bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic failure analysis for real glass components under general loading conditions
Authors: Muniz‐Calvente Miguel , Ramos Alberto , Fernández Pelayo , Lamela María Jesús , Álvarez Adrián , Fernández‐Canteli Alfonso
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the generalized local model (GLM) is applied to derive the primary failure cumulative distribution function (PFCDF) of annealed glass in order to achieve the failure prediction of structural glass. The uniqueness of the glass characterization is demonstrated irrespective of the test, specimen size, and geometry used. Consequently, the strength of glass is unequivocally derived in a probabilistic way as a material property, so that the definition of normalized testing specimens in international standards might be put under question. Furthermore, the application of the GLM to the results assessment allows to ensure a correct transferability of the laboratory data from simple specimens to the practical design of real glass components and vice versa. The feasibility of the GLM to characterize the strength of annealed glass from different test types is illustrated by means of an extensive experimental program.
The Long‐Term Robustness and Stability of Consensus Values as Composition Location Estimators for a Typical Geochemical Test Material in the GeoPT Proficiency Testing Programme
Authors: Webb Peter C. , Potts Philip J. , Thompson Michael , Wilson Stephen A. , Gowing Charles J. B.
Published: March 2019

Re‐issuing the same test material, its true identity unknown to participants, in two rounds of the GeoPT proficiency testing programme 18 years apart has demonstrated remarkable similarity, and therefore stability, of consensus values independently estimated for over fifty measurands in each round. A comparison of the two data sets, GeoPT5 (AMH‐1) from 1999 and GeoPT41 (ORA‐1) from 2017, shows that corresponding consensus values, rigorously derived by current procedures for complete compatibility, are for the most part statistically indistinguishable when account is taken of their associated uncertainties. Inferences that may be drawn from this exceptional agreement include: (a) the consensus estimation procedure was robust and gave consistent results; (b) overall, the balance of the contributed data was unaffected by significant changes in: (i) the populations of laboratories participating, (ii) the proportions of laboratories producing results by different techniques, (iii) the manner in which systems were calibrated, or (iv) the aspirations of laboratories to attain higher quality results over time; and (c) unsurprisingly perhaps, that the test material itself had remained stable and unchanged during that time. Additionally, a statistical comparison of the original values for AMH‐1 with consensus values derived by current procedures demonstrates that they are also effectively indistinguishable.
Iris Murdoch on Moral Perception1
Authors: Cooper Andrew
Published: March 2019

Many students who sign up for undergraduate‐level philosophy arrive with the expectation that moral philosophy is concerned with how one should act in the concrete and familiar situations of everyday life. Yet moral philosophers are often motivated by an ideal of neutrality, and adopt a detached perspective to achieve a scientific view of the competing moral theories. To concretise the points of disagreement they present highly specific examples that are abstracted from daily reality. There is something odd about the image of morality that comes into view. What kind of guidance about how to act in concrete and familiar situations can this form of theorising bring about? This paper examines Iris Murdoch’s account of moral perception as an alternative starting point. Murdoch offers a perspective that is conceptually prior to the separation of thought from action, one that addresses the agent on the level of perception. While accounts of moral perception are often criticized for proposing a complacent moral theory that is inherently conservative, I argue that Murdoch’s account offers a radical – or tragic – form of perfectionism. While moral philosophy cannot provide sufficient reasons to act, Murdoch shows that it can, like art, make us practical, capable of acting.
An efficient way of recycling silicon kerf waste for synthesis of high‐quality SiC
Authors: Jiang Shengnan , Gao Shuaibo , Liu Yang , Cui Xiaohua , Jin Xing , Wei Donghui , Kong Jian , Xing Pengfei
Published: March 2019

In this paper, an efficient approach of recycling and reutilizing of silicon kerf waste (SKW) to prepare high‐quality silicon carbide (SiC) by carbothermic reduction method is reported. SKW used as silicon source and petroleum coke as carbon source were submitted to the induction furnace for high‐temperature smelting. The effects and mechanism of smelting temperatures and time on micro morphology, crystal structure, and purity of the obtained high‐quality SiC were studied by X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) as well as the Raman and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. Raman and PL analyses have verified the existence of SiC crystal types as 6H and 3C. The SEM and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results show that the SiC particles size increases with the increasing smelting time and demonstrate that the iron impurity was enriched at the edges of SiC which can be easily removed by the subsequent acid leaching. The enrichment process can be accelerated by the increase of temperature. In addition, the carbothermic reduction mechanism of SKW was studied in detail. The obtained SiC powder after purification can reach 98.7% through this new method, which is of low cost, high efficiency, and environment friendly.
1964 Tokyo Olympics as Post‐War
Authors: Yoshimi Shunya
Published: March 2019

