bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of a single BAHD gene in Setaria viridis causes large, stable decreases in cell wall feruloylation and increases biomass digestibility
Authors: de Souza Wagner R. , Martins Polyana K. , Freeman Jackie , Pellny Till K. , Michaelson Louise V. , Sampaio Bruno L. , Vinecky Felipe , Ribeiro Ana P. , da Cunha Barbara A. D. B. , Kobayashi Adilson K. , de Oliveira Patricia A. , Campanha Raquel B. , Pacheco Thályta F. , Martarello Danielly C. I. , Marchiosi Rogério , Ferrarese‐Filho Osvaldo , dos Santos Wanderley D. , Tramontina Robson , Squina Fabio M. , Centeno Danilo C. , Gaspar Marília , Braga Marcia R. , Tiné Marco A. S. , Ralph John , Mitchell Rowan A. C. , Molinari Hugo B. C.
Published: January 2018

Feruloylation of arabinoxylan (AX) in grass cell walls is a key determinant of recalcitrance to enzyme attack, making it a target for improvement of grass crops, and of interest in grass evolution. Definitive evidence on the genes responsible is lacking so we studied a candidate gene that we identified within the BAHD acyl‐CoA transferase family.

We used RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of orthologs in the model grasses Setaria viridis (SvBAHD01) and Brachypodium distachyon (BdBAHD01) and determined effects on AX feruloylation.

Silencing of SvBAHD01 in Setaria resulted in a c. 60% decrease in AX feruloylation in stems consistently across four generations. Silencing of BdBAHD01 in Brachypodium stems decreased feruloylation much less, possibly due to higher expression of functionally redundant genes. Setaria SvBAHD01 RNAi plants showed: no decrease in total lignin, approximately doubled arabinose acylated by p‐coumarate, changes in two‐dimensional NMR spectra of unfractionated cell walls consistent with biochemical estimates, no effect on total biomass production and an increase in biomass saccharification efficiency of 40–60%.

We provide the first strong evidence for a key role of the BAHD01 gene in AX feruloylation and demonstrate that it is a promising target for improvement of grass crops for biofuel, biorefining and animal nutrition applications.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics depict ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as versatile saprotrophs and plant mutualists
Authors: Martino Elena , Morin Emmanuelle , Grelet Gwen‐Aëlle , Kuo Alan , Kohler Annegret , Daghino Stefania , Barry Kerrie W. , Cichocki Nicolas , Clum Alicia , Dockter Rhyan B. , Hainaut Matthieu , Kuo Rita C. , LaButti Kurt , Lindahl Björn D. , Lindquist Erika A. , Lipzen Anna , Khouja Hassine‐Radhouane , Magnuson Jon , Murat Claude , Ohm Robin A. , Singer Steven W. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Wang Mei , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire , Henrissat Bernard , Grigoriev Igor V. , Martin Francis M. , Perotto Silvia
Published: January 2018

Some soil fungi in the Leotiomycetes form ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) symbioses with Ericaceae. In the harsh habitats in which they occur, ERM plant survival relies on nutrient mobilization from soil organic matter (SOM) by their fungal partners. The characterization of the fungal genetic machinery underpinning both the symbiotic lifestyle and SOM degradation is needed to understand ERM symbiosis functioning and evolution, and its impact on soil carbon (C) turnover.

We sequenced the genomes of the ERM fungi Meliniomyces bicolor, M. variabilis, Oidiodendron maius and Rhizoscyphus ericae, and compared their gene repertoires with those of fungi with different lifestyles (ecto‐ and orchid mycorrhiza, endophytes, saprotrophs, pathogens). We also identified fungal transcripts induced in symbiosis.

The ERM fungal gene contents for polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes, lipases, proteases and enzymes involved in secondary metabolism are closer to those of saprotrophs and pathogens than to those of ectomycorrhizal symbionts. The fungal genes most highly upregulated in symbiosis are those coding for fungal and plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes (CWDEs), lipases, proteases, transporters and mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted proteins (MiSSPs).

The ERM fungal gene repertoire reveals a capacity for a dual saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyle. This may reflect an incomplete transition from saprotrophy to the mycorrhizal habit, or a versatile life strategy similar to fungal endophytes.
Bilirubin reversibly affects cell death and odontogenic capacity in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Yamaza H , Tomoda E , Sonoda S , Nonaka K , Kukita T , Yamaza T
Published: January 2018

Objective

Hyperbilirubinemia in patients with biliary atresia causes deciduous tooth injuries such as green pigmentation and dentin hypoplasia. In patients with biliary atresia who received liver transplantation, tooth structure appears to be recovered radiographically. Nevertheless, little is known about cellular mechanisms underlying bilirubin‐induced damage and suppression of deciduous tooth formation. In this study, we examined the effects of bilirubin in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in vitro.

Materials and Methods

SHED were cultured under exposure to excess of bilirubin and then interruption of bilirubin stimulation.

