bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulating aspen xylan biosynthetic GT43 genes in developing wood stimulates growth via reprograming of the transcriptome
Authors: Ratke Christine , Terebieniec Barbara K. , Winestrand Sandra , Derba‐Maceluch Marta , Grahn Thomas , Schiffthaler Bastian , Ulvcrona Thomas , Özparpucu Merve , Rüggeberg Markus , Lundqvist Sven‐Olof , Street Nathaniel R. , Jönsson Leif J. , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: April 2018

Xylan is one of the main compounds determining wood properties in hardwood species. The xylan backbone is thought to be synthesized by a synthase complex comprising two members of the GT43 family. We downregulated all GT43 genes in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) to understand their involvement in xylan biosynthesis.

All three clades of the GT43 family were targeted for downregulation using RNA interference individually or in different combinations, either constitutively or specifically in developing wood.

Simultaneous downregulation in developing wood of the B (IRX9) and C (IRX14) clades resulted in reduced xylan Xyl content relative to reducing end sequence, supporting their role in xylan backbone biosynthesis. This was accompanied by a higher lignocellulose saccharification efficiency. Unexpectedly, GT43 suppression in developing wood led to an overall growth stimulation, xylem cell wall thinning and a shift in cellulose orientation. Transcriptome profiling of these transgenic lines indicated that cell cycling was stimulated and secondary wall biosynthesis was repressed. We suggest that the reduced xylan elongation is sensed by the cell wall integrity surveying mechanism in developing wood.

Our results show that wood‐specific suppression of xylan‐biosynthetic GT43 genes activates signaling responses, leading to increased growth and improved lignocellulose saccharification.
Cis‐directed cleavage and nonstoichiometric abundances of 21‐nucleotide reproductive phased small interfering RNAs in grasses
Authors: Tamim Saleh , Cai Zhaoxia , Mathioni Sandra M. , Zhai Jixian , Teng Chong , Zhang Qifa , Meyers Blake C.
Published: April 2018

Post‐transcriptional gene silencing in plants results from independent activities of diverse small RNA types. In anthers of grasses, hundreds of loci yield noncoding RNAs that are processed into 21‐ and 24‐nucleotide (nt) phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs); these are triggered by miR2118 and miR2275.

We characterized these ‘reproductive phasiRNAs’ from rice (Oryza sativa) panicles and anthers across seven developmental stages. Our computational analysis identified characteristics of the 21‐nt reproductive phasiRNAs that impact their biogenesis, stability, and potential functions.

We demonstrate that 21‐nt reproductive phasiRNAs can function in cis to target their own precursors. We observed evidence of this cis regulatory activity in both rice and maize (Zea mays). We validated this activity with evidence of cleavage and a resulting shift in the pattern of phasiRNA production.

We characterize biases in phasiRNA biogenesis, demonstrating that the Pol II‐derived ‘top’ strand phasiRNAs are consistently higher in abundance than the bottom strand. The first phasiRNA from each precursor overlaps the miR2118 target site, and this impacts phasiRNA accumulation or stability, evident in the weak accumulation of this phasiRNA position. Additional influences on this first phasiRNA duplex include the sequence composition and length, and we show that these factors impact Argonaute loading.
Micro‐ and macroevolutionary adaptation through repeated loss of a complete metabolic pathway
Authors: Olsen Kenneth M. , Small Linda L.
Published: April 2018

There is growing evidence for the convergent evolution of physically linked gene clusters encoding chemical defense pathways. Metabolic clusters are proposed to evolve because they ensure co‐inheritance of all required genes where the defense is favored, and prevent inheritance of toxic partial pathways where it is not. This hypothesis rests on the assumption that clusters evolve in species where selection favors intraspecific polymorphism for the defense; however, they have not been examined in polymorphic species.

We examined metabolic cluster evolution in relation to an adaptive polymorphism for cyanogenic glucoside (CNglc) production in clover. Using 163 accessions, we performedCNglc assays,BACsequencing, Southern hybridizations and molecular evolutionary analyses.

We find that theCNglc pathway forms a 138‐kb cluster in white clover, and that the adaptive polymorphism occurs through presence/absence of the complete cluster. Component genes are orthologous to those in the distantly related legumeLotus japonicus.

These findings provide empirical support for the co‐inheritance hypothesis, and they indicate that adaptiveCNglc variation in white clover evolves through recurrent deletions of the entire pathway. They further indicate that the shared ancestor of many important legume crops was likely cyanogenic and that this defense was lost repeatedly over the last 50 Myr.
Increased pliosaurid dental disparity across the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition
Authors: Zverkov Nikolay G. , Fischer Valentin , Madzia Daniel , Benson Roger B.J.
Published: April 2018

