bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of melamine‐formaldehyde encapsulated fluorescent dye dispersion and its application to cotton fabric printing
Authors: Hu Anran , Peng Hongyun , Li Min , Fu Shaohai
Published: November 2018

In this study, CI Solvent Yellow 43 was encapsulated by melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) resin via in situ polymerisation to prepare the core‐shell structured fluorescent pigment. Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterise the encapsulated CI Solvent Yellow 43, indicating that MF successfully encapsulated CI Solvent Yellow 43 and that a core‐shell structure was formed. The prepared MF encapsulated fluorescent dye dispersion was also applied to flat screen printing of cotton fabrics, and the colour properties and fastness properties (washing and rubbing fastness) of printed fabrics were studied. The results showed that the encapsulated CI Solvent Yellow 43 printed cotton fabric exhibited a higher chroma and fluorescence intensity than that printed with unencapsulated CI Solvent Yellow 43. Moreover, the washing and rubbing fastness of the encapsulated CI Solvent Yellow 43 printed fabric was improved.
Impact of metformin use on the cardiovascular effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors: An analysis of Medicare claims data from 2007 to 2015
Authors: Crowley Matthew J. , Gokhale Mugdha , Pate Virginia , Stürmer Til , Buse John B.
Published: November 2018

Aims

To examine the outcomes of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor initiation with and without concurrent metformin treatment.

Materials and methods

We identified Medicare enrollees initiating a DPP‐4 inhibitor, a sulphonylurea or a thiazolidinedione. Using propensity‐score‐weighted Poisson models, we evaluated 1‐year cardiovascular (CV) outcome incidence among initiators of DPP‐4 inhibitors versus comparators in subgroups with and without concurrent metformin use, and assessed the interaction between initiation drug and metformin. Outcomes included mortality, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and a composite outcome.

Results

For the DPP‐4 inhibitor (n = 13 391) versus sulphonylurea (n = 33 206) comparison, rate differences in composite outcome incidence favoured DPP‐4 inhibitors: −2.0/100 person‐years among metformin users (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.7 to −1.3) and − 1.0/100 person‐years (95% CI −1.8 to −0.2) among metformin non‐users. Similar rate difference trends among metformin users and non‐users were seen for mortality (−1.5/100 person‐years [95% CI −2.1 to −0.9] and −0.7/100 person‐years [95% CI −1.4 to 0.0]) and non‐fatal MI (−0.5/100 person‐years [95% CI −0.8, −0.3] and 0.1/100 person‐years [95% CI −0.2 to 0.4]). The interaction between DPP‐4 inhibitor initiation and metformin was statistically significant for non‐fatal MI (P = 0.008). For the DPP‐4 inhibitor (n = 22 210) versus thiazolidinedione (n = 9517) comparison, rate differences in composite outcome incidence for DPP‐4 inhibitor initiation were −0.6/100 person‐years (95% CI −1.5 to 0.2) among metformin users and 1.0 (95% CI 0.0 to 2.0) among metformin non‐users. Similar rate difference trends among metformin users and non‐users were seen for mortality (−0.5/100 person‐years [95% CI −1.3 to 0.1] and 0.8/100 person‐years [95% CI −0.0 to 1.7]) and non‐fatal MI (−0.1/100 person‐years [95% CI −0.4 to 0.2] and 0.2/100 person‐years [95% CI −0.1 to 0.6]). The interaction between DPP‐4 inhibitor initiation and metformin was statistically significant for the composite outcome (P = 0.024) and mortality (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Incidence rate differences in multiple CV outcomes appeared more favourable when DPP‐4 inhibitor initiation occurred in the presence of metformin, suggesting a possible interaction between DPP‐4 inhibitors and metformin.
Of mice and men: Is there a future for metformin in the treatment of hepatic steatosis?
Authors: Green Charlotte J. , Marjot Thomas , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Hodson Leanne
Published: November 2018

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of liver diseases, of which the first stage is steatosis. It is one of the most common liver diseases in developed countries and there is a clear association between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and NAFLD. It is estimated that 70% of people with T2DM have NAFLD and yet there is currently no licensed pharmacological agent to treat it. Whilst lifestyle modification may ameliorate liver fat, it is often difficult to achieve or sustain; thus, there is great interest in pharmacological treatments for NAFLD. Metformin is the first‐line medication in the management of T2DM and evidence from animal and human studies has suggested that it may be useful in reducing liver fat via inhibition of lipogenesis and increased fatty acid oxidation. Findings from the majority of studies undertaken in rodent models clearly suggest that metformin may be a powerful therapeutic agent specifically to reduce liver fat accumulation; data from human studies are less convincing. In the present review we discuss the evidence for the specific effects of metformin treatment on liver fat accumulation in animal and human studies, as well as the underlying proposed mechanisms, to try and understand and reconcile the difference in findings between rodent and human work in this area.
Family Secrecy in Family Therapy Practice: An Explorative Focus Group Study
Authors: Deslypere Eva , Rober Peter
Published: November 2018