Results

Bilirubin induced cell death and inhibited the odontogenic capacity of SHED by suppressing AKT and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways and enhancing nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF‐κB p65) pathway. The interruption of bilirubin stimulation reduced cell death and recovered the inhibited odontogenic capacity of bilirubin‐damaged SHED. The bilirubin interruption also normalized the impaired AKT, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB p65 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that tooth hypodontia in patients with hyperbilirubinemia might be due to bilirubin‐induced cell death and dentinogenic dysfunction of odontogenic stem cells via AKT, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB pathways and also suggested that bilirubin‐induced impairments in odontogenic stem cells were reversible when bilirubin stimulation is interrupted.
Herpesviruses viral loads and levels of proinflammatory cytokines in apical periodontitis
Authors: Jakovljevic A , Knezevic A , Nikolic N , Soldatovic I , Jovanovic T , Milasin J , Andric M
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) viral loads in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis lesions, to determine levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in these lesions and to investigate a possible correlation between herpesviral copy numbers and levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 samples of apical periodontitis were subjected to HCMV and EBV copy numbers analysis by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and TaqMan real‐time PCR. The concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 were determined by ELISA method. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences in the occurrence of EBV and HCMV between symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions (p = .686, p = .879, respectively). Only 12 of 74 EBV (16.2%) and four of 54 HCMV (13.5%) nested PCR‐positive samples showed increased viral copy numbers above the limit of 125 copies/ml. There was no significant correlation between the levels of analysed proinflammatory cytokines and herpesviral copy numbers in our sample.

Conclusion

The observed low viral loads point to a relatively rare occurrence of active EBV and HCMV infection in our sample. Latent herpesviral infection does not enhance the production of investigated proinflammatory cytokines.
Trends and predictors of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation after sudden cardiac arrest: Insight from the national inpatient sample
Authors: Munir Muhammad Bilal , Alqahtani Fahad , Aljohani Sami , Bhirud Ashwin , Modi Sujal , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: January 2018

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has a class IA indication in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) provided no reversible cause is identified. We sought to determine trends and predictors of ICD implant in SCA patients from a national sample of the United States population.

Methods and results

Data were gathered from National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 2003 to December 2014. All patients ≥18 years of age with a primary discharge diagnosis of SCA, ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular flutter, and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were included. Patients died during hospitalization, had a previous ICD implant, and with a reversible cause of SCA were excluded. Primary outcome of interest was rate of new ICD implant at discharge. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine predictors for ICD implantation. A total of 176,876 patients were identified to have SCA, VF, ventricular flutter, and VT. After applying exclusion criteria, we were left with 22,054 patients. Out of this, 6,908 (31%) patients were implanted with an ICD prior to discharge. There was a linear trend toward reduced ICD utilization over our study period (40% in 2003 vs 25% in 2014, P trend = 0.0004). Advanced age, black race, and chronic renal disease are independently associated with low ICD utilization.

Conclusion

We found low trend of ICD implant in survivors of SCA without any reversible cause. There is a need to identify etiologies behind low ICD utilization in this vulnerable group who are at most risk for a subsequent SCA.
Volatile anesthesia for a pediatric patient with very long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report
Authors: Hess Aaron S. , Rice Gregory M. , Jochman John D. , Muldowney Bridget L.
Published: January 2018

We report the case of a 3‐year‐old boy with very long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency presenting for adenotonsillectomy who was successfully and safely managed with a balanced anesthetic including sevoflurane. The anesthetic management is described, and the controversy surrounding volatile anesthetics in these patients is discussed.
Functional analysis of the seven in absentia ubiquitin ligase family in tomato
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Fan Youhong , Niu Xiangli , Miao Min , Kud Joanna , Zhou Bangjun , Zeng Lirong , Liu Yongsheng , Xiao Fangming
Published: January 2018

Seven in absentia (SINA) protein is one subgroup of ubiquitin ligases possessing an N‐terminal cysteine‐rich really interesting new gene (RING) domain, two zinc‐finger motifs, and a C‐terminal domain responsible for substrate‐binding and dimerization. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the SINA gene family has six members, and we characterize in this study all tomato SINA (SlSINA) genes and the gene products. Our results show that SlSINA genes are differentially regulated in leaf, bud, stem, flower, and root. All SlSINA proteins possess RING‐dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, exhibiting similar specificity towards the E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme. SlSINA1/3/4/5/6 are localized in both cytoplasm and nucleus, whereas SlSINA2 is exclusively localized in the nucleus. Moreover, all SlSINAs can interact with each other for homo‐ or hetero‐dimerization. The functionality of SlSINA proteins has been investigated. SlSINA4 plays a positive role in defense signalling, as manifested by elicitation of E3‐dependent hypersensitive response‐like cell death; the other SlSINAs are negative regulator and capable to suppress hypersensitive response cell death. Transgenic tomato plants overexpressing SlSINA2 exhibit pale‐green leaf phenotype, suggesting SlSINA2 regulates chlorophyll level in plant cells, whereas transgenic tomato plants overexpressing SlSINA5 have altered floral structure with exserted stigma, implicating SlSINA5 plays a role in flower development.
Therapeutic role of rifampicin in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yulug Burak , Hanoglu Lütfü , Ozansoy Mehmet , Isık Dogan , Kilic Ulkan , Kilic Ertugrul , Schabitz Wolf Rüdiger
Published: January 2018

