bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Eulerian versus Lagrangian models of mechanical blood damage and the linearized damage function
Authors: Faghih Mohammad Mohaghegh , Sharp M. Keith
Published: January 2019

Two limitations have been discovered in the derivation of the Eulerian method of hemolysis prediction using a linearized blood damage function. First is that in the transformation from the Lagrangian material volume of the original power‐law model to a fixed Eulerian control volume, the spatial dependence of duration of exposure to fluid stress was neglected. This omission has the implication that the Eulerian method as reported is valid only for steady, uniaxial flow in which velocity is constant along streamlines. The second issue is related to linearization, which involves distributing an exponent across an integral. This operation is valid only for limited conditions that include the exponent being unity (which is not the case for any power‐law hemolysis models) or the blood damage function being constant throughout the flow regime. These constraints severely restrict the applicability of the Eulerian method. An example problem is presented that demonstrates that the source term of the Eulerian method as reported does not account for differences in velocity between 2 similar flows. Correcting the source term to match the hemolysis prediction to that of the original, unlinearized method requires an analytical description of the flow field that may not be easily obtained for the complex flows in some cardiovascular devices.
Restoration of native‐dominated plant communities on a Centaurea stoebe‐infested site
Authors: MacDonald Neil W. , Dykstra Kaitlyn M. , Martin Laurelin M.
Published: January 2019

Questions

Restoring native‐dominated plant communities often requires controlling invasive species, reintroducing native species, and implementing continued management practices. Can single herbicide applications to control Centaurea stoebe L. encourage establishment of seeded native species more effectively than a single mowing? Can annual hand pulling to control C. stoebe favor the persistence of seeded native species? Can mid‐spring burning reduce C. stoebe and increase native forbs and grasses? After eight years, will the restored plant communities differ from those in untreated areas?

Location

Bass River Recreation Area, Ottawa County, MI, USA.

Methods

We studied the effects of site preparation (mowing, clopyralid, glyphosate), hand pulling of C. stoebe, and burning on restoring native plant communities on a C. stoebe‐infested site. Over eight years, we quantified the development of the plant communities on plots seeded with native grasses and forbs, and report on the second four years here.

Results

Native‐dominated plant communities developed using both herbicides, but while clopyralid provided longer control of C. stoebe, clopyralid‐treated plots had fewer native species than glyphosate‐treated plots. Native‐dominated plant communities also developed on plots that were only mowed once before seeding, achieving similar native species richness as the glyphosate treatment. Hand pulling controlled C. stoebe, burning increased relative cover of native graminoids and decreased that of non‐native grasses, and hand pulling and burning in combination increased relative cover of native forbs. After eight years, the restored plant communities had greater native species cover and richness and higher mean Coefficient of Conservatism, Floristic Quality Index, and Shannon's Diversity Index values than untreated areas.

Conclusions

Site preparation, seeding, hand pulling of C. stoebe, and annual burning facilitated restoration of native‐dominated plant communities on a C. stoebe‐infested site. Effects accumulated over a period of eight years, illustrating the importance of continued management and monitoring as part of similar restoration efforts.
Spinal α2‐adrenoceptors and neuropathic pain modulation; therapeutic target
Authors: Bahari Zahra , Meftahi Gholam Hossein
Published: January 2019

Neuropathic pain can arise from disease or damage to the nervous system. The most common symptoms of neuropathic pain include spontaneous pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. There is still limited knowledge about the factors that initiate and maintain neuropathic pain. However, ample evidence has proved the antinociceptive role of spinal α‐adrenoceptors following nerve injury. It is well‐documented that noradrenergic descending pathways from supraspinal loci exert an inhibitory influence on the spinal cord nociceptive neurons, mostly through the activation of spinal α2‐adrenoceptors. This, in turn, suppresses transmission of pain input and the hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons. There is considerable evidence demonstrating that spinal application of α2‐adrenoceptor agonists leads to analgesic effects in animal models of neuropathic pain. Today, despite the recent rapid development of neuroscience and drug discovery, effective drugs with clear basic mechanisms have remained a mystery. Here, we give an overview of the cellular mechanisms through which brainstem adrenergic descending inhibitory processing can alter spinal pain transmission to the higher centres, and how these pathways change in neuropathic pain conditions focusing on the role of spinal α2‐adrenoceptors in the spinal dorsal horn. We then suggest that α2‐adrenoceptor agonist may be useful to treat neuropathic pain.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
The β‐secretase (BACE) inhibitor NB‐360 in preclinical models: From amyloid‐β reduction to downstream disease‐relevant effects
Authors: Neumann Ulf , Machauer Rainer , Shimshek Derya R.
Published: January 2019

