bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered intra‐ and inter‐network functional coupling of resting‐state networks associated with motor dysfunction in stroke
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Wu Jie , Fan Mingxia , Yin Dazhi , Tang Chaozheng , Gong Jiayu , Xu Guojun , Gao Xinjie , Yu Qiurong , Yang Hao , Sun Limin , Jia Jie
Published: April 2018

Motor functions are supported through functional integration across the extended motor system network. Individuals following stroke often show deficits on motor performance requiring coordination of multiple brain networks; however, the assessment of connectivity patterns after stroke was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the changes in intra‐ and inter‐network functional connectivity (FC) of multiple networks following stroke and further correlate FC with motor performance. Thirty‐three left subcortical chronic stroke patients and 34 healthy controls underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Eleven resting‐state networks were identified via independent component analysis (ICA). Compared with healthy controls, the stroke group showed abnormal FC within the motor network (MN), visual network (VN), dorsal attention network (DAN), and executive control network (ECN). Additionally, the FC values of the ipsilesional inferior parietal lobule (IPL) within the ECN were negatively correlated with the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores (hand + wrist). With respect to inter‐network interactions, the ipsilesional frontoparietal network (FPN) decreased FC with the MN and DAN; the contralesional FPN decreased FC with the ECN, but it increased FC with the default mode network (DMN); and the posterior DMN decreased FC with the VN. In sum, this study demonstrated the coexistence of intra‐ and inter‐network alterations associated with motor‐visual attention and high‐order cognitive control function in chronic stroke, which might provide insights into brain network plasticity following stroke.
Detailed view on slow sinusoidal, hemodynamic oscillations on the human brain cortex by Fourier transforming oxy/deoxy hyperspectral images
Authors: Noordmans H.J. , van Blooijs D. , Siero J.C.W. , Zwanenburg J.J.M. , Klaessens J.H.G.M. , Ramsey N. F.
Published: April 2018

Slow sinusoidal, hemodynamic oscillations (SSHOs) around 0.1 Hz are frequently seen in mammalian and human brains. In four patients undergoing epilepsy surgery, subtle but robust fluctuations in oxy‐ and deoxyhemoglobin were detected using hyperspectral imaging of the cortex. These SSHOs were stationary during the entire 4 to 10 min acquisition time. By Fourier filtering the oxy‐ and deoxyhemoglobin time signals with a small bandwidth, SSHOs became visible within localized regions of the brain, with distinctive frequencies and a continuous phase variation within that region. SSHOs of deoxyhemoglobin appeared to have an opposite phase and 11% smaller amplitude with respect to the oxyhemoglobin SSHOs. Although the origin of SSHOs remains unclear, we find indications that the observed SSHOs may embody a local propagating hemodynamic wave with velocities in line with capillary blood velocities, and conceivably related to vasomotion and maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion. Hyperspectral imaging of the human cortex during surgery allow in‐depth characterization of SSHOs, and may give further insight in the nature and potential (clinical) use of SSHOs.
The goal priority network as a neural substrate of Conscientiousness
Authors: Rueter Amanda R. , Abram Samantha V. , MacDonald Angus W. , Rustichini Aldo , DeYoung Colin G.
Published: April 2018

Conscientiousness is a personality trait associated with many important life outcomes, but little is known about the mechanisms that underlie it. We investigated its neural correlates using functional connectivity analysis in fMRI, which identifies brain regions that act in synchrony. We tested the hypothesis that a broad network resembling a combination of the salience and ventral attention networks, which we provisionally label the goal priority network (GPN), is a neural correlate of Conscientiousness. Self‐ and peer‐ratings of Conscientiousness were collected in a community sample of adults who underwent a resting‐state fMRI scan (N = 218). An independent components analysis yielded five components that overlapped substantially with the GPN. We examined synchrony within and between these GPN subcomponents. Synchrony within one of the components—mainly comprising regions of anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—was significantly associated with Conscientiousness. Connectivity between this component and the four other GPN components was also significantly associated with Conscientiousness. Our results support the hypothesis that variation in a network that enables prioritization of multiple goals may be central to Conscientiousness.
Building knowledge stock and facilitating knowledge flow through human resource management practices toward firm innovation
Authors: Sung Sun Young , Choi Jin Nam
Published: April 2018

The present study theoretically identifies the meaningful human resource management (HRM) practices that explain the emergence of two distinct dimensions of firm‐level knowledge management, namely, firm knowledge stock and flow, which are critical drivers of firm innovation. We also propose that these knowledge dimensions interact synergistically and that their effects on firm innovation are accentuated in firms with strong innovation strategy. The proposed theoretical framework was tested using multisource, large‐scale data collected from 203 manufacturing companies at three time points over a 5‐year period. Analysis confirmed that stock‐building and flow‐facilitating HRM practices increase firm‐level knowledge stock and flow, respectively. Firm knowledge flow (but not knowledge stock) exhibited a significant positive main effect on firm innovation. Firm knowledge stock was not related significantly to firm innovation, but it became a significant predictor of firm innovation when existing along a high level of firm knowledge flow, as well as in firms adopting innovation strategies. The present study provides significant insights for researchers and practitioners by offering comprehensive understanding of the nomological network of firm‐level knowledge management enhanced by effective HRM practices.
We Are What We Do: Adult Basic Education Should Be About More Than Employability
Authors: Belzer Alisa , Kim Jeounghee
Published: April 2018

