bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion parallax in electric sensing
Authors: Pedraja Federico , Hofmann Volker , Lucas Kathleen M. , Young Colleen , Engelmann Jacob , Lewis John E.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Through specific movements, animals can structure the dynamics of sensory inputs to optimize perception. In vision, side-to-side peering can provide distance information from visual parallax. Weakly electric fish exhibit swimming patterns reminiscent of visual peering, but there is no direct evidence that these fish use motion-related cues for electric sensing. Indeed, how a dynamic environment is perceived through an electrosensory lens remains unclear. By combining computational modeling and a behavioral test, we demonstrate that temporal dynamics, along with a dipole electric field geometry, generates a parallax-like cue that weakly electric fish from two independent taxa exploit for distance perception. Studying weakly electric fish will lead to a better understanding of active sensing and the fundamental principles of sensory processing.
Folding of maltose binding protein outside of and in GroEL
Authors: Ye Xiang , Mayne Leland , Kan Zhong-yuan , Englander S. Walter
Published: January 2018

Significance

The GroEL/ES chaperonin is known to prevent protein aggregation during folding by passive containment within the central cavity. The possible role of more active intervention is controversial. The HX MS method documents an organized hydrophobically stabilized folding preintermediate in the collapsed ensemble of maltose binding protein. A mutational defect destabilizes the preintermediate and greatly slows folding of the subsequent on-pathway H-bonded intermediate. GroEL encapsulation alone, without ATP and substrate protein cycling, restabilizes the preintermediate and restores fast folding. The mechanism appears to depend on forceful compression during confinement. More generally, these results suggest that GroEL can repair different folding defects in different ways.
Identification of a ubiquitin-binding interface using Rosetta and DEER
Authors: Tessmer Maxx H. , Anderson David M. , Pickrum Adam M. , Riegert Molly O. , Moretti Rocco , Meiler Jens , Feix Jimmy B. , Frank Dara W.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Structure–function aspects of dynamic, membrane-associated proteins are difficult to mechanistically define. In this study, computational and biophysical methods are applied to identify a ubiquitin-interaction domain essential for the activity of a bacterial cytotoxin, ExoU. Introduction of mutations that diminish or improve ubiquitin interaction alters the biochemical and biological activities of the toxin. This strategy and these verification procedures may be useful where traditional NMR or crystallographic technologies to analyze protein–protein interactions are limited. ExoU is a member of a family of newly discovered ubiquitin-activated enzymes encoded by several bacterial pathogens. Understanding the details of intracellular enzyme activation will be critical to the development of inhibitors aimed at reducing tissue damage during infection by a variety of organisms.
Computational modeling of three-dimensional ECM-rigidity sensing to guide directed cell migration
Authors: Kim Min-Cheol , Silberberg Yaron R. , Abeyaratne Rohan , Kamm Roger D. , Asada H. Harry
Published: January 2018

Significance

We have investigated how the directed cell migration toward stiffer extracellular matrix (ECM) is guided by filopodial mechanosensing of the surrounding ECM stiffness. As filopodia bind to the surrounding 3D ECM fibers, local force and displacement are created near the filopodium tip in response to the contraction of filopodia. We have looked into the time rate of changes to the force and the relative displacement between each binding site of ECM fiber (or fluorescent microbeads) and that of the filopodium tip. To quantify the local ECM stiffness sensed by the cell, we have aggregated these effects using two approaches of continuum and discrete mechanics and formulated two different equations for the effective rigidities of local ECM perceived by the cell.
Structure of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase cleaving RNA in an RNA/DNA hybrid
Authors: Tian Lan , Kim Min-Sung , Li Hongzhi , Wang Jimin , Yang Wei
Published: January 2018

Significance

How HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) engages its RNase H active site to degrade viral RNA genome has remained unknown. Here we show that only with a preferred sequence does an RNA/DNA hybrid adopt the specifically distorted structure to fit into RT for cleavage by RNase H. The conformation of RT for RNA hydrolysis is distinctly different from that for DNA synthesis and reveals a structural cavity, which can serve as a target for RT inhibition.
Computation as a powerful tool for understanding particle systems: an interview with Aibing Yu
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: January 2018

When we talk about materials, we may have several images in our minds. We have functional materials with fine nanostructures and unique physical/chemical properties; we have structural materials such as metals and cement. However, we may sometimes ignore the construction pattern of materials. In fact, glass, iron, coal, cement, and many other materials that are common in our everyday life are particulate/granular materials. Recently, NSR talked to Aibing Yu, a professor of Monash University, Australia, and a scientist who has been working on particle systems for 30 years, about how to deepen our understanding of these particulate materials by computer simulation and modelling.
Evolution of cognitive and neural solutions enabling numerosity judgements: lessons from primates and corvids
Authors: Nieder Andreas
Published: January 2018

