bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure-based discovery of glycomimetic FmlH ligands as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion during urinary tract infection
Authors: Kalas Vasilios , Hibbing Michael E. , Maddirala Amarendar Reddy , Chugani Ryan , Pinkner Jerome S. , Mydock-McGrane Laurel K. , Conover Matt S. , Janetka James W. , Hultgren Scott J. 
Published: March 2018

SignificanceThe emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC), makes the development of targeted antivirulence therapeutics a critical focus of research. During urinary tract infections (UTIs), UPEC uses chaperone–usher pathway pili tipped with an array of adhesins that recognize distinct receptors with sterochemical specificity to facilitate persistence in various tissues and habitats. We used an interdisciplinary approach driven by structural biology and synthetic glycoside chemistry to design and optimize glycomimetic inhibitors of the UPEC adhesin FmlH. These inhibitors competitively blocked FmlH in vitro, in in vivo mouse UTI models, and in ex vivo healthy human kidney tissue. This work demonstrates the utility of structure-driven drug design in the effort to develop antivirulence therapeutic compounds.
Genetic signatures of microbial altruism and cheating in social amoebas in the wild
Authors: Noh Suegene , Geist Katherine S. , Tian Xiangjun , Strassmann Joan E. , Queller David C. 
Published: March 2018