This is an analysis of the historical continuity of the military‐cultural spatial formation of the Tokyo Olympic Games throughout the prewar and postwar era. The sites that eventually became the basis for hosting the 1964 and 2020 Olympics had already materialized in the plan for the 1940 Olympics. Tokyo's modernization process entailed a shift of the city's core from the rich cultural heritage accumulated since the Edo in the city's northeast towards an area extending from the southwest of the city center into the suburbs. The northeast area of central Tokyo had been home to commoner districts since the Edo period, and with land that was highly subdivided, did not lend itself to large‐scale development. But the southwest of the city center was originally the site of feudal estates, and these large sites were generally amenable to large‐scale development. These areas were home to numerous Imperial Japanese Army bases before the surrender, which after seizure during the US occupation eventually became the footprint for large parks and urban developments. The 1964 Olympics played a determinative role in the developments of the southwest of the city center. This continuity from prewar to postwar planning is reflected in the similar placement of venues, and the their conversion from former military uses. So the Olympics came to postwar Japan as a postwar event, in the strict sense of the word. The term postwar here refers foremost to the strategy of converting the social consciousness from war that accompanied reconstruction and economic growth.
Star Architects, Urban Spectacles, and Global Brands: Exploring the Case of the Tokyo Olympics 2020
Authors: Tamari Tomoko
Published: March 2019

Olympic stadia are often regarded as political showcases stemming from a range of influences: the host nation's international politics, the interests of transnational capitalism, site‐specific meanings, and the power of iconic architecture. By examining the 2020 Tokyo Olympic main stadium as a case study, this article analyzes the controversial Zaha Hadid Tokyo stadium design in relation to the Japanese national branding initiative. The article argues that branding should be seen as part of an economic and cultural system that seems to enhance the global value of iconic architects and their buildings. Yet the power of brands can be understood as contingent. Their ambivalent nature entails a tension between exclusiveness and banality; additionally, branded architects may find it difficult to work across the different regimes of global and local politics, and they are of course also constrained by the logic of neoliberal transnational capitalism. By investigating a major global branded architect, Zaha Hadid, the article considers why a new image of Japan could not be adequately created by Hadid's aesthetics and narratives of the Olympic stadium, which could have been regarded as a national cultural legacy. The article then discusses the contested processes of image‐making and narrative creation in relation to the representation of Japan in contemporary Olympic culture. The article concludes with an examination of Kengo Kuma's architecture language in his 2020 Tokyo Olympics stadium design.
cAIMP administration in humanized mice induces a chimerization‐level‐dependent STING response
Authors: Andersen Anna H. F. , Olesen Rikke , Jønsson Kasper L. , Højen Jesper F. , Krapp Christian , Mack Katharina , Thomsen Martin K. , Østergaard Lars , Tolstrup Martin , Dagnæs‐Hansen Frederik , Jakobsen Martin R. , Denton Paul W.
Published: March 2019

It is well understood that the STING signalling pathway is critical for generating a robust innate immune response to pathogens. Human and mouse STING signalling pathways are not identical, however. For example, mice lack IFI16, which has been proven important for the human STING pathway. Therefore, we investigated whether humanized mice are an appropriate experimental platform for exploring the human STING signalling cascade in vivo. We found that NOG mice reconstituted with human cord blood haematopoietic stem cells (humanized NOG mice) exhibit human STING signalling responses to an analogue of the cyclic di‐nucleotide cGAMP. There was an increase in the proportions of monocytes in the lungs of mice receiving cGAMP analogue. The most robust levels of STING expression and STING‐induced responses were observed in mice exhibiting the highest levels of human chimerization. Notably, differential levels of STING in lung versus spleen following cGAMP analogue treatment suggest that there are tissue‐specific kinetics of STING activation and/or degradation in effector versus inductive sites. We also examined the mouse innate immune response to cGAMP analogue treatment. We detected that mouse cells in the immunodeficient NOG mice responded to the cGAMP analogue and they do so with distinct kinetics from the human response. In conclusion, humanized NOG mice represent a valuable experimental model for examining in vivo human STING responses.
Digital behavior surveillance for monitoring the interests of Google users in amber necklace in different countries
Authors: Strieder Anna Paola , Aguirre Patricia Estefania Ayala , Lotto Matheus , Cruvinel Agnes Fátima Pereira , Cruvinel Thiago
Published: March 2019

Aim

To determine the interests of Google users in information about amber necklace in distinct countries over time.

Design

This longitudinal retrospective study analyzed the amber necklace‐related computational data generated from the activity of Google users from17 countries, by the application of Google Trends. Four search strategies were defined in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, for retrieving the monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) between January 2004 and September 2018, including all categories and sources of search. Trends and 12‐month predictive interests of users were analyzed by forecasting autoregressive integrated moving average models, while the influences of seasonality were evaluated by generalized additive models. The most popular queries employed for Google users were determined to qualitative analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

In general, RSV curves were characterized by uptrends in most studied countries over the years, without the influence of monthly or quarterly seasonality. The queries were frequently associated with a desire for additional information, with respect to the definition, usability, and teething symptoms relief promoted by amber jewelries.