Pliosaurid marine reptiles played important roles in marine food chains from the Middle Jurassic to the middle Cretaceous, frequently as apex predators. The evolution of pliosaurids during the later parts of the Early Cretaceous has recently been illuminated by discoveries from Russia (Hauterivian) and Colombia (Barremian). However, knowledge of pliosaurids representing the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition (late Tithonian – Valanginian), is still largely incomplete, especially during the earliest Cretaceous. As such, the effect on pliosaurids of hypothesized faunal turnover during the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary interval is poorly understood. We report pliosaurid teeth from the upper Volgian (Tithonian, Upper Jurassic) of the Kheta river basin (Eastern Siberia, Russia), to the Berriasian and Valanginian (Lower Cretaceous) of the Volga region (European Russia). These assemblages have yielded a series of distinct tooth morphotypes, including the first reports of conical‐toothed pliosaurids from the latest Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. This challenges the hypothesis that only one lineage of pliosaurids crossed the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary. It appears that conical‐toothed pliosaurids co‐existed with their trihedral‐toothed relatives for at least 25 million years during the latest Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. In fact, our quantitative analyses indicate that pliosaurids reached their maximal dental disparity during this interval, showing little evidence of turnover associated with the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition. Instead, disparity decreased later in the Early Cretaceous, with the disappearance of trihedral‐toothed forms in the Barremian.
Clinical Manifestation of Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain in Different Age Groups: Low Back Pain in 35,446 Patients
Authors: Hüllemann Philipp , Keller Thomas , Kabelitz Maria , Gierthmühlen Janne , Freynhagen Rainer , Tölle Thomas , Forstenpointner Julia , Baron Ralf
Published: April 2018

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a major healthcare problem causing tremendous economic costs.

Methods

Clinical manifestation of LBP was characterized in 35,446 patients. We focused on the comparison of the acute, subacute, and chronic LBP stage with regard to patients’ ages, based on epidemiologic and clinical questionnaires (eg, painDETECT Questionnaire, Pain Disability Index), pain intensity, pain descriptors, and functional impairment.

Results

We found that neuropathic components were most frequent in chronic LBP patients at the ages of 51 to 60 years. Elderly LBP patients showed a decrease in neuropathic and an increase in nociceptive pain. The most frequently reported pain descriptors were “pressure pain” and “pain attacks” through all stages of LBP, whereas “burning” and “prickling” were most frequent in the chronic stage. Patients after back surgery presented neuropathic pain symptoms most frequently and had the highest amount of pain medication intake.

Conclusions

Burning and prickling were revealed as possible indicators for LBP chronicity. Combined with pain attacks and pressure pain, these 4 pain descriptors might be a promising adjunct to pain intensity in terms of outcome parameters for future LBP studies. The decrease of neuropathic pain syndromes in the elderly might be explained by degenerative processes. The presented work provides important insights on LBP management in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for resistance to race 1 of Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis in synthetic hexaploid wheat
Authors: Kalia Bhanu , Bockus William W. , Singh Sukhwinder , Tiwari Vijay K. , Gill Bikram S.
Published: April 2018

Tan spot, caused by a necrotrophic fungus Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Ptr), has become an important foliar disease of wheat worldwide. Effective control of tan spot can be achieved by deployment of resistant wheat cultivars. An F2:3 population derived from a cross between synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW), TA4161‐L1 (moderately resistant) and susceptible winter wheat cultivar, ‘TAM105’ was evaluated with race 1 of Ptr under controlled conditions. The population was genotyped using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT). Presence of transgressive segregants indicated contribution of positive alleles from both parents. Two major QTLs were located on the short arm of chromosomes 1A and 6A and designated as QTs.ksu‐1A and QTs.ksu‐6A, respectively. Two additional QTLs were identified on chromosome 7A. Resistant alleles of all the QTLs were contributed by TA4161‐L1. Novel QTLs on 6A and 7A can be a valuable addition to known resistance genes and utilized in breeding programmes to produce highly resistant cultivars.
A Non-Linear Model for Censored and Mismeasured Time Varying Covariates in Survival Models, with Applications in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Studies
Authors: Zhang Hongbin , Wu Lang
Published: April 2018

In survival regression analysis, when the time-dependent covariates are censored and measured with errors, a joint model is often considered for the longitudinal covariate data and the survival data. Typically, an empirical linear (mixed) model is assumed for the time-dependent covariates. However, such an empirical linear covariate model may be inappropriate for the (unobserved) censored covariate values that may behave quite differently from the observed covariate process. In applications such as human immunodeficiency virus–acquired immune deficiency syndrome studies, a mechanistic non-linear model can be derived for the covariate process on the basis of the underlying data generation mechanisms and such a non-linear covariate model may provide better ‘predictions’ for the censored and mismeasured covariate values. We propose a joint Cox and non-linear mixed effect model to model survival data with censored and mismeasured time varying covariates. We use likelihood methods for inference, implemented by the Monte Carlo EM algorithm. The models and methods are evaluated by simulations. An acquired immune deficiency syndrome data set is analysed in detail, where the time-dependent covariate is a viral load which may be censored because of a lower detection limit and may also be measured with errors. The results based on linear and non-linear covariate models are compared and new insights are gained.
Antera 3D capabilities for pore measurements
Authors: Messaraa C. , Metois A. , Walsh M. , Flynn J. , Doyle L. , Robertson N. , Mansfield A. , O'Connor C. , Mavon A.
Published: April 2018

Background

The cause of enlarged pores remains obscure but still remains of concern for women. To complement subjective methods, bioengineered methods are needed for quantification of pores visibility following treatments. The study objective was to demonstrate the suitability of pore measurements from the Antera 3D.

