bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human electronegative LDL induces mitochondrial dysfunction and premature senescence of vascular cells in vivo
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chen , Lee An‐Sheng , Lu Long‐Sheng , Ke Liang‐Yin , Chen Wei‐Yu , Dong Jian‐Wen , Lu Jonathan , Chen Zhenping , Chu Chih‐Sheng , Chan Hua‐Chen , Kuzan Taha Y. , Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Hsu Wen‐Li , Dixon Richard A. F. , Sawamura Tatsuya , Chang Kuan‐Cheng , Chen Chu‐Huang
Published: June 2018

Dysregulation of plasma lipids is associated with age‐related cardiovascular diseases. L5, the most electronegative subfraction of chromatographically resolved low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), induces endothelial dysfunction, whereas the least electronegative subfraction, L1, does not. In this study, we examined the effects of L5 on endothelial senescence and its underlying mechanisms. C57B6/J mice were intravenously injected with L5 or L1 (2 mg kg−1 day−1) from human plasma. After 4 weeks, nuclear γH2AX deposition and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining indicative of DNA damage and premature senescence, respectively, were increased in the aortic endothelium of L5‐treated but not L1‐treated mice. Similar to that, in Syrian hamsters with elevated serum L5 levels induced by a high‐fat diet, nuclear γH2AX deposition and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining were increased in the aortic endothelium. This phenomenon was blocked in the presence of N‐acetyl‐cysteine (free‐radical scavenger) or caffeine (ATM blocker), as well as in lectin‐like oxidized LDL receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) knockout mice. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, L5 augmented mitochondrial oxygen consumption and mitochondrial free‐radical production, which led to ATM activation, nuclear γH2AX deposition, Chk2 phosphorylation, and TP53 stabilization. L5 also decreased human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein levels and activity. Pharmacologic or genetic manipulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/ATM/Chk2/TP53 pathway efficiently blocked L5‐induced endothelial senescence. In conclusion, L5 may promote mitochondrial free‐radical production and activate the DNA damage response to induce premature vascular endothelial senescence that leads to atherosclerosis. Novel therapeutic strategies that target L5‐induced endothelial senescence may be used to prevent and treat atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Vitamin D, autoimmunity and recurrent pregnancy loss: More than an association
Authors: Sharif Kassem , Sharif Yousra , Watad Abdulla , Yavne Yarden , Lichtbroun Benjamin , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Amital Howard , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: June 2018

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects close to 1% of couples; however, the etiology is known in only about 50% of the cases. Recent studies show that autoimmune dysregulation is a probable cause of RPL, which in some cases may be overlooked. In order for a pregnancy to proceed to term, early modulation of immunologic response is required to induce tolerance to the semi‐allogenic fetus. Certain subsets of both the innate and adaptive immune responses play a role in the induction of fetomaternal tolerance. A relatively predominant T‐cell helper (Th) 2 and T regulatory (Treg) cell population seem to favor a better pregnancy outcome, whereas Th1 and Th17 cell populations appear to have an opposite effect. Lately, the role of vitamin D in the modulation of immune response was established. Vitamin D has been shown to promote a more favorable environment for pregnancy through various mechanisms, such as enhancement of the shift toward Th2 cells and regulation of immune cell differentiation and cytokine secretion. Therefore, it seems that vitamin D deficiency sways the balance toward a worse outcome and may play a part in recurrent pregnancy loss. This review sheds light on the immunologic changes, which occur in early pregnancy and the regulatory role vitamin D has in the maintenance of this delicate balance.
Inferring Roll‐Call Scores from Campaign Contributions Using Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Bonica Adam
Published: June 2018

This article develops a generalized supervised learning methodology for inferring roll‐call scores from campaign contribution data. Rather than use unsupervised methods to recover a latent dimension that best explains patterns in giving, donation patterns are instead mapped onto a target measure of legislative voting behavior. Supervised models significantly outperform alternative measures of ideology in predicting legislative voting behavior. Fundraising prior to entering office provides a highly informative signal about future voting behavior. Impressively, forecasts based on fundraising as a nonincumbent predict future voting behavior as accurately as in‐sample forecasts based on votes cast during a legislator's first 2 years in Congress. The combined results demonstrate campaign contributions are powerful predictors of roll‐call voting behavior and resolve an ongoing debate as to whether contribution data successfully distinguish between members of the same party.
miR‐27b‐3p is Involved in Doxorubicin Resistance of Human Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells via Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Gamma
Authors: Xu Yuan , Han Yi‐Fan , Ye Bing , Zhang Yin‐Long , Dong Jian‐Da , Zhu Shao‐Jun , Chen Jiong
Published: June 2018

