bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The properties of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MthfD) and its role in the tetrahydrofolate (THF)-dependent dicamba demethylation system inRhizorhabdus dicambivoransNdbn-20
Authors: Yao Shigang , Chen Le , Yang Zhou , Yao Li , Zhu Jianchun , Qiu Jiguo , Wang Guoxiang , He Jian
Published: February 2019

The herbicide dicamba is initially degrade via demethylation inRhizorhabdus dicambivoransNdbn-20. A gene cluster scaffold 66 containing a THF-dependent dicamba methyltransferasedmtand three THF metabolic-related genes, namely,mthfD,dhcandpurU, is responsible for dicamba demethylation in this strain. However, the characteristics and functions of MthfD, Dhc and PurU have not been elucidated. In this study, MthfD was synthesized inEscherichia coliBL21(DE3) and purified as a His6-tagged protein. Purified MthfD was found to be a monomer, and exhibited 5-CH3-THF dehydrogenase activityin vitro. TheKcatandKmfor 5-CH3-THF were 0.23 s−1and 16.48 μM, respectively. However, 5,10-CH2-THF reductase activity was not detected for MthfD yet. Gene disruption results showed thatmthfDis essential for dicamba degradation, whereasdhcis dispensable. Our studies revealed that MthfD physiologically is a 5-CH3-THF dehydrogenase that catalyzes the irreversible dehydrogenation of 5-CH3-THF to 5,10-CH2-THF in the THF regeneration pathway during dicamba demethylation inR. dicambivoransNdbn-20.
retroLEAP: rAAV-based retrograde trans-synaptic labeling, expression and perturbation
Authors: Reinert Janine K , Sonntag Ivo , Sonntag Hannah , Sprengel Rolf , Pelzer Patric , Lessle Sascha , Kaiser Michaela , Kuner Thomas
Published: February 2019

Identifying and manipulating synaptically connected neurons across brain regions remains a core challenge in understanding complex nervous systems. RetroLEAP is a novel approach for retrograde trans-synaptic Labelling, Expression And Perturbation. GFP-dependent recombinase (Flp-DOG) detects trans-synaptic transfer of GFP-tetanus toxin heavy chain fusion protein (GFP-TTC) and activates expression of any gene of interest in synaptically connected cells. RetroLEAP overcomes existing limitations, is non-toxic, highly flexible, efficient, sensitive and easy to implement.
Theoretical modeling on CRISPR-coded cell lineages: efficient encoding and optimal reconstruction
Authors: Sugino Ken , Garcia-Marques Jorge , Espinosa-Medina Isabel , Lee Tzumin
Published: February 2019

Delineating cell lineages is a prerequisite for understanding the genesis of cell types. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of generating and reconstructing CRISPR/Cas9-coded cell lineages. However, these works have not investigated the limitations or optimality of the encoding or reconstruction processes. Here, we surveyed a multitude of reconstruction algorithms and found hierarchical clustering, with a metric based on the number of shared Cas9 edits, provides the best reconstruction. As to the efficiency, the simple encoding method, with constant Cas9/gRNA edit rate, produces exponential reduction in available coding units and severely limits the trackable depth of lineages. To overcome this, we propose alternative encoding methods, one based on parallel gRNA cascades enabled by CLADES, and another based on variable Cas9 editing rate. Both significantly increase the trackable depth. In summary, we provide a theoretical basis in understanding, designing and analyzing efficient and robust CRISPR-based cell lineage tracking system.
Inverse Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: February 2019

The standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify a segment of DNA that lies between two inward-pointing primers. In contrast, inverse PCR (also known as inverted or inside-out PCR) is used to amplify DNA sequences that flank one end of a known DNA sequence and for which no primers are available. Inverse PCR DNA involves digestion by a restriction enzyme of a preparation of DNA containing the known sequence and its flanking region. The individual restriction fragments (many thousands in the case of total mammalian genomic DNA) are converted into circles by intramolecular ligation, and the circularized DNA is then used as a template in PCR. The unknown sequence is amplified by two primers that bind specifically to the known sequence and point in opposite directions. The product of the amplification reaction is a linear DNA fragment containing a single site for the restriction enzyme originally used to digest the DNA. This site marks the junction between the previously cloned sequence and the flanking sequences. The size of the amplified fragment depends on the distribution of restriction sites within known and flanking DNA sequences.
Cross-Linking Antibodies to Beads with Disuccinimidyl Suberate (DSS)
Authors: DeCaprio James , Kohl Thomas O.
Published: February 2019

This protocol describes the cross-linking of antibodies to either Protein A or G agarose beads using disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS), a bifunctional cross-linker capable of directly reacting with two different amines to form stable amide bonds. Proteins, including antibodies, generally display several primary amines in the side chains of lysine (K) residues and the amino terminus of each polypeptide that represent available potential targets for N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)–ester cross-linking reagents. The antibody–bead cross-linking process generates a reusable resource of antibody and beads, commonly referred to as an antibody-specific resin, and can be repeatedly used for the immunoprecipitation of specific proteins if treated and stored correctly.
Anthropology and populism
Authors: Hann Chris
Published: February 2019