Brains that are capable of representing numerosity, the number of items in a set, have arisen repeatedly and independently in different animal taxa. This review compares the cognitive and physiological mechanisms found in a nonhuman primate, the rhesus macaque, and a corvid songbird, the carrion crow, in order to elucidate the evolutionary adaptations underlying numerical competence. Monkeys and corvids are known for their advanced cognitive competence, despite them both having independently and distinctly evolved endbrains that resulted from a long history of parallel evolution. In both species, numerosity is represented as an analogue magnitude by an approximate number system that obeys the Weber–Fechner Law. In addition, the activity of numerosity-selective neurons in the fronto-parietal association cortex of monkeys and the telencephalic associative area nidopallium caudolaterale of crows mirrors the animals' performance. In both species' brains, neuronal activity is tuned to a preferred numerosity, encodes the numerical value in an approximate fashion, and is best represented on a logarithmic scale. Collectively, the data show an impressive correspondence of the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms for numerosity representations across monkeys and crows. This suggests that remotely related vertebrates with distinctly developed endbrains adopted similar physiological solutions to common computational problems in numerosity processing.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The origins of numerical abilities'.
Proposed minimal standards for the use of genome data for the taxonomy of prokaryotes
Authors: Chun Jongsik , Oren Aharon , Ventosa Antonio , Christensen Henrik , Arahal David Ruiz , da Costa Milton S. , Rooney Alejandro P. , Yi Hana , Xu Xue-Wei , De Meyer Sofie , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: January 2018

Advancement of DNA sequencing technology allows the routine use of genome sequences in the various fields of microbiology. The information held in genome sequences proved to provide objective and reliable means in the taxonomy of prokaryotes. Here, we describe the minimal standards for the quality of genome sequences and how they can be applied for taxonomic purposes.
Micro-scale ecology regulates particulate organic matter turnover in model marine microbial communities
Authors: Enke Tim N. , Leventhal Gabriel E. , Metzger Matthew , Saavedra José T. , Cordero Otto X.
Published: January 2018

The degradation of particulate organic matter in the ocean is a central process in the global carbon cycle, the ‘mode and tempo’ of which is determined by the bacterial communities that assemble on particle surfaces. Although recent studies have shed light on the dynamics of community assembly on particles –which serve as hotspots of microbial activity in the ocean, the mapping from community composition to function, i.e. particle degradation, remains completely unexplored. Using a collection of marine bacteria cultured from different stages of succession on chitin micro-particles we found that the hydrolytic power of communities is highly dependent on community composition. Different particle degrading taxa –all of which were early successional species during colonization– displayed characteristic particle half-lives that differed by ~170 hours, comparable to the residence time of particles in the ocean’s mixed layer1. These half-lives were in general longer in multispecies communities, where the growth of obligate cross-feeders limited the ability of degraders to colonize and consume particles. Remarkably, above a certain critical initial ratio of cross-feeder to degrader cells, particle degradation was completely blocked along with the growth of all members of the community. We showed that this interaction occurred between a variety of strains of different taxonomic origins and that it only appears when bacteria interact with particles, suggesting a mechanism by which non-degrading secondary consumers occlude access to the particle resource. Overall, our results show that micro-scale community ecology on particle surfaces can have significant impact on carbon turnover in the ocean.
Regulation of individual differences in recruitment behaviour within honey bee foraging groups
Authors: George Ebi Antony , Brockmann Axel
Published: January 2018

Division of labour is a hallmark of eusocial insect colonies, with different groups of workers engaged in different tasks at the same time. Foraging is a task done by older workers in honey bee colonies. Foragers use the waggle dance behaviour to inform and recruit nest mates to food sources in the environment. The recruitment process incorporates information about the food reward, the colony food stores and the environmental food availability and plays a major role in ensuring efficient exploitation of the food sources available to the colony. However, the role that individual foragers play in driving recruitment is largely unexplored. We observed the dance activity of individual foragers from the same foraging group and showed that there are consistent inter-individual differences within a foraging group leading to a division of labour in the recruitment activity. Next, we studied the effect of changing social interactions on these individual differences. Removing foragers from the group led to an increase in the dance activity of the group of remaining foragers. This was mainly driven by an increase in the dance activity of certain individuals within the foraging groups. In contrast, allowing recruits to join the foraging group had a strong negative effect on the dance activity of all the individual foragers. Our study shows that there is a fine scale division of labour in the recruitment activity within foraging groups and that this is further regulated by changing social interactions. Thus, a complex interplay between individual differences and social interactions drive recruitment activity in honey bees.
The effectiveness of glass beads for plating cell cultures
Authors: Prusokas Alidivinas , Hawkins Michelle , Nieduszynski Conrad A. , Retkute Renata
Published: January 2018

