bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of damage by hydroxyl generation on strength of silica fibers
Authors: Fett Theo , Schell Karl G. , Hoffmann Michael J. , Wiederhorn Sheldon M.
Published: February 2018

When water diffuses into silica glass, a chemical reaction between the water and the glass damages the ring structure of the glass, causing a reduction in the Young's modulus, a lowering of the intrinsic strength and a reduction in the crack‐growth resistance of the glass. In the absence of swelling of the glass within the water penetrated zone, the damage caused by hydroxyl group generation will have no effect on the strength of the glass fibers, provided the water‐affected surface zone is much thinner than the bulk material. In contrast, swelling stresses within the water penetrated zone at the fiber glass surface will increase the strength of the glass fibers.
Copper‐substituted spinel Zn‐Mg ferrite nanoparticles as potential heating agents for hyperthermia
Authors: Ansari Mohammad , Bigham Ashkan , Hassanzadeh Tabrizi Sayed Ali , Abbastabar Ahangar Hossein
Published: February 2018

CuxZn0.5‐xMg0.5Fe2O4(x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via thermal treatment technique using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a capping agent. The effect of Cu2+ions substitution on the magnetic and structural properties of ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles is assessed. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results prove the formation of spinel cubic ferrite with nanocrystalline structure. It is observed by increasing Cu2+ions content in Cu2+‐substituted ZnMg ferrite samples, the lattice constant decreases. The field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs indicate that all samples have sizes in nanometer scale with almost spherical morphology and ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles size is increased as the result of Cu2+substitution. Magnetic data show that by increasing in Cu2+content, the saturation magnetization (Ms) increases up tox = 0.3 and then declines with the addition of more Cu2+ions in the samples. To assess the heat release of Cu2+‐substituted ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles, an alternating magnetic (AC) field is applied. The results show an upward trend for the samples in the temperature vs time chart, as a result of increasing in Ms of the samples. The Cu0.3Zn0.2Mg0.5Fe2O4sample exhibits a temperature increase up to 43°C during 510 seconds in the exposure of 125 Oe magnetic field intensity. The cell compatibility of the samples is investigated using osteoblast‐like cells (MG63). Results show that the substitution of Cu2+significantly affects the cell compatibility of the ZnMg ferrite nanoparticles.
Engagement and performance in a first year natural resource science course
Authors: McKenna Brigid A. , Kopittke Peter M.
Published: February 2018

Quantifying student engagement with online learning resources on virtual learning environments such as BlackBoard is important in understanding how these technologies enhance the student learning. In the present study, it was examined when, and how often, first‐year students accessed lecture recordings, lecture slides, and lecture notes via BlackBoard, in an introductory natural resource course taken by both on campus students and remote students. The findings demonstrated that lecture recordings were not well utilized by students—although only 58% of on campus students attended face‐to‐face lectures, less than 15% of absent students downloaded the missed lecture. Overall, more students downloaded lecture slides (an average of 63% per week) than notes (38%) or recordings (16%). Indeed, the average student downloaded only 1.1 types of the 3 online resources (recordings, slides, and notes) that were available each week, with 5.7% of students downloading all 3 types of resources, 23% downloading 2 types of resources, 42% downloading only 1 type of resource, and 29% downloading none of the 3 types of resources. Finally, remote students were more likely to download lecture notes and recordings than were on campus students. The information presented here is important in understanding student behaviour and engagement.
ViDA: A virtual debugging advisor for supporting learning in computer programming courses
Authors: Lee V.C.S. , Yu Y.T. , Tang C.M. , Wong T.L. , Poon C.K.
Published: February 2018

Many students need assistance in debugging to achieve progress when they learn to write computer programs. Face‐to‐face interactions with individual students to give feedback on their programs, although definitely effective in facilitating their learning, are becoming difficult to achieve with ever‐growing class sizes. This paper proposes a novel approach to providing practical automated debugging advice to support students' learning, based on the strong relationship observed between common wrong outputs and the corresponding common bugs in students' programs. To implement the approach, we designed a generic system architecture and process, and developed a tool called Virtual Debugging Advisor (ViDA) that was put into use in classes in a university. To evaluate the effectiveness of ViDA, a controlled experiment and a survey were conducted with first year engineering students in an introductory computer programming course. Results are encouraging, showing that (a) a higher proportion of students could correct their faulty code themselves with ViDA enabled, (b) an overwhelming majority of respondents found ViDA helpful for their learning of programming, and (c) most respondents would like to keep ViDA enabled when they practice writing programs.
Research Review: Test–retest reliability of standardized diagnostic interviews to assess child and adolescent psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Duncan Laura , Comeau Jinette , Wang Li , Vitoroulis Irene , Boyle Michael H. , Bennett Kathryn
Published: February 2018

Background

A better understanding of factors contributing to the observed variability in estimates of test–retest reliability in published studies on standardized diagnostic interviews (SDI) is needed. The objectives of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were to estimate the pooled test–retest reliability for parent and youth assessments of seven common disorders, and to examine sources of between‐study heterogeneity in reliability.

