bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal involvement in amyloidosis is a sequential process
Authors: den Braber‐Ymker Marjanne , Heijker Sanneke , Lammens Martin , Croockewit Sandra , Nagtegaal Iris D.
Published: September 2018

Background

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis causes dysmotility. A comprehensive histological analysis to explain these symptoms is lacking. Therefore, we systematically examined histological features of intestinal dysmotility in patients with AL and AA amyloidosis, compared to controls.

Methods

Autopsy tissue material from small bowel and colon was used for histological (semiquantitative) evaluation of the mucosa, blood vessels, muscular layers, enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), using hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Elastic von Gieson and Congo red staining, and immunohistochemistry with α‐smooth muscle actin, HuC/D, S100 and CD117 antibodies, according to guidelines of the Gastro 2009 International Working Group.

Key Results

Amyloid deposits were present in the vascular walls of all amyloidosis patients. In the mucosa, amyloid was found in 67% of AA patients. The muscular layers were involved in 64% of amyloidosis patients, most prominent in AA patients, associated with the presence of polyglucosan inclusion bodies, but not with either abnormal α‐actin patterns or fibrosis. Amyloid in the muscularis propria surrounding the myenteric plexus was found, but not inside the myenteric plexus. These deposits might be related to loss of the ICC network, but there was no association with decreased neuronal or nerve fiber density.

Conclusions & Inferences

We hypothesize that intestinal dysmotility in amyloidosis patients is a sequential process: amyloid deposition starts in the vasculature, followed by involvement of the muscular layers, ICC loss, and potentially affect the myenteric plexus. This final stage may be accompanied by clinical symptoms of severe intestinal dysmotility.
Oxidative protein folding: state‐of‐the‐art and current avenues of research in plants
Authors: Meyer Andreas J. , Riemer Jan , Rouhier Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Contents

Summary
1230

I.
Introduction
1230

II.
Formation and isomerization of disulfides in the ER and the Golgi apparatus
1231

III.
The disulfide relay in the mitochondrial intermembrane space: why are plants different?
1236

IV.
Disulfide bond formation on luminal proteins in thylakoids
1240

V.
Conclusion
1242

Acknowledgements
1242

References
1242

Disulfide bonds are post‐translational modifications crucial for the structure and function of thousands of proteins. Their formation and isomerization, referred to as oxidative folding, require specific protein machineries found in oxidizing subcellular compartments, namely the endoplasmic reticulum and the associated endomembrane system, the intermembrane space of mitochondria and the thylakoid lumen of chloroplasts. At least one protein component is required for transferring electrons from substrate proteins to an acceptor that is usually molecular oxygen. For oxidation reactions, incoming reduced substrates are oxidized by thiol‐oxidoreductase proteins (or domains in case of chimeric proteins), which are usually themselves oxidized by a single thiol oxidase, the enzyme generating disulfide bonds de novo. By contrast, the description of the molecular actors and pathways involved in proofreading and isomerization of misfolded proteins, which require a tightly controlled redox balance, lags behind. Herein we provide a general overview of the knowledge acquired on the systems responsible for oxidative protein folding in photosynthetic organisms, highlighting their particularities compared to other eukaryotes. Current research challenges are discussed including the importance and specificity of these oxidation systems in the context of the existence of reducing systems in the same compartments.
BES1 hinders ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 and promotes seed germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Dou Liru , Gong Zhizhong , Wang Xiangfeng , Mao Tonglin
Published: September 2018

Proper regulation of seed germination is essential for the successful propagation of a plant. The transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) of the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway plays a central role in the inhibition of seed germination. ABI5 is precisely regulated by the core ABA signaling components and multiple other factors. However, the complex regulatory network of ABI5 remains largely unknown.

In this study, we determined the biochemical interaction between ABI5 and the BRINSENSITIVE1 (BRI1)‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1) transcription factor of the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, as well as the function of BES1 regulating ABI5 during seed germination in Arabidopsis.

BES1 directly interacts with ABI5 both in vitro and in vivo. The bZIP domain of ABI5, which is responsible for DNA binding, is critical for ABI5 binding to BES1. The interaction of BES1 with ABI5 significantly suppressed the binding of ABI5 to the promoter regions of downstream genes, which resulted in their reduced expression and consequently facilitated seed germination.