Cell plating, the spreading out of a liquid suspension of cells on a surface followed by colony growth, is a common laboratory procedure in microbiology. Despite this, the exact impact of its parameters on colony growth has not been extensively studied. A common protocol involves the shaking of glass beads within a petri dish containing solid growth media. We investigated the effects of multiple parameters in this protocol - the number of beads, the shape of movement, and the number of movements. Standard suspensions of Escherichia coli were spread while varying these parameters to assess their impact on colony growth. Results were assessed by a variety of metrics - the number of colonies, the mean distance between closest colonies, and the variability and uniformity of their spatial distribution. Finally, we devised a mathematical model of shifting billiard to explain the heterogeneities in the observed spatial patterns. Exploring the parameters that affect the most fundamental techniques in microbiology allows us to better understand their function, giving us the ability to precisely control their outputs for our exact needs.
EBSD-assisted Laue microdiffraction for microstrain analysis
Authors: Örs Taylan , Micha Jean-Sébastien , Gey Nathalie , Michel Vincent , Castelnau Olivier , Guinebretiere René
Published: January 2018

The X-ray Laue microdiffraction (µLaue) technique has been establishing itself as a reliable means for microstrain analysis for the past few decades. One problem with this technique is that when the crystal size is significantly smaller than the probed volume and when the diffracting crystals are closely oriented, a large number of individual µLaue patterns are superimposed in a complex way on the recorded diffraction images. In that case, because of the difficulty of isolating unambiguously a single-grain µLaue pattern, a reliable analysis of strains is tedious manually and hardly achievable with current automated methods. This issue is even more severe for low-symmetry crystals or when high-energy X-rays are used, since each single-crystal µLaue pattern already contains a large number of spots. This paper proposes overcoming this challenge through the development of a combined approach coupling µLaue and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The capabilities of this `EBSD-assisted µLaue' automated method are illustrated on a monoclinic zirconia-based specimen and µLaue diffraction patterns are analysed with the crystal orientation input from EBSD. The obtained results are statistically reliable, reproducible and provide a physical insight into the micromechanical characteristics of the material.
Hindered nematic alignment of hematite spindles in poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels: a small-angle X-ray scattering and rheology study
Authors: Nack Annemarie , Seifert Julian , Passow Christopher , Wagner Joachim
Published: January 2018

Field-induced changes to the mesostructure of ferrogels consisting of spindle-shaped hematite particles and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) are investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Related field-induced changes to the macroscopic viscoelastic properties of these composites are probed by means of oscillatory shear experiments in an external magnetic field. Because of their magnetic moment and magnetic anisotropy, the hematite spindles align with their long axis perpendicular to the direction of an external magnetic field. The field-induced torque acting on the magnetic particles leads to an elastic deformation of the hydrogel matrix. Thus, the field-dependent orientational distribution functions of anisotropic particles acting as microrheological probes depend on the elastic modulus of the hydrogel matrix. The orientational distribution functions are determined by means of SAXS experiments as a function of the varying flux density of an external magnetic field. With increasing elasticity of the hydrogels, tunedviathe polymer volume fraction and the crosslinking density, the field-induced alignment of these anisotropic magnetic particles is progressively hindered. The microrheological results are in accordance with macrorheological experiments indicating increasing elasticity with increasing flux density of an external field.
Who are the farm shop buyers? A case study in Naumburg, Germany
Authors: Bavorova Miroslava , Traikova Diana , Doms Juliane
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence consumers’ shopping behaviour from farm shops.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Data were gathered in 2015 and 2016 via a quantitative written survey of 135 pedestrians in a structured questionnaire in Naumburg, East Germany. The authors use the variance-based, partial least squares subfamily of structural equation models for the analysis, allowing the authors to investigate the causes of the formation of attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC) related to buying from farm shops.

Findings

Seen through the TPB prism, the most powerful explanatory construct in the model is PBC. This is followed by favourable attitudes towards buying at the farm gate. Interestingly, the injunctive norms construct is not significant, while the descriptive norms construct is. This means that the observed behaviour of relevant peers is more strongly linked to buying at the farm gate than what significant others want respondents to do.

Originality/value

Farm shops are one of the innovative distribution channels used by farmers to sell regional products directly to consumers. Studies that analyse the factors that have an effect on consumer behaviour when buying food from farm shops are very scarce. This paper fills this gap and the findings have implications for communications to consumers and labelling.
An analysis of satisfaction level of 3PL service users with the help of ACSI
Authors: Ali Sadia Samar , Kaur Rajbir
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the satisfaction level of customers using third party logistics (3PL) services in the Indian capital region and its surrounding areas. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) model is used as a framework to identify the major drivers of satisfaction and areas requiring immediate attention for provision of better services.

Design/methodology/approach

Present study includes an exhaustive review of literature for the identification of enablers for this model. Through iterative and structured discussions, variables related to process, service information and user’s expectations are identified, which are subsequently grouped into four dimensions. A survey method is used to get the primary data for this research from 3PL service users’ organizations in the Delhi and adjoining capital region. ACSI is used to prioritize the most preferred driver of satisfaction.

