bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of human constitutive 20S proteasome and 20S immunoproteasome with novel N‐terminally modified peptide aldehydes and their antitumor activity
Authors: Lubos Marta , Dębowski Dawid , Barcińska Ewelina , Meid Annika , Inkielewicz‐Stepniak Iwona , Burster Timo , Rolka Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

The conversion of primary structures of novel, highly selective and sensitive, internally quenched peptide substrates of the human 20S proteasome into peptide aldehydes is presented. Such covalent and reversible inhibitors differ in their primary structures and chemical moieties attached to their N‐terminal amino group. Inhibitory potency is primarily tested against proteolytic subunits of human constitutive 20S proteasome (β1c, β2c, and β5c subunits), but in some cases, also against 20S immunoproteasome β5i. Most of the peptide aldehydes act nonspecifically and bind equipotently to the corresponding proteolytic subunits of both forms of proteasome (β5c and β5i). Two inhibitors are 2.7‐times more specific for immunoproteasome over its constitutive counterpart. The antitumor activity of the selected inhibitors and MG132 (used here as the reference) is analyzed using MTT assay against nonmalignant human fetal osteoblastic hFOB 1.19, malignant human osteosarcoma MG‐63, human pancreatic cancer MiaPaCa‐2, and human acute leukemia Jurkat T cell lines. All inhibitors tested are able to decrease cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner. One of the peptide aldehydes exerted stronger, as compared to the MG132, activity against human glioblastoma cell line U87‐MG. Moreover, its combination with dinaciclib, which is a novel, potent inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinases, reduces cellular metabolic activity more potently as compared to either proteasome inhibitor or dinaciclib alone.
The potential and design principle for next‐generation spectrum‐splitting photovoltaics: Targeting 50% efficiency through built‐in filters and generalization of concept
Authors: Lan Dongchen , Green Martin A.
Published: October 2018

Increasing the sunlight to electricity conversion efficiency is a key driver for on‐going photovoltaic cost reduction. One of the most successful approaches for improving the efficiency is to split sunlight into suitable spectral bands for a set of solar cells with appropriate energy band gaps. Using this concept, in 2014, our group demonstrated the first photovoltaic conversion efficiency above 40%, where an external filter directed a portion of the sunlight normally wasted by commercial InGaP/InGaAs/Ge triple‐junction cells to a silicon cell. Here, we analyze the primary power losses in state‐of‐the‐art spectrum‐splitting photovoltaic modules and evaluate the potential for further efficiency increase. Two further developments, applying built‐in filters and generalizing the present concept, are proposed for next‐generation spectrum‐splitting photovoltaics, which can make 50% efficiency a realistic target. The design principal is briefed as is the comparison with monolithic multijunction cells.
MicroRNA MIMIC binding sites: Minor flanking nucleotide alterations can strongly impact MIMIC silencing efficacy in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wong Gigi , Alonso‐Peral Maria , Li Bingjun , Li Junyan , Millar Anthony A.
Published: October 2018

In plants, microRNA (miRNA) target MIMICs (MIMs) have been widely used to inhibit miRNA function. They are based on the Arabidopsis INSENSITIVE TO PHOSPATE STARVATION 1 (IPS1) gene that corresponds to a non‐coding RNA containing a miR399 binding site that can be modified to sequester and inhibit any miRNA of interest. However, the efficacy of miRNA inhibition of these different MIMs can vary greatly. Using MIMs that have strong efficacy (MIM159) and poor efficacy (MIM165), we investigate the underlying cause of this variation. Firstly, sequence alignments of IPS1 homologs from the Brassicaceae identified a highly conserved sequence immediately downstream of the miRNA binding site. Mutating this sequence in the context of the MIM159 attenuates its strong efficacy. This conserved flanking region contains a predicted stem‐loop structure that is also predicted to be present in most modified MIMs that appear to have a strong efficacy, but not in MIM165 that has a poor efficacy. Restoring this predicted stem‐loop in MIM165 via mutation of only three or five nucleotides within the conserved flanking region resulted in MIM165 variants that have very strong efficacies of miRNA inhibition. However, specifically mutating this predicted stem‐loop in the MIM159 context failed to significantly reduce efficacy, and additional mutations to restore this predicted stem‐loop weakened efficacy further. Although this shows there is no simple correlation between this predicted stem‐loop and efficacy, these results add to the growing evidence that the sequence context of miRNA binding sites is important, and that minor nucleotide substitutions to flanking sequences of miRNA binding sites can strongly enhance or attenuate the miRNA‐target interaction.
Polysomnography Provides Useful Clinical Information in the Liberation from Respiratory Technology: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Bashir Ahsan , Henningfeld Jennifer K. , Thompson Nathan E. , D'Andrea Lynn A.
Published: October 2018

Background The prevalence of respiratory‐technology dependent children is increasing although for most children the goal is liberation from technology. Liberation from home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and decannulation strategies vary due to the lack of clinical practice standards. The primary objective of this study was to describe our practice utilizing a polysomnography (PSG) in the liberation from respiratory‐technology process.