This guest editorial probes the inflationary use of ‘populism’ and the contribution that anthropologists can make to this field. Although a highly variable phenomenon historically, contemporary populists in locations as diverse as rural Hungary and urban Wales have much in common in their disaffection with the politics of liberal democracy. While the deeper causes must be sought in political economy, emotion and identity are just as important as material interest in populist movements. In describing and explaining populism, anthropologists should heed the populist traditions of their discipline – even at the risk of political incorrectness.
Anthropology of the far right: What if we like the ‘unlikeable’ others?
Authors: PASIEKA AGNIESZKA
Published: February 2019

Drawing on her own experience of studying the far right, the author discusses the recent tendency to establish far‐right activists and supporters as anthropology’s new ‘exotic others’. Three main tools of ‘exoticization’ and ‘othering’ are described, which the author deems to be co‐responsible for the peculiar status of the subject of the far right within the discipline. She relates these tools to three research steps: ‘naming’, ‘locating’ and ‘explaining’. In providing her own reflections on these problems and relating them to the literature on the subject, the author attempts to shed some light on the growing presence of various far‐right extremisms and to show the ways in which the study of the far right reflects some broader problems that anthropology and anthropologists have been addressing in recent years.
Tax, credit constraints, and the big costs of small inflation
Authors: Coleman Andrew
Published: February 2019

This paper develops a heterogeneous‐agent overlapping generations model that examines how the neutrality of the tax system with respect to inflation depends on the price elasticity of the housing supply. The model, which endogenises house prices and rents, and which incorporates detailed tax regulations and bank‐imposed credit constraints, shows (a) inflation has large effects on the tenure arrangements of young households irrespective of the housing supply elasticity; and (b) inflation can improve the welfare of some low income young households if the supply is sufficiently elastic. The welfare costs of inflation are reduced by taxing real rather than nominal interest.
Capital Gains and Spatial Inequalities: Developing Fairer Suburbs
Authors: Falk Nicholas , Manns Jonathan
Published: February 2019

One of the longest‐running debates in urban development, enshrined within the evolution of the British planning system, is how best to capture the increased value of land arising from development. This article outlines the historic and contemporary context before proposing an approach towards ‘land value capture’, based on practice in continental Europe but adapted to Britain's specific circumstances. In doing so, it also sets out why new approaches are needed as part of the search for better ways of funding local infrastructure, developing mixed communities and improving Britain's suburbs for the benefit of all.
Shared dietary niche between sexes in Magellanic Penguins
Authors: Castillo Joanna , Yorio Pablo , Gatto Alejandro
Published: February 2019

Prey use by male and female Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) was quantified during chick rearing in northern Golfo San Jorge, Argentina and the dietary niches and diet composition of each sex were assessed and compared. A total of 67 males and 45 females were flushed during the chick stages of 2011 and 2012. Argentine Anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) was the main prey in terms of importance by mass in males and females in all stages and years (52.4–86.6% and 83.8–88.7%, respectively), except during the old chick stage in 2011 when the main prey in males and females was the Shortfin Squid (Illex argentinus) (63.1% and 44.4%, respectively). Analyses of similarity showed that diet composition in terms of contribution by mass of the main prey species was similar between sexes. Based on the isotopic values of δ13C and δ15N corresponding to 38 males and 21 females, the Bayesian mixing model outputs showed that Argentine Anchovy was also the main prey. In both years and chick stages, the isotopic niche of males and females was similar. The similarity in the dietary niche between male and female Magellanic Penguins raising chicks may be due to the high availability of Argentine Anchovy during the study period and the consequent dominance of this forage species in the diet of both sexes.
Changes in body weight, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue after gastrectomy: a comparison between proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy
Authors: Asaoka Raito , Irino Tomoyuki , Makuuchi Rie , Tanizawa Yutaka , Bando Etsuro , Kawamura Taiichi , Terashima Masanori
Published: February 2019

Background

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) offers a well‐preserved digestive function after surgery, which may result in a better nutritional outcome in comparison to total gastrectomy (TG). The aim of this study was to clarify the advantage of PG over TG by evaluating the longitudinal changes in body weight (BW) and body composition after surgery.

Methods

A total of 112 patients undergoing PG with a reconstruction preserving food passage through the duodenum (n = 39) or TG with a reconstruction bypassing the duodenum (n = 73) for clinical stage IA gastric cancer were included. Changes in BW, psoas muscle and subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue were assessed before surgery, and at 1 and 3 years after surgery and were compared between the two groups.

Results

BW and SAT decreased significantly in both groups, but the rate of reduction was significantly lower in the PG group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to skeletal muscle or visceral adipose tissue (P = 0.110 and 0.710, respectively), although they both significantly decreased throughout the course of the study.