Inhibition of β‐secretase 1 (BACE‐1; also known as β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme‐1) is a current approach to fight the amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and a number of BACE‐1 inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials. The BACE‐1 inhibitor NB‐360, although not a clinical compound, turned out to be a valuable pharmacological tool to investigate the effects of BACE‐1 inhibition on the deposition of different Aβ species in amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice. Furthermore, chronic animal studies with NB‐360 revealed relationships between BACE‐1 inhibition, Aβ deposition, and Aβ‐related downstream effects on neuroinflammation, neuronal function, and markers of neurodegeneration. NB‐360 effects on the processing of physiological BACE‐1 substrates as well as on nonenzymatic BACE‐1 functions have been investigated, complementing studies in BACE‐1 knockout mice. Because NB‐360 is also an inhibitor for BACE‐2, nonclinical studies in adult animals revealed physiological effects of BACE‐2 inhibition.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc
Design and management of innovation laboratories: Toward a performance assessment tool
Authors: Osorio Ferney , Dupont Laurent , Camargo Mauricio , Palominos Pedro , Peña José Ismael , Alfaro Miguel
Published: January 2019

There is a strong emergence of new spaces to foster innovation all over the world (Fablabs, Living Labs and Design Factories, among others). Past experiences have shown these types of projects involving “innovation laboratories” are at risk of not succeeding in their goals. Although several studies have tackled the problem of design, development and sustainability of innovation laboratories, there is still a gap in understanding how the capabilities and performance of these environments are affected by the strategic intentions at the early stages of design and functioning. Throughout this work, eight frameworks from the literature that analyze innovation laboratories are identified and compared. Then, based on both literature and the authors' experience, an updated framework is proposed as the basis for a guidance tool for researchers and practitioners aiming to assess or to adapt an existing project. As part of the operationalization process of the framework, a maturity grid‐based assessment tool is proposed to evaluate the maturity degree of an innovation laboratory. Afterwards, to evaluate the viability and to integrate the perception of innovation laboratory managers, an exploratory study with answers from fifteen laboratories from five different countries is performed. Insights and implications for emerging and already existent projects of innovation laboratories are then discussed.
Does Child Likeability Mediate the Link Between Academic Competence and Depressive Symptoms in Early Elementary School?
Authors: Herman Keith C. , Hodgson Caroline G. , Eddy Colleen L. , Cohen Daniel R. , Reinke Wendy M. , Burrell Lori , Mcfarlane Elizabeth C. , Duggan Anne K.
Published: January 2019

The present study investigated the role of teacher‐rated likeability as a mediator of the relation between low academic competence and depressive symptoms in elementary‐aged children. Analyses focused on a sample of children at risk for child maltreatment living in Hawaii (n = 380). Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized negative relations between academic competence in first grade and depressive symptoms in third grade controlling for correlated constructs (e.g., baseline social avoidance, parenting stress, externalizing problems, and internalizing symptoms). Teacher‐rated likeability in second grade negatively mediated the effect of academic competence on depressive symptoms. Implications for understanding the role of early academic skill deficits and social judgments on risk for depressive symptoms as well as recommendations for interventions and prevention strategies are discussed.
A randomized pilot trial of a school‐based psychoeducational intervention for children with asthma
Authors: Marsland Anna L. , Gentile Deborah , Hinze‐Crout Amanda , von Stauffenberg Camilla , Rosen Rhonda K. , Tavares Amy , Votruba‐Drzal Elizabeth , Cohen Sheldon , McQuaid Elizabeth L. , Ewing Linda J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Asthma is a common childhood illness with high morbidity and mortality among minority and socio‐economically disadvantaged children. Disparities are not fully accounted for by differences in asthma prevalence, highlighting a need for interventions targeting factors associated with poorer asthma control. One such factor is psychological stress.

Objective

Here, we examine the feasibility and acceptability of “I Can Cope (ICC),” a school‐based stress management and coping intervention for children with asthma.

Methods

A parallel randomized pilot trial was conducted. One hundred and four low‐income children (mean age 10 years; 54% male; 70% African American) with persistent asthma were recruited from 12 urban schools and randomized to the following: (a) ICC or one of two control conditions: (b) “Open Airways for Schools (OAS)”—an asthma education intervention or (c) no treatment.

Results

Seventy one percentage of eligible children participated in the study, with a dropout rate of 12%. ICC was rated as highly acceptable by participating children and parents. Preliminary efficacy data suggest that when compared with no treatment, ICC resulted in decreased symptoms of depression, perceived stress and child‐reported symptoms of asthma, and improvements in sleep quality and child‐reported asthma control. There were no intervention‐related changes in objective measures of asthma morbidity. The magnitude of intervention effects on psychological function did not differ between the ICC and OAS groups.