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective forms of cancer treatment. It has been widely used in the treatment of various malignant tumours. To investigate molecular mechanisms responsible for the chemoresistance of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), we established the doxorubicin (Dox) resistance of human ATC SW1736 and 8305C cells and named them SW1736/Dox and 8305C/Dox, respectively. We evaluated the expression of various micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) between control and Dox‐resistant ATC cells and found that the expression of miR‐27b‐3p was significantly increased in Dox‐resistant ATC cells. Targeted inhibition of miR‐27b can increase the sensitivity of SW1736/Dox and 8305C/Dox cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR‐27b can directly target peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) within the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). This was proved by the results that miR‐27b‐3p down‐regulated the protein and mRNA levels of PPARγ. While the mutant in the core binding sites of PPARγ abolished miR‐27b‐3p‐induced down‐regulation of luciferase activity. Over‐expression of PPARγ can increase the Dox sensitivity of SW1736/Dox and 8305C/Dox cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) might be involved in miR‐27b‐3p/PPARγ‐regulated Dox resistance of ATC cells. The activation of p65 nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) regulated the up‐regulation of miR‐27b‐3p in Dox‐resistant ATC cells. Collectively, our data revealed that miR‐27b‐3p/PPARγ is involved in the Dox resistance of human ATC cells. It suggested that targeted inhibition of miR‐27b‐3p might be helpful to overcome the drug resistance of ATC cells.
Permeation‐enhancing effects and mechanisms of borneol and menthol on ligustrazine: A multiscale study using in vitro and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation methods
Authors: Dai Xingxing , Wang Ran , Wu Zhimin , Guo Shujuan , Yang Chang , Ma Lina , Chen Liping , Shi Xinyuan , Qiao Yanjiang
Published: June 2018

Borneol (BO) and menthol (MEN) are two widely used natural permeation enhancers in the transdermal drug delivery system. In previous studies, their permeation enhancement effects and mechanisms of action on the hydrophobic drug osthole (logP = 3.8) and hydrophilic drug 5‐fluorouracil (logP = −0.9) have been studied. In this study, ligustrazine (LTZ), whose logP is 1.3, was used as a model drug to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of its logP on the permeation‐enhancing effects of BO and MEN. Both BO and MEN enhanced the permeation of LTZ through the skin stratum corneum, as determined using the modified Franz diffusion cell experiment. The enhancement mechanisms were illustrated by coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations as follows: at low concentrations, the enhancing ratio of MEN was higher than that of BO because of the stronger perturbation effects of MEN on the lipid bilayer, making it looser and facilitating LTZ diffusion. However, at high concentrations, in addition to the diffusion mechanism, BO induced the formation of water channels to improve the permeation of LTZ; however, MEN had no significant effects through this mechanism. Their results were different from those found with osthole and 5‐fluorouracil and have been discussed in this study.
Luther on vocation, by Gustaf Wingren: A twenty‐first‐century theological‐literary reading
Authors: Persaud Winston D.
Published: June 2018

In this article, the author offers a critical, appreciative appraisal of The One Mediator, Luther on Vocation, by Gustaf Wingren (English translation, 1957), which continues to be a seminal text for understanding Luther's teaching on the theme of vocation. The author points out that the reader needs to keep in mind both the difference between Luther's world of the sixteenth century and the world of the early twenty‐first century, and the sobering reality that pursuing the neighbor's good continues to be an essential, definitive calling that every Christian has. Further, the author calls attention to Wingren's indisputable reminder that, for Luther, vocation is about the way of the Christian in human society. That way of being in pursuit of the neighbor's good is consequent upon the forgiveness of sins, which God bestows on the sinner who receives it through faith in Jesus Christ. It is God alone who is the decisive actor, even though in the former—seeking the neighbor's good—God's work is hidden; that is, the human actor is a “mask of God.”
Vocation for planetary citizenship: Lutheran liberal arts education in the Anthropocene
Authors: Simmons Ernest L.
Published: June 2018

The focus question of this article is, “In what ways should Lutheran higher education's teaching on vocation be revised to include the fact that we are living in a natural world massively impacted by human behavior, the Anthropocene Era?” This can be broken down into two more explicit questions: “What is the role of liberal arts education in such a changed context?” and “What resources in the Lutheran tradition can contribute to preparing students to become effective sustainability leaders?” The thesis of this article is that Lutheran liberal arts education, to foster planetary citizenship, must move students from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric understanding of vocation, preparing them to become leaders for a sustainable, interfaith society. This change can be accomplished by reaffirming the value of the liberal arts to foster sustainability education and retrieving Luther's understanding of creation to elicit wonder and appreciation of the natural world.
The eye of faith and the eye of science: Regin Prenter and Niels Henrik Gregersen on God's creation
Authors: Peters Ted
Published: June 2018

One the one hand, Regin Prenter gets it right theologically: creation and redemption belong together. On the other hand, Prenter's method is visually impaired; he looks at God's creation with only one eye, the eye of faith. If he would open his other eye and look at creation as a scientist sees it, his doctrine of creation would be broader, deeper, and more textured. This is what two‐eyed Niels Henrik Gregersen does when he incorporates into his theological vision the scientific idea of autopoiesis—that is, nature's own creative advance.
Efficacy and safety of the glucagon receptor antagonist PF‐06291874: A 12‐week, randomized, dose‐response study in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on background metformin therapy
Authors: Kazierad David J. , Chidsey Kristin , Somayaji Veena R. , Bergman Arthur J. , Calle Roberto A.
Published: June 2018

Aims

To conduct a dose‐response assessment of the efficacy and safety of the glucagon receptor antagonist PF‐06291874 in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using stable doses of metformin.

Materials and Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, statin‐stratified, placebo‐controlled, 4‐arm, parallel‐group study was conducted in patients with T2DM who were receiving background metformin. After an 8‐week, non‐metformin oral antidiabetic agent washout period, 206 patients were randomized to placebo or PF‐06291874 (30, 60 or 100 mg once daily) for 12 weeks. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and safety endpoints were assessed at baseline and post baseline.

