bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclin binding Cy motifs have multiple activities in the initiation of DNA replication
Authors: Hossain Manzar , Bhalla Kuhulika , Stillman Bruce
Published: June 2019

The initiation of DNA replication involves the cell cycle-dependent assembly and disassembly of protein complexes, including the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) and CDC6 AAA+ ATPases. We report that multiple short, linear protein motifs (SLiMs) within intrinsically disordered regions in ORC1 and CDC6, including Cyclin-binding (Cy) motifs, mediate Cyclin-CDK dependent and independent protein-protein interactions, conditional on cell cycle phase. The ORC1 Cy motif mediates an auto-regulatory self-interaction, and the same Cy motif prevents CDC6 binding to ORC1 in mitosis, but then facilitates the destruction of ORC1 in S phase. In contrast, in G1, the CDC6 Cy motif promotes ORC1-CDC6 interaction independent of Cyclin-CDK protein phosphorylation. CDC6 interaction with ORC also requires a basic region of ORC1 that in yeast mediates ORC-DNA interactions. We also demonstrate that protein phosphatase 1 binds directly to a SLiM in ORC1, causing de-phosphorylation upon mitotic exit. Thus, Cy-motifs have wider roles, functioning as a ligand and as a degron.
Augmentation of Virtual Endoscopic Images with Intra-operative Data using Content-Nets
Authors: Esteban-Lansaque A. , Sanchez Carles , Borras Agnes , Gil Debora
Published: June 2019

Medical imaging applications are challenging for machine learning and computer vision methods, in general, for two main reasons: it is difficult to generate reliable ground truth and databases are usually too small in size for training state of the art methods. Virtual images obtained from computer simulations could be used to train classifiers and validate image processing methods if their appearances were comparable (in texture and color) to the actual appearance of intra-operative medical images. Recent works focus on style transfer to generate artistic images by combining the content of an image and the style of another one. A main challenge is the generation of pairs with similar content ensuring preservation of anatomical features, especially across multi-modal data. This paper presents a deep-learning approach to content-preserving style transfer of intra-operative medical data for realistic virtual endoscopy. We propose a multi-objective optimization strategy for Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to obtain content-matching pairs that are blended using a siamese u-net architecture (called Content-net) that uses a measure of the content of activations to modulate skip connections. Our approach has been applied to transfer the appearance of bronchoscopic intra-operative videos to virtual bronchoscopies. Experiments assess images in terms of, both, content and appearance and show that our simulated data can substitute intra-operative videos for the design and training of image processing methods.
Enhanced Golic+: Gene targeting with 100% recovery inDrosophilamale germ cells
Authors: Chen Hui-Min , Yao Xiaohao , Ren Qingzhong , Chang Chuan-Chie , Liu Ling-Yu , Lee Tzumin
Published: June 2019

The efficiency of gene targeting can vary drastically. Even utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 does not ensure rapid, successful gene targeting. InDrosophila, we previously established Golic+ to augment gene-targeting productivity simply through fly pushing. This transgene-based system elicits gene targeting in germ cells. It further implements lethality selection to enrich for progeny with accurate gene targeting. However, limitations still remain. Here we deliver an improved Golic+ technique that we name Enhanced Golic+ (E-Golic+). E-Golic+ incorporates genetic modifications to eliminate false positives while simultaneously boosting efficiency. Strikingly, male germ cells are exceptionally susceptible to gene targeting using E-Golic+. With male founders, we easily achieve 100% recovery of correct gene targeting. Given the superior efficiency/specificity and relatively effortless scalability, E-Golic+ promises to triumph in any challenging and otherwise unattainable gene targeting projects inDrosophila.
Measuring glycolytic flux in single yeast cells with an orthogonal synthetic biosensor
Authors: Monteiro Francisca , Hubmann Georg , Norder Justin , Hekelaar Johan , Saldida Joana , Litsios Athanasios , Wijma Hein J. , Schmidt Alexander , Heinemann Matthias
Published: June 2019

Metabolic heterogeneity between individual cells of a population harbors offers significant challenges for fundamental and applied research. Identifying metabolic heterogeneity and investigating its emergence requires tools to zoom into metabolism of individual cells. While methods exist to measure metabolite levels in single cells, we lack capability to measure metabolic flux, i.e. the ultimate functional output of metabolic activity, on the single-cell level. Here, combining promoter engineering, computational protein design, biochemical methods, proteomics and metabolomics, we developed a biosensor to measure glycolytic flux in single yeast cells, by drawing on the robust cell-intrinsic correlation between glycolytic flux and levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), and by transplanting the B. subtilis FBP-binding transcription factor CggR into yeast. As proof of principle, using fluorescence microscopy, we applied the sensor to identify metabolic subpopulations in yeast cultures. We anticipate that our biosensor will become a valuable tool to identify and study metabolic heterogeneity in cell populations.
Synthesis, detailed geometric analysis and bond-valence method evaluation of the strength of π-arene bonding of two isotypic cationic prehnitene tin(II) complexes: [{1,2,3,4-(CH3)4C6H2}2Sn2Cl2][MCl4]2 (M = Al and Ga)
Authors: Merkelbach Johannes , Frank Walter
Published: June 2019