Conclusions

Results support the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing school‐based interventions to access hard to reach children with asthma. Preliminary findings offer support for future, large‐scale efficacy studies of school‐based interventions designed to target multiple factors that contribute to asthma disparities.
Ensuring quality in cervical screening programmes based on molecular human papillomavirus testing
Authors: Cuschieri Kate , Schuurman Rob , Coughlan Suzie
Published: January 2019

The increased use of human papillomavirus testing within cervical screening programmes necessarily brings about changes to the laboratory services required to support them. A crucial element of such services is to demonstrate initial and ongoing quality of the test (and associated processes). In this review, we outline some of the quality considerations and challenges with an emphasis on the laboratory including assay and platform validation, internal quality control selection and strengths and weaknesses of external quality assurance schemes. The influence and role of key external entities, including regulatory agencies, guideline groups, programme commissioners and commercial providers, are also discussed.
Capsule endoscopy for small‐intestinal disorders: Current status
Authors: Hosoe Naoki , Takabayashi Kaoru , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori
Published: January 2019

Small‐bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is used widely because of its non‐invasive and patient‐friendly nature. SBCE can visualize entire small‐intestinal mucosa and facilitate detection of small‐intestinal abnormalities. In this review article, we focus on the current status of SBCE. Several platforms for SBCE are available worldwide. Third‐generation SBCE (PillCam® SB3) has a high‐resolution camera equipped with an adaptive frame rate system. Several software modes have been developed to reduce the reading time for capsule endoscopy and to minimize the possibility of missing lesions. The main complication of SBCE is capsule retention. Thus, the main contraindication for SBCE is known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction unless intestinal patency is proven. Possible indications for SBCE are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, small‐intestinal polyps and tumors, and celiac disease. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) can observe inflamed colonic mucosa non‐invasively, and allows for the continuous and non‐invasive observation of the entire intestinal tract (pan‐endoscopy). Recently, application of CCE as pan‐enteric endoscopy for inflammatory bowel diseases (including Crohn's disease) has been reported. In the near future, reading for CE will be assisted by artificial intelligence, and reading CE videos for long periods will not be required.
Firm‐level Investment Spikes and Aggregate Investment over the Great Recession
Authors: Disney Richard , Miller Helen , Pope Thomas
Published: January 2019

It is widely accepted that firm‐level investment is characterized by periods of low investment punctuated by ‘spikes’, but widely debated whether such lumpiness matters for aggregate investment. We provide new empirical evidence that variation in UK aggregate investment is driven by variation in the number of firms undertaking investment spikes; this pattern holds for all sectors and across the business cycle. We set out and estimate a tractable firm‐level model of the timing of investment spikes that incorporates the effect of specific macroeconomic factors and aggregates to match observed variation in aggregate investment. Using simulations, we establish that low demand growth was the dominant factor inhibiting UK firms’ investment spikes immediately following the Great Recession, while heightened uncertainty prolonged low investment and prevented a ‘v‐shaped’ economic recovery. We use the Great Recession as a source of exogenous variation with which to study heterogeneity in response to aggregate shocks. We find that the minority of firms operating with persistently high‐debt levels—and therefore with balance sheets more exposed to the costs of financial distress—were significantly less likely to undertake an investment spike following the recession.
Induced pluripotent stem cell‐based modeling of mutant LRRK2‐associated Parkinson's disease
Authors: Weykopf Beatrice , Haupt Simone , Jungverdorben Johannes , Flitsch Lea Jessica , Hebisch Matthias , Liu Guang‐Hui , Suzuki Keiichiro , Belmonte Juan Carlos Izpisua , Peitz Michael , Blaess Sandra , Till Andreas , Brüstle Oliver
Published: January 2019

Recent advances in cell reprogramming have enabled assessment of disease‐related cellular traits in patient‐derived somatic cells, thus providing a versatile platform for disease modeling and drug development. Given the limited access to vital human brain cells, this technology is especially relevant for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) as a tool to decipher underlying pathomechanisms. Importantly, recent progress in genome‐editing technologies has provided an ability to analyze isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) pairs that differ only in a single genetic change, thus allowing a thorough assessment of the molecular and cellular phenotypes that result from monogenetic risk factors. In this review, we summarize the current state of iPSC‐based modeling of PD with a focus on leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), one of the most prominent monogenetic risk factors for PD linked to both familial and idiopathic forms. The LRRK2 protein is a primarily cytosolic multi‐domain protein contributing to regulation of several pathways including autophagy, mitochondrial function, vesicle transport, nuclear architecture and cell morphology. We summarize iPSC‐based studies that contributed to improving our understanding of the function of LRRK2 and its variants in the context of PD etiopathology. These data, along with results obtained in our own studies, underscore the multifaceted role of LRRK2 in regulating cellular homeostasis on several levels, including proteostasis, mitochondrial dynamics and regulation of the cytoskeleton. Finally, we expound advantages and limitations of reprogramming technologies for disease modeling and drug development and provide an outlook on future challenges and expectations offered by this exciting technology.
Anagen hair follicle repair: Timely regenerative attempts from plastic extra‐bulge epithelial cells
Authors: Huang Wen‐Yen , Lin Edrick Tai‐Yu , Hsu Ya‐Chieh , Lin Sung‐Jan
Published: January 2019