Findings

Enablers related to process involving order processing, order picking, order fulfillment and final decision making stand out as the winners and also other critical areas have been identified.

Practical implications

There is a gap between the services obtained and services expected and information-related complications which lead to unsatisfied customers. The 3PL service providers need to focus on these areas for better business performance and healthy and long-lasting business relationships.

Originality/value

The paper is an attempt to implement a satisfaction model for the 3PL sector from user’s perspective.
Workgroup diversity
Authors: Abu Bakar Hassan , McCann Robert M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether surface-level actual similarity interacts with leader-member dyadic communication agreement in predicting group member performance ratings at earlier time periods in a work group’s development. Additionally, this research examines whether deep-level perceived similarity interacts with leader-member dyadic communication agreement in predicting group member performance ratings at later time periods in a work group’s development. The relationship between shared cultural context and perceived and actual similarity is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyzes longitudinal data from the study questionnaires at five occasions in a Malaysian organization.

Findings

Results based on a sample of 28 group projects and 141 matching dyad who completed the study questionnaires at 5 occasions reveal that there is no interaction between workgroup relational ethnicity and workgroup relational gender with leader-member dyadic agreement at early time periods in a workgroup’s development. Therefore, H1 is not supported. H2 posited that deep-level perceived similarity will interact with leader-member dyadic communication agreement in predicting group member performance ratings at later time periods in a workgroup’s development. H2 is supported. Results reveal that the interaction between leader-member dyadic communication agreement and perceived similarity explains 36 percent of the variance of perceived group members’ performance ratings. This is after accounting for the control variable and the independent variables. From a cultural standpoint, the findings in this study underscore that conversations based on the Malaysian cultural norm of “budi” reflect not only a cultural basis of communication, but also that this shared cultural context leads to perceived similarity between ethnic Malay, Chinese, and Indians, and also both genders in the Malaysian workplace.

Research limitations/implications

Leader-member dyadic communication agreement reflects the social appropriateness and relationship quality between individuals, as well as the context of the leader-member workgroup interactions. The findings of this study underscore the premise that conversations reflect not only a cultural basis of communication, but also that shared cultural context leads to perceived similarity. This study specifically examines the role of ethnicity in Malaysia organizational workgroup (e.g. ethnic Malay, Chinese Malay, and Indian Malay) as well as gender.

Originality/value

This study systematically examines the influence of actual and perceived similarity in leader-member dyadic communication from a longitudinal and multilevel standpoint.
Calling for leadership: leadership relation with worker’s sense of calling
Authors: Esteves Tiago , Lopes Miguel Pereira , Geremias Rosa Lutete , Palma Patricia Jardim
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the relation between leadership perception and workers’ sense of calling.

Design/methodology/approach

Workers’ sense of calling has been shown to relate to organizational outcomes such as job satisfaction, career development, personal growth, and well-being. Although recent studies point the sense of calling as a consequent of several organizational variables, the role of leadership in promoting workers’ sense of calling is yet to be analyzed. A self-report questionnaire was applied to a group of 325 Portuguese nurses to analyze this relation. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the results.

Findings

Results indicate a positive relation between a leader perceived as transformational or transactional and workers’ sense of calling. Directive and empowering leadership perception were found not to be related to calling. Unexpectedly, a significant positive relation with aversive leadership perception was identified.

Research limitations/implications

A confounding relation between aversive leadership perception and sense of calling cannot be excluded. It is possible that an unknown third variable, such as resilience or positive affect, is serving as a mediating bridge between leadership perception and the sense of calling. Further studies are necessary in order to explore this alternative path.

Originality/value

The sense of calling is known as a relevant organizational construct. Knowing what kinds of leadership promote workers’ sense of calling adds value for the literature and can help managers to learn how to improve their followers’ sense of calling.
Analysis of risk and the strengthening of the safety technical barriers: application of Skikda (Algeria) oil refining complex
Authors: Ait Ouffroukh Louiza , Chaib Rachid , Ion Verzea , Khochmane Lakhdar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Algeria occupies an important place in all of the oil-producing countries. However, in recent years, industrial facilities have experienced a rapid increase in the number of major industrial accidents and calamities, where fires and explosions have caused impacts and severe effects on people, property and the environment. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the risks involved and assess the performance of the technical barriers at the thermo-hydraulic level of facilities at the level of the refinery of Skikda.

Design/methodology/approach

The most effective methods in this field of activity are the systematic analyses of deviations or failures. As working tools, hazard and operability (HAZOP) method and fault tree analysis (FTA) were used to identify the various possible risks that could lead to undesirable phenomena, with the Topping unit. Using this type of analysis, it is possible to understand what the most risky process steps are and, where appropriate, to propose appropriate corrective and preventive measures. HAZOP is dedicated to the analysis of the risks of thermo-hydraulic systems and to control drift parameters such as pressure, temperature and flow. Unfortunately, with its limitations to the detection of leaks, the authors completed the study by FTA, working with a predetermined set of process parameters associated with system operation (compression, temperature, flow, etc.). Each of these parameters are combined with a series of possible potential deviations (too much, little, inverse, etc). For each analyzed equipment, the relevant parameters are selected and combined with the relevant deviations. For each parameter of the deviant process, the causes and consequences are determined.