In this commentary, the authors review one area of federal policy, adult basic education policy, since its inception in the 1960s as an example of how educational policy can drift from its broad purpose as it responds to political, social, and economic forces. The authors argue that its current narrow focus on workforce development underestimates the challenges of improving employment and earnings outcomes. More important, it undercuts the value and benefits of skill gains that can accrue before participants are able to attain jobs that can improve their economic outlook. Analysis of adult skill assessments indicate that even small skill increases can have a significant impact on other important social outcomes. Thus, the authors call for broadening the goal of federal adult basic education programs from primarily workforce development to helping participants more effectively fulfill a range of adult roles and responsibilities.
Cultivating Literacies: New Lenses and New Possibilities
Authors: Ortlieb Evan , Majors Yolanda
Published: April 2018

Most people have struggled with reading in one situation or another, depending on their appreciation for the content, their prior experiences, and the texts. This department column shares ways for educators to help literacy learners unlock their potential with instruction anchored in their skills, knowledge, ways of learning, interests, and attitudes.
Higher variety and quantity of microRNA‐139‐5p isoforms confer suppressive role in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ni Hengli , Dai Xiaoxiao , Leng Xueqin , Deng Min , Qin Yan , Ji Qinghua , Xu Chunfang , Li Jianming , Liu Yao
Published: April 2018

MiRNA isoforms (isomiRs) were defined as an addition or deletion of one or more nucleotides at the 5′ or 3′ ends or both. Different isomiRs of the same miRNA can target different genes, which have extended the regulatory scale medicated by miRNA. In this study, we systematically analyzed miRNA isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and further explore their role by in silico and in vitro studies. We found that higher variety and quantity of miR‐139‐5p isoforms negatively correlated with the malignancy of HCC. And patients with higher variety and quantity of iso‐miR‐139‐5p exhibited favorable survival, independent of tumor stage. Interestingly, miR‐139‐5p ‐1|‐1 showed increased complementary effect of its target IGF1R than the archetype of miR‐139‐5p, and could further inhibit cellular movement more vigorously than its archetype. In conclusion, not only miR‐139‐5p itself, but its isoforms’ variety and quantity confer suppressive role in HCC.
The role of HIF‐1α in the TGF‐β2‐mediated epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells
Authors: Nahomi Rooban B. , Nagaraj Ram H.
Published: April 2018

Human lens epithelial cells (HLE) undergo mesenchymal transition and become fibrotic during posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which is a frequent complication after cataract surgery. TGF‐β2 has been implicated in this fibrosis. Previous studies have focused on the role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in fibrotic diseases, but the role of HIF‐1α in the TGF‐β2‐mediated fibrosis in HLE is not known. TGF‐β2 treatment (10 ng/mL, 48 h) increased the HIF‐1α levels along with the EMT markers in cultured human lens epithelial cells (FHL124 cells). The increase in HIF‐1α corresponded to an increase in VEGF‐A in the culture medium. However, exogenous addition of VEGF‐A (up to 10 ng/mL) did not alter the EMT marker levels in HLE. Addition of a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG, up to 10 µM), enhanced the levels of HIF‐1α, and secreted VEGF‐A but did not alter the EMT marker levels. However, treatment of cells with a HIF‐1α translational inhibitor, KC7F2, significantly reduced the TGF‐β2‐mediated EMT response. This was accompanied by a reduction in the ERK phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Snail and Slug. Together, these data suggest that HIF‐1α is important for the TGF‐β2‐mediated EMT of human lens epithelial cells.
Retracted: LncRNA ATB promotes proliferation and metastasis in A549 cells by down‐regulation of microRNA‐494
Authors: Cao Yiwei , Luo Xiangjun , Ding Xiaoqian , Cui Shichao , Guo Caihong
Published: April 2018