Anagen hair follicle repair (AHFR) is the regenerative scheme activated to restore the structure and hair growth following injuries to anagen hair follicles. Compared with telogen‐to‐anagen regeneration and hair follicle neogenesis, AHFR is a clinically important, yet relatively unexplored regenerative feature of hair follicles. Due to their highly proliferative character, germinative cells and matrix cells within hair bulbs are highly susceptible to injuries, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Clinical and experimental observations suggest that damaged anagen hair follicles are able to repair themselves to resume anagen growth, bypassing premature catagen/telogen entry. Mechanistically, extra‐bulge epithelial cells in the outer root sheath and the lower proximal cup are quickly mobilized for regeneration. These cells acquire stem cell‐like properties, exhibiting high plasticity by breaking lineage restriction to regenerate all cell types in the lower segment of anagen hair follicles. Facilitating extra‐bulge epithelial cells’ mobilization ameliorates hair loss from chemo‐ and radiotherapy. On the other hand, quiescent bulge stem cells can also be activated, but only after more severe injuries and with slower activation dynamics. They show limited plasticity and regenerate part of the outer root sheath only. The dysrhythmic activation might render bulge stem cells susceptible to concomitant injuries due to their exit from quiescence.
Tripping the light fantastic in membrane redox biology: linking dynamic structures to function in ER electron transfer chains
Authors: Hedison Tobias M. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: January 2019

How the dynamics of proteins assist catalysis is a contemporary issue in enzymology. In particular, this holds true for membrane‐bound enzymes, where multiple structural, spectroscopic and biochemical approaches are needed to build up a comprehensive picture of how dynamics influence enzyme reaction cycles. Of note are the recent studies of cytochrome P450 reductases (CPR)–P450 (CYP) endoplasmic reticulum redox chains, showing the relationship between dynamics and electron flow through flavin and haem redox centres and the impact this has on monooxygenation chemistry. These studies have led to deeper understanding of mechanisms of electron flow, including the timing and control of electron delivery to protein‐bound cofactors needed to facilitate CYP‐catalysed reactions. Individual and multiple component systems have been used to capture biochemical behaviour and these have led to the emergence of more integrated models of catalysis. Crucially, the effects of membrane environment and composition on reaction cycle chemistry have also been probed, including effects on coenzyme binding/release, thermodynamic control of electron transfer, conformational coupling between partner proteins and vectorial versus ‘off pathway’ electron flow. Here, we review these studies and discuss evidence for the emergence of dynamic structural models of electron flow along human microsomal CPR–P450 redox chains.
Mechanistic insights into enzymatic catalysis by trehalase from the insect gut endosymbiont Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Adhav Anmol , Harne Shrikant , Bhide Amey , Giri Ashok , Gayathri Pananghat , Joshi Rakesh
Published: January 2019

Energy metabolism in the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella is facilitated by trehalase, an enzyme which assists in trehalose hydrolysis, from the predominant gut bacterium Enterobacter cloacae. We report the biochemical and structural characterization of recombinant trehalase from E. cloacae (Px_EclTre). Px_EclTre showed KM of 1.47 (±0.05) mm, kcat of 6254.72 min−1 and Vmax 0.2 (±0.002) mm·min−1 at 55 °C and acidic pH. Crystal structures of Px_EclTre were determined in the ligand‐free form and bound to the inhibitor Validoxylamine A. The crystal structure of the ligand‐free form, unavailable until now for any other bacterial trehalases, enabled us to delineate the conformational changes accompanying ligand binding in trehalases. Multiple salt bridges were identified that potentially facilitated closure of a hood over the substrate‐binding site. A cluster of five tryptophans lined the −1 substrate‐binding subsite, interacted with crucial active site residues and contributed to both trehalase activity and stability. The importance of these residues in enzyme activity was further validated by mutagenesis studies. Many of these identified residues form part of signature motifs and other conserved sequences in trehalases. The structure analysis thus led to the assignment of the functional role to these conserved residues. This information can be further explored for the design of effective inhibitors against trehalases.
A new procedure, free from human assessment that automatically grades some facial skin structural signs. Comparison with assessments by experts, using referential atlases of skin ageing
Authors: Jiang Ruowei , Kezele Irina , Levinshtein Alex , Flament Frederic , Zhang Jingyi , Elmoznino Eric , Ma Junwei , Ma He , Coquide Jerome , Arcin Vincent , Omoyuri Esohe , Aarabi Parham
Published: January 2019

Objective

To develop an automatic system that grades the severity of facial signs through ‘selfies’ pictures taken by women of different ages and ethnics.