Methods

Following a systematic review of the literature, multilevel random effects meta‐analyses were used to analyse 202 reliability estimates (Cohen's kappa = ҡ) from 31 eligible studies and 5,369 assessments of 3,344 children and youth.

Results

Pooled reliability was moderate at ҡ = .58 (CI 95% 0.53–0.63) and between‐study heterogeneity was substantial (Q = 2,063 (df = 201), p < .001 and I2 = 79%). In subgroup analysis, reliability varied across informants for specific types of psychiatric disorder (ҡ = .53–.69 for parent vs. ҡ = .39–.68 for youth) with estimates significantly higher for parents on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and the broad groupings of externalizing and any disorder. Reliability was also significantly higher in studies with indicators of poor or fair study methodology quality (sample size <50, retest interval <7 days).

Conclusions

Our findings raise important questions about the meaningfulness of published evidence on the test–retest reliability of SDIs and the usefulness of these tools in both clinical and research contexts. Potential remedies include the introduction of standardized study and reporting requirements for reliability studies, and exploration of other approaches to assessing and classifying child and adolescent psychiatric disorder.
Bloody‐minded parasites and sex: the effects of fluctuating virulence
Authors: Gibson Amanda K. , Stoy Kayla S. , Lively Curtis M.
Published: February 2018

Asexual lineages can grow at a faster rate than sexual lineages. Why then is sexual reproduction so widespread? Much empirical evidence supports the Red Queen hypothesis. Under this hypothesis, coevolving parasites favour sexual reproduction by adapting to infect common asexual clones and driving them down in frequency. One limitation, however, seems to challenge the generality of the Red Queen: in theoretical models, parasites must be very virulent to maintain sex. Moreover, experiments show virulence to be unstable, readily shifting in response to environmental conditions. Does variation in virulence further limit the ability of coevolving parasites to maintain sex? To address this question, we simulated temporal variation in virulence and evaluated the outcome of competition between sexual and asexual females. We found that variation in virulence did not limit the ability of coevolving parasites to maintain sex. In fact, relatively high variation in virulence promoted parasite‐mediated maintenance of sex. With sufficient variation, sexual females persisted even when mean virulence fell well below the threshold virulence required to maintain sex under constant conditions. We conclude that natural variation in virulence does not limit the relevance of the Red Queen hypothesis for natural populations; on the contrary, it could expand the range of conditions over which coevolving parasites can maintain sex.
How can we improve the performance of Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease sodium score in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related decompensated liver cirrhosis commencing antiviral treatment?
Authors: Kim Tae Hyung , Ku Dae Hoe , Um Soon Ho , Lee Han Ah , Park Seung Woon , Chang Jung Mi , Yim Sun Young , Suh Sang Jun , Jung Young Kul , Seo Yeon Seok , Kim Ji Hoon , Yim Hyung Joon , Yeon Jong Eun , Byun Kwan Soo , Ahn Hyonggin
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

We aimed to develop a more efficient prognostic model to predict 1‐year mortality in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related decompensated cirrhosis beginning antiviral treatment.

Methods

Using Cox regression analysis, survival analyses were performed on 554 patients with decompensated cirrhosis who were followed up from the start of nucleos(t)ide analogue antiviral treatment.

Results

At baseline, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy were found in 78.0% and 18.1% of patients, respectively. Eighty‐six events (77 deaths and 9 emergency liver transplants) occurred within the first year of treatment. Severity of ascites, presence of hepatic encephalopathy, and the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD)–sodium (MELDNa) score were independent risk factors for 1‐year mortality. The new prognostic model (the revised MELDNa) constructed by adding ascites and encephalopathy to the MELDNa score significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for predicting 1‐year events at baseline compared with the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh system, MELD and MELDNa models, and Fontana index (0.905 vs 0.867, 0.843, 0.871, and 0.815, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, repetitive application of revised MELDNa at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months of treatment could predict 81.4% (70/86) of 1‐year events, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the sensitivity of the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh system (68.6%), MELD (70.9%) and MELDNa (68.6%) scores, and Fontana index (64.0%), achieving similar specificities of ~96%.

Conclusions

Ascites and encephalopathy should be considered together with the MELDNa score when predicting short‐term mortality and planning liver transplant in patients with decompensated hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis starting antiviral treatment.
Comparison of the microbial community structure between inflamed and non‐inflamed sites in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hirano Atsushi , Umeno Junji , Okamoto Yasuharu , Shibata Hiroki , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Moriyama Tomohiko , Torisu Takehiro , Fujioka Shin , Fuyuno Yuta , Kawarabayasi Yutaka , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kitazono Takanari , Esaki Motohiro
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

The gut microbiota is suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, interindividual and spatial variations hamper the identification of UC‐related changes. We thus investigated paired mucosa‐associated microbiota obtained from both inflamed and non‐inflamed sites of UC patients and corresponding sites of non‐inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) controls.

Methods

Mucosal biopsies of both inflamed and non‐inflamed sites were obtained from 14 patients with active UC of the left‐sided or proctitis type. Paired mucosal biopsies of the corresponding sites were obtained from 14 non‐IBD controls. The microbial community structure was investigated using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences, followed by data analysis using qiime and LEfSe softwares.

