bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary cell wall biosynthesis
Authors: Zhong Ruiqin , Cui Dongtao , Ye Zheng‐Hua
Published: October 2018

Contents

Summary
1703

I.
Introduction
1703

II.
Cellulose biosynthesis
1705

III.
Xylan biosynthesis
1709

IV.
Glucomannan biosynthesis
1713

V.
Lignin biosynthesis
1714

VI.
Concluding remarks
1717

Acknowledgements
1717

References
1717

Secondary walls are synthesized in specialized cells, such as tracheary elements and fibers, and their remarkable strength and rigidity provide strong mechanical support to the cells and the plant body. The main components of secondary walls are cellulose, xylan, glucomannan and lignin. Biochemical, molecular and genetic studies have led to the discovery of most of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary wall components. Cellulose is synthesized by cellulose synthase complexes in the plasma membrane and the recent success of in vitro synthesis of cellulose microfibrils by a single recombinant cellulose synthase isoform reconstituted into proteoliposomes opens new doors to further investigate the structure and functions of cellulose synthase complexes. Most genes involved in the glycosyl backbone synthesis, glycosyl substitutions and acetylation of xylan and glucomannan have been genetically characterized and the biochemical properties of some of their encoded enzymes have been investigated. The genes and their encoded enzymes participating in monolignol biosynthesis and modification have been extensively studied both genetically and biochemically. A full understanding of how secondary wall components are synthesized will ultimately enable us to produce plants with custom‐designed secondary wall composition tailored to diverse applications.
Evaluation of the genetic architecture of tofu traits in soybean towards genomics‐assisted breeding
Authors: Kurasch Alena K. , Leiser Willmar L. , Bachteler Kristina , Miersch Martin , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias
Published: October 2018

Breeding soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivars that possess an improved suitability for tofu production is of crucial importance for tofu manufacturers. However, phenotyping of tofu‐related traits is cumbersome, costly and time‐consuming. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the potential of marker‐based approaches to assist selection for tofu quality. Three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were evaluated for several tofu‐related traits. We found in each population at maximum one QTL per trait, explaining 10.9%–74.2% of the genetic variation, and no QTL at all for tofu weight and tofu yield. The QTL for soymilk weight, tofu hardness and tofu value was population‐specific and may correspond to QTL controlling the proportion of water‐soluble protein. The results of the QTL mapping illustrated that the tofu traits are of a highly quantitative nature. Results from the genomewide prediction were promising for seed quality traits and soaking traits, but for the tofu traits, the prediction accuracies have to be increased further based on improvements of the phenotyping procedure.
SpHMA1 is a chloroplast cadmium exporter protecting photochemical reactions in the Cd hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Wang Liangsheng , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Wu Longhua , Liu Anna , Xu Wenzhong
Published: October 2018

Sedum plumbizincicola is able to hyperaccumulate cadmium (Cd), a nonessential and highly toxic metal, in the above‐ground tissues, but the mechanisms for its Cd hypertolerance are not fully understood. Here, we show that the heavy metal ATPase 1 (SpHMA1) of S. plumbizincicola plays an important role in chloroplast Cd detoxification. Compared with the HMA1 ortholog in the Cd nonhyperaccumulating ecotype of Sedum alfredii, the expression of SpHMA1 in the leaves of S. plumbizincicola was >200 times higher. Heterologous expression of SpHMA1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased Cd sensitivity and Cd transport activity in the yeast cells. The SpHMA1 protein was localized to the chloroplast envelope. SpHMA1 RNA interference transgenic plants and CRISPR/Cas9‐induced mutant lines showed significantly increased Cd accumulation in the chloroplasts compared with wild‐type plants. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis revealed that the photosystem II of SpHMA1 knockdown and knockout lines suffered from a much higher degree of Cd toxicity than wild type. Taken together, these results suggest that SpHMA1 functions as a chloroplast Cd exporter and protects photosynthesis by preventing Cd accumulation in the chloroplast in S. plumbizincicola and hyperexpression of SpHMA1 is an important component contributing to Cd hypertolerance in S. plumbizincicola.
Effect of maturation conditions on light and temperature requirements during seed germination of Citrullus colocynthis from the Arabian Desert
Authors: El‐Keblawy A. , Soliman S. , Al‐Khoury R. , Ghauri A. , Al Rammah H. , Hussain S. E. , Rashid S. , Manzoor Z.
Published: October 2018

Seed germination of Citrullus colocynthis, as in many other species of Cucurbitaceae, is inhibited by light, particularly at low temperatures. Germination response to light and temperature has been attributed to day length and temperature during seed maturation. This study assessed the effects of these factors on the germination response of C. colocynthis to temperature and light quality.

Ripe fruits were collected from natural habitats during December and February and germinated at three temperatures (15/25, 20/30 and 25/35 °C) in five light treatments (dark, white light and Red:Far Red (R:FR) ratios of 0.30, 0.87 and 1.19). Additionally, unripe fruits were also collected from natural habitats and completed their maturation in growth chambers under different day lengths (6, 16 and 24 h of darkness) at 10/20 °C, and in darkness at both 10/20 °C and 25/35 °C. Mature seeds of the different treatments were germinated in the same five light treatments at 15/25 °C.