Results

Dose‐dependent mean reductions from baseline in HbA1c for PF‐06291874 ranged from −0.67% (−7.29 mmol/mol) to −0.93% (−10.13 mmol/mol), and for FPG from −16.6 to −33.3 mg/dL after 12 weeks of dosing. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was low and was similar between groups receiving PF‐06291874 and placebo. Small, non‐dose‐dependent increases in LDL cholesterol (<10%) and blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP > 2 mm Hg; diastolic BP > 1 mm Hg) were observed with PF‐06291874. Modest non‐dose‐dependent median increases were observed across PF‐06291874 groups at 12 weeks for alanine aminotransferase (range, 37.6‐48.7 U/L vs placebo) and aspartate aminotransferase (range, 33.3‐36.6 U/L vs placebo); these were not associated with bilirubin changes. Small increases were observed in body weight (< 0.5 kg) in each PF‐06291874 group vs placebo.

Conclusions

In patients with T2DM, PF‐06291874 significantly lowered HbA1c and glucose, was well tolerated and carried a low risk of hypoglycaemia. Small, non‐dose‐related increases in BP, lipids and hepatic transaminases were observed.
IS UNIVERSAL SERVICE JUSTIFIED BY THE PUBLIC INTEREST? FROM THE EARLY DAYS TO THE DIGITAL AGE
Authors: Trubnikov Dmitrii , Trubnikova Ekaterina
Published: June 2018

It is commonly accepted that universal service is clearly justified by reference to the public interest, and this understanding stems from the natural monopoly paradigm. However, telecommunications monopolies have never been ‘natural’, and the alternative to regulation has always been a competitive marketplace. The liberalisation movement had a chance to create a genuinely competitive industry but failed to do so. This article argues that the universal service dogma has played a significant role in the formation of the ordered competition regime of modern telecommunications, and explains this phenomenon in terms of public choice theory.
ELECTRONIC CURRENCY IN AFRICA: M‐PESA AS PRIVATE INSIDE MONEY
Authors: Nair Malavika , Emozozo Rahimat
Published: June 2018

Electronic monies such as Bitcoin and mobile money have become popular in recent times. However, unlike with bitcoin, attempts to classify M‐Pesa theoretically have been rare. This article classifies M‐Pesa as a privately issued inside money, which evolved as an entrepreneurial response to the lack of traditional monies. It describes the institutional framework within which M‐Pesa and other monies evolved while highlighting how competitive forces led to mutual acceptance of competing inside monies, lower prices as well as greater choice for consumers. The case of M‐Pesa and other electronic monies illustrates the potential even today for entrepreneurial and market processes in money given the right institutional setting, especially in developing countries.
JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REDISTRIBUTION: A CRITIQUE
Authors: Vaubel Roland
Published: June 2018

It is striking that there are so many theoretical justifications of redistribution by government. Is it because each single justification is weak? I review and criticise the various arguments advanced in the literature. The main distinctions are between (a) Paretian justifications asserting that all, including the net payers, benefit from redistribution, (b) theories of justice and (c) utilitarianism. My conclusion is that redistribution ought to be based on Paretian arguments as far as possible and that helping the poor is more likely to maximise the happiness of all than is a general levelling of income differences.
Neuropeptide Y affects thalamic reticular nucleus neuronal firing and network synchronization associated with suppression of spike‐wave discharges
Authors: Ali Idrish , Gandrathi Arun , Zheng Thomas , Morris Margaret J. , O'Brien Terence J. , French Chris
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) potently suppresses spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) in a genetic rat model of absence epilepsy (GAERS), but the underlying neurophysiologic mechanisms are not clear. We therefore sought to determine the in vivo effects of NPY on neuronal firing in the cortico‐thalamo‐cortical network activity, known to play a critical role in the generation of SWDs in these rats.

Methods

NPY was administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or in separate experiments locally on the neurons of caudal thalamic reticular nucleus (NRT) by use of juxtacellular iontophoresis in triple‐barrel electrodes in male GAERS aged 12‐15 weeks, in vivo under neuroleptic anesthesia. Drug infusions and electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring were performed simultaneously with juxtacellular single neuronal recordings. Effect of NPY on electrically induced SWD induction threshold were also measured.

Results

NPY administration ICV led to a decrease in the total length of SWDs in EEG recordings. Both ICV administration and iontophoresis of NPY on NRT neurons led to an increase in interictal neuronal firing of NRT neurons. During ictal periods, ICV NPY administration reduced the number of thalamic action potentials per SWDs, as well as reduced waveform correlations between field potentials within the NRT and the cortical EEG. NPY administration ICV did not significantly alter the firing patterns of relay thalamic neurons interictally and cortical neurons during ictal and interictal periods. In addition, SWD induction threshold in the S2 region of the cortex was significantly increased after NPY administration.

