bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics of granulosa and cumulus cells and oocyte competence in Nelore cows with low and high numbers of antral follicles
Authors: Rosa CO , Marinho LSR , da Rosa PRA , De Cesaro MP , Lunardelli PA , Silva‐Santos KC , Basso AC , Bordignon V , Seneda MM
Published: May 2018

Contents

The aims of this study were to investigate whether the number of antral follicles (AF) in the ovaries of Nelore cows is influenced with the developmental competence of oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage and to quantify the mRNA abundance of genes associated with folliculogenesis and oogenesis in granulosa and cumulus cells. A total of 168 cows were distributed into two experimental groups according to the number of AF, low (≤31) and high AF (≥92), which were determined based on the mean number of AF (61.14) ± SD (30.43). Granulosa and cumulus cells were used to assess the mRNA expression of 16 genes. Cumulus cells from cows with low AF had higher mRNA expression of genes involved in meiosis resumption (NPR‐2, NPR‐3) and cumulus cell expansion (FGF10), as well as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and cell proliferation (STAT3). Conversely, granulosa cells from females with high AF had higher expression of PGR and AMHR2a, which are involved in meiosis resumption and cumulus cell expansion. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 356 cows with low and high AF populations to evaluate embryo development. Cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, our findings revealed that genes involved in folliculogenesis and oogenesis are differently expressed in cumulus and granulosa cells of cows having low and high numbers of AF. These molecular differences suggest that the regulation of oocyte maturation, meiotic resumption and cumulus expansion may be influenced by the number of AFs. However, the variations in gene expression were not associated with in vitro oocyte developmental competence to reach the blastocyst stage, which confirms that oocytes from Nelore cows with low and high numbers of AF are similarly able to mature, regulate the fertilization process and support pre‐implantation embryo development.
Private Wealth in a Developing Country:Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Orthofer Anna , Du Plessis Stan , Reid Monique
Published: May 2018

The point of departure of Piketty's influential Capital in the Twenty‐First Century (2014) was the dramatic growth of private wealth‐income ratios in advanced economies between 1970 and 2010. Using official balance sheet data for South Africa—the first country to publish such data in the developing world—, this paper examines to what extent this re‐emergence of private wealth was also experienced in the developing‐country context. First, we find that the South African current wealth‐income ratio is very close to its 1975 level, and much lower than those of Piketty's sample of advanced economies. Second, we show that the discrepancy is explained not only by South Africa's relatively low savings rates, but also by the reduction of wealth before and during the transition to democracy in the 1990s. Since then, private wealth recovered significantly, but the U‐shaped relationship does not support the argument that there is a clear correlation between the capital‐income ratio and capital share.
Validity and generalizability of findings of randomized controlled trials on arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the knee
Authors: Malmivaara A.
Published: May 2018

The validity and generalizability of evidence from trials on arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for a ruptured meniscus of the knee has been debated in scientific journals. The aim of this paper was to assess the validity and generalizability of evidence for trials on effectiveness of APM by a novel Benchmarking method; to compare this assessment with established assessment methods; and to make an overall assessment of the current evidence on validity and generalizability of findings. Literature search was undertaken to find all randomized controlled trials. The benchmarking method, the Cochrane method for the assessment of validity of RCTs, and CONSORT method for the assessment of generalizability of findings were used. The data were extracted and checked for accuracy twice. Seven RCTs were found, of which 2 were double blinded. The benchmarking method indicated that only one trial, assessing real‐world effectiveness, had recruited patients comprehensively from the catchment area and showed clinically important effectiveness for APM. All trials had deficiencies in reporting of baseline characteristics and adherence to interventions. In 5 trials, the crossover to surgery from conservative treatment arm was between 19 and 36 percent. The benchmarking method indicates that APM may be an effective treatment for meticulously selected patients, or when APM is targeted to those patients who do not respond to the conservative treatment. There is a need for more sham‐controlled and real‐world effectiveness trials reporting comprehensively patient characteristics and adherence to interventions, preferably in a representative sample of patients living in the recruitment area.
Effects of intense aerobic exercise and/or antihypertensive medication in individuals with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ramirez‐Jimenez M. , Morales‐Palomo F. , Ortega J. F. , Mora‐Rodriguez R.
Published: May 2018

