bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maurice Greene's Vocal Chamber Music on Italian Texts
Authors: Talbot Michael
Published: January 2017

Maurice Greene (1696–1755), best known for his sacred and secular vocal music on English texts, left a substantial corpus of vocal chamber music set to Italian texts that remained unpublished during his lifetime and has not been studied in detail until now. It comprises ten cantatas for soprano and continuo, one cantata and seven chamber arias for voice, violin and continuo, four chamber duets and a cycle, scored variously for soprano and bass voice with continuo, of 15 settings of Anacreontic odes translated into Italian by Paolo Rolli. Greene was the only major English composer contemporary with Handel to produce such a quantity and variety of ‘Italian’ vocal music, and these compositions, which evidence a very good knowledge of the Italian language and Italian musical style, are of a quality to match their Handelian counterparts. They are subtle, responsive to the text and in certain respects very distinctive and original.
Arabidopsis HAP2/GCS1 is a gamete fusion protein homologous to somatic and viral fusogens
Authors: Valansi Clari , Moi David , Leikina Evgenia , Matveev Elena , Graña Martín , Chernomordik Leonid V. , Romero Héctor , Aguilar Pablo S. , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Cell–cell fusion is inherent to sexual reproduction. Loss of HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) proteins results in gamete fusion failure in diverse organisms, but their exact role is unclear. In this study, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana HAP2/GCS1 is sufficient to promote mammalian cell–cell fusion. Hemifusion and complete fusion depend on HAP2/GCS1 presence in both fusing cells. Furthermore, expression of HAP2 on the surface of pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus results in homotypic virus–cell fusion. We demonstrate that the Caenorhabditis elegans Epithelial Fusion Failure 1 (EFF-1) somatic cell fusogen can replace HAP2/GCS1 in one of the fusing membranes, indicating that HAP2/GCS1 and EFF-1 share a similar fusion mechanism. Structural modeling of the HAP2/GCS1 protein family predicts that they are homologous to EFF-1 and viral class II fusion proteins (e.g., Zika virus). We name this superfamily Fusexins: fusion proteins essential for sexual reproduction and exoplasmic merger of plasma membranes. We suggest a common origin and evolution of sexual reproduction, enveloped virus entry into cells, and somatic cell fusion.
Merlin weaves its magic on peripheral nerve repair
Authors: Short Ben
Published: January 2017

Tumor suppressor helps reprogram Schwann cells to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
Recombination Luminescence and Photoacoustic Emission of X Irradiated Alkali Halide Crystals
Authors: Inabe K. , Nakamura S. , Takeuchi N.
Published: January 2017

Photoacoustic (PA) signals corresponding to the F-band are compared with the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) with F-band excitation for three kinds of NaCl; pure, doped with Cu+, and with Ca2+, Cu+. The results indicate that the PA signal is caused by the non-radiative transitions of the luminescence centres formed by the optical stimulation, and that the reduction of OSL due to the doping of Ca2+ in NaCl:Cu does not occur by reduction of the number of electrons taking part in the recombination process but by an increment of non-radiative transitions. Possible reactions responsible for the creation of an excited state of Cu+ are proposed, based on the recombination of electrons released from F centres. A quantitative discussion is also given on the saturation of PA signals in a heavily coloured NaCl crystal.
Human eIF3: from ‘blobology’ to biological insight
Authors: Cate Jamie H. D.
Published: January 2017

Translation in eukaryotes is highly regulated during initiation, a process impacted by numerous readouts of a cell's state. There are many cases in which cellular messenger RNAs likely do not follow the canonical ‘scanning’ mechanism of translation initiation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these pathways are still being uncovered. Some RNA viruses such as the hepatitis C virus use highly structured RNA elements termed internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) that commandeer eukaryotic translation initiation, by using specific interactions with the general eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3. Here, I present evidence that, in addition to its general role in translation, eIF3 in humans and likely in all multicellular eukaryotes also acts as a translational activator or repressor by binding RNA structures in the 5′-untranslated regions of specific mRNAs, analogous to the role of the mediator complex in transcription. Furthermore, eIF3 in multicellular eukaryotes also harbours a 5′ 7-methylguanosine cap-binding subunit—eIF3d—which replaces the general cap-binding initiation factor eIF4E in the translation of select mRNAs. Based on results from cell biological, biochemical and structural studies of eIF3, it is likely that human translation initiation proceeds through dozens of different molecular pathways, the vast majority of which remain to be explored.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Perspectives on the ribosome’.
Ribosome pausing, arrest and rescue in bacteria and eukaryotes
Authors: Buskirk Allen R. , Green Rachel
Published: January 2017