The aim of this focus group study was to explore the experiences of family therapists working with family secrecy. Our study highlights that family secrets present important and compelling challenges for family therapists. Furthermore, our study reveals that there seem to be some basic strategies family therapists use in dealing with these challenges in therapy sessions. One basic strategy is that family therapists try to guard their position of being a trustworthy therapist for each family member by avoiding becoming stuck in family secrecy. Furthermore, therapists explore ways to guide the family toward the disclosure of the secret in order to alleviate the toxicity of the secrecy. This highlights the importance of the systemic model and how influential this perspective is in family therapy practice. Some participants, however, have in addition a second strategy they sometimes use: talking with the family about secrecy without aiming to disclose the secret. In the discussion section of the article we reflect on the possibility that in the strategic choices family therapists make conceptual issues might be involved. Furthermore, we stress the importance of further research.
A brief history of Anglo‐Saxon education
Authors: Weber Benjamin
Published: November 2018

While the Anglo‐Saxon period is not always considered the most dynamic milieu for medieval education, recent work in the field belies that impression. Since the 1980s, Anglo‐Latinists have edited, translated, and analyzed glosses, treatises, letters, and prefaces that enrich our understanding of Anglo‐Saxon education. The turn in the 1990s towards the study of literacy, and subsequent interest in bilingualism, have situated Old English literary texts against the background of educational theory and practice. In recent years, interest in education seems only to have accelerated. Two recent monographs, Emily Thornbury's Becoming a Poet in Anglo‐Saxon England (2014) and Irina Dumitrescu's The Experience of Education in Anglo‐Saxon Literature (2018), push the boundaries of the field by exploring Anglo‐Saxon educational experience in a variety of literary texts. Simultaneously, work on the textual cultures of Anglo‐Saxon England—increasingly collaborative and digital—continues to elucidate what and how the Anglo‐Saxons read. The recent dynamism of the field offers new opportunities for both Anglo‐Saxonists and historians of education going forward.
Christ, the Praying Animal: A Critical Engagement with Niels Henrik Gregersen and the Christology of Deep Incarnation
Authors: Lenow Joseph
Published: November 2018

This article assesses the christological project of Danish theologian Niels Henrik Gregersen, centered on the concept of ‘deep incarnation’. It identifies the major stages of development in Gregersen’s understanding of deep incarnation, and highlights several areas of Gregersen’s thought often overlooked in theological engagements with deep incarnation, including his significant engagement with Richard Bauckham’s ‘identity Christology’ and his proposed ‘explorative metaphysics’. It concludes by posing some critical questions of Gregersen’s project from the standpoint of classical Christology.
Symbolism after Dialectics: De Lubac, Rahner and Symbolic Theology
Authors: Mobley Joshua
Published: November 2018

Henri de Lubac advocates the recovery of ‘symbolism’ in Corpus Mysticum. In the patristic era, real unity between symbol and symbolized was a ubiquitous assumption, sustaining a thoroughly sacramental vision. In the Middle Ages ‘dialectical’ theology replaced patristic symbolism, gaining precision, but losing vitality. De Lubac wants to return to symbolism without negating the dialectical era. Yet de Lubac’s account lacks systematic clarity and hardly moves beyond the patristic era. Karl Rahner’s ‘Theology of the Symbol’ contributes to the reclamation of this kind of ontological symbolism, but with greater systematic specificity and in reliance on the dialectical age. Yet Rahner applies his ontological symbolism inconsistently. Read together, de Lubac and Rahner’s theologies of the symbol are mutually illuminating and corrective.
Natural Law and the Nature of Grace: A Reformation Approach to the Question of the Unevangelized
Authors: Faircloth Kyle
Published: November 2018

The Lutheran theologian George Lindbeck claims that a Reformation approach to the question regarding the fate of the unevangelized is related to the scriptural principle of salvation by faith alone and faith by hearing (Rom. 10:17). He therefore recommends a prospective fides ex auditu option whereby every person is confronted by the gospel at the moment of death. Yet his alternative solution fails to account for how the cultural‐linguistic self‐identity of a non‐Christian prepares them for a future encounter with the gospel of Christ. This article seeks to contribute towards filling this theological gap in Lindbeck’s theory through a systematic argument for understanding ‘preparation for the gospel’ as a gracious action by the Holy Spirit through the natural law rather than as elements of truth and goodness in other religions.
Direct ink writing of macroporous lead‐free piezoelectric Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3
Authors: Nan Bo , Olhero Susana , Pinho Rui , Vilarinho Paula M. , Button Tim W. , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: November 2018