SignificanceMicrobes are surprisingly social organisms and are providing model systems for the study of the evolution of cooperation and conflict. Despite their many advantages in the laboratory, such as experimental evolution, it is rarely possible to study them in the field. We therefore know little about whether cooperation and conflict are adaptively important in nature. Here we use approaches from population genetics and molecular evolution to test the adaptive relevance of social behavior in a social amoeba. We find signatures of adaptation for both kin selection and social cheating. This provides evidence that these behaviors have been important in the natural evolution of this species and more generally shows a way to study microbial social adaptation in the wild.
Grammaticalization, host-class expansion and category change
Authors: Coussé Evie 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
It is well-known that grammaticalization involves category change. The development of a lexical element into a grammatical marker more specifically entails a category shift from an open lexical class (e.g. full verbs) to a closed grammatical class (e.g. auxiliary verbs). This article claims that host-class expansion, typically accompanying the process of grammaticalization, can also be considered as category change. Host-class expansion is more specifically category-internal change in the open class of elements that a grammaticalizing element collocates with. This article analyzes the internal structure of these open classes, making use of insights from construction grammar and prototype theory. The theoretical framework is substantiated by means of two case studies of host-class expansion in Dutch and Spanish. The main findings of this study are that (a) the open class of elements associated with a grammaticalizing element is internally organized as a prototype category, and (b) host-class expansion proceeds away from the prototypical core of the open class.
Flavonoid metabolism: the interaction of metabolites and gut microbiota
Authors: Murota Kaeko , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Uehara Mariko 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Several dietary flavonoids exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporotic activities relevant to prevention of chronic diseases, including lifestyle-related diseases. Dietary flavonoids (glycoside forms) are enzymatically hydrolyzed and absorbed in the intestine, and are conjugated to their glucuronide/sulfate forms by phase II enzymes in epithelial cells and the liver. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the metabolism of flavonoids found in foods. Some specific products of bacterial transformation, such as ring-fission products and reduced metabolites, exhibit enhanced properties. Studies on the metabolism of flavonoids by the intestinal microbiota are crucial for understanding the role of these compounds and their impact on our health. This review focused on the metabolic pathways, bioavailability, and physiological role of flavonoids, especially metabolites of quercetin and isoflavone produced by the intestinal microbiota.
Glycosylation of extracellular vesicles: current knowledge, tools and clinical perspectives
Authors: Williams Charles , Royo Felix , Aizpurua‐Olaizola Oier , Pazos Raquel , Boons Geert‐Jan , Reichardt Niels‐Christian , Falcon‐Perez Juan M. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIt is now acknowledged that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important effectors in a vast number of biological processes through intercellular transfer of biomolecules. Increasing research efforts in the EV field have yielded an appreciation for the potential role of glycans in EV function. Indeed, recent reports show that the presence of glycoconjugates is involved in EV biogenesis, in cellular recognition and in the efficient uptake of EVs by recipient cells. It is clear that a full understanding of EV biology will require researchers to focus also on EV glycosylation through glycomics approaches. This review outlines the major glycomics techniques that have been applied to EVs in the context of the recent findings. Beyond understanding the mechanisms by which EVs mediate their physiological functions, glycosylation also provides opportunities by which to engineer EVs for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Studies characterising the glycan composition of EVs have highlighted glycome changes in various disease states, thus indicating potential for EV glycans as diagnostic markers. Meanwhile, glycans have been targeted as molecular handles for affinity‐based isolation in both research and clinical contexts. An overview of current strategies to exploit EV glycosylation and a discussion of the implications of recent findings for the burgeoning EV industry follows the below review of glycomics and its application to EV biology.
Epiretinal stimulation with local returns enhances selectivity at cellular resolution
Authors: Fan Victoria H. , Grosberg Lauren E. , Madugula Sasidhar S. , Hottowy Pawel , Dabrowski Wladyslaw , Sher Alexander , Litke Alan M. , Chichilnisky E.J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveEpiretinal prostheses are designed to restore vision in people blinded by photoreceptor degenerative diseases, by directly activating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) using an electrode array implanted on the retina. In present-day clinical devices, current spread from the stimulating electrode to a distant return electrode often results in the activation of many cells, potentially limiting the quality of artificial vision. In the laboratory, epiretinal activation of RGCs with cellular resolution has been demonstrated with small electrodes, but distant returns may still cause undesirable current spread. Here, the ability of local return stimulation to improve the selective activation of RGCs at cellular resolution was evaluated.ApproachA custom multi-electrode array (512 electrodes, 10 μm diameter, 60 μm pitch) was used to simultaneously stimulate and record from RGCs in isolated primate retina. Stimulation near the RGC soma with a single electrode and a distant return was compared to stimulation in which the return was provided by six neighboring electrodes.Main resultsLocal return stimulation enhanced the capability to activate cells near the central electrode (<30 μm) while avoiding cells farther away (>30 μm). This resulted in an improved ability to selectively activate ON and OFF cells, including cells encoding immediately adjacent regions in the visual field.SignificanceThese results suggest that a device that restricts the electric field through local returns could optimize activation of neurons at cellular resolution, improving the quality of artificial vision.Novelty & SignificanceThe effectiveness of local return stimulation for enhancing the electrical activation of retinal neurons was tested using high-density multi-electrode recording and stimulation in isolated macaque retina. The results suggest that local returns may reduce unwanted evoked activity and thus optimize the selectivity of stimulation at cellular resolution. Similar patterns could be implemented in a future high-resolution prosthesis to permit a more faithful replication of normal retinal activity for the treatment of incurable blindness.
Genetically regulated humanNODALsplice variants are differentially post-transcriptionally processed and functionally distinct
Authors: Findlay Scott D , Bilyk Olena , Lypka Kiefer , Waskiewicz Andrew J , Postovit Lynne-Marie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNODALis a morphogen essential for early embryonic development in vertebrates. Since much of our understanding ofNODALcomes from model organisms, we aimed to directly assess post-transcriptional regulation of human NODAL with specific attention to a newly discovered human-specific NODAL splice variant. Selective depletion of the NODAL variant in human embryonic stem cells resulted in increased LIFR levels, while total NODAL knockdown resulted in a decrease of several markers of pluripotency. The NODAL variant did not transmit a canonical NODAL signal in zebrafish embryos, but may share some functional capability with canonical NODAL in cancer cells. At the protein level, disruption of disulfide bond formation dramatically enhanced proteolytic processing of NODAL. Disruption of NODAL N-glycosylation decreased its secretion but not extracellular stability, and a novel N-glycosylation in the NODAL variant contributed to enhanced secretion. Collectively, this work offers a direct and precise account of post-transcriptional regulation of human NODAL.
Type I-F CRISPR-Cas distribution and array dynamics in Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Deecker Shayna R. , Ensminger Alexander W. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn bacteria and archaea, several distinct types of CRISPR-Cas systems provide adaptive immunity through broadly similar mechanisms: short nucleic acid sequences derived from foreign DNA, known as spacers, engage in complementary base pairing with invasive genetic elements setting the stage for nucleases to degrade the target DNA. A hallmark of type I CRISPR-Cas systems is their ability to acquire spacers in response to both new and previously encountered invaders (naïve and primed acquisition, respectively). Our phylogenetic analyses of 47 L. pneumophila type I-F CRISPR-Cas systems and their resident genomes suggest that many of these systems have been horizontally acquired. These systems are frequently encoded on plasmids and can co-occur with nearly identical chromosomal loci. We show that two such co-occurring systems are highly protective and undergo efficient primed acquisition in the lab. Furthermore, we observe that targeting by one system’s array can prime spacer acquisition in the other. Lastly, we provide experimental and genomic evidence for a model in which primed acquisition can efficiently replenish a depleted type I CRISPR array following a mass spacer deletion event.
Improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of ASME-SA213-T11 boiler tube steel by plasma spraying with CNT-reinforced alumina coatings
Authors: Goyal Rakesh , Sidhu Buta Singh , Chawla Vikas 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss that a conventional Al2O3, 1.5 Wt.% carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-Al2O3, 2 Wt.% CNTs-Al2O3 and 4 Wt.% CNTs-Al2O3 composite coatings were deposited with the help of Plasma spray process.