From solutions of prehnitene and the ternary halides (SnCl)[MCl4] (M = Al, Ga) in chlorobenzene, the new cationic SnII–π-arene complexes catena-poly[[chloridoaluminate(III)]-tri-μ-chlorido-4′:1κ2
Cl,1:2κ4
Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-2:3κ4
Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-3:4κ4
Cl-[chloridoaluminate(III)]-μ-chlorido-4:1′κ2
Cl], [Al2Sn2Cl10(C10H14)2]
n
, (1) and catena-poly[[chloridogallate(III)]-tri-μ-chlorido-4′:1κ2
Cl,1:2κ4
Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-2:3κ4
Cl-[(η6-1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene)tin(II)]-di-μ-chlorido-3:4κ4
Cl-[chloridogallate(III)]-μ-chlorido-4:1′κ2
Cl], [Ga2Sn2Cl10(C10H14)2]
n
, (2), were isolated. In these first main-group metal–prehnitene complexes, the distorted η6 arene π-bonding to the tin atoms of the Sn2Cl2
2+ moieties in the centre of [{1,2,3,4-(CH3)4C6H2}2Sn2Cl2][MCl4]2 repeating units (site symmetry \overline{1}) is characterized by: (i) a significant ring slippage of ca 0.4 Å indicated by the dispersion of Sn—C distances [1: 2.881 (2)–3.216 (2) Å; 2: 2.891 (3)–3.214 (3) Å]; (ii) the non-methyl-substituted arene C atoms positioned closest to the SnII central atom; (iii) a pronounced tilt of the plane of the arene ligand against the plane of the central (Sn2Cl2)2+ four-membered ring species [1: 15.59 (11)°, 2: 15.69 (9)°]; (iv) metal–arene bonding of medium strength as illustrated by application of the bond-valence method in an indirect manner, defining the π-arene bonding interaction of the SnII central atoms as s(SnII—arene) = 2 − Σs(SnII—Cl), that gives s(SnII—arene) = 0.37 and 0.38 valence units for the aluminate and the gallate, respectively, indicating that comparatively strong main-group metal–arene bonding is present and in line with the expectation that [AlCl4]− is the slightly weaker coordinating anion as compared to [GaCl4]−.
Bis(15-crown-5-κ5
O)barium tetrakis(isothiocynato-κN)zinc(II)
Authors: Ramesh V. , Rajarajan K. , Gunasekaran B.
Published: June 2019

In the title compound, [Ba(C10H20O5)2][Zn(NCS)4], the 15-crown-5 molecules are disordered over two positions with site occupancies of 0.706 (4) and 0.294 (4). The Ba2+ ions are sandwiched between the 15-crown-5 rings and Zn2+ ions are surrounded by four N atoms from the thiocyanate ligands in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The crystal studied was refined as an inversion twin.
Numerical simulation of flow with large eddy simulation at Re = 3900
Authors: Khan Niaz B. , Ibrahim Zainah B. , Ali Mian Ashfaq , Jameel Mohammed , Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Javanmardi Ahad , Oyejobi D.O.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Over the past few decades, the flow around circular cylinders has been one of the highly researched topics in the field of offshore engineering and fluid-structure interaction (FSI). In the current study, numerical simulations for flow around a fixed circular cylinder are performed at Reynolds number (Re) = 3900 with the LES method using the ICEM-CFD and ANSYS Fluent tool for meshing and analysis, respectively. Previously, similar studies have been conducted at the same Reynolds number, but there have been discrepancies in the results, particularly in calculating the recirculation length and angle of separation. In addition, the purpose of this study is to address the impact of time interval averaging to obtain the fully converged solution.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents the LES method, using the ICEM-CFD and ANSYS fluent tool for meshing and analysis.

Findings

In the current study, turbulence statistics are sampled for 25, 50, 75 and 100 vortex-shedding cycles with the CFL value O (1). The recirculation length, angle of separation, hydrodynamic coefficients and the wake behind the cylinder are investigated up to ten diameters. The drag coefficient and Strouhal number are observed to be less sensitive, whereas the recirculation length appeared to be highly dependent on the average time statistics and the non-dimensional time step. Similarly, the mean streamwise and cross-flow velocity are observed to be sensitive to the average time statistics and non-dimensional time step in the wake region near the cylinder.

Originality/value

In the current investigation, turbulence statistics are sampled for 25, 50, 75 and 100 vortex-shedding cycles with the CFL value O (1), using large eddy simulation method at Re = 3900 around a circular cylinder. The impact of time interval averaging to obtain the fully converged mean flow field is addressed. No such consideration is yet published in the literature.
Efficiency assessment of using graphene nanoplatelets-silver/water nanofluids in microchannel heat sinks with different cross-sections for electronics cooling
Authors: Goodarzi Marjan , Tlili Iskander , Tian Zhe , Safaei Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to model the nanofluid flow in microchannel heat sinks having the same length and hydraulic diameter but different cross-sections (circular, trapezoidal and square).