Conclusions

The losses of BW and SAT were significantly smaller in the PG group. PG may be superior to TG in preserving BW and SAT in patients with clinical stage IA gastric cancer.
Constructing narrower confidence intervals by inverting adaptive tests
Authors: O'Gorman Thomas W.
Published: February 2019

We begin by describing how to find the limits of confidence intervals by using a few permutation tests of significance. Next, we demonstrate how the adaptive permutation test, which maintains its level of significance, produces confidence intervals that maintain their coverage probabilities. By inverting adaptive tests, adaptive confidence intervals can be found for any single parameter in a multiple regression model. These adaptive confidence intervals are often narrower than the traditional confidence intervals when the error distributions are long‐tailed or skewed. We show how much reduction in width can be achieved for the slopes in several multiple regression models and for the interaction effect in a two‐way design. An R function that can compute these adaptive confidence intervals is described and instructions are provided for its use with real data.
Aspirin eugenol ester attenuates oxidative injury of vascular endothelial cells by regulating NOS and Nrf2 signalling pathways
Authors: Huang Mei‐Zhou , Yang Ya‐Jun , Liu Xi‐Wang , Qin Zhe , Li Jian‐Yong
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a new drug compound synthesized by combining aspirin with eugenol. It was reported to possess anti‐thrombotic, anti‐atherosclerotic, and anti‐oxidative effects. However, its molecular mechanism against oxidative injury is unclear. This study investigated how AEE affected the oxidative injury of vascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro.

Experimental Approach

A hamster model of atherosclerosis induced by a high fat diet (HFD) and an in vitro model of oxidative stress, H2O2‐induced apoptosis of HUVECs, were used to investigate the anti‐oxidative effects of AEE.

Key Results

AEE significantly reduced the stimulatory effect of HFD on malondialdehyde, the inhibitory effect of HFD on SOD activity and GSH/GSSG ratio, and the overexpression of inducible NOS (iNOS) in the aorta. In vitro, incubation of HUVECs with H2O2 led their apoptosis, dysfunctions of the NO systems (including increased iNOS activity, decreased endothelial NOS activity, and increased production of NO), an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and energy metabolism with an increase in intracellular free calcium and decrease in ATP, and a down‐regulation of Nrf2. In contrast, in the HUVECs pretreated with 1 μM AEE for 24 hr, the above adverse effects induced by H2O2 were significantly ameliorated. Moreover, the decrease in NO production and activity of iNOS induced by AEE was significantly attenuated in Nrf2‐inhibited HUVECs.

Conclusion and Implication

AEE protects vascular endothelial cells from oxidative injury by regulating NOS and Nrf2 signalling pathways. This suggests that AEE is a novel potential agent for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Quality and potency profile of eight recombinant isoallergens, largely mimicking total Bet v 1‐specific IgE binding of birch pollen
Authors: Seutter von Loetzen Christian , Reuter Andreas , Spiric Jelena , Schulenborg Thomas , Bellinghausen Iris , Völker Elke , Vogel Lothar , Rösch Paul , Schiller Dirk
Published: February 2019

Background

To date, only limited information on structure, expression levels and IgE binding of Bet v 1 variants, which are simultaneously expressed in birch pollen, is available.

Objective

To analyse and compare structure and serum IgE/IgG binding of rBet v 1 variants to Bet v 1.0101.

Methods

Recombinant Bet v 1 variants were studied with sera of 20 subjects allergic to birch pollen. Folding, aggregation and solubility of the rBet v 1 variants were analysed to attribute diverging IgE binding to either allergen structure or methodological features. IgE/IgG binding was studied with rBet v 1 in solution or adsorbed to solid phases. Allergen‐mediated cross‐linking of FcεRI receptors was determined by mediator release of sensitized humanized rat basophil leukaemia cells.

Results

All variants, except for rBet v 1.0113, were monomeric and had Bet v 1‐type conformation. Serum IgE binding to variants adsorbed to solid phase was reduced to 6.6%‐36.5% compared with Bet v 1.0101. In contrast, inhibition of IgE binding to Bet v 1.0101 by rBet v 1 variants ranged from 62% to 83%. Similarly, mediator release ranged from 30.7% to 55.2% for all variants and was only clearly reduced for rBet v 1.0301 (10.4%). The IgE‐binding potency of rBet v 1 variants representing their native quantities in birch pollen was only slightly lower compared to extract. IgG binding to variants was between 50.9% and 134.5% compared with rBet v 1.0101 (100%).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Bet v 1 variants previously classified as hypoallergenic can exhibit similar functional IgE binding as Bet v 1.0101. Eight rBet v 1 variants largely reproduce total Bet v 1‐specific IgE binding of birch pollen extracts. Assay format‐dependent variation in IgE‐binding properties needs to be considered in the development of diagnostic or therapeutic products.
Successful repair of kidney graft artery rupture secondary to infection using a preprocessed homologous “Y”‐shaped iliac artery
Authors: Liu Guangjun , Wang Xuliang , Wu Jianyong , Peng Wenhan , Wang Rending , Huang Hongfeng , Chen Jianghua
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This retrospective study aims to describe novel ways of repair kidney allograft artery rupture secondary to infection using a preprocessed homologous “Y”‐shaped iliac artery.

Methods

Five patients' whose course was complicated by graft arterial rupture were included in the rupture group, and patients who received the kidney from the same donor were included in the control group. In the rupture group, the iliac artery used for revascularization was harvested from a DCD donor, pre‐treated with absolute diethyl ether, followed by absolute alcohol, and then preserved in 75% alcohol. A biopsy of the arterial graft was obtained and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Once a patient was diagnosed with kidney allograft arterial rupture by ultrasound, emergency surgery was conducted and the preprocessed “Y”‐shaped iliac artery was used for bridging.