This study shed new light on the coordination of multiple signaling pathways during seed germination. In particular, BES1 directly binds to ABI5, which interferes with its transcriptional activity and suppresses ABA signaling output.
Overweight and obesity as major, modifiable risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid‐aged women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lamerton T. J. , Torquati L. , Brown W. J.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid‐aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with ‘normal’ body mass index, overweight was associated with a one‐third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.
Fungal endophyte‐infected leaf litter alters in‐stream microbial communities and negatively influences aquatic fungal sporulation
Authors: Wolfe Emily R. , Younginger Brett S. , LeRoy Carri J.
Published: September 2018

Endophytes are ubiquitous plant‐associated microbes and although they have the potential to alter the decomposition of infected leaf litter, this has not been well‐studied. The endophyte Rhytisma punctatum infects the leaves of Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple), causing the appearance of black ‘tar spots’ that persist in senesced leaves. Other foliar fungi also cause visible damage in healthy tissues of this host plant system including an unidentified bullseye‐shaped lesion, common in western Washington. Using three treatments of endophyte infection status in leaf tissue (R. punctatum‐infected, bullseye‐infected, lesion‐free), leaf litter discs were submerged in a third‐order temperate stream using mesh litter bags and harvested periodically over two months to determine the effects of litter treatment and incubation time on litter mass loss, fungal sporulation, and microbial community colonization. Litter containing symptomatic endophyte infections (Rhytisma or bullseye) had reduced sporulation of aquatic hyphomycetes, but decomposed significantly faster than lesion‐free or bullseye‐infected litter. Using amplicon‐based sequencing, we found a significant difference in bacterial communities colonizing Rhytisma‐infected and bullseye‐infected leaf litter, a significant difference in fungal communities colonizing Rhytisma‐infected leaf litter compared to the two other treatments, and a change in both community structure and relative abundances of bacterial and fungal taxa throughout the study period. Indicator Species Analysis clarified the drivers of these community shifts at the genus level. Our results show that endophyte‐associated, in‐stream sporulation and microbial community effects are observable within one species of leaf litter.
Unusual skin manifestations associated with parvovirus B19 primary infection in children
Authors: Ferrari Bruno , Díaz María Sol , López Micaela , Larralde Margarita
Published: September 2018

Parvovirus B19 is a DNA virus of the Parvoviridae family. We present four children with unusual exanthems associated with parvovirus infection: a purpuric periflexural pattern, a purpuric vasculitic pattern, and a combination of the two.
Size‐dependent Tumor Response to Photodynamic Therapy and Irinotecan Monotherapies Revealed by Longitudinal Ultrasound Monitoring in an Orthotopic Pancreatic Cancer Model
Authors: Pigula Michael , Huang Huang‐Chiao , Mallidi Srivalleesha , Anbil Sriram , Liu Joyce , Mai Zhiming , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: September 2018

Longitudinal monitoring of tumor size in vivo can provide important biological information about disease progression and treatment efficacy that is not captured by other modes of quantification. Ultrasound enables high‐throughput evaluation of orthotopic mouse models via fast acquisition of three‐dimensional tumor images and calculation of volume with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Herein, we compare orthotopic pancreatic tumor volume measurements determined by ultrasound with volume measured by calipers and tumor weight, and found strong correlations between the three modalities over a large range of tumor sizes, suggesting ultrasound can accurately quantify tumor volumes in this model. Furthermore, we demonstrate the unique ability of longitudinal treatment monitoring to reveal a tumor size‐dependent response to Benzoporphyrin Derivative photodynamic therapy (BPD‐PDT) and irinotecan. Small tumors (5–35 mm3) were found to respond well to a single round of PDT, while large tumors (35–65 mm3) showed no response to the same treatment. These results highlight the role that tumor size can play in preclinical interpretation of treatment response and more generally suggest that careful evaluation of subtle biological features such as this must be carefully considered in order to grant a more comprehensive understanding of disease biology in vivo.
Are My Temporal Parts Agents?
Authors: Dietz Alexander
Published: September 2018

When we think about ethics, we normally focus on a particular sort of agent: the individual person. Some philosophers have argued that we should rethink the limits of what counts as an ethically relevant unit of agency by expanding outward, and claiming that groups of people can have normative reasons for action. In this paper, I explore whether we can go in the other direction. Are there sub‐personal beings who count as agents with their own reasons for action? In particular, might the temporal parts of persons, beings like “me‐in‐my‐twenties,” be thought of as normative agents? This idea, I argue, has deep attractions, and deep, but surmountable, challenges. And if we do accept this idea, I argue, this can indirectly help to support the case for thinking that groups can have reasons for action.
Temporal changes in the population structure ofDothistroma septosporumat the site of the first recorded outbreak in Poland
Authors: Boroń P. , Lenart‐Boroń A. , Mullett M. , Kraj W. , Grad B. , Kowalski T.
Published: September 2018

