bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Dodd–Frank on True Interest Cost of Municipal Bonds: Evidence From California
Authors: Ivonchyk Mikhail
Published: September 2018

The Dodd–Frank Act of 2010 amended the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and introduced new registration requirements and regulatory standards applicable to municipal financial advisors. The reform is intended to address some of the problems observed with the conduct of some municipal advisors, including the issuance of financial advice without adequate training or qualifications, and to help municipal debt issuers to raise capital more efficiently. This article explores potential implications of the policy for municipal borrowers. After reviewing the main policy provisions and discussing theoretical outcomes, it empirically tests the null hypothesis of no policy effect on the cost of municipal borrowing in California. The results suggest a significant decrease in true interest cost after the reform. The policy effect is more pronounced on negotiated debt. Thus, the federal regulation of municipal financial intermediaries may have helped to improve the average quality of advice in the market and lower the cost of borrowing.
Golgi‐localized cation/proton exchangers regulate ionic homeostasis and skotomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yuan , Tang Ren‐Jie , Yang Xiyan , Zheng Xiaojiang , Shao Qiaolin , Tang Qing‐Lin , Fu Aigen , Luan Sheng
Published: September 2018

Multiple transporters and channels mediate cation transport across the plasma membrane and tonoplast to regulate ionic homeostasis in plant cells. However, much less is known about the molecular function of transporters that facilitate cation transport in other organelles such as Golgi. We report here that Arabidopsis KEA4, KEA5, and KEA6, members of cation/proton antiporters‐2 (CPA2) superfamily were colocalized with the known Golgi marker, SYP32‐mCherry. Although single kea4,5,6 mutants showed similar phenotype as the wild type under various conditions, kea4/5/6 triple mutants showed hypersensitivity to low pH, high K+, and high Na+ and displayed growth defects in darkness, suggesting that these three KEA‐type transporters function redundantly in controlling etiolated seedling growth and ion homeostasis. Detailed analysis indicated that the kea4/5/6 triple mutant exhibited cell wall biosynthesis defect during the rapid etiolated seedling growth and under high K+/Na+ condition. The cell wall‐derived pectin homogalacturonan (GalA)3 partially suppressed the growth defects and ionic toxicity in the kea4/5/6 triple mutants when grown in the dark but not in the light conditions. Together, these data support the hypothesis that the Golgi‐localized KEAs play key roles in the maintenance of ionic and pH homeostasis, thereby facilitating Golgi function in cell wall biosynthesis during rapid etiolated seedling growth and in coping with high K+/Na+ stress.
Nocturnal enuresis and poor sleep quality
Authors: Tsuji Shoji , Takewa Reiko , Ohnuma Chikushi , Kimata Takahisa , Yamanouchi Sohsaku , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: September 2018

Background

Sleep disorders are strongly associated with childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE). In this study, we examined whether sleep disorders are present in children with NE, and whether NE is caused by sleeping disorders, or is simply comorbid.

Methods

We examined 14 children with monosymptomatic NE and 15 age‐matched controls. Sleep disorders were assessed for ≥5 days using contactless biomotion sensors to detect breathing and body movements during at‐home sleep. To assess sleep quality, we compared median sleep efficiency and the number of shallow sleep episodes between the groups. We also investigated the change in sleep quality after successful NE treatment in five children.

Results

Median sleep efficiency was significantly lower in the NE group (87.3%) than in the control group (93.4%; P < 0.001). The number of shallow sleep episodes per night was significantly higher in the NE group (5.11) than in the control group (1.50; P < 0.001). Neither sleep efficiency nor the number of shallow sleep episodes improved in the five children whose NE was successfully stopped after bedwetting‐alarm therapy (P = 0.50 and 0.22, respectively).

Conclusions

Sleep disorders are present in children with NE. Although there are insufficient data to conclude that sleep disorders are not the cause of NE, we suggest that they are comorbid because sleep disorders persisted even after NE was halted.
Vitamin D supplementation does not improve plasma thiol/disulfide homeostasis
Authors: Mertoglu Cuma , Siranli Gulsah , Topal Ismail , Gok Gamze , Erel Ozcan
Published: September 2018

Background

Impairment of thiol/disulfide homeostasis, as well as vitamin D deficiency, are responsible for the pathophysiology of many acute and chronic diseases. This study examined the relationship between thiol/disulfide homeostasis and vitamin D level and supplementation.

Methods

A total of 203 healthy children were included in the study. The participants were divided into four groups according to 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level: group 1, severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL); group 2, deficiency (10–20 ng/mL); group 3, insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL); and group 4, sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Furthermore, group 5 was defined as being on vitamin D supplementation.

Result

Native thiol was lower in group 5 than in groups 2–4 (P= 0.003). Disulfide was higher in groups 1, 4 and 5 than groups 2 and 3 (P< 0.001). Total thiol was lower in group 5 than in group 4 (P= 0.032). The ratio of native thiol/total thiol was lower in groups 1 and 5 compared with groups 2 and 3, and in group 4 compared with group 3 (P< 0.001). The ratios of disulfide/total thiol and disulfide/native thiol were higher in groups 1 and 5 than in groups 2 and 3 whereas only the disulfide/total thiol ratio was higher in group 4 than in group 3 (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

In healthy children, severe deficiency of vitamin D causes impairment of thiol/disulfide homeostasis and increases protein oxidation, which cannot be reversed by external vitamin D supplementation.
A pedagogy of social justice for resilient/vulnerable populations: Structural competency and bio‐power
Authors: Woolsey Colleen , Narruhn Robin A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Nursing schools frequently assert the importance of social justice curriculum, but little information is available about specifics for such a class.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe a class that builds a foundation for the understanding of social justice and the pedagogical frameworks on which it rests.