Material and methods

Pore measurements were collected on 22 female volunteers aged 18‐65 years with the Antera 3D, the DermaTOP and image analysis on photographs. Additionally, 4 raters graded pore size on photographs on a scale 0‐5. Repeatability of Antera 3D parameters was ascertained and the benefit of a pore minimizer product on the cheek was assessed on a sub panel of seven female volunteers.

Results

Pore parameters using the Antera were shown to depict pore severity similar to raters on photographs, except for Max Depth. Mean pore volume, mean pore area and count were moderately correlated with DermaTOP parameters (up to r = .50). No relationship was seen between the Antera 3D and pore visibility analysis on photographs. The most repeatable parameters were found to be mean pore volume, mean pore area and max depth, especially for the small and medium filters. The benefits of a pore minimizer product were the most striking for mean pore volume and mean pore area when using the small filter for analysis, rather than the medium/large ones.

Conclusion

Pore measurements with the Antera 3D represent a reliable tool for efficacy and field studies, with an emphasis of the small filter for analysis for the mean pore volume/mean pore area parameters.
Advancing New Testament interpretation through spatio‐temporal analysis: Demonstrated by case studies
Authors: van Altena Vincent , Bakker Henk , Stoter Jantien
Published: April 2018

This article explores, via three case studies, how spatio‐temporal analysis can advance New Testament text interpretation. Acts 2, verse 9 to 11 is the text of study. Case study 1 applies network analysis to data representing the Roman road network constrained by parameters valid for ancient times. This analysis provided new information on the background of people attending a festival in Jerusalem. Case study 2 located geographical entities from the text in a cartographic visualization and provided supportive information to compare contemporary textual resources. For the disciplines of textual and conjectural criticism (case study 3), spatio‐temporal analysis opens a new window to study what would be the most probable variant of the original text. The case study puts emendations that have been proposed over centuries in a 3D spatial context and provides in this way a sophisticated tool to relate different alternative variants of a specific text. From the case studies, it can be concluded that spatializing, visualizing, and spatially analyzing geographical concepts from the texts in Acts 2 contributes to the field of New Testament interpretation. Further work will elaborate on the findings.
Trying Cognitivism: A Defence of the Strong Belief Thesis
Authors: Archer Avery
Published: April 2018

According to theStrong Belief Thesis(SBT), intending toXentails the belief that one willX. John Brunero has attempted to impugn SBT by arguing that there are cases in which an agent intends toXbut is unsure that she willX. Moreover, he claims that the standard reply to such putative counterexamples to SBT – namely, to claim that the unsure agent merely has an intention to try – comes at a high price. Specifically, it prevents SBT from playing the kind of explanatory role the cognitivist requires. This article meets Brunero's challenge to SBT by offering an account of trying and intending to try that not only saves SBT from Brunero's criticism, but does so in a way that preserves the explanatory significance that cognitivists typically take SBT to have.
Defining the molecular mechanisms of HIV‐1 Tat secretion: PtdIns(4,5)P2 at the epicenter
Authors: Mele Anthony R , Marino Jamie , Chen Kenneth , Pirrone Vanessa , Janetopoulos Chris , Wigdahl Brian , Klase Zachary , Nonnemacher Michael R
Published: April 2018

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein functions both intracellularly and extracellularly. Intracellularly, the main function is to enhance transcription of the viral promoter. However, this process only requires a small amount of intracellular Tat. The majority of Tat is secreted through an unconventional mechanism by binding to phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2), a phospholipid in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane that is required for secretion. This interaction is mediated by the basic domain of Tat (residues 48‐57) and a conserved tryptophan (residue 11). After binding to PtdIns(4,5)P2, Tat secretion diverges into multiple pathways, which we categorized as oligomerization‐mediated pore formation, spontaneous translocation and incorporation into exosomes. Extracellular Tat has been shown to be neurotoxic and toxic to other cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery, able to recruit immune cells to the CNS and cerebrospinal fluid, and alter the gene expression and morphology of uninfected cells. The effects of extracellular Tat have been examined in HIV‐1‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); however, only a small number of studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying Tat secretion. In this review, the molecular mechanisms of Tat secretion will be examined in a variety of biologically relevant cell types.
Evidence of Powassan/deer tick virus in adult black‐legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) recovered from hunter‐harvested white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Pennsylvania: A public health perspective
Authors: Campagnolo E. R. , Tewari D. , Farone T. S. , Livengood J. L. , Mason K. L.
Published: April 2018

