bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size mismatch in deceased donor liver transplantation and its impact on graft survival
Authors: Reyes Jorge , Perkins James , Kling Catherine , Montenovo Martin
Published: July 2019

The impact of size mismatch in deceased donor liver transplantation is unknown. BSA has been demonstrated to be an accurate indicator of liver volume. We developed a model to match livers by BSA and estimate the impact of size mismatch on graft survival. Using the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) database we selected solitary primary liver transplants recipients of any age, transplanted between 3/6/2002 and 12/31/2016. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, and controlling for donor and recipient factors, we determined the relative risk for graft survival for four donor/recipient body surface area ratio groups (≤0.68, 0.69‐0.90, 0.91‐1.25, 1.26‐1.5). We studied two groups: recipients with a BSA > 1.6 (adults) and ≤1.6 (children) and a subgroup with a BSA ≤ 0.53 (small infants). In recipients with BSA > 1.6 (adults [n = 71 365]), D/R ratios ≤ 0.68 and > 1.25 had a negative impact on graft survival. In recipients with BSA ≤ 1.6 (children [n = 8339]) D/R ratios <0.75 and >1.25 had a negative impact on graft survival. In the 1725 recipients with BSA ≤ 0.53 (small infants) D/R ratios <1 and >2.3 had a negative impact on graft survival. In deceased donor liver transplantation, the D/R ratio is a significant, yet underestimated predictor of graft survival that should be considered in donor and recipient selection.
When is irony influenced by communicative constraints? ERP evidence supporting interactive models
Authors: Caffarra Sendy , Motamed Haeri Arman , Michell Elissa , Martin Clara D.
Published: July 2019

Distinct theoretical proposals have described how communicative constraints (contextual biases, speaker identity) impact verbal irony processing. Modular models assume that social and contextual factors have an effect at a late stage of processing. Interactive models claim that contextual biases are considered early on. The constraint‐satisfaction model further assumes that speaker's and context's characteristics can compete at early stages of analysis. The present ERP study teased apart these models by testing the impact of context and speaker features (i.e., speaker accent) on irony analysis. Spanish native speakers were presented with Spanish utterances that were ironic or literal. Each sentence was preceded by a negative or a positive context. Each story was uttered in a native or a foreign accent. Results showed that contextual biases and speaker accent interacted as early as 150 ms during irony processing. Greater N400‐like effects were reported for ironic than literal sentences only with positive contexts and native accent, possibly suggesting semantic difficulties when non‐prototypical irony was produced by natives. A P600 effect of irony was also reported indicating inferential processing costs. The results support the constraint‐satisfaction model and suggest that multiple sources of information are weighted and can interact from the earliest stages of irony analysis.
Etiology is the key determinant of neuroinflammation in epilepsy: Elevation of cerebrospinal fluid cytokines and chemokines in febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome and febrile status epilepticus
Authors: Kothur Kavitha , Bandodkar Sushil , Wienholt Louise , Chu Stephanie , Pope Alun , Gill Deepak , Dale Russell C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate intrathecal inflammation using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines and chemokines in a subgroup of pediatric epilepsy patients with frequent daily seizures.

Methods

We measured 32 cytokines/chemokines using multiplex immunoassay in CSF collected from pediatric patients with febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES)/FIRES‐related disorders (FRD; n = 6), febrile status epilepticus (FSE; n = 8), afebrile status epilepticus (ASE; n = 8), and chronic epilepsy with frequent daily seizures (n = 21) and compared the results with noninflammatory neurological disorders (NIND; n = 20) and encephalitis (n = 43). We also performed longitudinal CSF cytokine/chemokine studies in three cases with FIRES/FRD.

Results

The median age of onset of seizures was 2.4 years (range = 0.08‐12.5). Median CSF timing from the onset of seizures was longer in chronic epilepsy (540 days), whereas FIRES, FSE, and ASE had CSF tested within 1‐2 days of onset of seizures (P < .001). The elevation of cytokines/chemokines was higher in FIRES followed by FSE, when compared to chronic epilepsy and NIND controls. Th1‐associated cytokines/chemokines (TNF‐α, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11), IL‐6, CCL2, CCL19, and CXCL1 (P < .05) were elevated in FIRES, in contrast to the elevation of a broader network of cytokines/chemokines in encephalitis. The cytokines/chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL19) were elevated in FSE when compared to ASE despite the similar median seizure duration and timing of CSF testing in relation to seizures. Chronic epilepsy generally lacked significant elevation of cytokines/chemokines despite frequent daily seizures. The median concentrations of the cytokines/chemokines rapidly declined on serial testing during the course of illness in all three FIRES/FRD cases.