Methods

The authors develop a class grounded in bio‐power and structural competency.

Discussion

Described are topics presented to students, the rationale for their selection along with class activities and implementation challenges. Highlighted is the use of praxis as students incorporate the components of structural competency and bio‐power. The focus is on the potential for public health and advanced practice registered nurses to recognize and evaluate structural factors in patient and population‐based care.

Conclusion

Faculty meet substantive challenges in teaching social justice, including lack of recognition of societal forces which affect student's ability to provide care. Focused effort incorporating newer structural and philosophical frameworks in a social justice class may improve the provision of health services. The frameworks of structural competency and bio‐power provide a critical paradigm salient in social justice pedagogy.
Inhibitory Effect of Lupeol on MMPs Expression using Aged Fibroblast through Repeated UVA Irradiation
Authors: Park Young Min , Park Soo Nam
Published: September 2018

In this study, the aged dermal fibroblast model was constructed by repeated irradiation with UV light and the effect of lupeol, a triterpenoid, on anti‐aging was confirmed. SA‐β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) stained aged cells increased by about 40% and expression of p‐p53, p21, p16 and MMPs (MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3) increased in aged fibroblast. As an efficacy result, the treatment of lupeol on aged fibroblast induced by UVA repeated irradiation showed a dose‐dependent reduction of SA‐β‐gal stained aged cells, the expression of p‐p53, p21, p16 and inhibition of MMPs. Interestingly, lupeol increased dephosphorylation of p‐ERK in repeated UV irradiated conditions. Additionally, lupeol compensated MMPs expression when p‐ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by p‐ERK inhibitor PD98059. Thus, these results showed that lupeol has a possible effect on MMPs expression using inhibition of the p‐ERK pathway. Taken together, we confirmed that lupeol inhibits senescence through inhibiting MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 as well as p‐p53, p21 and p16 expression and SA‐β‐gal activity in repeated UVA‐irradiated senescent FB models, therefore suggesting that lupeol may be useful as an anti‐aging agent.
Red galls: the different stories of two gall types on the same host
Authors: Bomfim Phabliny M. S. , Cardoso João C. F. , Rezende Uiara C. , Martini Vitor C. , Oliveira Denis C.
Published: September 2018

Several studies have suggested reasons why galls have conspicuous colours, but none of the ideas have been confirmed. However, what if the vibrant colours of some galls are explained simply by the effect of light exposure? This may lead to anthocyanin accumulation, functioning as a defence mechanism against the effects of high light.

We studied the globoid galls induced by Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) onQualea parviflora(Vochysiaceae), relating anthocyanin accumulation and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to light incidence in abaxial and adaxial galls. We also tested if the anthocyanin accumulation patterns apply to another Cecidomyiidae‐induced gall morphotype (intralaminar) within the same plant.

Adaxial galls are exposed to higher incident light, with more anthocyanin accumulation and therefore red coloration. In galls from angled leaves, the greater the angle of the leaf, the higher the difference between anthocyanins on the sun and shade sides of galls. Photosynthetic pigment concentrations did not differ between abaxial and adaxial galls. However, we found higher (Fm′ − F′)/Fm′ andFv/Fmin the abaxial galls. Conversely,NPQand Rfdwere higher in adaxial galls. Finally, the pattern of anthocyanin accumulation was not found in the intralaminar gall.

Anthocyanin accumulation in galls functions as a photoprotective strategy, maintaining tissue vitality in regions exposed to high light conditions. However, this mechanism may vary even among galls within the same host, indicating idiosyncrasy when it comes to coloration in galls. To date, this is the first study to demonstrate quantitatively why the galls of a specific species may be coloured: the variation in light regimes creates differential anthocyanin accumulation, influencing coloration.
Mating system complexity and cryptic speciation in the seed bank pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda
Authors: Coleman C. E. , Meyer S. E. , Ricks N.
Published: September 2018