Results

Microbial alpha diversity in both inflamed and non‐inflamed sites was significantly lower in UC patients compared with non‐IBD controls. There were more microbes of the genus Cloacibacterium and the Tissierellaceae family, and there were less microbes of the genus Neisseria at the inflamed site when compared with the non‐inflamed site in UC patients. Decreased abundance of the genera Prevotella, Eubacterium, Neisseria, Leptotrichia, Bilophila, Desulfovibrio, and Butyricimonas was evident at the inflamed site of UC patients compared with the corresponding site of non‐IBD controls. Among these taxa, the genera Prevotella and Butyricimonas were also less abundant at the non‐inflamed site of UC patients compared with the corresponding site in non‐IBD controls.

Conclusions

Mucosal microbial dysbiosis occurs at both inflamed and non‐inflamed sites in UC patients. The taxa showing altered abundance in UC patients might mediate colonic inflammation.
Factors Affecting Discharge to Home of Geriatric Intermediate Care Facility Residents in Japan
Authors: Morita Kojiro , Ono Sachiko , Ishimaru Miho , Matsui Hiroki , Naruse Takashi , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home from geriatric intermediate care facilities in Japan.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We used data from the nationwide long‐term care (LTC) insurance claims database (April 2012–March 2014).

Participants

Study participants were 342,758 individuals newly admitted to 3,459 geriatric intermediate care facilities during the study period.

Measurements

The primary outcome was discharge to home. We performed a multivariable competing‐risk Cox regression with adjustment for resident‐, facility‐, and region‐level characteristics. Resident level of care needs and several medical conditions were included as time‐varying covariates. Death, admission to a hospital, and admission to another LTC facility were treated as competing risks.

Results

During the 2‐year follow‐up period, 19% of participants were discharged to home. In the multivariable competing‐risk Cox regression, the following factors were significantly associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home: older age, higher level of care need, having several medical conditions, private ownership of the facility, more beds in the facility, and more LTC facility beds per 1,000 adults aged 65 and older in the region.

Conclusion

Only 19% of residents were discharged to home. Our results are useful for policy‐makers to promote discharge to home of older adults in geriatric intermediate care facilities.
The remarkable vocal anatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): insights into low‐frequency sound production in a marsupial species
Authors: Frey Roland , Reby David , Fritsch Guido , Charlton Benjamin D.
Published: February 2018

Koalas are characterised by a highly unusual vocal anatomy, with a descended larynx and velar vocal folds, allowing them to produce calls at disproportionately low frequencies. Here we use advanced imaging techniques, histological data, classical macroscopic dissection and behavioural observations to provide the first detailed description and interpretation of male and female koala vocal anatomy. We show that both males and females have an elongated pharynx and soft palate, resulting in a permanently descended larynx. In addition, the hyoid apparatus has a human‐like configuration in which paired dorsal, resilient ligaments suspend the hyoid apparatus from the skull, while the ventral parts tightly connect to the descended larynx. We also show that koalas can retract the larynx down into the thoracic inlet, facilitated by a dramatic evolutionary transformation of the ventral neck muscles. First, the usual retractors of the larynx and the hyoid have their origins deep in the thorax. Secondly, three hyoid muscles have lost their connection to the hyoid skeleton. Thirdly, the genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles are greatly increased in length. Finally, the digastric, omohyoid and sternohyoid muscles, connected by a common tendinous intersection, form a guiding channel for the dynamic down‐and‐up movements of the ventral hyoid parts and the larynx. We suggest that these features evolved to accommodate the low resting position of the larynx and assist in its retraction during call production. We also confirm that the edges of the intra‐pharyngeal ostium have specialised to form the novel, extra‐laryngeal velar vocal folds, which are much larger than the true intra‐laryngeal vocal folds in both sexes, but more developed and specialised for low frequency sound production in males than in females. Our findings illustrate that strong selection pressures on acoustic signalling not only lead to the specialisation of existing vocal organs but can also result in the evolution of novel vocal structures in both sexes.
Systemic and transdermal melatonin administration prevents neuropathology in response to perinatal asphyxia in newborn lambs
Authors: Aridas James D. S. , Yawno Tamara , Sutherland Amy E. , Nitsos Ilias , Ditchfield Michael , Wong Flora Y. , Hunt Rod W. , Fahey Michael C. , Malhotra Atul , Wallace Euan M. , Jenkin Graham , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: February 2018