Methods

1140 women from three ethnics (African‐American, Asian, Caucasian), of different ages (18–80 years old), took ‘selfies’ by high resolution smartphones cameras under different conditions of lighting or facial expressions. A dedicated software, was developed, based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) that integrates training data from referential Skin Aging Atlases. The latter allows to an immediate quantification of the severity of nine facial signs according to the ethnicity declared by the subject. These automatic grading were confronted to those assessed by 12 trained experts and dermatologists either on ‘selfies’ pictures or in live conditions on a smaller cohort of women.

Results

The system appears weakly influenced by lighting conditions or facial expressions (coefficients of variations ranging 10–13% for most signs) and leads to global agreements with experts’ assessments, even showing a better reproducibility on some facial signs.

Conclusion

This automatic scoring system, still in development, seems offering a new quantitative approach in the quantified description of facial signs, independent from human vision, in many applications, being individual, cosmetic oriented or dermatological with regard to the follow‐up of medical anti‐ageing corrective strategies.
Fe doping effect on EuTiO3: The magnetic properties and giant magnetocaloric effect
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mo Zhao‐Jun , Hao ZhiHong , Shen Jun , Luo Jia‐Wei , Chang Rui‐Jiang , Li Lan
Published: January 2019

The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect for EuTi1‐xFexO3 (x = 0.05, 0.1) compounds are investigated. When a part of Ti4+ions were substituted by Fe ions, the AFM ordering can be significantly changed to be FM. The EuTi1‐xFexO3 (x = 0.05, 0.1) compounds exhibit a PM to FM transition with decreasing temperature and the Curie temperature is 6 K. Under the field changes of 1 T, and RC are valued to be 10.1 J/kg K and 50.2 J/kg for EuTi0.95Fe0.05O3; 9.6 J/kg K and 47.7 J/kg for EuTi0.9Fe0.1O3, without magnetic and thermal hysteresis. RC is almost twice as much as EuTiO3 (27 J/kg) as substitution of Fe3+ ions for Ti4+ions, which may be attributed to the magnetic transition (AFM to FM). Therefore, the giant and large RC suggest the EuTi1‐xFexO3 compounds are good materials for magnetic refrigerant.
The effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Simon Yat Ho , Bressington Daniel
Published: January 2019

Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has been widely used to improve various physical and mental conditions. Studies show the intervention is particularly effective in alleviating depression, anxiety, and stress in working‐aged adults. No recent systematic review has focused on the use of MBSR in older adults. This study aims to examine the effects of MBSR intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms of older adults. Five electronic databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1990 and 2017. Six eligible studies were included and computed for meta‐analysis. The methodological quality and risk of biases across the included RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Overall, the amount of evidence is limited and of relatively low quality. The results of this review provide evidence that the MBSR is more effective than wait‐list‐control group to reduce depression in older adults with clinically significant symptoms immediately following the intervention. However, there is no clear evidence that the intervention reduced the perception of stress and anxiety, or that positive effects are maintained over the longer term. More robust studies involving larger sample sizes and using longer follow‐up measurements are required.
Investigating the adoption of MOOCs: A technology–user–environment perspective
Authors: Ma Long , Lee Chei Sian
Published: January 2019

In spite of the potentials promised by MOOCs (massive open online courses), the adoption rate of MOOCs is still low, especially in developing countries. Research on the adoption of MOOCs in developing countries is also limited. To fill this research gap, this research aims to study the adoption of MOOCs by extending current research on innovation and technology adoption in order to promote the diffusion of MOOCs in developing countries. Here, a conceptual framework, technology–user–environment was proposed to identify influential drivers and barriers of MOOC adoption. Eight hundred and twenty‐seven individuals in a developing country, were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed by hierarchical regression, and the results show that for the (a) technological characteristics, perceived usefulness has the most significant influence, followed by lack of accessibility and performance‐to‐cost value; for the (b)user factors, self‐regulation was the most significant predictor of MOOC adoption, and female learners showed higher willingness to adopt MOOCs; and for the (c) social environmental factors, tradition and social norms and lack of information about MOOCs were negatively associated with adoption of MOOCs. Implications and suggestions are discussed at the end of this paper.
Effect of guar and arabic gums on qualitative properties of extruded rice
Authors: Saadat Saba , Movahhed Sara , Ahmadi Chenarbon Hossein
Published: January 2019