Mating strategies contributing to a balance between inbreeding and outcrossing are understudied in all but a few model fungal pathogens. This study examined factors that influence the occurrence of the sexual state of Pyrenophora semeniperda. It was consistently found to have functional copies of the MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 idiomorphs essential for sexual reproduction, despite considerable polymorphism in both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and number of 18‐base minisatellite repeats. The two idiomorphs occurred at approximately equal frequencies across 25 populations on Bromus tectorum seeds in the western United States, suggesting maintenance of sexual reproduction. The putative mating system is described as facultative pseudohomothallism, with only one of the two MAT1 idiomorphs found in a nucleus. Unikaryotic strains of opposite mating type can potentially mate, as can nuclei of opposite mating type in a thallus that results from anastomosis between vegetatively compatible unikaryotic strains. Strains shown to be dikaryotic using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers may contain either or both MAT1 idiomorphs. Most populations consist of a mixture of MAT1‐1, MAT1‐2 and MAT1‐1/MAT1‐2 genotypes. A possible constraint on recombination is the presence of multiple strain groups characterized by ITS haplotype. These are apparently vegetatively incompatible, as even dikaryotic strains are invariably composed of a single ITS haplotype. Different ITS haplotypes also have unique combinations of MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 allelic variants, suggesting that perhaps these strain groups are also sexually incompatible. Phylogenetic analysis using both genome‐wide SNP/indel polymorphisms and SSR markers demonstrated genetic divergence among ITS haplotypes, supporting the hypothesis that these strain groups may represent cryptic species.
Discrete Weibull Generalized Additive Model: An Application to Count Fertility Data
Authors: Peluso Alina , Vinciotti Veronica , Yu Keming
Published: September 2018

Fertility plans, measured by the number of planned children, have been found to be affected by education and family background via complex tail dependences. This challenge was previously met with the use of non-parametric jittering approaches. The paper shows how a novel generalized additive model based on a discrete Weibull distribution provides partial effects of the covariates on fertility plans which are comparable with jittering, without the inherent drawback of conditional quantiles crossing. The model has some additional desirable features: both overdispersed and underdispersed data can be modelled by this distribution, the conditional quantiles have a simple analytic form and the likelihood is the same as that of a continuous Weibull distribution with interval-censored data. Because the likelihood is like that of a continuous Weibull distribution, efficient implementations are already available, in the R package gamlss, for a range of models and inferential procedures, and at a fraction of the time compared with the jittering and Conway–Maxwell–Poisson approaches, showing potential for the wide applicability of this approach to the modelling of count data.
High‐frequency cycles of brachiopod shell beds on subaqueous delta‐scale clinoforms (early Pliocene, south‐east Spain)
Authors: García‐Ramos Diego A. , Zuschin Martin
Published: September 2018

During the early Pliocene, subaqueous delta‐scale clinoforms developed in the Águilas Basin, in a mixed temperate carbonate–siliciclastic system. The facies distribution is consistent with the infralittoral prograding wedge model. Stacking patterns and bounding surfaces indicate that the clinoforms formed during the highstand and falling sea‐level stages of a high rank cycle. Twenty‐two prograding clinothems were recognized over a distance of ≥1 km. Biostratigraphic data indicate a time span shorter than 700 kyr for the whole unit (MPl3 biozone of the Mediterranean Pliocene). Cyclic skeletal concentrations and occasional biostromes of suspension feeders (terebratulid brachiopods, modiolid bivalves and adeoniform bryozoan colonies), slightly evolved glauconite and occasionalGlossifungitesichnofacies formed on the clinoforms during high‐frequency pulses of relative sea‐level rise. During such stages, increased accommodation space in the topsets of the clinoforms caused a strong reduction of terrigenous input into the foresets and bottomsets. This provided favourable conditions for the development of these suspension feeder palaeocommunities. During stillstand stages, however, reduced accommodation space in the topsets eventually resumed progradation in the foresets. There, the abundance ofDitrupatubes indicates frequent siltation events that extirpated the terebratulid populations and other epifaunal suspension feeders in the foreset and bottomset subenvironments. The occurrence of shell beds on the clinoforms suggests that this case study represents lower progradation rates than standard examples where shell beds bound the clinobedded units at their base and top only. Importantly, the distributions of biofacies and ichnoassemblage associations contribute significantly to the understanding of the effects of relative sea‐level fluctuations on the evolution of subaqueous delta‐scale clinoform systems.
Stoichiometric analysis of the energetics and metabolic impact of photorespiration in C3 plants
Authors: Huma Benazir , Kundu Sudip , Poolman Mark G. , Kruger Nicholas J. , Fell David A.
Published: September 2018

Analysis of the impact of photorespiration on plant metabolism is usually based on manual inspection of small network diagrams. Here we create a structural metabolic model that contains the reactions that participate in photorespiration in the plastid, peroxisome, mitochondrion and cytosol, and the metabolite exchanges between them. This model was subjected to elementary flux modes analysis, a technique that enumerates all the component, minimal pathways of a network. Any feasible photorespiratory metabolism in the plant will be some combination of the elementary flux modes (EFMs) that contain the Rubisco oxygenase reaction. Amongst the EFMs we obtained was the classic photorespiratory cycle, but there were also modes that involve photorespiration coupled with mitochondrial metabolism and ATP production, the glutathione‐ascorbate cycle and nitrate reduction to ammonia. The modes analysis demonstrated the underlying basis of the metabolic linkages with photorespiration that have been inferred experimentally. The set of reactions common to all the elementary modes showed good agreement with the gene products of mutants that have been reported to have a defective phenotype in photorespiratory conditions. Finally, the set of modes provided a formal demonstration that photorespiration itself does not impact on the CO2:O2 ratio (assimilation quotient), except in those modes associated with concomitant nitrate reduction.
Arabidopsis phytochrome A nuclear translocation is mediated by a far‐red elongated hypocotyl 1–importin complex
Authors: Helizon Hanna , Rösler‐Dalton Jutta , Gasch Philipp , von Horsten Silke , Essen Lars‐Oliver , Zeidler Mathias
Published: September 2018