Design/methodology/approach
To better understand the effect of CNT reinforcement on oxidation resistance, high-temperature oxidation behaviour of conventional Al2O3, 1.5 Wt.% CNTs-Al2O3, 2 Wt.% CNTs-Al2O3 and 4 Wt.% CNTs-Al2O3 composite coatings at 900°C was compared with the performance of the uncoated ASME-SA213-T11 boiler tube steel substrate.

Findings
The results showed that the CNT-reinforced alumina coatings exhibited better oxidation resistance and thermal stability than uncoated ASME-SA213-T11 boiler tube steel. The coated steel substrates had a lower mass gain rate than the substrate after different oxidation times.

Originality/value
Limited literature is available where the CNT have been reinforced into the composite alloy powders and has been thermally spray-deposited for various surface engineering applications. This research showed that with the increase in the percentage of CNTs into the alloy powder mixture, there is a significant reduction in weight gain and hence higher resistance to oxidation.
The determinants of mutton consumption-at-home in urban China using an IHS double-hurdle model
Authors: Chen Yongfu , Zhu Wenbo , Chen Ziyuan 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
China is not only the biggest mutton consumer, but also the top mutton importer in the world. China’s urban households are becoming the key driving force behind a surge in mutton consumption. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of mutton demand in urban China.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a sample of 32,910 urban households across six provinces and autonomous regions, an inverse hyperbolic sine (IHS) double-hurdle model is estimated, by maximum likelihood estimation, to reveal the determinants of mutton consumption-at-home.

Findings
The empirical results indicate that, first, household income has a positive effect on mutton consumption, and higher income households have a higher income elasticity; second, wet weather increases probability, but reduces conditional level and unconditional level; finally, minority group households consume more mutton than Han group households.

Practical implications
It is necessary for policymakers to develop a long-term outlook in relation to the increase of China’s mutton appetite and to shift from a domestic perspective to a global one and develop diversified import strategies. Furthermore, policymakers require to make a practicable emergency preplan for tackling short-term agglomeration of demand for mutton, attributed to festivals, and religious events of a minority ethnic group.

Originality/value
This is a major work based on a large sample of 32,910 urban households conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics of China. This paper uses an IHS double-hurdle model to quantify the determinants of mutton consumption; it sheds light on the climatic, regional, and ethnic characteristics of mutton consumption in urban China.
General image, perceptions and consumer segments of luxury seafood in China
Authors: Wang Ou , Somogyi Simon , Ablett Richard 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese consumers’ perceptions towards a luxury seafood – lobster, and identify the important perceptions that influence Chinese consumers’ general image of lobster. It also recognises Chinese consumer segments based on their perceptions towards lobster.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected through an online survey (n=882, in two Chinese cities: Shanghai and Qingdao). The surveys explored consumer’s perceptions and general image of lobster. Descriptive analysis, partial least squares regression and cluster analysis were conducted for data analyses.

Findings
Findings show that the most important perceptions regarding lobster by Chinese consumers are umami, delicious, high in protein, expensive, nutritious, upscale, red colour and bring back appetite. Chinese consumers’ general image of lobster is positively linked to perception items, such as delicious, western flavour, umami, nutritious, high in protein, enjoy, upscale and appetite; and is negatively linked to perception items: spicy/hot, Chinese flavour and risk in illness. Three consumer segments are identified: western-flavour-lovers (35.4 per cent), Chinese-flavour-lovers (32.8 per cent) and negative-believers (31.8 per cent). Significant differences were recognised in the socio-demographic distribution among these three segments including, city, income, marital status, educational level, occupation and age.