Results

Five patents were included in the rupture group. The “Y”‐shaped iliac artery grafts were successfully preprocessed, H&E staining and electron microscope observation revealed few visible nuclei, with karyorrhexis and karyolysis. There were no significant differences in the long‐term graft survival between two groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, using preprocessed homologous “Y”‐shaped iliac artery provides a useful method to bridge the vascular defects from kidney graft artery rupture secondary to infection in renal allograft recipients.
Who Got the Brexit Blues? The Effect of Brexit on Subjective Wellbeing in the UK
Authors: Powdthavee Nattavudh , Plagnol Anke C. , Frijters Paul , Clark Andrew E.
Published: February 2019

We use the 2015–16 waves of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (Understanding Society) to look at subjective wellbeing around the time of the June 2016 EU membership Referendum in the UK (Brexit). We employ measures of both evaluative and affective wellbeing, namely life satisfaction and mental distress, respectively. We find that those reporting lower life satisfaction in 2015 were more likely to express a preference for leaving the EU in 2016, while mental distress was less predictive of pro‐Brexit attitudes. Post‐Referendum, those with Leave preferences enjoyed an increase in life satisfaction but there was no change in average life satisfaction in the overall sample. In contrast, the average level of mental distress increased in the sample post‐ Referendum, with no significant difference between those preferring to remain in or to leave the EU. We test the robustness of our results by considering a number of potential caveats, such as sample selection, unobserved individual fixed effects and the interval between interviews. Overall, our results suggest that levels of subjective wellbeing may be both a cause and a result of the 2016 Brexit vote.
Electrophysiological markers of poor versus superior math abilities in healthy individuals
Authors: Proverbio Alice M. , Carminati Manuel
Published: February 2019

Interindividual differences in the numerical ability of healthy adults have been previously demonstrated, mainly with tasks involving mental number line or size representation. However, electrophysiological correlates of superior versus poor arithmetic ability (in the healthy population) have been scarcely investigated. We correlated electric potentials with math performance in 13 skilled and 13 poor calculators selected from a sample of 41 graduate students on the basis of their poor or superior math abilities assessed through a timed test. EEG was recorded from 128 channels while participants solved 352 arithmetical operations (additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions) and decided whether the provided solution was correct or incorrect. Overall skilled individuals correctly solved a higher number of operations than poor calculators and had faster response times. Consistently, the latency of fronto‐central P300 component of event‐related potentials (ERPs) peaked earlier in the skilled than poor group. The P300 was larger in amplitude to correct than incorrect solutions, but just in the skilled group, with a tendency found in poor calculators. Spearman's ρ correlation coefficient analyses showed that the larger P300 response was to correct arithmetic solutions, the better the performance; conversely, the larger the P300 amplitude was to incorrect solutions, the worse the performance. The results suggest that poor calculators had a less clear representation of arithmetic solutions and difficulty in quickly accessing it. This study provides a standard method for directly investigating math abilities throughout ERP recordings that could be useful for assessing acalculia/dyscalculia in the clinical population (children, elderly, brain‐damaged patients).
Dissociating the neural substrates for inhibition and shifting in domain‐general cognitive control
Authors: Sun Xun , Li Le , Mo Ce , Mo Lei , Wang Ruiming , Ding Guosheng
Published: February 2019

Inhibition and shifting are two key components of domain‐general cognitive control. Numerous studies have investigated the neural substrates of both components, but it is still unclear whether the relevant brain regions are specifically involved in one specific component or commonly engaged in both components. Here, we addressed this question by using functional magnetic resonance imaging and a modified saccade paradigm that was effective to disentangle inhibition and shifting in one experiment. The results showed that both the middle frontal gyrus and left parietal lobe were involved in both components but the middle frontal gyrus was more active for the inhibition while the inferior parietal lobe was more active for the shifting processing. The outcome suggests that, although both regions are engaged in inhibition and shifting, each plays a dominant role in one component. These findings provide a further insight into the neural dissociation in inhibition and shifting, as well as a better explanation on the framework of unity and diversity from a neuropsychological viewpoint.
Microwave absorbing properties of a radar absorbing structure composed of carbon nanotube papers/glass fabric composites
Authors: Chen Shiou‐Huei , Kuo Wen‐Shyong , Yang Ruey‐Bin
Published: February 2019

In this study, carbon nanotube papers were employed in fabricating thin and broadband radar absorbing structures (RAS). Different concentrations of the CNT papers have been made by using a vacuum filtration method, with 20 × 20 cm in size and 21‐27 μm in thickness. An epoxy resin was added into the CNT paper and then cured to become a composite with 1‐5 wt.% of CNTs and 83‐309 μm in thickness. The complex permittivity and permeability (ε′, ε″, μ′, μ″) of the CNT paper composites were measured using the transmission/reflection method in the frequency range of 2‐18 GHz. The results reveal that the real (ε′) and imaginary (ε″) parts of the complex permittivity are increased with the CNT concentration. The ε′ of 5 wt.% CNT sample reaches 323 at 2 GHz and then decreases to 49.0 at 18 GHz. The ε″ reaches 321 at 2 GHz and decreases to 26.0 at 18 GHz. The CNT paper composite combined with a glass fabric composite used for a dielectric spacer is fabricated for an innovative RAS and the reflection loss is measured using the arch method in a microwave anechoic chamber. The results show that the 5 wt.% CNT paper composite/glass fabric composite absorbers attain maximum reflection loss of −13.3 dB at 12.0 GHz, −13.8 dB  at 10.0 GHz, and −16.0 dB at 7.5 GHz for spacer thickness of 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mm, respectively.
Fabrication of an ultra‐thick‐oriented 3C‐SiC coating on the inner surface of a graphite tube by high‐frequency induction‐heated halide chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Tu Rong , Zhang Xian , Lai Youfeng , Han Mingxu , Zhang Song , Shi Ji , Li Haiwen , Goto Takashi , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: February 2019