Studies reporting tick infection rates for Powassan virus (POWV), an emerging zoonotic arthropod‐borne pathogen responsible for POWV disease in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are limited. To determine the presence and ascertain a statewide prevalence of POWV, ticks were collected from 9,912 hunter‐harvested white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) heads presented to six regional Pennsylvania Game Commission Chronic Wasting Disease sampling stations in early December of 2013, 2014 and 2015. Of the 2,973 ticks recovered, 1,990 (66.9%) were identified as adult Ixodes scapularis (black‐legged tick). The 1,990 I. scapularis ticks were PCR‐tested for the presence of POWV. The ticks had a statewide Powassan/deer tick virus infection rate of 0.05%, providing evidence of this pathogen in Pennsylvania's adult I. scapularis ticks and supporting the need for more comprehensive pathogen prevalence assessment strategies, as well as increased public health awareness for this emerging zoonotic arthropod‐borne pathogen of public health concern.
Functional decoupling of melatonin suppression and circadian phase resetting in humans
Authors: Rahman Shadab A. , St Hilaire Melissa A. , Gronfier Claude , Chang Anne‐Marie , Santhi Nayantara , Czeisler Charles A. , Klerman Elizabeth B. , Lockley Steven W.
Published: April 2018

Key points

There is assumed to be a monotonic association between melatonin suppression and circadian phase resetting induced by light exposure.

We tested the association between melatonin suppression and phase resetting in humans.

Sixteen young healthy participants received nocturnal bright light (∼9500 lux) exposure of continuous or intermittent patterns, and different durations ranging from 12 min to 6.5 h.

Intermittent exposure patterns showed significant phase shifts with disproportionately less melatonin suppression.

Each and every bright light stimulus in an intermittent exposure pattern induced a similar degree of melatonin suppression, but did not appear to cause an equal magnitude of phase shift.

These results suggest that phase shifts and melatonin suppression are functionally independent such that one cannot be used as a proxy measure of the other.

Continuous experimental light exposures show that, in general, the conditions that produce greater melatonin suppression also produce greater phase shift, leading to the assumption that one can be used as a proxy for the other. We tested this association in 16 healthy individuals who participated in a 9‐day inpatient protocol by assessing melatonin suppression and phase resetting in response to a nocturnal light exposure (LE) of different patterns: (i) dim‐light control (<3 lux; n = 6) or (ii) two 12‐min intermittent bright light pulses (IBL) separated by 36 min of darkness (∼9500 lux; n = 10). We compared these results with historical data from additional LE patterns: (i) dim‐light control (<3 lux; n = 11); (ii) single continuous bright light exposure of 12 min (n = 9), 1.0 h (n = 10) or 6.5 h (n = 6); or (iii) an IBL light pattern consisting of six 15‐min pulses with 1.0 h dim‐light recovery intervals between them during a total of 6.5 h (n = 7). All light exposure groups had significantly greater phase‐delay shifts than the dim‐light control condition (P < 0.0001). While a monotonic association between melatonin suppression and circadian phase shift was observed, intermittent exposure patterns showed significant phase shifts with disproportionately less melatonin suppression. Each and every IBL stimulus induced a similar degree of melatonin suppression, but did not appear to cause an equal magnitude of phase shift. These results suggest unique specificities in how light‐induced phase shifts and melatonin suppression are mediated such that one cannot be used as a proxy measure of the other.
Intestinal absorption of glucose in mice as determined by positron emission tomography
Authors: Sala‐Rabanal Monica , Ghezzi Chiara , Hirayama Bruce A. , Kepe Vladimir , Liu Jie , Barrio Jorge R. , Wright Ernest M.
Published: April 2018

Key Points

The goal was to determine the importance of the sodium–glucose cotransporter SGLT1 and the glucose uniporter GLUT2 in intestinal glucose absorption during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in mice.

Glucose absorption was determined in mice using positron emission tomography and three non‐metabolizable glucose probes: one specific for SGLTs, one specific for GLUTs, and one a substrate for both SGLTs and GLUTs.

Absorption was determined in wild‐type, Sglt1−/− and Glut2−/− mice.

Gastric emptying was a rate‐limiting step in absorption.

SGLT1, but not GLUT2, was important in fast glucose absorption.

In the absence of SGLT1 or GLUT2, the oral glucose load delivered to the small intestine was slowly absorbed.

Oral phlorizin only inhibited the fast component of glucose absorption, but it contributed to decreasing blood glucose levels by inhibiting renal reabsorption.