Germination was significantly higher in the dark than that in any light treatment. Seeds matured at higher temperatures (i.e. seeds from the December collection and those matured at 25/35 °C) had significantly higher germination than those matured at lower temperatures (i.e. seeds from the February collection and those matured at 10/20 °C). Dark germination was significantly higher for the December collection than for the February collection. Seeds of the two collections germinated in the dark only at 15/25 °C. However, seeds matured in a growth chamber at 10/20 °C in darkness germinated at 15/25 °C in all light treatments, except for the R:FR ratio 0.30. Seeds of the different treatments failed to germinate in FR‐rich light.

This study demonstrates that both temperature and day length during seed maturation play significant roles in the germination response of C. colocynthis. Additionally, the dark requirement for germination is likely beneficial for species with the larger seeds, such as C. colocynthis, which produce bigger seedlings that are able to emerge from deep soils and are competitively superior under dense vegetation and resource‐limited conditions.
Good practices for the design, analysis, and interpretation of observational studies on birth spacing and perinatal health outcomes
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Moskosky Susan , Ananth Cande V. , Basso Olga , Briss Peter A. , Ferré Cynthia D. , Frederiksen Brittni N. , Harper Sam , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Hirai Ashley H. , Kirby Russell S. , Klebanoff Mark A. , Lindberg Laura , Mumford Sunni L. , Nelson Heidi D. , Platt Robert W. , Rossen Lauren M. , Stuebe Alison M. , Thoma Marie E. , Vladutiu Catherine J. , Ahrens Katherine A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Meta‐analyses of observational studies have shown that women with a shorter interpregnancy interval (the time from delivery to start of a subsequent pregnancy) are more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery or small for gestational age birth, than women who space their births further apart. However, the studies used to inform these estimates have methodological shortcomings.

Methods

In this commentary, we summarise the discussions of an expert workgroup describing good practices for the design, analysis, and interpretation of observational studies of interpregnancy interval and adverse perinatal health outcomes.

Results

We argue that inferences drawn from research in this field will be improved by careful attention to elements such as: (a) refining the research question to clarify whether the goal is to estimate a causal effect vs describe patterns of association; (b) using directed acyclic graphs to represent potential causal networks and guide the analytic plan of studies seeking to estimate causal effects; (c) assessing how miscarriages and pregnancy terminations may have influenced interpregnancy interval classifications; (d) specifying how key factors such as previous pregnancy loss, pregnancy intention, and maternal socio‐economic position will be considered; and (e) examining if the association between interpregnancy interval and perinatal outcome differs by factors such as maternal age.

Conclusion

This commentary outlines the discussions of this recent expert workgroup, and describes several suggested principles for study design and analysis that could mitigate many potential sources of bias.
Short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes in high‐resource settings: An updated systematic review
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Nelson Heidi D. , Stidd Reva , Moskosky Susan , Ahrens Katherine A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Currently, no federal guidelines provide recommendations on healthy birth spacing for women in the United States. This systematic review summarises associations between short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes to inform the development of birth spacing recommendations for the United States.

Methods

PubMed/Medline, POPLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and a previous systematic review were searched to identify relevant articles published from 1 January 2006 and 1 May 2017. Included studies reported maternal health outcomes following a short versus longer interpregnancy interval, were conducted in high‐resource settings, and adjusted estimates for at least maternal age. Two investigators independently assessed study quality and applicability using established methods.

Results

Seven cohort studies met inclusion criteria. There was limited but consistent evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risk of precipitous labour and decreased risks of labour dystocia. There was some evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risks of subsequent pre‐pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes, and decreased risk of preeclampsia. Among women with a previous caesarean delivery, short interpregnancy interval was associated with increased risk of uterine rupture in one study. No studies reported outcomes related to maternal depression, interpregnancy weight gain, maternal anaemia, or maternal mortality.

Conclusions

In studies from high‐resource settings, short interpregnancy intervals are associated with both increased and decreased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. However, most outcomes were evaluated in single studies, and the strength of evidence supporting associations is low.
Feasibility of the use of Spirulina in aquaculture diets
Authors: Rosas Victor T. , Poersch Luís H. , Romano Luis A. , Tesser Marcelo B.
Published: October 2018

The growth of aquaculture depends on protein sources that can reduce the pressure on fishmeal (FM), and Spirulina feed could be an option due to its high nutritional value. Studies on Spirulina as a food in diets of aquatic organisms have increased substantially in the past decade, but the fact that its use in commercial rations does not occur today indicates that there are still challenges that need to be overcome. This review attempts to compile most of the work carried out through today in aquaculture that uses Spirulina as an FM substitute and as a functional feed. The high cost of Spirulina can be compensated if it is used in small quantities because it can improve the health and growth of organisms, compensating for its high economic cost by reducing costs in other production areas.
Decision‐Making Analytics Using Plural Resilience Parameters for Adaptive Management of Complex Systems
Authors: Thekdi Shital A. , Santos Joost
Published: October 2018