Significance

We identify significant differences in CSF cytokine/chemokine profile between FIRES/FRD and encephalitis. The prominent elevation of CSF cytokines and chemokines in FIRES/FRD and to a lesser extent FSE highlights that the cytokine/chemokine elevation is significantly associated with the etiology of the underlying process rather than purely reactive. However, it is unclear whether the immune activation contributes to the disease process.
Lower myelin‐water content of the frontal lobe in childhood absence epilepsy
Authors: Drenthen Gerhard S. , Fonseca Wald Eric L. A. , Backes Walter H. , Debeij - Van Hall Mariette H. J. A. , Hendriksen Jos G. M. , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Vermeulen R. Jeroen , Klinkenberg Sylvia , Jansen Jacobus F. A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

The frontal lobe in childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) might be affected due to the suggested involvement of the frontal lobe during absence seizures and reports on attentional deficits. Previously, subtle white matter abnormalities have been reported in CAE. However, the impact of one of the most characteristic components of the white matter, the myelin content, remains underdetermined. Therefore, this study investigated whether the myelin content in frontal areas is adversely affected in CAE compared to controls.

Methods

Seventeen children with childhood absence epilepsy (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 9.2 ± 2.1 years) and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (mean age ± SD, 9.8 ± 1.8 years) underwent neuropsychological assessment and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. T2 relaxometry scans were used to distinguish myelin‐water from tissue water and to determine the myelin‐water fraction (MWF) in the frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, and insular lobes. A linear regression model including age and sex as covariates was used to investigate group differences. Furthermore, the relationship of MWF with cognitive performance and epilepsy characteristics was determined.

Results

The frontal lobe revealed a significantly lower myelin‐water content in children with CAE compared to controls over the developmental age range of 6‐12 years (5.7 ± 1.0% vs 6.6 ± 1.1%, P = 0.02). This association was not found for any of the other four lobes (P > 0.10). No significant relation was found between myelin‐water content and cognitive performance or epilepsy characteristics.

Significance

The lower frontal myelin‐water content of children with CAE in comparison with healthy controls probably reflects an altered neurodevelopmental aspect in CAE, of which the underlying mechanisms still need to be unraveled.
Care preferences of healthy, middle‐aged adults in Japan and the USA if they acquired dementia: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Nakanishi Miharu , Miyamoto Yuki , Nakashima Taeko , Shindo Yumi , Nishida Atsushi
Published: July 2019

Aim

Japan introduced dementia‐friendly initiatives into its national policies to help people with dementia remain involved in society for as long as possible. However, some people might choose to live in a nursing home to avoid care burden on family members. Understanding middle‐aged adults’ preferences for place of care and identifying factors that influence their preferences would help policy decision‐makers promote dementia‐friendly initiatives. The present study aimed to investigate the care preferences of middle‐aged adults if they acquired dementia in Japan and the USA.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional observational study using an internet‐based questionnaire survey of Japanese residents with Japanese ethnicity, Japanese Americans, and non‐Asian Americans aged 40–70 years. A total of 301 participants, including 104 Japanese residents, 93 Japanese Americans and 104 non‐Asian Americans, completed the survey. Participants were asked to answer the items based on a hypothetical situation in which they had acquired dementia requiring regular care and supervision.

Results

Participants preferred nursing home care (29.9%), followed by professional home care (19.6%), family home care (17.6%) and hospital care (11.3%). Japanese residents had a significantly lower preference for professional home care than did Japanese or non‐Asian Americans (adjusted odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.75). Between‐ethnicity difference in care preferences was not observed.

Conclusions

A low preference for professional home care among the middle‐aged adults might be influenced by country‐specific long‐term and dementia care systems. Policy decision‐makers should develop professional home care services that are more available for families of people living with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 829–833.
Protocol of the European Registry on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp‐EuReg)
Authors: McNicholl Adrian G. , O’Morain Colm A. , Megraud Francis , Gisbert Javier P. ,   As Scientific Committee of the Hp‐Eureg on Behalf of the National Coordinators
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori selectively infects the human stomach, being the most prevalent chronic infection in the world. H pylori presence causes chronic gastritis in 100% of infected patients and is the major cause of relevant diseases such as atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer; it is for this reason that from a public health standpoint, it is considered a high‐impact pathogen, responsible of a significant morbidity and mortality. Nowadays, there are consensus and clinical guidelines regarding the infection management at a European level and in most of European countries, but no data have shown the level of implementation of these recommendations. The high costs that this infection carries both socially and to the health system require the continuous and systematic assessment of the diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as the accessibility to diagnostic methods and most efficient drugs.

Aim

To register the diagnosis, management strategies, and treatment of H pylori‐infected adult patients in the Digestive Services outpatient clinics throughout Europe.

Methods

Noninterventionist prospective multicentre international Registry promoted by the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group. National Coordinators will select recruiting gastroenterologists in their country that will register the H pylori‐related routine clinical practice consultations they receive in an electronic case report form (e‐CRF) provided by AEG‐REDCap. Variables retrieved will include clinical, diagnostic, treatment, eradication confirmation, and outcome data. The database will allow researchers to perform specific subanalyses after approval by the Scientific Committee of the study.
Changes in physicochemical properties of pork myofibrillar protein combined with corn starch and application to low‐fat pork patties
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) gels as affected by different additional levels of corn starch and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and applied to pork patties at two levels of corn starch. MPs with MTGase have higher properties than those without MTGase, except cooking loss (CL), which improved with higher corn starch concentrations. Although gel strength did not differ among the treatments, microstructures of corn starch were swollen, which proved that they were holding water. When corn starch was added, CL and thawing loss decreased, but shear value increased. The diameter shrinkage values of pork patties decreased with increasing corn starch concentrations. In addition, the pork patties with 2 g/100 g corn starch have a higher water‐holding capacity than the controls. The meat industry could use 1.0 g/100 g corn starch as a water‐binding agent to manufacture pork patties.
Hypertension is associated with increased post‐exercise albuminuria, which may be attenuated by an active lifestyle
Authors: Grupper Ayelet , Ehrenwald Michal , Schwartz Doron , Berliner Shlomo , Shashar Moshe , Baruch Roni , Schwartz Idit F. , Rogowski Ori , Zeltser David , Shapira Itzhak , Shenhar‐Tsarfaty Shani
Published: July 2019