We studied the blood pressure lowering effects of a bout of exercise and/or antihypertensive medicine with the goal of studying if exercise could substitute or enhance pharmacologic hypertension treatment. Twenty‐three hypertensive metabolic syndrome patients chronically medicated with angiotensin II receptor 1 blockade antihypertensive medicine underwent 24‐hr monitoring in four separated days in a randomized order; (a) after taking their habitual dose of antihypertensive medicine (AHM trial), (b) substituting their medicine by placebo medicine (PLAC trial), (c) placebo medicine with a morning bout of intense aerobic exercise (PLAC+EXER trial) and (d) combining the exercise and antihypertensive medicine (AHM+EXER trial). We found that in trials with AHM subjects had lower plasma aldosterone/renin activity ratio evidencing treatment compliance. Before exercise, the trials with AHM displayed lower systolic (130 ± 16 vs 133 ± 15 mm Hg; P = .018) and mean blood pressures (94 ± 11 vs 96 ± 10 mm Hg; P = .036) than trials with placebo medication. Acutely (ie, 30 min after treatments) combining AHM+EXER lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) below the effects of PLAC+EXER (−8.1 ± 1.6 vs −4.9 ± 1.5 mm Hg; P = .015). Twenty‐four hour monitoring revealed no differences among trials in body motion. However, PLAC+EXER and AHM lowered SBP below PLAC during the first 10 hours, time at which PLAC+EXER effects faded out (ie, at 19 PM). Adding exercise to medication (ie, AHM+EXER) resulted in longer reductions in SBP than with exercise alone (PLAC+EXER). In summary, one bout of intense aerobic exercise in the morning cannot substitute the long‐lasting effects of antihypertensive medicine in lowering blood pressure, but their combination is superior to exercise alone.
LCM‐seq reveals the crucial role of LsSOC1 in heat‐promoted bolting of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Chen Zijing , Zhao Wensheng , Ge Danfeng , Han Yingyan , Ning Kang , Luo Chen , Wang Shenglin , Liu Renyi , Zhang Xiaolan , Wang Qian
Published: May 2018

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most economically important vegetables. The floral transition in lettuce is accelerated under high temperatures, which can significantly decrease yields. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the floral transition in lettuce is poorly known. Using laser capture microdissection coupled with RNA sequencing, we isolated shoot apical meristem cells from the bolting‐sensitive lettuce line S39 at four critical stages of development. Subsequently, we screened specifically for the flowering‐related gene LsSOC1 during the floral transition through comparative transcriptomic analysis. Molecular biology, developmental biology, and biochemical tools were combined to investigate the biological function of LsSOC1 in lettuce. LsSOC1 knockdown by RNA interference resulted in a significant delay in the timing of bolting and insensitivity to high temperature, which indicated that LsSOC1 functions as an activator during heat‐promoted bolting in lettuce. We determined that two heat shock transcription factors, HsfA1e and HsfA4c, bound to the promoter of LsSOC1 to confirm that LsSOC1 played an important role in heat‐promoted bolting. This study indicates that LsSOC1 plays a crucial role in the heat‐promoted bolting process in lettuce. Further investigation of LsSOC1 may be useful for clarification of the bolting mechanism in lettuce.
Relationship of epitope glycosylation and other properties of blood group proteins to the immunogenicity of blood group antigens
Authors: Howe John G. , Stack Gary
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The intrinsic properties of polypeptide blood group antigens that determine their relative immunogenicities are unknown. Because size, composition, charge, dose, and epitope glycosylation affect the immunogenicity of other polypeptides, we examined whether similar properties were related to the immunogenicity of blood group antigens.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Amino acid (AA) sequences of antithetical blood group antigens were searched for N‐ and O‐glycosylation sites. Regression analysis was carried out to determine whether blood group protein properties, including total and ectodomain size, red blood cell (RBC) antigen site density, number of mismatched AAs between an antigen and its closest homolog, and differences in mass, charge, and hydrophobicity of the mismatched AAs, were related to immunogenicity.

RESULTS

The immunogenicities of non‐RhD polypeptide antigens were directly related to the total and ectodomain sizes of their carrier proteins. A negative power relationship existed between RBC antigen site density and immunogenicity, such that the most immunogenic antigens had the lowest site density. The strong immunogenicity of RhD was related to the number of AA mismatches between RhD and RhCE, to their cumulative hydrophobicity and electrostatic mismatch scores, and the cumulative AA mass difference. No N‐ or O‐glycosylation differences were predicted for antithetical or homologous antigens, other than a previously known N‐glycosylation difference between K and k.

CONCLUSION

Epitope glycosylation appeared not to be a determinant of immunogenicity for blood group antigens, except possibly for K. The immunogenicity of blood group antigens was positively related to total and ectodomain sizes of blood group proteins and negatively related to antigen site density. Such findings should be considered hypothesis generating for future, more definitive studies.
Development, validation, and potential applications of biotinylated red blood cells for posttransfusion kinetics and other physiological studies: evidenced‐based analysis and recommendations
Authors: Mock Donald M. , Nalbant Demet , Kyosseva Svetlana V. , Schmidt Robert L. , An Guohua , Matthews Nell I. , Vlaar Alexander P.J. , van Bruggen Robin , de Korte Dirk , Strauss Ronald G. , Cancelas José A. , Franco Robert S. , Veng‐Pedersen Peter , Widness John A.
Published: May 2018