Findings

The combination of these two methods has allowed to highlight the various possible risks that could lead to undesirable phenomena, to respond to industrial expectations or even to manage the operation process safely. Thus, it enabled the authors to detect the weaknesses of the process. This allowed the authors to reinforce the technical safety barriers of the functional links of the process and propose appropriate, corrective and preventive measures.

Originality/value

The work intends to reflect the real situation in which companies face risks. The originality of the work is represented by the combination of two methods: HAZOP and the FTA. This association allowed the authors to identify areas of weakness to set priorities for action by the company, through organizational, technical and human solutions, while engaging in a process of continuous improvement.
Dispersion analysis of magneto-electro elastic plate of arbitrary cross-sections immersed in fluid
Authors: Selvamani Rajendran
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to construct a mathematical model to study the dispersion analysis of magneto-electro elastic plate of arbitrary cross sections immersed in fluid by using the Fourier expansion collocation method (FECM).

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical formulation of the problem is designed and developed using three-dimensional linear elasticity theories. As the inner and outer boundaries of the arbitrary cross-sectional plate are irregular, the frequency equations are obtained from the arbitrary cross-sectional boundary conditions by using FECM. The roots of the frequency equation are obtained using the secant method, which is applicable for complex solutions.

Findings

The computed physical quantities such as radial stress, hoop strain, non-dimensional frequency, magnetic potential and electric potential are plotted in the form of dispersion curves, and their characteristics are discussed. To study the convergence, the non-dimensional wave numbers of longitudinal modes of arbitrary (elliptic and cardioid) cross-sectional plates are obtained using FECM and finite element method and are presented in a tabular form. This result can be applied for optimum design of composite plates with arbitrary cross sections.

Originality/value

This paper contributes the analytical model for the role of arbitrary cross-sectional boundary conditions and impact of fluid loading on the dispersion analysis of magneto-electro elastic plate. From the graphical patterns of the structure, the effects of stress, strain, magnetic, electric potential and the surrounding fluid on the various considered wave characteristics are more significant and dominant in the cardioid cross sections. Also, the aspect ratio (a/b) and the geometry parameters of elliptic and cardioids cross sections are significant to the industry or other fields that require more flexibility in design of materials with arbitrary cross sections.
A systematic failure finding model of wind turbine drive train based on interfaces
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Akbar Bilal , Miran Sajjad , Shahzad Ali Qazi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Wind energy has become a distinguished field of energy among the alternative energy resources. Despite economical disadvantages, the production of wind energy is desired to fulfill the demand of the energy. Low reliability is a big issue in the development of wind energy technology that has affected wind farm operations. The purpose of the study is to find the reason for the low reliability and high downtime for wind turbines.

Design/methodology/approach

The systems engineering approach has a high success rate in handling complex systems such as wind farms. A failure finding model is presented based on the systems engineering, with the focus to analyze the failures at the interfaces. The required data have been collected by reviewing the literature.

Findings

Gear box interfaces are a vital reason for the higher downtime and frequent failures of wind turbines, and the bearing and the lubricant in the gear box are affected because of their inappropriate combination.

Originality/value

The reliability and the maintainability of the wind turbine is a topic of major importance. The study is an attempt to contribute to a more sophisticated solution to the reliability problem of the wind turbine. Moreover, it shows the importance of interfaces in designing the complex systems.
Genetic variants in the histone methylation and acetylation pathway and their risks in eight types of cancers
Authors: Fu Lin Na , Tan Juan , Chen Ying Xuan , Fang Jing‐Yuan
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVES

The histone methylation and acetylation pathway genes regulate cell growth and survival. Aberrations in this pathway are implicated in a variety of cancers. This study aimed to identify germline genetic variants in histone methylation and acetylation pathway genes that may contribute to risk in eight types of cancers and to explore the relation between the whole pathway and their risks in these types of cancers.

METHODS

Germline genetic variants in 89 genes in the histone methylation and acetylation pathway were explored. Gene‐based and pathway‐based associations with eight types of cancers were analyzed using logistic regression models and the permutation‐based adaptive rank‐truncated product method, respectively.