Albuminuria is a known marker for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events, even below the threshold of moderately increased albuminuria (MIA). Post‐exercise increased albuminuria may precede the appearance of rest MIA, enabling detection of early injury. Modifying lifestyle for a population at risk for MIA is therefore of interest. Our aim was to evaluate post‐exercise albuminuria in hypertensive compared with normotensive individuals and to analyze the effect of an active lifestyle on rest and post‐exercise albumin excretion. The study cohort consisted of 3931 adults who participated in a health‐screening program. Albuminuria was measured as urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR). Lifestyle was divided into three groups: non‐active, less‐active, and active according to regular sport activity, categorized as follows: none, <2.5 and ≥2.5 hours per week. Mean age was 47.7 years, and 31.2% (n = 1228) were diagnosed with hypertension. Both rest and post‐exercise ACR were higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive participants. Rest ACR was higher in non‐active compared to less‐active and active hypertensive participants. Hypertensive participants with an active lifestyle had significantly lower post‐exercise and delta ACR compared to less‐active and non‐active hypertensive participants. Parameters related to delta ACR in hypertensive participants were increased age, BMI, and diabetes, while active lifestyle and fitness (measured as METS achieved by a stress test) were protective. In conclusion, there is an association between hypertension and increased albumin excretion post‐exercise, which can be attenuated with an active lifestyle.
A new species of Hemigrammus (Characiformes: Characidae) from western Amazon River basin, Colombia
Authors: Albornoz‐Garzón Juan G. , Méndez‐López Alejandro , DoNascimiento Carlos , Lima Flávio C. T.
Published: July 2019

A new species of Hemigrammus is described from the Amazon Basin near Leticia, Departamento Amazonas, Colombia. In common with some congeners and some Hyphessobrycon spp., the new species colour pattern lacks a humeral blotch but has a caudal‐peduncle blotch. It can be distinguished from congeners with a similar colour pattern by having: a relatively deep body (30.2%–39.0% LS), 20–24 branched anal‐fin rays, 6–8 perforated scales of the lateral line, anal‐fin base without a conspicuous black stripe, 3–5 maxillary teeth, maxillary teeth with 1–3 cusps, a thin longitudinal midlateral line and a well‐defined oval shaped caudal blotch, extending from caudal peduncle into the lower caudal‐fin rays. Comparisons with congeners and with Hyphessobrycon species sharing the same general colour pattern are presented.
Rapid prolactin induction in adult male rats after treatment with diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Maeda Naoyuki , Okumura Kanako , Yamaguchi Kousuke , Haeno Satoko , Yasui Yumiko , Kimura Nobuya , Ieko Takahiro , Miyasho Taku , Yokota Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic oestrogen known to disrupt the endocrine system and to cause reproductive toxicity mediated via the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis; however, its molecular mechanism of action is poorly understood. In the present study, we found that, after only 1 week of exposure to DES, blood testosterone dramatically decreased and that this decrease was associated with a strong induction of prolactin (PRL). Even with the increase in PRL, the luteinising hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone mRNAs slightly decreased. Our results show that, after 48 hours of a single dose of DES, there was a six‐fold increase in PRL expression. After exploring the upstream mechanisms, we determined that dopamine, which inhibits PRL secretion in male rats, did not decrease in the pituitary gland of DES‐treated rats, whereas vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which mediates the acute release of PRL, was elevated. Serotonin (5‐HT) increased in the brain of male rats 24 hours after a single DES treatment; however, PRL, VIP or 5‐HT was not induced by DES in female rats. Our results indicate that DES induces the expression of pituitary PRL in male rats by stimulating VIP in the hypothalamus and 5‐HT in the central nervous system.
The influence of oxytocin on risk‐taking in the balloon analogue risk task among women with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
Authors: Leslie Monica , Leppanen Jenni , Paloyelis Yannis , Nazar Bruno Palazzo , Treasure Janet
Published: July 2019