The current reference method in the United States for measuring in vivo population red blood cell (RBC) kinetics utilizes chromium‐51 (51Cr) RBC labeling for determining RBC volume, 24‐hour posttransfusion RBC recovery, and long‐term RBC survival. Here we provide evidence supporting adoption of a method for kinetics that uses the biotin‐labeled RBCs (BioRBCs) as a superior, versatile method for both regulatory and investigational purposes. RBC kinetic analysis using BioRBCs has important methodologic, analytical, and safety advantages over 51Cr‐labeled RBCs. We critically review recent advances in labeling human RBCs at multiple and progressively lower biotin label densities for concurrent, accurate, and sensitive determination of both autologous and allogeneic RBC population kinetics. BioRBC methods valid for RBC kinetic studies, including successful variations used by the authors, are presented along with pharmacokinetic modeling approaches for the accurate determination of RBC pharmacokinetic variables in health and disease. The advantages and limitations of the BioRBC method—including its capability of determining multiple BioRBC densities simultaneously in the same individual throughout the entire RBC life span—are presented and compared with the 51Cr method. Finally, potential applications and limitations of kinetic BioRBC determinations are discussed.
ABO genotyping with next‐generation sequencing to resolve heterogeneity in donors with serology discrepancies
Authors: Wu Ping Chun , Lin Yin‐Hung , Tsai Lei Fang , Chen Ming Hung , Chen Pei‐Lung , Pai Shun‐Chung
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

ABO subtypes are characterized by the alteration of antigens present and their expression levels on red blood cells and many are linked to genetic changes in the ABO gene. Weakened expression of antigens should be identified to prevent transfusion reactions or ABO‐incompatible transplantations. Genotyping can be applied to identify subtypes to complement serologic testing. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has shown to provide sensitive and accurate genotyping results as well as valuable cis/trans information. Here we took advantage of NGS and applied it to resolve serology discrepancies in ABO typing.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we customized capture probes targeting the entire ABO gene and sequenced on MiSeq Illumina. The subtype‐causing variants were identified, and cis/trans association to ABO alleles was determined. The results from NGS, serology, and Sanger sequencing were compared.

RESULTS

Four control samples typed A, B, O, and AB were correctly genotyped. Of 24 serologically discrepant samples, subtype‐causing variations were found in 20 cases, with two unresolved and two identified as weakening of ABO antibody in reverse. The types of variations include 17 known subtype alleles, one novel variant, one novel large deletion, and one microchimerism. Haplotypes encompassing Exons 6 and 7 of ABO were reconstructed in 17 of the 20 samples.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a full coverage of ABO by capture‐based panel, phasing analysis with NGS in ABO genotyping resolved heterogeneity with novel allele and microchimerism findings. This approach provided a more precise method for subtyping and thereby leading to safer transfusion.
The effects of blood transfusion on red blood cell distribution width in critically ill patients: a pilot study
Authors: Spadaro Savino , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Fogagnolo Alberto , Franchi Federico , Scolletta Sabino , Ragazzi Riccardo , Fanni Alberto , Marangoni Elisabetta , Govoni Maurizio , Reverberi Roberto , Volta Carlo Alberto
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of anisocytosis, generally used in the differential diagnosis of anemia. Recently, RDW was associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are potential confounders on RDW values interpretation. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in RDW after RBC transfusion in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study including patients admitted to ICU requiring 1 RBC unit. We analyzed RDW values of the patients at four study points: before RBC transfusion (T1), immediately after transfusion (T2), 24 hours after transfusion (T3), and 48 hours after transfusion (T4). We also collected laboratory data from donors and RBC units. Changes of RDW (ΔRDW) were computed as the difference between baseline RDW value and RDW at each time point after transfusion.

RESULTS

We enrolled 36 patients. RDW values increased after transfusion (p < 0.001 at all points vs. baseline), with the highest level at T3. At T3, 34 of 36 patients (94%) had an abnormal RDW value (vs. 26/36, 72%) at baseline (p = 0.023). The maximum ΔRDW for each patient was moderately correlated with the difference between mean corpuscular volume (MCV)donors and MCVpatient (r = 0.478, p = 0.005). Subgroups analysis showed that the maximum ΔRDW was greater in patients with baseline MCV lower than 80 fL or higher than 100 fL (n = 7) or baseline RDW of more than 14.5% (n = 19).

CONCLUSION

RBC transfusion significantly increased RDW values. This intervention should be accurately reported in the studies evaluating the prognostic role of RDW.
Streamlining a blood center and hospital transfusion service supply chain with an informatics vendor‐managed inventory solution: development, implementation, and 3‐month follow‐up
Authors: Tsang Hamilton C. , Garcia Adam , Scott Robert , Lancaster David , Geary Dianne , Nguyen Anh‐Thu , Shankar Raina , Buchanan Leslie , Pham Tho D.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The ordering process at Stanford Health Care involved twice‐daily shipments predicated upon current stock levels from the blood center to the hospital transfusion service. Manual census determination is time consuming and error prone. We aimed to enhance inventory management by developing an informatics platform to streamline the ordering process and reallocate staff productivity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The general inventory accounts for more than 50 product categories based on characteristics including component, blood type, irradiation status, and cytomegalovirus serology status. Over a 5‐month calibration period, inventory levels were determined algorithmically and electronically. An in‐house software program was created to determine inventory levels, optimize the electronic ordering process, and reduce labor time. A 3‐month pilot period was implemented using this program.