The current model of intestinal absorption is that SGLT1 is responsible for transport of glucose from the lumen into enterocytes across the brush border membrane, and GLUT2 for the downhill transport from the epithelium into blood across the basolateral membrane. Nevertheless, questions remain about the importance of these transporters in vivo. To address these questions, we have developed a non‐invasive imaging method, positron emission tomography (PET), to monitor intestinal absorption of three non‐metabolized glucose tracers during standard oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in mice. One tracer is specific for SGLTs (α‐methyl‐4‐[18F]fluoro‐4‐deoxy‐d‐glucopyranoside; Me‐4FDG), one is specific for GLUTs (2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐d‐glucose; 2‐FDG), and one is a substrate for both SGLTs and GLUTs (4‐deoxy‐4‐[18F]fluoro‐d‐glucose; 4‐FDG). OGTTs were conducted on adult wild‐type, Sglt1−/− and Glut2−/− mice. In conscious mice, OGTTs resulted in the predictable increase in blood glucose that was blocked by phlorizin in both wild‐type and Glut2−/− animals. The blood activity of both Me‐4FDG and 4‐FDG, but not 2‐FDG, accompanied the changes in glucose concentration. PET imaging during OGTTs further shows that: (i) intestinal absorption of the glucose load depends on gastric emptying; (ii) SGLT1 is important for the fast absorption; (iii) GLUT2 is not important in absorption; and (iv) oral phlorizin reduces absorption by SGLT1, but is absorbed and blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidney. We conclude that in standard OGTTs in mice, SGLT1 is essential in fast absorption, GLUT2 does not play a significant role, and in the absence of SGLT1 the total load of glucose is slowly absorbed.
How the acoustic resonances of the subglottal tract affect the impedance spectrum measured through the lips
Authors: Hanna Noel , Smith John , Wolfe Joe
Published: May 2018

Experimental determinations of the acoustic properties of the subglottal airway, from the trachea below the larynx to the lungs, may provide useful information for detecting airway pathologies and aid in the understanding of vocal fold auto-oscillation. Here, minimally invasive, high precision impedance measurements are made through the lips (7 men, 3 women) over the range 14–4200 Hz during inspiration, expiration, and with a closed glottis. Closed glottis measurements show the expected resonances and anti-resonances of the supraglottal vocal tract. As the glottis is gradually opened, and the glottal inertance decreases, maxima in the subglottal impedance increasingly affect the measured impedance spectrum, producing additional pairs of maxima and minima. The pairs with the lowest frequency appear first. Measurements during a cycle of respiration show the disappearance and reappearance of these extrema. For a wide glottal opening during inspiration, and for the frequency range 14–4200 Hz, the impedance spectrum semi-quantitatively resembles that of a single, longer duct, open at the remote end, and whose total effective length is 37 ± 4 cm for men and 34 ± 3 cm for women. Fitting to simple models of the subglottal tract yields mean effective acoustic lengths of 19.5 cm for the men and 16.0 cm for the women in this study.
No Difference Between the Effects of Supplementing With Soy Protein Versus Animal Protein on Gains in Muscle Mass and Strength in Response to Resistance Exercise
Authors: Messina Mark , Lynch Heidi , Dickinson Jared M. , Reed Katharine E.
Published: May 2018

Much attention has been given to determining the influence of total protein intake and protein source on gains in lean body mass (LBM) and strength in response to resistance exercise training (RET). Acute studies indicate that whey protein, likely related to its higher leucine content, stimulates muscle protein synthesis to a greater extent than proteins such as soy and casein. Less clear is the extent to which the type of protein supplemented impacts strength and LBM in long-term studies (≥6 weeks). Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effect of supplementation with soy protein to animal protein supplementation on strength and LBM in response to RET. Nine studies involving 266 participants suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis were identified. Five studies compared whey with soy protein, and four studies compared soy protein with other proteins (beef, milk, or dairy protein). Meta-analysis showed that supplementing RET with whey or soy protein resulted in significant increases in strength but found no difference between groups (bench press: χ2 = 0.02, p = .90; squat: χ2 = 0.22, p = .64). There was no significant effect of whey or soy alone (n = 5) on LBM change and no differences between groups (χ2 = 0.00, p = .96). Strength and LBM both increased significantly in the “other protein” and the soy groups (n = 9), but there were no between-group differences (bench: χ2 = 0.02, p = .88; squat: χ2 = 0.78, p = .38; and LBM: χ2 = 0.06, p = .80). The results of this meta-analysis indicate that soy protein supplementation produces similar gains in strength and LBM in response to RET as whey protein.
Metacognitions and Mindfulness in Athletes: An Investigation on the Determinants of Flow
Authors: Love Steven , Kannis-Dymand Lee , Lovell Geoff P.
Published: May 2018

This study investigated triathletes’ metacognitions and mindfulness traits (N = 232) measured prior to competition, and flow (N = 63), post competition. The primary aim was to investigate whether metacognitions (measured by the Metacognitions Questionnaire) would associate with mindfulness facets (measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – Short Form), and metacognitions would also predict flow scores (measured by the Short Flow State Scale), over and above mindfulness facets. Regression analyses showed that metacognitions individually predicted mindfulness facets. A hierarchical regression showed that positive beliefs about worry negatively predicted flow, while a lack of cognitive confidence, beliefs about the need for thought control and acting with awareness positively predicted flow. These findings indicate that a) metacognitive beliefs are influential to cognitive predispositions, b) typically dysfunctional metacognitions may play a different role in competitive environments, and c) metacognitions may play a more important role in the occurrence of flow, than mindfulness.
Critics see hidden goal in EPA data access rule
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: May 2018

They say new policy aims to weaken air pollution regulations by barring key studies.
DOE unveils climate model in advance of global test
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: May 2018