Previous theoretical models of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) have implicated cross‐domain risk‐taking behaviour as a significant maintenance factor in both disorders. The present study aimed to test this hypothesis by administering the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) to 25 women with BN or BED and 27 healthy comparison women without a history of an eating disorder. Furthermore, we tested the effect of a divided dose of 64 IU of oxytocin on risk‐taking behaviour in the BART. Contrary to our hypothesis, women with BN or BED did not exhibit baseline differences in performance on the BART in the placebo condition (t = 1.42, df = 50, P = 0.161, d = 0.39). Oxytocin did not have a main effect on performance in the BART (F = 0.01, df = 1, P = .907, η2partial < 0.001); however, there was an interaction, such that participants in the BN/BED participant group, compared to the healthy comparison group, demonstrated safer behaviour on the BART in the oxytocin condition, but not in the placebo condition (F = 4.29, df = 1, P = 0.044, η2partial = 0.082). These findings cast doubt on the common assumption that individuals with BN and BED exhibit greater risk‐taking behaviour in all domains and add to the evidence that oxytocin plays a functional role in modulating behaviours that entail trade‐offs between reward approach and risk in humans. We recommend that future dose‐response studies investigate the effect of oxytocin on reward approach behaviour further in women with recurrent binge eating behaviour, as well as the clinical significance of this effect.
Relationship between forehead motion and the shape of forehead lines—A 3D skin displacement vector analysis
Authors: Frank Konstantin , Freytag David L. , Schenck Thilo L. , Green Jeremy B. , Trovato Alexa , Barade Hassan , Rosamilia Gianna , Lachman Nirusha , Giunta Riccardo E. , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: July 2019

Objective

Neuromodulator injections of the forehead are often performed using standardized protocols. This study was designed to identify the individual skin motion pattern of the forehead and to relate this pattern to the underlying frontalis muscle morphology to offer guidance for neuromodulator placement.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐seven healthy volunteers (29 Caucasians, six African Americans, two Asians) with a mean age of 39.84 ± 14.4 years [range: 22‐73] were enrolled. 3D images of the forehead were analyzed using a Vectra H1 camera system computing skin displacement vectors between the noncontracted and the maximally contracted forehead of the volunteers. Relationships between the shape of the horizontal forehead lines (straight vs wavy) and the forehead motion pattern were calculated.

Results

Independent of age or gender, a greater forehead motion angle was associated with the presence of wavy forehead lines 21.34°± 5.9 with P < 0.001, whereas straight forehead lines were associated with a smaller forehead motion angle 6.68°± 2.9 P < 0.001. Females had more frequently straight horizontal forehead lines versus males: 68.4% vs 44.4% (P = 0.037). Young volunteers (<39.8 years) did not differ in their mean forehead motion angle when compared to older volunteers (>39.8 years): 13.70°± 9.0 vs 12.39°± 8.0 with P = 0.530.

Conclusion

Injections of neuromodulators in the forehead can be individualized by respecting the shape of the horizontal forehead lines. Wavy lines require injection points that are located more laterally, whereas straight lines require more centrally located injection points.
A Relational‐Models View to Explain Peer‐to‐Peer Sharing
Authors: Stofberg Nicole , Bridoux Flore , Ciulli Francesca , Pisani Niccolò , Kolk Ans , Vock Marlene
Published: July 2019

The growth of peer‐to‐peer sharing is crucially dependent on continued participation of current platform members and on them behaving prosocially towards other participants who are usually strangers. We propose a relational‐models view that revolves around the idea that how members perceive the relationships among participants on a sharing platform significantly affects these behavioural outcomes. We test this idea with a survey where we capture participants’ perceptions of sharing relationships using Fiske’s (1991) relational models ‒ communal sharing, market pricing, and equality matching. We show that communal sharing and equality matching foster prosocial behaviour (which we label sharing citizenship behaviour) and the willingness to continue participating, whereas market pricing does not have the negative effects we expected. Our work advances relational models theory in addition to contributing to the literature on the sharing economy.
Dynamic virulence‐related regions of the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae display enhanced sequence conservation
Authors: Depotter Jasper R. L. , Shi‐Kunne Xiaoqian , Missonnier Hélène , Liu Tingli , Faino Luigi , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Wood Thomas A. , Zhang Baolong , Jacques Alban , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: July 2019

Plant pathogens continuously evolve to evade host immune responses. During host colonization, many fungal pathogens secrete effectors to perturb such responses, but these in turn may become recognized by host immune receptors. To facilitate the evolution of effector repertoires, such as the elimination of recognized effectors, effector genes often reside in genomic regions that display increased plasticity, a phenomenon that is captured in the two‐speed genome hypothesis. The genome of the vascular wilt fungus Verticillium dahliae displays regions with extensive presence/absence polymorphisms, so‐called lineage‐specific regions, that are enriched in in planta‐induced putative effector genes. As expected, comparative genomics reveals differential degrees of sequence divergence between lineage‐specific regions and the core genome. Unanticipated, lineage‐specific regions display markedly higher sequence conservation in coding as well as noncoding regions than the core genome. We provide evidence that disqualifies horizontal transfer to explain the observed sequence conservation and conclude that sequence divergence occurs at a slower pace in lineage‐specific regions of the V. dahliae genome. We hypothesize that differences in chromatin organisation may explain lower nucleotide substitution rates in the plastic, lineage‐specific regions of V. dahliae.
Perspectives on intracellular perception of plant viruses
Authors: Meier Nathan , Hatch Cameron , Nagalakshmi Ugrappa , Dinesh‐Kumar Savithramma P.
Published: July 2019