Methods Retrospective study of tracheostomized children with and without HMV who underwent an evaluation for decannulation between January 2006 and June 2016. Patient demographics, indication for tracheostomy, indication for PSG, PSG results and interventions performed after the PSG were collected.

Results

We identified 153 decannulation attempts in 148 children. Ninety‐nine children had a tracheostomy only and 49 children had a tracheostomy with HMV. There were 190 PSGs performed. Almost two‐thirds of the children (N = 92) had at least one PSG, 37 children (25%) had two and 19 children (13%) had more than 2 PSGs. Children with tracheostomy and HMV had more PSGs compared to children with tracheostomy only. PSGs were performed at four points: (1) prior to tracheostomy placement (N = 23); (2) to titrate HMV (N = 19); (3) off‐HMV support (N = 43); and with a capped tracheostomy (N = 101). Most of the off‐HMV PSGs (N = 39) were favorable for discontinuing HMV. About two‐thirds of the capped PSGs (N = 73) were favorable for decannulation; of the unfavorable capped PSGs (N = 28), thirteen required airway surgeries following the unfavorable PSG.

Conclusion

: Overnight PSG provides useful information to the liberation process, particularly when determining readiness for discontinuing HMV and decannulation.
Polypharmacy and medication deprescribing: A survey among multimorbid older adults in Denmark
Authors: Schiøtz Michaela L. , Frølich Anne , Jensen Anette K. , Reuther Lene , Perrild Hans , Petersen Tonny S. , Kornholt Jonatan , Christensen Mikkel B.
Published: October 2018

Polypharmacy is common among multimorbid adults and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Excessive polypharmacy (ie, ≥10 medicine) is strongly associated with inappropriate medication use, but little is known about attitudes toward deprescribing in patients with excessive polypharmacy. We surveyed 100 Danish individuals aged 65 years and above with ≥10 prescribed medications, using the validated Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (PATD) instrument. Most participants (81, 81%) thought they took a large number of medications, and 79 (79%) believed that their medications were necessary. Even so, 85 (85%) reported that they would be willing to stop taking one or more of their regular medications if their doctor told them they could, and 11 (11%) felt that they took at least one regular medication that they no longer needed. When presented with visual presentation of various amounts of tablets and capsules, 62 (62%) of participants reported that they would be comfortable taking fewer medications than they did. Forty‐two (42%) participants had experience with stopping a regular medication. Almost all participants (92%) wanted to receive follow‐up by various means if a medication was discontinued. Forty‐one (41%) participants were interested in a consultation at an outpatient clinic specializing in polypharmacy. Overall, the answers to the PATD questionnaire suggest that our cohort of Danish, multimorbid outpatients with extensive polypharmacy have a high confidence in their healthcare providers for medication‐related decisions, even though some feel that they are taking more medications than they would like to and feel that some medications may be unnecessary. Our results underline the need for healthcare providers to offer medication reviews in patients with multimorbidity.
Role of the neuropeptide F 1 in regulating the appetite for food in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Tan Shuqian , Li Aomei , Wang Yang , Shi Wangpeng
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Neuropeptide F (NPF) is an intercellular signaling molecule that mediates many physiological and behavioral processes. However, the function of neuropeptide F in mediating the feeding behavior of Locusta migratoria has been unclear.

RESULTS

The neuropeptide F 1 precursor cDNA from L. migratoria was obtained and analyzed, and its amino acid sequence deduced. Mature LmiNPF1 was composed of 36 amino acids and was similar to that of Schistocerca gregaria. The spatial and temporal expression profiles of LmiNPF1 were investigated. LmiNPF1 was primarily expressed in the central nervous system, especially in the brain, and the expression levels were higher during the day than during the night. However, starvation activated LmiNPF1 expression increases, and downregulation of LmiNPF1 inhibited locust feeding behavior.

CONCLUSION

LmiNPF1 promotes the feeding behavior of the locust and is a potential molecular target to control locust feeding. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
First Principles Simulations on Migration Paths of Oxygen Interstitials in MgAl2O4
Authors: Platonenko Alexander , Gryaznov Denis , Zhukovskii Yuri F. , Kotomin Eugene A.
Published: October 2018

Thermal stability of the primary electronic defects – F‐type centers – in oxide materials is controlled by their recombination with much more mobile complementary defects – interstitial oxygen ions Oi. Thus, the study of interstitial ion migration is of key importance for the prediction of radiation damage in oxides. In this study, several possible migration trajectories for neutral and charged interstitial oxygen ions are calculated in MgAl2O4spinel using the first principles calculations of atomic and electronic structure. The lowest energy barriers are ≈1.0–1.1 eV and 0.8 eV, respectively. The effective atomic charges, charge redistribution, and lengths of bonds closest to Oiinterstitials are analyzed in detail.
Migration to two mines in Laos
Authors: Jackson Richard T.
Published: October 2018