It is critical for complex systems to effectively recover, adapt, and reorganize after system disruptions. Common approaches for evaluating system resilience typically study single measures of performance at one time, such as with a single resilience curve. However, multiple measures of performance are needed for complex systems that involve many components, functions, and noncommensurate valuations of performance. Hence, this article presents a framework for: (1) modeling resilience for complex systems with competing measures of performance, and (2) modeling decision making for investing in these systems using multiple stakeholder perspectives and multicriteria decision analysis. This resilience framework, which is described and demonstrated in this article via a real‐world case study, will be of interest to managers of complex systems, such as supply chains and large‐scale infrastructure networks.
Stability of periodic traveling flexural‐gravity waves in two dimensions
Authors: Trichtchenko Olga , Milewski Paul , Părău Emilian , Vanden‐Broeck Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2018

In this work, we solve the Euler's equations for periodic waves traveling under a sheet of ice. These waves are referred to as flexural‐gravity waves. We compare and contrast two models for the effect of the ice: a linear model and a nonlinear model. The benefit of this reformulation is that it facilitates the asymptotic analysis. We use it to derive the nonlinear Schrödinger equation that describes the modulational instability of periodic traveling waves. We compare this asymptotic result with the numerical computation of stability using the Fourier–Floquet–Hill method to show they agree qualitatively. We show that different models have different stability regimes for large values of the flexural rigidity parameter. Numerical computations are also used to analyze high‐frequency instabilities in addition to the modulational instability. In the regions examined, these are shown to be the same regardless of the model representing ice.
Sleep duration and sleeping difficulties among adolescents: exploring associations with school stress, self‐perception and technology use
Authors: Jakobsson Malin , Josefsson Karin , Jutengren Göran , Sandsjö Leif , Högberg Karin
Published: October 2018

Sleeping problems are increasing among adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of self‐reported sleep duration and sleeping difficulties, as well as to explore their associations with school stress, self‐perception, that is how adolescents perceive their appearance and happiness, and technology use among adolescents. Data were collected in 2015 using a questionnaire. A total of 937 ninth grade adolescents, 15–16 years, from a city in western Sweden participated, resulting in a response rate of 83%. The result showed that 55% of the adolescents slept less than the recommended 8 hours per night and 11% had sleeping difficulties. School stress and technology use were associated with short sleep duration. School stress and self‐perception were associated with sleeping difficulties. The girls had worse outcomes for sleeping difficulties, school stress, self‐perception and technology use than the boys. Based on the results, there is a need for school nurses to implement preventive measures to improve adolescents’ sleep.
The association between gratitude and burden in Australian mental health carers: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Stomski Norman Jay , Morrison Paul , Sealey Margaret , Skeffington Petra , O'Brien Geraldine
Published: October 2018

The level of carer burden has increased as carers take on more responsibility for mental health consumers as a result of the contemporary shift in the delivery of services from institutional to community settings. Interventions are required to mitigate mental health carer burden. Therefore, we examined the association between dispositional gratitude and burden in a cross‐sectional survey of 231 Australian mental health carers. Dispositional gratitude was assessed by the S‐GRAT, and carer burden was measured using the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire. The results of a general linear model demonstrated that higher levels of a lack of sense of deprivation were significantly associated with lower levels of tension, worrying and urging. In contrast, higher levels of simple appreciation were significantly associated with higher levels of supervision, worrying and urging. Our findings highlight that gratitude interventions should focus on promoting a lack of sense of deprivation and appreciation of others in order to reduce mental health carer burden.
Eliminating the need for routine monthly postdialysis serum urea nitrogen measurement: A method for monitoring Kt/V and normalized protein catabolic rate using conductivity determined dialyzer clearance
Authors: Daugirdas John T.
Published: October 2018

Many dialysis machines can compute dialyzer sodium clearances at multiple time points during a dialysis treatment using conductivity. For a given treatment, the average dialyzer sodium clearance (K), when combined with treatment time (t), and the estimated urea distribution volume (V, usually based on either anthropometry or bioimpedance), can be used to estimate Kt/V, an important measure of hemodialysis adequacy. While this conductivity‐derived value for Kt/V correlates moderately with Kt/V calculated from predialysis and postdialysis serum urea nitrogen (SUN) values (urea reduction ratio, URR), the ultrafiltration volume, and session length it is, unfortunately, not sufficiently accurate to replace URR‐based Kt/V. Here we underline the potential utility of an alternative method to estimate Kt/V (a variant of a technique originally proposed by Gotch and Levin and their colleagues) using conductivity‐derived sodium clearance (K) that does not require routine measurement of the postdialysis SUN but which should closely track Kt/V computed in the usual fashion. The increased accuracy with the new method is explained by the use of a patient‐specific value of V, which is an average value calculated from several dialysis sessions where both conductivity dialyzer clearance and predialysis and postdialysis SUN have been measured. Once this patient‐specific conductivity/URR‐based value for V has been determined, it can be used to calculate Kt/V for subsequent treatments in which conductivity‐based dialyzer clearances are measured, but around which predialysis and postdialysis SUN values have not been obtained. (If the predialysis SUN values for such a subsequent treatment are also measured, then a normalized protein catabolic rate that closely tracks the value from conventional urea modeling, can also be determined.) By reducing the number of postdialysis SUN measurements needed to monitor hemodialysis adequacy this new method of estimating Kt/V by conductivity should save staff time and laboratory costs, increase patient and staff safety, and decrease error rates associated with improper postdialysis blood sampling technique.
The impact of Aptian glacio‐eustasy on the stratigraphic architecture of the Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Horner Sean C. , Hubbard Stephen M. , Martin Harrison K. , Hagstrom Cynthia A. , Leckie Dale A.
Published: October 2018