Design/methodology/approach

The nanofluid is graphene nanoplatelets-silver/water, and the heat transfer in laminar flow was investigated. The range of coolant Reynolds number in this investigation was 200 ≤ Re ≤ 1000, and the concentrations of nano-sheets were from 0 to 0.1 vol. %.

Findings

Results show that higher temperature leads to smaller Nusselt number, pressure drop and pumping power, and increasing solid nano-sheet volume fraction results in an expected increase in heat transfer. However, the influence of temperature on the friction factor is insignificant. In addition, by increasing the Reynolds number, the values of pressure drop, pumping power and Nusselt number augments, but friction factor diminishes.

Research limitations/implications

Data extracted from a recent experimental work were used to obtain thermo-physical properties of nanofluids.

Originality/value

The effects of temperature, microchannel cross-section shape, the volume concentration of nanoparticles and Reynolds number on thermal and hydraulics behavior of the nanofluid were investigated. Results are presented in terms of velocity, Nusselt number, pressure drop, friction loss and pumping power in various conditions. Validation of the model against previous papers showed satisfactory agreement.
Ascertaining the interaction effects among organisational citizenship behaviour, work overload and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Kissi Ernest , Asare Odoi Ansah , Agyekum Kofi , Yamoah Agyemang Daniel , Labaran Musah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the interaction effects among organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), work overload (WO) and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry, thus identifying the thin boundary between advocating OCB and avoiding WO in attempt to increase higher employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research method, three hypotheses were tested. The views of 86 project teams were elicited using a structured questionnaire, and linear regression was utilized to validate the hypotheses.

Findings

The study proved that OCBs positively affect employee performance in the construction industry. The results implied that increased work load on employees do not increase their productivity levels, but adversely increase the unconsiderable effects of employees’ work lives. In addition, WO played the role of homologizing moderation in the relationship between OCB and employee performance.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that there is a considerable effect of WO on overall employee performance in the construction industry; thus, there is a need for stakeholders to address this issue for performance improvement.

Originality/value

The application and investigation of these issues have dominated the banking industry but lacked in the construction industry. The current study therefore provides useful insight into the interaction effects among organizational citizenship behavior, WO and employees’ performance in the Ghanaian construction industry.
From monitoring of seismic fields to the automatic forecasting of earthquakes
Authors: Gitis Valery , Derendyaev Alexander
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer two Web-based platforms for systematic analysis of seismic processes. Both platforms are designed to analyze and forecast the state of the environment and, in particular, the level of seismic hazard. The first platform analyzes the fields representing the properties of the seismic process; the second platform forecasts strong earthquakes. Earthquake forecasting is based on a new one-class classification method.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper suggests an approach to systematic forecasting of earthquakes and examines the results of tests. This approach is based on a new method of machine learning, called the method of the minimum area of alarm. The method allows to construct a forecast rule that optimizes the probability of detecting target earthquakes in a learning sample set, provided that the area of the alarm zone does not exceed a predetermined one.

Findings

The paper presents two platforms alongside the method of analysis. It was shown that these platforms can be used for systematic analysis of seismic process. By testing of the earthquake forecasting method in several regions, it was shown that the method of the minimum area of alarm has satisfactory forecast quality.

Originality/value

The described technology has two advantages: simplicity of configuration for a new problem area and a combination of interactive easy analysis supported by intuitive operations and a simplified user interface with a detailed, comprehensive analysis of spatio-temporal processes intended for specialists. The method of the minimum area of alarm solves the problem of one-class classification. The method is original. It uses in training the precedents of anomalous objects and statistically takes into account normal objects.
Construction of a 5D duration and cost optimisation model based on genetic algorithm and BIM
Authors: He Wei , Shi Yichao , Kong Dewei
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The construction industry is characterized by a long construction period, high cost and many uncontrollable factors. The owners and contractors are increasingly focusing on the efficiency of their construction and costs in pursuit of greater economic benefits. However, current methods used in the construction period and cost optimization analysis with multiple constraints the have their own limitations. Therefore, this study aims to propose a combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and building information modeling (BIM) to construct a five-dimensional construction duration-cost optimization model with the advantages of optimization and simulation for optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

This design first analyzed the characteristics of changing construction period and cost and then improved the genetic mechanism and the data processing method in the GA according to the aforementioned characteristics. Then, BIM technology was combined with GA to testify the feasibility of the model in the practical engineering project.

Findings

The result proved that this new method was reasonable and effective in dealing with the complicated problem of period and cost. GA accelerated the optimization process and yielded a reliable Pareto solution. BIM technology simulated the construction process before construction to increase the feasibility of the construction scheme.

