bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoskin® to treat full thickness skin wounds
Authors: Kaminagakura Kryscia Leiko Natsuaki , Sue Sato Silvana , Sugino Patricia , Kataki de Oliveira Veloso Laryssa , dos Santos Daniela Carvalho , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Basmaji Pierre , Olyveira Gabriel , Schellini Silvana Artioli
Published: September 2018

This experimental study evaluated 40 guinea pigs that received Nanoskin®. A full thickness skin rectangle measuring 2x4 cm was removed from the median dorsal region and the wound was covered by a 2X2 cm fragment of uncoated Nanoskin® graft (uncoated group) or Nanoskin® coated with gelatin (coated group) and sutured in the caudal region and a 2x2 cm fragment of autologous skin sutured in the cranial aspect of the surgical wound served a control. The animals were examined daily by ectoscopy and euthanized at 7, 30, 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Immediately after euthanasia, the operated area was shaved, documented with photos and removed, and prepared for morphological, morphometric and ultrastructural exam.

It was found that the full thickness skin wound healed in a centripetal pattern. The healing process was similar between groups, with a more pronounced inflammatory reaction initially that gradually decreased over time.

The conclusion is that the uncoated Nanoskin® or Nanoskin® coated with gelatin is a good material to treat full thickness skin wound. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res B Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 724–732, 2019.
Surface modification of polypropylene surgical meshes for improving adhesion with poloxamine hydrogel adhesive
Authors: Lu Xinyue , Khanna Astha , Luzinov Igor , Nagatomi Jiro , Harman Melinda
Published: September 2018

Tissue adhesive has notable clinical benefits in hernia repair fixation. A novel poloxamine tissue adhesive was previously shown to successfully bond collagen tissue with adequate adhesive strength. In application related to attachment of polypropylene (PP) mesh, the adhesive strength between the mesh and poloxamine hydrogel adhesive is limited by the hydrophobicity of PP monofilaments and lack of covalent bond formation. The purpose of this study was to compare two different surface modifications [bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption and poly‐glycidyl methacrylate/human serum albumin (PGMA/HSA) grafting] of PP mesh for improving the adhesive strength between poloxamine hydrogel adhesive and PP mesh. The PGMA/HSA surface modification significantly improved the adhesive strength for meshes attached with poloxamine hydrogel tissue adhesive compared with unmodified meshes and meshes modified by BSA adsorption. An area of 1 cm2 adhesive provided for a maximum adhesive strength of 65–70 kPa for meshes modified by PGMA/HSA, 4–13 kPa for meshes modified by BSA, and 22–45 kPa for unmodified meshes. Optical microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the improved adhesive strength was achieved through mechanical interlock of the hydrogel tissue adhesive into the PP mesh pores and chemical bonding of the albumin after successful PGMA/HSA grafting onto the PP monofilaments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1047–1055, 2019.
Lanthanide phosphate (LnPO4) rods as bio‐probes: A systematic investigation on structural, optical, magnetic, and biological characteristics
Authors: Meenambal Rugmani , Poojar Pavan , Geethanath Sairam , Anitha T. S. , Kannan S.
Published: September 2018

The proposed work involves an exclusive study on the synthesis protocol, crystal structure analysis, and imaging contrast features of unique lanthanide phosphates (LnPO4). XRD and Raman spectra affirmed the ability of the proposed synthesis technique to achieve unique LnPO4 devoid of impurities. The crystal structure analysis confirms the P121/c1 space setting of NdPO4, EuPO4, GdPO4, and TbPO4 that all uniformly crystallizes in monoclinic unit cell. In a similar manner, the tetragonal crystal setting of DyPO4, ErPO4, HoPO4, and YbPO4 that unvaryingly possess the I41/amd space setting is confirmed. Under the same synthesis conditions, the monoclinic (Eu) and tetragonal (Ho) lanthanide phosphates displayed uniform rod‐like morphologies. Absorption and luminescence properties of unique LnPO4 were determined. In vitro biological studies demonstrated low toxicity levels of LnPO4 and clearly distinguished fluorescence of TbPO4 and EuPO4 in Y79, retinoblastoma cell lines. The paramagnetic response of GdPO4, NdPO4, DyPO4, TbPO4, and HoPO4 facilitated excellent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast features. Meanwhile, GdPO4, DyPO4, HoPO4, and YbPO4 possessing higher X‐ray absorption coefficient than clinical contrast Omnipaque™ exhibited high computed tomography (CT) efficiency. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1372–1383, 2019.
Bone regeneration by calcium phosphate‐loaded carboxymethyl cellulose nonwoven sheets in canine femoral condyle defects
Authors: Sakamoto Ayumi , Qi Pan , Ohba Shinsuke , Ohta Seiichi , Hara Yuichi , Ogawa Takayuki , Tomokiyo Masahiro , Sasaki Akari , Takizawa Harue , Mochizuki Manabu , Ito Taichi , Honnami Muneki
Published: September 2018