RESULTS

This system showed noninferiority while saving labor time. The average weekly transfused:stocked ratios for cryoprecipitate, plasma, and red blood cells, respectively, were 1.03, 1.21, and 1.48 before the pilot period, compared with 0.88, 1.17, and 1.40 during (p = 0.28). There were 27 (before) and 31 (during) average STAT units ordered per week (p = 0.86). The number of monthly wasted products due to expiration was 226 (before) and 196 (during) units, respectively (p = 0.28). An estimated 7 hours per week of technologist time was reallocated to other tasks.

CONCLUSION

An in‐house electronic ordering system can enhance information fidelity, reallocate and optimize valuable staff productivity, and further standardize ordering. This system showed noninferiority to the labor‐intensive manual system while freeing up over 360 hours of staff time per year.
International remittances, migration and primary commodities
Authors: Snudden Stephen
Published: May 2018

This paper documents the global crude oil market as a key driver of international migration and remittances. Structural estimation documents that crude oil supply and demand shocks induce sizeable remittances flows. The sign and magnitude of remitter outflows differ across countries and structural shocks. A multilateral global general equilibrium model is used to show how oil‐exporting remitters generate international remittance and migration spillovers from crude oil price movements. Remittees’ economic outcomes from remittances and migration channels are found to be dominated by terms of trade channels for shocks to the global market for crude oil. Due to this, studies of remittance flows need to account for the source of the commodity price movement if using the correlation between remittee realGDPand remittance inflows.
Business cycle synchronisation in East Asia: The role of value‐added trade
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Yunong , Zhang Shajuan
Published: May 2018

We empirically investigate the relationship between business cycle synchronisation and the role of value‐added trade focusing on a panel of 12 Asian countries from 1995 to 2011. In addition, we propose the inclusion of two novel determinants, for example external value‐added trade intensity and exchange rate volatility and also saturate our empirical model with other common determinants found in the literature. Our findings first confirm that value‐added trade intensity, rather than gross trade intensity, has a sizable, positive and statistically significant impact on synchronisation among East Asian countries. Second, the exchange rate volatility has a significant negative effect on the business cycle synchronisation, which verifies that the exchange rate volatility is another important determinant of business cycle synchronisation. Our findings have important implications for the monetary cooperation in the region: strengthening trade linkage could reduce the costs of monetary cooperation by increasing the incidence of symmetric shocks.
Corporate Social Responsibility as Strategy for Environmental Preservation and Control of Youth Restiveness: The Experience from South-West Nigeria
Authors: Sokefun Eniola. A. , Oduyoye Oluseyi. O.
Published: May 2018

Corporate social responsibility, a concept that has been around for well over 50 years has become prominent again recently. It is discussed in the context of organizations been socially responsible for the environment in which they operate. The strategy of impacting on these communities is referred to as corporate social responsibility. The study was designed to assess the strategies adopted by selected organizations in the Food and Beverage Industry in South-West Nigeria to preserve the environment in which they operate and control youth restiveness.Survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of communities in Lagos, Ogun and Osun States, namely: Ikeja, Apapa, Otta, Imagbon and Ilesa. A sample size of 600 (six hundred) respondents was drawn from the communities through the accidental and purposive sampling methods. The questionnaires were validated and their reliabilities confirmed through the analysis which resulted in Cronbach Alpha value of 0.957. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression.Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between corporate social responsibility, environmental preservation and the control of youth restiveness in the communities studiedThe study concluded that where firms get involved in corporate social responsibility, tendency is that communities will benefit immensely, it will lead to the enhancement of lives and general welfare of individuals, groups and society at large. It will equally assist in poverty alleviation. The study recommended that corporate social responsibility policies and practices should be more regulated and the need for the development of a legal framework for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria
On the Pronunciation of English /®/ and /l/ by Japanese Speakers
Authors: Picard Marc
Published: May 2018

One of the major tenets of the Speech Learning Model (SLM) is that “if two L2 sounds differ in perceived dissimilarity from the closest sound in the L1 inventory, the more dissimilar of the L2 sounds will manifest the greater amount of learning” (Aoyama et al. 2004:248). Given that certain studies have provided “evidence of greater learning for [®] than [l] by N[ative]J[apanese] learners of English” (2004:246), the SLM hypothesis can only be upheld if English [l] is more similar to Japanese [R] than English [®] is. However, this is clearly counterintuitive since, by most accounts, [R] represents a central flap, [l] a lateral approximant, and [®] a central approximant. In this study, it will be argued that English laterals cannot be more similar to Japanese /r/ than English rhotics are, as the SLM would have it, unless the Japanese sound contains a lateral component such as that which is found in the flap [‰]. As it happens, a number of phoneticians and phonologists have argued that this is indeed the case with Japanese /r/, as will be shown, and this is something that the proponents of the SLM would need to acknowledge if their theoretical stance is to be maintained.
Correlations between ultrasonography performed by the ENT specialist and pathologic findings in the management of three cases with thyroglossal duct cyst
Authors: Vrinceanu Daniela , Dumitru Mihai , Cergan Romica , Anghel Alina Georgiana , Costache Adrian , Patrascu Elena Tatiana , Sarafoleanu Codrut Caius
Published: May 2018