The rice milling process is carried out extensively to alter its texture and whiteness, increase its bonding with water, improve its digestibility, and reduce its cooking time. Broken rice grains followed by lower rice efficiency during processing and milling of rice paddy are a major challenge contributing to the reduced economic productivity. Moreover, separation of rice bran also reduces its nutritional value. Accordingly, the extrusion process in turning flour from broken rice into whole rice grains and its fortification can improve the economic value and nutrition value by adding mineral or vitamin in the production process. In this regard, the individual and collective effects of guar and arabic gums (0.5 and 1%) were analyzed to produce extruded rice samples (var. Hashemi) with qualitative and organoleptic properties similar to those of the control samples. According to the results of the tests conducted before and after cooking, guar and arabic gums increased moisture content, ash, color difference, texture hardness, water uptake, solubility, lateral expansion, and cohesiveness, and reduced density, cooking loss, chewiness of the samples compared to the control samples. According to the results from before and after cooking, the treatment containing 1% guar +1% arabic was selected as the best treatment.

Practical applications

The main objective of extrusion is to develop the diversity in daily foods through products with different shape, texture, colors and flavor and reduction in losses during the rice production and preparation processes as well as the improvement of qualitative and organoleptic properties of extruded rice. Advantages of the extrusion process include diversity in foods, reduce of food losses (e.g., converting broken rice into textured rice), fortification of product and the possibility of automating the process.
Application of ultrasound and high‐pressure homogenization against high temperature‐short time in peach juice
Authors: Yildiz Gulcin
Published: January 2019

The scope of current research was to investigate the impact of ultrasound (US) and high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) on the quality of peach juice and to compare it with the effect of high temperature‐short time (HTST) treatment. The quality parameters were monitored during 4 weeks. Compared with the HPH‐ and US‐treated peach juices, HTST treatment increased the viscosity of peach juice. The enzyme inactivation (PPO and PME) in juice samples was improved significantly with an US. In addition, US and HPH treatments play a better role in ascorbic acid preservation in juices compared with the HTST treatment. Similarly, HTST‐treated peach juices showed the lowest antioxidant capacity compared to the US‐ and HPH‐treated juice samples during the storage. Finally, US‐treated peach juices resulted in the highest phenolic content during the storage. In overall, both US and HPH treatments preserved the quality of peach juice remarkably compared with the HTST.

Practical applications

An important enhancement in the quality retention of ultrasound (US)‐treated juice compared to the high temperature‐short time‐treated peach juice was obtained. This work contributes a novel method to produce US‐treated fresh fruit and vegetable juices with an improved product quality. In overall, processing of peach juice with an US treatment can be used to get a high‐quality product as demonstrated by its quality retention ability during cold storage.
Variation in the spatial distribution of erector spinae activity during a lumbar endurance task in people with low back pain
Authors: Sanderson Andy , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo , Heneghan Nicola R. , Murillo Carlos , Rushton Alison , Falla Deborah
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and redistribution of lumbar erector spinae (ES) activity during a lumbar extension endurance task in pain‐free participants and how this is modified in people with low back pain (LBP). High density surface electromyography (HDEMG) was recorded using 13 × 5 electrode grids placed over the lumbar ES in 13 LBP and 13 control participants while completing an Ito test to task failure. The root mean square of the HDEMG signals was computed, a topographical map of the EMG amplitude generated and the centre of the activity (centroid) determined throughout the task. The centroid of the EMG amplitude map was systematically more cranial (F = 6.09, P = 0.022) for the LBP participants compared with the control subjects. Regression analysis showed that the extent of redistribution of ES activity was associated with longer endurance. These results show that LBP participants utilised a different motor strategy to perform the endurance task, characterised by greater activation of more cranial regions of the ES and less redistribution of ES activity throughout the task. This study provides new insight into the functional activation of the lumbar ES and how it is modified when people have pain.
Is hysteroscopic metroplasty using the incision method for septate uterus a risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes?
Authors: Ono Shuichi , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Matsuda Shigeru , Yonezawa Mirei , Watanabe Kenichiro , Akira Shigeo , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: January 2019

Aim

This study aimed to assess whether hysteroscopic metroplasty using the incision method for septate uterus is a risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes during pregnancy or delivery.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center cohort study of obstetric complications included 41 patients with recurrent pregnancy loss or unexplained infertility who underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty using the incision method for septate uterus. As controls, we recruited 1139 women who delivered at our hospital during the same period. The primary outcomes were mean weeks of delivery, mean birthweight, rate of cesarean section, rate of breech presentation, rate of post‐partum hemorrhage, rate of preterm delivery, rate of placental abruption, rate of placenta previa, rate of placenta accreta and uterine rupture during pregnancy and delivery.

