bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The model of “School of Ecological Culture”: development of children’s values of environmental ethics
Authors: Wagner Irina
Published: November 2018

Ecological culture of an individual is considered as the goal of education, a set of ecologically developed emotionally-sensual, intellectual, and activity spheres of personality. Approaches to modeling the process of education of ecological culture in the general education school are defined. The methodological basis is formed by axiological and culturological approaches, ideas about the co-evolution of Person and Nature, ecological ethics, ecological values, ideals of harmony of Person and Nature, replacing anthropocentrism, as well as relevant attitudes of consumer culture for competent nature management. The School of Ecological Culture is considered in the article as a development space for schoolchildren of positive ecological experience as being necessary for the development of a creative moral and ecological position in children. The education of ecological culture is a system-forming direction that integrates all the directions of educational activity. The structural-functional level of the model, approaches to the organization of the educational process are also reviewed by the paper. The main indicators of the effectiveness of the implementation of the model of education of the ecological culture of schoolchildren.
Practice as a component of professional training of the elementary school teachers
Authors: Ulyanitskaya Тatyana
Published: November 2018

In this article, the author considers practical training as an independent component of the general system of vocational training for future teachers, as well as goals and objectives, the structure, content, and organization of the practice of future primary school teachers and English speakers.
Interdisciplinary transforming of the functions of pedagogical comparativistics
Authors: Naydenova Natalia , Tagunova Irina , Sukhin Igor
Published: November 2018

The article presents a classification of interdisciplinary transformations of the functions of comparative pedagogy in the information age. The problem of transforming comparative pedagogy into pedagogical comparativistics was studied. The key functions of pedagogical comparativistics are revealed. Classification is considered in the evolutionary key. In the classification of the transformation of key functions, four types of evolutionary transformations were defined: 1) divergent, 2) parallel, 3) co-evolutionary, 4) convergent. Thus, the authors pointed to hybrid transformations under the influence of other sciences: cognitive neuroscience, mathematics, psychology, statistics, evaluation of results in social sciences, informatics and others. The main function was recognized as a comparative function that combines together analytical, representative, instrumental, evaluation and prognostic functions into a single whole.
M. D. Chulkov’s novel “The comely cook or a Dissolute Woman’s Progress”: Onomatopoeia and mythological implication
Authors: Dudareva M. A. , Katsuba L. B.
Published: November 2018

The meaning of proper names always attracted the scientists of different humanitarian spheres. The researchers of literary texts also paid much attention to the names of characters since special semantics is hidden in such names. In this article we deal with M. D. Chulkov’s novel written in the 18th century. Here the linguistic and cultural analysis of the names in the novel “The Comely Cook or A Dissolute Woman’s Progress” has been made. The parallels with the Russian folklore tradition help to highlight the mythopoeic implied sense of this work.
Problems of definition and classification of fantasy: Western European and Slavonic perspectives
Authors: Ryzhchenko Olga
Published: November 2018

The article deals with the problem of definition and classification of literary works marked as fantasy. Being quite a modern genre, fantasy, on the one hand, has become quite a popular literature among groups of people of different ages and occupations that leads to the rising attention of theorists of literature and literary critics. But, on the other hand, this literary genre is still not studied and described well enough. Therefore, literary studies do not have conventional definition or classification of the genre. Examining famous fantasy works by J. Tolkien (“The Lord of the Rings”), J. Martin (“The Song of Ice and Flame”) and M. and S. Dyachenko (“Wanderers”), we managed to accentuate typical featured of the genre and define it. Comparing Western European and Slavonic fantasy, we came to a conclusion that this genre combines such necessary features as mythological basis, adventure intrigue, the division of the heroes into possessing superpowers and not possessing such ones, the presence of magical artefacts, opposition to the evil on a global scale. Speaking about classification of the genre we can point out two subgroups such as leaning towards the mythological basis and folklore and leaning towards the historical basis.
Electronic literary text: cohesion and coherence aspects
Authors: Kuchina Svetlana
Published: November 2018

The article deals with the questions of electronic literary text cohesion and coherence specifity. Development of informational and communicational technologies in modern world transformed the text materiality. Nowadays its basic categories relate mostly to the electronic communication features. Electronic text became significant in all spheres of human communication. This factor makes this phenomenon relevant for the research and educational options on the topic. The research materials include several electronic texts (based on different platforms and technologies such as Adobe Flash, Scalar, HTML 5) that demonstrate the use of conceptually valid poly-code elements in their semantic structure. The basic characteristics of the text (printed or electronic) are the categories of cohesion and coherence. The cohesion specifity results from dual (verbal and non-verbal) structure of electronic literary text. The author suggests that the structural aspect of the electronic literary text semantic cohesion is not isolated from the other types of verbal and nonverbal elements correlations because it is not semantic self-contained and complete. The semantic cohesion of electronic literary text poly-code elements is usually represented in both structural and identifying aspects.
Linkages creation and economic diversification: The case of Muslim countries
Authors: Al-Roubaie Amer
Published: November 2018