Direct ink writing (DIW) has become a widespread additive manufacturing technique for material engineering, but its application in lead‐free Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 piezoelectric ceramics from aqueous systems has not been reported so far to our knowledge. The main obstacle is the high extent of hydrolysis reactions undergone by the starting powders when dispersed in water, hindering the attainment of stable water‐based colloidal suspensions. This paper reports on the preparation of stable aqueous inks from a deagglomerated and surface‐treated powder synthesized by solid‐state reaction and on DIW of macroporous lead‐free piezoelectrics. Based on zeta potential and rheological measurements, the optimal amounts of processing additives (dispersant, binder, and coagulating agent) were selected to transform the initial fluid suspension to a viscoelastic paste with sufficient stiffness and stability for the printing process. Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of samples sintered under different temperatures were also investigated.
Autocrine VEGF signalling on M2 macrophages regulates PD‐L1 expression for immunomodulation of T cells
Authors: Lai Yin‐Siew , Wahyuningtyas Rika , Aui Shin‐Peir , Chang Ko‐Tung
Published: November 2018

M2‐polarized macrophages, on one hand, can promote tumour vascularization by producing proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). On the other hand, the expression of VEGF receptors (VEGFR) in this cell lineage was also reported. Although the function of VEGF/VEGFR axis plays a pivotal role in macrophages infiltration and angiogenesis, however, there is still lack of the direct evidence to show the role of VEGF as an autocrine operating in M2 macrophages, particularly for immunomodulation. In our study, we surprisingly discovered that M2 macrophages polarized by baicalin can simultaneously express VEGF and its receptors. Taking advantage of this unique culture system, we were able to investigate the biological activity of M2 macrophages in response to the autocrine VEGF milieu. Our results showed that the expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) on M2 macrophages was significantly up‐regulated in autocrine VEGF milieu. Through the blockade of autocrine VEGF signalling, PD‐L1 expression on M2 macrophages was dramatically down‐regulated. Furthermore, transplantation of PD‐L1+ M2 macrophage stimulated by autocrine VEGF into allogeneic mice significantly suppressed host CD4+/CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood and increased CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the bone marrow. In conclusion, our findings provide a novel biological basis to support the current successful strategy using combined VEGF/PD‐1 signalling blockade in cancer therapy.
IqYmune® is an effective maintenance treatment for multifocal motor neuropathy: A randomised, double‐blind, multi‐center cross‐over non‐inferiority study vs Kiovig®—The LIME Study
Authors: Léger Jean‐Marc , Alfa Cissé Ousmane , Cocito Dario , Grouin Jean‐Marie , Katifi Haider , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo , Ouaja Rabye , Pouget Jean , Rajabally Yusuf A. , Sevilla Teresa , Merkies Ingemar S. J.
Published: November 2018

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is the gold‐standard for maintenance treatment of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). This phase III, randomised, double‐blind, multi‐centre, active‐control, crossover study, aimed to evaluate the non‐inferiority of IqYmune® relative to Kiovig®, primarily based on efficacy criteria. Twenty‐two adult MMN patients, treated with any brand of IVIg (except Kiovig® or IqYmune®) at a stable maintenance dose within the range of 1 to 2 g/kg every 4 to 8 weeks, were randomised to receive either Kiovig® followed by IqYmune®, or IqYmune® followed by Kiovig®. Each product was administered for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the difference between IqYmune® and Kiovig® in mean assessments of modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) 10 sum score (strength of 5 upper‐limb and 5 lower‐limb muscle groups, on both sides, giving a score from 0 to 100) during the evaluation period (non‐inferiority margin of Δ = 2). A linear mixed model analysis demonstrated the non‐inferiority of IqYmune® relative to Kiovig®, independently of the covariates (value at baseline, treatment period, and treatment sequence). The estimated “IqYmune® − Kiovig®” difference was −0.01, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.51 to 0.48. The number of adverse reactions (ARs) and the percentage of patients affected were similar for the two products: 39 ARs in 10 patients with IqYmune® vs 32 ARs in 11 patients with Kiovig®. No thromboembolic events nor haemolysis nor renal impairment were observed. In this first clinical trial comparing two IVIg brands for maintenance treatment of MMN, efficacy and tolerability of both brands were similar.
A phylogenetic study of Chinese Polygonatum (Polygonateae, Asparagaceae)
Authors: Zhao Li‐Hua , Zhou Song‐Dong , He Xing‐Jin
Published: November 2018

Polygonatum Mill., which consists of more than 60 species are mainly distributed in eastern Asia, especially China and Japan, has received considerable attention from plant taxonomists. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in our knowledge of this genus, especially concerning those species that are endemic to China and which have often not been included in previous studies. Here, we re‐evaluate the taxonomy of 28 Chinese Polygonatum species with emphasis on molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on sequence data from four plastid DNA regions: atpB‐rbcL, matK, rbcL and rps16, using maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches. Analyses of the combined datasets of the four regions revealed that: 1) Chinese Polygonatum are monophyletic at the current level of sampling; 2) three major lineages in Polygonatum are well supported and largely correlated with cytological and morphological characters; 3) our results, along with the results of previous works support that P. simizui is a synonym of P. odoratum, and 4) Polygonatum cirrhifoliodes is shown to be distinct from P. cirrhifolium.
Right ventricle apex pacing identifies the presence of ventricular premature depolarizations‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Im Sung Il , Gwag Hye Bin , Park Youngjun , Park Seung‐Jung , Kim June Soo , On Young Keun , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: November 2018

Background

A high burden of ventricular premature depolarizations (VPDs) has been associated with potentially reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, termed as VPD‐induced cardiomyopathy (CMP). However, many patients maintain normal LV function despite a high VPD burden. The purpose of this study was to identify CMP by right ventricle apex (RVa) pacing method in patients with high VPD burden.