Perinatal asphyxia remains a principal cause of infant mortality and long‐term neurological morbidity, particularly in low‐resource countries. No neuroprotective interventions are currently available. Melatonin (MLT), a potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent, offers promise as an intravenous (IV) or transdermal therapy to protect the brain. We aimed to determine the effect of melatonin (IVor transdermal patch) on neuropathology in a lamb model of perinatal asphyxia. Asphyxia was induced in newborn lambs via umbilical cord occlusion at birth. Animals were randomly allocated to melatonin commencing 30 minutes after birth (60 mg in 24 hours;IVor transdermal patch). Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was undertaken at 12 and 72 hours. Animals (control n = 9; control+MLTn = 6; asphyxia n = 16; asphyxia+MLT[IVn = 14; patch n = 4]) were euthanised at 72 hours, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brains were collected for analysis. Asphyxia resulted in severe acidosis (pH6.9 ± 0.0; lactate 9 ± 2 mmol/L) and altered determinants of encephalopathy.MRSlactate:N‐acetyl aspartate ratio was 2.5‐fold higher in asphyxia lambs compared with controls at 12 hours and 3‐fold higher at 72 hours (P < .05). Melatonin prevented this rise (3.5‐fold reduced vs asphyxia;P = .02). Asphyxia significantly increased brain white and grey matter apoptotic cell death (activated caspase‐3), lipid peroxidation (4HNE) and neuroinflammation (IBA‐1). These changes were significantly mitigated by bothIVand patch melatonin. Systemic or transdermal neonatal melatonin administration significantly reduces the neuropathology and encephalopathy signs associated with perinatal asphyxia. A simple melatonin patch, administered soon after birth, may improve outcome in infants affected by asphyxia, especially in low‐resource settings.
EMERGING DISCOURSE INCUBATOR: Cross‐Sector Relations in Global Supply Chains: A Social Capital Perspective
Authors: Johnson Jonathan L. , Dooley Kevin J. , Hyatt David G. , Hutson Andrew M.
Published: February 2018

Virtually unheard of 30 years ago, collaborations involving environmental NGOs and businesses are now common and are increasingly being used to address sustainability issues in supply chains. We argue that a supply chain perspective is instrumental for collaborative NGOs in helping them to understand environmental impacts, interorganizational dynamics, and optimal collaborative partners and tactics. We apply a framework that integrates three predominant social capital theories to cross‐sector partnerships to explain how three dimensions of social capital, individually and in interaction, may create strategic value for NGOs who seek to improve the environmental performance of companies through collaboration. Finally, we survey the nature of the progress that has (and has not) been made through cross‐sector partnerships and offer suggestions for how social capital may be deployed to accelerate change.
Functional characterization of collaterals in the human gingiva by laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Fazekas Réka , Molnár Eszter , Lohinai Zsolt , Dinya Elek , Tóth Zsuzsanna , Windisch Péter , Vág János
Published: February 2018

Objective

The rate of blood flow between the various areas of the gingiva in resting position and under challenge is unknown. In this study, the LSCI method was used to map spatial and temporal changes in gingival blood flow after transient compression.

Methods

Horizontal, vertical, and papilla base compressions were applied on the attached gingiva in 21 healthy patients (13 women, 8 men). LSCI was used to determine dynamic changes in regional blood flow during a five‐second occlusion interval and subsequent reperfusion for twenty minutes.

Results

Resting blood flow in the attached gingiva apical to the papillae was higher as compared to that in the midbuccal area of the teeth. During short‐term horizontal compression, ischemia was greater coronal than apical to the occlusion line. Postocclusive hyperemia was observed not only in the regions affected by ischemia but encompassed a wider area. Hyperemic response was more pronounced and prolonged in male than in female patients.

Conclusions

Blood flow in the attached gingiva shows spatial differences. Our findings corroborate the apicocoronal orientation of blood circulation. Periodontal and papillary collaterals may have little role in the blood supply of the adjacent attached gingiva under physiological conditions.
Conserved residues are critical for Haloferax volcanii archaeosortase catalytic activity: Implications for convergent evolution of the catalytic mechanisms of non‐homologous sortases from archaea and bacteria
Authors: Abdul Halim Mohd Farid , Rodriguez Ronald , Stoltzfus Jonathan D. , Duggin Iain G. , Pohlschroder Mechthild
Published: February 2018

Proper protein anchoring is key to the biogenesis of prokaryotic cell surfaces, dynamic, resilient structures that play crucial roles in various cell processes. A novel surface protein anchoring mechanism in Haloferax volcanii depends upon the peptidase archaeosortase A (ArtA) processing C‐termini of substrates containing C‐terminal tripartite structures and anchoring mature substrates to the cell membrane via intercalation of lipid‐modified C‐terminal amino acid residues. While this membrane protein lacks clear homology to soluble sortase transpeptidases of Gram‐positive bacteria, which also process C‐termini of substrates whose C‐terminal tripartite structures resemble those of ArtA substrates, archaeosortases do contain conserved cysteine, arginine and arginine/histidine/asparagine residues, reminiscent of His‐Cys‐Arg residues of sortase catalytic sites. The study presented here shows that ArtAWT‐GFP expressed in trans complements ΔartA growth and motility phenotypes, while alanine substitution mutants, Cys173 (C173A), Arg214 (R214A) or Arg253 (R253A), and the serine substitution mutant for Cys173 (C173S), fail to complement these phenotypes. Consistent with sortase active site replacement mutants, ArtAC173A‐GFP, ArtAC173S‐GFP and ArtAR214A‐GFP cannot process substrates, while replacement of the third residue, ArtAR253A‐GFP retains some processing activity. These findings support the view that similarities between certain aspects of the structures and functions of the sortases and archaeosortases are the result of convergent evolution.
Comparing Explicit Exemplar‐Based and Rule‐Based Corrective Feedback: Introducing Analogy‐Based Corrective Feedback
Authors: THOMAS KAVITA E.
Published: February 2018