Economic diversification increases the ability of the economy to produce goods and services. In developing countries, including oil producers, high degree of dependence on limited number of commodities for exports could make the economy vulnerable to changes in global markets. Recent decline in oil prices has been responsible for budget deficits, inflation, unemployment, currency devaluation and financial instability. Economic diversification balances development by reducing the risk of high degree of trade concentration. This paper highlights the importance of economic diversification for promoting development in Muslim countries. Restructuring the productive system through knowledge creation, innovation and industrialization allows the economy to generate linkages and stimulates sectoral productivity. The paper examines the causes and consequences of high dependency on trade. Muslim countries must initiate policies to increase cooperation, invest in human capital, attract FDI and increase integration in the digital economy.
The effect of perceived value-in-use in advocacy behavior of private higher education institutions in Malaysia: A conceptual paper
Authors: Karunanayaka DP Christabel , Arokiasamy Lawrence , Masri Ridzuan
Published: November 2018

In recent years, there has great deal of attention towards customer value since the concept of value creation prompted in the Service-Dominant (S-D) Logic in marketing theory (Vargo & Lusch, 2004). With that, one of the aspects that is crucial is building and maintaining relationships that prepares customers for future co-creations. In context of higher education institutions (HEIs), students move from one life cycle stage to another, thereby needs and expectations also evolve, and when they graduate, it may dissolve. With service innovations, a smart active relationship between students and HEIs should be part of any institutions internal branding efforts. As institutions delve into relationship with students, their focus on co-creation with an aim to translate students to advocates, someone who will spread the positive word-of-mouth, defend the brand, and most importantly to feel a sense of responsibility to represent the brand, when need arises. This calls for HEIs to not only manage exchange processes in their internal branding efforts, but also focus on students’ perceived value-in-use (ViU). The purpose of this paper is to explore perceived ViU of students at private HEIs, from the effects of extra-role behavior, trust, self-brand connection and brand prominence towards influencing students to engage in advocacy behavior.
The influence of Internet of Things on employee’s engagement among generation Y at the workplace
Authors: Mohamad Nor Nur ‘Izzah , Arokiasamy Lawrence , Balaraman Rani Ann
Published: November 2018

This study provides the analysis of the influences Internet of Things (IoT) have towards employee engagement among generation Y in the workplace. Due to the declining levels of engagement among employees, especially among generation Y, a study of the influences towards the engagement levels are crucial. IoT is used for our daily activities thus, it acts as an influencer. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and employee engagement model, the conceptual model for the research is developed. A total of 384 respondents are targeted for the research. The responses will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software. The aspects of performance expectancy of IoT, effort expectancy of IoT, facilitating conditions for IoT, attitude towards using IoT and the perceived enjoyment towards IoT are the focus of this research. The use of IoT has a mediating role in the model. The research will contribute towards the development and performances of organizations.
Blue Ocean Leadership and Emotional Intelligence in Government Link Companies (GLCs): Preparing for Industry 4.0
Authors: Hanafi Wan Noordiana Wan , Daud Salina , Baharin Nur Lyana
Published: November 2018

This research is carried out to examine the influences of blue ocean leadership styles on emotional intelligence. A stratified random sampling technique is used to identify the sample for this study. Questionnaire is distributed to 120 middle to top level leaders from the selected government link companies (GLCs) which is listed in the Government Link Transformation Programme (GLTP). A partial least square structural model (PLS-SEM) approach is used to analyses the data for this study. The findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between blue ocean leadership style and emotional intelligence. This study would give practical implications where it could inform leaders that they need to have high emotional intelligence in order to lead the organization. This study also contributes to new knowledge by pointing to the leadership role of accurate attributions, where each attribution can lead to enhancing leader effectiveness.
Häufige Hautbefunde in der Praxis
Authors: Koushk Jalali Bijan , Tigges Christian , Lehmann Percy , Kreuter Alexander
Published: November 2018

Diseases of the skin are the cause of approximately one fifth of outpatient visits to general practitioners (GPs) in Germany. GPs are expected to be competent in both knowledge and skills required to manage dermatological diseases, but making the correct diagnosis can be challenging facing the broad clinical spectrum of dermatological disorders. Knowledge of morphological characteristics is essential in the accurate diagnosis of a dermatological condition and to ensure optimal patient care. The objective of this dossier is to provide an overview of common dermatological diseases in daily routine, with a focus on acute and chronic-inflammatory dermatoses. The most important dermatological diseases were sorted by three anatomic regions (face, trunk and lower leg), and an overview on the respective differential diagnoses is provided.
Direct Asymmetric α-Hydroxylation of Cyclic α-Branched Ketones through Enol Catalysis
Authors: List Benjamin , Shevchenko Grigory , Pupo Gabriele
Published: November 2018