Cubic SiC (3C‐SiC) is a promising material for nuclear industry applications due to its excellent properties. In this report, a highly oriented thick 3C‐SiC coating with good crystallinity was prepared on the inner surface of a monolithic graphite tube via high‐frequency induction‐heated halide chemical vapor deposition using SiCl4, CH4, and H2 as precursors. The texture coefficient (TC(hkl)), microstructure, and deposition rate along the tube axis was studied. 3C‐SiC coating with a high (111) orientation and crystallinity was obtained. Along the tube axis, TC(111) was consistent with the temperature distribution. The surficial morphology of the 3C‐SiC coating changed from pebble‐like to hexangular facet and then to hemispherical. The deposition rate and coating thickness were 300 μm/h and 615 μm, respectively, which is sufficiently rapid and thick enough to obtain free‐standing SiC tubes for nuclear reactors.
Effect of processing and oil type on carotene bioaccessibility in traditional foods prepared with flour and puree from orange‐fleshed sweetpotatoes
Authors: Chilungo Sarah , Muzhingi Tawanda , Truong Van‐Den , Allen Jonathan C.
Published: February 2019

Consumption of Orange‐Fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) and products as source of provitamin A is being promoted to tackle vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, limited information is available on β‐carotene retention in foods and delivery after digestion. The study assessed carotene retention and bioaccessibility following in vitro digestion on traditional foods having OFSP among the ingredients. Sunflower oil, margarine and beef fat were evaluated on their effect on β‐carotene bioaccessibility. Porridge and chapatis were prepared with either OFSP puree or flours in the formulations. Carotene retention was highest in chapatis (83%) as compared to porridge (65%). Micerallisation efficiency of all‐trans β‐carotene was comparable between similar products but greater in chapatis (62%) than porridge (11%). Sunflower oil had the highest all‐trans β‐carotene bioaccessibility compared to margarine and beef fat. The results support the promotion of consumption of OFSP‐based products as good source of provitamin A to fight VAD.
A multi‐period multi‐criteria districting problem applied to primary care scheme with gradual assignment
Authors: Yanık Seda , Kalcsics Joerg , Nickel Stefan , Bozkaya Burcin
Published: February 2019

We present a modeling and optimization approach for the planning of primary healthcare services in order to efficiently direct patient admissions to general practitioners (GP) and to leverage the capacity of the healthcare system. We propose a multi‐period multi‐criteria districting model for the problem of designing GP districts in the presence of six criteria: workload balance, capacity, accessibility, compactness, income equity, and district similarity. We combine the last three criteria into a single objective function and formulate the problem as a mixed integer program with binary location decision variables and relaxed allocation decision variables for gradual assignments. To assess the usefulness of the model, we test it on real‐case scenarios in Istanbul, Turkey.
Modulation of terahertz properties of 3D ceramic photonic crystals via post‐creation non‐metal anion doping treatment
Authors: Wang Rong , Yang Weiyi , Gao Shuang , Ju Xiaojing , Zhu Pengfei , Li Bo , Li Qi
Published: February 2019

Ceramic photonic crystals have wide application potentials for THz technology due to their characteristic strong chemical stability and high temperature resistance for demanding environment. However, it is still a challenge to modulate the THz properties of as‐prepared ceramic TPCs via post‐creation treatments to satisfy different application requirements. In this work, the THz properties of rutile TiO2 ceramic 3D‐TPCs were modulated by non‐metal anion doping of either carbon or nitrogen, which was firstly created by the direct‐writing technique with a TiO2 sol‐gel ink followed by the high temperature sintering process at 1200°C. Calcination of the pristine rutile TiO2 ceramic 3D‐TPCs in either CO or NH3 atmosphere successfully doped either C or N dopants into rutile TiO2 ceramic 3D‐TPCs, respectively, which changed their dielectric properties and subsequently induced different THz properties on these ceramic 3D‐TPCs with the same structure. Their THz properties were found to be largely affected by the specific nature of the dopant. Compared with the pristine rutile TiO2 ceramic 3D‐TPC, the bandgap positions of both C‐doped and N‐doped rutile TiO2 ceramic 3D‐TPCs largely shifted toward the higher frequency, while the N‐doped sample demonstrated a much broader bandgap. Thus, non‐metal anion doping could be an effective post‐creation approach to modulate the THz properties of ceramic TPCs.
Field cycling‐induced evolution of functional properties in bismuth samarium ferrite ceramics
Authors: Wang Lei , Liang Ruihong , Zhou Zhiyong , Liu Ningtao , Dong Xianlin
Published: February 2019