High‐frequency incised valley systems and subaerial exposure surfaces are prevalent in Aptian‐aged units, having been documented in numerous basins around the world. In light of a growing body of palynological, geochemical and sedimentological evidence, a glacio‐eustatic mechanism for their generation has been suggested, driven by the waxing and waning of polar ice caps. The densely‐penetrated McMurray Formation of north‐eastern Alberta, Canada, provides a unique opportunity to test for an Aptian glacio‐eustatic signal within the Western Canadian Foreland Basin. This study combines detailed drill core description with wireline log‐based stratigraphic analysis to map and evaluate a series of drainage networks located along the cratonic edge of the Western Canadian Foreland Basin. Four stratigraphically distinct composite channel‐form bodies are documented across an area >14 000 km2. Composite channel‐form bodies are up to 50 km wide and locally exceed 70 m thick, subtending from upward‐coarsening parasequence sets 2 to 12 m thick; bounding marine flooding surfaces are mappable over distances exceeding 280 km along the north–south trending basin. Detailed internal fill characterization of the four composite channel‐form bodies suggests that three represent tidal–fluvial incised valley networks, and one represents a deltaic distributary system. At least six cycles of transgression and regression are apparent within the McMurray Formation stratigraphy. Recent biostratigraphic assessment has constrained deposition of the McMurray Formation between ca 125 Ma and 118 Ma, and periods on the order of 0·7 to 1·7 Ma are estimated for the mapped transgressive–regressive cycles. The high frequency nature of these Aptian sequences suggests that the sea‐level oscillations recorded in McMurray Formation strata are consistent with a glacio‐eustatic driver. Linking the internal stratigraphic architecture of the McMurray Formation with interpreted global cooling events and sea‐level drops provides the first evidence of glacio‐eustasy within Early Cretaceous strata of western Canada.
The real “danger” lies in the failure to confront fundamentals
Authors: Cohn Melvin
Published: October 2018

Can we formulate a framework that would provide an agreed upon basis for discussions of immune behaviour? An attempt to do this is, in the end, the main goal of this essay. If you tell a physicist that you have invented a perpetual motion machine, he would not spend any time trying to reveal the flaw. Rather, he would shrug you off because in his framework, such a machine is an impossibility. However, immunologists lacking an agreed upon, preferably default, framework spend their time chasing into dead‐end alleys or take refuge in descriptive empiricism. This will be illustrated using Danger theory, which ignores fundamentals to generate a framework believed to obviate the need for a Self (S)‐Nonself (NS) discrimination and which is claimed to be bolstered with monogamous data (observation married to a single explanation). The arguments presented here apply to all NS‐marker theories (pathogenicity, discontinuity, localization, danger, etc.).
Ultrasonographic intraoperative monitoring and follow‐up of Kaposi's sarcoma nodules under treatment with intralesional vincristine
Authors: Nazzaro Gianluca , Genovese Giovanni , Tourlaki Athanasia , Passoni Emanuela , Berti Emilio , Brambilla Lucia
Published: October 2018

Background

Intralesional vincristine is an effective treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) nodules on the skin, but there is little evidence of its action through imaging techniques. Ultrasonography can be an adjunctive tool in the diagnosis and management of KS skin lesions, but data in the literature are few.

Materials and Methods

Five patients with classic KS nodules were treated with intralesional vincristine. Ultrasonographic and color Doppler assessment were performed during vincristine injection and monitoring was repeated 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Partial response was defined as a reduction of more than 50% lesion volume and reduction of the vascular signal; complete response as a resolution of lesion associated with the absence of vascular signal.