Methods

A total of 62 patients (28 male; mean age = 50 ± 15 years) with idiopathic VPDs undergoing ablation were enrolled. RVa pacing was recorded in all patients during the procedure. The paced QRS duration (QRSd) during RV pacing was measured from the pacing spike to the latest QRS deflection on any surface electrocardiogram lead. Patients were divided into two groups: reversible VPD‐induced CMP (Group R; n  = 15, 14 males, mean age = 54 ± 14 years) and normal LV function (Group N; n = 47, 23 males, mean age = 54 ± 15 years).

Results

The LV ejection fraction (%) was significantly lower in Group R as compared with Group N (Group R, Group N = 36 ± 6, 58 ± 4; P < 0.001); however, LV end‐diastolic dimension mm was not significantly different between the two study groups (Group R, Group N = 54 ± 5, 50 ± 6; P = 0.06). Similarly, sinus QRS width (P = 0.10), VPD‐burden (P = 0.36), and body surface area (P = 0.75) were not significantly different between Group R and Group N. The QRSd was significantly longer in Group R compared with Group N (177 ± 8 vs 150 ± 14; P < 0.001). Using a QRSd cut‐off value of 170.1 ms, VPD‐induced CMP was identified with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 97%.

Conclusion

RVa pacing with transmyocardial conduction time assessment was a useful method for identifying idiopathic VPD‐induced CMP. Using a QRSd cut‐off value of 170.1 ms, VPD‐induced CMP was identified with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 97%.
Public sector employees in a challenging work environment
Authors: Steen Trui , Schott Carina
Published: November 2018

Public sector employees are expected to perform well in a work environment that is characterized by a variety of challenges. This Symposium aims to shed light on how environmental changes impact the shared identity, attitudes and behaviour of public sector employees; how public sector employees take charge of continuous change and deal with challenges in their work environment; and how organizations can help employees to tackle such work‐related challenges. We identify four specific gaps in literature—some methodological and some more substantive in nature—and explain how this Symposium helps to address these gaps.
The Influence of Treatment Expectations on Clinical Outcomes and Cortisol Levels in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: An Experimental Study
Authors: Malfliet Anneleen , Lluch Girbés Enrique , Pecos‐Martin Daniel , Gallego‐Izquierdo Thomas , Valera‐Calero Antonio
Published: November 2018

Background

The role of contextual factors like pre‐existing treatment expectations has been established. However, the effect of verbally delivered treatment expectations in patient–therapist communication has not been considered, nor has the role of cortisol changes within the placebo/nocebo response in people with chronic neck pain.

Objective

To examine the effect of verbally delivered treatment expectations on clinical outcomes in physical therapy practice and to determine if changes in cortisol levels are associated with changes in neck pain and disability.

Methods

Eighty‐three patients with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to 3 different verbally delivered expectations (positive, negative, neutral) during physical therapy interventions. Main outcome measures: salivary cortisol, pain and disability, and cervical range of motion.

Results

Pain significantly improved in the positive (P < 0.001) and neutral (P < 0.001) expectations groups. For salivary cortisol levels, a significant increase was observed in response to treatment in the neutral (P = 0.045) and negative (P < 0.001) expectations groups. No significant correlations were found between changes in salivary cortisol levels and the change in pain in the neutral and negative expectations groups.

Conclusions

Physical therapists treating people with chronic neck pain should be attentive when communicating the expected treatment effects to their patients. Whereas verbally delivered positive or neutral expectations may be beneficial for pain‐related measures, giving negative expectations may result in a lack of a treatment response on pain. Cortisol levels increased in response to verbally delivered neutral and negative expectations, in the absence of a nocebo effect. This questions the presumed role of cortisol in the nocebo effect.
A possible association of HLA‐C*07:18:01:01 and HLA‐B*58:01
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: November 2018

HLA‐C*07:18:01:01 is possibly in association on the same haplotype as HLA‐B*58:01.
Comparison of the life table and reproduction parameters of the Phytonemus pallidus fragariae on the three strawberry cultivars under laboratory conditions
Authors: Rostamai Neda , Maroufpoor Mostafa , Sadeghi Amin , Mansourqazi Mostafa , Islam Tarikul , Ullah Mohammad Shaef
Published: November 2018