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) has an increasing incidence. We present a series of three cases that benefited from the use of ultrasonography performed first hand by the ENT specialist. All cases underwent Sistrunk procedure and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathology results: one uncomplicated TDC, a thyroglossal duct carcinoma, and an infected TDC with the risk of becoming a diffuse cervical suppuration. Ultrasonography performed first hand by the ENT specialist enables a quick and thorough planning of the surgical procedure and management of the case.
Physics-based coastal current tomographic tracking using a Kalman filter
Authors: Wang Tongchen , Zhang Ying , Yang T. C. , Chen Huifang , Xu Wen
Published: May 2018

Ocean acoustic tomography can be used based on measurements of two-way travel-time differences between the nodes deployed on the perimeter of the surveying area to invert/map the ocean current inside the area. Data at different times can be related using a Kalman filter, and given an ocean circulation model, one can in principle now cast and even forecast current distribution given an initial distribution and/or the travel-time difference data on the boundary. However, an ocean circulation model requires many inputs (many of them often not available) and is unpractical for estimation of the current field. A simplified form of the discretized Navier-Stokes equation is used to show that the future velocity state is just a weighted spatial average of the current state. These weights could be obtained from an ocean circulation model, but here in a data driven approach, auto-regressive methods are used to obtain the time and space dependent weights from the data. It is shown, based on simulated data, that the current field tracked using a Kalman filter (with an arbitrary initial condition) is more accurate than that estimated by the standard methods where data at different times are treated independently. Real data are also examined.
Experimental prediction of the vibration response of panels under a turbulent boundary layer excitation from sensitivity functions
Authors: Marchetto Christophe , Maxit Laurent , Robin Olivier , Berry Alain
Published: May 2018

This study aims at validating an experimental method for characterizing the vibration behavior of panels excited by a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) excitation as a possible alternative to standard means like wind tunnels or in situ tests. The approach takes advantage of an explicit separation of the excitation contribution from the dynamic behavior of the panel. Based on the measurement of deterministic transfer functions on the panel, called “sensitivity functions,” which are then combined with either measurements or a model of the wall-pressure fluctuations induced by the TBL excitation, the vibration response under such an excitation can be retrieved. For validation purposes, the wall-pressure fluctuations of the turbulent flow generated in an anechoic wind tunnel are measured with a flush-mounted microphone array. The decay rates and the convection velocity, which mainly characterize the excitation, are extracted from these measurements. The plate velocity response to this excitation is estimated following the proposed method using the measured sensitivity functions and the model of Mellen fed with experimentally estimated decay rates and convection velocity. A comparison between a directly measured vibration auto-spectrum under the actual flow and the one predicted following the suggested method shows satisfactory agreement.
An uncertainty reduction technique for predicting the uncertain acoustic field with interval environmental parameters
Authors: Wang Haitao , Zeng Xiangyang , Lei Ye
Published: May 2018

Uncertain speed of sound will lead that the interval perturbation method fails to precisely predict the uncertain acoustic field in some frequency bands. An uncertainty reduction technique is proposed for this problem. This technique first determines the bands in which the interval method is being invalid through the modal frequency analysis. Then, the dimensionality of the uncertain parameters is reduced by converting the uncertain speed of sound into a certain one. This technique can be used in the interval or subinterval perturbation methods. The numerical example demonstrates that the proposed technique is effective for uncertain acoustic field simulation with interval parameters.
Vaccine trial launched to stop Ebola
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: May 2018

Fast response greets new Congo outbreak.
China's moon mission is set to probe cosmic dark ages
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: May 2018

Radio quiet environment near the moon will help Dutch-Chinese experiment explore time before the first stars.
One-third of global protected land is under intense human pressure
Authors: Jones Kendall R. , Venter Oscar , Fuller Richard A. , Allan James R. , Maxwell Sean L. , Negret Pablo Jose , Watson James E. M.
Published: May 2018

Protected yet pressured

Protected areas are increasingly recognized as an essential way to safeguard biodiversity. Although the percentage of land included in the global protected area network has increased from 9 to 15%, Jones
et al.
found that a third of this area is influenced by intensive human activity. Thus, even landscapes that are protected are experiencing some human pressure, with only the most remote northern regions remaining almost untouched.