Conclusions

These findings indicate an increasing interest of Google users in amber necklace‐related topics in different countries.
Substitutional effect of Na2O with K2O on the viscosity and structure of CaO‐SiO2‐CaF2‐based mold flux systems
Authors: Seo Min Seok , Sohn Il
Published: March 2019

The effect of the substitution of Na2O with K2O on the viscosity and structure of molten CaO‐SiO2‐CaF2‐based mold fluxes containing alkali‐oxides at high temperatures has been studied. The CaO/SiO2 mass ratio (C/S) and CaF2 were fixed at 0.8 and 10 mass pct., respectively. The total alkali‐oxide was fixed at 20 mass pct. By systematically substituting the Na2O with K2O, the K2O/(Na2O + K2O) mass ratio was modified between 0.0 and 1.0. Using the rotating spindle method to measure the viscosity at high temperatures, the viscosity was found to increase with higher K2O/(Na2O + K2O). From the slope of the temperature dependence of the viscosity, an apparent activation energy was calculated and increased with higher K2O/(Na2O + K2O), from 96 to 154 kJ/mol, due to the cation size effect on the resistance to shearing. Using Raman spectroscopy of as‐quenched fluxes, the mole fraction of Q3 was found to increase, while the mole fractions of Q2 and Q0 decreased with higher K2O/(Na2O + K2O). The nonbridged oxygen per silicon cation (NBO/Si) decreased from 1.97 to 1.58 with increasing K2O/(Na2O + K2O), suggesting greater complexity of the flux structure with higher K2O/(Na2O + K2O), resulting in a higher viscosity.
The role of gut microbiota in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bostanciklioğlu M.
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the effects of the gut microbiota on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's pathology by evaluating the current original key findings and identifying gaps in the knowledge required for validation. The diversity of the gut microbiota declines in the elderly and in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Restoring the diversity with probiotic treatment alleviates the psychiatric and histopathological findings. This presents a problem: How does gut microbiota interact with the pathogenesis of AD? The starting point of this comprehensive review is addressing the role of bacterial metabolites and neurotransmitters in the brain under various conditions, ranging from a healthy state to ageing and disease. In the light of current literature, we describe three different linkages between the present gut microbiome hypothesis and the other major theories for the pathogenesis of AD as follows: bacterial metabolites and amyloids can trigger central nervous system inflammation and cerebrovascular degeneration; impaired gut microbiome flora inhibits the autophagy-mediated protein clearance process; and gut microbiomes can change the neurotransmitter levels in the brain through the vagal afferent fibres.
Cytoprotective agent for peptic ulcer prevention in patients taking dual antiplatelet agents: A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Pittayanon Rapat , Piyachaturawat Panida , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Prueksapanich Piyapan , Chaitongrat Supakarn , Lertsuwunseri Vorarit , Srimahachota Suphot , Mahachai Varocha
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

Long‐term use of dual antiplatelets is increasing, and most patients need primary peptic ulcer prophylaxis. The long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with adverse events. We evaluated the efficacy of rebamipide for peptic ulcer prevention.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted between July 2014 and November 2017. Patients receiving dual antiplatelets for ≥ 1 year with no history of peptic ulcer bleeding or perforation were recruited and randomly assigned to the rebamipide (300 mg/day) group or the placebo group. Patients who used proton pump inhibitors were excluded. The primary endpoint was a new mucosal break on esophagogastroduodenoscopy at 3 or 12 months after treatment initiation. The secondary endpoints were hematocrit changes from the baseline, gastrointestinal bleeding, and chest pain. Antiplatelet function was assessed.

Results

In total, 95 eligible patients were identified; 12 were excluded, and 83 patients were randomized, with 66 (79.5%) and 59 (71.1%) patients eligible at the 3‐ and 12‐month follow ups, respectively. The baseline characteristics were equivalent between the groups. During the 12 months of follow up, 13 patients (43.3%) taking rebamipide and 19 (65.5%) taking the placebo experienced mucosal injury (P = 0.07). Two patients (6.7%) taking rebamipide and eight (27.6%) taking the placebo had peptic ulcers ≥ 5 mm or < 5 mm with pigmented spots (P = 0.03). The changes in hematocrit were not different between the two groups. Neither bleeding ulcers nor chest pain was observed.

Conclusion

Rebamipide is safe and may prevent peptic ulcers ≥ 5 mm in diameter or those with pigmented spots in patients receiving dual antiplatelets for 1 year (NCT02166008).
A novel triple combination in treatment of melasma: Significant outcome with far less actives
Authors: Pekmezci Erkin
Published: March 2019

Background

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation, often involving the face, and a source of distress for the affected individuals. Although treatment is challenging and frequently a multimodality approach, topical applications are the mainstay of therapy.

Objective

Due to the frequent relapses, a therapy both acting rapidly and suitable for long‐term use, with fewer adverse effects should be administered. In our outpatient clinic, we treated the melasma patients with a previously unreported triple combination which was empirically formulated with lesser amount of active components, regarding the balance between long‐term use and safety.