In this study, evolution of the genetic structure of the oldest known population ofDothistroma septosporumin Poland was analysed. Dothistroma needle blight was first recorded in Poland in 1990 in a 5‐year‐old plantation, meaning the population is relatively young in terms of evolution and genetic development. The preservation ofDNAextracts from other studies allowed examination of the genetic variation of the pathogen over the span of a decade with the use of highly sensitive microsatellite markers. A number of evolutionary factors were identified that have shaped the genetic structure of this population over time. First, indications of the founder effect and the impact of selection were observed. Secondly,structureanalysis provided evidence of the introduction of a new genetic component to the population structure after the pathogen had established. Finally, the impact of the reproductive mode on various components of the Domiarki population was examined, revealing the presence of genetic groups andstructureclusters with varying levels of sexual recombination. These results demonstrate how well established and genetically robust a new population of a pathogen may become in just a few decades, given favourable conditions, and how new introductions may facilitate this process.
Annual decline in arterial blood oxygen predicts development of chronic respiratory failure in COPD with mild hypoxaemia: A 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Uemasu Kiyoshi , Sato Susumu , Muro Shigeo , Sato Atsuyasu , Tanabe Naoya , Hasegawa Koichi , Hamakawa Yoko , Mizutani Tatsushi , Fuseya Yoshinori , Tanimura Kazuya , Takahashi Tamaki , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Chronic respiratory failure (CRF) with hypoxaemia is an important pathophysiology in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and existing mild hypoxaemia may be a sign of future CRF development. However, little is known about the trajectory of partial arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) decline in patients with COPD. We assessed decline in PaO2 and the impact of short‐term reductions in PaO2 to predict future decline in PaO2.

Methods

A total of 172 outpatients with COPD from a prospective cohort study were enrolled. Pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas (ABG) analyses were conducted at baseline and 1 year after enrolment and changes in PaO2 (ΔPaO2) and other parameters were calculated. Survival and incidence of CRF (as assessed by prescription of long‐term home oxygen therapy) were monitored for 6 years.

Results

A total of 164 patients completed the observation period and 101 patients had mild hypoxaemia (PaO2 < 80 Torr) at baseline. No patients with normal PaO2 (≥80 Torr) developed CRF, and 10 patients with mild hypoxaemia developed CRF in 6 years. Baseline airflow limitation and diffusion capacity were significantly associated with development of CRF. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ΔPaO2 of −3.05 Torr/year is a useful cut‐off value to predict development of CRF in 6 years (hazard ratio (HR): 12.6, 95% CI: 3.48–58.73, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients with COPD and mild hypoxaemia may benefit from repeat ABG after 1 year. Although PaO2 trajectories widely varied, significant annual changes in PaO2 of at least −3.0 Torr/year were predictive of CRF development.
Does a foreign degree pay? The return to foreign education in China
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Zhang Yaxin , Ye Jingjing
Published: September 2018

A large body of literature is devoted to estimating causal effects of schooling; however, few studies have addressed the returns on education overseas. In this paper, we focus on the causal impact of holding a foreign education degree on one's performance in the homeland labor market in the context of China, the world's leading source of students pursuing education overseas. To address the issue of endogeneity, we construct an instrumental variable based on the exchange rate when the individual is about to make further education plans to isolate the arguably exogenous cost‐side shocks to one's education decision. Utilizing data from the China Household Financial Survey, we find that holding a foreign education degree has no effect on one's propensity to join the labor market but leads to a 108.95% increase in one's wage upon employment. Moreover, such effects display significant heterogeneity among returnees regarding their background. Specifically, returnees earn less if they went abroad after China joined the WTO, work in public sectors or have rich family resources.
Is the Relationship Between Remittances and Political Institutions Monotonic? Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Williams Kevin
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Remittances have become one of the most important sources of household income in developing countries, empowering recipients to be more politically independent. Using a dynamic estimator and panel data for 84 developing countries over the 1982–2011 period, this paper investigates the effect that remittances have on political institutions. Controlling for country and time fixed effects and using an exogenous source of variation to instrument remittances, the baseline results show that remittances start having a positive effect on democratic institutions when remittances reach 22% of GDP. This evidence suggests that remittances can influence the relationship between recipients and political elites, providing incentives for recipient households to hold their political representatives more accountable.
Direct measurement and master curve construction of viscoelastic Poisson's ratio with digital image correlation
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Tamai Kazuki , Zhang Yuelin , Yoneyama Satoru
Published: September 2018

A simple procedure for measuring two independent material properties of a viscoelastic material is proposed. Poisson's ratio is directly measured using digital image correlation during dynamic viscoelasticity test. Therefore, the complex Poisson's ratio as well as the complex modulus is simultaneously obtained from same specimen under same condition. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by measuring the material properties of a soft epoxy resin. The measurement example shows that the master curves of the time‐dependent Poisson's ratio as well as other material properties for the wide range of the reduced time can be obtained by the proposed procedure.
Are advisory services “fit for purpose” to support sustainable soil management? An assessment of advice in Europe
Authors: Ingram Julie , Mills Jane
Published: September 2018

This assessment examines the extent to which advisory services are able to address current and emerging knowledge needs of practitioners (primarily farmers) about sustainable soil management (SSM) in Europe. The assessment is structured around the following components: the context of advice (policy, market, socio‐economic conditions, privatization of advisory systems); the challenges that SSM presents for advice; the current and emerging practitioner knowledge needs; and the existing structure and function of advisory services for SSM. The analysis reveals fragmented policy and advisory services, paralleled by the multi‐scale character of SSM and a diverse audience for advice. The challenges and opportunities this complex arena presents are analysed, and suggestions made for achieving more effective advisory services for SSM, together with examples of existing approaches.
Wheat grain protein accumulation and polymerization mechanisms driven by nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Yu Zitong , Islam Shahidul , She Maoyun , Diepeveen Dean , Zhang Yujuan , Tang Guixiang , Zhang Jingjuan , Juhasz Angela , Yang Rongchang , Ma Wujun
Published: September 2018