Ribosomes translate genetic information into polypeptides in several basic steps: initiation, elongation, termination and recycling. When ribosomes are arrested during elongation or termination, the cell's capacity for protein synthesis is reduced. There are numerous quality control systems in place to distinguish between paused ribosomes that need some extra input to proceed and terminally stalled ribosomes that need to be rescued. Here, we discuss similarities and differences in the systems for resolution of pauses and rescue of arrested ribosomes in bacteria and eukaryotes, and how ribosome profiling has transformed our ability to decipher these molecular events.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Perspectives on the ribosome’.
Probabilistic forecasting in infectious disease epidemiology: The thirteenth Armitage lecture
Authors: Held Leonhard , Meyer Sebastian , Bracher Johannes
Published: January 2017

Routine surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases gives rise to daily or weekly counts of reported cases stratified by region and age group. From a public health perspective, forecasts of infectious disease spread are of central importance. We argue that such forecasts need to properly incorporate the attached uncertainty, so should be probabilistic in nature. However, forecasts also need to take into account temporal dependencies inherent to communicable diseases, spatial dynamics through human travel, and social contact patterns between age groups. We describe a multivariate time series model for weekly surveillance counts on norovirus gastroenteritis from the 12 city districts of Berlin, in six age groups, from week 2011/27 to week 2015/26. The following year (2015/27 to 2016/26) is used to assess the quality of the predictions. Probabilistic forecasts of the total number of cases can be derived through Monte Carlo simulation, but first and second moments are also available analytically. Final size forecasts as well as multivariate forecasts of the total number of cases by age group, by district, and by week are compared across different models of varying complexity. This leads to a more general discussion of issues regarding modelling, prediction and evaluation of public health surveillance data.
Fighting over food unites the birds of North America in a continental dominance hierarchy
Authors: Miller Eliot T. , Bonter David N. , Eldermire Charles , Freeman Benjamin G. , Greig Emma I. , Harmon Luke J. , Lisle Curtis , Hochachka Wesley M.
Published: January 2017

The study of aggressive interactions between species has, to date, usually been restricted to interactions among small numbers of ecologically close competitors. Nothing is known about interspecific dominance hierarchies that include numerous, ecologically varied species. Such hierarchies are of interest because they could be used to address a variety of research questions, e.g. do similarly ranked species tend to avoid each other in time or space, and what will happen when such species come into contact as climates change? Here, we propose a method for creating a continental-scale hierarchy, and we make initial analyses based on this hierarchy. We quantified the extent to which a dominance hierarchy of feeder birds was linear, as intransitivities can promote local species’ coexistence. Using the existing network of citizen scientists participating in Project FeederWatch, we collected the data with which to create a continent-spanning interspecific dominance hierarchy that included species that do not currently have overlapping geographic distributions. Overall, the hierarchy was nearly linear, and largely predicted by body mass, although there were clade-specific deviations from the average mass–dominance relationship. Most of the small number of intransitive relationships in the hierarchy were based on small samples of observations. Few observations were made of interactions between close relatives and ecological competitors likeMelanerpeswoodpeckers and chickadees, as such species often have only marginally overlapping geographic distributions. Yet, these species’ ranks—emergent properties of the interaction network—were usually in agreement with published literature on dominance relationships between them.Interspecific dominance hierarchy, aggression, displacement, citizen science

LAY SUMMARY

When it comes to fighting over food, bigger is better but woodpeckers are best. The outcome of aggressive encounters between birds frequently determines which individual gains access to contested resources like food, but until now, little was known about such encounters between individuals of different species. We partnered with citizen scientists to record interspecific behavioral interactions at bird feeders around North America, and assembled these interactions into a continental dominance hierarchy.
In-Depth Resistome Analysis by Targeted Metagenomics
Authors: Lanza Val F. , Baquero Fernando , Martónez José Luós , Ramos-Ruóz Ricardo , González-Zorn Bruno , Andremont Antoine , Sánchez-Valenzuela Antonio , Ehrlich Dusko , Kennedy Sean , Ruppe Etienne , van Schaik Willem , Willems Rob J. , de la Cruz Fernando , Coque Teresa M.
Published: January 2017

We developed ResCap, a targeted sequence capture platform based on SeqCapEZ technology, to analyse resistomes and other genes related to antimicrobial resistance (heavy metals, biocides and plasmids). ResCap includes probes for 8,667 canonical resistance genes (7,963 antibiotic resistance genes and 704 genes conferring resistance to metals or biocides), plus 2,517 relaxase genes (plasmid markers). Besides, it includes 78.600 genes homologous to the previous ones (47,806 for antibiotics and 30,794 for biocide or metals). ResCap enriched 279-fold the targeted sequences detected by metagenomic shotgun sequencing and improves their identification. Novel bioinformatic approaches allow quantifying “gene abundance” and “gene diversity”. ResCap, the first targeted sequence capture specifically developed to analyse resistomes, enhances the sensitivity and specificity of available metagenomic methods to analyse antibiotic resistance in complex populations, enables the analysis of other genes related to antimicrobial resistance and opens the possibility to accurately study other complex microbial systems.
Approaches for calculating solvation free energies and enthalpies demonstrated with an update of the FreeSolv database
Authors: Matos Guilherme Duarte Ramos , Kyu Daisy Y. , Loeffler Hannes H. , Chodera John D. , Shirts Michael R. , Mobley David L.
Published: January 2017