Model made for exascale computers is focused on energy infrastructure.
The Novel Phage-Derived Antimicrobial Agent HY-133 Is Active against Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kaspar Ursula , de Haro Sautto Jorge A. , Molinaro Sonja , Peters Georg , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Becker Karsten
Published: May 2018

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(LA-MRSA) isolates are increasingly migrating from livestock into human and animal health care settings. Alternative substances are needed to overcome the drawbacks of currently available drugs used for MRSA eradication. The recombinant bacteriophage endolysin HY-133 has proved to be an active agent against
S. aureus
. Here, the
in vitro
activity of HY-133 was studied against a large collection of genetically diverse LA-MRSA isolates revealing its high activity against
mecA
-,
mecB
-, and
mecC
-positive LA-MRSA.
Roles of Alanine Dehydrogenase and Induction of Its Gene in Mycobacterium smegmatis under Respiration-Inhibitory Conditions
Authors: Jeong Ji-A , Park Sae Woong , Yoon Dahae , Kim Suhkmann , Kang Ho-Young , Oh Jeong-Il
Published: April 2018

Here we demonstrated that the inhibition of electron flux through the respiratory electron transport chain (ETC) by either the disruption of the gene for the major terminal oxidase (
aa
3
cytochrome
c
oxidase) or treatment with KCN resulted in the induction of
ald
encoding alanine dehydrogenase in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. A decrease in functionality of the ETC shifts the redox state of the NADH/NAD
+
pool toward a more reduced state, which in turn leads to an increase in cellular levels of alanine by Ald catalyzing the conversion of pyruvate to alanine with the concomitant oxidation of NADH to NAD
+
. The induction of
ald
expression under respiration-inhibitory conditions in
M. smegmatis
is mediated by the alanine-responsive AldR transcriptional regulator. The growth defect of
M. smegmatis
by respiration inhibition was exacerbated by inactivation of the
ald
gene, suggesting that Ald is beneficial to
M. smegmatis
in its adaptation and survival under respiration-inhibitory conditions by maintaining NADH/NAD
+
homeostasis. The low susceptibility of
M. smegmatis
to
bcc
1
complex inhibitors appears to be, at least in part, attributable to the high expression level of the
bd
quinol oxidase in
M. smegmatis
when the
bcc
1
-
aa
3
branch of the ETC is inactivated.

IMPORTANCE
We demonstrated that the functionality of the respiratory electron transport chain is inversely related to the expression level of the
ald
gene encoding alanine dehydrogenase in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. Furthermore, the importance of Ald in NADH/NAD
+
homeostasis during the adaptation of
M. smegmatis
to severe respiration-inhibitory conditions was demonstrated in this study. On the basis of these results, we propose that combinatory regimens including both an Ald-specific inhibitor and respiration-inhibitory antitubercular drugs such as Q203 and bedaquiline are likely to enable a more efficient therapy for tuberculosis.
Light–moderate alcohol consumption and left ventricular function among healthy, middle-aged adults: the HUNT study
Authors: Gémes Katalin , Janszky Imre , Strand Linn Beate , László Krisztina D , Ahnve Staffan , Vatten Lars J , Dalen Håvard , Mukamal Kenneth J
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and left ventricular (LV) function in a population with low average alcohol intake.

Design, setting and participants

A total of 1296 healthy participants, free from cardiovascular diseases, were randomly selected from the third wave of the Norwegian HUNT study (2006–2008) and underwent echocardiography. After validation of the inclusion criteria, 30 participants were excluded due to arrhythmias or myocardial or valvular pathology. Alcohol consumption, sociodemographic and major cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by questionnaires and clinical examination in the HUNT3. General linear models were used to analyse the cross-sectional associations between alcohol intake and LV indices.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

LV functional and structural indices were measured with tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography.

Results

We observed no associations between alcohol consumption and multivariable-adjusted LV functional indices. Excluding abstainers who reported regular alcohol consumption 10 years prior to the baseline did not change the results. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with LV mass indices (p<0.01 for linear trend of the means); there was no such association among participants with non-risky drinking characteristics (p=0.67 for linear trend of the means).

Conclusions

We found no clear evidence that light–moderate alcohol consumption is associated with measures of LV function, although our results indicate that consumption, especially when marked by binge drinking, is progressively associated with greater LV mass.
Making the most of CPD: a reflective approach
Authors: Gray Carol , Warman Sheena
Published: May 2018

In this article, we give an overview of different approaches to learning, and explain what is meant by a reflective approach to continuing professional development (CPD). We then suggest ways in which a reflective approach can be used to maximise the benefit and enjoyment of learning opportunities.
Dietary intake and age at natural menopause: results from the UK Women’s Cohort Study
Authors: Dunneram Yashvee , Greenwood Darren Charles , Burley Victoria J , Cade Janet E
Published: April 2018

Background

Age at natural menopause is a matter of concern for women of reproductive age as both an early or late menopause may have implications for health outcomes.