The intracellular nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) class of immune receptors plays an important role in plant viral defence. Plant NLRs recognize viruses through direct or indirect association of viral proteins, triggering a downstream defence response to prevent viral proliferation and movement within the plant. This review focuses on current knowledge of intracellular perception of viral pathogens, activation of NLRs and the downstream signalling components involved in plant viral defence.
TxtH is a key component of the thaxtomin biosynthetic machinery in the potato common scab pathogen Streptomyces scabies
Authors: Li Yuting , Liu Jingyu , Adekunle Damilola , Bown Luke , Tahlan Kapil , Bignell Dawn R.D.
Published: July 2019

Streptomyces scabies causes potato common scab disease, which reduces the quality and market value of affected tubers. The predominant pathogenicity determinant produced by S. scabies is the thaxtomin A phytotoxin, which is essential for common scab disease development. Production of thaxtomin A involves the nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) TxtA and TxtB, both of which contain an adenylation (A‐) domain for selecting and activating the appropriate amino acid during thaxtomin biosynthesis. The genome of S. scabies 87.22 contains three small MbtH‐like protein (MLP)‐coding genes, one of which (txtH) is present in the thaxtomin biosynthesis gene cluster. MLP family members are typically required for the proper folding of NRPS A‐domains and/or stimulating their activities. This study investigated the importance of TxtH during thaxtomin biosynthesis in S. scabies. Biochemical studies showed that TxtH is required for promoting the soluble expression of both the TxtA and TxtB A‐domains in Escherichia coli, and amino acid residues essential for this activity were identified. Deletion of txtH in S. scabies significantly reduced thaxtomin A production, and deletion of one of the two additional MLP homologues in S. scabies completely abolished production. Engineered expression of all three S. scabies MLPs could restore thaxtomin A production in a triple MLP‐deficient strain, while engineered expression of MLPs from other Streptomyces spp. could not. Furthermore, the constructed MLP mutants were reduced in virulence compared to wild‐type S. scabies. The results of our study confirm that TxtH plays a key role in thaxtomin A biosynthesis and plant pathogenicity in S. scabies.
Metabolic reprogramming in nodules, roots, and leaves of symbiotic soybean in response to iron deficiency
Authors: Chu Qingnan , Sha Zhimin , Maruyama Hayato , Yang Linzhang , Pan Gang , Xue Lihong , Watanabe Toshihiro
Published: July 2019

To elucidate the mechanism of adaptation of leguminous plants to iron (Fe)‐deficient environment, comprehensive analyses of soybean (Glycine max) plants (sampled at anthesis) were conducted under Fe‐sufficient control and Fe‐deficient treatment using metabolomic and physiological approach. Our results show that soybeans grown under Fe‐deficient conditions showed lower nitrogen (N) fixation efficiency; however, ureides increased in different tissues, indicating potential N‐feedback inhibition. N assimilation was inhibited as observed in the repressed amino acids biosynthesis and reduced proteins in roots and nodules. In Fe‐deficient leaves, many amino acids increased, accompanied by the reduction of malate, fumarate, succinate, and α‐ketoglutarate, which implies the N reprogramming was stimulated by the anaplerotic pathway. Accordingly, many organic acids increased in roots and nodules; however, enzymes involved in the related metabolic pathway (e.g., Krebs cycle) showed opposite activity between roots and nodules, indicative of different mechanisms. Sugars increased or maintained at constant level in different tissues under Fe deficiency, which probably relates to oxidative stress, cell wall damage, and feedback regulation. Increased ascorbate, nicotinate, raffinose, galactinol, and proline in different tissues possibly helped resist the oxidative stress induced by Fe deficiency. Overall, Fe deficiency induced the coordinated metabolic reprogramming in different tissues of symbiotic soybean plants.
Clinicopathological features and phenotypic classification of de novo‐type colorectal carcinomas differ from those of colorectal carcinomas derived from flat adenomas
Authors: Koga Yutaka , Hirahashi Minako , Ohishi Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao
Published: July 2019

Since adenoma components disappear with tumor progression, it is not known whether colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) are derived from an adenoma–carcinoma sequence or are de novo. We compared 38 cases of ≤10‐mm flat CRCs without an adenoma component (de novo type) with 39 cases of ≤10‐mm flat CRCs with an adenoma component (carcinoma in adenoma (CIA) type). Compared to the CIA type, the de novo‐type CRCs were more frequently located in the proximal colon; more frequently invaded submucosa, and more frequently had venous permeation. Regarding the phenotypic classification based on the immunohistochemical expressions of CD10, MUC2 and MUC5AC, the incidence of unclassified type (CD10−, MUC2− and MUC5AC−) was significantly more frequent in the de novo (32%) than CIA (5%) type. In one de novo‐type case, mismatch repair (MMR) protein loss was judged, because MLH1 and PMS2 protein expressions were immunohistochemically negative. BRAF mutation (V600E) was seen in one de novo‐type case and two CIA‐type cases, but none of these cases had MMR protein loss. In conclusion, small‐intestinal type (CD10+ and MUC5AC−) is the most common in flat CRC and unclassified type is mainly characteristic of de novo type. In this study, small flat CRCs with BRAF mutation do not have MMR protein loss.
Electric Power Industry: Operational and Public Policy Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Parker Geoffrey G. , Tan Burcu , Kazan Osman
Published: July 2019