Significance

Our results show alterations in cortico‐thalamo‐cortical local and network properties following ICV administration of NPY, suggesting mechanisms of SWD suppression in GAERS. Cellular and network alteration of NRT activity, resulting from a direct action of NPY, may be a contributor to this effect.
Endoplasmic reticulum quality control by garbage disposal
Authors: Kadowaki Hisae , Nishitoh Hideki
Published: June 2018

Various types of intracellular and extracellular stresses disturb homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and, thus, trigger the ER stress response. Unavoidable and/or prolonged ER stress causes cell toxicity and occasionally cell death. The malfunction or death of irreplaceable cells leads to conformational diseases, including diabetes mellitus, ischemic diseases, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the past several decades, many studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms of the ER quality control system. Cells resolve ER stress by promptly and accurately reducing the amount of malfolded proteins. Recent reports have revealed that cells possess several types of ER‐related disposal systems, including mRNA decay, proteasomal degradation, and autophagy. The removal of dispensable RNAs, proteins, and organelle parts may enable the effective maintenance of a functional ER. Here, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the ER quality control system by focusing on ER‐related garbage disposal systems.
Microbiome and bile acid profiles in duodenal aspirates from patients with liver cirrhosis: The Microbiome, Microbial Markers and Liver Disease Study
Authors: Jacobs Jonathan P. , Dong Tien S. , Agopian Vatche , Lagishetty Venu , Sundaram Vinay , Noureddin Mazen , Ayoub Walid S. , Durazo Francisco , Benhammou Jihane , Enayati Pedram , Elashoff David , Goodman Marc T. , Pisegna Joseph , Hussain Shehnaz
Published: June 2018

Aim

Cirrhosis is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet there are no well‐established risk stratifying tools for lethal complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with liver cirrhosis undergo routine endoscopic surveillance, providing ready access to duodenal aspirate samples that could be a source for identifying novel biomarkers. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbiome and bile acid profiles in duodenal aspirates from patients with liver cirrhosis to assess the feasibility of developing biomarkers for HCC risk stratification.

Methods

Thirty patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the Microbiome, Microbial Markers, and Liver Disease study between May 2015 and March 2017. Detailed clinical and epidemiological data were collected at baseline and at 6‐monthly follow‐up visits. Duodenal aspirate fluid was collected at baseline for microbial characterization using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and bile acid quantification using mass spectroscopy.

Results

Alcohol‐related cirrhosis was associated with reductions in the Bacteroidetes phylum, particularly Prevotella (13‐fold reduction), and expansion of Staphylococcus (13‐fold increase), compared to hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis. Participants with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) had less microbial diversity compared to patients without HE (P < 0.05), and were characterized by expansion of Mycobacterium (45‐fold increase) and Gram‐positive cocci including Granulicatella (3.1‐fold increase), unclassified Planococcaceae (3.3‐fold increase), and unclassified Streptococcaceae (4.5‐fold increase). Non‐Hispanic White patients had reduced microbial richness (P < 0.01) and diversity (P < 0.05), and increased levels of conjugated ursodeoxycholic acid (glycoursodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid, P < 0.05) compared to Hispanic patients.

Conclusion

Microbial profiles of duodenal aspirates differed by cirrhosis etiology, HE, and Hispanic ethnicity.
Long non‐coding RNA expression profile can predict early recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Lv Yufeng , Wei Wenhao , Huang Zhong , Chen Zhichao , Fang Yuan , Pan Lili , Han Xueqiong , Xu Zihai
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a novel long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) expression signature to accurately predict early recurrence for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection.

Methods

Using expression profiles downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we identified multiple lncRNAs with differential expression between early recurrence (ER) and non‐early recurrence (non‐ER) groups of patients with HCC. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator for logistic regression models were used to develop an lncRNA‐based classifier for predicting ER in the training set. An independent test set was used to validate the predictive value of this classifier. Furthermore, a co‐expression network based on these lncRNAs and its highly related genes was constructed and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of genes in the network were carried out.

Results

We identified 10 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including three that were upregulated and seven that were downregulated in the ER group. The lncRNA‐based classifier was constructed based on seven lncRNAs (AL035661.1, PART1, AC011632.1, AC109588.1, AL365361.1, LINC00861, and LINC02084), and its accuracy was 0.83 in the training set, 0.87 in the test set, and 0.84 in the total set. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve was 0.741 in the training set, 0.824 in the test set, and 0.765 in the total set. A functional enrichment analysis suggested that the genes highly related to four lncRNAs are involved in the immune system.

Conclusion

The expression profile of seven lncRNAs can effectively predict ER after surgical resection for HCC.
THE EQUITABLE TOP TRADING CYCLES MECHANISM FOR SCHOOL CHOICE
Authors: Hakimov Rustamdjan , Kesten Onur
Published: June 2018

A particular adaptation of Gale's top trading cycles (TTC) procedure applied to school choice, the so‐called TTC mechanism, has attracted much attention both in theory and practice due to its superior efficiency and incentive features. We discuss and introduce alternative adaptations of Gale's original procedure that can offer improvements over TTC in terms of equity, along with various other distributional considerations. Instead of giving all the trading power to those students with the highest priority for a school, we argue for the distribution of the trading rights of all slots of each school: This allows them to trade in a thick market where additional constraints can be accommodated by choosing an appropriate pointing rule. We propose a particular mechanism of this kind, the equitable top trading cycle (ETTC) mechanism, which is also Pareto efficient and group strategy‐proof just like TTC and eliminates avoidable justified envy situations. ETTC generates significantly fewer justified envy situations than TTC both in simulations and the lab.
Development and characterization of a contoured passive thermal protection system
Authors: Daniel Alex , Ivaturi Srikanth , Kumar Anil , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: June 2018