Summary

In wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain yield and grain protein content are negatively correlated, making the simultaneous increase of the two traits challenging. Apart from genetic approaches, modification of nitrogen fertilization offers a feasible option to achieve this aim. In this study, a range of traits related to nitrogen‐use efficiency in six Australian bread wheat varieties were investigated under different nitrogen treatments using 3‐year multisite field trials. Changes in the individual storage protein composition were detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicated that wheat grain yield and grain protein content reacted similarly to nitrogen availability, with grain yield being slightly more sensitive than grain protein content, and that genotype is a vital determinant of grain protein yield. Measurement of the glutamine synthetase activity of flag leaves and developing grains revealed that high nitrogen availability prompted the participation of glutamine in biological processes. In addition, a more significant accumulation of gluten macropolymer was observed under the high‐nitrogen treatment from 21 days post‐anthesis, and the underlying mechanism was elucidated by a comparative proteomics study. A yeast two‐hybrid experiment confirmed this mechanism. The results of this study revealed that peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) was SUMOylated with the assistance of small ubiquitin‐related modifier 1 and that high nitrogen availability facilitated this connection for the subsequent protein polymerization. Additionally, luminal‐binding protein 2 in the endoplasmic reticulum played a similar role to PPIase in the aggregation of protein under high‐nitrogen conditions.
Measuring animal exposure in Canada: Foodbook study, 2014–2015
Authors: Raschkowan Alyson , Thomas M. Kate , Tataryn Joanne , Finley Rita , Pintar Katarina , Nesbitt Andrea
Published: September 2018

Animal companionship can have many physical and psychological benefits; however, animals can also be a source of zoonotic infection, including enteric illnesses; it has been estimated that in Canada, nearly 85,000 enteric illnesses due to eight pathogens occur each year related to animal contact. There is a lack of baseline data on animal‐related exposures in Canada and around the world. This information is critical to inform quantitative and qualitative risk assessments to prioritize intervention efforts in public health and reduce the associated burden of enteric illness. To help address this issue and assist evaluation of the risks associated with animal contact, the Foodbook study, conducted in 2014–2015, assessed exposure to animals, animal food and animal‐related venues within the last 7 days among Canadians. Data were analysed by province and territory, age group and urban/rural residency. Overall, dogs and cats were the most commonly reported animal exposures (43.3% and 31.9%, respectively). The data suggest farm animal exposure occurs primarily at a farm/barn, and to a lesser extent at other animal‐related venues (e.g., petting zoos or agricultural fairs). Approximately one in 25 respondents handled raw pet food within the last 7 days; the majority of which had also been exposed to a dog (86.4%). Children aged 0–9 years reported relatively high exposure to four types of high‐risk animals: rodents (5.6%), poultry (4.0%), reptiles (2.1%) and amphibians (1.8%); with the most vulnerable children aged <5 years also reporting exposure to many of these high‐risk animals. These results highlight potential areas for targeted intervention that can focus on high‐risk populations (e.g., young children) exhibiting potentially risky behaviour such as being exposed to certain high‐risk animals, or handling pet food, treats and raw pet food diets. Additionally, these results support the need to better understand the burden of enteric illness associated with animals and their environments.
The evolutionary history of Mediterranean Batoidea (Chondrichthyes: Neoselachii)
Authors: Ramírez‐Amaro Sergio , Ordines Francesc , Picornell Antònia , Castro José A. , Ramon Cori , Massutí Enric , Terrasa Bàrbara
Published: September 2018

Batoidea (rays, skates and their relatives) is the largest group included in the subclass Elasmobranchii. Mediterranean Batoidea fauna is relatively diverse, characterised by a history of isolation and connectivity resulting from tectonic movements and changes in ocean circulation. The evolutionary histories of Batoidea species in the Mediterranean were estimated from two mitochondrial markers (COI and NADH2) through dating and Bayesian analyses. Additionally, two species delimitation analyses (Poisson Tree Process and General Mixed Yule Coalescent) were conducted to elucidate species boundaries. The relationship between Raja species—their ecological traits and species level phylogeny—was also studied to understand speciation in this genus. Results concerning the phylogenetic relationship between Batoidea species were largely consistent with recent molecular studies. Divergence times show a parallel evolutionary history of Batoidea fauna and Mediterranean history, which began from the Triassic. Three important speciation events were detected (a) throughout the Jurassic, when the major lineages were split (b) at the Eocene–Oligocene, when almost all genera of Batoidea were branched, and (c) during the Miocene, when almost all current species of Batoidea derived. These diversification events correspond to crucial paleoclimatic and paleogeographical events that took place at the global and local scale. Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses revealed the presence of 18 species. Raja species showed different ecological preferences related to depth and habitat, which indicated a genus speciation process driven by different habitat characteristics.
A QUALITATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF ROTARY INTERSECTIONS IN AN URBAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Authors: Yusuf Ibrahim Tunde , Andy Abur Aondoaseer , Ako Terseer , Bilewu Solomon Olakunle
Published: September 2018