Results

The two groups did not differ in terms of age, mean weeks of delivery, mean birthweight, rate of post‐partum hemorrhage, rate of preterm delivery, rate of placental abruption, rate of placenta previa or rate of placenta accreta. The rates of cesarean section and breech presentation were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (56.1 vs 27.7%; P = 0.0002 and 19.5 vs 6.8%; P = 0.007, respectively). There were no cases of uterine rupture during pregnancy or delivery following hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopic metroplasty using the incision method for septate uterus is not a risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes. No severe complications, such as placenta abruption, placenta previa, placenta accreta, uterine rupture or heavy hemorrhage, were observed in the postoperative live birth group.
Long tail balloon as a new approach for fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for a treatment of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Springer Carsten , Seeger Sven , Behrmann Curd , Bergner Michael , Haase Roland
Published: January 2019

Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a significant challenge for neonatal specialists. In order to reduce complications during extraction of the surgical balloon after fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) CDH, we have developed a FETO with a ‘long tail balloon’ of 2.5 mL volume. Here we describe two successful uses of the device with observed/expected total fetal lung volume (o/e TFLV) of 15% and with o/e TFLV of 24% and ‘liver up’. The o/e TFLV increased to 134% in first case and to 47% in second fetus. The balloon was successfully extracted at 34 weeks' gestation by pulling the long tail suture during second fetoscopy. In the second case the fetus pulled out the balloon from trachea itself by traction onto the balloon's long tail. Both neonates were operated on for their CDH with a good outcome. This work showed the feasibility of this long tail balloon for FETO to reduce the technical difficulty of the balloon extraction and the possibility that fetuses are able to extract the balloon by itself by pulling the balloons' long tail. Further development of long tail balloon for FETO could facilitate its extraction thereby reducing neonatal complications.
Microbial secondary metabolite induction of abnormal appressoria formation mediates control of rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Tamura Tomoko , Shinzato Naoya , Ito Michihiro , Ueno Makoto
Published: January 2019

Okinawa, the only subtropical area in Japan with numerous island ecosystems, is expected to have diverse microbial resources. Recently, we reported the construction of a culture filtrate library with microbes originally isolated from soils in Okinawa, including the Yaeyama Archipelago, and validated its phylogenetic diversity. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of the cell extract (CE) from microbial isolate 3–45 against Magnaporthe oryzae in rice (Oryza sativa). Abnormal appressorium formation by M. oryzae was induced in the presence of the CE from isolate 3–45. Additionally, melanization of appressoria was inhibited in the presence of CE from isolate 3–45. Sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA region of isolate 3–45 indicated that it shared similarities with Streptomyces erythrochromogenes. When rice leaves were inoculated with M. oryzae in the presence of CE from isolate 3–45, blast lesion formation was inhibited compared to leaves treated with M. oryzae in the absence of CE from isolate 3–45. In addition, M. oryzae infective activity was significantly inhibited in rice leaf sheaths treated with CE from isolate 3–45. Furthermore, abnormal appressorium formation was observed in the presence of heat‐treated CE from isolate 3–45. These results suggest that CE from isolate 3–45 can protect rice from blast disease caused by M. oryzae. Further studies are required to identify the active compounds present in 3–45‐CE and to clarify its mechanism of inhibition in full detail. The present study on isolate 3–45 might contribute to the development of a new fungicide for controlling rice blast disease caused by M. oryzae.
Ideal football culture: A cultural take on self‐determination theory
Authors: Cresswell James , Rogers Cody , Halvorsen Jon , Bonfield Stephan
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses cultural psychology and psychological training in football (soccer). Self‐Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1980) has shown to be pragmatically successful in sport and suggests that being regulated by autonomous forms of motivation leads to better psychological outcomes. Cultural psychologists would be tempted to dismiss SDT because it is predicated on an a‐cultural approach to mind. It is possible to nurture a stronger and more effective team culture by reframing SDT in a cultural direction. As such, this paper outlines a cultural approach that reconceptualizes SDT in a way that retains the latter's pragmatic value while not approaching mind in a self‐contained individualist manner.
Public Childcare and Maternal Employment — New Evidence for Germany
Authors: Boll Christina , Lagemann Andreas
Published: January 2019

This study explores the linkage between five policy indicators of public childcare provision for below threes and maternal employment in terms of employment propensity and (conditional) working hours based on German microcensus data 2006–14. Our two‐way fixed effects estimations with individual and macro‐level confounders as well as year‐ and state‐fixed effects show that raising the coverage rate by 1 percentage point and the existence of a legal childcare claim from the age of one relates to an increase of weekly working hours by 0.5 per cent and 3.1 per cent, respectively. Regarding the employment propensity, correlations with policy indicators are rather weak.
Teacher–writer–crafter–maker: an exploration of how making mattered for one writing teacher
Authors: Woodard Rebecca
Published: January 2019