Rifampicin exerts significant brain protective functions in multiple experimental models. Here we summarize the underlying mechanisms of the neuroprotective and pro‐cognitive effects of rifampicin that are mediated by its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tau, anti‐amyloid, and cholinergic effects. Beyond suggesting that rifampicin shows strong brain protective effects in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, we also provide substantial clinical evidence for the neuroprotective and pro‐cognitive effects of rifampicin. Future neuroimaging studies combined with clinical assessment scores are the following steps to be taken in this field of research.
Roles of transient receptor potential channels in eclosion and movement in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Kim Hong Geun , Margolies David C. , Park Yoonseong
Published: January 2018

Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) are a family of cation channels involved in various sensory mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster, including mechanosensing. Phylogenetic analysis of mechanosensory TRPs in seven members of the TRPV, TRPN and TRPA subfamilies reveals a unique TcTrpA5 in Tribolium castaneum that is likely lost in D. melanogaster. Because mechanosensors are implicated in various key physiology, we investigate the roles of eight candidate mechanosensory TRPs in survival, walking behaviour and tonic immobility in T. castaneum using the RNA interference technique. Double‐stranded RNA treatment of nompC (dsNompC) and trpA5 (dsTrpA5) results in eclosion failure, causing 93% mortality of beetles subjected to each of these treatments. The beetles that survive the dsNompC treatment show defects during sclerotization of the elytra. Adult beetles treated with dsNanchung and dsInactive show defects in the folding of the joint between the femur and tibia segments of the hind legs, resulting in abnormal walking behaviour and reduced walking speed. Regarding tonic immobility induced by mechanical stimulations on the ventral surface, knockout responses (death feignings) are significantly extended with dsNanchung, dsInactive and dsWaterwitch treatments. These data suggest that both nompC and trpA5 are required for adult eclosion. The functions of nanchung and inactive are involved in the folding the hind leg segments. In addition, nanchung, inactive, and waterwitch are likely the receptors involved in recovery from tonic immobility.
Photochemistry and Photophysics of Shinorine Dimethyl Ester
Authors: Orallo Dalila E. , Fangio María Florencia , Poblet Martin , Carignan Mario O. , Bernal Luis , Carreto José I. , Bertolotti Sonia G. , Churio María Sandra
Published: January 2018

The photostability and photophysical properties of the dimethyl ester of the mycosporine‐like amino acid shinorine have been experimentally evaluated in aqueous solution and in the presence of direct micelles prepared with a cationic or an anionic detergent, respectively. In comparison with shinorine, the ester molecule increases the photostability, the fluorescence quantum yield and the fluorescence lifetime in water as well as in the micellar solutions. The effects are more pronounced in sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions and suggest that the electrostatic attractions with the micellar interface contribute to limit the movement of the molecules and influence the relative rate of their deactivation channels. However, the predominance of the nonradiative decay is maintained together with the UV photoprotective ability of this atypical mycosporine species.
Diversity of pollination ecology in the Schismatoglottis Calyptrata Complex Clade (Araceae)
Authors: Hoe Y. C. , Gibernau M. , Wong S. Y.
Published: January 2018

Field studies integrating pollination investigations with an assessment of floral scent composition and thermogenesis in tropical aroids are rather few. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pollination biology of nine species belonging to Schismatoglottis Calyptrata Complex Clade. The flowering mechanism, visiting insect activities, reproductive system, thermogenesis and floral scent composition were examined.

Anthesis for all species started at dawn and lasted 25–29 h. Colocasiomyia (Diptera, Drosophilidae) are considered the main pollinators for all the investigated species. Cycreon (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) are considered secondary pollinators as they are only present in seven of the nine host plants, despite the fact that they are the most effective pollen carrier, carrying up to 15 times more pollen grains than Colocasiomyia flies. However, the number of Colocasiomyia individuals was six times higher than Cycreon beetles. Chaloenus (Chrysomelidae, Galeuricinae) appeared to be an inadvertent pollinator. Atheta (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) is considered a floral visitor in most investigated species of the Calyptrata Complex Clade in Sarawak, but a possible pollinator in S. muluensis. Chironomidae midges and pteromalid wasps are considered visitors in S. calyptrata.

Thermogenesis in a biphasic pattern was observed in inflorescences of S. adducta, S. calyptrata, S. giamensis, S. pseudoniahensis and S. roh. The first peak occurred during pistillate anthesis; the second peak during staminate anthesis. Inflorescences of all investigated species of Calyptrata Complex Clade emitted four types of ester compound, with methyl ester‐3‐methyl‐3‐butenoic acid as a single major VOC (volatile organic compound). The appendix, pistillate zone, staminate zone and spathe emitted all these compounds.