Solvation free energies can now be calculated precisely from molecular simulations, providing a valuable test of the energy functions underlying these simulations. Here, we briefly review “alchemical” approaches for calculating the solvation free energies of small, neutral organic molecules from molecular simulations, and illustrate by applying them to calculate aqueous solvation free energies (hydration free energies). These approaches use a non-physical pathway to compute free energy differences from a simulation or set of simulations and appear to be a particularly robust and general-purpose approach for this task. We also present an update (version 0.5) to our FreeSolv database of experimental and calculated hydration free energies of neutral compounds and provide input files in formats for several simulation packages. This revision to FreeSolv provides calculated values generated with a single protocol and software version, rather than the heterogeneous protocols used in the prior version of the database. We also further update the database to provide calculated enthalpies and entropies of hydration and some experimental enthalpies and entropies, as well as electrostatic and nonpolar components of solvation free energies.
Olig2 and Hes regulatory dynamics during motor neuron differentiation revealed by single cell transcriptomics
Authors: Sagner Andreas , Gaber Zachary B. , Delile Julien , Kong Jennifer H. , Rousso David L. , Pearson Caroline A. , Weicksel Steven E. , Melchionda Manuela , Mousavy Gharavy Neda S. , Briscoe James , Novitch Bennett G.
Published: January 2017

During tissue development, multipotent progenitors differentiate into specific cell types in characteristic spatial and temporal patterns. We address the mechanism linking progenitor identity and differentiation rate in the neural tube, where motor neuron (MN) progenitors differentiate more rapidly than other progenitors. Using single cell transcriptomics, we define the transcriptional changes associated with the transition of neural progenitors into MNs. Reconstruction of gene expression dynamics from these data indicate a pivotal role for the MN determinant Olig2 just prior to MN differentiation. Olig2 represses expression of the Notch signaling pathway effectors Hes1 and Hes5. Olig2 repression of Hes5 appears to be direct, via a conserved regulatory element within the Hes5 locus that restricts expression from MN progenitors. These findings reveal a tight coupling between the regulatory networks that control patterning and neuronal differentiation, and demonstrate how Olig2 acts as the developmental pacemaker coordinating the spatial and temporal pattern of MN generation.
Cannabinoid glycosides:In vitroproduction of a new class of cannabinoids with improved physicochemical properties
Authors: Hardman Janee’ M. , Brooke Robert T. , Zipp Brandon J.
Published: January 2017

The cannabinoid signaling system has recently garnered attention as a therapeutic target for numerous indications, and cannabinoids are now being pursued as new treatment options in diverse medical fields such as neurology, gastroenterology, pain management, and oncology. Cannabinoids are extremely hydrophobic and relatively unstable compounds, and as a result, formulation and delivery options are severely limited. Enzymatic glycosylation is a strategy to alter the physicochemical properties of small molecules, often improving their stability and aqueous solubility, as well as enabling site-specific drug targeting strategies. To determine if cannabinoids are a candidate for glycosylation, a library of glucosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes was screened for glycosylation activity towards various cannabinoids. The UGT76G1 enzyme fromStevia rebaudianahas been identified as having glucosyltransferase activity towards a broad range of cannabinoids. Compounds that were successfully glycosylated by UGT76G1 include the phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and cannabinol (CBN), and the human endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2AG), 1-arachidonoyl-glycerol (1AG), and synaptamide (DHEA). Interestingly, UGT76G1 is able to transfer primary, secondary, and tertiary glycosylations at each acceptor of most of the cannabinoids tested. Additionally, Os03g0702000p, a glycosyltransferase fromOryza sativa, was able to transfer secondary glucose residues onto cannabinoid monoglycosides previously established by UGT76G1. This new class of cannabinoid-glycosides has been termed cannabosides. The compounds have greatly improved solubility in aqueous solutions. This increased aqueous solubility may enable new oral pharmaceutical delivery options for cannabinoids, as well as targeted delivery and release of cannabinoids within the intestines through glycoside prodrug metabolism.
Expressing Biologically Active Membrane Proteins in a Cell-Free Transcription-Translation Platform
Authors: Guo Shaobin , Vaish Amit , Chen Qing , Murray Richard M.
Published: January 2017