Lung cancer is a commonly diagnosed disease with poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic targets and deep understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in lung cancer are of great importance. We aimed to figure out the functional roles of lncRNA‐activated by transforming growth factor‐β (ATB) in A549 cells as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. ATB was non‐physiologically expressed in A549 cells after cell transfection. Then, cell proliferation, expressions of proteins related to proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion were measured by BrdU incorporation assay, Western blot analysis, and Transwell assay, respectively. Afterwards, miR‐494 expression in transfected A549 cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Meanwhile, effects of miR‐494 overexpression on ATB‐overexpressed cells were assessed. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and key kinases in the Janus‐activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3) pathway were detected by Western blot analysis. ATB overexpression promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Meanwhile, EMT of A549 cells was also enhanced. ATB silence showed the opposite influence. Expression of miR‐494 was negatively regulated by ATB. Following experiments showed ATB‐induced alterations of proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT were all reversed by miR‐494 overexpression. Finally, we proved that ATB increased phosphorylated levels of AKT, JAK1, and STAT3, and those increases were all reversed by miR‐494 overexpression. We interestingly figured out that ATB promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT through down‐regulating miR‐494 in A549 cells. Moreover, ATB might activate AKT and the JAK/STAT3 pathway via down‐regulating miR‐494.
Combining multi‐dimensional data to identify a key signature (gene and miRNA) of cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Danyang , Li Xing , Zhao Hengyu , Sun Banghao , Liu Anqi , Han Xue , Cui Zhongqi , Yuan Lijie
Published: April 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors; the resistance of this type of tumor is the main source of GC treatment failure. In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis to verify differences in resistant GCs and identify an effective method for reversing drug resistance in GC. Microarray data [gene and microRNA (miRNA)] were analyzed using GEO2R software, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were applied to further enrich the genetic data. miRNA‐gene interactions were determined using Cytoscape (v.3.5.1). Online software was used to analyze protein interactions and predict network structure. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to verify the expression levels of genes in GC resistance. miR‐604 expression levels were verified by real‐time PCR in GC cell lines. We screened 3981 GC resistance‐associated genes and 244 miRNAs using bioinformatics methods. Six hub genes were identified and verified in the TCGA database, including five up‐regulated genes, POLR2L, POLR2C, POLR2F, APRT, and LMAN2, and a down‐regulated gene, NFKB2. The up‐regulated genes POLR2L, POLR2C, APRT, and LMAN2 interact with miR‐604; therefore, we focused on miR‐604, which has low expression in drug‐resistant GC. The results of this study indicate that through bioinformatics technologies, we have determined the hub genes and hub miRNAs related to drug resistance in GC. Among them, miR‐604 could become a new indicator in the diagnosis of drug‐resistant GC and may be used to investigate the pathogenesis of resistance in GC.
Notch activation promotes osteoblast mineralization by inhibition of apoptosis
Authors: Xu Ying , Shu Bing , Tian Ye , Chelly Marjorie , Morandi Massimo M. , Barton Shane , Shang Xifu , Dong Yufeng
Published: April 2018

Notch activator Jagged1 (JAG1) plays a critical role in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone metabolism. In this study, JAG1‐induced osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization has been analyzed in primary osteoblasts for up to 7 days. Alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin red staining showed an enhanced osteoblast maturation and mineralization in JAG1 treated cells, as well as higher mRNA levels of late osteoblast differentiation markers. In contrast, Notch inhibitor DAPT and deletion of Runx2 totally blocked JAG1 effects on osteoblast mineralization. Flow cytometry data further showed a significantly higher cell proliferation in early stages of culture at day 3, and lower levels of osteoblast apoptosis in late stages of culture at day 7. More importantly, activation of anti‐apoptotic factor BCL‐2 was enhanced, while pro‐apoptotic factor Caspase3 was reduced in JAG1 treated osteoblasts. Therefore, we conclude that cell mineralization is enhanced via anti‐apoptotic actions of Notch signaling within the osteoblast cells.
Effects of Rolapitant Administered Intravenously on the Pharmacokinetics of a Modified Cooperstown Cocktail (Midazolam, Omeprazole, Warfarin, Caffeine, and Dextromethorphan) in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Arora Sujata , Wang Jing , Lu Sharon , Powers Dan , Kansra Vikram
Published: April 2018

Rolapitant is a selective, long‐acting neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist, approved in the United States and Europe for prevention of delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in adults. This open‐label study evaluated the effects of a new intravenous formulation of rolapitant on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme (CYP3A, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6) activity. On days 1 and 14, 36 healthy volunteers received a modified Cooperstown cocktail (midazolam 3 mg [CYP3A substrate], caffeine 200 mg [CYP1A2 substrate], S‐warfarin 10 mg [CYP2C9 substrate] + vitamin K 10 mg, omeprazole 40 mg [CYP2C19 substrate], and dextromethorphan 30 mg [CYP2D6 substrate]). On day 7, subjects received the modified Cooperstown cocktail after 166.5‐mg rolapitant infusion. On days 21, 28, and 35, subjects received oral dextromethorphan. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐last) of probe drugs post‐ vs pre–rolapitant administration were assessed using geometric least‐squares mean ratios (GMRs) with 90%CIs. The 90%CIs of the GMRs were within the 0.80–1.25 no‐effect limits for caffeine and S‐warfarin Cmax and AUC0‐last. For midazolam Cmax and AUC0‐last and omeprazole Cmax, the 90%CIs of the GMRs were marginally outside these limits. Intravenous rolapitant coadministration increased dextromethorphan exposure, peaking 14 days post–rolapitant administration (GMRs: Cmax, 2.74, 90%CI 2.21–3.40; AUC0‐last, 3.36, 90%CI 2.74–4.13). Intravenous rolapitant 166.5 mg and probe drugs were well tolerated when coadministered. These data suggest that intravenous rolapitant is not an inhibitor of CYP3A, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or CYP1A2 but is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D6.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Oral Semaglutide in Subjects With Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Bækdal Tine A. , Thomsen Mette , Kupčová Viera , Hansen Cilie W. , Anderson Thomas W.
Published: April 2018