Methods

Study participants were women aged 40–65 years who had experienced a natural menopause from the UK Women’s Cohort Study between baseline and first follow-up. Natural menopause was defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods for at least 12 consecutive months. A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate diet at baseline. Reproductive history of participants was also recorded. Regression modelling, adjusting for confounders, was used to assess associations between diet and age at natural menopause.

Results

During the 4-year follow-up period, 914 women experienced a natural menopause. A high intake of oily fish and fresh legumes were associated with delayed onset of natural menopause by 3.3 years per portion/day (99% CI 0.8 to 5.8) and 0.9 years per portion/day (99% CI 0.0 to 1.8), respectively. Refined pasta and rice was associated with earlier menopause (per portion/day: −1.5 years, 99% CI −2.8 to −0.2). A higher intake of vitamin B6 (per mg/day: 0.6 years, 99% CI 0.1 to 1.2) and zinc (per mg/day: 0.3 years, 99% CI −0.0 to 0.6) was also associated with later age at menopause. Stratification by age at baseline led to attenuated results.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that some food groups (oily fish, fresh legumes, refined pasta and rice) and specific nutrients are individually predictive of age at natural menopause.
Soluble organic nitrogen in potentially mineralizable N assays: are we missing an important component?
Authors: Dessureault-Rompré J. , Burton D.L. , Zebarth B.J.
Published: April 2018

We examined soluble organic nitrogen (SON) leached from long-term, sequentially leached, aerobic incubations. Leached SON, present in all depths (0–60 cm), ranged from 35% to 56% of total nitrogen (N). This unaccounted-for SON may have important implications in the estimation of plant available N and the potential for environmental N losses.
MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NOTCHED HOT ROLLED MULTI-PHASE STEEL
Authors: Niu Ke , Akbarzadeh Abdolhamid , Chen Zengtao
Published: April 2018

This paper presents a series of experimental and numerical studies on Hot Rolled Stretch Flanging steels. This study focuses on four prototyped Hot-Rolled Stretch Flanging steels (HR780SF). Circular- notched sheet steel samples are used to induce different stress triaxiality levels in the rolling direction of sheet materials. Digital image correlation technique measures the local true strain during the deformation process of the notched samples in uniaxial tensile test. The microstructure of the notched samples is examined to evaluate the effect of geometrical features of circular notches on the microstructural evolution during the plastic deformation. Finally, the numerical results obtained via a finite element simulation are validated by the collected experimental data. Our experimental studies reveal the possibility of crack formation along the width of HR780SF steels during the mechanical load. The crack formation, which deteriorates the structural performance of hot rolled steels, can be avoided by the heat treatment of samples prior to the mechanical tests. In addition, it is found that the effect of notch geometry on the stress state is much more considerable at the notch edge than the notch center.
RESEARCH ON A FLUTTER STABILITY CONTROL MEASURE OF A FABRICATED STEEL TRUSS BRIDGE
Authors: Xiaohui He , Qiang Wang , Chenglong Zhang , Shunfeng Zhang , Yaming Gao
Published: April 2018

In order to improve the flutter stability of a certain type fabricated steel truss bridge, a method of setting guiding plates is proposed. Based on the two-dimensional 3 DOF coupling flutter method (2d-3DOF method), and by use of the numerical wind tunnel established by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the flutter stability control measures of setting guiding plates are simulated. Through CFD numerical simulation, the flow field characteristics, flutter derivatives and critical flutter speed of original and guiding-plated models are obtained. It is found that for a certain type fabricated steel truss bridge, the guiding plates can improve its flutter stability. Thus, the feasibility and reliability of setting the guiding plates are proved, and the foundation for its further application in practical projects is laid.
INFLUENCING AND ANALYSIS OF TIG WELDING PROCESS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED ALUMINUM PARTS
Authors: Baghel Pushp Kumar , Nagesh Doddalahally Shivalingaiah
Published: April 2018

Pulse TIG welding is widely used in critical engineering applications comprising of dissimilar aluminum alloys. This study investigates simultaneous effect of important welding process parameters (i.e peak current, base current, pulse frequency, pulse on time, welding speed) on weld quality (Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percentage elongation, micro-hardness, impact toughness) are evaluated. Desirable welding characteristics are obtained at optimum peak current of 196.81 Amp, base current of 133.0 Amp, pulse frequency of 6.04 Hz, pulse on time 49.9%, welding speed of 171.16mm/min. The welding speed is found to be significant influencing factor affecting the tensile strength and hardness of weld joint.
Application of Markov chain approach for multi-attributes dynamic software reliability assessment under both AHP and gray correlation methods
Authors: Cui Mengtian , Zhang Yi-Cheng
Published: May 2018