Originality/value

This method not only can rapidly provide the best construction period/cost decision to the architect according to the previous working period/cost or contract data that can meet the demands of the architect but also visualize the construction and give a dynamic schedule of the project.
Effect of service quality on graduates’ satisfaction
Authors: Sharabati Abdel-Aziz Ahmad , Alhileh Mohammad M. , Abusaimeh Hesham
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of service quality on graduates’ satisfaction as perceived by Middle East University (MEU) graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is cross-sectional and aims to explore the effect of service quality dimensions (academic staff, administration, classrooms and library services) on graduates’ satisfaction. Data were collected from 399 graduates. After confirming validity, reliability and normality of the data, and the correlation between variables, multiple regressions were used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that all service quality dimensions are highly implemented by the MEU. The relationships between all service quality dimensions and graduates’ satisfaction are strong. Finally, results show that all service quality dimensions affect graduates’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

To generalize the results of this research, further studies are recommended to be carried out on other universities especially in Jordan. Testing the perception and satisfaction of other universities, stakeholders will help to improve service quality and to gain suitable competitive strategies.

Practical implications

Service quality is a key driver for universities’ sustainable competitive advantage; therefore, dimensions of service quality should be included within universities plan, strategies and daily activities.

Social implications

Considering service quality in higher education improves countries’ economic development, quality of life and well-being. All corporate social responsibility pillars (social, economic, environmental responsibilities and national and international regulation and norms) should be adapted and adopted within services quality systems and programs.

Originality/value

Most of previous studies were carried out to test the students’ perception while this research is dedicated to explore graduates’ perception regarding service quality offered by the MEU.
Child trafficking crime and means of fighting it: Egypt as a case study
Authors: Rashad Suzi Mohamed
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors leading to the phenomenon of child trafficking in Egypt, how deeply it runs through the Egyptian society and evaluate the state’s efforts to combat it.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper uses a case study method applied to the phenomenon of child trafficking in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and how the State is fighting it. The general policy approach is also used to clarify the State’s plans, programs and legislation in addressing the phenomenon of child trafficking, evaluate those policies and analyze the international documents.

Findings

The research paper concluded that child trafficking in Egypt represents a serious phenomenon, which stems from social, economic and cultural reasons. Even though the Egyptian Government exerts relentless efforts to fight this crime, all attempts have proven insufficient due to the lack of coordination between the concerned parties and low funds, in addition to the feeble services offered to the victims.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on a very perilous phenomenon in the Egyptian society; an international one with intricate magnitudes, upon which the State must concentrate more and eradicate it.

Originality/value

The study contributes to drawing the attention of decision makers in Egypt to the dangers of this phenomenon, and to the points of strength and weaknesses of the government’s efforts against it.
Electro-thermal simulation and fabrication of LTCC hotplate with lead-free interconnects
Authors: Kharbanda D.K. , Suri N. , Khanna P.K.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a new possibility of providing high-temperature stable lead-free interconnections for low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) hotplate. For gas-sensing application, a temperature range of 200°C-400°C is usually required by the sensing film to detect different gases which imply the requirement of thermally stable interconnects. To observe the effect of parameters influencing power of the device, electro-thermal simulation of LTCC hotplate is also presented. Simulated LTCC hotplate is fabricated using the LTCC technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed task is to fabricate LTCC hotplate with interconnects through vertical access. Dedicated via-holes generated on the LTCC hotplate are used to provide the interconnections. These interconnections are based on adherence and bonding mechanism between LTCC and thick film. COMSOL software is used for finite element method (FEM) simulation of the LTCC hotplate structure.

Findings

Thermal reliability of these interconnections is tested by continuous operation of hotplate at 350°C for 175 h and cycling durability test performed at 500°C. Additionally, vibration test is also carried out for the hotplate with no damage observed in the interconnections. An optimized firing profile to reproduce these interconnections along with the experimental flowchart is presented.

Research limitations/implications

Research activity includes design and fabrication of LTCC hotplate with metal to thick-film based interconnections through vertical access. Research work on interconnections based on adherence of LTCC and thick film is limited.

Practical implications

A new way of providing lead-free and reliable interconnections will be useful for gas sensor fabricated on LTCC substrate. The FEM results are useful for optimizing the design for developing low-power LTCC hotplate.

Originality/value

Adherence and bonding mechanism between LTCC and thick film can be used to provide interconnections for LTCC devices. Methodology for providing such interconnections is discussed.
How natural remanent magnetization of basaltic units can dominate the reduced to pole magnetic value: A case study from the Faroe Islands
Authors: Ziska Heri , Williamson Paul , Eidesgaard Óluva Reginsdóttir
Published: June 2019

Early attempts to utilize magnetic data to understand the volcanic and subvolcanic succession on the Faroese Continental Shelf have shown that conventional interpretation and modelling of magnetic data from this area leads to ambiguous results. Interpretation of the aeromagnetic data on the Faroese Continental Shelf shows that some previously identified basement highs coincide with reduced‐to‐pole magnetic highs, whereas others coincide with negative or mixed magnetic features. Similarly, igneous centres are characterized by different polarity magnetic anomalies. Palaeomagnetic analysis of the onshore volcanic succession has demonstrated that the thermoremanent magnetization of the basaltic lavas is stronger than the induced magnetism, and both reversely and normally magnetized units are present. We have tested this with 2½D profile modelling using the palaeomagnetic information to correlate high‐amplitude magnetic anomalies with basalt successions containing changes in magnetic polarity. This approach has enabled us to map the termination of the differently magnetized units offshore and thereby extend the mapping of the Faroe Island Basalt Group on the Faroese Platform and into adjacent areas.
Genetic manipulation allows in vivo tracking of the life cycle of the son‐killer symbiont, Arsenophonus nasoniae, and reveals patterns of host invasion, tropism and pathology
Authors: Nadal‐Jimenez Pol , Griffin Joanne S. , Davies Lianne , Frost Crystal L. , Marcello Marco , Hurst Gregory D. D.
Published: June 2019