RESULTS

Gene‐level associations revealed that genetic variants in 45 genes were significantly associated with the risk of cancer. The total histone methylation and acetylation pathway was significantly associated with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.0492) and prostate (P = 0.0038), lung (P = 0.00015), and bladder cancer (P = 0.00135), but not with breast (P = 0.182), pancreatic (P = 0.336) and gastric cancer (P = 0.347) and renal cell carcinoma (P =0.828).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested there is an association between germline genetic variation at the overall histone methylation and acetylation pathway level and some individual genes with cancer risk. Further studies are needed to validate these relations and to explore relative mechanisms.
Hemoglobin A1c and diagnosis of diabetes
Authors: Ding Lin , Xu Yu , Liu Shanshan , Bi Yufang , Xu Yiping
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing markedly worldwide, especially in China. Hemoglobin A1c is an indicator of mean blood glucose concentrations and plays an important role in the assessment of glucose control and cardiovascular risk. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association included HbA1c ≥6.5% into the revised criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes. However, the debate as to whether HbA1c should be used to diagnose diabetes is far from being settled and there are still unanswered questions regarding the cut‐off value of HbA1c for diabetes diagnosis in different populations and ethnicities. This review briefly introduces the history of HbA1c from discovery to diabetes diagnosis, key steps towards using HbA1c to diagnose diabetes, such as standardization of HbA1c measurements and controversies regarding HbA1c cut‐off points, and the performance of HbA1c compared with glucose measurements in the diagnosis of diabetes.
Appetitive to aversive counter‐conditioning as intervention to reduce reinstatement of reward‐seeking behavior: the role of the serotonin transporter
Authors: Karel Peter , Almacellas‐Barbanoj Amanda , Prijn Jeffrey , Kaag Anne‐Marije , Reneman Liesbeth , Verheij Michel M.M. , Homberg Judith R.
Published: January 2018

Counter‐conditioning can be a valid strategy to reduce reinstatement of reward‐seeking behavior. However, this has not been tested in laboratory animals with extended cocaine‐taking backgrounds nor is it well understood, which individual differences may contribute to its effects. Here, we set out to investigate the influence of serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) genotype on the effectiveness of counter‐conditioning after extended access to cocaine self‐administration. To this end, 5‐HTT+/+ and 5‐HTT−/− rats underwent a touch screen‐based approach to test if reward‐induced reinstatement of responding to a previously counter‐conditioned cue is reduced, compared with a non‐counter‐conditioned cue, in a within‐subject manner. We observed an overall extinction deficit of cocaine‐seeking behavior in 5‐HTT−/− rats and a resistance to punishment during the counter‐conditioning session. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in reinstatement to cocaine and sucrose associated cues after counter‐conditioning but only in 5‐HTT+/+ rats. In short, we conclude that the paradigm we used was able to produce effects of counter‐conditioning of sucrose seeking behavior in line with what is described in literature, and we demonstrate that it can be effective even after long‐term exposure to cocaine, in a genotype‐dependent manner.
The search for the meaning of life in soil: an opinion
Authors: Young I. M. , Bengough A. G.
Published: January 2018

The introduction of impressive technologies in the search for life's diversity and activity in soil has led to remarkable new techniques and knowledge concerning the soil microbial community. These have led to finding some important links to function. However, we attest that the general lack of causality found between the many metrics of microbial diversity and populations of soil microbes and function is due, at least in part, to the lack of understanding of the links between microbial populations and dynamics to their physical habitat and attendant moisture conditions. In this opinion paper we explore the importance of this interplay between organism and habitat. Further, as an example of this interplay, we introduce the potential importance of nematode movement and gene transfer in bacterial populations.

Highlights

The importance of the physical habitat is highlighted in soil microbiology studies.

The interplay between the soil–root–habitat is emphasized.

Seeking a functional understanding of biodiversity rather than a ‘biology of numbers and differences’ approach is proposed.

The movement of nematodes with respect to horizontal gene transfer is discussed.
Urban soil and human health: a review
Authors: Li G. , Sun G.‐X. , Ren Y. , Luo X.‐S. , Zhu Y.‐G.
Published: January 2018

Rapid industrialization and urbanization during recent decades are having dramatic effects on urban soil properties and lead to large discharges of pollutants, which inevitably affect the health of the soil, ecosystems and human populations. This paper provides a systematic review of the relations between urban soil and human health. First, it summarizes the organic and inorganic pollutants in urban soil and their potential risks to human health. Second, the relations between urban greenbelt land, soil microbial diversity and human health are also explored. Third, we propose that future research should focus on the integration of assessments of health risks with exposure pathways and site characteristics. Bioavailability‐based risk assessment frameworks for pollutants in urban soil can elucidate the complicated relations between urban soil, pollutant exposure and human health in cities. Finally, management of urban soil and policy should be strengthened in the future to maintain its sustainable development and utilization. More effort should be directed to understanding the relations between soil microbial diversity, green space and human health in cities.

Highlights

Evidence indicates the importance of urban soil in maintaining human health.

Pollutants, green space and microbial biodiversity have been systematically summarized.

Urban vegetation and antibiotic resistance genes in urban soil have implications in human health.