This qualitative case study documents a secondary English teacher's making, writing and teaching. The focal teacher engaged in diverse making practices – including composing, crafting and digital fabrication. She also participated in a National Writing Project (NWP) Summer Institute that focused on both teacher writing and digital composing. Data include observations at this NWP Project Summer Institute and in the focal teacher's English classroom, as well as interviews and artefact collection related to her making practices. The findings describe how this teacher's making mattered for her understandings of writing and for her teaching (or not). The case offers insights into why it may be important to cultivate educator making, as well as potential tensions between experiencing making and incorporating it into writing pedagogy. Ultimately, it contributes to writing research interested in examining how various forms of production and making are enmeshed.
The benefits of metacognitive reading strategy awareness instruction for young learners of English as a second language
Authors: Teng (Mark) Feng
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a small‐scale study examining the effects of metacognitive reading strategy instruction on English language learners' reading comprehension in a Hong Kong international school. Twenty‐five primary school (Grade 5) students who learn English as a second language participated in this study. Metacognitive instruction was incorporated into 10 process‐based reading lessons. Data were collected from notes learners took during reading, post‐reading reflection reports, teacher‐facilitated group discussions and two types of reading tests. Results revealed that the young learners could articulate several knowledge factors that influenced their reading. In addition, learners reported a better understanding of the nature and demands of reading, a deeper awareness of metacognitive knowledge in improving reading comprehension and increased confidence in handling reading exercises. The learners also showed enhanced reading performance compared to those in a control group without metacognitive intervention. This study highlights the potential of metacognitive instruction to enhance primary school English learners' reading literacy.
Arginine and nitrogen mobilization in cyanobacteria
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Chen
Published: January 2019

Cyanobacteria have evolved mechanisms to adapt to environmental stress and nutrient availability, including accumulation of storage compounds in inclusions and granules. As arginine is a key building block of cyanophycin, a dynamic nitrogen reservoir in many cyanobacteria, arginine metabolism plays a key role in cyanobacterial nitrogen storage and remobilization. Recently, an arginine dihydrolase AgrE/ArgZ was identified as a major arginine‐degrading enzyme in nondiazotrophic Synechocystis, which catalyzes the conversion of arginine into ornithine and ammonia. The N‐terminal domain of AgrE/ArgZ is responsible for arginine dihydrolase activity. Burnat et al. (2019) identified the arginine catabolic pathway in diazotrophic Anabaena, which starts with the reaction catalyzed by AgrE/ArgZ. Moreover, this study identified the C‐terminal domain of AgrE/ArgZ as an ornithine cyclodeaminase that catalyze the conversion of ornithine to proline. The results demonstrated that arginine is catabolized to generate glutamate by the concerted action of AgrE/ArgZ and bifunctional proline oxidase PutA in the vegetative cells of Anabaena. These findings expand our knowledge on nitrogen mobilization and redistribution in Anabaena under nitrogen‐fixation conditions. AgrE/ArgZ is widely present in many diazotrophic cyanobacteria and may be important for their contribution to marine nitrogen fixation. AgrE/ArgZ may have potential applications in metabolic engineering and biotechnology.
Prospective study evaluating immune‐mediated mechanisms and predisposing factors underlying persistent postinfectious abdominal complaints
Authors: Florens Morgane V. , Van Wanrooy Sander , Dooley James , Aguilera‐Lizarraga Javier , Vanbrabant Winde , Wouters Mira M. , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Peetermans Willy E. , Liston Adrian , Boeckxstaens Guy E.
Published: January 2019

Background

The role of persistent immune activation in postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI‐IBS) remains controversial. Here, we prospectively studied healthy subjects traveling to destinations with a high‐risk to develop infectious gastroenteritis (IGE) in order to identify immune‐mediated mechanisms and risk factors of PI‐IBS.

Methods

One hundred and one travelers were asked to complete questionnaires on psychological profile and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms before travel, 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after travel. At each visit, blood was collected for PBMC isolation and rectal biopsies were taken. PI‐IBS was diagnosed using the Rome III criteria and subjects with persistent postinfectious abdominal complaints (PI‐AC) were identified using 3 GSRS symptoms (ie, loose stools, urgency and abdominal pain).

Results

Forty‐seven of the 101 subjects reported IGE during travel. After 1 year, two subjects were diagnosed with PI‐IBS and eight subjects were presented with PI‐AC versus two subjects with IBS and two with abdominal complaints in the non‐infected group. PBMC analysis showed no differences in T and B cell populations in subjects with PI‐AC vs healthy. Additionally, no differences in gene expression were observed in the early postinfectious phase or after 1 year. Regression analysis identified looser stools, higher anxiety and somatization before infection and several postinfectious GI symptoms as risk factors for PI‐AC.

Conclusions

The incidence of PI‐IBS is low following travelers’ diarrhea and there is need for larger studies investigating the role of immune activation in PI‐IBS. Psychological factors before infection and the severity of symptoms shortly after infection are risk factors for the persistence of PI‐AC.