Present work deals with process refinement, fabrication, and testing of a novel contoured passive thermal protection system (TPS), based on aluminosilicate fiber reinforced silica matrix composite. Taguchi method‐based statistical approach was employed to understand the effect of process parameters such as thickness, layer density, stacking sequence and firing temperature on dielectric properties, flexural strength, and bulk density of composites. Analysis of variance was performed to ensure the statistical significance. The developed TPS was characterized for thermal insulation properties by testing under infrared heating conditions. The science behind the insulation characteristics of the TPS was analyzed using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to understand the associated high‐temperature phase transitions. Present study has shown that, the back‐face temperature exponentially decays with TPS thickness. For TPS having 9 mm thickness, the back‐face temperature was found to be below 100°C when the front face was exposed to 1000°C. The insulation index was found to be increasing with increase in temperature and TPS thickness. Improved thermal insulation characteristics of TPS are due to energy consuming processes such as crystalline changes and micro cracks formation.
Objectives of community policies and programs associated with more healthful dietary intakes among children: findings from the Healthy Communities Study
Authors: Webb K. L. , Hewawitharana S. C. , Au L. E. , Collie‐Akers V. , Strauss W. J. , Landgraf A. J. , Nagaraja J. , Wilson D. K. , Sagatov R. , Kao J. , Loria C. M. , Fawcett S. B. , Ritchie L. D. ,   on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team
Published: June 2018

Background

Rational planning of community policies and programs (CPPs) to prevent obesity requires an understanding of CPP objectives associated with dietary behaviours.

Objective

The objective of the study is to identify objectives of CPPs associated with healthful dietary behaviours.

Methods

An observational study identified 4026 nutrition CPPs occurring in 130 communities in the prior 6 years. Dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables, added sugar and sugar‐sweetened beverages, among others, were reported among 5138 children 4–15 years of age from the communities, using a Dietary Screener Questionnaire with children age 9 years and older (parent assisted) or parent proxies for younger children. CPPs were documented through key informant interviews and characterized by their intensity, count, and objectives including target dietary behaviour and food environment change strategy. Associations between dietary intakes and CPP objectives were assessed using hierarchical statistical models.

Results

CPPs with the highest intensity scores that targeted fast food or fat intake or provided smaller portions were associated with greater fruit and vegetable intake (0.21, 0.19, 0.23 cup equivalents/day respectively with p values <0.01, 0.04, 0.03). CPPs with the highest intensity scores that restricted the availability of less healthful foods were associated with lower child intakes of total added sugar (−1.08 tsp/day, p < 0.01) and sugar from sugar‐sweetened beverages (−1.63 tsp/day, p = 0.04). Similar associations were observed between CPP count and dietary outcomes. No other significant associations were found between CPP target behaviours or environmental strategies and dietary intakes/behaviours.

Conclusion

CPPs that targeted decreases in intakes of less healthful foods and/or aimed to modify the availability of less healthful foods and portions were associated with healthier child dietary behaviours.
Atomic force microscopy observations of acyl chains in phospholipids
Authors: MUSCATELLO U. , VALDRÈ G. , VALDRÈ U.
Published: June 2018

The potential use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to image the mode of assembly and to measure the corresponding lattice parameters of model systems consisting of ordered aggregates of cardiolipin molecules has been investigated. An unprecedented resolution of about 0·2 nm has been achieved on suitably prepared specimens. This enables the orientational order and the positional correlations of the individual molecules in the lattice to be defined, and submolecular details, such as the acyl chains and the polar groups, to be imaged. The structural parameters derived from AFMhave been compared with those obtained by transmission electron diffraction of the same specimen and found to be in excellent agreement. AFM turns out to be a powerful and probably a unique tool to reveal local phase variations in systems, such as biological membranes, that have non‐homogeneous composition and organization.
Fabrication of Gd2O3‐MgO nanocomposite optical ceramics with varied crystallographic modifications of Gd2O3 constituent
Authors: Wu Nan , Li Xiaodong , Li Ji‐Guang , Zhu Qi , Sun Xudong
Published: June 2018

The fabrication of Gd2O3‐MgO nanocomposite optical ceramics via hot‐pressing using sol‐gel derived cubic‐Gd2O3 and MgO nanopowders was investigated. The precursor powder calcined at 600°C had an average particle size of 12 nm. The effects of hot‐pressing temperature on constituent phases, microstructure, mid‐infrared transmittance, and microhardness were studied. The crystallographic modifications of Gd2O3 phase varied with the increase in sintering temperature from 1250 to 1350°C. The monoclinic‐Gd2O3 phase was retained for the composite sintered at 1350°C and the sample had an average grain size of 90 nm, excellent transmission (80.4%‐84.8%) over 3‐6 μm wavelength range, and enhanced hardness value of 14.1 GPa.
Commentary: Frying pan to fire? Commentary on Stringaris et al. (2018)
Authors: Carlson Gabrielle A. , Klein Daniel N.
Published: June 2018