The bone regeneration capacities of calcium phosphate (CaP)‐loaded carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nonwoven sheet (CMC/CaP) were evaluated using a dog lateral femoral condyle defect model. In addition, the effect of bFGF on bone regeneration when added to CMC/CaP sheet was investigated. The CMC and CMC/CaP sheets have high operability. The new bone formation rate in the CMC/CaP group was significantly higher than that in the control and CMC groups based on micro‐computed tomography and histological evaluation. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the CMC/CaP group and the CMC/CaP/f group. In conclusion, the CMC/CaP sheet has the ability to promote new bone formation and seems to be useful as a sheet‐shaped bone graft substitute. The effect of the auditioning signaling molecules to the CMC/CaP sheet, such as bFGF, requires further investigation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1516–1521, 2019.
Endothelial repair is dependent on CD11c+ leukocytes to establish regrowing endothelial sheets with high cellular density
Authors: Yrlid Ulf , Holm Maricris , Levin Malin , Alsén Samuel , Lindbom Malin , Glise Lars , Bergh Niklas , Borén Jan , Fogelstrand Per
Published: September 2018

Endothelial injury makes the vessel wall vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases. Injured endothelium regenerates by collective sheet migration, that is, the endothelial cells coordinate their motion and regrow as a sheet of cells with retained cell-cell contacts into the wounded area. Leukocytes appear to be involved in endothelial repair in vivo; however, little is known about their identity and role in the reparative sheet migration process. To address these questions, we developed a high-quality en face technique that enables visualizing of leukocytes and endothelial cells simultaneously following an endoluminal scratch wound injury of the mouse carotid artery. We discovered that regrowing endothelium forms a broad proliferative front accompanied by CD11c+ leukocytes. Functionally, the leukocytes were dispensable for the initial migratory response of the regrowing endothelial sheet, but critical for the subsequent formation and maintenance of a front zone with high cellular density. Marker expression analyses, genetic fate mapping, phagocyte targeting experiments, and mouse knock-out experiments indicate that the CD11c+ leukocytes were mononuclear phagocytes with an origin from both Ly6Chigh and Ly6Clow monocytes. In conclusion, CD11c+ mononuclear phagocytes are essential for a proper endothelial regrowth following arterial endoluminal scratch injury. Promoting the endothelial-preserving function of CD11c+ leukocytes may be a strategy to enhance endothelial repair following surgical and endovascular procedures.

CD11c+ mononuclear phagocytes are recruited specifically to regenerating endothelium following vascular injury to orchestrate endothelial sheet migration.
Development and validation of an RT‐qPCR assay for rapid detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA for routine testing in Moroccan clinical specimens
Authors: El Hadi Hicham , Benani Abdelouaheb , Qmichou Zineb , Lazar Fatiha , Bakri Youssef , Ait Benhassou Hassan , Moumen Abdeladim
Published: September 2018

A one‐step reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) assay in combination with rapid RNA extraction was evaluated for routine testing of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Specific primers and probes were designed for the detection of a 150 bp sequence located in the 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) of HCV RNA. The target sequence was selected as the most conserved region between the six known HCV subtype sequences following an alignment. The assay was able to quantify a dynamic linear range of 108 to 101 plasmid copies/reaction (r2 = 0.98) containing the target sequence. Two copies of this HCV plasmid corresponds to one international unit (IU) measured using a standard obtained by serial dilutions of the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. The detection limit of the assay was about 10 IU/mL of HCV RNA (20 copies/mL) in plasma samples. The assay was comparable to Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan® HCV Test, v2.0 Quantitative assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Branchburg, NJ) with correlation coefficient r2 = 0.98. The present assay could be completed within 3 hours from RNA extraction to data analysis of at least 30 plasma samples. Our test provides sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility and proved to be fast, labor‐saving, and cost‐effective. Indeed, our system will definitely allow low‐income countries to monitor accurately this viral infection and to efficiently treat their infected patients.
Tendon stem progenitor cells: Understanding the biology to inform therapeutic strategies for tendon repair
Authors: Walia Bhavita , Huang Alice H.
Published: October 2018

Tendon and ligament injuries are a leading cause of healthcare visits with significant impact in terms of economic cost and reduced quality of life. To date, reparative strategies remain largely restricted to conservative treatment or surgical repair. However, these therapies fail to restore native tendon structure and function; thus, the tissue may re‐rupture or degenerate with time. To improve tendon healing, one promising strategy may be harnessing the innate potential of resident tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) to guide tenogenic regeneration. In this review, we outline recent advances in the identification and characterization of putative TSPC populations, and discuss biochemical, biomechanical, and biomaterial methods employed for their culture and differentiation. Finally, we identify limitations in our current understanding of TSPC biology, key challenges for their use, and potential therapeutic strategies to inform cell‐based tendon repair. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1270–1280, 2019.
Sensitive, simple and rapid colorimetric detection of malachite green in water, salmon and canned tuna samples based on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Heleyel Mina , Elhami Shahla
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Malachite green is used in aquaculture and fisheries as a fungicide and antiseptic and it is also used in industry as a dye. However, malachite green is carcinogenic and highly toxic for humans and animals. In this study, a spectrophotometric method was developed to detect malachite green. The method was based on the surface plasmon resonance property of gold nanoparticles and interaction between malachite green and gold nanoparticles.