Results

Six KS nodules were included in the study. On ultrasonography examination, KS nodules appeared as oval or round, hypoechoic, homogeneous structures, with intralesional vascularization, more prominent in the deepest pole of the nodule. At month 1, 4 nodules achieved a complete response, while two nodules showed a partial response and were retreated with intralesional vincristine. At month 3, all lesions achieved a complete response.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography may be a valuable tool in assessing clinical response to intralesional vincristine therapy of cutaneous KS nodules.
HLA‐DPB1*64:01N and DPB1*701:01 sequence extensions by single molecule real‐time DNA sequencing
Authors: Cambridge Charlotte A. , Turner Thomas R. , Abraham Jashan P. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Mayor Neema P.
Published: October 2018

Pacific Bioscience's SMRT sequencing was used to confirm and extend HLA‐DPB1*64:01N and 701:01.
Sentinel lymph node mapping by near‐infrared fluorescence imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in healthy dogs
Authors: Favril Sophie , Stock Emmelie , Hernot Sophie , Hesta Myriam , Polis Ingeborgh , Vanderperren Katrien , de Rooster Hilde
Published: October 2018

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a valuable and crucial diagnostic procedure in staging malignancies. We compared two non‐invasive techniques, near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), to identify the SLNs in three superficial anatomical regions in an animal model.

Six healthy laboratory dogs were included in a proof‐of‐concept trial. A NIR fluorescent dye (Indocyanine Green) and microbubbles (Sonovue) were consecutively injected subdermally in the Inguinal, axillary and popliteal region to map the SLNs.

Transcutaneous NIR fluorescence imaging identified SLNs in 17 out of a total of 18 occasions. CEUS identified SLNs in all regions (18/18). Whereas NIR fluorescence imaging performed better in the visualization of the afferent lymphatic tract, CEUS demonstrated different filling patterns of the SLNs, a feature potentially critical for the concept of SLN mapping in cancer patients. Both NIR fluorescence imaging and CEUS are safe, non‐invasive, practical and accurate methods to perform real‐time transcutaneous SLN mapping with potential in a clinical setting.
Canine and feline emphysematous gastritis may be differentiated from gastric emphysema based on clinical and imaging characteristics: Five cases
Authors: Thierry Florence , Ferreira Marisa F. , Paterson Gavin K. , Liuti Tiziana , Del‐Pozo Jorge
Published: October 2018

Gastric pneumatosis is an imaging finding defined as the presence of gas foci in the gastric wall. In humans, this imaging feature can result from one of two separate clinical entities: life‐threatening emphysematous gastritis or clinically benign gastric emphysema. This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and imaging features in five animals diagnosed with spontaneous gastric pneumatosis without gastric dilatation‐volvulus. Three canine and two feline cases of spontaneous gastric pneumatosis were identified on radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. In addition to gastric pneumatosis, one dog and two cats presented concomitant systemic signs such as lethargy, hematemesis, anemia, or leukocytosis. Two dogs remained asymptomatic or presented mild gastrointestinal signs. Portal gas was described in two dogs and one cat, and pneumoperitoneum in one dog. These features were not considered clinically significant. The dog and two cats with systemic signs were euthanized due to clinical deterioration and diagnosed with emphysematous gastritis. The gastric pneumatosis of both dogs without systemic signs resolved while on medical management without antibiotic therapy. These latter cases were interpreted as consistent with gastric emphysema. Findings from the current study indicated that gastric pneumatosis can occur without gastric dilatation‐volvulus in cats and dogs and that a combination of clinical and imaging characteristics may help to differentiate between potentially life‐threatening emphysematous gastritis and relatively benign gastric emphysema. More studies are needed to determine the etiology and risk factors associated with these conditions.
Computed tomographic bronchial collapsibility values over 50% may be detected in healthy dogs
Authors: Oh Dayoung , Lee Siheon , Kim Seungji , Choen Sangkyung , Choi Mincheol , Yoon Junghee
Published: October 2018

Bronchomalacia and bronchial collapse are important causes of chronic coughing in dogs. The current reference standard diagnostic tests for these problems are flexible bronchoscopy and biopsy. Previous human studies have also supported inspiration/expiration computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic test. The current prospective, pilot study aimed to determine whether inspiration/expiration CT is also a feasible test for quantifying bronchial collapsibility in dogs. Thoracic CT images were acquired using a 64‐row multidetector CT for 10 healthy Beagle dogs during maximal inspiration and expiration. For each scan, one observer measured transverse sectional areas of the mainstem and lobar bronchi, and the dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus. Diameters for each bronchus were also measured in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. Bronchial collapsibility (%) was calculated as the difference between inspiration/expiration transverse sectional areas divided by the inspiration transverse sectional areas. Mean bronchial collapsibility of all bronchi was 38.20 ± 15.17%. A collapsibility of over 50% was found in the dorsal (n = 7) and ventral (n = 4) segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus, and the left caudal (n = 5) and right middle (n = 2) lobar bronchus. Bronchial collapsibility measurements were greater in the dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus and the left caudal lobar bronchus (P < 0.001). Findings supported inspiration/expiration CT as a modality to noninvasively assess bronchial collapse in dogs and a bronchial collapsibility value greater than 50% for detecting pathologic bronchial collapse in clinically affected dogs.
Crisis of Morals and Values: A Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiur , Al Younus Md. Abdullah , Uddin Md. Kamal
Published: October 2018