This paper considers migration patterns to the Sepon and Phu Kham copper‐gold mining projects in Laos. Data collected biennially at these two mining ventures to monitor socio‐economic change is analysed to establish numbers, sources and types of migrants towards these mines and the distribution of project‐generated cash flows captured by such groups in comparison with those accruing to pre‐existing populations. The bulk of migration is demonstrated to be due to personal ties between migrants and pre‐existing residents. It is argued that in‐migration ultimately tends to dilute and partly undermine the immediate and positive impact of any intentional efforts to maximize local economic opportunities. Efforts to maximize employment for pre‐existing populations are shown to have been significantly undermined by numerous factors. Variations between different state policies on the distribution of and eligibility for receipt of project benefits are key to determining the extent of inward migration. The mines considered here, like many such operations elsewhere and throughout history, are located in relatively remote areas where the prospects for any form of economic development, other than mining, have been minimal. It is unlikely, therefore, that the higher levels of income and the increased opportunities (both social and economic) generated in mine impact areas during operations will be maintained after mine closure. The challenge to mining companies (and host governments) is not so much to create a sustainable economy in the places where they operate but rather to create sustainable improvements in the opportunities for the people who were living in such places prior to the start of their operations.
The ethnic migrant inventor effect: Codification and recombination of knowledge across borders
Authors: Choudhury Prithwiraj , Kim Do Yoon
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

Ethnic migrant inventors may differ from locals in terms of the knowledge they bring to host firms. Using a unique dataset of Chinese and Indian herbal patents filed in the United States, we find that an increase in the supply of first‐generation ethnic migrant inventors increases the rate of codification of herbal knowledge at U.S. assignees by 4.5%. Our identification comes from an exogenous shock to the quota of H1B visas and from a list of entities exempted from the shock. We also find that ethnic migrant inventors are more likely to engage in reuse of knowledge previously locked within the cultural context of their home regions, whereas knowledge recombination is more likely to be pursued by teams comprising inventors from other ethnic backgrounds.

Managerial Summary

Managers and policy makers around the world face a vigorous debate on whether to hire skilled migrants or hire locals. We argue that if western firms stop hiring ethnic migrants, innovation at these firms would suffer in two ways: knowledge transfer and knowledge recombination would both be impeded. We argue and show that skilled ethnic migrants bring to their employers, unique knowledge from the cultural context of their host country. Also, local inventors engage in “knowledge recombination” by combining their existing knowledge to knowledge transferred by migrants. Our empirical results relate to the patenting of Chinese and Indian herbal formulations at western pharmaceutical firms before and after an immigration shock related to the admittance of skilled migrants from these two countries.
In Situ Growth and Size Regulation of Single Gold Nanoparticles in Composite Microgels
Authors: Thies Sabrina , Simon Paul , Zelenina Iryna , Mertens Luc , Pich Andrij
Published: October 2018

Herein, a novel method for the in situ growth of single gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in microgel (MG) networks is presented. The key feature in this approach is the localization of β‐diketone groups capable of both complexation and reduction of aurate ions in the MGs’ core, which allows localization of the nucleation and growth of single AuNPs. The MG synthesis is carried out via precipitation polymerization in water with N‐vinylcaprolactam as the main monomer and with the two comonomers acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) and acrylic acid (AAc), where AAEM is mainly located in the MGs’ core and AAc in their shell. For the synthesis of AuNPs, a certain amount of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) is added to the dispersion, followed by fast reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). In situ synthesized AuNPs in MGs possess a spherical shape, with a diameter of 8.1 ± 0.8 nm, being localized in the center of every MG. In addition, these AuNPs embedded into MG networks can be used as seeds that grow in their size after the addition of HAuCl4 up to 46.0 ± 9.5 nm under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, aqueous dispersion) and without the use of any additional reducing and stabilizing agents.
DjangoChecker: Applying extended taint tracking and server side parsing for detection of context‐sensitive XSS flaws
Authors: Steinhauser Antonín , Tůma Petr
Published: October 2018

Cross‐site scripting (XSS) flaws are a class of security flaws that permit the injection of malicious code into a web application. In simple situations, these flaws can be caused by missing input sanitizations. Sometimes, however, all application inputs are sanitized, but the sanitizations are not appropriate for the browser contexts of the sanitized values. Using an incorrect sanitizer can make the application look protected, when it is in fact vulnerable as if no sanitization was used, creating a context‐sensitive XSS flaw. To discover context‐sensitive XSS flaws, we introduce DjangoChecker. DjangoChecker combines extended dynamic taint tracking with a model browser for context analysis. We demonstrate the practical application of DjangoChecker on eight mature web applications based on Django, discovering previously unknown flaws in seven of the eight applications, including highly severe flaws that allow arbitrary JavaScript execution in the seven flawed applications.
The DFT/MRCI method
Authors: Marian Christel M. , Heil Adrian , Kleinschmidt Martin
Published: October 2018