Semaglutide is a human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analog that has been co‐formulated with the absorption enhancer, sodium N‐(8‐[2‐hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate, for oral administration. This trial (NCT02016911) investigated whether hepatic impairment affects the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of oral semaglutide. Subjects were classified into groups: normal hepatic function (n = 24), and mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 12), or severe (n = 8) hepatic impairment according to Child‐Pugh criteria, and received once‐daily oral semaglutide (5 mg for 5 days followed by 10 mg for 5 days). Semaglutide plasma concentrations were measured during dosing and for up to 21 days post‐last dose. Area under the semaglutide plasma concentration–time curve from 0–24 hours after the 10th dose (primary end point) and maximum semaglutide concentration after the 10th dose appeared similar across hepatic function groups. Similarly, there was no apparent effect of hepatic impairment on time to maximum semaglutide concentration (median range 1.0–1.5 hours) or half‐life (geometric mean range 142–156 hours). No safety concerns were identified in subjects with hepatic impairment receiving semaglutide. Reported adverse events were in line with those observed for other glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. There was no apparent effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of oral semaglutide. The results of this trial suggest that dose adjustment of oral semaglutide is not warranted in subjects with hepatic impairment.
Multiphysics characterization of polymer‐filled through‐silicon vias (PF‐TSVs) for three‐dimensional integration
Authors: Jin Jing , Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Wang Da‐Wei , Zhou Liang , Yin Wen‐Yan
Published: April 2018

To increase the density of input/output connections, the polymer‐filled through‐silicon vias (PF‐TSVs) were proposed recently. To analyze the reliability of the PF‐TSVs, multiphysics characterization is conducted in this paper. The time‐domain finite‐element method is used to cosolve the heat conduction and thermal stress equations. Temperature‐dependent materials' parameters such as thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and Young's modulus, are treated appropriately. Based on the in‐house developed time‐domain finite‐element method algorithm, the temperature and thermal stress distributions of the PF‐TSV array and channel are evaluated. Transient thermo‐mechanical responses are captured and studied in detail for the PF‐TSV array and channel with different periodic voltage pulses applied. It is anticipated that this study provides certain guidance for the design and applications of PF‐TSVs.
Characterization of Solibacillus silvestris strain AM1 that produces amyloid bioemulsifier
Authors: Markande Anoop R. , Vemuluri Venkata R. , Shouche Yogesh S. , Nerurkar Anuradha S.
Published: April 2018

Solibacillus silvestris AM1 was the first strain from the genus to be reported for the production of a functional amyloid and its potential use as a surface active agent, a thermostable glycoprotein amyloid bioemulsifier BE‐AM1 capable of influencing environment and biofilm formation. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene, molecular characterization studies on the basis of DNA‐DNA hybridization and chemotaxonomic fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis showed that S. silvestris AM1 as a strain matches with the type strain S. silvestris HR3‐23. But strain AM1 differs from the type strain HR3‐23 in carbon substrate utilization studies along with amyloid bioemulsifier production ability with potential industrial and environmental applications. S. silvestris AM1 exhibited bioemulsifier production at wide range of factors like pH and NaCl concentrations, while temperature influenced the bioemulsifier production indirectly (since it affected the growth). Bioemulsifier production was observed even at oligotrophic conditions (0.5 mg ml−1) seen usually in its native environment. In this study, we have characterized the amyloid producing S. silvestris AM1 taxonomically and also analyzed 16S rDNA of 103 sequences of Solibacillus sp. available, which indicated the possibility of new species in this genus and can be studied for industrially and environmentally important biomolecules.
West Africa climate extremes and climate change indices
Authors: Barry A. A. , Caesar J. , Klein Tank A. M. G. , Aguilar E. , McSweeney Carol , Cyrille Ahmed M. , Nikiema M. P. , Narcisse K. B. , Sima F. , Stafford G. , Touray L. M. , Ayilari‐Naa J. A. , Mendes C. L. , Tounkara M. , Gar‐Glahn Eugene V. S. , Coulibaly M. S. , Dieh M. F. , Mouhaimouni M. , Oyegade J.A , Sambou E. , Laogbessi E. T.
Published: April 2018

Observational analyses of changing climate extremes over the West Africa region have been limited by the availability of long and high‐quality datasets. To help address this gap, a climate extremes indices workshop was held in the Gambia in December 2011 with participants from 14 West African countries. The resulting analysis utilized 15 annual indices derived from observed daily temperatures and 10 annual indices derived from observed daily precipitation. The analysis was conducted for 166 meteorological stations in 13 countries for 2 periods: 1960–2010 and 1981–2010. The analyses of trends in the annual mean temperature indices have identified statistically significant increases of 0.16 °C/decade and 0.28 °C/decade for mean annual maximum and mean annual minimum temperatures, respectively, averaged over all available land stations in the region during the last 50 years. The seasonal‐temperature‐related indices show significant patterns of warming in all seasons. The annual mean of daily minimum temperature has increased more than the annual mean of daily maximum temperature leading to a decreasing trend in the diurnal temperature range. Warm days and warm nights have become more frequent, and cold days and cold nights have become less frequent. The analyses of precipitation‐based indices indicate spatially non‐coherent changes throughout the study area with few statistically significant trends over the longer period. Exceptions to this are the simple daily intensity index and maximum 5‐day precipitation, which show significant increasing regional trends over both the shorter and longer periods. Additionally, over the recent period (1981–2010) most of the precipitation related indices show significant trends towards wetter conditions. However, this period of increased rainfall follows a decade of significantly drier conditions in the region – it is not clear whether the recent upward trends reflect the ‘recovery’ from this long drought period or represents a long‐term response to warming.
Irrigation options to save water while enhancing export‐size fruit and storability of ‘Smooth Red’ cactus pear
Authors: Zegbe Jorge A , Serna‐Pérez Alfonso
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