RESULTS

Malachite green–gold nanoparticles were rapidly aggregated in the acidic medium; as a result, a color change from red to blue was observed, which was easily detectable by the naked eye. The absorption ratio (A623/A520) of the gold nanoparticles in an optimized system exhibited a linear correlation with malachite green concentration. The method detection limit and linear range were 3 and 50–350 ng mL−1, respectively. The method was applied successfully to detect malachite green in different samples.

CONCLUSION

The method was simple and rapid to detect malachite green. The most important advantages of the method are the possibility of malachite green determination with very good accuracy and sensitivity using a simple UV–visible spectrometer without any expensive or sophisticated instrumentation and also the versatility of real samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
From ancient to old and modern durum wheat varieties: interaction among cultivar traits, management, and technological quality
Authors: Mefleh Marina , Conte Paola , Fadda Costantino , Giunta Francesco , Piga Antonio , Hassoun Georges , Motzo Rosella
Published: September 2018

Following the boom in durum wheat breeding, ancient wheat disappeared from the human diet and old durum wheat varieties were replaced by what is believed to be their better versions: higher yielding modern varieties grown in high‐input systems. Breeders have worked intensely ever since to improve the quality of durum wheat traits – mainly gluten subunit alleles – to obtain superior technological quality in the main durum wheat end products (first pasta and then bread) but conflicts about predicting their quality still exist. This is because quality is neither governed by one trait alone nor conditioned by a single controllable factor. This review discusses the evolution of wheat varieties from ancient to old, and then modern durum wheat in terms of agronomy, genetics, technological, and end‐product qualities. Environmental effects will not be discussed. Moving from ancient to modern durum wheat varieties, grain yield increased, grain protein concentration decreased, and gluten strength and dough toughness improved, ameliorating the quality of pasta but decreasing the durum wheat versatility. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of volatile profiles of green Hawai'ian coffee beans damaged by the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei)
Authors: Walker Hannah E , Lehman Katherine A , Wall Marisa M , Siderhurst Matthew S
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, is the most destructive insect pest of coffee globally, causing significant losses in yield and leading to ‘off’ flavors in damaged beans. Automated headspace sampling (AHS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to investigate changes in the volatile profiles of CBB‐damaged green coffee beans. Green coffee from three coffee farms on the island of Hawai'i were sorted into three levels of CBB damage: non‐damaged, slightly damaged (1–2 pinholes/bean), and heavily damaged (> 2 pinholes/bean).

RESULTS

Distinct differences were found between green coffee bean samples based on the amounts of eight prominent volatiles. The amount of CBB damage was particularly correlated with the amount of both hexanal and 2‐pentylfuran. Principal component analysis showed clustering of non‐damaged green beans, which did not overlap with the slightly or heavily damaged clusters. Good separation was also found between a mixture of 50% slightly damaged and non‐damaged coffee. However, 20% slightly damaged and non‐damaged coffee clusters showed strong overlap.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the effects of CBB damage on coffee flavor profiles is critical to quality control for this valuable agricultural product. The results of this study show that the volatile profiles of green coffee beans vary with CBB damage. With specific volatile profiles for CBB‐damaged coffee identified, coffee samples can be tested in the lab, or potentially on the farm or in coffee mills, to identify high levels of CBB damage that may lead to off flavors and a reduction in product quality and value. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Resolution of methoxyphenamine and its analogues on a chiral stationary phase based on (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid
Authors: Jeon Heeyoung , Hyun Myung Ho
Published: September 2018

A liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phase, which contains two N–CH3 amide connecting groups, based on (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid was first applied to the resolution of methoxyphenamine (2‐methoxy‐N‐methylamphetamine, a β‐adrenergic receptor agonist used as a bronchodilator). The resolution of methoxyphenamine on the chiral stationary phase containing two N–CH3 amide connecting groups was quite successful with the separation factor (α) of 1.42 and resolution (RS) of 4.22 compared with those (α of 1.09 and RS of 1.55) on the chiral stationary phase containing two N–H amide connecting groups. In addition, the chiral stationary phase containing two N–CH3 amide connecting groups was applied to the resolution of methoxyphenamine analogues. From the comparison of the resolution results of methoxyphenamine with those of methoxyphenamine analogues on the chiral stationary phase containing two N–CH3 amide connecting groups, the N‐methyl group and the 2‐methoxyphenyl group of methoxyphenamine were elucidated to be the structurally essential parts for the resolution on the chiral stationary phase.
Higher contributions of uncertainty from global climate models than crop models in maize‐yield simulations under climate change
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhao Yanxia , Feng Liping
Published: September 2018