In the past two decades, the combined density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction (DFT/MRCI) method has developed from a powerful approach for computing spectral properties of singlet and triplet excited states of large molecules into a more general multireference method applicable to states of all spin multiplicities. In its original formulation, it shows great efficiency in the evaluation of singlet and triplet excited states which mainly originate from local one‐electron transitions. Moreover, DFT/MRCI is one of the few methods applicable to large systems that yields the correct ordering of states in extended π‐systems where double excitations play a significant role. A recently redesigned DFT/MRCI Hamiltonian extends the application range of the method to bi‐chromophores such as hydrogen‐bonded or π‐stacked dimers and loosely coupled donor–acceptor systems. In conjunction with a restricted‐open shell Kohn–Sham optimization of the molecular orbitals, even electronically excited doublet and quartet states can be addressed. After a short outline of the general ideas behind this semi‐empirical method and a brief review of alternative approaches combining density functional and multireference wavefunction theory, formulae for the DFT/MRCI Hamiltonian matrix elements are presented and the adjustments of the two‐electron contributions are discussed. The performance of the DFT/MRCI variants on excitation energies of organic molecules and transition metal compounds against experimental or ab initio reference data is analyzed and case studies are presented which show the strengths and limitations of the method. Finally, an overview over the properties available from DFT/MRCI wavefunctions and further developments is given.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Electronic Structure Theory > Semiempirical Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Potential effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on northern bobwhites
Authors: Ertl Hannah M. , Mora Miguel A. , Boellstorff Diane E. , Brightsmith Donald , Carson Katherine
Published: October 2018

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have been declining in Texas, USA, for nearly 3 decades. Reasons for the decline are unclear; however, a variety of factors have been considered, including pesticides and other environmental contaminants. We assessed potential effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on bobwhites by analyzing liver tissues from specimens collected in 3 selected regions of Texas. Fifty‐seven bobwhites were collected from the South Texas Plains, Rolling Plains, and Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes regions during autumn 2014 and spring 2015. Neonicotinoid compounds were detected in trace amounts in the livers of 7 quail, including samples from all 3 field sites and during both collecting periods. Signs of testicular degeneration (n = 2) and hepatocellular vacuolation (n = 10) were consistent with known results of neonicotinoid intoxication. Overall, we identified evidence of bobwhite exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides, which correlates with a previous study that suggests that neonicotinoid use may be contributing to quail decline in some ecoregions in Texas, particularly the High Plains, Rolling Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, South Texas Plains, and Edwards Plateau. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Thermally induced large deflection analysis of shear deformable FGM shallow curved tubes using perturbation method
Authors: Babaei H. , Kiani Y. , Eslami M. R.
Published: October 2018

In the present investigation, geometrically nonlinear response of a shallow curved tube subjected to thermal loading is analyzed. The tube is made of a functionally graded material (FGM), where properties are distributed across the tube radius. Thermomechancal properties of the constituents are assumed to be temperature dependent. The simple case of uniform temperature rise loading is considered. A higher order displacement field is considered for the tube which satisfies the conditions of zero tangential tractions on the inner and outer surfaces of the tube. With the aid of von Kármán strain‐displacement relations, linear thermoelastic constitutive law, and Hamilton's principle the governing equations of the tube are obtained. These equations are reduced to new two coupled equations for the case of axially immovable tubes. These new equations are solved using the two step perturbation technique for pinned and clamped tubes. Closed form expressions are provided to estimate the deflections in the FGM temperature dependent curved tubes under uniform thermal load. The effect of boundary conditions, temperature dependency of material properties, and geometrical properties are discussed via numerical examples.
The Angantyr model for heavy-ion collisions in Pythia8
Authors: Bierlich Christian , Gustafson Gösta , Lönnblad Leif , Shah Harsh
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We present a new model for building up complete exclusive hadronic final states in high energy nucleus collisions. It is a direct extrapolation of high energy pp collisions (as described by Pythia), and thus bridges a large part of the existing gap between heavy ion and high energy physics phenomenology. The model is inspired by the old Fritiof model and the notion of wounded nucleons. Two essential features are the treatment of multi-parton interactions and diffractive excitation in each NN sub-collision. Diffractive excitation is related to fluctuations in the nucleon partonic sub-structure, and fluctuations in both projectile and target are here included for the first time. The model is able to give a good description of general final-state properties such as multiplicity and transverse momentum distributions, both in pA and AA collisions. The model can therefore serve as a baseline for understanding the non-collective background to observables sensitive to collective behaviour. As Pythia does not include a mechanism to reproduce the collective effects seen in pp collisions, such effects are also not reproduced by the present version of Angantyr. Effects of high string density, shown to be able to reproduce e.g. higher strangeness ratios and the ridge in pp, will be added in future studies.
Analysis of the Effect of Early Versus Conventional Nasogastric Tube Removal on Postoperative Complications After Transthoracic Esophagectomy: A Single‐Center, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hayashi Masato , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Shoji Yoshiaki , Mayanagi Syuhei , Nakamura Rieko , Suda Koichi , Wada Norihito , Takeuchi Hiroya , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2018

Background

Although esophagectomy is the only curative option for esophageal cancer, the associated invasiveness is high. Nasogastric (NG) tube use may prevent complications; however, its utility remains unclear, and the decompression period depends on the doctor. This study aimed to reveal the effect of conventional versus early NG tube removal on postoperative complications after esophagectomy.