Phytochrome A (phyA) is a red and far‐red (FR) sensing photoreceptor regulating plant growth and development. Its biologically active FR‐absorbing form Pfr translocates into the nucleus and subsequently regulates gene expression. Two transport facilitators, FR elongated hypocotyl 1 (FHY1) and FHY1‐like (FHL), are crucial for its cytoplasmic‐nuclear translocation. FHY1 interacts preferentially with activated phyA (Pfr) in assays with recombinant phyA and FHY1 and in vivo. Nuclear translocation of the phyA‐FHY1 complex depends on a nuclear localization signal (NLS) of FHY1, which is recognized by IMPαs independently of phyA. The complex is guided along the actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, FHY1 has the ability to exit the nucleus via the exportin route, thus is able to repeatedly transport phyA molecules to the nucleus, balancing the nucleo‐cytoplasmic distribution. The direction of FHY1s transport appears to depend on its phosphorylation state in different compartments. Phosphorylated serins close to the NLS prevent FHY1 binding to IMPα. The work presented here elucidates key steps of the mechanism by which photoactivated phyA translocates to the nucleus.
The cotton XLIM protein (GhXLIM6) is required for fiber development via maintaining dynamic F‐actin cytoskeleton and modulating cellulose biosynthesis
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Na‐Na , Wang Yao , Liu Dong , Gao Ya , Li Lan , Li Xue‐Bao
Published: September 2018

Summary

LIM domain proteins are cysteine‐rich proteins, and are often considered as actin bundlers and transcription factors in plants. However, the roles of XLIM proteins in plants (especially in cotton) remain unexplored in detail so far. In this study, we identified a cotton XLIM protein (GhXLIM6) that is preferentially expressed in cotton fiber during whole elongation stage and early secondary cell wall (SCW) synthesis stage. The GhXLIM6‐silenced transgenic cotton produces shorter fibers with thinner cell walls, compared with wild‐type (WT). GhXLIM6 protein could directly bind F‐actin and promote actin polymerization both in vitro and in vivo. It also acts as a transcription factor to suppress GhKNL1 expression through binding the PAL‐box element of GhKNL1 promoter, and subsequently regulate the expression of CesA genes related to cellulose biosynthesis and deposition in SCWs of cotton fibers. The cellulose content in fibers of GhXLIM6RNAi cotton is lower than that in WT. Taken together, these data reveal the dual roles of GhXLIM6 in fiber development. On one hand, GhXLIM6 functions in fiber elongation through binding to F‐actin to maintain the dynamic F‐actin cytoskeleton. On the other hand, GhXLIM6 fine‐tunes fiber SCW formation, probably through directly suppressing transcription of GhKNL1 to promote cellulose biosynthesis.
Discovery of multi‐megabase polymorphic inversions by chromosome conformation capture sequencing in large‐genome plant species
Authors: Himmelbach Axel , Ruban Alevtina , Walde Ines , Šimková Hana , Doležel Jaroslav , Hastie Alex , Stein Nils , Mascher Martin
Published: September 2018

Chromosomal inversions occur in natural populations of many species, and may underlie reproductive isolation and local adaptation. Traditional methods of inversion discovery are labor‐intensive and lack sensitivity. Here, we report the use of three‐dimensional contact probabilities between genomic loci as assayed by chromosome‐conformation capture sequencing (Hi‐C) to detect multi‐megabase polymorphic inversions in four barley genotypes. Inversions are validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and Bionano optical mapping. We propose Hi‐C as a generally applicable method for inversion discovery in natural populations.
Does the razor's edge exist? New evidence of the law of one price in China (1997–2012)
Authors: Li Jianan , Li Zhiyuan , Sun Puyang
Published: September 2018

This paper revisits the market integration in China under the gradual economic reform, using a novel data set of monthly prices for 267 goods across 173 cities from 1997 to 2012 with price regulations dramatically removed. We provide new evidence to show that the Law of One price (LOP) holds in the context of China which is experiencing substantial trade liberalisation. First, by accounting for heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependence, our results show that prices converge to the LOP for most goods, and industrial materials converge faster than non‐perishable goods. Second, in comparison with the earlier analysis with static evidence, our results with the moving window show that convergence is escalating. Third, we find that the price dispersion across products at the city level is increasing with distance, but it is decreasing with openness and economic development. Our findings show China’s market integration is going well under its ongoing market‐oriented reforms, and cast doubt on the proposition that incremental reform in China has led to the fragmentation of the domestic market.
Temperature-controlled-orientation dependence of electrical properties of Pb0.95La0.05Zr0.46Ti0.54O3 thin films
Authors: Batra Vaishali , Kotru Sushma
Published: September 2018