Maternally heritable symbionts are common in arthropods and represent important partners and antagonists. A major impediment to understanding the mechanistic basis of these symbioses has been lack of genetic manipulation tools, for instance, those enabling transgenic GFP expression systems for in vivo visualization. Here, we transform the ‘son‐killer’ reproductive parasite Arsenophonus nasoniae that infects the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis with the plasmid pOM1‐gfp, re‐introduce this strain to N. vitripennis and then used this system to track symbiont life history in vivo. These data revealed transfer of the symbiont into the fly pupa by N. vitripennis during oviposition and N. vitripennis larvae developing infection over time through feeding. A strong tropism of A. nasoniae to the N. vitripennis ovipositor developed during wasp pupation, which aids onward transmission. The symbiont was also visualized in diapause larvae. Occasional necrotic diapause larvae were observed which displayed intense systemic infection alongside widespread melanotic nodules indicative of an active but failed immune response. Our results provide the foundation for the study of this symbiosis through in vivo tracking of the fate of symbionts through host development, which is rarely achieved in heritable microbe/insect interactions.
The Optimal Distance of the Electrode to the Lifting Film Surface when Lifting Dust Footwear Impressions Using an Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter
Authors: Xie Dongbai , Hong Hao , Li Dawu , Duo Shuwang , Feng Yingying
Published: June 2019

Footwear impressions are one of the valuable physical evidence encountered at crime scenes and its identification can facilitate narrowing down the suspects and establishing the identity of the criminals. The technique of electrostatic lifting (ESL) dust shoeprints at crime scenes is well established with scenes of crime examiners. And in the procedure, the recovery of the original item containing the impression should be made as good as it can and not damage the marks. In this study, the different particle sizes of SiO2 were used to simulate dust and light soil residues, comparing different particle sizes and electrode positions were used to compare the adsorption ability on the surface of electrostatic lifting film in high‐voltage electrostatic field for the collection of shoeprints. The results indicated that lifting film in electrostatic field will be pressed down to the dust surface, the compaction and electrostatic adsorption force will vary with the distance between the high‐voltage electrode and film surface. Reducing the distance can increase the electric field strength near the lifting film, and the adsorption capacity of Mylar aluminum‐plating film to dusts can be improved significantly. Adsorption capacity of the lifting film was related to the size of dust particles and significantly improved with the increase of the particle charge. The optimum distance which can get the best adsorption capacity between the electrode and film surface is from 10 to 15 mm.
Anti‐Disuse Osteoporosis Activity of a Complex of Calcium‐Binding Peptide from Auricularia auricula Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Qu Hang , Yi Juanjuan , Gao Xin , Zhao Haitian , Wang Zhenyu
Published: June 2019

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease that is often seen in bedridden patients and astronauts. Long‐term bed rest and nonweight bearing tend to induce disuse osteoporosis. Calcium supplements are commonly used to help treat disuse osteoporosis along with medications, most of which are calcium carbonate based, but they have poor absorption effects. In this study, we prepared a novel Auricularia auricula peptide–calcium complex (AP–Ca) and evaluated its protective effects on disuse osteoporosis. In vitro assays showed that AP–Ca significantly increased the contents of calcium (P < 0.05) and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP; P < 0.05) of osteoblasts cultured in a two‐dimensional‐rotating wall vessel. Meanwhile, supplementation with AP–Ca also inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory factors induced by the loss of stress, especially TNF‐α (P < 0.05). In vivo, a mouse tail suspension (TS) model was established, and the results showed that AP–Ca helped to improve bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and bone organic content in TS mice and effectively alleviated the alteration of enzymes related to bone metabolism, including AKP (P < 0.05) and serum tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (P < 0.05), to avoid more serious bone loss induced by TS. Furthermore, we found that AP–Ca downregulated the bone resorption‐associated pro‐inflammatory genes interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐6 by 59.53 ± 3.55%, 48.01 ± 5.68%, and 40.00 ± 5.89%, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, AP–Ca showed potential to suppress bone loss induced by disuse and might be considered a new alternative to reduce the risk of disuse osteoporosis.