Methods

Sixty‐eight female patients with melasma who referred to our hospital dermatology clinic in the years 2016‐2017 were retrospectively recruited. They all had completed 6‐month treatment with a prescribed cream mixture comprised of azelaic acid (4%), hydroquinone (1.6%), methylprednisolone aceponate (0.04%), and salicylic acid (2%). The outcomes were evaluated both instrumentally (Melanin Index/MI) and by patients (Patient Self‐Assessment Scale/PSAS).

Results

Adverse effects declared by the patients were transient irritation in three and mild hypertrichosis in two. Both the MI and PSAS values were found extremely significant at the end of 6th month, compared with initial values. Approximately 62% of total decrease in MI was realized in the first 3 months.

Conclusion

The triple combination containing active ingredients with lesser concentrations than proposed, and with the addition of 2% salicylic acid, may be promising as a quite effective and safe protocol in treatment of melasma for longer durations.
The usefulness of YouTube™ videos as a source of information on burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Fortuna Giulio , Schiavo Julie H. , Aria Massimo , Mignogna Michele D. , Klasser Gary D.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this review was to investigate quality assessment and quantitative information on burning mouth syndrome (BMS) on YouTube™ videos.

Methods

An electronic search of YouTube™ videos on BMS was performed using subject headings, keywords and synonyms of BMS. For each video, quality information, via the quality assessment score (QAS) and quantitative information, such as the total number of results per term searched, date of upload, clip length, view count, source category (professional, personal, educational, mixed), number of likes and dislikes and YouTube™ category were evaluated.

Results

The search identified 3768 videos of which only 114 were included in our analysis: the quality of videos was very poor (mean ± standard deviation = 1.76 ± 1.64). The most representative categories were “educational” with 53 (46.5%) videos scoring between 0 and 4 and “mixed” with 24 (21.1%) videos scoring between 0 and 2. Significant differences were found among all four categories in relation to length in seconds (P < 0.001), number of views (P = 0.006) and interaction index (P = 0.001), as well as between “professional” and the other categories and between “educational” and “personal” in relation to length in seconds (P < 0.001), between “educational” and “personal” (P < 0.001) and “personal” and “mixed” category in relation to interaction index (P = 0.003) and between “professional” and “personal” in relation to views per day (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

A large number of videos regarding BMS have published on YouTube™, with a wide range of distribution regarding their length and views. Unfortunately, they presented unreliable information which is most often scientifically inaccurate. Health care institutions and professionals should be more actively involved in improving high‐quality e‐information about BMS on YouTube™.
Physical Education Policies in US Schools: Differences by School Characteristics
Authors: Michael Shannon L. , Brener Nancy , Lee Sarah M. , Clennin Morgan , Pate Russell R.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

We assessed the extent to which schools in the United States implement physical education policies identified in SHAPE America's Essential Components of Physical Education document and how implementation of these policies varies by school characteristics.

METHODS

School policy data were collected as part of the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study via computer‐assisted personal interviews in a nationally representative sample of K‐12 schools and were linked to extant data on school characteristics. Bivariate analyses and Poisson regression model were used to examine how physical education policies differed by school characteristics.

RESULTS

Five physical education policies varied by region and 3 varied by school level. Requiring certified, licensed, or endorsed physical education teachers varied by all school characteristics except school level and percentage of students eligible for free or reduced‐price lunch. The average number of physical education policies implemented by schools was 3.0. The number of policies varied by metropolitan status and school level.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest many schools are only implementing a few of the physical education policies that can strengthen their physical education programs. These findings can be used to target professional development and technical assistance for physical education practitioners on policy and implementation.
Efficacy of new nematicides for managing Meloidogyne incognita in tomato crop
Authors: Silva Juliana de Oliveira , Loffredo Angelo , da Rocha Mara Rúbia , Becker J. Ole
Published: March 2019

New non‐fumigant nematicides (fluensulfone, fluopyram and fluazaindolizine) were tested in greenhouse tomato trials aiming to evaluate its efficacy on the control of Meloidogyne incognita soil and root populations and plant produtivity. Plants of the cultivar Red Gnome were transplanted into 2,500 cm3 fibre pots inoculated with 200 eggs of M. incognita/100 cm3 of soil and treated with fluensulfone, fluopyram and fluazaindolizine, in two rates each. After eight weeks of incubation the plants were evaluated for fresh root and shoot weight, weight and number of fruits, egg mass number, population density and nematode reproduction factor. All nematicide treatments reduced the root gall index, the number of M. incognita egg masses, eggs/g root and the nematode reproduction factor when compared to the non‐treated control.
In vitro immunomodulatory effect of nisin on porcine leucocytes
Authors: Małaczewska Joanna , Kaczorek‐Łukowska Edyta , Wójcik Roman , Rękawek Wojciech , Siwicki Andrzej K.
Published: March 2019