The bipolar disorder diagnosis in prepubertal children became popular because it answered a clinical need to treat the explosive behavior component of irritability and the hope that antimanic strategies would be helpful. Poor definition of episodes resulted in mixing chronic and episodic irritability in samples of children with bipolar disorder. The subsequent dramatic increase in neuroleptic use is a testimony to the importance of the problem of irritability and our need to better understand it. Insofar as our use of the term irritability conflates proneness to anger with the subsequent aggressive response, it will again not be clear who is being studied. We need to uncouple the mood and behavior aspects of irritability for further study or we will have traded the imprecision of “bipolar” for the imprecision of irritability.
The self‐assessed psychological comorbidities of prurigo in European patients: a multicentre study in 13 countries
Authors: Brenaut E. , Halvorsen J.A. , Dalgard F.J. , Lien L. , Balieva F. , Sampogna F. , Linder D. , Evers A.W.M. , Jemec G.B.E. , Gieler U. , Szepietowski J. , Poot F. , Altunay I.K. , Finlay A.Y. , Salek S.S. , Szabo C. , Lvov A. , Marron S.E. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Kupfer J. , Misery L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Prurigo is defined by the presence of chronic pruritus and multiple localized or generalized pruriginous lesions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the psychological burden of prurigo in patients of European countries.

Methods

In this multicentre European study, 3635 general dermatology outpatients and 1359 controls were included. Socio‐demographic data and answers to questionnaires (regarding quality of life, general health, anxiety and depression and suicidal ideation) were collected.

Results

There were 27 patients with prurigo; of these, 63% were men, and the mean age was 58.6 years. Among patients with prurigo, 10 of 27 (37%) suffered from anxiety and 8 of 27 (29%) from depression. Suicidal ideation was reported in 5 of 27 (19%) patients, and for four of these five patients, suicidal ideation was related to their skin disease. These frequencies were higher in the 10 commonest dermatological diseases (including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and leg ulcers). The impact on quality of life was severe, with a mean Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 12.4, with an extreme impact on quality of life for 23% of patients and a very large impact for 27% of patients.

Conclusion

The psychological comorbidities of prurigo are common, greater than those of other skin diseases, and their impact on quality of life is significant. Thus, it is important to study this condition and to find new treatments.
Autoantibody profile and clinical patterns in 619 Italian patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Verdelli A. , Coi A. , Marzano A.V. , Antiga E. , Cozzani E. , Quaglino P. , La Placa M. , Benucci M. , De Simone C. , Papini M. , Parodi A. , Bianchi F. , Caproni M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) and anti‐dsDNA antibodies are often associated with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with variable frequency depending on skin subtype. However, specific data based on large case‐series on the pathogenetic, diagnostic and prognostic meaning of such autoantibodies are still lacking.

Objective

To characterize the correlations between CLE subtypes as well as LE‐non‐specific skin lesions and their autoantibody pattern.

Methods

Epidemiological, clinical and immunopathological data of 619 Italian patients with CLE and LE‐non‐specific skin lesions were analysed. Differences in age, sex, clinical features and autoantibody profile were evaluated in each LE subgroup.

Results

Anti‐nuclear antibodies (P < 0.0001), anti‐dsDNA (P < 0.0001), ENA (P = 0.001), anti‐Sm (P = 0.001), anti‐RNP (P = 0.004) and anti‐histone (P = 0.005) antibodies were associated with SLE. A strong association between ANA (P < 0.0001) and anti‐dsDNA (P < 0.0001) and female gender was also found: positive ANA and positive anti‐dsDNA had a higher prevalence among females. Chronic CLE resulted to be negatively associated with ENA (OR = 0.51, P < 0.0001), anti‐Ro/SSA (OR = 0.49, P < 0.0001) and anti‐dsDNA (OR = 0.37, P < 0.0001). Intermittent CLE resulted to be negatively associated with ENA (OR = 0.50, P = 0.007) and ANA (OR = 0.61, P = 0.025). Subacute CLE resulted to be associated with ENA (OR = 5.19, P < 0.0001), anti‐Ro/SSA (OR = 3.83, P < 0.0001), anti‐Smith (OR = 2.95, P = 0.004) and anti‐RNP (OR = 3.18, P = 0.007). Acute CLE resulted to be strongly associated with anti‐dsDNA (OR = 6.0, P < 0.0001) and ANA (OR = 18.1, P < 0.0001). LE‐non‐specific skin lesions resulted to be significantly associated with systemic involvement. Livedo reticularis was significantly associated with ENA (P = 0.007) and anti‐Ro/SSA (P = 0.036). Palpable purpura and periungual telangiectasia were significantly associated with ANA.