Practical Application

This peptide–calcium complex supplement exhibited protective effects on the bone loss induced by disuse, which provided a new alternative for patients and astronauts to reduce the risk of disuse osteoporosis.
Effects of mixing Neolamarckia cadamba leaves on fermentation quality, microbial community of high moisture alfalfa and stylo silage
Authors: Wang Cheng , He Liwen , Xing Yaqi , Zhou Wei , Yang Fuyu , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Qing
Published: June 2019

Neolamarckia cadamba is not only a fodder of high nutritional value, but also a source of natural antimicrobial agent. The silage quality of high moisture alfalfa and stylo with or without N. cadamba leaves (NCL) was investigated, and microbial community after ensiling was analysed. Results showed that the silage samples with NCL have lower pH (4.32 versus 4.88, 4.26 versus 4.71 in alfalfa and stylo silage, respectively), ammonia‐N content (67.5 versus 146, 42.2 versus 95.1 g kg−1 total N) and higher lactic acid (13.3 versus 10.4, 17.3 versus 13.6 g kg−1 dry matter), true protein N (592 versus 287, 815 versus 589 g kg−1 total N). The addition of NCL also influenced the bacterial community distribution. The relative abundance of Clostridium and Enterobacter decreased, whereas Lactobacillus abundance increased when NCL was added. In conclusion, NCL could inhibit undesirable microorganisms in high moisture alfalfa and stylo silage. Mixing with NCL could be a feasible way to improve the quality of silage.
Cell density‐dependent auto‐inducible promoters for expression of recombinant proteins in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Meyers Annika , Furtmann Christoph , Gesing Katrin , Tozakidis Iasson E. P. , Jose Joachim
Published: June 2019

Inducible promoters such as Plac are of limited usability for industrial protein production with Pseudomonas putida. We therefore utilized cell density‐dependent auto‐inducible promoters for recombinant gene expression in P. putida KT2440 based on the RoxS/RoxR Quorum Sensing (QS) system of the bacterium. To this end, genetic regions upstream of the RoxS/RoxR‐regulated genes ddcA (PRox132) and PP_3332 (PRox306) were inserted into plasmids that mediated the expression of superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and surface displayed mCherry, confirming their promoter functionalities. Mutation of the Pribnow box of PRox306 to the σ70 consensus sequence (PRox3061) resulted in a more than threefold increase of sfGFP production. All three promoters caused cell density‐dependent expression, starting transcription at optical densities (OD578) of approximately 1.0 (PRox132, PRox306) or 0.7 (PRox3061) as determined by RT‐qPCR. The QS dependency of PRox306 was further shown by cultivating P. putida in media that had already been used for cultivation and thus contained bacterial signal molecules. The longer P. putida had grown in these media before, the earlier protein expression in freshly inoculated P. putida appeared with PRox306. This confirmed previous findings that a bacterial compound accumulates within the culture and induces protein expression.
Diagenetic evolution of lower Jurassic platform carbonates flanking the Tazoult salt wall (Central High Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Moragas Mar , Baqués Vinyet , Travé Anna , Martín‐Martín Juan Diego , Saura Eduard , Messager Gregoire , Hunt David , Vergés Jaume
Published: June 2019

Platform carbonates diagenesis in salt basins could be complex due to potential alterations of fluids related and non‐related to diapirism. This paper presents the diagenetic history of the Hettangian to Pliensbachian platform carbonates from the Tazoult salt wall area (central High Atlas, Morocco). Low structural relief and outcrop conditions allowed to define the entire diagenetic evolution occurred in the High Atlas diapiric basins since early stages of the diapiric activity up to their tectonic inversion. Precipitation of dolomite and calcite from both warmed marine‐derived and meteoric fluids characterised diagenetic stages during Pliensbachian, when the carbonate platforms were exposed and karstified. Burial diagenesis occurred from Toarcian to Middle Jurassic, due to changes of salt‐induced dynamic related to increase in siliciclastic input, fast diapir rise and rapid burial of Pliensbachian platforms. During this stage, the diapir acted as a physical barrier for fluid circulation between the core and the flanking sediments. In the carbonates and breccias flanking the structures, dolomite and calcite precipitated from basinal brines, whereas carbonate slivers located in the core of the structure, were affected by the circulation of Mn‐rich fluids. The final diagenetic event is characterised by the income of meteoric fluids into the system during uplift caused by Alpine orogeny. These results highlight the relevant influence of diapirism on the diagenetic modifications in salt‐related basins in terms of diagenetic events and involved fluids.
The funding sources of implantology research in the period 2008‐2017: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Alonso‐Arroyo Adolfo , Tarazona‐Alvarez Beatriz , Lucas‐Dominguez Rut , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David , Vidal‐Infer Antonio
Published: June 2019

Background

Implant dentistry is subject to major economic pressures as a result of the growth in the manufacturing and commercialization of dental implants.

Purpose

To examine research funding in implant dentistry by means of a bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in Web of Science (WoS) published during the period 2008‐2017.

Materials and Methods

The search was conducted applying the truncated term “implant*” in the WoS dentistry area. Only items labeled as “article” or “review” were selected. Records were manually refined and normalized to unify terms and to remove typographical, transcription, and/or indexing errors.

Results

A total of 14 255 records were identified for analysis. About 5002 of the 14 255 published works received funding. Of these, 85.9% of funded research articles received at least one citation. Of the 7733 funding entities mentioned, 29.8% were government entities, 25% NGOs and Foundations, 23.7% private companies, 19.6% academic entities, and 1.9% hospitals and research centers. Clinical Oral Implants Research and the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants published the highest numbers of funded articles.