Cell-free transcription-translation platforms have been widely utilized to express soluble proteins in basic synthetic biological circuit prototyping. From a synthetic biology point of view, it is critical to express membrane proteins in cell-free transcription-translation systems, and use them directly in biocircuits, considering the fact that histidine kinases, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other important biosensors are all membrane proteins. Previous studies have expressed membrane proteins in cell-free systems with the help of detergents, liposomes or nanodiscs, but have not demonstrated the ability to prototype circuit behavior for the purpose of testing more complex circuit functions involving membrane-bound proteins. Built on previous efforts, in this work we demonstrated that we could co-translationally express solubilized and active membrane proteins in our cell-free TX-TL platform with membrane-like materials. We first tested the expression of several constructs with β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors in TX-TL and observed significant insoluble membrane protein production. The addition of nanodiscs to the cell free expression system enabled solubilization of membrane proteins. Nanodisc is lipoprotein-based membrane-like material. The activity of β2 adrenergic receptor was tested with both fluorescence and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) binding assays by monitoring the specific binding response of small-molecule binders, carazolol and norepinephrine. Our results suggest that it is promising to use cell-free expression systems to prototype synthetic biocircuits involving single chain membrane proteins without extra procedures. This data made us one step closer to testing complex membrane protein circuits in cell-free environment.
Improved genome assembly of American alligator genome reveals conserved architecture of estrogen signaling
Authors: Rice Edward S. , Kohno Satomi , John John St. , Pham Son , Howard Jonathan , Lareau Liana F. , O'Connell Brendan L. , Hickey Glenn , Armstrong Joel , Deran Alden , Fiddes Ian , Platt Roy N. , Gresham Cathy , McCarthy Fiona , Kern Colin , Haan David , Phan Tan , Schmidt Carl , Sanford Jeremy R. , Ray David A. , Paten Benedict , Guillette Louis J. , Green Richard E.
Published: January 2017

The American alligator,Alligator mississippiensis, like all crocodilians, has temperature-dependent sex determination, in which the sex of an embryo is determined by the incubation temperature of the egg during a critical period of development. The lack of genetic differences between male and female alligators leaves open the question of how the genes responsible for sex determination and differentiation are regulated. Insight into this question comes from the fact that exposing an embryo incubated at male-producing temperature to estrogen causes it to develop ovaries. Because estrogen response elements are known to regulate genes over long distances, a contiguous genome assembly is crucial for predicting and understanding their impact. We present an improved assembly of the American alligator genome, scaffolded with in vitro proximity ligation (Chicago) data. We use this assembly to scaffold two other crocodilian genomes based on synteny. We perform RNA sequencing of tissues from American alligator embryos to find genes that are differentially expressed between embryos incubated at male- versus female-producing temperature. Finally, we use the improved contiguity of our assembly along with the current model of CTCF-mediated chromatin looping to predict regions of the genome likely to contain estrogen-responsive genes. We find that these regions are significantly enriched for genes with female-biased expression in developing gonads after the critical period during which sex is determined by incubation temperature. We thus conclude that estrogen signaling is a major driver of female-biased gene expression in the post-temperature sensitive period gonads.
The crystal structure of PD1, aHaemophilussurface fibril domain
Authors: Wright Jack , Thomsen Maren , Kolodziejczyk Robert , Ridley Joshua , Sinclair Jessica , Carrington Glenn , Singh Birendra , Riesbeck Kristian , Goldman Adrian
Published: January 2017

TheHaemophilussurface fibril (Hsf) is an unusually large trimeric autotransporter adhesin (TAA) expressed by the most virulent strains ofH. influenzae. Hsf is known to mediate adhesion between pathogen and host, allowing the establishment of potentially deadly diseases such as epiglottitis, meningitis and pneumonia. While recent research has suggested that this TAA might adopt a novel `hairpin-like' architecture, the characterization of Hsf has been limited toin silicomodelling and electron micrographs, with no high-resolution structural data available. Here, the crystal structure of Hsf putative domain 1 (PD1) is reported at 3.3 Å resolution. The structure corrects the previous domain annotation by revealing the presence of an unexpected N-terminal TrpRing domain. PD1 represents the first Hsf domain to be solved, and thus paves the way for further research on the `hairpin-like' hypothesis.
Crystal structure ofN-ethyl-2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Oliveira Adriano Bof de , Beck Johannes , Landvogt Christian , Farias Renan Lira de , Feitoza Bárbara Regina Santos
Published: January 2017

There are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C13H17N3S, one of them being disordered over the methyl group [site-occupancy ratio = 0.705 (5):0.295 (5)]. The maximum r.m.s. deviations from the mean plane of the non-H atoms for the tetralone fragments amount to 0.4572 (17) and 0.4558 (15) Å. The N—N—C—N fragments are not planar and torsion angles are −9.4 (2) and 8.3 (2)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak N—H...S interactions into chains along [100] with graph-set motifC(4) and connected by weak N—H...S and C—H...S interactions, formingR21(10) rings. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are the H...H (64.20%), H...S (12.60%) and H...C (12.00%) interactions. The crystal packing resembles a herringbone arrangement when viewed along [001].
Crystal structure of thecisandtranspolymorphs of bis[μ-2-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)phenolato]-κ3N,O:O;κ3O:N,O-bis[fac-tricarbonylrhenium(I)]
Authors: Priyatharsini Maruthupandiyan , Shankar Bhaskaran , Sathiyendiran Malaichamy , Srinivasan Navaneethakrishnan , Krishnakumar Rajaputi Venkatraman
Published: January 2017