The strawberry mite, Phytonemus pallidus fragariae (Acari: Tarsonemidae), is an important pest of strawberries grown in a greenhouse, and field-grown strawberries also may be infested at the high humidity conditions. In this study, we evaluated the life history and demographic parameters of P. pallidus fragariae on three cultivars (Selva, Camarosa and Queen Elisa) of strawberry. The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 20 ± 1°C, 80 ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. The age-stage, two-sex life table program was used to analyze the data. The development time was faster on Selva than on Queen Elisa (18.8 vs. 19.1 days). The oviposition period was longer on Queen Elisa than on Camarosa (12.5 vs. 11.9 days). Fecundity and female adult longevity of P. pallidus fragariae were not significantly different among the three cultivars of strawberry. Life table provides the most comprehensive description of the survival, stage differentiation and reproduction of the population. Although some variations observed in the life table parameters of P. pallidus fragariae, no significant differences were observed among three different cultivars. The fast growth was observed for P. pallidus fragariae on Queen Elisa based on population projection. Therefore, research on these three strawberry cultivars can be used to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of the pest and thereby developing effective pest management programs against P. pallidus fragariae.
Integrated proximal proteomics reveals IRS2 as a determinant of cell survival in ALK-driven neuroblastoma
Authors: Emdal Kristina B. , Pedersen Anna-Kathrine , Bekker-Jensen Dorte B. , Lundby Alicia , Claeys Shana , De Preter Katleen , Speleman Frank , Francavilla Chiara , Olsen Jesper V.
Published: November 2018

An adaptor protein in the insulin signaling pathway enables the survival of aggressive neuroblastoma cells.
DNA Binding and Sensor Specificity of FarR, a Novel TetR Family Regulator Required for Induction of the Fatty Acid Efflux Pump FarE in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alnaseri Heba , Kuiack Robert C. , Ferguson Katherine A. , Schneider James E. T. , Heinrichs David E. , McGavin Martin J.
Published: November 2018

Here, we describe the DNA binding and sensor specificity of FarR, a novel TetR family regulator (TFR) in
Staphylococcus aureus
. Unlike the majority of TFRs that have been characterized, which function to repress a divergently transcribed gene, we find that FarR is needed to promote expression of the divergently transcribed
farE
gene, encoding a resistance-nodulation-division (RND) family efflux pump that is induced in response to antimicrobial unsaturated fatty acids. Induction of
farE
was dependent on the function of the fatty acid kinase FakA, which catalyzes the first metabolic step in the incorporation of exogenous unsaturated fatty acids into phospholipid. This represents a novel example of TFR function.
Organization of the Flagellar Switch Complex of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ward Elizabeth , Kim Eun A , Panushka Joseph , Botelho Tayson , Meyer Trevor , Kearns Daniel B. , Ordal George , Blair David F.
Published: November 2018

Flagellar motility plays key roles in the survival of many bacteria and in the harmful action of many pathogens. Bacterial flagella rotate; the direction of flagellar rotation is controlled by a multisubunit protein complex termed the switch complex. This complex has been extensively studied in Gram-negative model species, but little is known about the complex in
Bacillus subtilis
or other Gram-positive species. Notably, the switch complex in Gram-positive species responds to its effector CheY-phosphate (CheY-P) by switching to CCW rotation, whereas in
E. coli
or
Salmonella
CheY-P acts in the opposite way, promoting CW rotation. In the work here, the architecture of the
B. subtilis
switch complex has been probed using cross-linking, protein interaction measurements, and mutational approaches. The results cast light on the organization of the complex and provide a framework for understanding the mechanism of flagellar direction control in
B. subtilis
and other Gram-positive species.
A LysM Domain Intervenes in Sequential Protein-Protein and Protein-Peptidoglycan Interactions Important for Spore Coat Assembly in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Pereira Fatima C. , Nunes Filipa , Cruz Fernando , Fernandes Catarina , Isidro Anabela L. , Lousa Diana , Soares Cláudio M. , Moran Charles P. , Henriques Adriano O. , Serrano Mónica
Published: November 2018

Bacillus subtilis
spores are encased in a multiprotein coat that surrounds an underlying peptidoglycan layer, the cortex. How the connection between the two layers is enforced is not well established. Here, we elucidate the role of the peptidoglycan-binding LysM domain, present in two proteins, SafA and SpoVID, that govern the localization of additional proteins to the coat. We found that SafA
LysM
is a protein-protein interaction module during the early stages of coat assembly and a cortex-binding module at late stages in morphogenesis, with the cortex-binding function promoting a tight connection between the cortex and the coat. In contrast, SpoVID
LysM
functions only as a protein-protein interaction domain that targets SpoVID to the spore surface at the onset of coat assembly.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Novel Human-Like H3N2 Influenza A Viruses, A/swine/Oklahoma/65980/2017 (H3N2) and A/Swine/Oklahoma/65260/2017 (H3N2), Detected in Swine in the United States
Authors: Zeller Michael A. , Li Ganwu , Harmon Karen M. , Zhang Jianqiang , Vincent Amy L. , Anderson Tavis K. , Gauger Phillip C.
Published: November 2018