A mixed fly–beetle pollination system is considered an ancestral trait in the Calyptrata Complex Clade, persisting in Sarawak taxa, whereas the marked reduction of interpistillar staminodes in taxa from Peninsular Malaysia and especially, Ambon, Indonesia, is probably linked to a shift in these taxa to a fly‐pollinated system.
Brassinosteroids regulate glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lee Ji H. , Lee Jeongyeo , Kim HyeRan , Chae Won B. , Kim Sun‐Ju , Lim Yong P. , Oh Man‐Ho
Published: January 2018

Plants must constantly adjust their growth and defense responses to deal with the wide variety of stresses they encounter in their environment. Among phytohormones, brassinosteroids (BRs) are an important group of plant steroid hormones involved in numerous aspects of the plant lifecycle including growth, development and responses to various stresses including insect attacks. Here, we show that BRs regulate glucosinolate (GS) biosynthesis and function in insect herbivory. Preference tests and larval feeding experiments using the generalist herbivore, diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), revealed that the larvae prefer to feed on Arabidopsis thaliana brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (bri1‐5) plants over wild‐type Ws‐2 or BRI1‐Flag (bri1‐5 background) transgenic plants, which results in an increase in larval weight. Analysis of GS contents showed that 3‐(methylsulfinyl) propyl GS (C3) levels were higher in bri1‐5 than in Ws2 and BRI1‐Flag transgenic plants, whereas sinigrin (2‐propenylglucosinolate), glucoerucin (4‐methylthiobutylglucosinolate) and glucobrassicin (indol‐3‐ylmethylglucosinolate) levels were lower in this mutant. We investigated the effect of brassinolide (BL) on GS biosynthesis in Arabidopsis and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) by monitoring the expression levels of GS biosynthetic genes, including MAM1, MAM3, BCAT4 and AOP2, which increased in a BL‐dependent manner. These results suggest that BRs regulate GS profiles in higher plants, which function in defense responses against insects.
Directly assessing interpersonal RSA influences in the frequency domain: An illustration with generalized partial directed coherence
Authors: Liu Siwei , Gates Kathleen M. , Blandon Alysia Y.
Published: January 2018

Despite recent research indicating that interpersonal linkage in physiology is a common phenomenon during social interactions, and the well‐established role of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in socially facilitative physiological regulation, little research has directly examined interpersonal influences in RSA, perhaps due to methodological challenges in analyzing multivariate RSA data. In this article, we aim to bridge this methodological gap by introducing a new method for quantifying interpersonal RSA influences. Specifically, we show that a frequency‐domain statistic, generalized partial directed coherence (gPDC), can be used to capture lagged relations in RSA between social partners without first estimating RSA for each person. We illustrate its utility by examining the relation between gPDC and marital conflict in a sample of married couples. Finally, we discuss how gPDC complements existing methods in the time domain and provide guidelines for choosing among these different statistical techniques.
Remittances and financial development in Latin America and the Caribbean countries: A dynamic approach
Authors: Fromentin Vincent
Published: January 2018

Despite the importance of remittances in total international flows, the conclusion of the studies on the relationship between remittances and financial development, is still not completely unanimous, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, financial development matters for growth and poverty alleviation and financial inclusion have many beneficial effects for households. We examine the relationship between remittances and financial sector development with several dynamic panel data methods. We find a positive, significant, and robust bidirectional link between remittances and financial development for the panel of 32 countries.
Co‐opting Authority and Privatizing Force in Rural Africa: Ensuring Corporate Power over Land and People
Authors: Millar Gearoid
Published: January 2018

Large‐scale land investment projects in sub‐Saharan Africa have received substantial criticism for their negative local impacts, but few studies discuss specifically their application of corporate power on the ground. This article provides an examination of such application in rural Sierra Leone. The article describes how one corporation both directly and indirectly co‐opted authority and privatized force in order to wield power over the land and people. The data illustrate how local authorities and security actors were incentivized to defend the interests of the corporation as opposed to the local communities they supposedly represent and protect. Such processes ensured corporate power not only over the land but also over the local population. The findings, therefore, demand more robust and multidimensional accountability mechanisms to avoid the corporate acquisition of power in rural Africa. Such mechanisms would demand: (1) that investing corporations be more informed about local sociocultural, economic, and political dynamics on the ground; (2) that funders and local governments fund, report on, and enforce more regular, culturally sensitive, and independent assessments of project impacts; and (3) that funders, governments, corporations, and customary elites be held accountable for the negative impacts of such projects by international and national civil society organizations.
An Examination of Social Comparison and Suicide Ideation Through the Lens of the Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Wetherall Karen , Robb Kathryn A. , O'Connor Rory C.
Published: January 2018

We aimed to investigate whether negative social comparisons are associated with key components of the integrated motivational‐volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behavior. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between negative social comparisons, suicide ideation, defeat, entrapment, socially prescribed perfectionism, and resilience. Adult participants (N = 422) completed an online survey comprised of a range of psychological measures. An initial regression analysis indicated that negative social comparisons were associated with suicide ideation. Three mediation models were tested based on the IMV model, all controlling for depressive symptoms. In the first, social comparison partially mediated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and defeat. In the second, defeat mediated the relationship between negative social comparisons and entrapment, and resilience moderated the relationship when defeat was high. In the final model, entrapment mediated the relationship between defeat and suicide ideation, with resilience moderating this relationship when entrapment was high. These findings are novel and lend support to the IMV model. The clinical implications include highlighting the importance of targeting resilience given its potential association with defeat and entrapment.
Change in knee flexor torque after fatiguing exercise identifies previous hamstring injury in football players
Authors: Lord C. , Ma'ayah F. , Blazevich A. J.
Published: January 2018