Quantifying and separating different sources of uncertainty helps to improve the understanding of the projected effects of climate change and can inform decision‐making in adaptation planning. This paper (1) evaluated four process‐based crop models; (2) assessed the effects of climate change on maize yield using climate change outputs from seven global climate models (GCMs) under three representative concentration pathways (RCPs); and (3) disaggregated the contributions of multiple crop models, GCMs and RCPs to overall uncertainty. All four models captured more than 80% of the variation in days to silking, maturity and yield, indicating reasonably reproduced observations. Similarly, the root mean square errors were moderate for days to silking and maturity (fewer than 4 days) and yield (0.5–0.7 t/ha). Overall, the results indicate that the models could assess grain yield at the study sites reasonably well. The results of the multiple models ensemble indicate that the maize yield will decrease by 9–11% with a probability of 72–80% on average during the period 2010–2039 relative to the baseline (1976–2005). The uncertainty in the maize‐yield simulations might arise mostly from the GCM models, followed by the crop models and RCPs, the contribution of which could be neglected relative to the other factors. Therefore, the use of a multiple crop model and a GCM ensemble is advisable in order to account properly for uncertainties in crop assessments.
On the sensitivity of quantitative susceptibility mapping for measuring trabecular bone density
Authors: Diefenbach Maximilian N. , Meineke Jakob , Ruschke Stefan , Baum Thomas , Gersing Alexandra , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To develop a methodological framework to simultaneously measure and magnetic susceptibility in trabecularized yellow bone marrow and to investigate the sensitivity of Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) for measuring trabecular bone density using a non‐UTE multi‐gradient echo sequence.

Methods

The ankle of 16 healthy volunteers and two patients was scanned using a time‐interleaved multi‐gradient‐echo (TIMGRE) sequence. After field mapping based on water–fat separation methods and background field removal based on the Laplacian boundary value method, three different QSM dipole inversion schemes were implemented. Mean susceptibility values in regions of different trabecular bone density in the calcaneus were compared to the corresponding values in the maps, bone volume to total volume ratios (BV/TV) estimated from high resolution imaging (in 14 subjects), and CT attenuation (in two subjects). In addition, numerical simulations were performed in a simplified trabecular bone model of randomly positioned spherical bone inclusions to verify and compare the scaling of and susceptibility with BV/TV.

Results

Differences in calcaneus trabecularization were well depicted in susceptibility maps, in good agreement with high‐resolution MR and CT images. Simulations and in vivo scans showed a linear relationship of measured susceptibility with BV/TV and . The ankle in vivo results showed a strong linear correlation between susceptibility and (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.001) with a slope and intercept of −0.004 and 0.2 ppm, respectively.

Conclusions

A method for multi‐paramteric mapping, including ‐mapping and QSM was developed for measuring trabecularized yellow bone marrow, showing good sensitivity of QSM for measuring trabecular bone density.
TGA investigation and morphological properties study of nanocrystalline cellulose/ag‐nanoparticles nanocomposites for catalytic control of oxidative polymerization of aniline
Authors: Pashaei Shahryar , Hosseinzadeh Soleyman , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: September 2018

Polyaniline (PANI) and PANI/nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) nanocomposites have been prepared via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of NCC and AgNPs in green mediate using sugar beet leaf extracts. A series of nanocomposites has been synthesized by varying the concentrations of AgNPs (0, 1, 4, and 8%) along with 2 wt% of NCC. The control on oxidative polymerization for aniline has been studied using fabricated nanocomposites as catalysts. Various analysis techniques, including UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, were adopted to confirm the Nano‐sized AgNPs. The characteristic peaks of PANI and its nanocomposites were observed in the Fourier transfer infrared spectra of the nanocomposites, indicating the incorporation of NCC and AgNPs in the nanocomposite structure. Using three mathematical models, namely, Horowitz–Metzger, Coats–Redfern, and Broido methods, thermal degradation and kinetic parameters of the composites have been calculated for each step of thermal degradation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E753–E764, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The molecular details of cytokine signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway
Authors: Morris Rhiannon , Kershaw Nadia J. , Babon Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2018

More than 50 cytokines signal via the JAK/STAT pathway to orchestrate hematopoiesis, induce inflammation and control the immune response. Cytokines are secreted glycoproteins that act as intercellular messengers, inducing proliferation, differentiation, growth, or apoptosis of their target cells. They act by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells and switching on a phosphotyrosine‐based intracellular signaling cascade initiated by kinases then propagated and effected by SH2 domain‐containing transcription factors. As cytokine signaling is proliferative and often inflammatory, it is tightly regulated in terms of both amplitude and duration. Here we review molecular details of the cytokine‐induced signaling cascade and describe the architectures of the proteins involved, including the receptors, kinases, and transcription factors that initiate and propagate signaling and the regulatory proteins that control it.
The western Pacific subtropical high and tropical cyclone landfall: Seasonal forecasts using the Met Office GloSea5 system
Authors: Camp Joanne , Roberts Malcolm J. , Comer Ruth E. , Wu Peili , MacLachlan Craig , Bett Philip E. , Golding Nicola , Toumi Ralf , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: September 2018