Assessment of the qualitative performance of a roundabout in relation to factors, such as delays, queues, level of service (LOS), accident, operation cost and environmental issues is necessary for its successful operation. This study, therefore, aims at analysing the qualitative performance of roundabouts in an urban area, Nigeria with the Fate roundabout in Ilorin metropolitan city as study case. The movement of the vehicles was observed and traffic counts carried out manually, at 15 minutes intervals for 12 hours (6:30am-6:30pm) daily for seven (7) days, from Monday, June 15th to Sunday, June 21st, 2015. Results show that, the five (5) working days (Monday-Friday), have high traffic volume counts and were selected for the analysis. Peak hour factors (PHF) were used to convert the demand volumes to flow rates. The qualitative performance analyses were carried out based on the 12-step approach for the performance analysis of a roundabout as outlined by the Highway Capacity Manual. Approach and entry capacities were determined as mathematical functions of critical headway, and follow-up headway were then estimated using the analytical approach. The degree of saturation, delay, and queue length used in estimating the performance of a roundabout were also determined. The relation between the roundabout performance measure and capacity, expressed in terms of degree of saturation shows that the performance of the Fate roundabout ranged between LOS A – E. An increase in the entry lane width at Basin road approach was recommended to ensure continuous and smooth flow at the roundabout.
Kesahan dan Kebolehpercayaan Instrumen Komposisi Pengajaran Guru Pendidikan Islam Sekolah Rendah yang Mengintegrasikan Kemahiran Berfikir Aras Tinggi (KBAT) Menerusi Pengajaran Akidah
Authors: Othman Mohd Syaubari , Kassim Ahmad Yunus
Published: September 2018

This study aims to identify valid and reliable instrument for teaching Islamic Education teachers in integrating primary KBAT using quantitative and qualitative analysis of the mixture (mixed method). This instrument consists of a questionnaire, review of observation and interview protocol that has been modified by researchers to ensure conformity with the objectives set. The instrument is executed based on predetermined procedures and meet measurement standards for validity and reliability. Researchers conducted a content validity and face validity of the questionnaire were constructed either by defining constructs, verification specialists and factor analysis of quantitative methods for the validity qualitatively and implemented trigulasi, expert evaluation and revision by the participants of the pilot study. The overall findings indicate a high level of validity after several improvements have been implemented. Share insights for reliability, Cronbach alpha values above 0.90 indicate for each item that has been determined, while for qualitative research, analysis using the yield valuation cohen kappa 0.87 to 0.83 for the interview and observation. This shows the validity and reliability of the research instrument and can be passed on to the actual review
Hubungan Antara Personaliti Big Five Dengan Kepuasan Kerja Dalam Kalangan Pekerja Sokongan di UTM, Kampus Johor
Authors: Ishak Abdah , Mahfar Mastura , Yusof Halimah
Published: September 2018

This study aims to identify the relationship between Big Five Personality and job satisfaction in UTM, Johor campus. Respondents of the study consisted of 272 support staffs. Personality Big Five was measured by using the NEO Five Factor Inventory (McCrae, 2004). Meanwhile, job satisfaction was measured by using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) (Weiss et al, 1967). The findings of the pilot study showed that Alpha Cronbach for Big Five Personality is between .75 to .88 and .84 to .85 for job satisfaction. Descriptive statistical analysis consists of frequency and percentage and inferential statistics of Pearson Correlation coefficients were used to test the hypothesis of the study at a significant level of .05. The findings showed that the most dominant dimension based on Big Five Personality for support staffs in UTM, Johor campus is agreeableness, whereas the level of job satisfaction is low. The results also showed that there is a significant relationship between conscientiousness and job satisfaction (r = 0.24, p <.05). While the agreeableness was also found to have significant relationship with job satisfaction (r = 0.25, p <.05). This study provides information on differences of Big Five Personality dimensions among support staffs, where UTM’s management can use the information to assist support staffs improving their job satisfaction. This study also provides some suggestions for improvement in the future.
The Influence of Education and Scientific Research System on China's Science and Technology Innovation Capability
Authors: Hongfei Guo , Pei Gong , Ru Zhang , Jiaxin Fang , Zhihui He , Ting Qu , Congdong Li , Guoquan Huang
Published: September 2018