This study introduces an approach to providing corrective feedback to L2 learners termed analogy‐based corrective feedback that is motivated by analogical learning theories and syntactic alignment in dialogue. Learners are presented with a structurally similar synonymous version of their output where the erroneous form is corrected, and they must decode the analogy‐based feedback to understand the correction. A quasi‐experimental classroom‐based study was conducted with upper secondary Swedish EFL learners (N = 49) to investigate the effectiveness of corrective feedback varying in mode (inductive exemplar‐based or deductive rule‐based) on English subject–verb agreement. Explicit correction, metalinguistic, and analogy‐based corrective feedback, all explicitly providing evidence of error and including reformulation prompts, were assessed by timed and untimed grammaticality judgment and sentence completion tasks in a between‐groups pretest, posttest, delayed posttest design with a control group. Results indicate significant delayed gains for all feedback types on the untimed grammaticality judgment task for ungrammatical items. No clear advantage was seen for rule‐based or exemplar‐based CF. Descriptive statistics indicate different trends over successive testing times, where analogy‐based feedback often led to lowest performance on the immediate posttest but showed improvement on the delayed posttest, unlike the other two CF types.
CgPDR1 gain‐of‐function mutations lead to azole‐resistance and increased adhesion in clinical Candida glabrata strains
Authors: Ni Qi , Wang Chen , Tian Yuan , Dong Danfeng , Jiang Cen , Mao Enqiang , Peng Yibing
Published: February 2018

Recently, Candida glabrata has emerged as a health‐threatening pathogen and the rising resistance to antifungal agent in C. glabrata often leads to clinical treatment failure. To investigate the evolution of drug resistance and adherence ability in four paired clinical isolates collected before and after antifungal treatment. Sequence analysis, gene disruption, drug‐susceptibility, adhesion tests and real‐time quantitative PCR were performed. The azole‐susceptible strains acquired azole resistance after antifungal therapy. Four gain‐of‐function (GOF) mutations in CgPDR1 were revealed by sequence analysis, namely G1099D, G346D, L344S and P927S, the last being reported for the first time. CDR1, CDR2 and SNQ2 efflux pump gene expression levels were elevated in strains harbouring GOF mutations in CgPDR1, resulting in decreased azole susceptibility. CgPDR1 alleles with distinct GOF mutations displayed different expression profiles for the drug‐related genes. CgPDR1GOF mutations led to increased efflux pumps expression levels in a strain background independent way. Hyperactive Pdr1G1099D and Pdr1P927S displayed strain background‐dependent increased adherence to host cells via upregulation of EPA1 transcription. Interestingly, the drug transporter gene expression levels did not always correspond with that of the adhesin EPA1 gene. GOF mutations in CgPDR1 conferred drug resistance and increased adherence in the clinical strains, possibly endowing C. glabrata with increased viability and pathogenicity.
Evaluation of the new AspID polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of Aspergillus species: A pilot study
Authors: Prattes Juergen , Hoenigl Martin , Zinke Stefanie E.‐M. , Heldt Sven , Eigl Susanne , Johnson Gemma L. , Bustin Stephen , Stelzl Evelyn , Kessler Harald H.
Published: February 2018

The newly developed AspID PCR assay for detection of Aspergillus spp. was evaluated with an interlaboratory quality control programme panel and human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. With the quality control programme, 8 out of 9 panel members were correctly identified. With the clinical study, 36 BALF samples that had been obtained from 18 patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and 18 without IPA were investigated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio for the AspID assay were 94.1% (95% CI 73.3‐99.9), 76.5% (95% CI 50.1‐93.2), 4 (95% CI 1.7‐9.5) and 0.1 (95% CI 0.01‐0.5) respectively.
Photochemical inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum by different compoundings of curcumin
Authors: Brasch Jochen , Beck‐Jendroschek Vera , Mahn Viktoria
Published: February 2018

Recently, we had shown that conidia‐derived growth of many dermatophytes can be inhibited by curcumin plus exposure to visible light. This method of photo inactivation should be developed further aiming for an option to stop mycelial growth in superficial tinea. Wells of microtitre plates were inoculated with either mycelial or conidial elements collected from 5 strains of Trichophyton rubrum. Then either micellar curcumin or curcumin dissolved with DMSO was added and after 20 min the wells were filled up with Sabouraud broth. Thereafter the assays were irradiated once with visible light (wave length 420 nm, 20 J/cm2) and fungal growth was monitored photometrically. Identical effects were measured with conidia and mycelial elements of all 5 T. rubrum strains. Curcumin dissolved with DMSO plus irradiation had a marked dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on fungal growth that was almost complete with 5.0 mg/L (P < .01) over a period of 9 days. In contrast, the same procedure with micellar curcumin had no inhibitory effect on growth obtained from conidia or mycelial elements. Mycelial elements of T. rubrum and its conidia are equally sensitive to photochemical inactivation with curcumin and the galenic compounding of curcumin is essential to achieve this photochemical effect.
A cytochrome P450 CYP71 enzyme expressed in Sorghum bicolor root hair cells participates in the biosynthesis of the benzoquinone allelochemical sorgoleone
Authors: Pan Zhiqiang , Baerson Scott R. , Wang Mei , Bajsa‐Hirschel Joanna , Rimando Agnes M. , Wang Xiaoqiang , Nanayakkara N. P. Dhammika , Noonan Brice P. , Fromm Michael E. , Dayan Franck E. , Khan Ikhlas A. , Duke Stephen O.
Published: February 2018

Sorgoleone, a major component of the hydrophobic root exudates of Sorghum spp., is probably responsible for many of the allelopathic properties attributed to members of this genus. Much of the biosynthetic pathway for this compound has been elucidated, with the exception of the enzyme responsible for the catalysis of the addition of two hydroxyl groups to the resorcinol ring.