In this work, the relationship between annealing temperature, crystallographic orientation, and electrical properties of Pb0.95La0.05Zr0.54Ti0.46O3 thin films was investigated. The films (∼210 nm) were prepared using a chemical solution deposition method and annealed in the temperature range of 550–750 °C. From the x-ray diffraction results, it was observed that high temperature annealing (650 and 750 °C) resulted in films having a mixed orientation of (110) and (001) with no pyrochlore phase, whereas low temperature annealing (550 °C) resulted in films with mixed phases. The ferroelectric properties of the films were studied using a metal/ferroelectric/metal model. The capacitance–voltage curves were used to calculate the free carrier concentration (FCC) and built-in potential. The annealing temperature was observed to control the orientation, which in turn affects the electrical properties. Films annealed at higher temperature exhibit higher capacitance, remanent polarization, and FCC but lower coercive voltage, loss tangent, and built-in potential as compared to the film annealed at 550 °C. Thus, high temperature annealing enhances (110) orientation and suppresses the pyrochlore phase in the films which helps in improving the electrical properties.
Challenges for the development of surface modified biodegradable polyester biomaterials: A chemistry perspective
Authors: Mutch Alexandra L. , Grøndahl Lisbeth
Published: September 2018

The design of current implants produced from biodegradable polyesters is based on strength and rate of degradation and tailored by the choice of polyester used. However, detailed knowledge about the degradation mechanism of surface modified materials with applications in biomaterials science and tissue engineering is currently lacking. This perspective aims to outline the need for a greater focus on analyzing the degradation of modified polyesters to ensure they can fulfil their intended function and that degradation products can effectively be cleared from the body. The status of the literature regarding surface modified polyesters is summarized to illustrate the main aspects investigated in recent studies and specifically the number of studies investigating the fate of the materials upon degradation.
Rotorigami: A rotary origami protective system for robotic rotorcraft
Authors: Sareh Pooya , Chermprayong Pisak , Emmanuelli Marc , Nadeem Haris , Kovac Mirko
Published: September 2018

An origami-inspired rotary protective system improved the crash robustness of robotic rotorcraft.
PD-1 up-regulation on CD4
+
T cells promotes pulmonary fibrosis through STAT3-mediated IL-17A and TGF-β1 production
Authors: Celada Lindsay J. , Kropski Jonathan A. , Herazo-Maya Jose D. , Luo Weifeng , Creecy Amy , Abad Andrew T. , Chioma Ozioma S. , Lee Grace , Hassell Natalie E. , Shaginurova Guzel I. , Wang Yufen , Johnson Joyce E. , Kerrigan Amy , Mason Wendi R. , Baughman Robert P. , Ayers Gregory D. , Bernard Gordon R. , Culver Daniel A. , Montgomery Courtney G. , Maher Toby M. , Molyneaux Philip L. , Noth Imre , Mutsaers Steven E. , Prele Cecilia M. , Stokes Peebles R. , Newcomb Dawn C. , Kaminski Naftali , Blackwell Timothy S. , Van Kaer Luc , Drake Wonder P.
Published: September 2018

PD-1
+
T
H
17 cells enhance collagen-1 production from human lung fibroblasts.
Standardization of Nucleic Acid Tests: the Approach of the World Health Organization
Authors: Baylis S. A. , Wallace P. , McCulloch E. , Niesters H. G. M. , Nübling C. M.
Published: September 2018

The first World Health Organization (WHO) international standards (ISs) for nucleic acid amplification techniques were established two decades ago, with the initial focus on blood screening for three major viral targets, i.e., hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus 1. These reference materials have subsequently found utility in the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of infectious diseases in clinical microbiology laboratories worldwide.
Long Noncoding RNA ANRIL Supports Proliferation of Adult T-Cell Leukemia Cells through Cooperation with EZH2
Authors: Song Zaowen , Wu Wencai , Chen Mengyun , Cheng Wenzhao , Yu Juntao , Fang Jinyong , Xu Lingling , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Matsuoka Masao , Zhao Tiejun
Published: September 2018

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the pathogen that causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), which is a unique malignancy of CD4
+
T cells. A role for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in HTLV-1-mediated cellular transformation has not been described. In this study, we demonstrated that the lncRNA ANRIL was important for maintaining the proliferation of ATL cells
in vitro
and
in vivo
. ANRIL was shown to activate NF-κB signaling through forming a ternary complex with EZH2 and p65. Furthermore, epigenetic inactivation of p21/CDKN1A was involved in the oncogenic function of ANRIL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address the regulatory role of the lncRNA ANRIL in ATL and provides an important clue to prevent or treat HTLV-1-associated human diseases.
Dynamin-Like Proteins of Endocytosis in Plants Are Coopted by Potyviruses To Enhance Virus Infection
Authors: Wu Guanwei , Cui Xiaoyan , Chen Hui , Renaud Justin B. , Yu Kangfu , Chen Xin , Wang Aiming
Published: September 2018

It is well known that animal viruses enter host cells via endocytosis, whereas plant viruses require physical assistance, such as human and insect activities, to penetrate the host cell to establish their infection. In this study, we report that the endocytosis pathway is also involved in virus infection in plants. We show that plant potyviruses recruit endocytosis dynamin-like proteins to support their infection. Depletion of them by knockout of the corresponding genes suppresses virus replication, whereas overexpression of them enhances virus replication and intercellular movement. We also demonstrate that the dynamin-like proteins interact with several viral proteins that are essential for virus replication and cell-to-cell movement. We further show that treatment of a dynamin-specific inhibitor disrupts endocytosis and inhibits virus replication and intercellular movement. Therefore, the dynamin-like proteins are novel host factors of potyviruses. The corresponding genes may be manipulated using advanced biotechnology to control potyviral diseases.
Visualization of Calcium Ion Loss from Rotavirus during Cell Entry
Authors: Salgado Eric N. , Garcia Rodriguez Brian , Narayanaswamy Nagarjun , Krishnan Yamuna , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: September 2018