Science
, this issue p.
788
3D charge and 2D phonon transports leading to high out-of-plane
ZT
in n-type SnSe crystals
Authors: Chang Cheng , Wu Minghui , He Dongsheng , Pei Yanling , Wu Chao-Feng , Wu Xuefeng , Yu Hulei , Zhu Fangyuan , Wang Kedong , Chen Yue , Huang Li , Li Jing-Feng , He Jiaqing , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: May 2018

SnSe doped a different way

Heat can be converted into electricity by thermoelectric materials. Such materials are promising for use in solid-state cooling devices. A challenge for developing efficient thermoelectric materials is to ensure high electrical but low thermal conductivity. Chang
et al.
found that bromine doping of tin selenide (SnSe) does just this by maintaining low thermal conductivity in the out-of-plane direction of this layered material. The result is a promising n-type thermoelectric material with electrons as the charge carriers—an important step for developing thermoelectric devices from SnSe.

Science
, this issue p.
778
Plants send small RNAs in extracellular vesicles to fungal pathogen to silence virulence genes
Authors: Cai Qiang , Qiao Lulu , Wang Ming , He Baoye , Lin Feng-Mao , Palmquist Jared , Huang Sienna-Da , Jin Hailing
Published: May 2018

Defense cargo shuttles in vesicles

Plants can use small RNAs (sRNAs) to interfere with virulence factor gene expression in pathogens. Cai
et al.
show that the small mustard plant
Arabidopsis
shuttles defensive sRNAs into the necrotrophic fungus
Botrytis cinerea
via extracellular vesicles (see the Perspective by Thomma and Cook). The vesicles are associated with tetraspanin proteins, which can interact and form membrane microdomains. Several dozen different sRNAs targeting the pathogenic process were transported from
Arabidopsis
to
B. cinerea
in a selective manner.

Science
, this issue p.
1126
; see also p.
1070
Extraordinary plasticity of an inorganic semiconductor in darkness
Authors: Oshima Yu , Nakamura Atsutomo , Matsunaga Katsuyuki
Published: May 2018

Plastic in the dark

Inorganic semiconductors, such as silicon and gallium arsenide, are brittle materials. This property means that large single crystals are cleaved into thin sheets. Oshima
et al.
show that zinc sulfide is, in contrast, a plastic material if deformed in total darkness. Plastic deformation is likely inhibited when light is present because photoexcited charge carriers become trapped at these sites and pin them through electrostatic effects.

Science
, this issue p.
772
Einstein goes east
The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein: The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922–1923
Ze'ev Rosenkranz, Ed.
Princeton University Press, 2018. 377 pp.
Authors: Robinson Andrew
Published: May 2018

Private travel diaries reveal the physicist's musings and moments of self-reflection
Ribosomes on the night shift
Authors: Nofal Michel , Rabinowitz Joshua D.
Published: May 2018

The universal protein-making machine becomes a nutrient source between meals
The rise and fall of Theranos
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
John Carreyrou
Knopf, 2018, 352 pp.
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: May 2018

A biotech company's blood test proves too good to be true
Modifying the Lantibiotic Mutacin 1140 for Increased Yield, Activity, and Stability
Authors: Geng Mengxin , Smith Leif
Published: May 2018

Our findings show that the efficiency of mutacin 1140 PTMs is highly dependent on the core peptide sequence. Analogs in various intermediate stages of PTMs can be transported by the bacterium, which indicates that PTMs and transport are finely tuned for the native mutacin 1140 core peptide. Only certain combinations of amino acid substitutions at the Dha5 and Dhb14 dehydrated residue positions were tolerated. Observation of glutamylated core peptide analogs shows that dehydrations occur in a glutamate-dependent manner. Interestingly, mutations at positions outside rings A and B, the lipid II binding domain, would interfere with lipid II binding. Purified mutacin 1140 analogs have various activities and selectivities against different genera of bacteria, supporting the effort to generate analogs with higher specificity against pathogenic bacteria. The discovery of analogs with improved inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria, increased stability in the presence of protease, and higher product yields may promote the clinical development of this unique antimicrobial compound.
Cytochrome
bd
Oxidase Has an Important Role in Sustaining Growth and Development of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) under Oxygen-Limiting Conditions
Authors: Fischer Marco , Falke Dörte , Naujoks Carolin , Sawers R. Gary
Published: May 2018

Respiring with oxygen is an efficient means of conserving energy in biological systems. The spore-forming, filamentous actinobacterium
Streptomyces coelicolor
grows only aerobically, synthesizing two enzyme complexes for O
2
reduction, the cytochrome

bcc-aa
3

cytochrome oxidase supercomplex and the cytochrome
bd
oxidase. We show in this study that the bacterium can survive with either of these respiratory pathways to oxygen. Immunological studies indicate that the

bcc-aa
3

oxidase is the main oxidase present in spores, but the
bd
oxidase compensates if the