A library prepared from isolated Sorghum bicolor root hair cells was first mined for P450‐like sequences, which were then analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) to identify those preferentially expressed in root hairs. Full‐length open reading frames for each candidate were generated, and then analyzed biochemically using both a yeast expression system and transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated repression in transgenic S. bicolor was used to confirm the roles of these candidates in the biosynthesis of sorgoleone in planta.

A P450 enzyme, designated CYP71AM1, was found to be capable of catalyzing the formation of dihydrosorgoleone using 5‐pentadecatrienyl resorcinol‐3‐methyl ether as substrate, as determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS). RNAi‐mediated repression of CYP71AM1 in S. bicolor resulted in decreased sorgoleone contents in multiple independent transformant events.

Our results strongly suggest that CYP71AM1 participates in the biosynthetic pathway of the allelochemical sorgoleone.
Chemical priming of immunity without costs to plant growth
Authors: Buswell Will , Schwarzenbacher Roland E. , Luna Estrella , Sellwood Matthew , Chen Beining , Flors Victor , Pétriacq Pierre , Ton Jurriaan
Published: February 2018

β‐Aminobutyric acid (BABA) induces broad‐spectrum disease resistance, but also represses plant growth, which has limited its exploitation in crop protection. BABA perception relies on binding to the aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase (AspRS) IBI1, which primes the enzyme for secondary defense activity. This study aimed to identify structural BABA analogues that induce resistance without stunting plant growth.

Using site‐directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that the (l)‐aspartic acid‐binding domain of IBI1 is critical for BABA perception. Based on interaction models of this domain, we screened a small library of structural BABA analogues for growth repression and induced resistance against biotrophic Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa).

A range of resistance‐inducing compounds were identified, of which (R)‐β‐homoserine (RBH) was the most effective. Surprisingly, RBH acted through different pathways than BABA. RBH‐induced resistance (RBH‐IR) against Hpa functioned independently of salicylic acid, partially relied on camalexin, and was associated with augmented cell wall defense. RBH‐IR against necrotrophic Plectosphaerella cucumerina acted via priming of ethylene and jasmonic acid defenses. RBH‐IR was also effective in tomato against Botrytis cinerea. Metabolic profiling revealed that RBH, unlike BABA, does not majorly affect plant metabolism.

RBH primes distinct defense pathways against biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens without stunting plant growth, signifying strong potential for exploitation in crop protection.
Core cis‐element variation confers subgenome‐biased expression of a transcription factor that functions in cotton fiber elongation
Authors: Zhao Bo , Cao Jun‐Feng , Hu Guan‐Jing , Chen Zhi‐Wen , Wang Lu‐Yao , Shangguan Xiao‐Xia , Wang Ling‐Jian , Mao Ying‐Bo , Zhang Tian‐Zhen , Wendel Jonathan F. , Chen Xiao‐Ya
Published: February 2018

Cotton cultivars have evolved to produce extensive, long, seed‐born fibers important for the textile industry, but we know little about the molecular mechanism underlying spinnable fiber formation. Here, we report how PACLOBUTRAZOL RESISTANCE 1 (PRE1) in cotton, which encodes a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor, is a target gene of spinnable fiber evolution.

Differential expression of homoeologous genes in polyploids is thought to be important to plant adaptation and novel phenotypes. PRE1 expression is specific to cotton fiber cells, upregulated during their rapid elongation stage and A‐homoeologous biased in allotetraploid cultivars. Transgenic studies demonstrated that PRE1 is a positive regulator of fiber elongation.

We determined that the natural variation of the canonical TATA‐box, a regulatory element commonly found in many eukaryotic core promoters, is necessary for subgenome‐biased PRE1 expression, representing a mechanism underlying the selection of homoeologous genes.