We investigate the relationship between the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) and tropical cyclone (TC) landfall in the ERA‐Interim reanalysis and two configurations of the UK Met Office Global Seasonal forecasting system version 5 (GloSea5): Global Atmosphere 3.0 (GA3) and Global Coupled configuration 2 (GC2). Both model configurations have the same horizontal and vertical resolution in the ocean and the atmosphere, but differ in terms of model physics. The WPSH strongly modulates TC activity over the subtropical western North Pacific (WNP) and TC landfall over East Asia (Japan, Korea and East China). Here we show that both model configurations GA3 and GC2 show significant skill for predictions of the WPSH and TC variability over the subtropical WNP, as well as TC frequency along the coast of East Asia, during the boreal summer (June–August). An extension of the analysis to include the full WNP typhoon season (June–November) is also examined; however, only a weak significant relationship between the WPSH index and the observed TC frequency over East Asia is found during this period, and no significant relationship is present in either GloSea5 GA3 or GC2. Results highlight the potential for operational seasonal forecasts of TC landfall risk for Japan, Korea and East China over the June–August period using predictions of the WPSH indices from GloSea5.
#BlackGirlMagic: The identity conceptualization of Black women in undergraduate STEM education
Authors: Morton Terrell R. , Parsons Eileen C.
Published: September 2018

Much of the research in science education that explores the influence of a racial and gendered identity on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engagement for Black women situate their identities primarily as responses to the oppression and struggles they face in STEM. In this study, we use Phenomenological Variant Ecological Systems Theory as a strengths‐based approach to investigate 10 undergraduate Black women’s perceptions of race and gender on their STEM identity development and engagement. The qualitative analysis of interview and journal data revealed these women enter STEM experiences cognizant of their race and gender identities, naming them in isolation and intersectionally as a potential risk or as being protective, positive, and empowering for their STEM engagement. These findings illuminate the importance of Black women self‐authoring their identities in STEM contexts, both in naming what is salient and defining what those names mean, and have implications for STEM retention and matriculation efforts.
miR-205 Regulates Basal Cell Identity and Stem Cell Regenerative Potential During Mammary Reconstitution
Authors: Lu Yang , Cao Jin , Napoli Marco , Xia Zheng , Zhao Na , Creighton Chad J. , Li Wei , Chen Xi , Flores Elsa R. , McManus Michael T. , Rosen Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2018

Mammary gland development is fueled by stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. External cues from the microenvironment coupled with internal cues such as post-transcriptional regulation exerted by microRNAs regulate stem cell behavior and fate. Here, we have identified a miR-205 regulatory network required for mammary gland ductal development and stem cell regeneration following transplantation into the cleared mammary fat pad. In the postnatal mammary gland, miR-205 is predominantly expressed in the basal/stem cell enriched population. Conditional deletion of miR-205 in mammary epithelial cells impairs stem cell self-renewal and mammary regenerative potential in the in vitro mammosphere formation assay and in vivo mammary reconstitution. miR-205 null transplants display significant changes in basal cells, basement membrane, and stroma. NKD1 and PTPA, which inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway, and AMOT, which causes YAP cytoplasmic retention and inactivation were identified as miR-205 downstream mediators. These studies also confirmed that miR-205 is a direct ΔNp63 target gene that is critical for the regulation of basal cell identity.
Teaching Empathy: Exploring Multiple Perspectives to Address Islamophobia Through Children's Literature
Authors: Newstreet Carmen , Sarker Amie , Shearer Ragina
Published: October 2018

Children's literature text sets can be powerful tools for teaching students about diversity and literacy, engaging students in authentic purposes for literacy practices while exploring complex issues such as Islamophobia. The authors discuss how an intermediate public school teacher integrated a children's literature text set project exploring Muslim characters and communities to foster students' critical thinking, deepen their comprehension, and develop their empathy. Discussion of the texts and multimodal responses inspired students to engage in further inquiry, reflect on stereotypes, and implement a social action project: a pen pal exchange with students in Bangladesh, a Muslim country. This unit provided a safe space for students to explore a complex issue while developing critical literacy skills. As students better understand and learn to empathize with diverse others through text, they realize that people share more similarities than differences, decreasing the potential for Islamophobia in classrooms and society.
Follicular development of canine ovaries stimulated by a combination treatment of eCG and hCG
Authors: Hirata Maki , Tanihara Fuminori , Taniguchi Masayasu , Takagi Mitsuhiro , Terazono Tsukasa , Otoi Takeshige
Published: October 2018