Muscular fatigue and interlimb strength asymmetry are factors known to influence hamstring injury risk; however, limb‐specific exacerbation of knee flexor (hamstrings) torque production after fatiguing exercise has previously been ignored. To investigate changes in muscular force production before and after sport‐specific (repeated‐sprint) and non‐specific (knee extension‐flexion) fatiguing exercise, and explore the sensitivity and specificity of isokinetic endurance (ie, muscle‐specific) and single‐leg vertical jump (ie, whole limb) tests to identify previous hamstring injury. Twenty Western Australia State League footballers with previous unilateral hamstring injury and 20 players without participated. Peak concentric knee extensor and flexor (180°∙s−1) torques were assessed throughout an isokinetic endurance test, which was then repeated alongside a single‐leg vertical jump test before and after maximal repeated‐sprint exercise. Greater reductions in isokinetic knee flexor torque (−16%) and the concentric hamstring:quadriceps peak torque ratio (−15%) were observed after repeated‐sprint running only in the injured (kicking) leg and only in the previously injured subjects. Changes in (1) peak knee flexor torque after repeated‐sprint exercise, and (2) the decline in knee flexor torque during the isokinetic endurance test measured after repeated‐sprint exercise, correctly identified the injured legs (N = 20) within the cohort (N = 80) with 100% specificity and sensitivity. Decreases in peak knee flexor torque and the knee flexor torque during an isokinetic endurance test after repeated‐sprint exercise identified previous hamstring injury with 100% accuracy. Changes in knee flexor torque, but not SLVJ, should be tested to determine its prospective ability to predict hamstring injury in competitive football players.
Effects of fasted vs fed‐state exercise on performance and post‐exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aird T. P. , Davies R. W. , Carson B. P.
Published: January 2018

The effects of nutrition on exercise metabolism and performance remain an important topic among sports scientists, clinical, and athletic populations. Recently, fasted exercise has garnered interest as a beneficial stimulus which induces superior metabolic adaptations to fed exercise in key peripheral tissues. Conversely, pre‐exercise feeding augments exercise performance compared with fasting conditions. Given these seemingly divergent effects on performance and metabolism, an appraisal of the literature is warranted. This review determined the effects of fasting vs pre‐exercise feeding on continuous aerobic and anaerobic or intermittent exercise performance, and post‐exercise metabolic adaptations. A search was performed using the MEDLINE and PubMed search engines. The literature search identified 46 studies meeting the relevant inclusion criteria. The Delphi list was used to assess study quality. A meta‐analysis and meta‐regression were performed where appropriate. Findings indicated that pre‐exercise feeding enhanced prolonged (P = .012), but not shorter duration aerobic exercise performance (P = .687). Fasted exercise increased post‐exercise circulating FFAs (P = .023) compared to fed exercise. It is evidenced that pre‐exercise feeding blunted signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue implicated in regulating components of metabolism, including mitochondrial adaptation and substrate utilization. This review's findings support the hypothesis that the fasted and fed conditions can divergently influence exercise metabolism and performance. Pre‐exercise feeding bolsters prolonged aerobic performance, while seminal evidence highlights potential beneficial metabolic adaptations that fasted exercise may induce in peripheral tissues. However, further research is required to fully elucidate the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to fasted vs fed exercise.
The Social Construction of Child Social Control via Criminalization and Medicalization: Why Race Matters
Authors: Ramey David M.
Published: January 2018

Scholars point to two trends in the social construction of child social control: criminalization and medicalization. To control child behavior, schools and parents turn to strategies motivated by both the criminal justice and mental health systems. For example, school suspension and expulsion rates in the United States have increased alongside the use of therapy or medication for children diagnosed with behavior disorders. Despite these concurrent trends, research rarely considers how criminalization and medicalization operate as opposing or collaborative approaches to child misbehavior. In this article, I take advantage of a prospective longitudinal panel study to examine patterns of school punishment and/or the medicalization in a sample of children between the ages of 5 and 14 over 25 years. Findings demonstrate that black children have higher odds of experiencing punishment than white children, but Hispanic children do not. Additionally, black and Hispanic children have lower odds of receiving therapy or medication than white children. Furthermore, racial/ethnic disparities in punishment or therapy/medication use vary across children with higher or lower behavior problem scores. I discuss these findings in light of historical trends in the social construction of child behavior and social control
Three‐year cross‐lagged relationships among adolescents’ antisocial behavior, personal values, and judgment of wrongness
Authors: Aquilar Serena , Bacchini Dario , Affuso Gaetana
Published: January 2018