This article outlines their impact on China's technological innovation capabilities from nine aspects including primary and secondary education to university education, the shortcomings of scientific research evaluation system, the forward-looking of educational investment and the rationality of research funding, the negative feedback of the employment market on innovative research, intellectual property protection and incentive mechanism, The basic social system and its incentive mechanism combined with learning and research, the incentive mechanism and cultural atmosphere of enterprises and administrative institutions, and the origin of China's modern education model. The comprehensive analysis shows that changing the status quo of China's lack of innovation is a systematic project. A single ministry cannot complete many specific measures of reform, and must have a national-level top-level design. Through reform, the education and scientific research system has reasonable design and strong self-repairing ability. It is the need of innovation to promote industrial upgrading. Its effectiveness directly determines whether China can cross the middle income trap and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Effect of Ballistic Warm-Up on Isokinetic Strength, Balance, Agility, Flexibility and Speed in Elite Freestyle Wrestlers
Authors: Çetin Ebru , Bulğay Celal , Polat Sezen Çimen , Cicioğlu Halil İbrahim , Yarim İmdat
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is effect of ballistic warm-up on isokinetic strength, balance and some parameters in male elite freestyle wrestlers. 13 elite freestyle wrestlers at the age of 20.2±2.1 yrs, with 174.5±7.1 cm height and 81,67±15,36 kg weight participated in the study. Measurements were performed two different warm-up protocols. Running protocol at submaximal level on the treadmill for 10 minutes was applied for every wrestler. Ballistic Warm-up protocol involved 13 different movements for multi-muscle groups lasting for 10 minutes. Flexibility, speed, agility, balance, hand grip and isokinetic leg strength parameters were measured. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was performed to find the difference between the protocols. Consequently, differences were found in flexibility, right hand grip strength, right posteromedial and posterolateral balance, left posteromedial and posterolateral balance, left and right hamstring and quadriceps strength parameters. Ballistic warm-up protocol can be more effective in many parameters, especially strength compared to ordinary warm-up.
Exploring the anomalous cytotoxicity of commercially-available poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) substrates
Authors: Nguyen Phuong A. H. , Stapleton Lyndsay , Ledesma-Mendoza Adrian , Cuylear Darnell L. , Cooperstein Marta A. , Canavan Heather E.
Published: September 2018

Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) is a stimulus-responsive polymer that has been of great interest to the bioengineering community. When the temperature is lowered below its lower critical solution temperature (∼32 °C), pNIPAM rapidly hydrates, and adherent cells detach as intact cell sheets. This cell-releasing behavior in a physiologically relevant temperature range has led to NIPAM's use for engineered tissues and other devices. In a previous study, however, the authors found that although most techniques used to polymerize NIPAM yield biocompatible films, some formulations from commercially-available NIPAM (cpNIPAM) can be cytotoxic. In this work, the authors investigate the reasons underlying this anomaly. The authors evaluated the response of a variety of cell types (e.g., bovine aortic endothelial cells, BAECs; monkey kidney epithelial cells, Vero cells; and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, 3T3s) after culture on substrates spin-coated with sol-gel (spNIPAM) and commercially-prepared (cpNIPAM). The relative biocompatibility of each cell type was evaluated using observations of its cell morphology and function (e.g., XTT and Live/Dead assays) after 48 and 96 h in culture. In addition, the substrates themselves were analyzed using NMR, goniometry, and XPS. The authors find that all the cell types were compromised by 96 h in culture with cpNIPAM, although the manner in which the cells are compromised differs; in particular, while Vero and 3T3 cells appear to be undergoing cytotoxic death, BAECs undergo apoptic death. The authors believe that this result is due to a combination of factors, including the presence of short chain oligomers of NIPAM in the commercially-available preparation. This work will provide valuable insights into the cytotoxicity of commercially-prepared polymer substrates for this type of bioengineering work and therefore into the applicability of cells grown on such surfaces for human subjects.
Introduction to semiconductor processing: Fabrication and characterization of p-n junction silicon solar cells
Authors: Smith Ryan P. , Hwang Angela An-Chi , Beetz Tobias , Helgren Erik
Published: September 2018

We describe an upper-division undergraduate physics laboratory experiment that integrates the fabrication and characterization of a p-n junction in silicon. Under standard illumination, this p-n junction exhibits the photovoltaic effect as well as the typical diode rectification behavior when measured in the dark. This experiment introduces students to the physics of solar photovoltaics from the perspective of participating in the fabrication process. Procedures, experimental strategies, and typical student measurement results are presented. This low-cost, engaging, and effective lab can be adapted to undergraduate physics courses at various institutes.
Newton's graphical method for central force orbits
Authors: Nauenberg Michael
Published: September 2018

In the Principia, Book 1, Proposition 1, Newton gave a geometrical proof of angular momentum conservation for central forces. A geometrical construction associated with this proof provides a very efficient graphical method to obtain approximate orbital curves for such forces that can be traced with a ruler and a pencil. Newton's geometrical construction also satisfies a discrete form of energy conservation and it is time reversal invariant. An algorithm corresponding to this construction provides an efficient and stable numerical method to integrate the equations of motion of classical mechanics. In the past, this algorithm has been rediscovered several times without recognizing its connection to Newton's geometrical construction.
Airy wavepackets are Perelomov coherent states
Authors: Vyas Vivek M.
Published: September 2018