Two novel human-like H3N2 influenza A virus strains, A/swine/Oklahoma/65980/2017 (H3N2) and A/swine/Oklahoma/65260/2017 (H3N2), were isolated from porcine samples submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in the United States.
Testing of the ‘Always Events’ approach to improve the patient experience in the emergency department
Authors: Lowe David John , Kay Cameron , Taylor Dagshagini , Littlewood Nicola , Hepburn Scott , Bowie Paul
Published: November 2018

Maintaining quality of care and meeting patient expectations in the face of rising demand within emergency departments (ED) is a significant challenge for clinicians. This study tested the Always Events (AE) approach as a means to identify AE’s relevance to patient care in the ED and act on this to address patient concerns. The project team looked to identify aspects of care patients would like to see improved within the minor injuries stream (MIS). Following triage, patients typically have presentations that do not require admission and require a single interaction with a clinician. Interventions seeking to improve patient experience were created and impact was monitored using patient feedback using a quality improvement (QI) framework.

AEs were identified via convenience sampling using a short semistructured survey questionnaire. Patients were asked ‘What should always happen in the Emergency Department?’ Communication and information provision regarding how the department worked were identified as key themes. Two interventions, an educational poster and a video campaign, were designed and implemented. Improvement was assessed via convenience sampling of patient questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale and free-text responses.

Initial patient satisfaction levels regarding information provision stood at 80%, rising to 88% after our poster intervention and 92% by the end of the video intervention. Understanding of how the ED functions was initially 83% in the baseline sample before rising to 86% following poster and video interventions. Patient questionnaires indicated that information provision directly from staff was variable throughout the study period.

Implementing the AE approach in the MIS has improved patient experience. Our poster intervention had the greatest benefit regarding patient understanding of the ED and information provision. This project has also indicated that the AE method can be successfully combined with a QI tool and applied in the ED to address patient needs.
Physical defenses and herbivory vary more within plants than among plants in the tropical understory shrub Piper polytrichum
Authors: Wetzel William C. , Meek Mariah H.
Published: November 2018

There is a growing appreciation that much of the trait variation within plant species is represented within individuals, for example, occurring among leaves within a plant. Subindividual variation is predicted to have key ecological consequences, but empirical understanding of how subindividual variation relates to species interactions, such as herbivory, is limited. We measured two physical defenses and herbivore damage on multiple leaves within individual plants of Piper polytrichum C.DC. (Piperaceae), a tropical understory shrub. We partitioned variance among- and within-plants and quantified patterns of trait and damage variation vis-à-vis leaf size and architectural position. We found that variance was considerably higher within plants than among plants for toughness (97%) and trichome density (57%), and that herbivore damage also varied most within plants (74%). Surprisingly, leaf position and size explained only small amounts of variance in traits (2.5%–16.5%) and herbivory (≤4%), indicating subindividual variability had low spatial predictability. The data suggest that individual P. polytrichum plants represent heterogeneous and spatially unpredictable landscapes of physical traits, and that interactions with herbivores are similarly variable. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that subindividual variability defends plants against herbivores by increasing the difficulty of foraging for high-quality tissue.
Pathologies of matrix metalloproteinase-2 underactivity: a perspective on a neglected condition
Authors: Cook Ryan , Sarker Hassan , Fernandez-Patron Carlos
Published: November 2018

A member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A), has been extensively studied for its role in both normal physiology and pathological processes. Whereas most research efforts in recent years have investigated the pathologies associated with MMP-2 overactivity, the pathological mechanisms elicited by MMP-2 underactivity are less well understood. Here, we distinguish between 2 states and describe their causes: (i) MMP-2 deficiency (complete loss of MMP-2 activity) and (ii) MMP-2 insufficiency (defined as MMP-2 activity below baseline levels). Further, we review the biology of MMP-2, summarizing the current literature on MMP-2 underactivity in both mice and humans, and describe research being conducted by our lab towards improving our understanding of the pathological mechanisms elicited by MMP-2 deficiency/insufficiency. We think that this research could stimulate the discovery of new therapeutic approaches for managing pathologies associated with MMP-2 underactivity. Moreover, similar concepts could apply to other members of the matrix metalloproteinase family.
Fermion localization on branes with non-standard kinetic terms
Authors: Moazzen Sorkhi Masoumeh , Mazani Esmaeil
Published: November 2018

In this paper, by using the Yukawa coupling mechanism, we consider the fermion localization in two types of braneworld models driven by real scalar fields with non-standard dynamics. Because of the existing freedom in the form of the Yukawa coupling, we consider two coupling forms between the background scalar field and spinors where one is arising from the geometry shape of the warp factor and the other is a function of the background scalar field containing a derivative scalar-fermion coupling. With two coupling functions, it is shown that the massless zero mode of fermion fields is localized on both branes with generalized dynamic depending on the values of the coupling constants. However, there is no localized mode when the Yukawa coupling only contains a derivative term of the background scalar field. Furthermore, effects of the parameters of the models on the zero mode and fermion effective potential are addressed.
Anti-screening of the Galileon force around a disk center hole
Authors: Ogawa Hiromu , Hiramatsu Takashi , Kobayashi Tsutomu
Published: November 2018