Originality/value
This is the first study to present information regarding consumers’ perceptions, general image and segments towards luxury seafood in the world’s largest East-Asian country – China. The findings from this study can help global seafood marketers and exporters to better understand Chinese consumers which should assist them in developing effective marketing strategies for their luxury seafood products in this major market.
Transformation of quality aspects throughout the chicken meat supply chain
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Skunca Dubravka , Nastasijevic Ivan , Tomovic Vladimir , Tomasevic Igor 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze perceptions of quality in the chicken meat supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach
This survey covered 74 different farms, slaughterhouses, meat processors, and retailers and 500 consumers, using two methods. From the farm to retail, analysis covered “customer – supplier” viewpoints in different stages of the supply chain. From the consumers to the farms, the quality function deployment method was used. Five houses of quality have been developed using the Delphi method to synthesize the opinions of experts.

Findings
Farm-slaughter comparison shows that final weight at farm gate and animal welfare are the most important quality attributes. The quality aspect important for slaughterhouses and meat processors is the cold chain. Retailers and meat processors highlight the portfolio of various chicken meat products as their most important quality attribute. At the points of sale, shelf illumination and product placement are prevailing.

Research limitations/implications
The results suggest that there are different views on quality by all actors in the supply chain, from quality of chicken meat, food safety and quality of service in retail to profitability and animal welfare.

Practical implications
The paper enhances simplicity in analyzing quality aspects of different types of meat supply chains. This methodology enables a synergy of value chain promotion with other quality development approaches. It also creates possibilities for policy makers to improve competitiveness strategies.

Originality/value
Application of a similar approach to other parts of the food chain could offer a better insight into the transformation of quality.
Parents’ and young adults’ perceptions of secondary school food education in Australia
Authors: Nanayakkara Janandani , Burton Melissa , Margerison Claire , Worsley Anthony 
Published: March 2018

PurposeSecondary school food education provides students with opportunities to build lifelong healthy dietary practices. A number of stakeholder groups are important for the success of this form of education. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine young adults’ and parents’ opinions of secondary school food education.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to 1,086 respondents drawn from a commercial research panel.FindingsIn total, 50-60 per cent of all respondents agreed that food education should be compulsory for years seven to ten and 31-32 per cent of respondents agreed that it should be compulsory for years 11 and 12. Almost 69 per cent suggested one to three hours per week for food education. More than 75 per cent of respondents agreed that there should be a non-compulsory food and nutrition subject for year 11 and 12 students and believed that this subject would help students to develop their food-related knowledge and skills.Practical implicationsThere is a gap between parents’ and young adults’ views of school food education and what is actually practiced in Australian secondary schools. Obtaining their opinions in future food-related education and policy reforms could help design and deliver food education to better meet the expectations of its recipients: students and their families.Originality/valueThe examination of large number of young adults’ and parents’ opinions of school food education makes this study unique.
Dimensions of food choice process of older consumers in Brazil
Authors: Quevedo-Silva Filipe , Lima-Filho Dario de Oliveira , Fagundes Mayra Batista Bitencourt 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess dimensions of the food choice process among older consumers. Based on Gains’ model (1994), the study focuses on the dimensions: consumer, food and context, and investigates these consumers’ heterogeneities through the identification of possible market segments.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was conducted with 401 respondents in Brazil. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis.

Findings
The results highlighted four factors related to characteristics of food (appearance, price, packaging and quality), and four related to characteristics of the context/environment of the store (staff characteristics, external shopping environment, internal store environment and ease of access). The results also showed that older consumers liked to make food purchases, even though their options were restricted by health issues. Two segments were identified. “Older with a restricted diet” comprised consumers with lower education levels. They had fewer daily meals (three) and chose food with more regard to health. The second segment “Younger and better educated” comprised respondents with higher education levels and higher income. They had more daily meals, and health was less of a restriction on food choice than it was for the first cluster.

Originality/value
This study applies Gains’ three dimensions’ food choice model, with the variables adjusted in detail to enable a description of the purchasing behaviors of older adults in Brazil.