The morals and values which are held in high esteem are now eroding with the progressing trend of modern civilization. This decline has taken a dangerous turn and in consequence it is very difficult for the peace loving people to bear the miserable aspects of life. Relevant examples have been cited from different scenarios of national and international level to evaluate the gravity of the situation resulting from moral degradation owing to the loss of ethics and values among people of all walks of life. The causes of this vicious state of life have been examined in the study through questionnaire and interview with different sections of people. As it is a topic of great interest, teachers, learners and social elites showed keen sense of interest to reflect their opinions as far as the cause and effect of this crisis are interrelated to make the discussion thought provoking and fruitful. The objective of the study is to raise awareness among the people and the practical utility of morals and values. The result of this survey has been thoroughly analyzed and effective suggestions are given for making concerted efforts for solution so that the problem may not destroy our glorious achievement for the country we have so far done right from our independence. Just like all authors valuable research papers we, the writers have spared no pains to mention some objectives in a crystal clear manner keeping abreast of our sincerest attempts to state what our principal goals are and what we really aspire to achieve, par excellence providing relevant data to the best of our ability with vigorous studies that opened a new horizon to us in this field. Change of mind set and above all a holistic stance toward it may invigorate us to eliminate the evil and inculcate proper values and morals for national standard and eminence both at home and abroad.
Metocean Conditions in a Norwegian Fjord in Relation to the Floating Bridge Design
Authors: Wang Jungao , Li Lin , Jakobsen Jasna Bogunović , Haver Sverre Kristian
Published: October 2018

The present study investigates the environmental conditions in the Sulafjord in Norway, where a floating bridge is being considered for construction. Fifteen months of wave and wind measurement data in the fjord are compared to the hindcast data at a relevant offshore site and a good overall correlation between the two is found. Furthermore, a quantitative relationship between the wave conditions offshore and in the fjord is established based on the storm event analysis. Accordingly, the identified relationship and the 60-year of offshore hindcast data enable the estimation of the design environmental conditions in the fjord, by adapting the fitted marginal and joint distribution of the wave conditions at the offshore site. The present study illustrates the possibility of using more data from the hindcast model for the design when the measurement data are limited.
Benefit of binaural listening as revealed by speech intelligibility and listening effort
Authors: Rennies Jan , Kidd Gerald
Published: October 2018

In contrast to the well-known benefits for speech intelligibility, the advantage afforded by binaural stimulus presentation for reducing listening effort has not been thoroughly examined. This study investigated spatial release of listening effort and its relation to binaural speech intelligibility in listeners with normal hearing. Psychometric functions for speech intelligibility of a frontal target talker masked by a stationary speech-shaped noise were estimated for several different noise azimuths, different degrees of reverberation, and by maintaining only interaural level or time differences. For each of these conditions, listening effort was measured using a categorical scaling procedure. The results revealed that listening effort was significantly reduced when target and masker were spatially separated in anechoic conditions. This effect extended well into the range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in which speech intelligibility was at ceiling, and disappeared only at the highest SNRs. In reverberant conditions, spatial release from listening effort was observed for high, but not low, direct-to-reverberant ratios. The findings suggest that listening effort assessment can be a useful method for revealing the benefits of spatial separation of sources under realistic listening conditions comprising favorable SNRs and low reverberation, which typically are not apparent by other means.
Unraveling the long-pursued Au
144
structure by x-ray crystallography
Authors: Yan Nan , Xia Nan , Liao Lingwen , Zhu Min , Jin Fengming , Jin Rongchao , Wu Zhikun
Published: October 2018

A mysterious, long-pursued structure of a nanocluster-nanocrystal transition-sized nanoparticle is unraveled.
Tunable structure and dynamics of active liquid crystals
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Zhang Rui , de Pablo Juan J. , Gardel Margaret L.
Published: October 2018

Activity tunes elastic properties and defect interactions in nematic liquid crystals.
Uranium polyhydrides at moderate pressures: Prediction, synthesis, and expected superconductivity
Authors: Kruglov Ivan A. , Kvashnin Alexander G. , Goncharov Alexander F. , Oganov Artem R. , Lobanov Sergey S. , Holtgrewe Nicholas , Jiang Shuqing , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Greenberg Eran , Yanilkin Alexey V.
Published: October 2018

Formation of uranium polyhydrides UH
5–9
is predicted using the evolutionary algorithm USPEX and proved by high-pressure synthesis.
Wide-field multiphoton imaging through scattering media without correction
Authors: Escobet-Montalbán Adrià , Spesyvtsev Roman , Chen Mingzhou , Saber Wardiya Afshar , Andrews Melissa , Herrington C. Simon , Mazilu Michael , Dholakia Kishan
Published: October 2018

Focusing ultrashort laser pulses in time in tandem with single-pixel detection images at depth with no sample characterization.
A subset of HLA-I peptides are not genomically templated: Evidence for cis- and trans-spliced peptide ligands
Authors: Faridi Pouya , Li Chen , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Vivian Julian P. , Illing Patricia T. , Mifsud Nicole A. , Ayala Rochelle , Song Jiangning , Gearing Linden J. , Hertzog Paul J. , Ternette Nicola , Rossjohn Jamie , Croft Nathan P. , Purcell Anthony W.
Published: October 2018