The Vainshtein mechanism is known as an efficient way of screening the fifth force around a matter source in modified gravity. This has been verified mainly in highly symmetric matter configurations. To study how the Vainshtein mechanism works in a less symmetric setup, we numerically solve the scalar field equation around a disk with a hole at its center in the cubic Galileon theory. We find, surprisingly, that the Galileon force is enhanced, rather than suppressed, in the vicinity of the hole. This anti-screening effect is larger for a thinner, less massive disk with a smaller hole. At this stage, our setup is only of academic interest and its astrophysical consequences are unclear, but this result implies that the Vainshtein screening mechanism around less symmetric matter configurations are quite nontrivial.
Neutron–antineutron oscillation and discrete symmetries
Authors: Berezhiani Zurab , Vainshtein Arkady
Published: November 2018

We analyze status of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] discrete symmetries in application to neutron–antineutron transitions breaking conservation of baryon charge [Formula: see text] by two units. At the level of free particles, all these symmetries are preserved. This includes [Formula: see text] reflection in spite of the opposite internal parities usually ascribed to neutron and antineutron. Explanation, which goes back to the 1937 papers by Majorana and Racah, is based on a definition of parity satisfying [Formula: see text], instead of [Formula: see text], and ascribing [Formula: see text] to both, neutron and antineutron. We apply this to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] classification of six-quark operators with [Formula: see text]. It allows to specify operators contributing to neutron–antineutron oscillations. Remaining operators contribute to other [Formula: see text] processes and, in particular, to nuclei instability. We also show that presence of external magnetic field does not induce any new operator mixing the neutron and antineutron provided that rotational invariance is not broken.
Theoretical investigations on elastic, thermal and lattice dynamic properties of chalcopyrite ZnSnX2 (X = P, As, Sb) under pressure and temperature: The first-principles calculation
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhao Beijun , Yu You , He Zhiyu , Xiao Jianping , Huang Wei , Zhu Shifu , Chen Baojun , Xie Linhua
Published: November 2018

We performed the first-principles calculations on the elastic and thermal properties for chalcopyrite ZnSnX2 (X = P, As, Sb), employing the ultrasoft pseudo-potentials and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) under the frame of density functional theory. The equilibrium structural lattice constants are in good agreement with reported data. The elastic characteristics were evaluated under high-pressure condition (0–20 GPa), such as the elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Zener anisotropy and compressibility index. Combining with quasi-harmonic Debye model, the thermal properties were confirmed at different temperatures (0–1200 K) and pressures (0–20 GPa), including the heat capacity, thermal expansion, Debye temperature, entropy, and Grüneisen parameter. Based on the semi-empirical relation, the hardness of materials was determined at various temperatures and pressures. Finally, the phonon spectrum curves and vibration frequencies of phonon were evaluated to confirm the thermodynamic stability of ZnSnX2. The Raman scattering spectrum and infrared absorption spectrum were simulated for chalcopyrite ZnSnX2.
EFFECT OF PAPILLARY MUSCLE DISPLACEMENT AND ANNULAR DILATION ON DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL MITRAL REGURGITATION
Authors: HONG WOOJAE , KIM HYUNGGUN
Published: November 2018

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) occurs following left ventricle (LV) dysfunction with normal mitral valve (MV) leaflet. The progress and severity of FMR are closely related to LV dilatation, which often results in displacement of the papillary muscles (PMs) and enlargement of the mitral annulus. We investigated the effect of PM displacement and annular dilation on FMR development to better understand the complex intercorrelation between these pathologic alterations leading to FMR. Virtual MV modeling was performed to create a normal human MV, and several different types of PM displacement, annular dilation, and the combination of PM displacement and annular dilation mimicking the pathology of FMR were modeled. Dynamic finite element evaluation of MV function was performed across the complete cardiac cycle for the normal and FMR MV models. PM displacement to both lateral and apical directions revealed markedly reduced leaflet coaptation and large stress distribution in the P2 scallop. Annular dilation greater than 2% demonstrated the occurrence of leaflet malcoaptation and increased stresses near the anterior saddle-horn region. The pathologic MV model with annular dilation combined with PM displacement provides physiologically realistic biomechanical characteristics as the MVs having FMR. Simulation-based biomechanical evaluation of MV pathology related to LV chamber dilatation provides an excellent tool to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanism of FMR.
Physics-Inspired Garment Recovery from a Single-View Image
Authors: Yang Shan , Pan Zherong , Amert Tanya , Wang Ke , Yu Licheng , Berg Tamara , Lin Ming C.
Published: November 2018