The title dinuclear complex, [Re2(C13H8NOS)2(CO)6], crystallizes in two polymorphs where the 2-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)phenolate ligands and two carbonyl groups aretrans- (I) orcis-arranged (II) with respect to the [Re2O2(CO)4] core. PolymorphsIandIIexhibit a crystallographically imposed centre of symmetry and a twofold rotation axis, respectively. The structures may be described as being formed by two octahedrally distorted metal-coordinating units fused through μ-oxido bridges, leading to edge-sharing dimers. The crystal packing is governed by C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions, forming chains parallel to thecaxis inIand a three-dimensional network inII.
RFID monitoring system of fiber optic connectors
Authors: Guzowski Bartlomiej , Gozdur Roman , Lakomski Mateusz , Bernacki Lukasz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop identification system for fiber optic connectors in passive distribution cabinets. The system should have alternative power supply and wireless communication unlike the identification systems commercially available, which will make the system fully autonomous.

Design/methodology/approach

Detailed project and realization of real demonstrator of fully autonomous identification system. After the realization of the demonstrator, its optimization was performed.

Findings

It is possible to build fully autonomous identification system which requires 15.6 mJ energy to perform one cycle of identification process. Moreover, it is possible to use the alternative power method to supply this system.

Originality/value

Fully autonomous identification system of fiber optic connectors with alternative power supply and wireless communication.
Mechanical and thermal reliability of conductive circuits inkjet printed on flexible substrates
Authors: Arazna Aneta , Janeczek Kamil , Futera Konrad
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of investigations of inkjet-printed electronic circuits fabricated on a flexible substrate (KAPTON foil) using silver nanoparticles ink.

Design/methodology/approach

Fully inkjet-printed conductive circuit tracks were printed on a flexible, transparent KAPTON foil, using a commercial 40LT-15 C nanosilver ink as well as a PixDro LP50 inkjet printer with KonicaMinnolta 512 printhead. After cure, electrical properties by resistance measurements and printing quality by optical and SEM microscopic observation of conductive tracks were examined. Afterwards, the tested samples were annealed for 1, 2 and 3 h at 150°C or subjected to cycling bending.

Findings

It was found that silver nanoparticles ink could be used for the preparation of electronic circuits using the inkjet printing technique. The obtained patterns had appropriate mapping and good quality. It was also noticed that thermal annealing caused a decrease in resistivity values of the tested lines irrespective of their width. Approximately 34 per cent decrease was achieved in the values of resistivity of all the tested lines after the first hour of thermal annealing. After the second hour, the values of resistivity decreased by another 50 per cent. There were no visible changes in resistivity values after 1,000 cycles of bending.

Originality/value

In this paper, the results of thermal annealing and bending tests of inkjet-printed silver nanoparticle conductive tracks on flexible substrate were presented. That is very important information for producing printed circuit boards using ecological, rapid and low-cost inkjet printing techniques, particularly during the production of printed circuit boards on flexible substrates working in different conditions of mechanical and thermal stresses.
A case study in institutional repository content curation
Authors: Miller A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to illustrate how a university library collaborated with a specific college to preserve scholarship with a sustainable approach. The practical process described is recommended for increasing content submissions in a newly established institutional repository. Of the eight colleges at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), the Honors College was selected as a case study for a library–college collaboration on content curation for the institutional repository that is maintained by MTSU’s Walker Library.

Design/methodology/approach

Concept of shared and divided responsibilities for the upload, maintenance and sustainability of institutional repository submissions based on a particular case study and aided with literature on data management, digital publishing, library publishing and preservation research.

Findings

The partner approach, the sharing and division of responsibilities, is instrumental to the growth and sustainability of a library publishing program and for the preservation of university scholarship.

Practical implications

The (college) partner approach not only educates campus units about a new resource (e.g. institutional repository), but also encourages campus units to rethink other current and outdated practices that need to adapt to technological changes that support the unit and its students. This approach will help the library with campus outreach after an institutional repository is implemented and offers guidance on a collaborative approach to repository submission growth.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a (college) partner approach that mutually benefits the College and its students, departments and the library that maintains the institutional repository on behalf of the university. During the implementation process of this case study, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/accessibility compliance issue of repository items surfaced and allowed for a new course of action to be taken campus wide which adds to the originality of this case study.
Enhancing instructional leadership through collaborative coaching: a multi-case study
Authors: Houchens Gary W. , A. Stewart Tom , Jennings Sara
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Executive coaching has become increasingly important for enhancing organizational leaders’ professional effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a growing body of research literature that examines how coaching techniques help school principals improve their instructional leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a protocol based on atheories of practiceframework (Argyris and Schön, 1974) to support principals in deepening their self-reflection, this study added the element of a guided peer-coaching component in a group setting.

Findings

Results confirmed the effectiveness of the coaching protocol for assisting principals in deepening their self-awareness and critical reflection regarding their leadership, including the way principals’ core assumptions about teaching and leadership shaped the outcomes of their problem-solving strategies. Perceptions of the peer-coaching element were mixed, however. While principals reported feeling affirmed by sharing their leadership challenges with others, and indicated that the group coaching experience contributed to their sense of professional community, there were limitations to principals’ willingness to challenge one another’s core assumptions.