Nisin, a lantibiotic bacteriocin, has been used for years as a natural food preservative. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, nisin also shows immunomodulatory properties, and the nisin‐producing Lactococcus lactis strain has been successfully tested as a probiotic in weaned piglets. However, the impact of nisin on porcine immune cells has not yet been explored. The objective of the present study was to examine the in vitro immunomodulatory effect of nisin on porcine peripheral blood leucocytes. The whole heparinized blood samples or freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with different nisin concentrations (0, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 µg/ml) for 1, 24, 48 or 72 hr. Escherichia coli bacteria were used to stimulate blood phagocytes, while concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide from E. coli were used as mitogens. Control cells remained unstimulated. MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate PBMCs viability and mitogenic response. Phagocyte activity and T‐cell proliferation were measured by flow cytometry. Flow cytometer was also used for immunophenotyping of T cells. Cytokine levels in the culture media were determined using commercial immunoassay (ELISA) kits. The highest concentration of nisin exhibited proliferative activity (p ˂ 0.05), stimulated interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production (both at p ˂ 0.001), and increased the percentage of CD4+CD8+ T cells (p ˂ 0.001) among unstimulated leucocytes. After cell stimulation, however, the highest nisin concentration showed antiproliferative activity (p ˂ 0.05), decreased phagocytic functions (p ˂ 0.05) and inhibited the synthesis of IL‐6 (time‐ and concentration‐dependent effect). As a typical bacterial product, nisin had a stronger impact on innate immune cells, and its effect on T cells was likely a consequence of the modulation of the activity of antigen‐presenting cells. Nisin may be a good candidate as an immunomodulator in pig breeding.
Physiological effects of nitrogen deficiency and recovery on the macroalga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Wen Jinyan , Chen Weizhou , Du Hong
Published: March 2019

Algal metabolites are the most promising feedstocks for bio‐energy production. Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis seems to be a good candidate red alga for polysaccharide production, especially relating to the agar production industry. Nitrogen deficiency is an efficient environmental pressure used to increase the accumulation of metabolites in algae. However, there are no studies on the physiological effects of G. lemaneiformis in response to nitrogen deficiency and its subsequent recovery. Here we integrated physiological data with molecular studies to explore the response strategy of G. lemaneiformis under nitrogen deficiency and recovery. Physiological measurements indicated that amino acids and protein biosynthesis were decreased, while endogenous NH4+ and soluble polysaccharides levels were increased under nitrogen stress. The expression of key genes involved in these pathways further suggested that G. lemaneiformis responded to nitrogen stress through up‐regulation or down‐regulation of genes related to nitrogen metabolism, and increased levels of endogenous NH4+ to complement the deficiency of exogenous nitrogen. Consistent with the highest accumulation of soluble polysaccharides, the gene encoding UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, a molecular marker used to evaluate agar content, was dramatically up‐regulated more than 4‐fold compared to the relative expression of actin after 4 d of nitrogen recovery. The present data provide important information on the mechanisms of nutrient balance in macroalgae.
Using high protein distiller's dried grain product to replace corn protein concentrate and fishmeal in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Guo Jingping , Reis João , Salze Guillaume , Rhodes Melanie , Tilton Scott , Davis Donald Allen
Published: March 2019

An 8‐week growth trial was conducted to evaluate the use of a high protein distiller's dried grain (HPDDG, NexPro®, Flint Hills Resources, LP, Wichita, KS) on the growth performance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In the growth trial, graded levels of HPDDG (0.00, 10.00, 15.00, and 20.00%) were used to replace corn protein concentrate (CPC: 12.60, 6.30, 3.15, and 0.00%) or fishmeal (FM: 17.40, 9.79, 6.00, and 2.21%). A commercially produced open‐feed formulation was also included in the trial as a reference. Each diet was randomly assigned to four replicate groups of 30 shrimp stocked in 0.8 m3 culture tanks. Under green water conditions, in the presence of natural foods, the results indicated that growth performance and feed conversion ratio were not statistically influenced by increasing levels of HPDDG when used to replace CPC. The FM replacement series trial results showed that shrimp fed a diet with 20% HPDDG exhibited significantly decreased trend of biomass. Results of this study demonstrate that HPDDG is a good protein source, and 20% HPDDG can be used to replace CPC in shrimp diets, or up to 15% when replacing FM.
Faecal microbiota from patients with cirrhosis has a low capacity to ferment non‐digestible carbohydrates into short‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Jin Mingliang , Kalainy Sylvia , Baskota Nami , Chiang Diana , Deehan Edward C. , McDougall Chelsea , Tandon Puneeta , Martínez Inés , Cervera Carlos , Walter Jens , Abraldes Juan G.
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims

Cirrhosis is associated with dysbiosis, but its functional consequences are still largely unknown. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) account for physiological interactions between the gut microbiota and host. Our aim was to assess the impact of cirrhotic dysbiosis on the production of SCFAs.

Methods

Seventeen patients with cirrhosis and 17 controls were selected. Microbiota composition in faecal samples was assessed by next‐generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. SCFAs were measured with GC‐MS in faecal samples and after in vitro batch fermentations using arabinoxylan, resistant starch, pectin, and lactulose as substrates.