Ovarian follicular dynamics is not well known in dogs. Imaging of ovaries is technically difficult; however, ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site can more easily be monitored using ultrasound imaging. This study investigated the follicular development of canine ovaries stimulated by hormone treatment using ultrasound imaging of the ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site. Oestrus was induced using subcutaneous administration of 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 1000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (eCG/hCG). Five bitches were given 1000 IU hCG 11 days after eCG/hCG administration. Examinations with ovarian ultrasonography using a 7.5‐MHz sector transducer, vaginal cytology, and assays of serum oestrogen and progesterone were performed daily until 20 days after eCG/hCG administration. Serosanguineous vaginal discharges and vaginal cytology of two of the bitches were observed. New follicular growth (>1.0 mm in diameter) was observed in all bitches from 2 to 8 days after eCG/hCG administration. The mean diameter of follicles and maximum numbers of follicles per ovary ranged from 2.8 to 5.5 mm and 4 to 16, respectively. The elevation in oestrogen concentrations after eCG/hCG administration was observed in all bitches, and elevation in progesterone concentration (>2 ng mL−1) was observed in three bitches. However, no follicles ovulated until 9 days after hCG administration. In conclusion, although the number of examined bitches were limited, follicular growth in ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site can be monitored using ultrasound imaging. Ovarian ultrasonography showed that eCG/hCG administration induced new follicular growth and hCG administration induced increases in oestrogen concentrations but not ovulation by hCG administration.
Cosmological signatures of a mirror twin Higgs
Authors: Chacko Zackaria , Curtin David , Geller Michael , Tsai Yuhsin
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We explore the cosmological signatures associated with the twin baryons, electrons, photons and neutrinos in the Mirror Twin Higgs framework. We consider a scenario in which the twin baryons constitute a subcomponent of dark matter, and the contribution of the twin photon and neutrinos to dark radiation is suppressed due to late asymmetric reheating, but remains large enough to be detected in future cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. We show that this framework can lead to distinctive signals in large scale structure and in the cosmic microwave background. Baryon acoustic oscillations in the mirror sector prior to recombination lead to a suppression of structure on large scales, and leave a residual oscillatory pattern in the matter power spectrum. This pattern depends sensitively on the relative abundances and ionization energies of both twin hydrogen and helium, and is therefore characteristic of this class of models. Although both mirror photons and neutrinos constitute dark radiation in the early universe, their effects on the CMB are distinct. This is because prior to recombination the twin neutrinos free stream, while the twin photons are prevented from free streaming by scattering off twin electrons. In the Mirror Twin Higgs framework the relative contributions of these two species to the energy density in dark radiation is predicted, leading to testable effects in the CMB. These highly distinctive cosmological signatures may allow this class of models to be discovered, and distinguished from more general dark sectors.
Model-independent bounds on R(J/ψ)
Authors: Cohen Thomas D. , Lamm Henry , Lebed Richard F.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We present a model-independent bound on

$$ R\left(J/\psi \right)\equiv \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\mathrm{\mathcal{R}}\left({B}_C^{+}\to J/\psi {\tau}^{+}{\nu}_{\tau}\right)/\mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\mathrm{\mathcal{R}}\left({B}_C^{+}\to J/\psi {\mu}^{+}{\nu}_{\mu}\right) $$

R

J
/
ψ

≡
ℬ
ℛ

B
C
+

→
J
/
ψ

τ
+

ν
τ

/
ℬ
ℛ

B
C
+

→
J
/
ψ

µ
+

ν
µ

. This bound is constructed by constraining the form factors through a combination of dispersive relations, heavy-quark relations at zero-recoil, and the limited existing determinations from lattice QCD. The resulting 95% confidence-level bound, 0.20 ≤ R(J/ψ) ≤ 0.39, agrees with the recent LHCb result at 1.3σ, and rules out some previously suggested model form factors.
Reversing the immune ageing clock: lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions
Authors: Duggal Niharika A.
Published: September 2018

It is widely accepted that ageing is accompanied by remodelling of the immune system, including reduced numbers of naïve T cells, increased senescent or exhausted T cells, compromise to monocyte, neutrophil and natural killer cell function and an increase in systemic inflammation. In combination these changes result in increased risk of infection, reduced immune memory, reduced immune tolerance and immune surveillance, with significant impacts upon health in old age. More recently it has become clear that the rate of decline in the immune system is malleable and can be influenced by environmental factors such as physical activity as well as pharmacological interventions. This review discusses briefly our current understanding of immunesenescence and then focuses on lifestyle interventions and therapeutic strategies that have been shown to restore immune functioning in aged individuals.
Deducing false propositions from true ideas: Nieuwentijt on mathematical reasoning
Authors: Pauw Sylvia
Published: September 2018

This paper argues that, for Bernard Nieuwentijt (1654–1718), mathematical reasoning on the basis of ideas is not the same as logical reasoning on the basis of propositions. Noting that the two types of reasoning differ helps make sense of a peculiar-sounding claim Nieuwentijt makes, namely that it is possible to mathematically deduce false propositions from true abstracted ideas. I propose to interpret Nieuwentijt’s abstracted ideas as incomplete mental copies of existing objects. I argue that, according to Nieuwentijt, a proposition is mathematically deducible from an abstracted idea if it can be demonstrated that that proposition makes a true claim about the object that idea forms. This allows me to explain why Nieuwentijt deems it possible to deduce false propositions from true ideas. It also implies that logic and mathematics are not as closely related for Nieuwentijt as has been suggested in the existing secondary literature.
WWTPs in China and Israel select Koch Membrane Systems' MBR technology
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: October 2018