Originality/value

This study builds on literature that cites theories of practice as a mechanism for enhancing professional effectiveness and represents a further iteration of recent research studies applying the concept to the work of school principals. Findings affirm that a coaching protocol based on theories of practice is well received by principals, serves to deepen self-reflection, and can, in limited cases, contribute to sweeping changes of thinking and practice congruent with the concept of double-loop learning.
Binding of Caffeine and Quinine by Whey Protein and the Effect on Bitterness
Authors: Tenney Kelsey , Hayes John , Euston Stephen , Elias Ryan , Coupland John
Published: January 2017

Many drugs and phytochemicals are bitter, leading to noncompliance with prescriptions and avoidance of healthy foods and a need to suppress their taste. The goal of this study was to investigate the binding of bitterants (quinine and caffeine) by whey protein isolate (WPI) and the effect on perceived bitterness. Caffeine interacted minimally with WPI, while the proportion of unbound quinine decreased exponentially with protein concentration. Molecular modeling was used to show the energy of the quinine‐Β‐lactoglubulin interaction was an order of magnitude greater than the caffeine‐Β‐lactoglobulin interaction. Untrained assessors were used to assess the bitterness of caffeine (1.8, 5.7, and 18 mM) and quinine (0.056, 0.10, and 0.18 mM) solutions with 0% or 1% WPI. There was no significant effect of protein on the bitterness of caffeine solutions, but WPI decreased the bitterness of quinine relative to the same concentration in water. This is generally consistent with our hypothesis that higher binding results in lower bitterness; however the magnitude of reduction was not large and the bitterness of the protein‐quinine solutions was greater than would be expected for the unbound quinine present.
A Survey of Commercially Available Isomaltooligosaccharide‐Based Food Ingredients
Authors: Madsen Lee R. , Stanley Sarah , Swann Peter , Oswald Jack
Published: January 2017

Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) are included in many commercially available food products including protein/fiber bars, shakes, and other dietary supplements. Marketed as “high fiber,” “prebiotic soluble fiber,” and/or as a “low‐calorie, low glycemic sweetener,” IMO may be present in significant amounts, for example, more than 15 g/item or serving. Herein, high‐pressure anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and high‐pressure liquid chromatography with differential refractive index detection are used to compare 7 commercially available IMO‐containing bulk food ingredients. The ingredients are typical of those produced either (a) via bacterial fermentation (“fermented” IMO or MIMO) of sucrose in the presence of a maltose acceptor mediated by a glucosyltransferase enzyme (dextransucrase), or (b) via transglycosylation of hydrolyzed starch with α‐glucosidase (“industrial” IMO). Analysis of the results with respect to digestibility suggests that the potential glycemic impact of the ingredients and products containing “industrial” IMO may be inconsistent with the product labeling and/or certificates of analysis with respect to overall fiber content, prebiotic fiber content, and glycemic response and are thus inappropriate for diabetic patients and those on low‐carbohydrate (for example, ketogenic) diets.
Real‐time monitoring of trans‐epithelial electrical resistance in cultured intestinal epithelial cells: the barrier protection of water‐soluble dietary fiber
Authors: Majima Atsushi , Handa Osamu , Naito Yuji , Suyama Yosuke , Onozawa Yuriko , Higashimura Yasuki , Mizushima Katsura , Morita Mayuko , Uehara Yukiko , Horie Hideki , Iida Takaya , Fukui Akifumu , Dohi Osamu , Okayama Tetsuya , Yoshida Naohisa , Kamada Kazuhiro , Katada Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takagi Tomohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Yasukawa Zenta , Tokunaga Makoto , Okubo Tsutomu , Itoh Yoshito
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVES

In this study we aimed to verify a real‐time trans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) monitoring system in a Caco‐2 monolayer and to investigate the therapeutic effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), a dietary fiber, against interferon (IFN)‐γ‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction using this monitoring system.

METHODS

We measured TEER using a real‐time monitoring system and evaluated epithelial paracellular permeability using fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated dextran (4 kDa; FD4) in Caco‐2 monolayers treated with IFN‐γ for 48 h. The expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ)‐associated proteins, ZO‐1 and occludin, were analyzed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, respectively. In some experiments PHGG was added prior to IFN‐γ treatment in order to investigate its protective effect on barrier function.

RESULTS

IFN‐γ treatment significantly decreased TEER and increased FD4 flux across Caco‐2 monolayers, indicating a great influence of IFN‐γ on the intestinal epithelial paracellular permeability. In contrast, the pretreatment of PHGG significantly reduced the IFN‐γ‐induced increment of FD4 flux without affecting TEER. Neither IFN‐γ nor PHGG treatment affected the expressions of TJ‐associated proteins, while immunocytochemistry showed that IFN‐γ‐induced redistribution of occludin was clearly restored by PHGG.