Bioavailability of pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes should be considered for human risk assessment.
High dielectric constant and high‐Q in microwave ceramics of SrTiO3 co‐doped with aluminum and niobium
Authors: Chen Siliang , Li Lingxia , Yu Shihui , Zheng Haoran , Sun Zheng
Published: January 2018

Al/Nb co‐doped SrTiO3 microwave ceramics with the composition of SrTi1–x(Al0.5Nb0.5)xO3 (x = 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15) have been synthesized via a standard solid‐state reaction method. The substitution of (Al0.5Nb0.5)4+ in B‐site inhibits the reduction in Ti4+ ions and the growth of grain size, then the transport of mobile charge carriers is limited, and thus the Q value is improved. For the SrTi0.9(Al0.5Nb0.5)0.1O3 ceramics, in addition to their high dielectric constant (εr ~185), they exhibit correspondingly a high Qf value (~ 9077 GHz) at 2.9 GHz, making the microwave ceramics suitable for myriad device miniaturization and high‐performance wireless communication.
Ionic transport in AgI‐HgS‐As2S3 glasses: Critical percolation and modifier‐controlled domains
Authors: Kassem Mohammad , Khaoulani Sohayb , Bychkov Eugene
Published: January 2018

Electrical measurements, dc and ac, show that (AgI)x(HgS)0.5‐x/2(As2S3)0.5‐x/2 glasses, 0.0 ≤  x ≤ 0.6, exhibit drastic changes in ionic conductivity σi with silver iodide additions. The ionic transport increases by 13 orders of magnitude with increasing silver content from ~0.002 to ~23 at.%, and the activation energy decreases from 1.05 to 0.35 eV. Two distinctly different ion transport regimes above the percolation threshold concentration, xc ≈ 30 ppm, were distinguished. The critical percolation regime at low silver content (≤ 2‐5 at.% Ag) is characterized by a random distribution of silver‐related entities and obeys a power‐law composition dependence of σi. The ion transport parameters depend on the host network connectivity, represented by the average coordination number , via the critical fictive temperature T0; the calculated T0 value is comparable to the glass transition temperature for the glassy (HgS)0.5(As2S3)0.5 host matrix. In contrast, in the modifier‐controlled domain, the silver‐related entities are nonrandomly distributed. The high Ag+ ionic mobility results from interconnected tetrahedral (AgI2/2S2/2)n chains in the silver iodide content range 0.2 < x ≤ 0.5, and from 2D layers (Ag3/3I3/3)n or 3D mixed tetrahedral subnetwork (AgI3/3S1/2) in the range x > 0.5.
Phase coexistence and large piezoelectricity in BaTiO3‐CaSnO3 lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhou Yibei , Ren Juan , Zheng Qiaoji , Lam Kwok Ho , Lin Dunmin
Published: January 2018

Ferroelectric phase coexistence was constructed in (1−x)BaTiO3‐xCaSnO3 lead‐free ceramics, and its relationship with the piezoelectricity of the materials was investigated to ascertain potential factors for strong piezoelectric response. It is found that the addition of CaSnO3 caused a series of phase transitions in the (1−x)BaTiO3‐xCaSnO3 ceramics, and a ferroelectric coexistence of rhombohedral, orthorhombic, and tetragonal phases is formed at x = 0.08, where the ceramics exhibit the lowest energy barrier and consequently facilitate the polarization rotation and extension, resulting in the optimal piezoelectricity of d33 and kp values of 550 pC/N and 0.60, respectively. Our study provides an intuitive insight to understand the origin of high piezoelectricity in the ceramics with the coexistence of multiferroelectric phases.
Focal adhesion kinases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Flores Anacláudia P. C. , Dias Kelly B. , Hildebrand Laura Campos , Oliveira Márcia Gaiger , Lamers Marcelo Lazzaron , Sant'Ana Filho Manoel
Published: January 2018

Background

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation contributes to the regulation of growth factors that promote cellular adhesion, mobility, and survival, being a key factor in tumor development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression patterns of FAK and its phosphorylated forms, FAK Tyr‐576 and FAK Tyr‐925, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and non‐neoplastic adjacent epithelial tissue (AE).

Methods

The percentage of immunohistochemistry stained cells and its correlation with clinicopathological variables and prognosis were determined using samples from 54 patients.

Results

FAK, FAK Tyr‐576, and FAK Tyr‐925 overexpression was observed in tumor zones and AE. FAK Tyr‐576 immunostaining showed a relationship with tumor clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, positive immunostaining of FAK Tyr‐576 in AEsue was associated with patients prognoses.