Thus, variations in the promoter of the cell elongation regulator gene PRE1 have contributed to spinnable fiber formation in cotton. Overexpression of GhPRE1 in transgenic cotton yields longer fibers with improved quality parameters, indicating that this bHLH gene is useful for improving cotton fiber quality.
Does habitat fragmentation promote climate‐resilient phenotypes?
Authors: Latimer Christopher E. , Cooper Sheldon J. , Karasov William H. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: February 2018

Understanding how individual differences in physiological performance modify behavioral responses to environmental variability and its fitness consequences is key to predicting the vulnerability of species and populations to environmental change. For many species, summit metabolic rate (MSUM; the upper limit to heat production) and basal metabolic rate (BMR; the lower limit related to energy acquisition and processing) often constrain aspects of physiological performance and behavioral activity. We examined the relationship between metabolic phenotypes, foraging behavior, and survival in overwintering black‐capped chickadees Poecile atricapillus inhabiting contiguous and fragmented forested landscapes. We found that birds with lower summit metabolic rates were generally more sensitive to winter weather and increased their use of supplemental feeding stations as ambient temperatures decreased. In highly fragmented forests, this relationship may have incurred strong survival consequences, as birds with lower summit metabolic rates were less likely to survive the winter season. Additionally, we found that chickadee populations persisting in fragmented landscapes were characterized by slightly higher thermogenic capacity (MSUM) and lower maintenance metabolic costs (BMR). We suggest that habitat loss and fragmentation present unique selection pressures that alter the relationships between environmental variability, behavior and physiology, and result in context‐specific fitness consequences.
Flight reconstruction of two European enantiornithines (Aves, Pygostylia) and the achievement of bounding flight in Early Cretaceous birds
Authors: Serrano Francisco J. , Chiappe Luis M. , Palmqvist Paul , Figueirido Borja , Marugán‐Lobón Jesús , Sanz José L.
Published: February 2018

Intermittent flight through flap‐gliding (alternating flapping phases and gliding phases with spread wings) or bounding (flapping and ballistic phases with wings folded against the body) are strategies to optimize aerial efficiency which are commonly used among small birds today. The broad morphological disparity of Mesozoic birds suggests that a range of aerial strategies could have evolved early in avian evolution. Based on biomechanics and aerodynamic theory, this study reconstructs the flight modes of two small enantiornithines from the Lower Cretaceous fossil site of Las Hoyas (Spain): Concornis lacustris and Eoalulavis hoyasi. Our results show that the short length of their wings in relation to their body masses were suitable for flying through strict flapping and intermittent bounds, but not through facultative glides. Aerodynamic models indicate that the power margins of these birds were sufficient to sustain bounding flight. Our results thus suggest that C. lacustris and E. hoyasi would have increased aerial efficiency through bounding flight, just as many small passerines and woodpeckers do today. Intermittent bounding appears to have evolved early in the evolutionary history of birds, at least 126 million years ago.
A novel aphid resistance locus in cowpea identified by combining SSR and SNP markers
Authors: Kusi Francis , Padi Francis K. , Obeng‐Ofori Daniel , Asante Stephen K. , Agyare Richard Y. , Sugri Issah , Timko Michael P. , Koebner Robert , Huynh Bao‐Lam , Santos Jansen R. P. , Close Timothy J. , Roberts Philip A.
Published: February 2018

The utility of combining simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker genotyping was determined for genetically mapping a novel aphid (Aphis craccivora) resistance locus in cowpea breeding line SARC 1‐57‐2 and for introgressing the resistance into elite cultivars by marker‐assisted backcrossing (MABC). The locus was tagged with codominant SSR marker CP 171F/172R with a recombination fraction of 5.91% in an F2 population from ‘Apagbaala’ x SARC 1‐57‐2. A SNP‐genotyped biparental recombinant inbred line population was genotyped for CP 171F/172R, which was mapped to position 11.5 cM on linkage group (LG) 10 (physical position 30.514 Mb on chromosome Vu10). Using CP 171F/172R for foreground selection and a KASP‐SNP‐based marker panel for background selection in MABC, the resistance from SARC 1‐57‐2 was introduced into elite susceptible cultivar ‘Zaayura’. Five BC4F3 lines of improved ‘Zaayura’ that were isogenic except for the resistance locus region had phenotypes similar to SARC 1‐57‐2. This study identified a novel aphid resistance locus and demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating SSR and SNP markers for trait mapping and marker‐assisted breeding.
Innovation in values based public health nursing student selection: A qualitative evaluation of candidate and selection panel member perspectives
Authors: McGraw Caroline , Abbott Stephen , Brook Judy
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Values based recruitment emerges from the premise that a high degree of value congruence, or the extent to which an individual's values are similar to those of the health organization in which they work, leads to organizational effectiveness. The aim of this evaluation was to explore how candidates and selection panel members experienced and perceived innovative methods of values based public health nursing student selection.

Design and Sample

The evaluation was framed by a qualitative exploratory design involving semi‐structured interviews and a group exercise. Data were thematically analyzed. Eight semi‐structured interviews were conducted with selection panel members. Twenty‐two successful candidates took part in a group exercise.

Intervention

The use of photo elicitation interviews and situational judgment questions in the context of selection to a university‐run public health nursing educational program was explored.

Results

While candidates were ambivalent about the use of photo elicitation interviews, with some misunderstanding the task, selection panel members saw the benefits for improving candidate expression and reducing gaming and deception. Situational interview questions were endorsed by candidates and selection panel members due to their fidelity to real‐life problems and the ability of panel members to discern value congruence from candidates’ responses.