Methods

This single‐center prospective randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled patients aged 20–80 years with histologically proven primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Eighty patients admitted for transthoracic first‐stage esophagectomy reconstructed with gastric conduit were randomly assigned (1:1) to the conventional and early NG tube removal groups. In the conventional NG tube removal group, the tube was removed on postoperative day (POD) 7; in the other, it was removed on POD 1. The occurrence rate of major complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and NG tube reinsertion rate were compared between the groups.

Results

The incidence of postoperative major complications such as pneumonia, anastomotic leakage, recurrent nerve palsy and gastrointestinal bleeding, and the NG tube reinsertion rate was not different between the groups. However, recurrent nerve palsy was more commonly observed in the conventional removal group; this difference was not significant. In terms of postoperative pneumonia, tumor location and field of lymph node dissection were significant risk factors.

Conclusion

Although early NG tube removal did not reduce the rate of postoperative pneumonia, it could be performed safely. Hence, the NG tube can be removed earlier than conventional methods.
Dynamic kinetic resolution of Vince lactam catalyzed by γ-lactamases: a mini-review
Authors: Zhu Shaozhou , Zheng Guojun
Published: October 2018

γ-Lactamases are versatile enzymes used for enzymatic kinetic resolution of racemic Vince lactam (2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one) in the industry. Optically pure enantiomers and their hydrolytic products are widely employed as key chemical intermediates for developing a wide range of carbocyclic nucleoside medicines, including US FDA-approved drugs peramivir and abacavir. Owing to the broad applications in the healthcare industry, the resolution process of Vince lactam has witnessed tremendous progress during the past decades. Some of the most important advances are the enzymatic strategies involving γ-lactamases. The strong industrial demand drives the progress in various strategies for discovering novel biocatalysts. In the past few years, several new scientific breakthroughs, including the genome-mining strategy and elucidation of several crystal structures, boosted the research on γ-lactamases. So far, several families of γ-lactamases for resolution of Vince lactam have been discovered, and their number is continuously increasing. The purpose of this mini-review is to describe the discovery strategy and classification of these intriguing enzymes and to cover our current knowledge on their potential biological functions. Moreover, structural properties are described in addition to their possible catalytic mechanisms. Additionally, recent advances in the newest approaches, such as immobilization to increase stability, and other engineering efforts are introduced.
The reflective zombie: Problematizing the conceptual framework of reflection in medical education
Authors: De la Croix Anne , Veen Mario
Published: October 2018

Reflection is an ambiguous and profoundly complex human activity. We celebrate the developments in teaching and researching reflection in education, yet have identified flaws in the way reflection has been operationalized: medical education has translated the age-old concept into a teachable and measureable construct. We fear that in this process of operationalization, the philosophical underpinnings of reflection have been discarded. We illustrate this with a thought experiment about a ‘reflective zombie’: students who have been conditioned to follow prescribed thought steps rather than engaging in truly reflective behaviour. In research and assessment of reflection, measuring tools might be unable to distinguish reflective zombies from students who authentically reflect. We argue that the instrumental approach lies at the root of this problem as it limits the rich concept of reflection and illustrate our point by describing problems related to paradigm (we are looking at reflection in the wrong way), methods (we are using the wrong tools), and epistemics (can we even know what we want to know?). We offer three suggestions for implementing reflection into the curriculum and for research into reflection. First, acknowledge the diversity of reflection and let go of the ‘checklist approach’. Second, embrace the personal nature of reflection by stimulating awareness of one’s personal reflection styles as part of the reflective process.
Detection of Open Spina Bifida in the First Trimester: Beyond Intracranial Translucency
Authors: Singh Divya , Goyal Amit , Kaur Ladbans
Published: October 2018

Intracranial translucency (IT) has been used extensively as an indirect marker to exclude open spina bifida (OSB) in the first trimester. Like any sonographic sign, the use of IT is fraught with issues like non-visualization due to shadowing from bone, poor distinction from the adjacent hypoechoic brainstem, etc. In view of these challenges, researchers have come up with additional markers of OSB in the first trimester. The aim of this paper is to illustrate these sonographic clues so as to improve diagnostic accuracy in cases where obliteration of IT is equivocal.
Community perceptions related to brain donation: Evidence for intervention
Authors: Striley Catherine W. , Milani Sadaf A. , Kwiatkowski Evan , DeKosky Steven T. , Cottler Linda B.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Research progress on neurocognitive disorders requires donation of both healthy and diseased brains. Here, we describe attitudes toward brain donation among a large community sample in Florida.

Methods

HealthStreet, a community engagement program at the University of Florida, used community health workers to assess community attitudes toward research participation, including brain donation.