Enantiopure α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds are common scaffolds in natural products and pharmaceuticals. Although indirect approaches towards their synthesis are known, direct asymmetric methodologies are scarce. Herein, we report the first direct asymmetric α-hydroxylation of α-branched ketones through enol catalysis, enabling a facile access to valuable α-keto tertiary alcohols. The transformation, characterized by the use of nitrosobenzene as the oxidant and a new chiral phosphoric acid as the catalyst, delivers a good scope and excellent enantioselectivities.
Exercise in Pregnancy: The Impact of an Intervention Program in the Duration of Labor and Mode of Delivery
Authors: Ferreira Cátia Liliana Martins , Guerra Cláudia Maria Lopes , Silva Ana Isabel Teixeira Jesus , do Rosário Helena Rafaela Vieira , Pereira Maria Beatriz Ferreira Leite de Oliveira
Published: November 2018

Objective To access the benefits or harms of an exercise program, based on the current American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, on the mode of delivery, duration and onset of labor.

Methods A study performed at the Hospital Senhora da Oliveira between October 2015 and February 2017. This was a quasi-experimental study involving 255 women divided into two groups: an intervention group engaged in a controlled and supervised exercise program during pregnancy (n = 99), and a control group that did not participate in the exercise program (n = 156). Data were collected in two stages: during the 1st trimester biochemical screening (before the beginning of the program), through a written questionnaire, and after delivery, from the medical files of the patients. The significance level in the present study was 5% (p = 0.05).

Results The control group had higher odds of induced labor (odds ratio [OR] 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–5.17; p = 0.003), when compared with women who underwent the intervention. No differences were found between the groups in instrumental vaginal deliveries, cesarean rate, time until the beginning of the active phase, duration of the active phase, and duration of the second stage of labor.

Conclusion The implementation of a controlled and supervised exercise program in pregnancy was associated with significantly lower odds of induced deliveries.
Female Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Review of the Related Factors and Overall Approach
Authors: Dias-Amaral Ana , Marques-Pinto André
Published: November 2018

Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) can be an extremely bothersome condition for patients, and a tough challenge for professionals regarding its assessment and treatment. The goal of the present paper is to review the etiology, assessment, and treatment of GPPPD, especially focusing on the cognitive aspects of the disease and cognitive-behavioral treatment options, through a non-systematic review of articles indexed to the Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the following MeSH queries: pelvic pain; dyspareunia; vaginismus; vulvodynia; and cognitive therapy. Altogether, 36 articles discussing the etiology, diagnosis and management of GPPPD were selected. We provide an overview of GPPPD based on biological, psychological and relational factors, emphasizing the last two. We also summarize the available medical treatments and provide strategies to approach the psychological trigger and persisting factors for the patient and the partner. Professionals should be familiarized with the factors underlining the problem, and should be able to provide helpful suggestions to guide the couple out of the GPPPD fear-avoidance circle.
Innovative strategies under changing diabetes barometer in building diabetes registry in Puducherry
Authors: Raman K.
Published: November 2018

Diabetes is continuing to be a huge burden in India with more than 60 million people suffering from it. Managing the growing menace of diabetes, we need to establish proper system and strategy in place. Despite a wealth of literature on prevalence, reliable data on the registry of diabetes is lacking in most parts of the world including India. Without such data, the fight against diabetes is being driven in the dark. The current national or state initiatives in the collection of data are incongruent and call for a concerted approach to gather information and track progress. In this prospect, the initiative taken by Government of Puducherry in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Education Foundation is highly innovative as it ensures whole population coverage, introduction of unique identity for each people, automated data processing, and web-based information system along with effective diabetes management.
Long range intrinsic ferromagnetism in two dimensional materials and dissipationless future technologies
Authors: Shabbir Babar , Nadeem Muhammad , Dai Zhigao , Fuhrer Michael S. , Xue Qi-Kun , Wang Xiaolin , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: November 2018

The inherent susceptibility of low-dimensional materials to thermal fluctuations has long been expected to pose a major challenge to achieve intrinsic long-range ferromagnetic order in two-dimensional materials. The recent explosion of interest in atomically thin materials and their assembly into van der Waals heterostructures has renewed interest in two-dimensional ferromagnetism, which is interesting from a fundamental scientific point of view and also offers a missing ingredient necessary for the realization of spintronic functionality in van der Waals heterostructures. Recently, several atomically thin materials have been shown to be robust ferromagnets. Such ferromagnetism is thought to be enabled by magnetocrystalline anisotropy which suppresses thermal fluctuations. In this article, we review recent progress in two-dimensional ferromagnetism in detail and predict new possible two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials. We also discuss the prospects for applications of atomically thin ferromagnets in novel dissipationless electronics, spintronics, and other conventional magnetic technologies. Particularly, atomically thin ferromagnets are promising to realize time reversal symmetry breaking in two-dimensional topological systems, providing a platform for electronic devices based on the quantum anomalous Hall effect showing dissipationless transport. Our proposed directions will assist the scientific community to explore novel two-dimensional ferromagnetic families which can spawn new technologies and further improve the fundamental understanding of this fascinating area.
Heavily tin-doped indium oxide nano-pyramids as high-performance gas sensor
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Yuantao , Wang Zuming , Li Yufeng , Ding Wen , Wang Tao , Yun Feng
Published: November 2018