The current study examines reciprocal relations among adolescents’ values, antisocial behavior (ASB), and judgment of the wrongness of ASB over 3 years. Four hundred seven (Mage = 14.36 years; SD = .72; males = 56.8%) ninth grade students in Italy completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire, a self‐reported ASB scale, and a questionnaire aimed to evaluate how wrong they judged it to be to violate a set of moral and social rules. Responses were obtained again after 1 and 2 years. We analyzed separate cross‐lagged models for each of the higher‐order value dimensions according to Schwartz's model (conservation, openness to change, self‐enhancement, and self‐transcendence), using structural equation models. Self‐transcendence and conservation values fostered more negative judgments and less ASB over time whereas self‐enhancement and openness to change values had no effects. The mediating effect of judgment on the relationship between values and ASB was significant. Moreover, ASB mediated the effects of conservation on subsequent judgments. The results highlight the role of self‐transcendence and conservation values as protective factors against ASBs in adolescence.
Instructional Supports for Representational Fluency in Solving Linear Equations with Computer Algebra Systems and Paper‐and‐Pencil
Authors: Fonger Nicole L. , Davis Jon D. , Rohwer Mary Lou
Published: January 2018

This research addresses the issue of how to support students' representational fluency—the ability to create, move within, translate across, and derive meaning from external representations of mathematical ideas. The context of solving linear equations in a combined computer algebra system (CAS) and paper‐and‐pencil classroom environment is targeted as a rich and pressing context to study this issue. We report results of a collaborative teaching experiment in which we designed for and tested a functions approach to solving equations with ninth‐grade algebra students, and link to results of semi‐structured interviews with students before and after the experiment. Results of analyzing the five‐week experiment include instructional supports for students' representational fluency in solving linear equations: (a) sequencing the use of graphs, tables, and CAS feedback prior to formal symbolic transpositions, (b) connecting solutions to equations across representations, and (c) encouraging understanding of equations as equivalence relations that are sometimes, always, or never true. While some students' change in sophistication of representational fluency helps substantiate the productive nature of these supports, other students' persistent struggles raise questions of how to address the diverse needs of learners in complex learning environments involving multiple tool‐based representations.
Identification of the novel allele, HLA‐B*14:56, in a Brazilian individual
Authors: Fabreti‐Oliveira R. A. , Turner T. R. , Barker D. J. , Lasmar M. F. , Nascimento E.
Published: January 2018

Novel allele, HLA‐B*14:56, generated by a gene conversion event was identified in a Brazilian individual.
Identification of the novel KIR2DL4*040 allele in a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: Cai S.‐Q. , Chen R. , Deng Z.‐H.
Published: January 2018

The novel 2DL4*040 allele differs from the closest allele 2DL4*00102 by a missense mutation.
More than 150 novel variants of HLA class I genes detected in German Stem Cell Donor Registry and UCLA International Cell Exchange samples
Authors: Balz V. , Krause S. , Fischer J. , Enczmann J.
Published: January 2018

High throughput analysis using amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of HLA class I genes in samples of registered stem cell donors of the German Stem Cell Donor Registry Düsseldorf revealed 151 novel variants. In addition, four new variants were identified in well‐defined samples obtained from the UCLA International Cell Exchange program. New alleles included 37 HLA‐A, 57 HLA‐B, and 61 HLA‐C variant alleles. All variants were confirmed by NGS of HLA‐A, HLA‐B, and HLA‐C genes including the respective 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions as well as Sanger sequence analysis. Mainly, the variants encompass single nucleotide changes in intronic as well as exonic parts of the genes. We identified intronic variations in 114 new alleles, nonsynonymous nucleotide changes in 25 alleles, synonymous nucleotide changes in nine alleles, and three hybrid alleles. Four alleles carry exonic deletions or insertions resulting in frameshift of peptide translation. Two novel alleles of HLA‐C were shown to result in splicing defects of the transcript. Two alleles showed exonic as well as intronic changes. Thirty‐four of the new alleles were found in multiple samples.
A peroxisomal thioesterase plays auxiliary roles in plant β‐oxidative benzoic acid metabolism
Authors: Adebesin Funmilayo , Widhalm Joshua R. , Lynch Joseph H. , McCoy Rachel M. , Dudareva Natalia
Published: January 2018