Results

Over 60% of people, primarily Caucasian and employed, indicated that they would be likely or somewhat likely to donate their brain for research. Those who would be willing to donate were also more likely to be willing to participate in other research studies and to have participated in research.

Discussion

Brain donation will add to the science of disorders of aging, including accurate diagnoses and validation of in vivo biomarkers. Increasing willingness to donate is a first step toward donation. Community populations are willing; community health workers can educate others about the need for this initiative in communities.
Foreign threat and political party change: Russia and changes in party manifestos
Authors: Ishiyama John , Pace Christopher , Stewart Brandon
Published: October 2018

How do political parties react to foreign security threats? There has been very little attention paid in the literature generally to how parties react to international events, particularly how parties react to foreign policy threats. Using data from the Comparative Manifesto Project, we examine how political parties in countries in Europe have reacted to Russian actions in terms of their emphasis on security issues. Based upon our analysis of the manifestoes from 331 parties in 36 countries we find that, generally, interstate threats have no significant effect on the military position adopted by political parties, although these effects vary by party type and by the type of threat. Russian based threats appear to be associated with the Far Left becoming more dovish (which is consistent with what would be expected by the literature) and the Far Right becoming significantly less hawkish.
UNDECIDABILITY OF THE FIRST ORDER THEORIES OF FREE NONCOMMUTATIVE LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: KHARLAMPOVICH OLGA , MYASNIKOV ALEXEI
Published: October 2018

Let R be a commutative integral unital domain and L a free noncommutative Lie algebra over R. In this article we show that the ring R and its action on L are 0-interpretable in L, viewed as a ring with the standard ring language $+ , \cdot ,0$. Furthermore, if R has characteristic zero then we prove that the elementary theory $Th\left( L \right)$ of L in the standard ring language is undecidable. To do so we show that the arithmetic ${\Bbb N} = \langle {\Bbb N}, + , \cdot ,0\rangle $ is 0-interpretable in L. This implies that the theory of $Th\left( L \right)$ has the independence property. These results answer some old questions on model theory of free Lie algebras.
FROM MULTISETS TO SETS IN HOMOTOPY TYPE THEORY
Authors: GYLTERUD HÅKON ROBBESTAD
Published: October 2018

We give a model of set theory based on multisets in homotopy type theory. The equality of the model is the identity type. The underlying type of iterative sets can be formulated in Martin-Löf type theory, without Higher Inductive Types (HITs), and is a sub-type of the underlying type of Aczel’s 1978 model of set theory in type theory. The Voevodsky Univalence Axiom and mere set quotients (a mild kind of HITs) are used to prove the axioms of constructive set theory for the model. We give an equivalence to the model provided in Chapter 10 of “Homotopy Type Theory” by the Univalent Foundations Program.
ON C(n)-EXTENDIBLE CARDINALS
Authors: TSAPROUNIS KONSTANTINOS
Published: October 2018

The hierarchies of C(n)-cardinals were introduced by Bagaria in [1] and were further studied and extended by the author in [18] and in [20]. The case of C(n)-extendible cardinals, and of their C(n)+-extendibility variant, is of particular interest since such cardinals have found applications in the areas of category theory, of homotopy theory, and of model theory (see [2], [3], and [4], respectively). However, the exact relation between these two notions had been left unclarified. Moreover, the question of whether the Generalized Continuum Hypothesis (GCH) can be forced while preserving C(n)-extendible cardinals (for n1) also remained open. In this note, we first establish results in the direction of exactly controlling the targets of C(n)-extendibility embeddings. As a corollary, we show that every C(n)-extendible cardinal is in fact C(n)+-extendible; this, in turn, clarifies the assumption needed in some applications obtained in [3]. At the same time, we underline the applicability of our arguments in the context of C(n)-ultrahuge cardinals as well, as these were introduced in [20]. Subsequently, we show that C(n)-extendible cardinals carry their own Laver functions, making them the first known example of C(n)-cardinals that have this desirable feature. Finally, we obtain an alternative characterization of C(n)-extendibility, which we use to answer the question regarding forcing the GCH affirmatively.
Building the Third Rome: Italy, the Vatican, and the new district in Prati di Castello, 1870–1895
Authors: Schettini Glauco
Published: October 2018

When the Italian army breached the Aurelian walls at Porta Pia in 1870 and Rome was seized from the pope, the city could not have been more unlike a contemporary European capital city. In the years after it became Italy’s capital, Rome underwent a process of radical urban renewal. This article, focusing on the creation of a new neighbourhood in Prati di Castello – the area north-east of the Vatican – frames Rome’s transformation as part of the ‘culture wars’ between the Church and the new Italian state. The decision to postpone the creation of the new district in Prati until the 1880s and the way it was then carried out reflect the wider shift of Italian politics from Cavour’s notion of ‘a free Church in a free State’ to the more combative anticlericalism of the Left after 1876. Against this background, Prati emerged as a political landscape in which competing powers articulated their aspirations and values, negotiated their respective authorities, and transmitted political ideas.
Information credibility and responses to corruption: a replication and extension in Argentina
Authors: Winters Matthew S. , Weitz-Shapiro Rebecca
Published: October 2018