A two‐year study assessed deficit irrigation options for their effects on water‐saving, yield, fruit quality, and postharvest performance of ‘Smooth Red’ cactus pear. We evaluated: (i) full irrigation (FI), (ii) partial rootzone drying (PRD), (iii) deficit irrigation (DI), and (iv) non‐irrigated (NI) treatment as control.

RESULTS

The FI plants had the largest fruit size and the highest yield. PRD and DI plants used irrigation water with the highest efficiency and had the highest water productivity. The NI plants showed the highest water use efficiency in both growing seasons. Compared with FI, the yield was reduced in PRD by 5.5% in 2005 and by 7.8% in 2006. The corresponding reductions for DI were 6.0% and 7.4%, respectively. The NI plants had the lowest percentage of marketable yield. The PRD and DI treatments did not negatively affect fruit quality attributes either at harvest or after storage compared with FI and NI fruits. Fruit water loss tended to be lower in FI, PRD, and DI fruits.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was aimed at obtaining the maximum yield per unit of water applied instead of maximizing the yield per unit of area. We therefore recommend PRD or DI as feasible irrigation options for sustainable production of cactus pear. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Carbon footprint of organic beef meat from farm to fork: a case study of short supply chain
Authors: Vitali Andrea , Grossi Giampiero , Martino Giuseppe , Bernabucci Umberto , Nardone Alessandro , Lacetera Nicola
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Sustainability of food systems is one of the big challenges facing humanity. Local food networks, especially those using organic methods, are proliferating worldwide, and little is known about their carbon footprints. This study aims to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a local organic beef supply chain using a cradle‐to‐grave approach.

RESULTS

The study determined an overall burden of 24.46 kg CO2 eq. kg−1 of cooked meat. The breeding and fattening phase was the principal source of CO2 in the production chain, accounting for 86% of the total emissions. Enteric methane emission was the greatest source of GHG arising directly from farming activities (47%). The consumption of meat at home was the second high point in GHG production in the chain (9%), with the cooking process being the main source within this stage (72%). Retail and slaughtering activities respectively accounted for 4.1% and 1.1% of GHG emissions for the whole supply chain.

CONCLUSION

The identification of the major sources of GHG emissions associated with organic beef produced and consumed in a local food network may stimulate debate on environmental issues among those in the network and direct them toward processes, choices and habits that reduce carbon pollution. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrated strategy based on high‐resolution mass spectrometry coupled with multiple data mining techniques for the metabolic profiling of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge husks in rat plasma, urine, and feces
Authors: Rong Weiwei , Guo Sirui , Ding Kewen , Yuan Ziyue , Li Qing , Bi Kaishun
Published: April 2018

An integrated strategy based on high‐resolution mass spectrometry coupled with multiple data mining techniques was developed to screen the metabolites in rat biological fluids after the oral administration of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge husks. Mass defect filtering, product ion filtering, and neutral loss filtering were applied to detect metabolites from the complex matrix. As a result, 55 metabolites were tentatively identified, among which 45 barrigenol‐type triterpenoid metabolites were detected in the feces, and six flavonoids and four coumarins metabolites were in the urine. Moreover, eight prototype constituents in plasma, 36 in urine and 23 in feces were also discovered. Due to the poor bioavailability of barrigenol type triterpenoids, most of them were metabolized by intestinal flora. Phase I metabolic reactions such as deglycosylation, oxidation, demethylation, dehydrogenation, and internal hydrolysis were supposed to be their principal metabolic pathways. Coumarins were found in all the biosamples, whereas flavonoids were mainly in the urine. Unlike the saponins, they were mainly metabolized through phase II metabolic reactions like glucuronidation and sulfonation, which made them eliminated more easily by urine. This work suggested the metabolic profile of X. sorbifolia husks for the first time, which will be very valuable for its further development.
Environmental Drivers of Adult Atlantic Sturgeon Movement and Residency in the Delaware Bay
Authors: Breece Matthew W. , Fox Dewayne A. , Oliver Matthew J.
Published: April 2018