Heavily Sn-doped In2O3nano-pyramids with a Sn percentage of 19.97% by weight have been prepared by sputtering technique. The nano-pyramids with smooth facets and a sharp tip have been achieved by deposition on Sn-metal particles, leading to a diameter of ∼100nm. The gas sensors realized from these pyramids are highly sensitive to ethanol gas, and the sensitivity is about 133.99 against 200ppm ethanol at 250°C. Good sensitivity characteristics have been obtained even at a low temperature of down to 50°C. The high response and low working temperature demonstrate the potential application of heavily Sn-doped In2O3 nano-pyramids for fabricating gas sensors.
Vanillic acid mitigates the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in rat model through prevention of airway inflammation
Authors: Bai Feng , Fang Liyun , Hu Huizhong , Yang Yang , Feng Xianxian , Sun Daqing
Published: November 2018

Asthma is a chronic allergic ailment affecting a considerably large population of the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ameliorative effects of vanillic acid against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in rat model. Asthma was induced in Sprague Dawley rats and vanillic acid was orally administered at 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Rats challenged with OVA showed heavy signs of airway inflammation and remodeling similar to chronic asthma, evidenced by the increased differential cell counts and presence of inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), along with elevated serum immunoglobulin levels, and the histological results. However, vanillic acid dose-dependently attenuated the manifestation of OVA-induced asthma (p < 0.05) through suppression of inflammatory mediators and modulation of immunoglobulin levels in rats. The asthma mitigating properties of vanillic acid might be due to suppression of oxidative stress and prevention of lung airway inflammation.
Inhibition of mRNA processing activity from ginger-, clove- and cinnamon-extract, and by two ginger constituents, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol
Authors: Morimoto Mari , Mitsukawa Mizuki , Fujiwara Chisato , Kawamura Yukio , Masuda Seiji
Published: November 2018

Inhibition of mRNA processing, including splicing in the nucleus, is a potential anti-cancer candidate. To obtain mRNA processing inhibitors, we have screened for active constituents from spices. Ginger, clove, and cinnamon showed an inhibitory effect on mRNA processing in the nucleus. Two components in ginger, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, exhibited the inhibition of mRNA processing.
The influence of biological maturity on motor performance among habitually barefoot versus habitually shod adolescents
Authors: John Cornelius , Hollander Karsten , Elsabe de Villiers Johanna , Hamacher Daniel , Venter Ranel , Zech Astrid
Published: November 2018

Biological maturation is associated with physiological changes which in turn affect motor performance. No study has assessed the association between growing up habitually shod versus habitually barefoot and motor performance in the context of maturation, so this approach is unique. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of biological maturity on motor performance dependent on the participants’ footwear habits. Sixty‐five German habitually shod (mean age 13.28 ± 0.83 years) and fifty‐five South African habitually barefoot (mean age 13.38 ± 0.87 years) participants were included. Dynamic postural control was determined via backward balancing, explosive strength by standing long jump and sprinting performance based on a 20‐m sprinting test. All tests were performed barefoot and shod. Biological maturation was calculated by using the maturity offset value. Linear mixed models were used to analyse interactions between the maturity offset value, footwear habits and motor performance. Throughout maturation, there was a significant difference between habitually barefoot and habitually shod balance performance (P = 0.001). Maturation led to balance improvements in habitually barefoot adolescents, but not in habitually shod adolescents. No such differences could be observed for standing long jump and 20‐m sprint performance. Maturity offset was a significant predictor for jumping and sprinting performances (P < 0.001), independent of being habitually barefoot or habitually shod. Better performances could be observed in more mature subjects. Biological maturation seems to be a relevant predictor for motor performance characteristics for the jumping and sprinting performance in adolescents.
Extending the production boundary of the System of National Accounts (SNA) to classify and account for ecosystem services
Authors: Eigenraam Mark , Obst Carl
Published: November 2018

There is a broad acceptance to depicting the relationship between ecosystems and human well-being using the concept of ecosystem services, emanating in large from the findings and research published in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in 2005 . While the generic concept of ecosystem services provides an excellent platform for discussion, the ongoing lack of clarity surrounding the definition, classification and measurement of ecosystem services, is emerging as a barrier to more extensive collaboration across disciplines.