Conclusions

This study revealed an overall increase in the funding of research in implant dentistry in recent years. Funded articles were cited more frequently and published in journals with higher impact factors.
Predicting intervention priorities for wildlife conflicts
Authors: Baynham‐Herd Zachary , Redpath Steve , Bunnefeld Nils , Keane Aidan
Published: June 2019

There is growing interest in developing effective interventions to manage socially and environmentally damaging conservation conflicts. There are a variety of intervention strategies that can be applied in various contexts, but the reasons one type of intervention is chosen over another remain underexplored. We surveyed conservation researchers and practitioners (n = 427) to explore how characteristics of conflicts and characteristics of decision makers influence recommendations to alleviate conservation conflict. Using a full‐factorial design, we experimentally manipulated 3 aspects of the descriptions of 8 different wildlife‐conflict scenarios (development status of the conflict country, conflict framing, and legality of killing wild animals) and recorded which of 5 intervention types (wildlife impact reduction, awareness, enforcement, economic incentives, or stakeholder engagement) respondents prioritized. We also recorded information on respondents’ demographic and disciplinary backgrounds. Stakeholder‐based interventions were recommended most often in the survey and in written feedback. However, when we fitted multinomial mixed logit models with fully completed scenario responses (n = 411), recommendations were influenced by small changes in the details of conflict and differed according to respondent characteristics. Enforcement and awareness interventions were prioritized relatively more for conflicts in more highly developed nations and by respondents with more natural science backgrounds and relatively less experience with conflict. Contrastingly, economic interventions were prioritized more when wildlife killing was described as illegal. Age, gender, and development status of the respondent's home country also predicted some intervention decisions. Further, interrogating the influences shaping conservation decision making will further helps in the development of evidence‐informed interventions.
CRTC1‐TRIM11 fusion defined melanocytic tumors: A series of four cases
Authors: Ko Jennifer S. , Wang Lin , Billings Steven D. , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Berry Ryan , De La Fouchardiere Arnaud
Published: June 2019

A cutaneous melanocytic tumor with morphologic overlap with clear cell sarcoma, but defined by CRTC1‐TRIM11 gene fusion, was recently described in a series of five adult patients. Here, we expand the clinicopathologic features of this entity by four additional cases which include pediatric presentation, exophytic growth, and propensity to occur on the head. Patients (2F; 2M) had a median age of 41 years (range 11‐59). Sites of involvement included leg, ear, and face. Tumors were circumscribed, unencapsulated, mostly limited to the dermis, and varied from 5 to 35 mm. One case was exophytic. Lesional cells were arranged in nests and fascicles, and were monomorphic and fusiform with moderate pale to clear cytoplasm, occasional nuclear pseudo‐inclusions, and small to prominent nucleoli. Mitotic rate was variable (rare to 12/10 HPF, median 3/10 HPF). The pediatric case showed increased nuclear pleomorphism, tumor necrosis, and mitotic figures. All cases showed strong, diffuse nuclear staining for SOX10, but were negative or focal for S100 protein, HMB45 and Melan‐A expression. Cases were positive by FISH technique and/or RNA sequencing for a TRIM11 rearrangement/fusion, and negative for EWSR1 rearrangement. This series is presented to aid in further characterization of this novel melanocytic tumor.
Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum associated with atypical stroma: A hitherto undocumented variant of sarcomatoid carcinoma
Authors: Alegría‐Landa Victoria , Kutzner Heinz , Requena Luis
Published: June 2019

Carcinosarcomas are biphasic tumors composed of admixed malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. Numerous terms have been used to name such neoplasms; therefore, terminological confusion is frequent. Most examples of carcinosarcomas are encountered in non‐cutaneous sites, with approximately 100 cases of cutaneous carcinosarcomas reported so far in the English literature. Although different theories have been suggested to explain the occurrence of these peculiar neoplasms, histogenetic mechanisms should be better hypothesized depending on each individual case. Even though prognosis tends to be related to the specific components of the lesion, especially the epithelial one, it seems that cases of cutaneous localization usually have a better outcome. We report an exceedingly rare case of syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum which showed an atypical stroma with sarcomatoid appearance, and highlight that the terminology used for this spectrum of lesions is disorganized and confusing.
Comparing microbial transformation of maize residue‐N and fertilizer‐N in soil using amino sugar‐specific 15N analysis
Authors: Hu Guoqing , Zhao Yu , Liu Xiao , Zhou Feng , Zhang Wei , Shao Shuai , He Hongbo , Zhang Xudong
Published: June 2019