Animals utilize various habitats throughout their life to optimize growth, fitness, and survival. Identifying environmental conditions and locations where animals exhibit different movement behaviors can be used to infer the relative importance of habitat types. In the case of threatened and endangered species, such as the Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, critical habitat designations are a tool used to promote conservation and recovery. We utilized an extensive passive acoustic telemetry array, observed atmospheric conditions and river flow, modeled seawater conditions, and used generalized additive mixed modeling to determine environmental predictors of Atlantic Sturgeon movement and residency in the Delaware Bay on the U.S. East Coast. Our results suggested that shallower waters, warmer bottom temperatures, and areas toward the eastern portion of the Delaware Bay were predictive of residency, while movement was predicted by increased depth, cooler bottom temperatures, and areas toward the western portion of the bay. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence highlighting habitats at the Delaware Bay mouth, where Atlantic Sturgeon occur at heightened concentrations from late spring through fall. The Delaware River estuary once supported the largest population of Atlantic Sturgeon in North America, but that population is now critically imperiled (or endangered). Atlantic Sturgeon spend the vast majority of their life in marine, polyhaline waters, and without enhanced protection for these habitats, their recovery may never be realized.
Matrix representations of Sturm‐Liouville problems with coupled eigenparameter‐dependent boundary conditions and transmission conditions
Authors: Cai Jinming , Zheng Zhaowen
Published: April 2018

We study matrix representations of Sturm‐Liouville problems with coupled eigenparameter‐dependent boundary conditions and transmission conditions. Meanwhile, given any matrix eigenvalue problem with coupled eigenparameter‐dependent boundary conditions and transmission conditions, we construct a class of Sturm‐Liouville problems with given boundary conditions and transmission conditions such that they have the same eigenvalues.
Global existence of solutions to a chemotaxis‐haptotaxis model with density‐dependent jump probability and quorum‐sensing mechanisms
Authors: Xu Tianyuan , Ji Shanming , Mei Ming , Yin Jingxue
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we first derive a new chemotaxis‐haptotaxis model of cancer invasion of tissue with density‐dependent jump probability and quorum‐sensing mechanisms, which is with degeneracy in diffusion. In the presence of generic logistic damping, we then prove the global existence of weak solutions. The approach adopted is the compactness analysis with Moser‐type iteration and artificial viscosity‐vanishing technique.
Exact and trajectory controllability of second‐order evolution systems with impulses and deviated arguments
Authors: Muslim M. , Kumar Avadhesh , Sakthivel R.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we consider a control system represented by a second‐order evolution impulsive problems with delay and deviated arguments in a Banach space X. We used the strongly continuous cosine family of linear operators and fixed‐point method to study the exact controllability. Also, we study the trajectory controllability of the considered control problem. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the application of the obtained abstract results.
Horospherical coordinates for optimal Cosserat microrotations
Authors: Rau Christian
Published: April 2018

This note proposes the use of horospherical coordinates to overcome the problems associated with multiple eigenvalues occurring in the Cosserat microrotation problem. The advantages of this coordinate system are argued.
An immunological age index in bipolar disorder: A confirmatory factor analysis of putative immunosenescence markers and associations with clinical characteristics
Authors: Rizzo Lucas B. , Swardfager Walter , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Graiff Maiara Zeni , Pedrini Mariana , Asevedo Elson , Cassinelli Ana Cláudia , Bauer Moisés E. , Cordeiro Quirino , Scott Jan , Brietzke Elisa , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The study aims to generate an immunological age (IA) trait on the basis of immune cell differentiation parameters, and to test whether the IA is related to age and disease characteristics.

Methods

Forty‐four euthymic type I bipolar disorder patients were included in this study. Five immunosenescence‐related parameters were assessed: proportions of late‐differentiated cells (e.g., CD3+CD8+CD28‐CD27‐ and CD3‐CD19+IgD‐CD27‐), and the expression of CD69, CD71, and CD152 after stimulation. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to generate an IA trait underling the 5 measures.

Results

The best‐fit model was constituted by 4 parameters that were each related to an underlying IA trait, with 1 cell population positively correlated (CD3+CD8+CD28‐CD27‐ [λ = 0.544, where λ represents the loading of the parameter onto the IA trait] and 3 markers negatively correlated (CD69 [λ = −0.488], CD71 [λ = −0.833], and CD152 [λ = −0.674]). The IA trait was associated with chronological age (β = 0.360, p = .013) and the number of previous mood episodes (β = 0.426, p = .006). In a mediation model, 84% of the effect between manic episodes, and IA was mediated by body mass index.

Conclusion

In bipolar disorder type I, premature aging of the immune system could be reliably measured using an index that validated against chronological age, which was related to adverse metabolic effects of the disease course.
On‐resonance and off‐resonance continuous wave constant amplitude spin‐lock and T1ρ quantification in the presence of B1 and B0 inhomogeneities
Authors: Jiang Baiyan , Chen Weitian
Published: April 2018