A considerable proportion of HLA-I peptides likely derive from cis- and trans-splicing events.
Low-Bias RNA Sequencing of the HIV-2 Genome from Blood Plasma
Authors: James Katherine L. , de Silva Thushan I. , Brown Katherine , Whittle Hilton , Taylor Stephen , McVean Gilean , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Rowland-Jones Sarah L.
Published: October 2018

An accurate picture of viral genetic diversity is critical for the development of a globally effective HIV vaccine. However, sequencing strategies are often complicated by target enrichment prior to sequencing, introducing biases that can distort variant frequencies, which are not easily corrected for in downstream analyses. Additionally, detailed
a priori
sequence knowledge is needed to inform robust primer design when employing PCR amplification, a factor that is often lacking when working with tropical diseases localized in developing countries. Previous work has demonstrated that direct RNA shotgun sequencing (RNA-Seq) can be used to circumvent these issues for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and norovirus. We applied RNA-Seq to total RNA extracted from HIV-2 blood plasma samples, demonstrating the applicability of this technique to HIV-2 and allowing us to generate a dynamic picture of genetic diversity over the whole genome of HIV-2 in the context of low-bias sequencing.
Lens nuclear opacity quantitation with long-range swept-source optical coherence tomography: correlation to LOCS III and a Scheimpflug imaging-based grading system
Authors: Chen Ding , Li Zhangliang , Huang Jinhai , Yu Liuqing , Liu Songjia , Zhao Yun-e
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To quantitate lens nuclear opacity using long-range swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images and to evaluate the correlation of this method to Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) and a Scheimpflug imaging-based grading system (Pentacam Nuclear Stage function; PNS).

Methods

This study enrolled 120 participants (120 eyes) with age-related nuclear cataracts. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), LOCS III nuclear opalescence (NO) and nuclear colour (NC) were obtained. The nuclear density measured using PNS function (NDPNS) was recorded. Three successive series of long-range SS-OCT images were captured, and the nuclear region was analysed using ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) to generate SS-OCT image-based nuclear density (NDSS-OCT). The repeatability of NDSS-OCTmeasurement was evaluated using within-subject coefficient of variation (CVw) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlations of NDSS-OCTwith NO and NC, BCVA and NDPNSwere analysed. According to the integrity of nucleus imaged by Pentacam, patients were divided into two groups, and the parameters were compared between groups.

Results

The CVwand ICC for NDSS-OCTmeasurement were 1.5 % and 0.994, respectively. The NDSS-OCTsignificantly correlated with NO (r=0.831), NC (r=0.873), BCVA (r=0.655) and NDPNS(r=0.891). The NDSS-OCT, NO and NC, and BCVA were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Lens nuclear opacity quantitation using long-range SS-OCT images was repeatable and correlated well with LOCS III and PNS function. The Scheimpflug principle had a limitation in imaging dense nucleus. Long-range SS-OCT seems more promising for objectively and quantitatively assessing lens nuclear opacity.
Medical services at the 2017 Sapporo Asian winter games: injury and illness epidemiology at a 34-nation multisport event
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Akama Takao , Asakawa Shin , Fukuda Kimitaka , Sakai Hiroya , Okuwaki Toru , Imai Tomohito , Sato Hiroko , Katayose Masaki , Jegathesan Manikavasagam , Shamali Nadia Al
Published: October 2018

Objectives

We describe the medical services provided and report the injuries and illnesses that occurred at the eighth Asian Winter Games 2017.

Methods

A total of 2010 athletes and team officials from 32 National Olympic Committees and 2 guest countries attended this event; medical services were provided for 16 days. Medical data (medical care and physiotherapy) were collected for the same period by the organising committee for athletes and non-athletes (team officials, workforce, media and spectators) and recorded on the electronic medical record system at the medical rooms in the venues and the team residences.

Results

We recorded 745 medical encounters (medical care, 443; physiotherapy, 302), of which 549 (74%) were among athletes. There were 214 injuries as well as 144 illnesses and other medical conditions. Of the 1164 athletes, 549 (47%) utilised the services. Ice hockey, snowboarding and alpine skiing had high rate of medical encounters. More than half of the delegations were not accompanied by team doctor, and rate of medical encounters was high in these teams. The vast majority of patients transferred to hospital for further care were mostly athletes (n=36 out of 41), mostly alpine skiers and ice hockey players.