The electric power industry is undergoing dramatic change driven by rapid technological transformation, concern over climate change, and evolving market structures. As a result, there is a need for new models to help the industry better utilize resources in a time of increasing uncertainty and to help government policy makers better understand the impacts of their regulatory decisions. We provide a structured review of the operations research and management science literatures to describe the current operational and policy issues in the electric power industry, with a particular focus on issues surrounding electricity market design, renewable integration, effects of climate policy on electric power infrastructure, rise of electric powered vehicles, energy storage, and the growing interdependence between natural gas and electric power sectors. We identify the current research frontier and classify the existing research into clusters with respect to managerial issues addressed. We offer a forecast for where the electric power industry is going and describe some important public policy issues. Finally, we highlight research opportunities and discuss how the management science community can contribute by considering the interaction between operational considerations and electric power policy.
Vestibular modulation of multisensory integration during actual and vicarious tactile stimulation
Authors: Ponzo Sonia , Kirsch Louise P. , Fotopoulou Aikaterini , Jenkinson Paul M.
Published: July 2019

The vestibular system has been shown to contribute to multisensory integration by balancing conflictual sensory information. It remains unclear whether such modulation of exteroceptive (e.g., vision), proprioceptive, and interoceptive (e.g., affective touch) sensory sources is influenced by epistemically different aspects of tactile stimulation (i.e., felt from within vs. seen, vicarious touch). In the current study, we aimed to (a) replicate previous findings regarding the effects of galvanic stimulation of the right vestibular network in multisensory integration, and (b) examine vestibular contributions to multisensory integration when touch is felt but not seen (and vice versa). During artificial vestibular stimulation (LGVS, i.e., right vestibular stimulation), RGVS (i.e., bilateral stimulation), and sham (i.e., placebo stimulation), healthy participants (N = 36, Experiment 1; N = 37, Experiment 2) looked at a rubber hand while either their own unseen hand or the rubber hand were touched by affective or neutral touch. We found that (a) LGVS led to enhancement of vision over proprioception during visual only conditions (replicating our previous findings), and (b) LGVS (versus sham) favored proprioception over vision when touch was felt (Experiment 1), with the opposite results when touch was vicariously perceived via vision (Experiment 2) and with no difference between affective and neutral touch. We showed how vestibular signals modulate the weight of each sensory modality according to the context in which they are perceived and that such modulation extends to different aspects of tactile stimulation: felt and seen touch are differentially balanced in multisensory integration according to their epistemic relevance.
Revitalize the Public Service, Revitalize the Middle Class
Authors: Getha‐Taylor Heather
Published: July 2019

The reinventing government movement of the 1990s reshaped the public sector in significant ways. Creating a government that worked better and cost less was accomplished through streamlined federal middle management ranks and privatized service delivery, which contributed to the emergence of a “hollow state.” Workforce reductions that addressed short‐term economic realities effectively threatened the long‐term sustainability of governmental organizations and the communities they serve. A variety of forces are now ushering in a new era of hollow government, including a changing context for public work, shifting bureaucratic expectations, and reduced capacity for workforce management. The public sector and its employees represent an important contributor to the vitality of our economy and communities. Revitalizing the public sector workforce is critical for revitalizing the middle class, and both represent urgent policy priorities.
Comparative study of the developmental competence of cloned pig embryos derived from spermatogonial stem cells and fetal fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Joohyeong , Lee Yongjin , Lee Geun‐Shik , Lee Seung Tae , Lee Eunsong
Published: July 2019

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are promising resources for genetic preservation and restoration of male germ cells in humans and animals. However, no studies have used SSC as donor nuclei in pig somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This study investigated the potential for use of porcine SSC as a nuclei donor for SCNT and developmental competence of SSC‐derived cloned embryos. In addition, demecolcine was investigated to determine whether it could prevent rupture of SSC during SCNT. When the potential of SSC to support embryonic development after SCNT was compared with that of foetal fibroblasts (FF), SSC‐derived SCNT embryos showed a higher (p < .05) developmental competence to the blastocyst stage (47.8%) than FF‐derived embryos (25.6%). However, when SSC were used as donor nuclei in the SCNT process, cell fusion rates were lower (p < .05) than when FF were used (61.9% vs. 75.8%). Treatment of SSC with demecolcine significantly (p < .05) decreased rupture of SSC during the SCNT procedure (7.5% vs. 18.8%) and increased fusion of cell‐oocyte couplets compared with no treatment (74.6% vs. 61.6%). In addition, SSC‐derived SCNT embryos showed higher blastocyst formation (48.4%) than FF‐derived embryos without (28.4%) and with demecolcine treatment (17.4%), even after demecolcine treatment. Our results demonstrate that porcine SSC are a desirable donor cell type for production of SCNT pig embryos and that demecolcine increases production efficiency of cloned embryos by inhibiting rupture of nuclei donor SSC during SCNT.
Role of exosomes in tumour and transplant immune regulation
Authors: Lema Diego A. , Burlingham William J.
Published: July 2019