Spin‐lock MRI is a valuable diagnostic imaging technology, as it can be used to probe the macromolecule environment of tissues. Quantitative T1ρ imaging is one application of spin‐lock MRI that is reported to be promising for a number of clinical applications. Spin‐lock is often performed with a continuous RF wave at a constant RF amplitude either on resonance or off resonance. However, both on‐ and off‐resonance spin‐lock approaches are susceptible to B1 and B0 inhomogeneities, which results in image artifacts and quantification errors. In this work, we report a continuous wave constant amplitude spin‐lock approach that can achieve negligible image artifacts in the presence of B1 and B0 inhomogeneities for both on‐ and off‐resonance spin‐lock. Under the adiabatic condition, by setting the maximum B1 amplitude of the adiabatic pulses equal to the B1 amplitude of spin‐lock RF pulse, the spins are ensured to align along the effective field throughout the spin‐lock process. We show that this results in simultaneous compensation of B1 and B0 inhomogeneities for both on‐ and off‐resonance spin‐lock. The relaxation effect during the entire adiabatic half passage (AHP) and reverse AHP, and the stationary solution of the Bloch‐McConnell equation present at off‐resonance frequency offset, are considered in the revised relaxation model. We demonstrate that these factors create a direct current component to the conventional relaxation model. In contrast to the previously reported dual‐acquisition method, the revised relaxation model just requires one acquisition to perform quantification. The simulation, phantom, and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves superior image quality compared with the existing methods, and the revised relaxation model can perform T1ρ quantification with one acquisition instead of two.
FoxO1 transcriptional activities in VEGF expression and beyond: a key regulator in functional angiogenesis?
Authors: Ren Bin
Published: April 2018

FoxO1 has emerged as an important regulator of angiogenesis. Recent work published in this Journal shows that FoxO1 regulates VEGF expression in keratinocytes and is required for angiogenesis in wound healing. Since FoxO1 also regulates CD36 transcription, and endothelial cell differentiation and vascular maturation, this transcription factor may be essential for the formation of functional vascular networks via coupling the regulation of CD36 in vascular endothelial cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Although many outstanding questions remain to be answered, the mechanisms by which FoxO1 regulates VEGF in keratinocytes provide insight into the development of functional angiogenesis and further our understanding of vascular biology. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility and results of an intraarterial chemotherapy program for the conservative treatment of retinoblastoma in Argentina
Authors: Funes Santiago , Sampor Claudia , Villasante Francisco , Fandiño Adriana , Manzitti Julio , Sgroi Mariana , Neira Pablo , Peralta Laura , Lagomarsino Eduardo , Schaiquevich Paula , Ceciliano Alejandro , Chantada Guillermo L.
Published: April 2018

Background

The feasibility and results of intraarterial chemotherapy, also termed ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC), for retinoblastoma in less developed countries have seldom been reported.

Procedure

A retrospective evaluation of a program of OAC in Argentina from 2010 to 2015.

Results

Ninety‐seven eyes from 81 patients (61 bilateral) were analyzed. In 35 eyes, OAC was given as primary therapy and in 62 it was used for the treatment of tumors with partial response or those relapsing after systemic chemoreduction with focal therapy or external‐beam radiotherapy. Twenty‐two primarily treated eyes had group D and 13 groups B/C. A total of 400 procedures were carried out. Chemotherapy used included combinations of melphalan, carboplatin, and topotecan. There was no mortality associated with OAC. Toxicity included fever and neutropenia in five (1.25%), hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia in two and femoral thrombosis in one, eyelid edema in nine, and neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in 28 cycles. With a median follow‐up of 48.7 months (range 12–79), the 3‐year probability of event‐free survival (pEFS) (enucleation and/or radiotherapy were considered events) was comparable for patients who received first‐line therapy and those treated at relapse (0.65 vs. 0.63, P = 0.5). In the former, the pEFS was 0.91 and 0.43 for groups B/C and D, respectively (P = 0.01). Two patients died of extraocular dissemination after refusal of enucleation.

Conclusions

OAC was feasible with low toxicity. pEFS improved in all groups compared to the previous experience with systemic chemotherapy reducing the use of radiotherapy. The overall mortality associated with OAC is comparable to our previous experience with systemic chemoreduction.
Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) aggregation at solvent–solvent interfaces
Authors: Sapolsky Marni , Boucher David
Published: April 2018

The aggregation behavior of P3HT is investigated at the interface of orthogonal solvents for P3HT. The changeable characteristics of P3HT aggregate dispersions, for example, extent of aggregation and intrachain order, are studied by varying (1) the interfacial area, (2) the poor solvent used to induce aggregation – dichloromethane (DCM), hexane (HEX), and acetonitrile (AcN) – and (3) the relative composition of the good solvent, chloroform (CF), and poor solvents. The results are compared to those observed using rapid injection of the solvent. Miscibility gap values (Δδ) provide a reasonable justification of the assembly behavior of P3HT in the solvent mixtures in terms of the kinetics of polymer aggregation and the kinetics of solvent mixing at the interface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to analyze the morphology of films processed from dispersions with disparate characteristics, but having the same solvent composition, for example, 70:30 CF:HEX or 60:40 CF:DCM. Based on the disparity of the kinetics and miscibility gap values, the prevalence of specific structural motifs in the films, for example, spheroids (globules) and fibers, is effectively rationalized in terms of the structural attributes of the aggregates in the liquid phase rather than the evaporation rate (boiling point) differences of the solvents in the mixture. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 999–1011
Large Magnetocaloric Effect and Magnetoresistance in Fe and Co Co‐Doped Ni‐Mn‐Al Heusler Alloys
Authors: Wu Yafei , Xuan Haicheng , Agarwal Sandeep , Xu Yuekui , Zhang Tuo , Feng Lin , Li Hui , Han Peide , Zhang Chengliang , Wang Dunhui , Chen Fenghua , Du Youwei
Published: April 2018