Results

Among the 17 cirrhotic patients (mean age 58, eight males), six, nine and two were, respectively, Child‐Pugh class A, B and C. Eleven patients were on oral antibiotics, 11 on lactulose and 13 on proton pump inhibitors. Cirrhotic patients showed marked differences in the composition and diversity of gut microbiome when compared to controls, that were more pronounced with increased severity. Stool samples from cirrhotic patients showed lower SCFAs content and reduced capacity to produce SCFAs in batch fermentations, with butyrate production being the most abnormal. These functional aberrancies were more pronounced with greater liver disease severity. Abundance of Ruminococcus faecis (in family Ruminococcaceae), Faecalicatena fissicatena and Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans (in family Lachnospiraceae) was positively correlated with the SCFAs production.

Conclusion

Cirrhotic dysbiosis is associated with a decreased capacity to ferment non‐digestible carbohydrates into SCFAs, especially into butyrate. These functional abnormalities are more pronounced as disease progresses. These results might inform the design of gut‐targeted therapies for cirrhosis.
Impacts of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and its regression under therapy in male patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xiong Ming , Li Junying , Yang Shuling , Zeng Fansen , Ji Yali , Liu Jiang , Wu Qiaoping , He Qingjun , Tang Xiaoting , Jiang Ronglong , Zhou Fuyuan , Chen Yongpeng , Wen Weiqun , Chen Jinjun , Hou Jinlin
Published: March 2019

Background & Aims

The role of cigarette smoking in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains poorly understood. We assessed the potential contributions of cigarette smoking to liver fibrosis and its regression after starting antiviral therapy in CHB patients.

Methods

In this cohort study, 2144 consecutive male CHB patients under no antiviral therapy were evaluated and 206 patients with significant liver fibrosis (≥F2) initiating antiviral therapy had longitudinal follow‐up. Liver fibrosis was measured by liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography. To adjust for imbalances between smoking history and never smoking groups, propensity score (PS) matching model with 1:1 ratios were performed. Cigarette smoking history and intensity (pack‐years) were collected and documented using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Before PS matching, 432/2144 patients had advanced fibrosis in prevalence cohort. Patients with smoking history (n = 1002) had a greater prevalence of advanced fibrosis than those without (n = 1142) (24.4% vs 16.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that smoking contributed to advanced fibrosis (OR, 1.458; 95% CI, 1.114‐1.908). In longitudinal cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated retarded fibrosis regression in patients with history of smoking ≥10 pack‐years (OR, 0.288; 95% CI, 0.1‐0.825). After PS matching, patients with smoking history had higher prevalence of advanced fibrosis (22.8% vs 18%, P = 0.024) than those non‐smokers. In post‐PS‐matching logistic regression, the effect of smoking on advanced fibrosis persisted (OR, 1.415; 95% CI, 1.047‐1.912; P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking in male CHB patients aggravated liver fibrosis prior to and delayed fibrosis regression under antiviral therapy.
A microchondrule‐bearing micrometeorite and comparison with microchondrules in CM chondrites
Authors: Suttle M. D. , Genge M. J. , Salge T. , Lee M. R. , Folco L. , Góral T. , Russell S. S. , Lindgren P.
Published: March 2019

We report the discovery of a partially altered microchondrule within a fine‐grained micrometeorite. This object is circular, <10 μm in diameter, and has a cryptocrystalline texture, internal zonation, and a thin S‐bearing rim. These features imply a period of post‐accretion parent body aqueous alteration, in which the former glassy igneous texture was subject to hydration and phyllosilicate formation as well as leaching of fluid‐mobile elements. We compare this microchondrule to three microchondrules found in two CM chondrites: Elephant Moraine (EET) 96029 and Murchison. In all instances, their formation appears closely linked to the late stages of chondrule formation, chondrule recycling, and fine‐grained rim accretion. Likewise, they share cryptocrystalline textures and evidence of mild aqueous alteration and thus similar histories. We also investigate the host micrometeorite's petrology, which includes an unusually Cr‐rich mineralogy, containing both Mn‐chromite spinel and low‐Fe‐Cr‐rich (LICE) anhydrous silicates. Because these two refractory phases cannot form together in a single geochemical reservoir under equilibrium condensation, this micrometeorite's accretionary history requires a complex timeline with formation via nonequilibrium batch crystallization or accumulation of materials from large radial distances. In contrast, the bulk composition of this micrometeorite and its internal textures are consistent with a hydrated carbonaceous chondrite source. This micrometeorite is interpreted as a fragment of fine‐grained rim material that once surrounded a larger parent chondrule and was derived from a primitive carbonaceous parent body; either a CM chondrite or Jupiter family comet.
Influence of occupation history and habitat on Washington sea otter diet
Authors: Hale Jessica R. , Laidre Kristin L. , Tinker M. Tim , Jameson Ronald J. , Jeffries Steven J. , Larson Shawn E. , Bodkin James L.
Published: March 2019