Existing research shows that survey respondents are sensitive to the source of information about political corruption and respond more strongly to information from more credible sources. This behavior occurs more frequently among the politically sophisticated. In a nation-wide survey in Argentina, we successfully replicate results originally found in a study in Brazil. In addition, we examine whether citizens process information about corruption differently depending on their partisan identities. At odds with our initial expectations, we find that copartisans, opposition partisans, and other/non-partisans distinguish between information sources in very similar ways. These results suggest that even though partisanship affects baseline assessments of political candidates, citizens of all types are sensitive to the credibility of information they receive about political corruption.
Effects of humic acid and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on induced resistance of canola toBrevicoryne brassicaeL
Authors: Sattari Nasab R. , Pahlavan Yali M. , Bozorg-Amirkalaee M.
Published: October 2018

The cabbage aphid,Brevicoryne brassicaeL. (Hem: Aphididae), is an important pest of canola that can considerably limit profitable crop production either through direct feeding or via transmission of plant pathogenic viruses. One of the most effective approaches of pest control is the use of biostimulants. In this study, the effects of humic acid, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and integrated application of both compounds were investigated on life table parameters ofB. brassicae,and the tolerance of canola to this pest.B. brassicaereared on plants treated with these compounds had the lower longevity, fecundity, and reproductive period compared with control treatment. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were lowest on PGPR treatment (0.181 ± 0.004 day−1and 1.198 ± 0.004 day−1, respectively) and highest on control (0.202 ± 0.005 day−1and 1.224 ± 0.006 day−1, respectively). The net reproductive rate (R0) under treatments of humic acid, PGPR and humic acid + PGPR was lower than control. There was no significant difference in generation time (T) ofB. brassicaeamong the tested treatments. In the tolerance test, plants treated with PGPR alone or in integrated with humic acid had the highest tolerance againstB. brassicae. The highest values of total phenol, flavonoids, and glucosinolates were observed in treatments of PGPR and humic acid + PGPR. Basing on the antibiosis and tolerance analyses in this study, we concluded that canola plants treated with PGPR are more resistant toB. brassicae. These findings could be useful for integrated pest management ofB. brassicaein canola fields.
Dietary sugars, exercise and hepatic carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Gonzalez Javier T. , Betts James A.
Published: October 2018

The present paper reviews the physiological responses of human liver carbohydrate metabolism to physical activity and ingestion of dietary sugars. The liver represents a central link in human carbohydrate metabolism and a mechanistic crux point for the effects of dietary sugars on athletic performance and metabolic health. As a corollary, knowledge regarding physiological responses to sugar ingestion has potential application to either improve endurance performance in athletes, or target metabolic diseases in people who are overweight, obese and/or sedentary. For example, exercise increases whole-body glycogen utilisation, and the breakdown of liver glycogen to maintain blood glucose concentrations becomes increasingly important as exercise intensity increases. Accordingly, prolonged exercise at moderate-to-high exercise intensity results in depletion of liver glycogen stores unless carbohydrate is ingested during exercise. The exercise-induced glycogen deficit can increase insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control, and may result in less hepatic lipid synthesis. Therefore, the induction and maintenance of a glycogen deficit with exercise could be a specific target to improve metabolic health and could be achieved by carbohydrate (sugar) restriction before, during and/or after exercise. Conversely, for athletes, maintaining and restoring these glycogen stores is a priority when competing in events requiring repeated exertion with limited recovery. With this in mind, evidence consistently demonstrates that fructose-containing sugars accelerate post-exercise liver glycogen repletion and could reduce recovery time by as much as half that seen with ingestion of glucose (polymers)-only. Therefore, athletes aiming for rapid recovery in multi-stage events should consider ingesting fructose-containing sugars to accelerate recovery.
Neuropsychological function at first episode in treatment-resistant psychosis: findings from the ÆSOP-10 study
Authors: Kravariti Eugenia , Demjaha Arsime , Zanelli Jolanta , Ibrahim Fowzia , Wise Catherine , MacCabe James H. , Reichenberg Abraham , Pilecka Izabela , Morgan Kevin , Fearon Paul , Morgan Craig , Doody Gillian A. , Donoghue Kim , Jones Peter B. , Kaçar Anil Şafak , Dazzan Paola , Lappin Julia , Murray Robin M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Neuropsychological investigations can help untangle the aetiological and phenomenological heterogeneity of schizophrenia but have scarcely been employed in the context of treatment-resistant (TR) schizophrenia. No population-based study has examined neuropsychological function in the first-episode of TR psychosis.

Methods

We report baseline neuropsychological findings from a longitudinal, population-based study of first-episode psychosis, which followed up cases from index admission to 10 years. At the 10-year follow up patients were classified as treatment responsive or TR after reconstructing their entire case histories. Of 145 cases with neuropsychological data at baseline, 113 were classified as treatment responsive, and 32 as TR at the 10-year follow-up.