The Ni40Co10−xFexMn33Al17 (x = 4, 6, 8) alloys are prepared by arc‐melting method. The crystallographic structure, magnetic and magnetoresistance properties are systematically studied. The large magnetic change is obtained across the martensitic transformation from the ferromagnetic austenite phase to weak‐magnetic martensite phase. With the increase in Fe/Co ratio, the martensite transformation temperature shifts to the lower temperature. The large values of magnetoresistance of 33.3, 25.7, and 13.1% are achieved at the field of 3 T for x = 4, x = 6, and x = 8 alloys around the martensitic transformation, respectively. These results indicate that Ni‐Fe‐Co‐Mn‐Al alloy provides the motive power for further research in practical applications.
H∞‐output regulation of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems over switching graphs
Authors: Adib Yaghmaie Farnaz , Hengster Movric Kristian , Lewis Frank L. , Su Rong , Sebek Michael
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we analyze H∞‐output regulation of linear heterogeneous multiagent systems. The agents are subject to modeled and unmodeled disturbances and communicate over a switching graph. We derive a sufficient condition that guarantees H∞ output regulation for the mentioned setup. This sufficient condition places requirements on both the single‐agent systems and the switching graph. The requirement on the single‐agent systems is an H∞‐criterion that should be satisfied by a proper design of the controller. Meanwhile, the switching graph needs to be maximally connected. Moreover, we derive an upper bound for the overall
‐gain of the output synchronization error with respect to the unmodeled disturbances over a fixed communication graph. We illustrate our technical developments by a simulation example.
Tales from the riverside: What community stories can tell us about sustainable water resources management practices
Authors: Gearey Mary
Published: April 2018

The integrity of renewable freshwater resources is critical for ensuring sustainable futures. Developing strategies to mediate and encourage symbiosis between the dominant discourses of sustainable water resources management and indigenous knowledge and practice is essential. This paper asserts that storytelling plays a central role in the way that people understand and articulate their “lifeworld”: the people, values and actions that make sense to them. Empirical fieldwork, undertaken within three interconnected riparian communities, captures these community stories to reveal the nuanced ways experiential learning and community action enact sustainable local water resources management at the riverside. Paying closer attention to community stories could enable those involved in dominant sustainability discourses not only to critically engage with indigenous knowledge and practice, but also to provide opportunities to find ways to seed these stories with the wider “big history” perspective so essential to supporting sustainable futures, and water resource integrity, over the long term.
Evaluating accuracy of diagnostic tests without conditional independence assumption
Authors: Lu Di , Zhou Chunxiao , Tang Larry , Tan Ming , Yuan Ao , Chan Leighton
Published: April 2018

Evaluating the accuracy (ie, estimating the sensitivity and specificity) of new diagnostic tests without the presence of a gold standard is of practical meaning and has been the subject of intensive study for several decades. Existing methods use 2 or more diagnostic tests under several basic assumptions and then estimate the accuracy parameters via the maximum likelihood estimation. One of the basic assumptions is the conditional independence of the tests given the disease status. This assumption is impractical in many real applications in veterinary research. Several methods have been proposed with various dependence models to relax this assumption. However, these methods impose subjective dependence structures, which may not be practical and may introduce additional nuisance parameters. In this article, we propose a simple method for addressing this problem without the conditional independence assumption, using an empirical conditioning approach. The proposed method reduces to the popular Hui‐Walter model in the case of conditional independence. Also, our likelihood function is of order‐2 polynomial in parameters, while that of Hui‐Walter is of order‐3. The reduced model complexity increases the stability in estimation. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, which shows overall smaller biases in estimation and is more stable than the existing method, especially when tests are conditionally dependent. Two real data examples are used to illustrate the proposed method.
Kinetic Investigations on the Gas Phase Reaction of 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethylbutyrate with OH Radicals: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Srinivasulu Gonu , Vijayakumar Siripina , Rajakumar Balla
Published: April 2018

The temperature dependent rate coefficients for the reaction between 2,2,2‐trifluoroethylbutyrate (2,2,2‐TFEB) with OH radicals were measured as a function of temperature (268‐343 K) and pressure (400‐760 Torr; N2 and O2) using relative rate technique. The temperature dependent rate coefficients for the gas phase reaction of 2,2,2‐TFEB + OH were used to deduce the Arrhenius expression: k(268‐343 K) = (2.72 ± 1.3)×10−13 exp{(530± 72)/T}cm3 molecule−1 s−1. At 298 K, the rate coefficient for the title reaction was obtained to be (1.58 ± 0.42) ×10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Extensive computational calculations were also performed as a complement to the present experimental study using canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunnelling (SCT) correction in combination with the CCSD(T)/CC‐PVDZ//M062X/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory. The atmospheric lifetime of the test molecule due to its reaction with OH radical is about 3 days, which is short lived. And therefore, its contribution towards the global warming potentials can be insignificant. The ozone formation potential of the test molecule is calculated to be 0.229 ppm, which is again negligible.