Peroxisomal β‐oxidative degradation of compounds is a common metabolic process in eukaryotes. Reported benzoyl‐coenzyme A (BA‐CoA) thioesterase activity in peroxisomes from petunia flowers suggests that, like mammals and fungi, plants contain auxiliary enzymes mediating β‐oxidation. Here we report the identification of Petunia hybrida thioesterase 1 (PhTE1), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of aromatic acyl‐CoAs to their corresponding acids in peroxisomes. PhTE1 expression is spatially, developmentally and temporally regulated and exhibits a similar pattern to known benzenoid metabolic genes. PhTE1 activity is inhibited by free coenzyme A (CoA), indicating that PhTE1 is regulated by the peroxisomal CoA pool. PhTE1 downregulation in petunia flowers led to accumulation of BA‐CoA with increased production of benzylbenzoate and phenylethylbenzoate, two compounds which rely on the presence of BA‐CoA precursor in the cytoplasm, suggesting that acyl‐CoAs can be exported from peroxisomes. Furthermore, PhTE1 downregulation resulted in increased pools of cytoplasmic phenylpropanoid pathway intermediates, volatile phenylpropenes, lignin and anthocyanins. These results indicate that PhTE1 influences (i) intraperoxisomal acyl‐CoA/CoA levels needed to carry out β‐oxidation, (ii) efflux of β‐oxidative products, acyl‐CoAs and free acids, from peroxisomes, and (iii) flux distribution within the benzenoid/phenylpropanoid metabolic network. Thus, this demonstrates that plant thioesterases play multiple auxiliary roles in peroxisomal β‐oxidative metabolism.
Biosynthesis of bioactive diterpenoids in the medicinal plant Vitex agnus‐castus
Authors: Heskes Allison M. , Sundram Tamil C.M. , Boughton Berin A. , Jensen Niels B. , Hansen Nikolaj L. , Crocoll Christoph , Cozzi Federico , Rasmussen Simon , Hamberger Britta , Hamberger Björn , Staerk Dan , Møller Birger L. , Pateraki Irini
Published: January 2018

Vitex agnus‐castus L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant historically used throughout the Mediterranean region to treat menstrual cycle disorders, and is still used today as a clinically effective treatment for premenstrual syndrome. The pharmaceutical activity of the plant extract is linked to its ability to lower prolactin levels. This feature has been attributed to the presence of dopaminergic diterpenoids that can bind to dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland. Phytochemical analyses of V. agnus‐castus show that it contains an enormous array of structurally related diterpenoids and, as such, holds potential as a rich source of new dopaminergic drugs. The present work investigated the localisation and biosynthesis of diterpenoids in V. agnus‐castus. With the assistance of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation‐mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI), diterpenoids were localised to trichomes on the surface of fruit and leaves. Analysis of a trichome‐specific transcriptome database, coupled with expression studies, identified seven candidate genes involved in diterpenoid biosynthesis: three class II diterpene synthases (diTPSs); three class I diTPSs; and a cytochrome P450 (CYP). Combinatorial assays of the diTPSs resulted in the formation of a range of different diterpenes that can account for several of the backbones of bioactive diterpenoids observed in V. agnus‐castus. The identified CYP, VacCYP76BK1, was found to catalyse 16‐hydroxylation of the diol‐diterpene, peregrinol, to labd‐13Z‐ene‐9,15,16‐triol when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Notably, this product is a potential intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway towards bioactive furan‐ and lactone‐containing diterpenoids that are present in this species.
Inhibition of IRE1 results in decreased scar formation
Authors: Boyko Tatiana V. , Bam Rakesh , Jiang Dadi , Wang Zhen , Bhatia Namrata , Tran Misha C. , Longaker Michael T. , Koong Albert C. , Yang George P.
Published: January 2018

Wound healing is characterized by the production of large amounts of protein necessary to replace lost cellular mass and extracellular matrix. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an important adaptive cellular response to increased protein synthesis. One of the main components of the UPR is IRE1, an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein with endonuclease activity that produces the activated form of the transcription factor XBP1. Using luciferase reporter mice for Xbp1 splicing, we showed that IRE1 was up‐regulated during excisional wound healing at the time in wound healing consistent with that of the proliferative phase, when the majority of protein synthesis for cellular proliferation and matrix deposition occurs. Furthermore, using a small molecule inhibitor of IRE1 we demonstrated that inhibition of IRE1 led to decreased scar formation in treated mice. Results were recapitulated in a hypertrophic scar mouse model. These data help provide a cellular pathway to target in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring and keloid disorders.
Noninvasive measurement of reepithelialization and microvascularity of suction‐blister wounds with benchmarking to histology
Authors: Larsen Heidi F. , Ahlström Malin G. , Gjerdrum Lise M. R. , Mogensen Mette , Ghathian Khaled , Calum Henrik , Sørensen Anne L. , Forman Julie L. , Vandeven Mark , Holerca Marian N. , Du‐Thumm Laurence , Jorgensen Lars N. , Ågren Magnus S.
Published: January 2018

