of human cannabinoid receptors. Of the synthetic compounds selected by the new method, 35% are experimentally confirmed as active. These cannabinoid receptor modulators are structurally less complex than their respective natural product templates. The results of this study validate this holistic molecular representation for hit and lead finding in drug discovery.
Reporter bacteriophage T7NLCutilizes a novel NanoLuc::CBM fusion for the ultrasensitive detection ofEscherichia coliin water
Authors: Hinkley T. C. , Garing S. , Singh S. , Le Ny A-L. M. , Nichols K. P. , Peters J. E. , Talbert J. N. , Nugen S. R.
Published: August 2018

Rapid detection of bacteria responsible for foodborne diseases is a growing necessity for public health.
SEM–Raman image cytometry of cells
Authors: Enciso-Martinez A. , Timmermans F. J. , Nanou A. , Terstappen L. W. M. M. , Otto C.
Published: August 2018

Hybrid SEM–Raman microscopy to distinguish individual human cells.
Bio-mimetic oxygen separation via a hollow fiber membrane contactor with O2 carrier solutions
Authors: Fathizadeh Mahdi , Khivantsev Konstantin , Pyrzynski Travis J. , Klinghoffer Naomi B. , Shakouri Abolfazl (Nabi) , Yu Miao , Li Shiguang
Published: August 2018

A low-cost poly(ethyleneimine)–cobalt (PEI–Co) complex solution with high O2 absorption capacity (as high as 1.5 L O2 (STP)/L solution) was developed and used in a bio-mimetic system to produce high-purity O2 from air.
Tri(o-tolyl)phosphine for highly efficient Suzuki coupling of propargylic carbonates with boronic acids
Authors: Xiao Junzhe , Luo Hongwen , Huang Shan , Qian Hui , Ma Shengming
Published: August 2018

Tri(o-tolyl)phosphine has been identified as a highly efficient ligand for Pd-catalyzed coupling of propargylic carbonates with different types of organo boronic acids at room temperature.
Supramolecular nanopatterns of H-shaped molecules
Authors: Hündgen Melissa , Maier Katharina A. , Höger Sigurd , Jester Stefan-S.
Published: August 2018

H-shaped arylene–alkynylene scaffolds form brick-like patterns on graphite, as shown via scanning-tunneling microscopy.
Amorphous titanic acid electrode: its electrochemical storage of ammonium in a new water-in-salt electrolyte
Authors: Holoubek John J. , Jiang Heng , Leonard Daniel , Qi Yitong , Bustamante Galo C. , Ji Xiulei
Published: August 2018

Amorphous titanic acid reversibly stores NH4+in a new AmAc WiSE system.
In situ growth of Cu(OH)2@FeOOH nanotube arrays on catalytically deposited Cu current collector patterns for high-performance flexible in-plane micro-sized energy storage devices
Authors: Xie Jin-Qi , Ji Ya-Qiang , Kang Jia-Hui , Sheng Jia-Li , Mao Da-Sha , Fu Xian-Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: August 2018

Rationally designed interdigitated electrodes based on Cu(OH)2@FeOOH nanotube arrays are facilely converted in situ from catalytically deposited Cu current collector patterns for high-performance flexible micro-supercapacitor energy storage devices.
Particle size spectrometer using inertial classification and electrical measurement techniques for real-time monitoring of particle size distribution
Authors: Kwon Hong-Beom , Kim Hong-Lae , Hong Ui-Seon , Yoo Seong-Jae , Kim Kyongtae , Han Jangseop , Kim Min-Ki , Hwang Jungho , Kim Yong-Jun
Published: August 2018

We present a low-cost and compact particle size spectrometer that can accurately monitor particle size distribution.
Electrochemical synthesis of some 2-aminobenzofuran-3-carbonitrile and 2-aminobenzofuran-3-carboxylate derivatives: product diversity by changing the applied current density
Authors: Sharafi-Kolkeshvandi Mahnaz , Nematollahi Davood , Pouladi Firozeh , Patoghi Pouria
Published: August 2018

Green syntheses of two different series of new benzofuran derivatives were carried out by anodic oxidation of 4,4′-biphenol (4BP) in the presence of some CH-acid compounds (malononitrile, methyl cyanoacetate and ethyl cyanoacetate) as nucleophiles by controlling the potential during electrolysis.
A copper transcription factor, AfMac1, regulates both iron and copper homeostasis in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Park Yong-Sung , Kang Suzie , Seo Hyewon , Yun Cheol-Won
Published: August 2018