Conclusions

Increased expression of FAK Tyr‐576 could enable identification of tumors with a more aggressive behavior and epithelial alterations before the appearance of clinical or histological manifestations.
Need for Cognition Promotes Adaptive Style of Self‐Focusing with the Mediation of Effortful Control
Authors: Nishiguchi Yuki , Mori Masaki , Tanno Yoshihiko
Published: January 2018

Previous studies have indicated that “need for cognition” (NfC), which is the tendency to enjoy effortful cognitive activity, affects various cognitive processes and behaviors. However, the effects of NfC on mental adaptation have not been investigated. According to previous studies, it can be hypothesized that NfC decreases maladaptive self‐focusing, which is called self‐rumination, through increasing effortful control (EC); therefore, we hypothesized that NfC would indirectly inhibit self‐rumination through the mediation of EC. As we expected, the results of a cross‐sectional questionnaire study with 152 undergraduate participants indicated a negative indirect association between NfC and self‐rumination through the mediation of EC. Secondarily, the present results revealed a direct positive association between NfC and adaptive type of self‐focusing, which is called self‐reflection. The present study is the first to propose the possible contribution of NfC to mental health through decreasing self‐rumination and increasing self‐reflection.
Scaling up: A guide to high‐throughput genomic approaches for biodiversity analysis
Authors: Porter Teresita M. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this review is to present the most common and emerging DNA‐based methods used to generate data for biodiversity and biomonitoring studies. As environmental assessment and monitoring programmes may require biodiversity information at multiple levels, we pay particular attention to the DNA metabarcoding method and discuss a number of bioinformatic tools and considerations for producing DNA‐based indicators using operational taxonomic units (OTUs), taxa at a variety of ranks and community composition. By developing the capacity to harness the advantages provided by the newest technologies, investigators can “scale up” by increasing the number of samples and replicates processed, the frequency of sampling over time and space, and even the depth of sampling such as by sequencing more reads per sample or more markers per sample. The ability to scale up is made possible by the reduced hands‐on time and cost per sample provided by the newest kits, platforms and software tools. Results gleaned from broad‐scale monitoring will provide opportunities to address key scientific questions linked to biodiversity and its dynamics across time and space as well as being more relevant for policymakers, enabling science‐based decision‐making, and provide a greater socio‐economic impact. As genomic approaches are continually evolving, we provide this guide to methods used in biodiversity genomics.
Gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma: Current knowledge and future challenges
Authors: Takata Katsuyoshi , Miyata‐Takata Tomoko , Sato Yasuharu , Iwamuro Masaya , Okada Hiroyuki , Tari Akira , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: January 2018

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most commonly involved site of extranodal follicular lymphoma (FL). GI‐FL shows very indolent clinical behavior and localized at GI tract without any progression or transformation compared to nodal FL. The most frequently involved site of the GI tract was the duodenum followed by the jejunum and ileum, and only 15% of FL arising in the second part of the duodenum were localized there without scattered very small daughter lesions in other GI tract examined by double‐balloon endoscopy. The typical macroscopic appearance of GI‐FL was multiple white nodules. Microscopically, neoplastic cells were small‐ to medium‐sized lymphoid cells and formed neoplastic follicles. Most of the cases (>95%) were histologically Grade 1 to 2 (low grade). Several pathological and molecular characteristics were seen in GI‐FL (especially duodenal FL) compared with nodal FL: immunoglobulin heavy chain deviation to VH4 and VH5; memory B‐cell immunophenotype; and molecular features shared by mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Considering the pathological and molecular uniqueness of this disease, GI‐FL should be separately managed from nodal FL.
Effect of Interpregnancy Interval on Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Southern China: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2000–2015
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Shen Songying , He Jianrong , Chan Fanfan , Lu Jinhua , Li Weidong , Wang Ping , Lam Kin Bong H. , Mol Ben W. J. , Yeung Shiu Lun A. , Xia Huimin , Schooling C. Mary , Qiu Xiu
Published: January 2018

Background

In January 2016, a universal two‐child policy was introduced in China. The association of interpregnancy interval (IPI) with perinatal outcomes has not previously been assessed among Chinese population. We investigated the effect of IPI after live birth on the risks of preterm delivery, and small, and large for gestational age births in China.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among 227 352 Chinese women with their first and second delivery during 2000 to 2015. IPI was calculated as months from first live delivery to conception of the second pregnancy. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit to evaluate associations of IPI with risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Compared to IPI of 24‐ <30 months, IPI <18 months was associated with higher risks of preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA). For IPI <6 months, the adjusted relative risks (RR) for PTB and SGA were 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83, 2.27) and 1.43 (95% CI 1.31, 1.57), respectively. Women with IPI ≥60 months had higher risks of PTB and large for gestational age (LGA). For IPI ≥120 months, the adjusted RRs for PTB and LGA were 1.67 (95% CI 1.43, 1.94) and 1.10 (95% CI 0.97, 1.26).

Conclusions

Women with IPI <18 months after live birth had higher risk of PTB and SGA, and IPI ≥60 months was associated with higher risk of PTB and LGA. These findings may provide information to Chinese couples about the appropriate interpregnancy interval for a second pregnancy.