bcc-aa
3

oxidase is inactivated. Both oxidases are active in mycelia. Growth conditions were identified, revealing that cytochrome
bd
oxidase is essential for aerial hypha formation and sporulation, and this was linked to an important role of the enzyme under oxygen-limiting conditions.
Protocol for the validation of sensitivity and specificity of the Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) against open food challenge in a single-blinded, prospective, multicentre trial in infants
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Mukherjee Rajat , Dupont Christophe , Eigenmann Philippe , Høst Arne , Kuitunen Mikael , Ribes-Koninkx Carmen , Shah Neil , Szajewska Hania , von Berg Andrea , Heine Ralf G , Zhao Zheng-Yan
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) in infancy can be non-specific which may delay a correct diagnosis and cause adverse clinical outcomes. The diagnosis of non-IgE-mediated CMPA is particularly complex as it involves a 2 to 4 week elimination diet followed by oral food challenge (OFC). The Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) is a clinical resource for primary healthcare providers which aims to increase awareness of CMPA symptoms to facilitate an earlier diagnosis. The aim of the present study is to assess if the CoMiSS can be used as a potential diagnostic tool in infants with suspected CMPA.

Methods and analysis

Exclusively formula-fed infants aged 0–6 months presenting with symptoms suggestive of CMPA will be included in this prospective, multicentre trial which will be conducted in 10 centres in China. All infants will commence a 2-week trial of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) while eliminating all cow milk protein from their diets. After the AAF treatment period, infants will undergo an open OFC in hospital with standard cow’s milk formula, followed by an open home challenge for another 2 weeks. Clinical symptoms will be documented on standardised symptom scorecards. The CoMiSS will be determined at study entry (CoMiSS 1, before the start of the AAF), after 2 weeks (CoMiSS 2, before the OFC) and after a further period of 2 weeks or when symptoms suggestive of CMPA reappear (CoMiSS 3). Weight and length will be measured at each visit. The difference between CoMiSS 1 and 2 as a predictor of the OFC outcome will also be assessed. The diagnostic accuracy of the baseline CoMiSS will be calculated.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Hunan Children’s Hospital Medical Ethics Committee, Hunan, China. The findings of this trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in paediatric nutrition or gastroenterology. Abstracts will be submitted to the relevant national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03004729; Pre-results.
Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on frailty-related phenotypes in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Stocks Joanne , Valdes Ana M
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The beneficial effect of dietary omega-3 supplementation in younger adults or older people with acute or chronic disease is established. Knowledge is now needed about the effect in medically stable older people. The objective of this study is to examine and assess the evidence for a role of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation in older adults on (1) muscle mass and muscle strength, (2) inflammatory biomarkers and (3) physical activity.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review and data synthesis will be conducted of randomised controlled trials in older people not recruited for any given disease diagnosis. Placebo-controlled studies reporting interventions involving dietary supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid will be included. Outcomes must include changes from baseline to last available follow-up for one or more of the following: muscle mass, inflammatory biomarkers, physical activity, walking speed, weight change, hand grip strength or muscle strength. Once the search strategy has been carried out, two independent researchers will assess relevant papers for eligibility. Articles up until 31 December 2017 in any language will be included. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies. Studies will be grouped for meta-analysis according to the outcome(s) provided. Where studies have used the same type of intervention, with the same outcome measure, we will pool the results using a random effects meta-analysis, with standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for binary outcomes, and calculate 95% CI and two-sided p values for each outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

No research ethics approval is required for this systematic review as no confidential patient data will be used. The results of this systematic review will be disseminated through publication in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and through conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017080240.
Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages versus other stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke: an observational comparative study
Authors: Gruber Philipp , Zeller Salome , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Berberat Jatta , Anon Javier , Diepers Michael , Nedeltchev Krassen , Flottmann Fabian , Fiehler Jens , Remonda Luca , Kahles Timo
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

Given the promising performance of the new Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) in smaller case series, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with ERIC compared with other stent retrievers (SRs) in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

We reviewed the databases of two comprehensive stroke centers in in Germany and Switzerland for MT due to LVO in the anterior circulation with either ERIC or another SR as a first device. Co-primary outcome was defined as successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b/3) after the first device and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) at 90 days' follow-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

183 consecutive patients with stroke were treated with either ERIC (49%) or a SR (51%) as the first device and successful recanalization was seen in 82% and 57%, respectively (P<0.001). Adding SR to futile ERIC recanalization or vice versa increased final recanalization rates (ERIC: 87%, SR: 79%). The use of ERIC as a first device resulted in favorable clinical outcome in 50% compared with 35% when a SR was used (P=0.038), an effect driven by age, stroke severity, presence of carotid-T-occlusion, and general anesthesia and not by the device deployed.