CONCLUSIONS

Real‐time TEER monitoring enabled us to evaluate the dynamic changes of intestinal epithelial barrier function. PHGG may have a protective effect against IFN‐γ‐induced barrier dysfunction by attenuating the paracellular hyperpermeability; thus, its promotion as a functional food is anticipated.
Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, lipid and calcium aggregates reveal oxidative stress and inflammation in the conjunctiva of glaucoma patients
Authors: Helin‐Toiviainen Minna , Rönkkö Seppo , Kaarniranta Kai , Puustjärvi Tuomo , Rekonen Petri , Ollikainen Minna , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Conjunctival specimens from primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) patients and controls were histologically analysed for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), lipid and calcium aggregates. Our goal was to use them as biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation and to evaluate their correlation with glaucoma and impact on surgical outcome.

Methods

Conjunctival samples were obtained from POAG (n = 14) and ExG (n = 17) patients and from control subjects (n = 11) operated for macular hole, retinal detachment or strabismus. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the antibody against ox‐LDL. Lipids and calcium were analysed by histochemical stainings with Nile red and Alizarin red S, respectively.

Results

Immunoreaction for ox‐LDL was significantly increased in POAG (p = 0.049) and the number of lipid aggregates was significantly higher in ExG (p = 0.009) when compared to control. When POAG and ExG patients were grouped according to the outcome of deep sclerectomy (DS) surgery, the number of lipid (p < 0.001) and calcium aggregates (p = 0.014) were significantly higher in the conjunctival stroma of patients whose surgery failed within a three‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions

The lipid‐mediated alterations suggested the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation in the conjunctiva of glaucoma patients. The present data further support the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the wound healing process leading to excessive scarring and failure in DS surgery.
Incorporating rosemary diterpenes in lamb diet to improve microbial quality of meat packed in different environments
Authors: Ortuño Jordi , Serrano Rafael , Bañón Sancho
Published: January 2017

The dietary use of phytochemicals may contribute to improving lamb meat preservation under different packing atmospheres. The objective was to test the preservative potential of a dietary rosemary extract (RE) containing carnosic acid and carnosol (at 1:1 w:w) in chilled lamb patties packed in air, vacuum and 70/30 O2/CO2 modified atmosphere. Three experimental diets, (C) control, (RE) C plus 600 mg RE/kg feed and (E) C plus 600 mg vitamin E/kg, were given to fattening lambs. Unlike the C‐ and E‐diets, the RE‐diet had a double antimicrobial and antioxidant effect on the lamb patties packed in all the environments studied. The RE‐diet inhibited total viable and lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, but not Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas spp. and also improved oxidative stability (measured as CIE Lab color and thiobarbituric reagent substances), appearance and odor. The E‐diet had a better antioxidant effect than the RE‐diet but had no antimicrobial effects. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were not detected. The dietary use of RE was most suitable for preserving vacuum‐packed meat, which is more exposed to spoilage by anaerobic bacteria, while the use of dietary vitamin E allowed better control of oxidation in the meat packed in a bacteriostatic and oxidizing environment.
Investigation of the predictive validity of laser‐EPs in normal, UVB‐inflamed and capsaicin‐irritated skin with four analgesic compounds in healthy volunteers
Authors: Schaffler Klaus , Nicolas Laurent B. , Borta Andreas , Brand Tobias , Reitmeir Peter , Roebling Robert , Scholpp Joachim
Published: January 2017

Aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictivity of laser‐(radiant‐heat)‐evoked potentials (LEPs) from the vertex electroencephalogram, using an algesimetric procedure, testing the anti‐nociceptive/anti‐hyperalgesic effects of single oral doses of four marketed analgesics (of different compound classes) vs. placebo, in healthy volunteers with three skin types.

Methods

This was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐blind, five‐way‐crossover trial. Twenty‐five healthy male/female Caucasians were included (receiving celecoxib 200 mg, pregabalin 150 mg, duloxetine 60 mg, lacosamide 100 mg or placebo) in a Williams design, with CO2 laser‐induced painful stimuli to normal, ultraviolet (UV) B‐inflamed and capsaicin‐irritated skin. LEPs and visual analogue scale ratings were taken at baseline and hourly for 6 h postdose from all three skin types.

Results

In normal skin, the averaged postdose LEP peak‐to‐peak‐(PtP)‐amplitudes were reduced by pregabalin (−2.68 μV; 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.16, 1.19) and duloxetine (−1.73 μV; 95% CI −3.21, −0.26) but not by lacosamide and celecoxib vs. placebo. On UVB‐irradiated skin, reflecting inflammatory pain, celecoxib induced a pronounced reduction in LEP PtP amplitudes vs. placebo (−6.2 μV; 95% CI −7.88, −4.51), with a smaller reduction by duloxetine (−4.54 μV; 95% CI −6.21, −2.87) and pregabalin (−3.72 μV; 95% CI −5.40, −2.04), whereas lacosamide was inactive. LEP PtP amplitudes on capsaicin‐irritated skin, reflecting peripheral/spinal sensitization, as in neuropathic pain, were reduced by pregabalin (−3.78 μV; 95% CI −5.31, −2.25) and duloxetine (−2.32 μV; 95% CI −3.82, −0.82) but not by celecoxib or lacosamide vs. placebo, which was in agreement with known clinical profiles. Overall, PtP amplitude reductions were in agreement with subjective ratings.