Conclusion

Injuries and illnesses varied depending on NOC medical staffing and sport events. These data will serve organisers of medical and physiotherapy services in the Asian Winter Games and similar large events.
Digital adherence technologies for the management of tuberculosis therapy: mapping the landscape and research priorities
Authors: Subbaraman Ramnath , de Mondesert Laura , Musiimenta Angella , Pai Madhukar , Mayer Kenneth H , Thomas Beena E , Haberer Jessica
Published: October 2018

Poor medication adherence may increase rates of loss to follow-up, disease relapse and drug resistance for individuals with active tuberculosis (TB). While TB programmes have historically used directly observed therapy (DOT) to address adherence, concerns have been raised about the patient burden, ethical limitations, effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes and long-term feasibility of DOT for health systems. Digital adherence technologies (DATs)—which include feature phone–based and smartphone-based technologies, digital pillboxes and ingestible sensors—may facilitate more patient-centric approaches for monitoring adherence, though available data are limited. Depending on the specific technology, DATs may help to remind patients to take their medications, facilitate digital observation of pill-taking, compile dosing histories and triage patients based on their level of adherence, which can facilitate provision of individualised care by TB programmes to patients with varied levels of risk. Research is needed to understand whether DATs are acceptable to patients and healthcare providers, accurate for measuring adherence, effective in improving treatment outcomes and impactful in improving health system efficiency. In this article, we describe the landscape of DATs that are being used in research or clinical practice by TB programmes and highlight priorities for research.
Evaluation of a novel liquid biopsy-based ColoScape assay for mutational analysis of colorectal neoplasia and triage of FIT+ patients: a pilot study
Authors: Scimia Mauro , Du Jinwei , Pepe Francesco , Bianco Maria Antonia , Russo Spena Silvana , Patell-Socha Farah , Sun Qing , Powell Michael J , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: October 2018

Circulating cell free tumour derived nucleic acids are becoming recognised as clinically significant and extremely useful biomarkers for detection of cancer and for monitoring the progression of targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. Screening programmes for colorectal cancer in Europe use the Fetal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test as a primary screener. FIT+ patients are referred to immediate colonoscopy and the positive predictive value (PPV) is usually 25%. In this article, we report a study employing the ColoScape assay panel to detect mutations in the APC, KRAS, BRAF and CTNNB1 genes, in order to collect preliminary performance indicators and plan a future, larger population study. The assay was evaluated on 52 prospectively collected whole-blood samples obtained from FIT+ patients enrolled in the CRC screening programme of ASL NAPOLI 3 SUD, using colonoscopy as confirmation. The assay’s sensitivity for advanced adenomas was 53.8% and the specificity was 92.3%. The PPV was 70.0% and negative predicitive value (NPV) was 85.7%. Workflow optimisation is essential to maximise sensitivity. Of note, four of the six positive cases missed by ColoScape had a less than suboptimal DNA input (data not shown). Had they been ruled out as inadequate, sensitivity would have increased from 53.8% to 69%. However, as stated previously, this is not a clinical trial, but rather an initial, preliminary technical evaluation. In conclusion this study shows that ColoScape is a promising tool and further studies are warranted in order to validate its use for the triage of FIT+ patients.
Relationship between rice consumption and body weight gain in Japanese workers: white versus brown rice/multigrain rice
Authors: Sawada Kimi , Takemi Yukari , Murayama Nobuko , Ishida Hiromi
Published: October 2018

Increasing obesity rates have driven research into dietary support for body weight control, but previous studies have only assessed changes in body weight of ±3 kg. We investigated the relationships between white or brown/multi-grain rice consumption and 1-year body weight gain ≥3 kg in Japanese factory workers (n = 437). Routine medical check-up data from a 1-year nutrition and lifestyle cohort study were analysed. Participants were divided into white rice and brown/multi-grain rice consumption groups and further classified by tertile of rice consumption. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by tertile. At 1 year, high white rice consumption was significantly associated with increased risk of body weight gain ≥3 kg compared with low white rice consumption, maintained after adjustment for age, sex, and consumption of other obesogenic foods (p = 0.034). In the brown/multi-grain rice consumption group, however, there was no significant difference in risk between high and low consumption, even after multi-variate adjustment (p = 0.387). The consumption of white rice, but not brown rice/multi-grain rice, was positively correlated with the risk of a 1-year body weight gain of 3 kg or more. This suggests that brown rice/multi-grain rice consumption is useful for body weight control among Japanese workers.
Ammonia volatilization and nitrogen runoff losses from moso bamboo forests after different fertilization practices
Authors: Zhao Jiancheng , Su Wenhui , Fan Shaohui , Cai Chunju , Su Haoran , Zeng Xianli
Published: October 2018

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz.) is a major giant bamboo species. Unreasonable fertilization and nitrogen (N) loss is a serious problem. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of application methods (furrow and hole) and depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) on ammonia (NH3) volatilization and N runoff losses from June to December, 2015. Ammonia volatilization was detected as a single peak curve after fertilization. Three weeks later, fluxes of all fertilization treatments were similar to those of the control and remained stable. After the experiment, the cumulative NH3 volatilization was 17.2–21.4 kg·ha−1. Approximately 90% of NH3 volatilization occurred within the first two weeks. The NH4+-N loss was higher than the NO3−-N loss, and the total runoff losses were relatively low. For the same application method, with the increase of application depth, the NH3 volatilization and N runoff losses reduced; for the same application depth, the NH3 volatilization and N runoff losses after furrow application were lower than those after hole application. Therefore, the deep and furrow application methods were effective in reducing N loss through NH3 volatilization and runoff. In the present study, furrow application at a 20–40 cm depth has been appropriate for field practice.