Conclusions

Both techniques offered innovative solutions to candidate selection for entry to the public health nursing education program.
Cancer survivorship care plans: Processes, effective strategies, and challenges in a Northern Plains rural state
Authors: Isaacson Mary J. , Hulme Polly A. , Cowan Jenna , Kerkvliet Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Health systems face resource and time barriers to developing and implementing cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs) when active cancer treatment is completed. To address this problem, the South Dakota (SD) Department of Health partnered with two of SD's largest health systems to create the SD Survivorship Program. The purpose of this program evaluation study was to describe and compare SCP development and implementation at the two health systems.

Design & Sample

A descriptive qualitative design was used. Interview participants were instrumental in the development and implementation of SCPs within their respective health system.

Measures

Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Results

The two health systems used similar processes for (a) early designation of program personnel, (b) developing SCP templates, (c) provider/staff input, and (d) identifying/tracking eligible patients. In contrast, they developed differing processes for SCP completion and delivery. The two health systems also identified effective strategies and challenges in SCP development and implementation.

Conclusion

This evaluation suggests that partnerships between state health departments and local health systems could be key for meeting the nation‐wide goal of universal SCP implementation. Particularly, other low‐population rural states like SD can use the findings to help build their SCP programs.
A Green Method to Determine VUV (185 nm) Fluence Rate Based on Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yang Laxiang , Li Mengkai , Li Wentao , Bolton James R. , Qiang Zhimin
Published: February 2018

A mini‐fluidic vacuum ultraviolet/ultraviolet (VUV/UV) photoreaction system (MVPS) was developed in our previous study. Based on the MVPS, a green method to determine VUV fluence rate has been developed using the production rate of H2O2 when water is exposed to 185 nm VUV. The H2O2 production followed pseudo‐zero‐order reaction kinetics well over the first 10 min of VUV/UV exposure. This new method was well calibrated with a standard cis‐cyclooctene cis–trans photoisomerization actinometer as recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The apparent quantum yield for H2O2 production by 185 nm VUV irradiation of water was determined to be 0.024 ± 0.002. As the solution pH increased from 5.0 to 8.0, the H2O2 production rate decreased from 0.83 to 0.40 μm min–1. Dissolved oxygen had a negligible influence on the H2O2 production. This study proposes a novel VUV fluence rate determination method with advantages of nontoxicity, low detection limits, low costs and convenience, and it can be used as a good alternative to traditional actinometers.
Post‐infectious acute glomerulonephritis with podocytopathy induced by parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Hirata Masayoshi , Ito Kiyoaki , Mizushima Ichiro , Fujii Hiroshi , Yamada Kazunori , Nagata Michio , Kawano Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2018

Human parvovirus B19 infection causes a variety of glomerular diseases such as post‐infectious acute glomerulonephritis and collapsing glomerulopathy. Although each of these appears independently, it has not been fully determined why parvovirus B19 provokes such a variety of different glomerular phenotypes. Here, we report a 68‐year‐old Japanese man who showed endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis admixed with podocytopathy in association with parvovirus B19 infection. The patient showed acute onset of heavy proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and kidney dysfunction with arthralgia and oliguria after close contact with a person suffering from erythema infectiosum. In the kidney biopsy specimen, glomeruli revealed diffuse and global endocapillary infiltration of inflammatory cells, with some also showing tuft collapse with aberrant vacuolation, swelling, and hyperplasia of glomerular epithelial cells. Immunofluorescence revealed dense granular C3 deposition that resembled the “starry sky pattern”. Intravenous glucocorticoid pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone and cyclosporine combination therapy resulted in considerable amelioration of the kidney dysfunction and urinary abnormalities. The present case reveals that parvovirus B19 infection can induce different glomerular phenotypes even in the same kidney structure. This finding may provide hints useful for the further elucidation of the pathogenesis of parvovirus B19‐induced glomerular lesions.
Phylogenetic position and nucleotide diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae worldwide based on translation elongation factor 1α sequences
Authors: Flores‐de la Rosa F. R. , De Luna E. , Adame‐García J. , Iglesias‐Andreu L. G. , Luna‐Rodríguez M.
Published: February 2018

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae is considered the most important fungus affecting vanilla crops around the world, causing rot on vanilla roots and stems. Previous studies showed that the ability to infect vanilla plants is a polyphyletic trait among strains of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). The same studies proposed a single origin for F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae isolates sampled from Mexico, the centre of origin and distribution of vanilla. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis of the monophyletic origin of a wider sample of isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae infecting Mexican vanilla and estimate nucleotide diversity of pathogen isolates from the main vanilla‐producing countries. Sequence data for the TEF1α gene from 106 isolates was assembled. The phylogenetic analyses suggest that some Mexican isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae belong in two well‐supported clades, mixed with isolates from Madagascar, Indonesia, Réunion and Comoros. The phylogenetic position of other Indonesian and Mexican isolates is unresolved. Estimations of nucleotide diversity showed that the population from Mexico is genetically more diverse than the other three populations from Madagascar, Indonesia and Réunion. The results support a polyphyletic origin of vanilla‐infecting isolates of F. oxysporum worldwide, and also reject the proposition that Mexican isolates have a single origin. The phylogenetic optimizations over the strict consensus tree of the ability to infect vanilla plants suggest that pathogenic strains around the world are the product of multiple shifts of pathogenesis and dispersion events.