Habitat characteristics are primary determinants of nearshore marine communities. However, biological drivers like predation can also be important for community composition. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris ssp.) are a salient example of a keystone species exerting top‐down control on ecosystem community structure. The translocation and subsequent population growth and range expansion of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Washington State over the last five decades has created a spatio‐temporal gradient in sea otter occupation time and density, and acts as a natural experiment to quantify how sea otter population status and habitat type influence sea otter diet. We collected focal observations of sea otters foraging at sites across the gradient in varying habitat types between 2010 and 2017. We quantified sea otter diet composition and diversity, and long‐term rates of energy gain across the gradient. We found that sea otter diet diversity was positively correlated with cumulative sea otter density, while rate of energy gain was negatively correlated with cumulative density. Additionally, we found that habitat type explained 1.77 times more variance in sea otter diet composition than sea otter cumulative density. Long‐term diet studies can provide a broader picture of sea otter population status in Washington State.
TfmR, a novel TetR‐family transcriptional regulator, modulates the virulence of Xanthomonas citri in response to fatty acids
Authors: Teper Doron , Zhang Yanan , Wang Nian
Published: March 2019

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is required for Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) virulence by translocating effectors into host cytoplasm to promote disease development. The T3SS is controlled by the master transcriptional regulators HrpG and HrpX. While the function of HrpG and HrpX are well characterized, their upstream regulation remains elusive. By using transposon mutagenesis, we identified XAC3052, a TetR‐family transcriptional regulator, which regulates T3SS gene expression. Deletion of XAC3052 caused significant reduction in the expression of T3SS and effector genes in vitro and in planta; as well as reduction of virulence in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Overexpression of hrpG restored the virulence of ∆XAC3052, suggesting that the loss of virulence is caused by reduction of T3SS gene expression. XAC3052 directly binds to the promoter region and represses the transcription of fadE, mhpC and fadH genes. FadE, MhpC and FadH are not involved in T3SS regulation, but involved in fatty acid catabolism. ∆XAC3052 displays altered fatty acid composition and retarded growth in environments limited in fatty acids. Exogenously supplemented long‐chain fatty acids activate the fadE/mhpC promoter and suppress T3SS promoters in wild‐type Xac but not in ∆XAC3052. Moreover, the binding of XAC3052 to its target promoter was disrupted by long‐chain fatty acids in vitro. Herein, XAC3052 is designated as TfmR (T3SS and Fatty acid Mechanism Regulator). This study identifies a novel regulator of fatty acid metabolism and suggests that fatty acids play an important role in the metabolic control of virulence in Xcc.
Structure and Process in the Old Frenchjeu‐parti
Authors: MASON JOSEPH W.
Published: March 2019

Previous analytical studies of trouvère song have tended to focus on the structural aspects of the songs. This leaves little room for a consideration of text‐music relationships beyond the first stanza of a song. This article proposes that the analytical constructs of structure and process may be used to reach a wider range of analytical readings. The study focuses on the Old French corpus ofjeux‐partis, sung debates composed by the trouvères (poet‐singers) in northern France in the thirteenth century. When a poet‐singer composed the first stanza of ajeu‐parti, they negotiated the stylistic conventions of the genre. These conventions are the first structure – a structure of expectation – with which trouvères are in dialogue in the process of composition. The first part of the article establishes what the stylistic conventions of thejeu‐partiare. After the first stanza of ajeu‐partiwas composed, the two opposing trouvères negotiated the melodic and poetic structure that was established in the first stanza by exploiting the structures latent in thejeu‐partimelody, creating interlocking structures of music and text that change from one stanza to the next. The second part of the article analyses onejeu‐partiin detail to demonstrate how this was done.
A case of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency enzyme deficiency carrying a novel mutation
Authors: Khosa Shaweta , Girard David , Khosa Gurveer S. , Srivastava Soma S. , Mishra Shri K.
Published: March 2019

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme deficiency is the most common genetic cause of elevated levels of homocysteine in the plasma (hyperhomocysteinemia). We describe a 22‐year‐old male, who presented to the clinic with history of MTHFR deficiency and homocystinuria. At baseline, the patient was nonverbal, wheelchair‐bound with seizures since young age. Physical examination showed increased spasticity and weakness in bilateral lower extremities. Elevated levels of homocysteine were seen in the serum. Genetic testing revealed a single homozygous pathogenic mutation in c.1699C>T p. R587x. not previously reported for homocystinuria. Our patient carries a unique single homozygous pathogenic mutation c.1699C>T p. R587x leading to homocystinuria that hasn't been described before. More research is required to identify the pathophysiology of this mutation and role in other diseases.
Aquaporin‐4 expression dynamically varies after acute spinal cord injury‐induced disruption of blood spinal cord barrier in rats
Authors: Pan Ya‐lan , Guo Yang , Ma Yong , Wang Lei , Zheng Su‐yang , Liu Ming‐ming , Huang Gui‐cheng
Published: March 2019

The blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) changes badly after spinal cord injury (SCI), and it is an important pathophysiological basis of SCI secondary damage. Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), one of the transmembrane proteins in spinal cord, has been shown to be closely related to the development of the BSCB and edema. We established a SCI model in rats using a free‐falling weight drop device to subsequently investigate AQP4 expression. AQP4 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression and immunoreactivity were detected in spinal cord tissue using reverse transcription‐real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. We found the water content and edema of the spinal cord were significantly higher than the control group after SCI, which was related to the growth of BSCB permeability; both reached their peak on the third day after injury. One, 3, 5, 7 days after injury, the immune response and protein expression in the model group increased from 1 to 3 days, with a plateau period from 3 to 5 days and a decline from 5 to 7 days, showing a significant difference compared with the sham group at each time point (P < 0.05), while the RT‐qPCR results showed a decline of mRNA just after 3 days. In conclusion, after SCI, the water content of the spinal cord and the BSCB permeability increases, together with the excessive expression of AQP4, which reached a peak on the third day. AQP4 expression is closely relative to the permeability of BSCB and the water content of the spinal cord.
Functional regression models for South African economic indicators: a growth curve perspective
Authors: Mangisa Siphumlile , Das Sonali , Ray Surajit , Sharp Gary
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we compare three functional regression models from a growth curve perspective to predict the relationship between two economic variables, specifically we compare a functional concurrent model, a functional historical model and a functional autoregressive model (FAR). The dependent and the independent variables are cumulated over the annual time window for the growth curve analyses. These models are used to predict exports (real) for the South African economy in terms of electricity demand. The data analysed consist of 33 years of exports (inZARmillion) at annual quarterly frequency, and electricity demand (in GwH) at monthly totals. Exploratory analysis included phase‐plane plots for the two series. For the prediction exercise, the baseline concurrent model was evaluated against the other two models, and their performance compared using the root‐mean‐square error (RSME) measure, the relative performance in terms of the ratio of theRMSEs, and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov based hypothesis test to compare the distributions of theRMSEs of the models. Our results show that from the growth curve perspective, for the prediction of exports in terms of electricity for theSAeconomy, theFARmodel of lag(1) outperforms both the concurrent model and the historical model by far.
Sivelestat sodium hydrate treatment for refractory Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ebata Ryota , Yasukawa Kumi , Nagai Kazue , Saito Yuko , Higashi Kouji , Homma Jun , Takada Nobuyuki , Takechi Fumie , Saito Naoki , Kobayashi Hironobu , Okunushi Kentaro , Hamada Hiromichi , Kohno Yoichi , Hanaoka Hideki , Shimojo Naoki
Published: March 2019

Background

There is still no definite treatment for refractory Kawasaki disease (KD). In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new protocol consisting of sivelestat sodium hydrate (SSH) combined with additional i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) for KD resistant to initial IVIG therapy.

Methods

This study is a prospective non‐randomized, open‐label and single‐arm study undertaken in a population of refractory KD patients at Chiba University Hospital from December 2006 to March 2016. The subjects had KD resistant to initial IVIG (2 g/kg) and received SSH (0.2 mg/kg/h for 5 days) combined with additional IVIG (2 g/kg) as a second‐line therapy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the treatment during the study period.

Results

Forty‐six KD patients were enrolled in this study and no serious adverse event was noted. Of these, 45 patients were evaluated for the incidence of coronary artery lesions, which occurred in one patient (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.5–15.2). Twenty‐eight (62.2%) responded promptly and were afebrile after the therapy. The median total duration of fever was 8 days (range, 6–28 days).

Conclusions

Additional IVIG combined with SSH as a second‐line therapy for KD refractory to initial IVIG therapy was safe and well tolerated and could be a promising option for severe KD. Further investigations are expected to clarify the safety and timing of SSH treatment for KD.
Bringing life history theory into relationship science
Authors: Simpson Jeffry A.
Published: March 2019

In this article, I review three longitudinal studies that have investigated how exposure to more versus less predictable environments shunt individuals down different developmental pathways. After describing key principles of life history theory and how stress can shape social development over time, I discuss an interrelated set of findings from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation. Collectively, these studies reveal the pathways through which exposure to more unpredictable, chaotic early‐life environments prospectively forecast engaging in riskier behaviors and shorter‐term, more opportunistic, and less investing orientations to mating and parenting in one or both genders. I conclude by discussing the broader goals underlying this program of research.
Self‐esteem and anxious responses to partner feedback: Parsing anticipatory and consummatory anxiety
Authors: Luerssen Anna , Ayduk Özlem
Published: March 2019

We hypothesized that people with lower self‐esteem (SE) may perceive feedback from romantic partners in threatening ways and display maladaptive reactions during these events. Although prior research suggests that SE is mostly unrelated to emotional reactions to partner feedback, we predicted that differences inanxiousemotion exist, but emerge before the feedback is delivered, atanticipation.We evaluated these predictions through a series of studies in which participants received feedback from ongoing and ostensible dating partners. As in prior research, SE was unrelated to anxiety at feedback delivery. In contrast, and consistent with predictions, participants with lower SE anticipated feeling more anxious when receiving positive and negative feedback. These results are discussed in the context of broader relationship dynamics.