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, developed by US company Koch Membrane Systems Inc – which specialises in membrane-based filtration systems for a range of applications worldwide – has been selected for use in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China and Israel, as this month's news focus briefly explains.
Opportunities for life course research through the integration of data across Clinical and Translational Research Institutes
Authors: Hanson Heidi A. , Hay William W. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Barkin Shari L. , Atkins Mark , Karagas Margaret R. , Dozier Ann M. , Wetmore Cynthia , Konstan Michael W. , Heubi James E.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Early life exposures affect health and disease across the life course and potentially across multiple generations. The Clinical and Translational Research Institutes (CTSIs) offer an opportunity to utilize and link existing databases to conduct lifespan research.

Methods

A survey with Lifespan Domain Taskforce expert input was created and distributed to lead lifespan researchers at each of the 64 CTSIs. The survey requested information regarding institutional databases related to early life exposure, child-maternal health, or lifespan research.

Results

Of 64 CTSI, 88% provided information on a total of 130 databases. Approximately 59% (n=76/130) had an associated biorepository. Longitudinal data were available for 72% (n=93/130) of reported databases. Many of the biorepositories (n=44/76; 68%) have standard operating procedures that can be shared with other researchers.

Conclusions

The majority of CTSI databases and biorepositories focusing on child-maternal health and lifespan research could be leveraged for lifespan research, increased generalizability and enhanced multi-institutional research in the United States.
Paleodietary Patterns of the Cherepakha 13 Site Population (Early Iron Age) in Primorye (Maritime) Province, Russian Far East, based on Stable Isotope Analysis
Authors: Kuzmin Yaroslav V , Panov Vsevolod S , Gasilin Viacheslav V , Batarshev Sergei V
Published: October 2018

New paleodietary data were obtained after the discovery and excavation in 2015–2017 of the Cherepakha 13 site in the southern part of Primorye (Maritime) Province in far eastern Russia. The site is located near the coast of Ussuri Bay (Sea of Japan) and belongs to the Yankovsky cultural complex of the Early Iron Age 14C-dated to ca. 3000 BP (ca. 1200 cal BC). The stable isotope composition of the bone collagen for 11 humans and 30 animals was determined. For humans, the following values (with±1 sigma) were yielded: δ13C=–10.2±0.8‰; and δ15N=+12.4±0.3‰. The majority of terrestrial animals show the usual isotopic signals: δ13C=–19.4 ÷ –23.3‰; and δ15N=+4.6÷+6.6‰ (for wolves, up to +10.1‰); dogs, however, have an isotopic composition similar to humans: δ13C= –11.7±1.2‰; and δ15N=+12.4±0.4‰. Marine mammals have common values for pinnipeds: δ13C=–13.7 ÷ –14.6‰; and δ15N=+17.4 ÷ +18.0‰. The main food resources for the population of Cherepakha 13 site were (1) marine mollusks, fish, and mammals; and (2) terrestrial mammals; and possibly C4 plants (domesticated millets).
Comparison of the parasite community of two notothens,Notothenia rossiiandN. coriiceps(Pisces: Nototheniidae), from King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Muñoz G. , Rebolledo M.
Published: October 2018

In this study, we analysed and compared the whole parasite community from the fishNotothenia rossiiandNotothenia coriicepscollected from Fildes Bay at King George Island, Antarctica, during January–February 2017 in a field campaign supported by the Chilean Antarctic Institute. The fish samples collected were 45 specimens ofN. rossiiand 22 ofN. coriiceps, with total lengths averaging 29.7 ± 5.3 cm and 32.5 ± 3.2 cm, respectively. Fish were dissected to collect their internal and external parasites. All the fish were parasitized; 13 taxa were found inN. rossiiand 12 taxa inN. coriiceps. Acanthocephalans, mainlyMetacanthocephalus johnstoniandAspersentis megarhynchus, were the most abundant and prevalent parasites in both fish species. The abundance and richness of the parasite infracommunity increased with the host body length only inN. rossii. Twelve parasitic taxa were shared by both notothen species. Abundance and prevalence of parasitic taxa, as well as the average richness and abundance of the parasite infracommunities were mostly similar between the two fish species. Parasite compositions ofN. coriicepsreported in published studies from King George Island were relatively comparable to our sample. We concluded that the two congeneric and sympatric fish species had highly similar parasite communities, which indicates that they use resources in a similar way, thus allowing them to become parasitized with the same parasitic species and in the same abundances. All parasites recorded in this study have been found in several other fish species; therefore, parasites from notothens are considered to be generalists.
Meristic, morphometric and biological characteristics of the common moray eel (Muraena helena) in northern Tunisia
Authors: Sallami Balkis , Ben Ibrahim Aymen , Ben Salem Mohamed , Chakroun-Marzouk Nadia
Published: October 2018