Conclusions

LEP algesimetry is sensitive to analgesics with different modes of action and may enable the effects of novel analgesics to be assessed during early clinical development.
Prostate cancer screening practices in a large, integrated health system: 2007–2014
Authors: Misra‐Hebert Anita D. , Hu Bo , Klein Eric A. , Stephenson Andrew , Taksler Glen B. , Kattan Michael W. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To assess prostate cancer screening practices in primary care since the initial United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing for older men, and to assess primary provider variation associated with prostate cancer screening.

Patients and Methods

Our study population included 160 211 men aged ≥40 years with at least one visit to a primary care clinic in any of the study years in a large, integrated health system. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical record data from January 2007 to December 2014. Yearly rates of screening PSA testing by primary care providers (PCPs), rates of re‐screening, and rates of prostate biopsies were assessed.

Results

Annual PSA‐screening testing declined from 2007 to 2014 in all age groups, as did biennial and quadrennial screening. Yearly rates declined for men aged ≥70 years, from 22.8% to 8.9%; ages 50–69 years, from 39.2% to 20%; and ages 40–49 years, from 11% to 4.6%. Overall rates were lower for African‐American (A‐A) men vs non‐A‐A men; for men with a family history of prostate cancer, rates were similar or slightly higher than for those without a family history. PCP variation associated with ordering of PSA testing did not substantially change after the USPSTF recommendations. While the number of men screened and rates of follow‐up prostate cancer screening declined in 2011–2014 compared to 2007–2010, similar re‐screening rates were noted for men aged 45–75 years with initial PSA levels of <1 ng/mL or 1–3 ng/mL in both the earlier and later cohorts. For men aged >75 years with initial PSA levels of <3 ng/mL screened in both cohorts, follow‐up screening rates were similar. Rates of prostate biopsy declined for men aged ≥70 years in 2014 compared to 2007. For men who had PSA screening, rates of first prostate biopsy increased in later years for A‐A men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer screening declined from 2007 to 2014 even in higher‐risk groups and follow‐up screening rates were not related to previous PSA level. However, rates of first prostate biopsy in men who were screened with a PSA test were higher for men with an increased risk of prostate cancer in later years. Variation in PSA testing was noted among PCPs. Future work should further explore sources of variation in screening practices and implementation of risk‐based strategies for prostate cancer screening in primary care.
Relational Interventions for Maltreated Children
Authors: Valentino Kristin
Published: January 2017

Child maltreatment may be best characterized as a pathogenic relational experience which primarily occurs in the mother–child relationship. As such, enhancing the mother–child relationship is the key process that should be targeted in intervention approaches for child maltreatment. Two salient and modifiable components of the mother–child relationship are highlighted: maternal sensitivity and attachment organization. It is argued, from a developmental psychopathology perspective, why focusing on these issues hold the most promise for interrupting negative developmental cascades and promoting resilience among maltreated children. Utilization of a tiered approach to delivering increasingly intensive relational interventions is recommended as are future directions for translational research and dissemination.
Lymph node and circulating T cell characteristics are strongly correlated in end-stage renal disease patients, but highly differentiated T cells reside within the circulation
Authors: Dedeoglu B , de Weerd A E , Huang L , Langerak A W , Dor F J , Klepper M , Verschoor W , Reijerkerk D , Baan C C , Litjens N H R , Betjes M G H
Published: January 2017

Ageing is associated with changes in the peripheral T cell immune system, which can be influenced significantly by latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. To what extent changes in circulating T cell populations correlate with T cell composition of the lymph node (LN) is unclear, but is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the T cell system. T cells from peripheral blood (PB) and LN of end-stage renal disease patients were analysed for frequency of recent thymic emigrants using CD31 expression and T cell receptor excision circle content, relative telomere length and expression of differentiation markers. Compared with PB, LN contained relatively more CD4+ than CD8+ T cells (P < 0·001). The percentage of naive and central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and thymic output parameters showed a strong linear correlation between PB and LN. Highly differentiated CD28null T cells, being CD27–, CD57+ or programmed death 1 (PD-1+), were found almost exclusively in the circulation but not in LN. An age-related decline in naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell frequency was observed (P = 0·035 and P = 0·002, respectively) within LN, concomitant with an increase in central memory CD8+ T cells (P = 0·033). Latent CMV infection increased dramatically the frequency of circulating terminally differentiated T cells, but did not alter T cell composition and ageing parameters of LN significantly. Overall T cell composition and measures of thymic function in PB and LN are correlated strongly. However, highly differentiated CD28null T cells, which may comprise a large part of circulating T cells in CMV-seropositive individuals, are found almost exclusively within the circulation.