Most recent garment capturing techniques rely on acquiring multiple views of clothing, which may not always be readily available, especially in the case of pre-existing photographs from the web. As an alternative, we propose a method that is able to compute a 3D model of a human body and its outfit from a single photograph with little human interaction. Our algorithm is not only able to capture the global shape and overall geometry of the clothing, it can also extract the physical properties (i.e., material parameters needed for simulation) of cloth. Unlike previous methods using full 3D information (i.e., depth, multi-view images, or sampled 3D geometry), our approach achieves garment recovery from a single-view image by using physical, statistical, and geometric priors and a combination of parameter estimation, semantic parsing, shape/pose recovery, and physics-based cloth simulation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm by re-purposing the reconstructed garments for virtual try-on and garment transfer applications and for cloth animation on digital characters.
CHER-Ob
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Shi Weiqi , Akoglu Kiraz , Kotoula Eleni , Yang Ying , Rushmeier Holly
Published: November 2018

The study of cultural heritage involves many different activities, including visualizing digital data, analyzing information, and sharing results. Current technologies focus on providing better tools for data representation and processing, neglecting the importance of analysis and sharing. In this article, we present a software system, CHER-Ob, which offers powerful tools for evaluating and publishing the results of cultural heritage research. CHER-Ob provides the capability to visualize and add various types of annotations to data in a wide variety of formats. These annotations assist in the analysis phase and are used for sharing the results of a study. A written report can be generated and automatically illustrated using the annotations. In addition, an “animation scheme” is associated with each type of annotation. The schemes make it possible to generate an introductory video overview of an analysis by selecting preferences and annotations. A series of animated sequences of 2D and 3D objects will appear in a user-specified order in a video subtitled by annotations. The system is useful for integrating cultural and digital resources as well as for providing a method to author materials for disseminating cultural heritage findings to the public.
Shallow and Deep Syntactic/Semantic Structures for Passage Reranking in Question-Answering Systems
Authors: Tymoshenko Kateryna , Moschitti Alessandro
Published: November 2018

In this article, we extensively study the use of syntactic and semantic structures obtained with shallow and full syntactic parsers for answer passage reranking. We propose several dependency and constituent-based structures, also enriched with Linked Open Data (LD) knowledge to represent pairs of questions and answer passages. We encode such tree structures in learning-to-rank (L2R) algorithms using tree kernels, which can project them in tree substructure spaces, where each dimension represents a powerful syntactic/semantic feature. Additionally, since we define links between question and passage structures, our tree kernel spaces also include relational structural features. We carried out an extensive comparative experimentation of our models for automatic answer selection benchmarks on different TREC QA corpora as well as the newer Wikipedia-based dataset, namely WikiQA, which has been widely used to test sentence rerankers. The results consistently demonstrate that our structural semantic models achieve the state of the art in passage reranking. In particular, we derived the following important findings: (i) relational syntactic structures are essential to achieve superior results; (ii) models trained with dependency trees can outperform those trained with shallow trees, e.g., in case of sentence reranking; (iii) external knowledge automatically generated with focus and question classifiers is very effective; and (iv) the semantic information derived by LD and incorporated in syntactic structures can be used to replace the knowledge provided by the above-mentioned classifiers. This is a remarkable advantage as it enables our models to increase coverage and portability over new domains.
Engagement in HCI
Authors: Doherty Kevin , Doherty Gavin
Published: November 2018

Engaging users is a priority for designers of products and services of every kind. The need to understand users’ experiences has motivated a focus on user engagement across computer science. However, to date, there has been limited review of how Human--Computer Interaction and computer science research interprets and employs the concept. Questions persist concerning its conception, abstraction, and measurement. This article presents a systematic review of engagement spanning a corpus of 351 articles and 102 definitions. We map the current state of engagement research, including the diverse interpretation, theory, and measurement of the concept. We describe the ecology of engagement and strategies for the design of engaging experiences, discuss the value of the concept and its relationship to other terms, and present a set of guidelines and opportunities for future research.
A Survey of Petri Nets Slicing
Authors: Khan Yasir Imtiaz , Konios Alexandros , Guelfi Nicolas
Published: November 2018

Petri nets slicing is a technique that aims to improve the verification of systems modeled in Petri nets. Petri nets slicing was first developed to facilitate debugging, but then was used for the alleviation of the state space explosion problem for the model checking of Petri nets. In this article, different slicing techniques are studied along with their algorithms introducing: (i) a classification of Petri nets slicing algorithms based on their construction methodology and objective (such as improving state space analysis or testing); (ii) a qualitative and quantitative discussion and comparison of major differences such as accuracy and efficiency: (iii) a syntactic unification of slicing algorithms that improve state space analysis for easy and clear understanding; and (iv) applications of slicing for multiple perspectives. Furthermore, some recent improvements to slicing algorithms are presented, which can certainly reduce the slice size even for strongly connected nets. A noteworthy use of this survey is for the selection and improvement of slicing techniques for optimizing the verification of state event models.