This paper applies the principles of national accounting to bring additional rigor and consistency to the discussion on ecosystem services. In this paper we revisit four fundamental aspects of the System of National Accounts (SNA) that underpin the measurement of the economy, namely, the definition of economic units; the definition of production; the recording of transactions and the recording assets. By considering each of these aspects in the context of the United Nations’ System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, the paper presents a framework to describe the relationship between ecosystems and human activity that can then be used to consistently define, classify, measure and account for ecosystem services.
Non-enforcement as a technique of governance – The case of rental housing in the Netherlands
Authors: Huisman Carla J.
Published: November 2018

When governments systematically fail to ensure that a policy is implemented, while at the same time keeping that policy in place, this can result in a reality where certain regulations are simultaneously officially present but informally absent. In this paper, I derive from the case of rental housing in the Netherlands that such non-enforcement can be understood as a technique of governance. Here, rules on security of tenure, rent ceilings and maintenance are in theory strong, but in practice knowledge of these regulations is almost non-existent, and enforcement is so weak that the rules have become largely meaningless. Through analysing political and bureaucratic documents, and drawing on my previous ethnographic research, I argue that keeping regulations in place that are largely unknown to citizens and unenforced by authorities can function as a policy mechanism in its own right, as a method to secure and transmit the objectives of government in a more subtle way than explicit, top-down exertion of power. I conclude that non-enforcement as a technique of governance, previously overlooked by most research, deserves our attention, not just because of its effects on policy processes but also because of its impact on citizens.
Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate regulates the transition betweentrans-SNARE complex formation and vacuole membrane fusion
Authors: Miner Gregory E. , Sullivan Katherine D. , Guo Annie , Jones Brandon C. , Hurst Logan R. , Ellis Ez C. , Starr Matthew L. , Fratti Rutilio A.
Published: November 2018

Phosphoinositides (PIs) regulate a myriad of cellular functions including membrane fusion, as exemplified by the yeast vacuole, which uses various PIs at different stages of fusion. In light of this, the effect of phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P2) on vacuole fusion remains unknown. PI(3,5)P2is made by the PI3P 5-kinase Fab1 and has been characterized as a regulator of vacuole fission during hyperosmotic shock, where it interacts with the TRP Ca2+channel Yvc1. Here we demonstrate that exogenously added dioctanoyl (C8) PI(3,5)P2abolishes homotypic vacuole fusion. This effect was not linked to Yvc1, as fusion was equally affected using yvc1Δ vacuoles. Thus, the effects of C8-PI(3,5)P2on fusion and fission operate through distinct mechanisms. Further testing showed that C8-PI(3,5)P2inhibited vacuole fusion after trans-SNARE pairing. Although SNARE complex formation was unaffected, we found that C8-PI(3,5)P2blocked outer leaflet lipid mixing. Overproduction of endogenous PI(3,5)P2by the fab1T2250Ahyperactive kinase mutant also inhibited the lipid mixing stage, bolstering the model in which PI(3,5)P2inhibits fusion when present at elevated levels. Taken together, this work identifies a novel function for PI(3,5)P2as a regulator of vacuolar fusion. Moreover, it suggests that this lipid acts as a molecular switch between fission and fusion.
Semi-supervised learning of Hidden Markov Models for biological sequence analysis
Authors: Tamposis Ioannis A , Tsirigos Konstantinos D , Theodoropoulou Margarita C , Kontou Panagiota I , Bagos Pantelis G
Published: November 2018

Motivation

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are probabilistic models widely used in applications in computational sequence analysis. HMMs are basically unsupervised models. However, in the most important applications, they are trained in a supervised manner. Training examples accompanied by labels corresponding to different classes are given as input and the set of parameters that maximize the joint probability of sequences and labels is estimated. A main problem with this approach is that, in the majority of the cases, labels are hard to find and thus the amount of training data is limited. On the other hand, there are plenty of unclassified (unlabeled) sequences deposited in the public databases that could potentially contribute to the training procedure. This approach is called semi-supervised learning and could be very helpful in many applications.

Results

We propose here, a method for semi-supervised learning of HMMs that can incorporate labeled, unlabeled and partially labeled data in a straightforward manner. The algorithm is based on a variant of the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm, where the missing labels of the unlabeled or partially labeled data are considered as the missing data. We apply the algorithm to several biological problems, namely, for the prediction of transmembrane protein topology for alpha-helical and beta-barrel membrane proteins and for the prediction of archaeal signal peptides. The results are very promising, since the algorithms presented here can significantly improve the prediction performance of even the top-scoring classifiers.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GRNBoost2 and Arboreto: efficient and scalable inference of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Moerman Thomas , Aibar Santos Sara , Bravo González-Blas Carmen , Simm Jaak , Moreau Yves , Aerts Jan , Aerts Stein
Published: November 2018

Inferring a Gene Regulatory Network (GRN) from gene expression data is a computationally expensive task, exacerbated by increasing data sizes due to advances in high-throughput gene profiling technology, such as single-cell RNA-seq. To equip researchers with a toolset to infer GRNs from large expression datasets, we propose GRNBoost2 and the Arboreto framework. GRNBoost2 is an efficient algorithm for regulatory network inference using gradient boosting, based on the GENIE3 architecture. Arboreto is a computational framework that scales up GRN inference algorithms complying with this architecture. Arboreto includes both GRNBoost2 and an improved implementation of GENIE3, as a user-friendly open source Python package.