Exosomes are a potent means for intercellular communication. However, exosomes have received intensive research focus in immunobiology only relatively recently. Because they transport proteins, lipids and genetic material between cells, they are especially suited to amplify their parental cell's message and overcome the physical constraints of cell‐to‐cell contact, that is exosome release gives cells the ability to alter distant, non‐contiguous cells. As progress is made in this field, it has become increasingly obvious that exosomes are involved in most biological processes. In the immune system, exosomes are fundamental tools used by every immune cell type to fulfil its function and promote inflammation or tolerance. In this review, we first summarize key aspects of immune cell‐specific exosomes and their functions. Then, we describe how exosomes have been shown to be indispensable orchestrators of the immune response in two immunological scenarios, namely transplant rejection or tolerance, and tumour evasion or initiation of anti‐tumour immune responses.
Expanding the Reflexive Space: Resilient Young Adults, Institutional Cultures, and Cognitive Schemas
Authors: Manglos‐Weber Nicolette D. , Avelis Jade
Published: July 2019

For many U.S. young adults, being resilient to stressful events hinges on making meaning of such events and thereby minimizing their negative emotional impact. Yet why are some better able to do this than others? In this study, which uses an innovative outlier sampling strategy and linked survey and interview data, we argue that one important factor is connection to institutional cultures associated with higher education, religion/spirituality, and the military. Such cultures provide material for the development of cognitive schemas that can be adopted and applied to their stressful experiences, which include narratives of social progress, divine providence, and self‐discipline. Using a metaphor adapted from the pragmatist philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, we argue the resulting schemas have the effect of “expanding the space” of reflexive thought, providing new cognitive material for interpreting stress and supporting resilience. Finally, we argue this framing improves in several ways on the concept of meaning making often used in stress process research.
Selected CD molecules and the phagocytosis of microvesicles released from erythrocytesex vivo
Authors: Stachurska Anna , Dorman Małgorzata , Korsak Jolanta , Gaweł Damian , Grzanka Małgorzata , Trybus Wojciech , Fabijanska‐Mitek Jadwiga
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

The accumulation of microvesicles in erythrocyte concentrates during storage or irradiation may be responsible for clinical symptoms such as inflammation, coagulation and immunization. Our aim was to determine whether any of the cluster of differentiation (CD) molecules responsible for important functions are present on microvesicles, and if their expression level is dependent on the storage period of erythrocyte concentrates.

Material and methods

Erythrocyte microvesicles were isolated from ‘fresh’ (2ndday) and ‘old’ (42ndday) stored erythrocyte concentrates. Qualitative cytometric analysis of 0·5 µm, erythrocyte‐derived, PS‐exposing vesicles was performed using the annexin V‐FITC, anti‐CD235a‐PE antibody and calibrated beads. The microvesicles were also visualized under a confocal microscope. The expression of the molecules CD235a, CD44, CD47, CD55, CD59 and of phosphatidylserine (PS) was compared using flow cytometry. Measurements of microvesicle phagocytosis by human monocytes were carried out using a flow cytometer and a confocal microscope.

Results

The analysis of the microvesicles with calibration beads allowed us to identify these structures with a diameter of about 0·5 µm in the ‘fresh’ and ‘old’ samples. At day 2, the microvesicles had elevated expression levels of CD47, reduced expression levels of PS, CD55 and CD59. The phagocytosis index was higher for the microvesicles isolated from the 42‐day‐old erythrocyte concentrates.

Conclusion

This research may bring us closer to understanding the factors responsible for erythrocyte ageing and to evaluate the quality of stored red blood concentrates intended for transfusion.
Amyloid-like peptide nanofibrils as scaffolds for tissue engineering: Progress and challenges (Review)
Authors: Reynolds Nicholas P.
Published: July 2019

Networks of amyloid-like nanofibrils assembled from short peptide sequences have the ability to form scaffolds that can encapsulate clinically relevant stem cells encouraging their attachment, growth, and differentiation into various lineages which can be used in tissue engineering applications to treat a range of diseases and traumas. In this review, the author highlights a selection of important proof-of-principle papers that show how this class of self-assembled networks is highly suited to biomaterial scaffold development. The author highlights recent studies which have shown that these scaffolds can be used to promote cell and tissue regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. The author also presents some fundamental knowledge gaps which are preventing the widespread translation of such scaffolds. Finally, the author outlines a selection of studies that elucidate molecular assembly mechanisms and biophysical properties of amyloid-like peptide nanofibrils and suggests how studies like these might lead to the ability to generate nanofibril scaffolds with bespoke properties for tissue engineering.
Dynamic Metabolic Rewiring Enables Efficient Acetyl Coenzyme A Assimilation in Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Kremer Katharina , van Teeseling Muriel C. F. , Schada von Borzyskowski Lennart , Bernhardsgrütter Iria , van Spanning Rob J. M. , Gates Andrew J. , Remus-Emsermann Mitja N. P. , Thanbichler Martin , Erb Tobias J.
Published: July 2019