Conclusion

According to our findings, some well‐known associations between CLE subtypes and autoantibody profile were confirmed; moreover, specific association between autoantibodies and LE‐non‐specific skin lesions was highlighted. A strict association between anti‐ENA and anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies and livedo reticularis, ANA and palpable purpura, and ANA and periungual telangiectasia was evidenced.
Optimization of protein extraction from Gelidiella acerosa by carbohydrases using response surface methodology
Authors: Jamshidi Majideh , Keramat Javad , Hamdami Nasser , Farhadian Omidvar
Published: June 2018

In this study, application of response surface methodology for enzymic pretreatment optimization of Gelidiella acerosa was investigated in order to improve the extraction of algal proteins using Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5L. The total protein, soluble proteins and reducing sugar recovery in the water‐soluble fraction were studied in relation to the hydrolysis time, type and concentration of the enzymes. Enzymatic digestion appeared to be an effective treatment for protein extraction. While enzyme hydrolysis by Celluclast 1.5L was able to facilitate the protein extraction, it was a relatively inefficient way to improve protein extraction yield, in comparison with Viscozyme L. The optimum conditions for protein extraction was found to be hydrolysis by 2.8 μL mL−1 of Viscozyme L for 12 h.
Anxious gambling: Anxiety is associated with higher frontal midline theta predicting less risky decisions
Authors: Schmidt Barbara , Kanis Hannah , Holroyd Clay B. , Miltner Wolfgang H. R. , Hewig Johannes
Published: June 2018

In this study, we address the effect of anxiety measured with the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) on EEG and risk decisions. We selected 20 high and 20 low anxious participants based on their STAI trait scores in the upper or lower quartile of the norm distribution and implemented a risk game developed in our laboratory. We investigate if high anxious individuals exert more cognitive control, reflected in higher frontal midline theta (FMT) power when they make a risky decision, and if they act less risky compared to low anxious individuals. Participants played a risk game while we recorded their brain responses via EEG. High anxious participants played less risky compared to low anxious participants. Further, high anxious participants showed higher FMT power immediately before they chose one of two risk options, suggesting higher cognitive control during the decision time compared to low anxious participants. Via a mediation analysis, we show that the effect of anxiety on risk behavior is fully mediated by FMT power. Further, questionnaire responses revealed that high anxious participants rated risk situations as riskier compared to low anxious participants. We conclude that anxious individuals perceive risky situations as riskier and thus exert more cognitive control during their risk choices, reflected in higher FMT power, which leads to less risky decisions.
Which Parameters Are Important? Differential Importance Under Uncertainty
Authors: Antoniano‐Villalobos Isadora , Borgonovo Emanuele , Siriwardena Sumeda
Published: June 2018

In probabilistic risk assessment, attention is often focused on the expected value of a risk metric. The sensitivity of this expectation to changes in the parameters of the distribution characterizing uncertainty in the inputs becomes of interest. Approaches based on differentiation encounter limitations when (i) distributional parameters are expressed in different units or (ii) the analyst wishes to transfer sensitivity insights from individual parameters to parameter groups, when alternating between different levels of a probabilistic safety assessment model. Moreover, the analyst may also wish to examine the effect of assuming independence among inputs. This work proposes an approach based on the differential importance measure, which solves these issues. Estimation aspects are discussed in detail, in particular the problem of obtaining all sensitivity measures from a single Monte Carlo sample, thus avoiding potentially costly model runs. The approach is illustrated through an analytical example, highlighting how it can be used to assess the impact of removing the independence assumption. An application to the probabilistic risk assessment model of the Advanced Test Reactor large loss of coolant accident sequence concludes the work.
PlantSEED enables automated annotation and reconstruction of plant primary metabolism with improved compartmentalization and comparative consistency
Authors: Seaver Samuel M. D. , Lerma‐Ortiz Claudia , Conrad Neal , Mikaili Arman , Sreedasyam Avinash , Hanson Andrew D. , Henry Christopher S.
Published: June 2018

Genome‐scale metabolic reconstructions help us to understand and engineer metabolism. Next‐generation sequencing technologies are delivering genomes and transcriptomes for an ever‐widening range of plants. While such omic data can, in principle, be used to compare metabolic reconstructions in different species, organs and environmental conditions, these comparisons require a standardized framework for the reconstruction of metabolic networks from transcript data. We previously introduced PlantSEED as a framework covering primary metabolism for 10 species. We have now expanded PlantSEED to include 39 species and provide tools that enable automated annotation and metabolic reconstruction from transcriptome data. The algorithm for automated annotation in PlantSEED propagates annotations using a set of signature k‐mers (short amino acid sequences characteristic of particular proteins) that identify metabolic enzymes with an accuracy of about 97%. PlantSEED reconstructions are built from a curated template that includes consistent compartmentalization for more than 100 primary metabolic subsystems. Together, the annotation and reconstruction algorithms produce reconstructions without gaps and with more accurate compartmentalization than existing resources. These tools are available via the PlantSEED web interface at http://modelseed.org, which enables users to upload, annotate and reconstruct from private transcript data and simulate metabolic activity under various conditions using flux balance analysis. We demonstrate the ability to compare these metabolic reconstructions with a case study involving growth on several nitrogen sources in roots of four species.
Thriving, Depleted, and At-Risk Canadian Coaches: Profiles of Psychological Functioning Linked to Self-Regulation and Stress
Authors: McNeill Kylie , Durand-Bush Natalie , Lemyre Pierre-Nicolas
Published: June 2018