Availability and implementation

Arboreto is available under the 3-Clause BSD license at http://arboreto.readthedocs.io.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Detection of Structural Defects in Fabric Parts Using a Novel Edge Detection Method
Authors: Dhivya M , Renuka Devi M
Published: November 2018

A fabric fault detection scheme is implemented in this work using frame harmonizing-based approach. Many recent research works deliver the fabric defect detection techniques. But in the textiles industry, the fast process of fabric cutting and sewing, lots of auxiliary imperfections have emerged. Particularly these defects cannot be identified easily by experts as well as an automated system. In our system, a novel frame extraction technique is used to find the defects in the fabric production pipeline. The input fabric image frame is pre-processed by transformation and filtering techniques. In this work,a novel multi-directional and multi-scale outline extraction method is proposed to extract the edge map. Contour-based features are extracted and classified by K-nearest neighbor classifier. The experimentation with real-time dataset produced the outstanding performance results when compared with state of the art methods.
A Molecular Targeted Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Ulcerative Colitis via Dual-targeting Nanoparticles Delivering miR-146b to Intestinal Macrophages
Authors: Deng Feihong , He Shuying , Cui Shudan , Shi Yanqiang , Tan Yuyong , Li Zhijun , Huang Chongyang , Liu Deliang , Zhi Fachao , Peng Liang
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims

Macrophages are a promising therapeutic target for intestinal mucosal repair. MiR-146b appears to control macrophage activation and cell proliferation.

Methods

By loading miR-146b mimic on mannose-modified trimethyl chitosan [MTC]-conjugated nanoparticles [NPs] [MTC-miR146b], a molecular targeted immunotherapeutic approach was developed to selectively target intestinal macrophages for mucosal regeneration and tumourigenesis in mouse models.

Results

We first confirmed that miR-146b expression was significantly enhanced during mucosal regeneration in a murine colitis model. Moreover， after mucosal damage, MTC-miR146b mimic-treated wild-type mice had dramatically restored body weight and mucosal barrier function compared with MTC-NC treated mice. Strikingly, MTC-miR146b mimic oral administration protected miR-146b-deficient mice from dextran sodium sulphate [DSS] injury and the colitis-associated cancer process. Mechanistically, miR-146b strongly inhibited M1 macrophage activation by suppressing the Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4] signalling pathway, resulting in the repression of the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. More importantly, miR-146b overexpression in bone marrow-derived macrophages [BMDMs] in M1 differentiation conditions induced a phenotype similar to M2 macrophages and improved the proliferation of co-cultured colonic epithelial cells via STAT3-dependent IL-10 production.

Conclusions

MTC-miR146b should be regarded as an effective candidate for oral delivery and could improve the efficacy of immunotherapies for ulcerative colitis and colitis-associated cancer.
Does long-term use of pain relievers have an impact on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement? A systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G , Athanasiou Athanasios E
Published: November 2018

Background

Pain relief drugs are used and misused widely and may theoretically affect the events leading to orthodontic tooth movement.

Objective

To systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the available evidence regarding the effect of pain relief medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.

Search methods

Search without restrictions in eight databases (including grey literature) and hand searching until October 2018.

Selection criteria

Animal controlled studies investigating the effect of pain relievers on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.

Data collection and analysis

Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool.

Results

Fourteen studies were finally identified, most of which at unclear risk of bias. Ibuprofen and loxoprofen did not show any significant effects on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement, whereas indomethacin, ketorolac, morphine, and high doses of etoricoxib were found to decrease it. Inconsistent or conflicting effects were noted after the administration of acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, celecoxib, meloxicam, and tramadol. The quality of the available evidence was considered at best as low.

Conclusions

Long-term consumption of pain relievers may affect the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. The orthodontist should be capable of identifying patients taking pain relievers independently of orthodontic treatment and consider the possible implications.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42017078208).
Body Flexibility Enhances Maneuverability in the World’s Largest Predator
Authors: Segre P S , Cade D E , Calambokidis J , Fish F E , Friedlaender A S , Potvin J , Goldbogen J A
Published: November 2018

Blue whales are often characterized as highly stable, open-ocean swimmers who sacrifice maneuverability for long-distance cruising performance. However, recent studies have revealed that blue whales actually exhibit surprisingly complex underwater behaviors, yet little is known about the performance and control of these maneuvers. Here, we use multi-sensor biologgers equipped with cameras to quantify the locomotor dynamics and the movement of the control surfaces used by foraging blue whales. Our results revealed that simple maneuvers (rolls, turns, and pitch changes) are performed using distinct combinations of control and power provided by the flippers, the flukes, and bending of the body, while complex trajectories are structured by combining sequences of simple maneuvers. Furthermore, blue whales improve their turning performance by using complex banked turns to take advantage of their substantial dorso-ventral flexibility. These results illustrate the important role body flexibility plays in enhancing control and performance of maneuvers, even in the largest of animals. The use of the body to supplement the performance of the hydrodynamically active surfaces may represent a new mechanism in the control of aquatic locomotion.
Direct detection of quasar feedback via the Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect
Authors: Lacy Mark , Mason Brian , Sarazin Craig , Chatterjee Suchetana , Nyland Kristina , Kimball Amy , Rocha Graca , Rowe Barnaby , Surace Jason
Published: November 2018