Although common in the Mediterranean, the morphological and biological characteristics of the moray eel Muraena helena are largely unknown. This study, based on 310 specimens caught using a longline at a depth of 50–100 m, addresses this knowledge gap for northern Tunisia, which is a stronghold of the species. There were significantly more males than females, with a sex ratio of 1:1.5. The number of vertebrae between individuals were variable, especially abdominal and caudal vertebrae (range 56–72; 70–84, respectively). Overall, the total number of vertebrae was less variable (138–146 ± 3.6 SE) and similar between males and females. The length-length relationship recorded for M. helena is provided for the first time, with the pre-anal length (paL), pre-dorsal length (pdL) and the head length (hL) growing faster than the total length (TL). According to the weight-length relationship (WLR), positive allometric growth was established for males (b = 3.6), females (b = 3.46) and combined sexes (b = 3.54). The relative condition factor (CF) did not show significant differences between seasons. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated a significant difference between the seasons for females, whilst the hepatosomatic index (HSI) highlighted a significant difference between seasons for both males and females.
Understanding older worker precarity: the intersecting domains of jobs, households and the welfare state
Authors: Lain David , Airey Laura , Loretto Wendy , Vickerstaff Sarah
Published: October 2018

In policy debates it is commonly claimed that older workers are entering a period of choice and control. In contrast, Guy Standing's book The Precariat: The Dangerous New Class, published in 2011, argues that older people are increasingly joining the ‘precariat’, by taking low-level jobs to supplement dwindling pension incomes. We argue that many older workers, not just those in ‘precarious jobs’, feel a sense of ‘ontological precarity’. Pressures to work longer, combined with limited alternative employment prospects and inadequate retirement incomes, give rise to a heightened sense of precarity. We develop a new theoretical model for understanding precarity as a lived experience, which is influenced by the intersection between precarious jobs, precarious welfare states and precarious households. This model is then illustrated using qualitative research from two organisations in the United Kingdom: ‘Local Government’ and ‘Hospitality’. In both organisations, older workers experienced a sense of ontological precarity because they worried about the long-term sustainability of their jobs and saw limited alternative sources of retirement income. Household circumstances either reinforced interviewees’ sense of precarity, or acted as a buffer against it. This was particularly important for women, as they typically accrued smaller financial resources in their own right. Our concluding discussion builds on this more advanced theoretical understanding of older worker precarity to call for a rethinking of state and employer support for decisions around later-life working and retirement.
Wellness programme at the workplace promotes dietary change and improves health indicators in a longitudinal retrospective study
Authors: Soliman Ghada A , Kim Jungyoon , Lee Jung-Min , High Robin , Hortman Sarah , Kim Youngdeok , Wehbi Nizar K , Canedy James
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of a workplace wellness programme intervention in improving participants’ behaviour towards choosing a healthy diet and the correlation with health indicators.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Wellness programme in the Midwest, USA.

Subjects

Employees (n 12 636) who participated in a wellness programme for three consecutive years during years 2004 to 2013 and who completed web-based health risk questionnaires. The wellness programme included annual health screening, laboratory measures, health risk questionnaire and personalized health-care programme. Participants’ food group intakes, BMI and health indicators were compared between the first and last year of participation. McNemar’s non-parametric test was used for paired nominal data. Pearson correlations were computed for paired food and health indicator measurements. Correlations between dietary intake and BMI, cholesterol and TAG were computed using Pearson correlations and McNemar’s test.

Results

There were negative correlations between intakes of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, healthy eating pattern and health outcome indicators such as BMI and TAG levels. Additionally, the percentage of employees who increased their consumption of fruits (16·88 v. 12·08 %, P<0·001), vegetables (15·20 v. 11·44 %, P<0·001) and dark green leafy vegetables (12·03 v. 7·27 %, P 0·001) was significantly higher than the percentage of participants who decreased their intake of these food groups during the third-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The wellness programme improved some health indicator parameters and had a positive impact on increasing participants’ intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains at the third year of follow-up.
A compact, dual wide-band circularly polarized, modified square ring slot antenna for C and Ku band applications
Authors: Patil Shilpee , Singh Anil Kumar , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Yadava R. L.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a compact microstrip antenna using FR-4 substrate for dual band circularly polarized operation using a modified square ring slot in the ground plane with microstrip line feed. Simulation of the impedance characteristic and radiation characteristic for the proposed antenna is carried out using commercially available HFSS software. The simulated data validate measured results and shows good agreement. Proposed antenna shows an impedance bandwidth (return loss >10 dB) of 50.88% at 5.9 GHz of center frequency and 29.92% at 12.8 GHz of center frequency for lower and upper band, respectively. The 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth for lower and upper band is 26.4 and 3.0%, respectively and measured peak gain for the lower and upper band is found as 3.2 and 3.4 dBic, respectively. The proposed antenna can be suitable for wireless communication in C and Ku bands.