Conclusion

The use of ERIC as a first device appeared to be associated with higher rates of successful recanalization and resulted in better functional outcome. However, favorable outcome was not attributable to ERIC. Most importantly, both device types complemented one another and improved final recanalization rates when used successively.
Red clover silage improves milk fatty acid composition in dairy ewes
Authors: Guzatti Gabriela C. , Duchini Paulo G. , Gama Marco A.S. , Ribeiro-Filho Henrique M.N.
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two isoproteic total mixed rations containing either red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RC diet) or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.; LU diet) silage as the major forage source on milk yield, milk composition, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in dairy ewes. Sixteen dairy ewes were housed individually to receive the drawn diet (eight ewes eating each diet) and milked twice a day (0700 and 1500). Total dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, and nitrogen use efficiency were unaffected by treatments. The n-6/n-3 FA ratio tended to decrease, whereas the total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and PUFAs/saturated fatty acids ratio increased in the milk fat of ewes fed the RC diet compared with ewes fed the LU diet. The presence of α-linolenic (C18:3n-3) and linoleic (C18:2n-6) acids in the milk fat was 22% higher in ewes fed the RC diet than in those fed the LU diet. Compared with the LU diet, the RC diet had no effect on milk yield and composition, but improved the milk FA profile in dairy ewes due to an increased proportion of PUFAs (in particular C18:3n-3 and, to a lesser extent, C18:2n-6) and a decreased n-6/n-3 FA ratio.
Can mimicking sexual reproduction solve problems with recalcitrance in in vitro propagation of tree species?
Authors: Bonga J.M.
Published: May 2018

Clonal propagation by in vitro means of adult forest trees is often difficult or not possible with current technology. This problem, generally described as recalcitrance, has been approached from several angles by researchers and reviewers. However, it has not yet been reviewed from the point of view that it may eventually be possible to overcome recalcitrance by mimicking the rejuvenation process that occurs during sexual reproduction. It is suggested that somatic cell nuclear transfer, in a manner similar to the one used for animal cloning, could be helpful. Furthermore, application of controlled stress and autophagy, or inducing apomixes by halting natural or artificially induced meiosis before chromosome segregation, could perhaps assist in overcoming recalcitrance. The discussion below indicates that mimicking the sexual or apomictic process in vitro is worthy of further exploration and should be evaluated as a means of genetically improving tree species, especially those of high economic value. Studies along these lines may also be helpful in improving our knowledge of the epigenetic, cytogenetic, and genomic mechanisms involved.
An investigation of some quantum correlations of Dirac fields in noninertial frames
Authors: Arjmandi Mohammad Bagher
Published: May 2018

In this paper, some concepts of quantum correlations, such as one-way quantum deficit, purity, and entanglement of formation are investigated between the modes of Dirac fields in noninertial frames. We consider two bipartite divisions of a tripartite system constructed by initial Werner states, which is shared between two relatively accelerated observers. The degradation of these quantum correlations is shown when the acceleration parameter increases. However, a nonzero amount of correlations survives even at infinite acceleration limit. Furthermore, we study the inevitable influence of mixedness factor of initial state on the quantum correlations behaviour. Finally, we review our calculation beyond single-mode approximation and point out some differences and similarities between the two regimes.
Variable Chaplygin gas in Kaluza–Klein framework
Authors: Salti M. , Aydogdu O. , Tas A. , Sogut K. , Kangal E.E.
Published: May 2018

We investigate cosmological features of the variable Chaplygin gas (VCG) describing a unified dark matter–energy scenario in a universe governed by the five dimensional (5D) Kaluza–Klein (KK) gravity. In such a proposal, the VCG evolves from the dust-like phase to the phantom or the quintessence phases. It is concluded that the background evolution for the KK-type VCG definition is equivalent to that for the dark energy interacting with the dark matter. Next, after performing neo-classical tests, we calculated the proper, luminosity, and angular diameter distances. Additionally, we construct a connection between the VCG in the KK universe and a homogenous minimally coupled scalar field by introducing its self-interacting potential and also we confirm the stability of the KK-type VCG model by making use of thermodynamics. Moreover, we use data from type Ia supernova, observational H(z) dataset and Planck-2015 results to place constraints on the model parameters. Subsequently, according to the best-fit values of the model parameters we analyze our results numerically.
The QCD corrections of the process h → ηbZ
Authors: Zhu Rong-Fei , Feng Tai-Fu , Zhang Hai-Bin
Published: May 2018

We investigate the 125 GeV Higgs boson decay to a pseudoscalar quarkonium [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] boson. We calculate the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) one-loop corrections to the branching ratio of the process, [Formula: see text], both in the Standard Model (SM) and in the two Higgs double models (THDM). Adding the QCD one-loop corrections, the branching ratio of [Formula: see text] in the SM is [Formula: see text]. The relative correction of that QCD one-loop level relative to the tree level of [Formula: see text] is around 76% in the SM. Similarly, the relative correction in the THDM also can be around 75%. The key parameter, [Formula: see text], can affect the relative correction in the THDM.
Multi-component noncommutative coupled dispersionless system and its quasideterminant solutions
Authors: Riaz H. Wajahat A. , ul Hassan Mahmood
Published: May 2018

The multi-component noncommutative coupled dispersionless (NC-CD) system is presented. It has been shown that multi-component NC-CD system is integrable in the sense of exhibiting its Lax pair, zero-curvature representation, Darboux transformation and multisoliton solutions. Explicit expressions of multisoliton solutions of this noncommutative system have been computed and results have been compared with their commutative counterparts.