In agroecosystems, both fertilizer‐nitrogen (N) and crop residue‐N make important contributions to soil‐N retention. However, how different N sources are dynamically involved in microbial processes and how they govern soil‐N transformations is poorly understood. A field experiment with half‐yield maize residue mulching was conducted in an Alfisol. The 15N‐labelled fertilizer and maize (Zea mays L.) residue were applied in the first year and then unlabelled ones were used in the following 4 years. The origins of newly formed fungal and bacterial residues were investigated by amino sugar‐specific 15N analysis. The aim was to gain insights into the microbial transformation dynamics of fertilizer‐N and maize residue‐N, as well as the maintenance of these exogenous N sources in soil. The initial transformation of fertilizer‐N into amino sugars was much more rapid than that of maize residue‐N. However, the eventual accumulation of maize residue‐N in amino sugars was significantly greater than that of fertilizer‐N. The transformation of maize residue‐15N into amino sugars was 3.5–6.7 times higher than that of fertilizer‐15N over the course of 5 years, implying a higher immobilization of maize residue‐derived N than fertilizer‐derived N in the soil. The effective transformation of maize residue‐N into microbial residues and the low level of maize residue‐derived mineral N accumulation suggested that a direct route probably dominated the microbial process. Moreover, the maize residue‐derived fungal glucosamine was more apt to accumulate than muramic acid, compared with that derived from fertilizer, suggesting that fungi contributed more to the direct assimilation of maize residue‐derived N. Such a pattern was mostly attributed to fungal decomposition of less bioavailable components of maize residue. Thus, maize residue‐N played a significant role in building soil organic N reserves, being a sustaining foundation for the effective utilization of fertilizer‐N by crops.

Highlights

Fungal and bacterial residues derived from maize residue‐N and fertilizer‐N were investigated.

Fungi dominated maize residue‐N immobilization mostly via direct route.

Maize residue‐N had higher microbial immobilization efficiency than fertilizer‐N.

Maize residue‐N contributed dominantly to the building of soil organic N pool.
Evaluation of zincated nanoclay polymer composite in releasing Zn and P and effect on soil enzyme activities in a wheat rhizosphere
Authors: Mandal Nintu , Datta Samar C. , Manjaiah Kanchikeri M. , Dwivedi Brahma S. , Kumar Rajesh , Aggarwal Pramila
Published: June 2019

Zinc deficiency in soil is a widespread global phenomenon, resulting in smaller Zn content in cereal grains, particularly in wheat. Conventional fertilizers (ZnSO4·7H2O or ZnSO4· H2O) resulted in low recovery efficiency (1–5%). An innovative fertilizer formulation was synthesized using nanoclay (having at least one dimension <100 nm), copolymer (acrylic acid and acrylamide as monomers), N,N‐Methylenebisacrylamide (NNMBA) as a crosslinking agent and ammonium persulphate (APS) as initiator. Zinc was added as Zn‐citrate during polymerization reactions. The product was named zincated nanoclay polymer composite (ZNCPC) containing 6.59% total Zn. The nanocomposite was evaluated in a laboratory incubation experiment and the data showed that it acted as a controlled release Zn formulation. Two doses of ZNCPC (5.0 mg Zn kg−1and 2.5 mg Zn kg−1) were tested in pot experiments and compared with ZnSO4·7H2O (5.0 mg Zn kg−1) in two Zn‐deficient soils (Soil I and Soil II) at the crown root initiation (CRI) and heading initiation (HI) stages in rhizosphere (with plants) and non‐rhizosphere (without plants) soil. The nanocomposite significantly increased DTPA‐extractable Zn (DTPA‐Zn), Olsen‐P and enzyme activities in rhizosphere soil. Citrate released during degradation of ZNCPC in soil solubilized native or applied P, which in turn increased Olsen‐P content in soil. Zinc content in wheat biomass at the HI stage increased to 88 and 87% in Soils I and II, respectively, compared to ZnSO4·7H2O. There were positive and significant correlations among DTPA‐Zn, Olsen‐P and soil enzyme activities across growth stages and soil types. The ZNCPC proved to be an innovative and promising fertilizer formulation in a wheat rhizosphere that needed to be evaluated in a long‐term field experiment for its benefit:cost ratio and widespread adaptability. To explore an increase in Zn use efficiency the novel ZNCPC formulation was applied in a wheat rhizosphere. As there was an increase in DTPA‐Zn, Olsen‐P and soil enzyme activities, ZNCPC proved to be an innovative promising fertilizer formulation.

Highlights

To explore an increase in Zn use efficiency.

Novel ZNCPC formulation was applied in wheat rhizosphere.

Increase in DTPA extractable Zn, Olsen‐P and soil enzyme activities.

ZNCPC proved to be an innovative promising fertilizer formulation.
EFT and Intimate Partner Violence: A Roadmap to De‐escalating Violent Patterns
Authors: Slootmaeckers Jef , Migerode Lieven
Published: June 2019

This article aimed to extend and refine the existing roadmap of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) in cases of situational couple violence (SCV). SCV is a common problem with couples who seek out couple therapy. Based on attachment theory, academic research, EFT, and our clinical experience, we argue that SCV can be safely treated using EFT. Through a detailed case description of stage 1 of EFT with a violent couple, we demonstrate how EFT can help to reduce violence. We also discuss safety‐related matters, specific therapeutic interventions, and potential limitations of the proposed method.