The purposes of this study were to (a) identify profiles of psychological functioning based on burnout and well-being indices within a sample of 250 Canadian developmental and high performance sport coaches, and (b) investigate whether coaches in these profiles differed in their capacity to self-regulate and their perceptions of stress. Using a two-stage cluster analysis, three profiles of psychological functioning were identified: (a) thriving (n = 135, characterized by relatively low burnout and relatively high well-being), (b) depleted (n = 36, characterized by relatively high burnout and relatively low well-being), and (c) at-risk (n = 79, characterized by relatively high burnout and moderate well-being). Follow-up analyses revealed that coaches within the thriving profile reported significantly higher self-regulation capacity and lower perceived stress than coaches in the at-risk and depleted profiles, while depleted coaches reported significantly higher perceived stress than at-risk coaches. Moreover, longer coaching hours and remuneration for one’s coaching also differentiated depleted from thriving coaches. Findings are discussed in light of the dual-continua model of mental health and practical recommendations are put forth to help coaches strengthen their capacity to self-regulate and manage their perceptions of stress to optimize psychological functioning.
Eavesdropping on the Arctic: Automated bioacoustics reveal dynamics in songbird breeding phenology
Authors: Oliver Ruth Y. , Ellis Daniel P. W. , Chmura Helen E. , Krause Jesse S. , Pérez Jonathan H. , Sweet Shannan K. , Gough Laura , Wingfield John C. , Boelman Natalie T.
Published: June 2018

Soundscape-level acoustic recordings revealed delay in arrival of songbird community to arctic breeding grounds.
Age and performance at fledging are a cause and consequence of juvenile mortality between life stages
Authors: Martin Thomas E. , Tobalske Bret , Riordan Margaret M. , Case Samuel B. , Dial Kenneth P.
Published: June 2018

Age and wing development at fledging balances mortality in and out of the nest in a compromise between parents and offspring.
A transgenic mouse for imaging activity-dependent dynamics of endogenous Arc mRNA in live neurons
Authors: Das Sulagna , Moon Hyungseok C. , Singer Robert H. , Park Hye Yoon
Published: June 2018

A transgenic mouse reveals real-time dynamics of transcription and transport of endogenous Arc mRNA in live neurons.
Upper and lower plate controls on the great 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Dapeng
Published: June 2018

The 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake was caused by structural heterogeneities in both the upper and lower plates.
Meet L3-37, an elite self-modifying robot in
Solo: A Star Wars Movie
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: June 2018

L3-37, the so-called mutt of a robot in
Solo: A Stars Wars Movie
, may lead the way to more efficient, economical, and robust systems.
Afatinib restrains K-RAS–driven lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Moll Herwig P. , Pranz Klemens , Musteanu Monica , Grabner Beatrice , Hruschka Natascha , Mohrherr Julian , Aigner Petra , Stiedl Patricia , Brcic Luka , Laszlo Viktoria , Schramek Daniel , Moriggl Richard , Eferl Robert , Moldvay Judit , Dezso Katalin , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Stoiber Dagmar , Hidalgo Manuel , Penninger Josef , Sibilia Maria , Győrffy Balázs , Barbacid Mariano , Dome Balázs , Popper Helmut , Casanova Emilio
Published: June 2018

K-RAS
–mutated lung adenocarcinomas depend on ERBB signaling, and pan-ERBB inhibitors impair K-RAS–driven lung tumorigenesis.
Tissue engineering toward temporomandibular joint disc regeneration
Authors: Vapniarsky Natalia , Huwe Le W. , Arzi Boaz , Houghton Meghan K. , Wong Mark E. , Wilson James W. , Hatcher David C. , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: June 2018

Tissue-engineered implants integrate with native tissue, are capable of adaptive remodeling, and improve healing of temporomandibular joint disc defects in minipigs.
Molecular Analysis of Resistance and Detection of Non-Wild-Type Strains Using Etest Epidemiological Cutoff Values for Amphotericin B and Echinocandins for Bloodstream Candida Infections from a Tertiary Hospital in Qatar
Authors: Taj-Aldeen Saad J. , Salah Husam , Perez Winder B. , Almaslamani Muna , Motyl Mary , AbdulWahab Atqah , Healey Kelley R. , Perlin David S.
Published: June 2018

A total of 301
Candida
bloodstream isolates collected from 289 patients over 5 years at a tertiary hospital in Qatar were evaluated. Out of all
Candida
infections, 53% were diagnosed in patients admitted to the intensive care units.
Complete Sequences of the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Proviral Genomes from Newly Established Adult T-Cell Leukemia Cell Lines in Oita Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Fukumoto Takuro , Ikebe Emi , Ogata Masao , Kohno Kazuhiro , Kuramitsu Madoka , Sato Yusuke , Fife Nichole , Matsumoto Takashi , Yahiro Takaaki , Ikeda Masanori , Kusano Shuichi , Okayama Akihiko , Hori Mitsuo , Hijiya Naoki , Tsukamoto Yoshiyuki , Hirashita Yuka , Moriyama Masatsugu , Ahmed Kamruddin , Hasegawa Hiroo , Nishizono Akira , Saito Masumichi , Iha Hidekatsu
Published: June 2018

We report two complete proviral genome sequences of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) isolated from the peripheral blood specimens of acute type adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
Genome Sequence of the Pseudomonas protegens Phage ΦGP100
Authors: Vacheron Jordan , Kupferschmied Peter , Resch Grégory , Keel Christoph
Published: June 2018

We report here the complete annotated genome sequence of ΦGP100, a lytic bacteriophage of the
Podoviridae
family. ΦGP100 was isolated from rhizosphere soil in Switzerland and infects specifically strains of
Pseudomonas protegens
that are known for their plant-beneficial activities. Phage ΦGP100 has a 50,547-bp genome with 76 predicted open reading frames.