Nonenveloped viruses penetrate into the cytosol of the cells that they infect by disrupting the membrane of an intracellular compartment. The molecular mechanisms of membrane disruption remain largely undefined. Functional reconstitution of infectious rotavirus particles (TLPs) from RNA-containing core particles (DLPs) and the outer layer proteins that deliver them into a cell makes these important pediatric pathogens particularly good models for studying nonenveloped virus entry. We report here how the use of a fluorescent Ca
2+
sensor, covalently linked to one of the viral proteins, allows us to establish, using live-cell imaging, the timing of Ca
2+
loss from an entering particle and other molecular events in the entry pathway. Specific Ca
2+
binding stabilizes many other viruses of eukaryotes, and Ca
2+
loss appears to be a trigger for steps in penetration or uncoating. The experimental design that we describe may be useful for studying entry of other viral pathogens.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ferriphaselus amnicola Strain OYT1, a Neutrophilic, Stalk-Forming, Iron-Oxidizing Bacterium
Authors: Kato Shingo , Yuki Masahiro , Itoh Takashi , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: September 2018

Ferriphaselus amnicola
is a freshwater, neutrophilic, iron-oxidizing bacterium that produces extracellular twisted-ribbon-like iron biominerals called stalks. Here, we report the 2.72-Mb closed genome sequence of
F. amnicola
strain OYT1, which was isolated from iron oxide deposits at a groundwater stream in Japan.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pathotype Strains for Three Pathovars Belonging to Three Xanthomonas Species
Authors: Michalopoulou Vassiliki A. , Vicente Joana G. , Studholme David J. , Sarris Panagiotis F.
Published: September 2018

We present here the draft genome sequences of type/pathotype strains for three
Xanthomonas
species and pathovars with different host specificities, the
Hedera helix
L. pathogen
Xanthomonas hortorum
pv.
Genome Sequences of Five Bacteriophages Infecting the Marine
Roseobacter
Bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3
Authors: Zhan Yuanchao , Huang Sijun , Chen Feng
Published: September 2018

We report the complete genome sequences of five bacteriophages infecting
Ruegeria pomeroyi
DSS-3, a member of the marine
Roseobacter
lineage. The genomic sequences of these five bacteriophages are almost identical and are closely related to members of the
Chivirus
genus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serotype Derby, Associated with the Pork Sector in France
Authors: Sévellec Yann , Granier Sophie A. , Radomski Nicolas , Felten Arnaud , Le Hello Simon , Feurer Carole , Mistou Michel-Yves , Cadel-Six Sabrina
Published: September 2018

In the European Union,
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Derby is the most abundant serotype isolated from pork.
Draft Genome Assemblies of Five Robust Yarrowia lipolytica Strains Exhibiting High Lipid Production, Pentose Sugar Utilization, and Sugar Alcohol Secretion from Undetoxified Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolysates
Authors: Walker Caleb , Ryu Seunghyun , Na Hyunsoo , Zane Matthew , LaButti Kurt , Lipzen Anna , Haridas Sajeet , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor V. , Quarterman Joshua , Slininger Patricia , Dien Bruce , Trinh Cong T.
Published: September 2018

Screening the genetic diversity of 45
Yarrowia lipolytica
strains identified five candidates with unique metabolic capability and robustness in undetoxified switchgrass hydrolysates, including superior lipid production and efficient pentose sugar utilization. Here, we report the genome sequences of these strains to study their robustness and potential to produce fuels and chemicals.
Annotated Draft Genome Sequence of the Apple Scab Pathogen Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Passey Thomas A. J. , Armitage Andrew D. , Xu Xiangming
Published: September 2018

Apple scab is one of the most economically important diseases of apples worldwide. The disease is caused by the haploid ascomycete
Venturia inaequalis
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aquincola tertiaricarbonis MIMtkpLc11, an Aerobic Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacterial Strain Isolated from Biological Soil Crusts
Authors: Tang Kai , Yuan Bo , Zeng Yonghui , Jia Lijuan , Feng Fuying
Published: September 2018

Aquincola tertiaricarbonis
strain MIMtkpLc11 was isolated from biological soil crusts in Inner Mongolia, China. The strain contains photosynthesis gene clusters.
Three differently timed presentations of dermatomyositis associated with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Flynn Michael , Ottaway Zoe , Kaur Jasvinder , Waters Justin
Published: September 2018