Measuring software trustworthiness is an important field in trusted software assessment. In this paper, a dynamic model of multi-attributes dynamic software reliability assessment is proposed based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and gray correlation, since current software assessing methods cannot fully meet the accuracy and objectivity of the assessment. Our novel model of software trustworthiness comprehensive evaluation index system is established, where AHP comprehensive evaluation method is introduced to determine the trustworthy indicators and the weight of the sub-attributes. Meanwhile, group expert judgments are used to modify group decision results and the Euclid distance is used to judge the value’s change of state checkpoints. In addition, the software properties probabilistic transformation model of each level of sub-properties is constructed to accomplish dynamic software reliability assessment using the methods of Markov chain process and gray correlation model. Finally, an example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of our dynamic software reliability assessment.
Accretion onto a charged Kiselev black hole
Authors: Abbas G. , Ditta A.
Published: April 2018

Accretion of matter onto a compact is one of the interesting astrophysical processes. Here, we study the accretion of matter onto a charged Kiselev black hole. The problem of static and spherically symmetric accretion of a polytropic fluid is explored for the analytic solution of equations of motion. We have investigated the necessary conditions for existence of the critical flow points and the mass accretion rate. Finally, we discuss the polytropic gas accretion in detail. It has been found that in the accretion process the quintessence and charge parameters play a dominant role.
Phase transition for the system of finite volume in the ϕ4 theory in the Tsallis nonextensive statistics
Authors: Ishihara Masamichi
Published: April 2018

We studied the effects of nonextensivity on the phase transition for the system of finite volume [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text] theory in the Tsallis nonextensive statistics of entropic parameter [Formula: see text] and temperature [Formula: see text], when the deviation from the Boltzmann–Gibbs (BG) statistics, [Formula: see text], is small. We calculated the condensate and the effective mass to the order [Formula: see text] with the normalized [Formula: see text]-expectation value under the free particle approximation with zero bare mass. The following facts were found. The condensate [Formula: see text] divided by [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], at [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the value of the condensate at [Formula: see text]) is smaller than that at [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] as a function of [Formula: see text] which is the physical temperature [Formula: see text] divided by [Formula: see text]. The physical temperature [Formula: see text] is related to the variation of the Tsallis entropy and the variation of the internal energies, and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] coincides with [Formula: see text]. The effective mass decreases, reaches minimum, and increases after that, as [Formula: see text] increases. The effective mass at [Formula: see text] is lighter than the effective mass at [Formula: see text] at low physical temperature and heavier than the effective mass at [Formula: see text] at high physical temperature. The effects of the nonextensivity on the physical quantity as a function of [Formula: see text] become strong as [Formula: see text] increases. The results indicate the significance of the definition of the expectation value, the definition of the physical temperature, and the constraints for the density operator, when the terms including the volume of the system are not negligible.
Large-Nc masses of light mesons from QCD sum rules for nonlinear radial Regge trajectories
Authors: Afonin S. S. , Solomko T. D.
Published: April 2018

The large-[Formula: see text] masses of light vector, axial, scalar and pseudoscalar mesons are calculated from QCD spectral sum rules for a particular ansatz interpolating the radial Regge trajectories. The ansatz includes a linear part plus exponentially degreasing corrections to the meson masses and residues. The form of corrections was proposed some time ago for consistency with analytical structure of Operator Product Expansion of the two-point correlation functions. We revised that original analysis and found the second solution for the proposed sum rules. The given solution describes better the spectrum of vector and axial mesons.
Multiscale Damage Modeling on Aeronautical Composite Under Low Energy Impact
Authors: Buonsanti Michele
Published: May 2018

The purpose in this paper is to investigate about the behavior of aeronautics composite material subjected to a low energy impact. Low velocity impact in aircraft composite panels is a matter of concern in modern aircraft and can be used either from maintenance accidents tools or in-flight impact with debris. The proposed study considers the dynamics of impact between a small piece of granular material and a large body of composite material. The principal aim is to simulate the impact of runway debris throw-up by the landing gear against an airplane structure. In this simulation, I want to investigate on CFRP composite panels affected by granular particles at low speed in theoretical and experimental tests. The finite element analysis, initially on the macroscale and subsequently on the microscale, shows the damage inside the composite according to the experimental results, but by itself, this classic numerical approach is little suitable to investigate the complete phenomenon. Developing the question, in first step by the classical approach, appears difficult on macro and microscale relationship besides their reciprocal influence over the deformation field. To resolve the last question, I will perform the first step on macroscale FEM analysis and then reduce from the size and effects over an opportune created RVE, such that microscale main effects as local delamination can be reproduced.
Wave Propagation Feature in Two-Dimensional Periodic Beam Lattices with Local Resonance by Numerical Method and Analytical Homogenization Approach
Authors: Zhou C. W. , Sun X. K. , Lainé J. P. , Ichchou M. N. , Zine A. , Hans S. , Boutin C.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the analytical homogenization method of Periodic Discrete Media (HPDM) and the numerical Condensed Wave Finite Element Method (CWFEM) are employed to study the wave propagation in two-dimensional periodic beam lattices. The validity of the HPDM is re-evaluated using the wave propagation feature identified by the CWFEM. Particular attention is paid to the polarization direction of the waves. The wave propagation in two directions is investigated while characteristic wave propagation features such as local resonance, veering and locking phenomena are observed. Complementary results are deduced from the two methods.