The nature and energetics of feedback from thermal winds in quasars can be constrained via observations of the Sunyaev–Zeldovich Effect (SZE) induced by the bubble of thermal plasma blown into the intergalactic medium by the quasar wind. In this letter, we present evidence that we have made the first detection of such a bubble, associated with the hyperluminous quasar HE 0515-4414. The SZE detection is corroborated by the presence of extended emission line gas at the same position angle as the wind. Our detection appears on only one side of the quasar, consistent with the SZE signal arising from a combination of thermal and kinetic contributions. Estimates of the energy in the wind allow us to constrain the wind luminosity to the lower end of theoretical predictions, ∼0.01 per cent of the bolometric luminosity of the quasar. However, the age we estimate for the bubble, ∼0.1 Gyr, and the long cooling time, ∼0.6 Gyr, means that such bubbles may be effective at providing feedback between bursts of quasar activity.
Very long baseline interferometry radio structure and radio brightening of the high-energy neutrino emitting blazar TXS 0506+056
Authors: Kun E , Biermann P L , Gergely L Á
Published: November 2018

We report on the radio brightening of the blazar TXS 0506+056 (at z = 0.3365), and we support its identification by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory as a source of the high-energy (HE) neutrino IC-170922A. Data from the Monitoring Of Jets in AGN with VLBA Experiments (MOJAVE)/Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) survey indicate that its radio brightness has abruptly increased since 2016 January. When decomposing the total radio flux density curve (in the period 2008 January to 2018 July), provided by the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, into eight Gaussian flares, the peak time of the largest flare overlaps with the HE neutrino detection, while the total flux density has exhibited a threefold increase since 2016 January. We reveal the radio structure of TXS 0506+056 by analysing very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) data from the MOJAVE/VLBA survey. The jet components maintain quasi-stationary core separations. The structure of the ridge line is indicative of a jet curve in the region 0.5–2 mas (2.5–9.9 pc projected) from the VLBI core. The brightness temperature of the core and the pc-scale radio morphology support a helical jet structure at small inclination angle (<8${^{\circ}_{.}}$2). The jet pointing towards the Earth is a key property facilitating multimessenger observations (HE neutrinos, γ-rays and radio flares). The radio brightening preceding the detection of a HE neutrino is similar to the one reported for the blazar PKS 0723–008 and IceCube event ID5.
Utility of Columbia classification in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: renal prognosis and treatment response among the pathological variants
Authors: Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Matsukuma Yuta , Ueki Kenji , Tanaka Shigeru , Masutani Kosuke , Nakagawa Kaneyasu , Mitsuiki Koji , Uesugi Noriko , Katafuchi Ritsuko , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Nakano Toshiaki , Kitazono Takanari
Published: November 2018

Background

The utility of the Columbia classification (Col-class) for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has not yet been fully proven.

Methods

We extracted 201 FSGS patients from 10 nephrology centers in Japan and investigated the difference of a composite renal endpoint, defined as doubling of serum creatinine and/or development of end-stage renal disease, in pathological variants. Sensitivity analysis was used to prove the utility of the Col-class to predict renal outcomes. Additionally, the renal protective effects of steroids and/or immunosuppression (steroid/IS) were investigated in patients stratified according to the Col-class.

Results

The patients were classified into the following variants: not otherwise specified [NOS; n = 121 (60.1%)], perihilar [n = 31 (15.4%)], cellular [n = 19 (9.5%)], tip [n = 17 (8.5%)] and collapsing [n = 13 (6.5%)]. No tip variant patients reached the renal endpoint. The renal outcome in the collapsing variant was significantly poorer than that in the NOS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.71; P = 0.005]. In the sensitivity analysis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the renal endpoint was increased by adding Col-class to a model including common risk factors (P = 0.021). In a subgroup treated without steroid/IS, the outcome in the cellular variant was worse than that in the NOS (HR 5.10; P = 0.040) but the difference was not observed in the subgroup with steroid/IS (HR 0.54; P = 0.539).