The field‐controlled phase transition is a promising concept for the design of novel multiferroic materials. Rare‐earth samarium‐modified bismuth ferrite (Bi1−xSmxFeO3) possesses a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) that has similar free energies between the polar and nonpolar phases, making it an exceptional candidate. In this study, we investigated the electric field cycling‐dependent behavior of ferroelectricity in Bi1−xSmxFeO3 ceramics near MPB. During electric field cycling, a significantly enhanced remanent polarization was observed. Cycled Bi0.86Sm0.14FeO3 and Bi0.84Sm0.16FeO3 exhibited enhanced ferroelectric (remanent polarization >30 μC/cm2) and magnetic (remanent magnetization >0.20 emu/g) properties at room temperature. Through a systematic study of dynamic hysteresis measurements and a structural analysis, these results were attributed to a field cycling‐induced nonpolar‐to‐polar phase transition. In situ high temperature measurements showed a previously unreported sharp anomaly of the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) near the magnetic transition point (TN). These results indicated a strong magnetoelectric coupling in rare earth‐modified bismuth ferrite materials, suggesting the possibility of magnetically modulated piezoelectricity.
“This doesn’t look too hard”: A mixed methods exploration of self‐efficacy and sources of self‐efficacy information in a novel puzzle task
Authors: Shipherd Amber M.
Published: February 2019

Studies have found self‐efficacy to be a key predictor of performance across domains (e.g., Feltz & Magyar, 2006; Judge & Bono, 2001). However, few studies have examined how self‐efficacy and the sources of self‐efficacy information change over time, and most of these studies utilized tasks participants were familiar or experienced with. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how participants weighed and interpreted the sources of self‐efficacy information during initial learning of a novel puzzle task. A secondary aim was to explore differences between student‐athletes and non‐athletes in the sources of self‐efficacy information. Sixty‐three college students completed measures of self‐efficacy, sources of self‐efficacy information, and performed trials of the Tower of Hanoi Puzzle, a wooden puzzle solving test requiring participants to move wooden pieces from one point to another in a specific order. Quantitative results revealed hierarchical performance self‐efficacy for the number of moves required and time required to solve the puzzle significantly changed across the four trials. Qualitative results indicated verbal and imaginal experiences were the two most prominent sources of participants’ self‐efficacy information on trial 1, but by trial 4 mastery experiences and verbal information were the most prominent sources, also suggesting that that the influence of self‐efficacy sources may change over time. Implications for practitioners to assist individuals with novel cognitive tasks are discussed.
Electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of abnormal hypertensive cardiac phenotypes
Authors: Jiang Xueli , Quan Xin , Yang Jun , Zhou Xianliang , Hu Aihua , Zhang Yuqing
Published: February 2019

This article compared the performance of 18 electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophic (LVH) criteria and four P‐wave indices for the diagnosis of echocardiographic (ECHO) LVH and left atrial enlargement (LAE), including the deepest S‐wave amplitude added to the S‐wave amplitude of lead V4 (SD+SV4) and P‐wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1). A total of 152 middle‐aged hypertensive patients without evident cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were enrolled. The gold standard for the diagnosis of LVH and LAE was ECHO left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and largest left atrial volume index (LAVI). For the detection of LVH, Sokolow‐Lyon voltage, Cornell voltage, Cornell product, SD+SV4, Manning, and R+S in any precordial lead had relatively higher sensitivity, especially SD+SV4 criteria. Their combination could further increase sensitivity (43% vs 29% [SD+SV4], P = 0.016). PTFV1 was the only criterion that had significant diagnostic value for ECHO LAE (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54‐0.73, P = 0.008). For middle‐aged hypertensive patients without evident cardiovascular diseases, SD+SV4 had the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of LVH and the combination of several ECG LVH criteria might further increase sensitivity. PTFV1 had significant diagnostic value for ECHO LAE.
Application of microwave‐assisted technology: A green process to produce ginger products without waste
Authors: Nguyen Phuc Hoang Duy , Le Nguyen Kim Tran , Nguyen Thi Tuyet Ngan , Duong Nhat Linh , Hoang Tien Cuong , Pham Thi Thuy Phuong , Vo Dai‐Viet N.
Published: February 2019

This work proposed a zero waste approach based on microwave (MW) extraction combining hydrodiffusion and gravity for preserving all valuable compounds in the form of dried ginger, ginger essential oil (EO), and juice. A rotatable apparatus was developed from a domestic MW oven to ensure a uniform exposure of the material, resulting in a uniform dried ginger product with EO content more than 0.33% and moisture content less than 10%. The optimum conditions of MW density and energy, which were determined using response surface methodology, are 1 W/g and 1 Wh/g, respectively. They are much lower comparing with that required for hydrodistillation (HD). Significant difference in extraction yield obtained by MW extraction (0.6384 ± 0.0195) and HD (1.1939 ± 0.0679) was observed; however, the quality of EO derived from MW extraction in terms of antibacterial activity was higher than that of the one derived from HD, whereas the physical properties of both EOs were similar.