We explored use of the suction‐blister wound model in the assessment of not only epidermal regeneration but also pain, the microvascular response and bacteriology. The effects of topical zinc sulfate were studied to articulate the methodologies in this double‐blind trial. One epidermal suction blister (10 mm) was induced on each buttock in 30 healthy volunteers (15 females:15 males) and deroofed on day 0. The wounds were randomized to daily treatment with 1.4% zinc sulfate shower gel (n = 20), placebo (n = 20) or control (n = 20). Digital photography coupled with planimetry, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was benchmarked to the gold standard of histology of 60 full‐thickness wound biopsies on day 4. Pain increased after application of the shower gels. Microvessel density, determined from OCT images, increased from day 0 to day 2 in the three groups but increased more with the placebo than with the zinc shower gel (p = 0.003) or the control treatment (p = 0.002) and correlated (rS = 0.313, p = 0.015) with the inflammatory response on day 4, as determined by histology. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci were more common in wounds compared with skin (p = 0.002) and was reduced (p = 0.030) with zinc sulfate treatment. Planimetric analysis of digital wound images was not biased (p = 0.234) compared with histology, and TEWL measurements showed no correlation (rS = 0.052, p = 0.691) with epithelialization. Neoepidermal formation, determined by histology, did not differ (p = 0.290) among the groups. Zinc sulfate reduced (p = 0.031) the release of lactate dehydrogenase from cultured gel‐treated keratinocytes isolated from the blister roofs. Therefore, combination of the standardized suction‐blister wound model with noninvasive planimetry and OCT is a useful tool for assessing wound therapies. Zinc sulfate transiently dampened inflammation and reduced bacterial growth.
Further insights into the highly derived haptorids (Ciliophora, Litostomatea): Phylogeny based on multigene data
Authors: Huang Jie B. , Zhang Tengteng , Zhang Qianqian , Li Yuan , Warren Alan , Pan Hongbo , Yan Ying
Published: January 2018

Evolutionary relationships of taxa within the ciliate subclass Haptoria are poorly understood. In this study, we broaden the taxon sampling by adding 14 small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences, 13 large subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences and 13 ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 gene sequences of haptorians. This includes the first molecular data from two genera, Pseudotrachelocerca Song, 1990, and Foissnerides Song & Wilbert, 1989. Phylogenies inferred from the three individual genes and concatenated data sets show that: (i) the subclass Haptoria could be a multiphyletic complex with about up to four main clades while “interrupted” by some intermingled with the related subclasses Rhynchostomatia, Trichostomatia and some incertae sedis; (ii) the genus Pseudotrachelocerca Song, 1990, is clearly separated from Litostomatea and clusters within an assemblage comprising the classes Prostomatea, Colpodea and Plagiopylea; (iii) both morphological evidence and molecular evidence indicate that the genus Foissnerides should be transferred from family Trachelophyllidae to Pseudoholophryidae; (iv) the validity of the order Helicoprorodontida Grain, 1994, and its monophyly is strongly supported; (5) the family Chaeneidae does not belong to the order Lacrymarida but represents a distinct clade in the subclass Haptoria.
Challenges on Design, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development of a Blowout Preventer for Onshore Oil and Gas Wells in Brazil
Authors: Beal Valter Estevão , Araujo Márcio , Oliveira João , Claro Rafael Tobio , Figliuolo Saulo Queiroz , Silva Flávio
Published: January 2018

Blowout Preventers, BOPs, are essential safety equipment for oil & gas industry. Nevertheless, Brazil does not have a manufacturer that can provide this equipment and the Brazilian National O&G agency regulator has been pushing for O&G explorer and producers to use a minimum of machinery from local suppliers. With this regulatory demand, a BOP was developed from scratch. International Standards have been evaluated to understand what could be adapted as no standard is applied specifically to this equipment. Analytic and numerical simulations were performed and adjusted according to local suppliers’ limitations for materials and testing. Tree prototypes were built and tested to evaluate the design and functionality of the BOPs. At the end, the design was proven to work and the prototypes are being tested for long time without presenting any problems. This project was supported by an innovation agency EMBRAPII and was developed by SENAI CIMATEC to PERBRAS Company.
Simulation Based Study on Ultra-Short Pulse Laser Welding of Dissimilar Materials Expending Phase Lag Influence
Authors: Bag Swarup , Amin M. Ruhul
Published: January 2018

In this work, the thermal simulation of dissimilar fusion welding system is demonstrated by considering the phase lag effects in ultra-short pulse laser source. When the pulse duration is comparable with the electron relaxation time, the hyperbolic effect cannot be neglected in heat transfer analysis due to femtosecond laser. The non-Fourier effect is considered for heat transfer analysis assuming finite delay in development of temperature within the body. This delay is represented in terms of relaxation times connected to heat flux and temperature gradient. In the present work, the simulation has been proposed by developing 3D finite element based heat transfer model using dual phase lag effect. Since the experimental basis of transient temperature distribution in ultra-short pulse laser is extremely difficult or nearly impossible, the model results have been validated with literature reported results. The model has been used further for the simulation of temperature distribution in femtosecond fiber laser welding of dissimilar aluminum alloy and stainless steel. The results in terms of computed isotherm are compared with experimentally evaluated weld pool geometry for dissimilar materials from independent literature. The influence of other characteristic parameters like pulse frequency, pulse width and relaxation times are assessed for this simulation based study which will effectively reduce the costly experimental effort for differential influence of process parameters. A clear guideline of geometric shape and size of weld pool geometry and peak temperature of the welding system with reference to predictable laser parameters are the effective output of this simulation based study. It was observed that the peak temperature reached in a very short interval of time, in the order of nano-seconds. Such high heating or cooling rate impacts on the microstructural changes of the welded joint. In order to reach certain temperature, multiple pulses are required in the material processing of either very thin film or microwelding to keep the thermal shock distortion as low as possible.