Although iron and copper are co-ordinately regulated in living cells, the homeostatic effects of each of these metals on the other remain unknown. Here, we show the function of AfMac1, a transcriptional activator of the copper and iron regulons of Aspergillus fumigatus, on the interaction between iron and copper. In addition to the copper-specific AfMac1-binding motif 5′-TGTGCTCA-3′ found in the promoter region of ctrC, the iron-specific AfMac1-binding motif 5′-AT(C/G)NN(A/T)T(A/C)-3′ was identified in the iron regulon but not in the copper regulon by ChIP sequence analysis. Furthermore, mutation of the AfMac1-binding motif of sit1 eliminated AfMac1-mediated sit1 up-regulation. Interestingly, the regulation of gene expression in the iron regulon by AfMac1 was not affected by copper and vice versa. AfMac1 localized to the nucleus under iron- or copper-depleted conditions, and AfMac1 was mostly detected in the cytoplasm under iron- or copper-replete conditions. Taken together, these results suggest that A. fumigatus independently regulates iron and copper homeostasis in a manner that involves AfMac1 and mutual interactions.
Mechanical stresses induce paracrine β-2 microglobulin from cardiomyocytes to activate cardiac fibroblasts through epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xiaoyi , Li Lu , Wang Xiang , Chen Zhidan , Wang Xingxu , Wang Ying , Kang Le , Ye Yong , Jia Jianguo , Zhang Guoping , Yang Chunjie , Yuan Jie , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo , Gong Hui , Zou Yunzeng
Published: August 2018

By employing a proteomic analysis on supernatant of mechanically stretched cardiomyocytes, we found that stretch induced a significantly high level of β-2 microglobulin (β2M), a non-glycosylated protein, which is related to inflammatory diseases but rarely known in cardiovascular diseases. The present data showed that serum β2M level was increased in patients with hypertension and further increased in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) as compared with control group, and the high level of serum β2M level correlated to cardiac dysfunction in these patients. In pressure overload mice model by transverse aortic constriction (TAC), β2M levels in serum and heart tissue increased progressively in a time-dependent manner. Exogenous β2M showed pro-fibrotic effects in cultured cardiac fibroblasts but few effects in cardiomyocytes. Adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-mediated knockdown of β2M significantly reduced cardiac β2M level and inhibited myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction but not cardiac hypertrophy at 4 weeks after TAC. In vitro, mechanical stretch induced the rapid secretion of β2M mainly from cardiomyocytes by activation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK). Conditional medium (CM) from mechanically stretched cardiomyocytes activated cultured cardiac fibroblasts, and the effect was partly abolished by CM from β2M-knockdown cardiomyocytes. In vivo, knockdown of β2M inhibited the increase in phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induced by TAC. In cultured cardiac fibroblasts, inhibition of EGFR significantly attenuated the β2M-induced the activation of EGFR and pro-fibrotic responses. The present study suggests that β2M is a paracrine pro-fibrotic mediator and associated with cardiac dysfunction in response to pressure overload.
Mandarin-Speaking, Kindergarten-Aged Children With Cochlear Implants Benefit From Natural
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Patterns in the Use of Semantic Context During Speech Recognition
Authors: Zhang Linjun , Wang Jiuju , Hong Tian , Li Yu , Zhang Yang , Shu Hua
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which semantic context and
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contours affect speech recognition by Mandarin-speaking, kindergarten-aged children with cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

The experimental design manipulated two factors, that is, semantic context, by comparing the intelligibility of normal sentence versus word list, and
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contours, by comparing the intelligibility of utterances with natural versus flat
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patterns. Twenty-two children with CIs completed a speech recognition test.

Results

Children with CIs could use both semantic context and
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contours to assist speech recognition. Furthermore, natural
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patterns provided extra benefit when semantic context was present than when it was absent.

Conclusion

Dynamic
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contours play an important role in speech recognition by Mandarin-speaking children with CIs despite the well-known limitation of CI devices in extracting
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information.
Dual‐sleeve wideband monopole antenna for shipborne systems in VHF band
Authors: Wang Chao , Yuan Bin , Mao Junfa , Shi Wenxuan
Published: August 2018

A dual‐sleeve wideband monopole antenna with loaded plasma cylinders is proposed for shipborne systems in lower very high frequency (VHF) range. The monopole with sleeves, engineered as vertical polarised element, operates at the frequency from 30 to 100 MHz. It performs good radiation ability with low elevation angle in E‐plane. The monopole antenna height over feed point is 0.33λ at the lowest band. Plasma cylinder array as reflector is mounted above the monopole to restrain the deformation of patterns. Impedance and pattern measurements are conducted; the VSWR ≤ 2:1 bandwidth of the sleeve antenna is >107%. Unmanned aerial vehicle system is introduced to measure the radiation patterns at 110 MHz. Obtained results confirm that the proposed antenna is a variable candidate for communications with ships and flying vehicles in anti‐stealth systems.