Practical applications

In this study, the applicability of microwave (MW) extraction combining hydrodiffusion and gravity for ginger processing to produce dried ginger, ginger essential oil (EO), and juice without generating waste was confirmed. Although the EO yield obtained by the proposed extraction method is smaller than that obtained by hydrodistillation (HD), it was proved to be greener and more efficient than HD in terms of extraction time, EO preserving capability, resources’ consumption, and waste generation. In addition, the EO derived from MW extraction was observed to be more active in antibacterial activity due to its high content of oxygenated and monoterpene compounds. Moreover, this modified rotatable apparatus, which was simply developed from a cheap domestic MW oven to ensure uniform dried product, could be considered technically and economically feasible for actual deployment at small‐scale processing unit.
Effect of twin‐screw extrusion on gelatinization characteristics of oat powder
Authors: Wang Jianming , Xia Shuang , Wang Bingyi , Ali Fatma , Li Xueqi
Published: February 2019

The effect of extrusion treatments on oat gelatinization, microstructure, and macroproperties were important during twin‐screw extrusion. In this work, single factor and orthogonal experiments were conducted to evaluate gelatinization degree, expansion ratio, water solubility index, and water absorption index of oat powder before and after extrusion. Results indicated that the optimum gelatinization degree was 96.92% under the conditions of 18% moisture content, 155°C barrel temperature, and 150 rpm screw rotating speed. According to appearance by scanning electron micrograph, the extruded oat changed from the original tightly wrapped texture to spongy and porous form with lower gelatinization temperature (88.00°C) than those without extrusion (91.35°C). Rapid viscosity analysis showed that extruded oat became more stable and easier to gelatinization, which was consistent to the in vitro digestion experiment, suggesting extruded oat could be applied as ready‐to‐eat food in the further application.

Practical applications

The purpose of this research was aimed to optimize the extrusion and ripening process of oat powder, to explore the effect of curing method on the characteristics of oat powder, and to compare the physical and chemical properties of oat powder before and after extrusion. Eventually, the optimized process of oat powder using twin‐screw extrusion technology improved the structural characteristics of oat powder and enhanced the digestibility of the product.
The Conundrum of Choosing Post‐Acute Care: A Challenge for Patients, Families, and Clinicians
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G. , Sehgal Mandi
Published: February 2019

This editorial comments on the Clinical Investigation by Ayele et al. in this issue.
Prevalence of Retinal Signs and Association With Cognitive Status: The ARIC Neurocognitive Study
Authors: Lee Moon Jeong , Deal Jennifer A. , Ramulu Pradeep Y. , Sharrett A. Richey , Abraham Alison G.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine the prevalence of retinal microvascular signs and associations between retinal signs and cognitive status.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of visit 5 (2011‐2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Data analysis took place November 30, 2017, to May 1, 2018.

Setting

Biracial population‐based cohort from four US communities.

Participants

A total of 2624 participants with a mean age of 76 years (SD = 5 years) (19% African American) with data on cognitive status and complete retinal examination.

Measurements

Retinal signs measured with fundus photography. Cognitive status: normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia with a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) without cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and MCI/dementia with a primary or secondary diagnosis of CVD (irrespective of AD).

Results

Overall, 6% of the cohort had mild retinopathy and 2% had moderate/severe retinopathy. Of the cohort, 7% had microaneurysms, 6% had retinal hemorrhages, and 8% had arteriovenous (AV) nicking. There was a low prevalence of soft exudates (1%) and focal narrowing (1%). In weighted fully adjusted models, individuals with retinal hemorrhages had a two‐fold higher odds of all‐cause MCI/dementia (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3‐3.0; P = .001) and a 2.5‐fold higher odds (95% CI = 1.6‐3.9; P < .001) of MCI/dementia with CVD compared to individuals with no retinal hemorrhages. Individuals with AV nicking had a 1.6‐fold higher odds of MCI/dementia with CVD (95% CI = 1.0‐2.4) compared to individuals with no AV nicking (P < .05). There were no associations between retinal signs and MCI/dementia without CVD.

Conclusion

Our findings are confirmatory of recent research, and suggest that retinal microvascular signs may reflect microvascular pathology in the brain, potentially contributing to dementia and earlier MCI. The low prevalence of retinal signs and modest associations with cognitive status, however, limit the current clinical utility of these findings. Further work is needed to determine whether more sophisticated imaging may detect more subtle retinal signs with higher sensitivity to identify individuals at risk of dementia.
Financial Shocks and Corporate Investment in Emerging Markets
Authors: LI DELONG , MAGUD NICOLAS E. , VALENCIA FABIAN
Published: February 2019

We examine how cross‐firm and cross‐country heterogeneity shapes the responses of corporate investment in emerging markets to changes in U.S. monetary policy and financial‐market volatility, the latter proxying for uncertainty. We find that in response to increases in U.S monetary policy rates or financial‐market volatility, financially weaker firms reduce investment by more than financially strong firms. We also show that firms with stronger balance sheets delay investment voluntarily when faced with higher uncertainty. Finally, we find that stronger macroeconomic fundamentals (lower public debt or higher international reserves) help to buffer corporate investment from increases in U.S. monetary policy rates.
Reversing the Translation Flow: Moving Organizational Practices from Japan to the U.S.
Authors: Westney D. Eleanor , Piekkari Rebecca
Published: February 2019