Central carbon metabolism provides organisms with energy and cellular building blocks during growth and is considered the invariable “operating system” of the cell. Here, we describe a new phenomenon in bacterial central carbon metabolism. In contrast to many other bacteria that employ only one pathway for the conversion of the central metabolite acetyl-CoA,
Paracoccus denitrificans
possesses two different acetyl-CoA assimilation pathways. These two pathways are dynamically recruited during different stages of growth, which allows
P. denitrificans
to achieve both high biomass yield and high growth rates under changing environmental conditions. Overall, this dynamic rewiring of central carbon metabolism in
P. denitrificans
represents a new strategy compared to those of other organisms employing only one acetyl-CoA assimilation pathway.
Glycointeractome of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Identification of Host Glycans Targeted by the Gonococcus To Facilitate Adherence to Cervical and Urethral Epithelial Cells
Authors: Semchenko Evgeny A. , Everest-Dass Arun V. , Jen Freda E.-C. , Mubaiwa Tsitsi D. , Day Christopher J. , Seib Kate L.
Published: July 2019

Multidrug-resistant strains of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
are emerging worldwide, and novel treatment and prevention strategies are needed. Glycans are ubiquitously expressed by all human cells and can be specifically targeted by pathogens to facilitate association with host cells. Here we identify and characterize the
N. gonorrhoeae
host-glycan binding profile (glycointeractome), which revealed numerous interactions, including high-affinity binding to mannosyl glycans. We identify gonococcal potential mannose-binding proteins and show that
N. gonorrhoeae
uses mannosyl glycans expressed on the surface of cervical and urethral epithelia to facilitate adherence. Furthermore, a mannose-binding lectin or a mannoside compound was able to reduce this adherence. By characterizing the glycointeractome of
N. gonorrhoeae,
we were able to elucidate a novel mechanism used by this important pathogen to interact with human cells, and this interaction could be exploited to develop novel therapeutics to treat antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea.
Structural Analysis of a Nitrogenase Iron Protein from Methanosarcina acetivorans: Implications for CO
2
Capture by a Surface-Exposed [Fe
4
S
4
] Cluster
Authors: Rettberg Lee A. , Kang Wonchull , Stiebritz Martin T. , Hiller Caleb J. , Lee Chi Chung , Liedtke Jasper , Ribbe Markus W. , Hu Yilin
Published: July 2019

This work reports the crystal structure of a previously uncharacterized Fe protein from a methanogenic organism, which provides important insights into the structural properties of the less-characterized, yet highly interesting archaeal nitrogenase enzymes. Moreover, the structure-derived implications for CO
2
capture by a surface-exposed [Fe
4
S
4
] cluster point to the possibility of developing novel strategies for CO
2
sequestration while providing the initial insights into the unique mechanism of FeS-based CO
2
activation.
Effect of rain leakage on hygrothermal performance of highly insulated wood-framed walls: a stochastic approach
Authors: Wang Lin , Ge Hua
Published: July 2019

Wind-driven rain is one of the most important moisture sources that may lead to moisture damage risks of building envelopes, particularly when the rainwater unintentionally infiltrates into the envelope assembly through defects of the wall components. This paper proposes a stochastic modelling approach to evaluate the impact of rain infiltration on hygrothermal performance of highly insulated wood-framed walls, including an I-joist deep cavity wall, two exterior insulated walls, and a conventional 2×6 stud wall as the baseline wall. The stochastic hygrothermal models of the walls are created based on the uncertainties of material properties and rain deposition factor under different scenarios with rain infiltration deposited at different locations of the wall assembly. The stochastic simulation results show that the rainwater deposited on a water resistive barrier does not cause any moisture damage risk, but there is a significant risk when the rainwater is directly deposited on the exterior or interior surface of wood sheathing, and the interior deposition has the highest risk.
Quasi-Grammian solutions of the generalized Heisenberg magnet model
Authors: Amjad Z. , Haider B.
Published: July 2019

In this paper we use standard binary Darboux transformation to obtain the quasi-Grammian multi-soliton solutions of generalized Heisenberg magnet model in two dimensions. We also discuss the model based on the Lie group SU(n) and obtain explicit solutions of the model for the SU(2) case.
Endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamide levels in rat brain and spinal cord following systemic dipyrone and paracetamol administration
Authors: Topuz Ruhan Deniz , Gunduz Ozgur , Karadag Cetin Hakan , Dokmeci Dikmen , Ulugol Ahmet
Published: July 2019

The cannabinoid system has been suspected to play a role in the mechanisms of action of dipyrone and paracetamol. Our purpose was to measure the local endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamide levels in the brain and spinal cord of rats following dipyrone and paracetamol administration. Nociception was assessed 1, 5, and 12 h following drug injections in Wistar rats, using tail-flick and hot-plate tests. The antinociceptive effects of dipyrone (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, i.p.) and paracetamol (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) were observed. After administration of the highest doses of dipyrone and paracetamol, endocannabinoid (N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)) and N-acylethanolamide (palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA)) levels were measured in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), and spinal cords of rats using tandem mass spectrometry with liquid chromatography. Increased 2-AG levels were observed in the PAG and the RVM 12 h after paracetamol injection; dipyrone exerted no action on 2-AG levels. Analgesic administrations led to a reduction in AEA levels in the RVM and spinal cord; similar decreases in PEA and OEA levels were observed in the RVM and the spinal cord. Dipyrone and paracetamol administrations appear to exert complicated effects on endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamide levels in rats.