Each of the three patients reported in this article presented with dermatomyositis at various stages of their advanced ovarian cancer. Dermatomyositis was the presenting feature and preceded the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by several months in one patient. In another patient, dermatomyositis occurred just prior to the scheduled third cycle of palliative chemotherapy after surgical debulking for stage 4 disease. The third patient presented with pathognomonic diagnostic features of dermatomyositis after ovarian cancer recurrence. Diagnosis was delayed in at least two of these patients; however, once appropriately diagnosed, each patient responded well to immunomodulatory treatment. In one patient, initiation of oral prednisolone seemed to correlate with a steady improvement in her proximal myopathy. A pulsed methylprednisolone approach was used in another patient with conversion to a tapering dose of oral prednisolone to good effect. In the patient in whom the most severe myopathy affecting bulbar muscle groups was demonstrated, an infusion of 5 days of intravenous immunoglobulin produced an eventual improvement in her steroid-refractory myopathy.
Role of feasibility and pilot studies in randomised controlled trials: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Blatch-Jones Amanda Jane , Pek Wei , Kirkpatrick Emma , Ashton-Key Martin
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To assess the value of pilot and feasibility studies to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. To explore the methodological components of pilot/feasibility studies and how they inform full RCTs.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Both groups included NIHR HTA programme funded studies in the period 1 January 2010–31 December 2014 (decision date). Group 1: stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies published in the HTA Journal or accepted for publication. Group 2: all funded RCT applications funded by the HTA programme, including reference to an internal and/or external pilot/feasibility study. The methodological components were assessed using an adapted framework from a previous study.

Main outcome measures

The proportion of stand-alone pilot and feasibility studies which recommended proceeding to full trial and what study elements were assessed. The proportion of ‘HTA funded’ trials which used internal and external pilot and feasibility studies to inform the design of the trial.

Results

Group 1 identified 15 stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies. Study elements most commonly assessed weretesting recruitment(100% in both groups),feasibility(83%, 100%) andsuggestions for further study/investigation(83%, 100%). Group 2 identified 161 ‘HTA funded’ applications: 59 cited an external pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(50%, 73%) andfeasibility(42%, 73%) were the most commonly reported study elements: 92 reported an internal pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(93%, 100%) andfeasibility(44%, 92%) were the most common study elements reported.

Conclusions

‘HTA funded’ research which includes pilot and feasibility studies assesses a variety of study elements. Pilot and feasibility studies serve an important role when determining the most appropriate trial design. However, how they are reported and in what context requires caution when interpreting the findings and delivering a definitive trial.
Cross-sectional associations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity on depression in Japanese older adults: an isotemporal substitution approach
Authors: Yasunaga Akitomo , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) and increasing physical activity (PA) have been shown to be associated with decreased depression. However, there are yet few studies examining the potential benefits on older adults’ depression, when SB is replaced with PA. This study aimed to examine the associations of objectively assessed SB, light-intensity PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) with depression among a sample of Japanese older adults, and to explore impacts of substituting SB with PA on older adults’ depression.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

General community.

Participants

A total of 276 older adults aged 65–85 years living in Japan.

Main outcome measures

Three behaviours including the average daily time spent in SB (≤1.5 METs); LPA (>1.5 to <3.0 METs) and MVPA (≥3.0 METs) per day were calculated by accelerometers. Depression was assessed using the Japanese version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).

Results

Less SB (β=0.129, 95% CI 0.015 to 0.243) and more LPA (β=−0.138, 95% CI −0.265 to −0.011) were found to be significantly and negatively associated with the GDS-15 score in the single-activity model. The isotemporal substitution model found that replacing only 30 min per day of SB with the same amount of LPA to be significantly and negatively associated with the GDS-15 score (β=−0.131, 95% CI −0.260 to −0.002).

Conclusions

These findings indicated that substituting even small amounts of SB with LPA may contribute to less depression in older adults. Potential favourable effects can be observed for replacing only 30 min per day of SB with LPA.
Inter-hospital transfer and patient outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mueller Stephanie , Zheng Jie , Orav Endel John , Schnipper Jeffrey L
Published: September 2018

Background

Inter-hospital transfer (IHT, the transfer of patients between hospitals) occurs regularly and exposes patients to risks of discontinuity of care, though outcomes of transferred patients remains largely understudied.

Objective

To evaluate the association between IHT and healthcare utilisation and clinical outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

CMS 2013 100 % Master Beneficiary Summary and Inpatient claims files merged with 2013 American Hospital Association data.

Participants

Beneficiaries≥age 65 enrolled in Medicare A and B, with an acute care hospitalisation claim in 2013 and 1 of 15 top disease categories.

Main outcome measures

Cost of hospitalisation, length of stay (LOS) (of entire hospitalisation), discharge home, 3 -day and 30- day mortality, in transferred vs non-transferred patients.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 53 420 transferred patients and 53 420 propensity-score matched non-transferred patients. Across all 15 disease categories, IHT was associated with significantly higher costs, longer LOS and lower odds of discharge home. Additionally, IHT was associated with lower propensity-matched odds of 3-day and/or 30- day mortality for some disease categories (acute myocardial infarction, stroke, sepsis, respiratory disease) and higher propensity-matched odds of mortality for other disease categories (oesophageal/gastrointestinal disease, renal failure, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, renal failure, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, hip fracture/dislocation, urinary tract infection and metabolic disease).