Accelerating non-spreading wavepackets in a nonrelativistic free-particle system, with probability distribution having an Airy function profile, were discovered by Berry and Balazs [Am. J. Phys. 47(3), 264–267 (1979)], and have been subsequently realised in several optics experiments. It is shown that these wavepackets are actually Perelomov coherent states. It is found that the Galilean invariance of the Schrödinger equation plays a key role in making these states unique and gives rise to their unusual propagation properties.
Prediction of three articulatory categories in vocal sound imitations using models for auditory receptive fields
Authors: Friberg Anders , Lindeberg Tony , Hellwagner Martin , Helgason Pétur , Salomão Gláucia Laís , Elowsson Anders , Lemaitre Guillaume , Ternström Sten
Published: September 2018

Vocal sound imitations provide a new challenge for understanding the coupling between articulatory mechanisms and the resulting audio. In this study, the classification of three articulatory categories, phonation, supraglottal myoelastic vibrations, and turbulence, have been modeled from audio recordings. Two data sets were assembled, consisting of different vocal imitations by four professional imitators and four non-professional speakers in two different experiments. The audio data were manually annotated by two experienced phoneticians using a detailed articulatory description scheme. A separate set of audio features was developed specifically for each category using both time-domain and spectral methods. For all time-frequency transformations, and for some secondary processing, the recently developed Auditory Receptive Fields Toolbox was used. Three different machine learning methods were applied for predicting the final articulatory categories. The result with the best generalization was found using an ensemble of multilayer perceptrons. The cross-validated classification accuracy was 96.8% for phonation, 90.8% for supraglottal myoelastic vibrations, and 89.0% for turbulence using all the 84 developed features. A final feature reduction to 22 features yielded similar results.
The long-term impact of employment bans on the economic integration of refugees
Authors: Marbach Moritz , Hainmueller Jens , Hangartner Dominik
Published: September 2018

Temporary employment bans for asylum seekers have lasting negative consequences for their economic integration.
Arginine deficiency is involved in thrombocytopenia and immunosuppression in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Li Xiao-Kun , Lu Qing-Bin , Chen Wei-Wei , Xu Wen , Liu Rong , Zhang Shao-Fei , Du Juan , Li Hao , Yao Ke , Zhai Di , Zhang Pan-He , Xing Bo , Cui Ning , Yang Zhen-Dong , Yuan Chun , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Xu Zhe , Cao Wu-Chun , Hu Zeping , Liu Wei
Published: September 2018

Arginine deficiency is involved in thrombocytopenia and immunosuppression in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Natural Secretory Immunoglobulins Promote Enteric Viral Infections
Authors: Turula Holly , Bragazzi Cunha Juliana , Mainou Bernardo A. , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K. , Wilke Carol A. , Gonzalez-Hernandez Mariam B. , Pry Alexandra , Fava Julianne , Bassis Christine M. , Edelman Jacob , Shah Yatrik M. , Corthesy Blaise , Moore Bethany B. , Wobus Christiane E.
Published: September 2018

Enteric virus, such as norovirus, infections cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, direct antiviral infection prevention strategies are limited. Blocking host entry and initiation of infection provides an established avenue for intervention. Here, we investigated the role of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR)-secretory immunoglobulin (sIg) cycle during enteric virus infections. The innate immune functions of sIg (agglutination, immune exclusion, neutralization, and expulsion) were not required during control of acute murine norovirus (MNV) infection. Instead, lack of pIgR resulted in increased IFN-γ levels, which contributed to reduced MNV titers. Another enteric virus, reovirus, also showed decreased infection in pIgR KO mice. Collectively, our data point to a model in which sIg-mediated microbial sensing promotes norovirus and reovirus infection. These data provide the first evidence of the proviral role of natural sIg during enteric virus infections and provide another example of how intestinal bacterial communities indirectly influence MNV pathogenesis.
Redundant Late Domain Functions of Tandem VP2 YPX
3
L Motifs in Nonlytic Cellular Egress of Quasi-enveloped Hepatitis A Virus
Authors: González-López Olga , Rivera-Serrano Efraín E. , Hu Fengyu , Hensley Lucinda , McKnight Kevin L. , Ren Jingshan , Stuart David I. , Fry Elizabeth E. , Lemon Stanley M.
Published: September 2018

Nonlytic release of hepatitis A virus (HAV) as exosome-like quasi-enveloped virions is a unique but incompletely understood aspect of the hepatovirus life cycle. Several lines of evidence indicate that the host protein ALIX is essential for this process. Tandem YPX
3
L “late domains” in the VP2 capsid protein could be sites of interaction with ALIX, but they are not accessible on the surface of an X-ray model of the extracellular capsid, raising doubts about this putative late domain function. Here, we describe YPX
3
L domain mutants that assemble capsids normally but fail to bind ALIX and be secreted as quasi-enveloped eHAV. Our data support late domain function for the VP2 YPX
3
L motifs and raise questions about the structure of the HAV capsid prior to and following quasi-envelopment.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Marinobacterium aestuarii
ST58-10
T
, a Benzene-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Estuarine Sediment
Authors: Baek Kyunghwa , Bae Seung Seob , Jung Jaejoon , Chung Dawoon
Published: September 2018