Building on the neo‐institutional organizational translation approach and on interlingual translation studies, we undertake an historical case study of the movement of Japanese organizational practices to the USA from the 1970s through the mid‐1990s. Both American and Japanese translators struggled to bring Japanese management models into the USA, reversing the dominant translation flow and bridging wide differences between the sending and receiving contexts. We use the translation ecology approach to look at the interactions over time between translators, translations, and translation processes studied separately in much translation research. Our paper makes two contributions to research on organizational translation. First, it develops more precise and theoretically‐based categorizations of the elements of translation ecology – translators, translations, and translation processes. Second, it challenges the generalizability of the decontextualization/disembedding and recontextualization/re‐embedding processes that are widely accepted as a necessary process in moving management models and practices across contexts.
MicroRNA‐let‐7c suppresses hepatitis C virus replication by targeting Bach1 for induction of haem oxygenase‐1 expression
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chun , Wei Chih‐Ku , Lee Jin‐Ching
Published: February 2019

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that are central factors between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and host cellular factors for viral replication and liver disease progression, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, we found that overexpressing miR‐let‐7c markedly reduced HCV replication because it induced haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression by targeting HO‐1 transcriptional repressor Bach1, ultimately leading to stimulating an antiviral interferon response and blockade of HCV viral protease activity. In contrast, the antiviral actions of miR‐let‐7c were attenuated by miR‐let‐7c inhibitor treatment, exogenously expressing Bach1 or suppressing HO‐1 activity and expression. A proposed model indicates a key role for miR‐let‐7c targeting Bach1 to transactivate HO‐1–mediated antiviral actions against HCV. miR‐let‐7c may serve as an attractive target for antiviral development.
l‐Rhamnose catabolism in archaea
Authors: Reinhardt Andreas , Johnsen Ulrike , Schönheit Peter
Published: February 2019

The halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii utilizes l‐rhamnose as a sole carbon and energy source. It is shown that l‐rhamnose is taken up by an ABC transporter and is oxidatively degraded to pyruvate and l‐lactate via the diketo‐hydrolase pathway. The genes involved in l‐rhamnose uptake and degradation form a l‐rhamnose catabolism (rhc) gene cluster. The rhc cluster also contains a gene, rhcR, that encodes the transcriptional regulator RhcR which was characterized as an activator of all rhc genes. 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐l‐rhamnonate, a metabolic intermediate of l‐rhamnose degradation, was identified as inducer molecule of RhcR. The essential function of rhc genes for uptake and degradation of l‐rhamnose was proven by the respective knockout mutants. Enzymes of the diketo‐hydrolase pathway, including l‐rhamnose dehydrogenase, l‐rhamnonolactonase, l‐rhamnonate dehydratase, 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐l‐rhamnonate dehydrogenase and 2,4‐diketo‐3‐deoxy‐l‐rhamnonate hydrolase, were characterized. Further, genes of the diketo‐hydrolase pathway were also identified in the hyperthermophilic crenarchaeota Vulcanisaeta distributa and Sulfolobus solfataricus and selected enzymes were characterized, indicating the presence of the diketo‐hydrolase pathway in these archaea. Together, this is the first comprehensive description of l‐rhamnose catabolism in the domain of archaea.
Gastroparesis syndromes: Response to electrical stimulation
Authors: Abell Thomas L. , Kedar Archana , Stocker Abigail , Beatty Karen , McElmurray Lindsay , Hughes Michael , Rashed Hani , Kennedy William , Wendelschafer‐Crabb Gwen , Yang Xiu , Fraig Mostafa , Omer Endashaw , Miller Ed , Griswold Michael , Pinkston Christina
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Factors underlying gastroparesis are not well defined, nor is the mechanism of action of gastric electrical stimulation (GES). We hypothesized that GES acts via several mechanisms related to underlying disordered pathophysiology.

Methods

We studied 43 consecutive eligible patients with gastroparetic symptoms, previously evaluated by two methods in each of five core areas: inflammatory, autonomic, enteric, electrophysiologic, and hormonal; and also categorized by GI symptoms, metabolic status, illness quantification, and gastric physiology. We then studied 41 patients who underwent temporary GES for 5‐7 days. Thirty‐six of those patients were implanted and 30 were followed up at 6 months after permanent GES.

Results

In previous but separately reported work, patients had similar GI symptoms regardless of baseline gastric emptying or diabetic/idiopathic status and all patients demonstrated abnormalities in each of the five areas studied. After GES, patients showed early and late effects of electrical stimulation with changes noted in multiple areas, categorized by improvement status.

Conclusion

Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis have multiple abnormalities, including systemic inflammation and disordered hormonal status. GES affects many of these abnormalities. We conclude electrical stimulation improves symptoms and physiology with (a) an early and sustained anti‐emetic effect; (b) an early and durable gastric prokinetic effect in delayed emptying patients; (c) an early anti‐arrhythmic effect that continues over time; (d) a late autonomic effect; (e) a late hormonal effect; (f) an early anti‐inflammatory effect that persists; and (g) an early and sustained improvement in health‐related quality of life.

This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov under study # NCT03178370 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03178370).