Conclusions

In this nationally representative study of Medicare beneficiaries, IHT was associated with higher costs, longer LOS and lower odds of discharge home, but was differentially associated with odds of early death and 30 -day mortality depending on patients’ disease category. These findings demonstrate heterogeneity among transferred patients depending on the diagnosis, presenting a nuanced assessment of this complex care transition.
Nomogram incorporating clinicopathological parameters to predict the survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhu Yuandong , Xu Wenxian , Zheng Xiao , Zheng Zhuojun
Published: September 2018

This study intended to present a practicable prognostic nomogram for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The clinical data of 281 patients were reviewed. A nomogram that could predict overall survival (OS) was constructed based on the Cox proportional hazard model. To compare the capacity of the nomogram with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) scoring systems, we used the concordance index (C-index) to validate the veracity and the calibration curve. Age, Eastern Cooperation Oncology Group, lactate dehydrogenase, white cell count and Ki-67 were independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis and were subsequently included in the nomogram construction. The C-index was 0.81 and 0.79 in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively, which were superior to the predictive capacity of the IPI and MIPI systems in both cohorts. The nomogram makes it possible for physicians to predict patient OS individually and correctly, but certain limitations are noted.
Using graphic illustrations to uncover how a community of practice can influence the delivery of compassionate healthcare
Authors: Parsons Trisha , Tregunno Deborah , Joneja Mala , Dalgarno Nancy , Flynn Leslie
Published: September 2018

Our modern-day frenetic healthcare culture has progressed to a state where healthcare professionals tend to detach themselves from the emotions of their patients/clients, rather than embed compassion into their daily practice. TheAMS Phoenix Project: A Call to Caringwas implemented with the goal to instil and sustain empathy and compassion in environments where clinicians learn and work. The purpose of this study is to report on how an interprofessional community of practice (CoP) of healthcare educators can contribute to a cultural shift in promoting and delivering compassion in healthcare through health professionals education. Using an imaginative creative autoethnography that adopts a narrative design through graphic illustrations, data were collected from 25 members of thePhoenix@Queen’sCoP during a 1-day retreat. Data collection included a graphic recorder who visually depicted all retreat dialogue, field notes that highlighted emergent themes and artefacts produced during the day. Audio recordings of the discussions were used as secondary sources of data. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged: the call to caring is a long and winding road with many barriers and rewards; CoP members experienced personal growth in and through the community; and thePhoenix@Queen’sCoP matters in terms of professional relationships, leadership and moving forward a shared agenda about practising compassionate healthcare. This study describes the development of a CoP that moves away from traditional committees and discussions to an experiential creation of connections and shared meaning by its members. By using autoethnography, and by demonstrating how graphic illustration can be an innovative and creative method for recording and interpreting group discussions, we have demonstrated the accelerated development of an authentic CoP. With a richer and more authentic community, the shared goals of healthcare professional educators are more likely to be achieved.
Survey to determine the farm‐level impact of Schmallenberg virus during the 2016–2017 United Kingdom lambing season
Authors: Stokes Jessica Eleanor , Tarlinton Rachael Eugenie , Lovatt Fiona , Baylis Matthew , Carson Amanda , Duncan Jennifer Sarah
Published: September 2018

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes abortions, stillbirths and fetal malformations in naïve ruminants. The impact of the initial outbreak (2011/2012) on British sheep farms has been previously investigated, with higher farmer perceived impacts and increased lamb and ewe mortality reported on SBV‐affected farms. After several years of low, or no, circulation the UK sheep flock once again became vulnerable to SBV infection. Re‐emergence was confirmed in autumn 2016. This study reports the analysis of a questionnaire designed to determine the farm‐level impact of SBV on the 2016/2017 UK lambing period. Higher neonatal lamb mortality, dystocia and associated ewe deaths, and higher perceived impacts on sheep welfare, flock financial performance and farmer emotional wellness were reported on SBV confirmed (n=59) and SBV suspected (n=82), than SBV not suspected (n=74) farms. Additionally, although few farmers (20.4 per cent) reported previously vaccinating against SBV, the majority (78.3 per cent) stated they would vaccinate if purchasing at less than £1 per dose. These results are largely comparable to the findings reported for the 2011/2012 outbreak, highlighting the ongoing impact of SBV on sheep farms. If SBV continues to re‐emerge cyclically, the economic and animal welfare costs to the UK sheep farming industry will continue.
A Monte Carlo appraisal of tree abundance and stand basal area estimation in forest inventories based on terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Corona P. , Di Biase R.M. , Fattorini L. , D’Amati M.
Published: September 2018

Non-detection of trees is an important issue when using single-scan TLS in forest inventories. A hybrid inference approach is adopted. Quoting from distance sampling, a detection function is assumed, so that the inclusion probability of each tree included within each plot can be determined. A simulation study is performed to compare the TLS-based estimators corrected and uncorrected for non-detection with the Horvitz–Thompson estimator based on conventional plot sampling, in which all the trees within plots are recorded. Results show that single-scan TLS provides more efficient estimators with respect to those provided by the conventional plot sampling in the case of low-density forests when no distance sampling correction is performed. In low-density forests, uncorrected estimators lead to a small bias (1%–6%), increasing with plot size. Therefore, care must be taken in enlarging the plot radius too much. The bias increases in forests with clustered spatial structures and in dense forests, where the bias levels (30%–50%) deteriorate the performance of uncorrected estimators. Even if the bias-corrected estimators prove to be effective in reducing the bias (below 15%), these reductions are not sufficient to outperform conventional plot sampling. Therefore, there is no convenience in using TLS-based estimation in high-density forests.