Marinobacterium aestuarii
ST58-10
T
was identified as a benzene-degrading aerobic bacterium isolated from estuarine sediment in the Republic of Korea. The genome of strain ST58-10
T
was found to be composed of a single circular chromosome (5,191,608 bp) with a G+C content of 58.78% and harboring 4,473 protein-coding genes.
Genome Sequence of the Oocydin A-Producing Rhizobacterium Serratia plymuthica 4Rx5
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Udaondo Zulema , Salmond George P. C.
Published: September 2018

Serratia plymuthica
4Rx5 was isolated from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape due to its antagonistic properties against plant-pathogenic fungi. The strain 4Rx5 produces the antifungal and antioomycete haterumalide, oocydin A.
Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
Phage Saddex
Authors: Greguske Elizabeth , Nadeau Alexis , Fitzmeyer Emily , Fucikova Karolina
Published: September 2018

The complete genome of
Bacillus
phage Saddex was determined and annotated in this study. Saddex has distinct sections with similarities to other
Bacillus
phages, such as Kida, even though these phages were isolated more than 800 km apart by separate laboratories.
Draft Genome Sequences of New Isolates and the Known Species of the Family Microbacteriaceae Associated with Plants
Authors: Vasilenko Oleg V. , Starodumova Irina P. , Dorofeeva Lubov V. , Tarlachkov Sergey V. , Prisyazhnaya Natalia V. , Chizhov Vladimir N. , Subbotin Sergei A. , Huntemann Marcel , Clum Alicia , Duffy Kecia , Pillay Manoj , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Varghese Neha , Chen I-Min A. , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T. B. K. , O’Malley Ronan , Daum Chris , Shapiro Nicole , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Woyke Tanja , Whitman William B. , Evtushenko Lyudmila I.
Published: September 2018

Draft genome sequences of 11 bacteria belonging to the family
Microbacteriaceae
were obtained using Illumina technology. The genomes of these strains have sizes from 3.14 to 4.30 Mb with their genomic DNA characterized as having high G+C contents (above 65%).
Complete Genome Sequence of the Arcobacter mytili Type Strain LMG 24559
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma , Bono James L.
Published: September 2018

Multiple
Arcobacter
species have been recovered from fresh and contaminated waters, marine environments, and shellfish.
Arcobacter mytili
was recovered in 2006 from mussels collected from the Ebro River delta in Catalonia, Spain.
Positron emission tomography and reframing vasculitis as a spectrum of disease when investigating a patient with a fever of unknown origin
Authors: Shahi Farah , Samson Anda
Published: September 2018

A retired businessman presented to the infectious diseases department with a history of ongoing fevers and myalgia and raised inflammatory markers. This continued despite adequate antibiotic treatment of an epididymo-orchitis. Extensive investigations, including bone marrow and liver biopsies and a positron emission tomography, did not reveal a cause but showed reactive change in the bone marrow. Later, he developed a vasculitic rash and vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. High-dose steroids were immediately initiated. A temporal artery biopsy was performed, which confirmed a healing large vessel vasculitis, possibly giant cell arteritis. He has responded very well to therapy. We must better appreciate the limitations of positron emission tomography in investigating a fever of unknown origin. The case also encourages awareness of autoimmune disorders as the leading category of causative diseases for this in older age groups.
Custom 3D-printed finger proximal phalanx as salvage of limb function after aggressive recurrence of giant cell tumour
Authors: Beltrami Giovanni
Published: September 2018

Giant cell tumours (GCT) of the finger phalanges are extremely rare but have a high rate of recurrence. This report details the case of a GCT of the proximal phalanx of the fourth finger in a 64-year-old man. The patient was initially subjected to systemic neoadjuvant denosumab treatment, and subsequent aggressive curettage, sparing of the articular joints, local cryotherapy and autologous intercalary fibular bone graft. Finger function after surgery was considered satisfactory, despite limited proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint motion. Aggressive local GCT recurrence was noted at the 32-month follow-up, with entire articular and diaphyseal phalangeal destruction. The patient refused amputation and, after analysing several reconstruction options, he was treated by entire en bloc resection and reconstruction employing a 3D-printed custom titanium implant. At the 24-month follow-up, the patient is free of disease and pain, and has a stable finger, good metacarpal–phalangeal joint motion, fusion of the PIP joint, a good Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score, and functional ability.
Severe pulmonary hypertension associated with hepatic arteriovenous malformation in a patient with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Montrivade Sakolwat , Maneesow Patinya , Osotthanakorn Thamonwan , Chattranukulchai Pairoj
Published: September 2018

We report a case of 46-year-old Asian woman with a history of recurrent epistaxis who presented with dyspnoea on exertion. Physical examination revealed mucocutaneous telangiectasias and signs of heart failure. Further evaluation showed huge hepatic arteriovenous malformation and severe pulmonary hypertension. This case demonstrates an uncommon manifestation of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia presented with severe pulmonary hypertension.