Results

Compared with 257 community controls, both case groups showed baseline deficits in three composite neuropsychological scores, derived from principal component analysis: verbal intelligence and fluency, visuospatial ability and executive function, and verbal memory and learning (p values⩽0.001). Compared with treatment responders, TR cases showed deficits in verbal intelligence and fluency, both in the extended psychosis sample (t = −2.32; p = 0.022) and in the schizophrenia diagnostic subgroup (t = −2.49; p = 0.017). Similar relative deficits in the TR cases emerged in sub-/sensitivity analyses excluding patients with delayed-onset treatment resistance (p values<0.01–0.001) and those born outside the UK (p values<0.05).

Conclusions

Verbal intelligence and fluency are impaired in patients with TR psychosis compared with those who respond to treatment. This differential is already detectable – at a group level – at the first illness episode, supporting the conceptualisation of TR psychosis as a severe, pathogenically distinct variant, embedded in aberrant neurodevelopmental processes.
More bang for your buck: tax compliance in the United States and Italy
Authors: D’Attoma John
Published: October 2018

I investigate the relationship between perception of public institutions and tax compliance using a large tax compliance laboratory experiment conducted in Italy and the United States. In the first test, I conduct a simple tax compliance game to uncover that given the exact same decisions, contributions to the public good do not differ between Italy and the United States. Second, I ask participants to pay taxes to their national government, pension fund and fire department. In these rounds, behaviours diverge with Italian participants complying significantly less than Americans. Theoretically, I provide evidence demonstrating that how individuals perceive their institutions is a crucial component of the tax compliance decision. Methodologically, I provide a unique experiment, which can help us to better explain crosscountry variation in tax compliance, by asking subjects to make country-specific tax decisions.
Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs): their impact on conservation policy, advocacy and action
Authors: WALICZKY ZOLTAN , FISHPOOL LINCOLN D. C. , BUTCHART STUART H. M. , THOMAS DAVID , HEATH MELANIE F. , HAZIN CAROLINA , DONALD PAUL F. , KOWALSKA AIDA , DIAS MARIA P. , ALLINSON TRISTRAM S. M.
Published: October 2018

BirdLife International´s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Programme has identified, documented and mapped over 13,000 sites of international importance for birds. IBAs have been influential with governments, multilateral agreements, businesses and others in: (1) informing governments’ efforts to expand protected area networks (in particular to meet their commitments through the Convention on Biological Diversity); (2) supporting the identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the marine realm, (3) identifying Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention; (4) identifying sites of importance for species under the Convention on Migratory Species and its sister agreements; (5) identifying Special Protected Areas under the EU Birds Directive; (6) applying the environmental safeguards of international finance institutions such as the International Finance Corporation; (7) supporting the private sector to manage environmental risk in its operations; and (8) helping donor organisations like the Critical Ecosystems Partnership Fund (CEPF) to prioritise investment in site-based conservation. The identification of IBAs (and IBAs in Danger: the most threatened of these) has also triggered conservation and management actions at site level, most notably by civil society organisations and local conservation groups. IBA data have therefore been widely used by stakeholders at different levels to help conserve a network of sites essential to maintaining the populations and habitats of birds as well as other biodiversity. The experience of IBA identification and conservation is shaping the design and implementation of the recently launched Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Partnership and programme, as IBAs form a core part of the KBA network.
Patterns and trends in the intake distribution of manufactured and homemade sugar-sweetened beverages in pre-tax Mexico, 1999–2012
Authors: Aburto Tania C , Poti Jennifer M , Popkin Barry M
Published: October 2018

Objective

To describe trends across the intake distribution of total, manufactured and homemade sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) from 1999 to 2012, focusing on high SSB consumers and on changes by socio-economic status (SES) subgroup.

Design

We analysed data from one 24 h dietary recall from two nationally representative surveys. Quantile regression models at the 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles of energy intake distribution of SSB were used.

Setting

1999 Mexican National Nutrition Survey and 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Participants

School-aged children (5–11 years) and women (20–49 years) for trend analyses (n7718). Population aged >1 year for 2012 (n10 096).

Results

Over the 1999–2012 period, there were significant increases in the proportion of total and manufactured SSB consumers (5·7 and 10·7 percentage points), along with an increase in per-consumer SSB energy intake, resulting in significant increases in per-capita total SSB energy intake (142, 247 and 397 kJ/d (34, 59 and 95 kcal/d) in school-aged children and 155, 331 and 456 kJ/d (37, 79 and 109 kcal/d) in women at the 50th, 75th and 90th percentile, respectively). Total and manufactured SSB intakes increased sharply among low-SES children but remained similar among high-SES children during this time span.

Conclusions

Large increases in SSB consumption were seen between 1999 and 2012 during this pre-tax SSB period, particularly for the highest consumers. Trends observed in school-aged children are a clear example of the nutrition transition experienced in Mexico. Policies to discourage high intake of manufactured SSB should continue, joined with strategies to encourage water and low-calorie beverage consumption.