Conclusions

The Col-class is useful to predict renal prognosis in Japanese patients with FSGS. In addition to good prognosis in the tip variant and poor in the collapsing variant, good clinical course in the cellular variant treated with steroid/IS was suggested.
Effects of low-moisture, sugarcane molasses-based block supplementation on growth, physiological parameters, and liver trace mineral status of growing beef heifers fed low-quality, warm-season forage
Authors: Moriel Philipe , Artioli Luís F A , Piccolo Matheus B , Miranda Miguel , Ranches Juliana , Ferreira Vitor S M , Antunes Lorenzo Q , Bega Amanda M , Miranda Victor F B , Vieira José F R L , Vasconcelos José L M
Published: November 2018

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the growth, physiological parameters, and liver trace mineral status of beef heifers provided low-quality warm-season forage and different forms (meal vs. block) of trace mineral-fortified supplementation. One hundred yearling Nellore heifers were blocked by initial body weight (BW) (184 ± 2.5 kg) and randomly assigned into 1 of 20 drylot pens (5 heifers/pen). Treatments were randomly assigned to pens (5 pens/treatment) and consisted of heifers receiving: 1) a loose meal trace mineral supplement (TM; De Heus Animal Nutrition Industry); 2) free choice access to a low-moisture, cooked sugarcane molasses-based protein block (LMB); 3) isocaloric and isonitrogenous, loose meal protein supplement pair-fed to LMB supplement dry matter (DM) intake (PSPF); and (4) loose meal protein supplement offered at 0.2% of BW (PS). Supplements were formulated to achieve same daily intake of supplemental trace mineral among treatments. Hence, TM supplement was offered at 66.6% of the supplement DMI of LMB heifers. Heifers were offered free choice access to water and ground brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha) hay from day 0 to 45. Overall average daily gain from day 0 to 45 was the least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.05) and did not differ among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers (P ≥ 0.60). Daily hay DMI did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.63). Total intake of DM and TDN were least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.03) and did not differ (P ≥ 0.66) among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers. Total supplemental intake of crude protein (CP) and rumen degradable protein (RDP) and total intake of CP and RDP (supplement + hay) were least for TM and greatest for PS heifers (P ≤ 0.05), and intermediate for LMB and PSPF heifers (P ≥ 0.70). Effects of treatment × day and treatment were not detected (P ≥ 0.61) for plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Effects of treatment were detected for plasma concentrations of PUN (P = 0.005) and tended to be detected for plasma concentrations of glucose (P = 0.08), which were least for TM heifers (P ≤ 0.03) and did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) among LMB, PSPF, and PS heifers. Trace mineral intake and liver concentrations of all trace minerals did not differ (P ≥ 0.13) among treatments. Hence, the use of LMB supplementation resulted in positive effects on growth without impacting trace mineral status compared to a loose meal trace mineral salt, and similar growth performance and trace mineral status compared to a conventional protein supplementation offered at 0.2% of body weight.
Implications of Failure to Achieve a Result From Prenatal Maternal Serum Cell-Free DNA Testing: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Chan N. , Smet M.-E. , Sandow R. , da Silva Costa F. , McLennan A.
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from BJOG 2018;125:848–855)

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) involves the analysis of cell-free DNA fragments in maternal serum. During pregnancy, cell-free DNA consists of both maternal fragments, primarily from hematopoietic cells, and fetal fragments, released from trophoblasts during apoptosis.
Cannabis Use During the Perinatal Period in a State With Legalized Recreational and Medical Marijuana: The Association Between Maternal Characteristics, Breastfeeding Patterns, and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Crume Tessa L. , Juhl Ashley L. , Brooks-Russell Ashley , Hall Katelyn E. , Wymore Erica , Borgelt Laura M.
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from J Pediatr 2018;197:90–96)

Cannabis is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the United States, and recent estimates of the prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States range between 3% and 16%. Population-based surveillance data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggests that cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States has increased as much as 62% between 2002 and 2014.
Vitamin D and Risk of Pregnancy-Related Hypertensive Disorders: Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Magnus Maria C. , Miliku Kozeta , Bauer Anna , Engel Stephanie M. , Felix Janine F. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Lawlor Debbie A. , London Stephanie J. , Magnus Per , McGinnis Ralph , Nystad Wenche , Page Christian M. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Stene Lars C. , Tapia German , Williams Nicholas , Bonilla Carolina , Fraser Abigail
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from BMJ 2018;361:k2167)

Observational studies have found that women with lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are at greater risk of preeclampsia. Although some small trials of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy have suggested a potential benefit of supplementation, a recent meta-analysis found no impact on preeclampsia from vitamin D supplementation.
A 17β-Estradiol–Progesterone Oral Capsule for Vasomotor Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lobo Rogerio A. , Archer David F. , Kagan Risa , Kaunitz Andrew M. , Constantine Ginger D. , Pickar James H. , Graham Shelli , Bernick Brian , Mirkin Sebastian
Published: November 2018

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2018;132:161–170)

After the first publication of Women's Health Initiative findings in 2002, many women stopped taking US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved, hormone therapy (HT) and started using non–FDA-approved, “natural” compounded HT believing that it was a safer option. In 2015, it was estimated that 1 million to 2.5 million US women used the unapproved, compounded HT.