bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori-induced adrenomedullin modulates IFN-γ-producing T-cell responses and contribute to gastritis
Authors: Kong Hui , Zhang Jin-yu , Mao Fang-yuan , Teng Yong-sheng , Lv Yi-pin , Liu Yu-gang , Chen Weisan , Zhang Yu , Guo Gang , Zhuang Yuan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAdrenomedullin (ADM) is a multifunctional peptide that is expressed by many surface epithelial cells, but its relevance to H. pylori-induced gastritis is unknown. Here, we found that gastric ADM expression was elevated in gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected patients and mice. In H. pylori-infected human gastric mucosa, ADM expression was positively correlated with the degree of gastritis, accordingly, blockade of ADM resulted in decreased inflammation within the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice. During H. pylori infection, ADM production was promoted via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation by gastric epithelial cells in a cagA-dependent manner, and resulted in increased inflammation within the gastric mucosa. This inflammation was characterized by the increased IFN-γ-producing T cells, whose differentiation was induced via the phosphorylation of AKT and STAT3 by ADM derived from gastric epithelial cells. ADM also induced macrophages to produce IL-12, which promoted the IFN-γ-producing T-cell responses, thereby contributing to the development of H. pylori-associated gastritis. Accordingly, blockade of IFN-γ or knockout of IFN-γ decreased inflammation within the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice. This study identifies a novel regulatory network involving H. pylori, gastric epithelial cells, ADM, macrophages, T cells, and IFN-γ, which collectively exert a pro-inflammatory effect within the gastric microenvironment.Author summaryH. pylori infect almost half the world’s population. Once infected, most of people carry the bacteria lifelong if left untreated, so that persistent H. pylori infection can lead to chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration and ultimately gastric cancer. H. pylori infection is accompanied with increased inflammation in gastric mucosa, but the mechanisms of chronic gastritis induced by H. pylori infection remains poorly understood. We studied a multifunctional peptide known as adrenomedullin (ADM) in gastric epithelial cells, which was known as a key factor of regulating gastrointestinal physiology and pathology. Here, we found that gastric ADM expression was elevated in gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected patients and mice, and was positively correlated with the degree of gastritis. ADM production was promoted via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation by gastric epithelial cells in a cagA-dependent manner. Blockade of ADM during H. pylori infection resulted in decreased gastric inflammation that was characterized by the increased IFN-γ-producing T cells which was induced via the phosphorylation of AKT and STAT3 by ADM derived from gastric epithelial cells. ADM also induced macrophages to produce IL-12, which promoted the IFN-γ-producing T-cell responses. These data demonstrate that H. pylori-induced ADM modulates FN-γ-producing T-cell responses and contribute to gastritis.
Rapid Sequencing of Multiple RNA Viruses in their Native Form
Authors: Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Taylor Mariah K. , Lee Jasper , Tolardo Aline Lavado , Parvathareddy Jothi , Kandel Sangam , Wadley Taylor D. , Kaewnapan Bualan , Athipanyasilp Niracha , Skidmore Andrew , Chung Donghoon , Chaimayo Chutikarn , Whitt Michael , Kantakamalakul Wannee , Sutthent Ruengpung , Horthongkham Navin , Ussery David W. , Jonsson Colleen B. , Nookaew Intawat 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLong-read nanopore sequencing by a MinION device offers the unique possibility to directly sequence native RNA. We combined an enzymatic poly-A tailing reaction with the native RNA sequencing to (i) sequence complex population of single-stranded (ss)RNA viruses in parallel, (ii) detect genome, subgenomic mRNA/mRNA simultaneously, (iii) detect a complex transcriptomic architecture without the need for assembly, (iv) enable real-time detection. Using this protocol, positive-ssRNA, negative-ssRNA, with/without a poly(A)-tail, segmented/non-segmented genomes were mixed and sequenced in parallel. Mapping of the generated sequences on the reference genomes showed 100% length recovery with up to 97 % identity. This work provides a proof of principle and the validity of this strategy, opening up a wide range of applications to study RNA viruses.
Learning Drug Function from Chemical Structure with Convolutional Neural Networks and Random Forests
Authors: Meyer Jesse G. , Liu Shengchao , Miller Ian J. , Coon Joshua J. , Gitter Anthony 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEmpirical testing of chemicals for drug efficacy costs many billions of dollars every year. The ability to predict the action of molecules in silico would greatly increase the speed and decrease the cost of prioritizing drug leads. Here, we asked whether drug function, defined as MeSH “Therapeutic Use” classes, can be predicted from only chemical structure. We evaluated two chemical structure-derived drug classification methods, chemical images with convolutional neural networks and molecular fingerprints with random forests, both of which outperformed previous predictions that used drug-induced transcriptomic changes as chemical representations. This suggests that a chemical’s structure contains at least as much information about its therapeutic use as the transcriptional cellular response to that chemical. Further, because training data based on chemical structure is not limited to a small set of molecules for which transcriptomic measurements are available, our strategy can leverage more training data to significantly improve predictive accuracy to 83-88%. Finally, we explore use of these models for prediction of side effects and drug repurposing opportunities, and demonstrate the effectiveness of this modeling strategy for multi-label classification.
Evidence that a major subpopulation of fall armyworm found in the Western Hemisphere is rare or absent in Africa, which may limit the range of crops at risk of infestation
Authors: Nagoshi Rodney N. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe introduction and establishment of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Africa presents a major threat to agriculture in that continent and potentially to the entire Eastern Hemisphere. The species is subdivided into two subpopulations called the R-strain and C-strain that differ in their distribution on different plant hosts. This means that the scope of the economic risk posed by invasive fall armyworm is influenced by whether one or both strains are present. Multiple studies have found mitochondrial markers diagnostic of the two strains throughout Africa but there is substantial disagreement with a nuclear strain marker that makes conclusions about strain composition uncertain. In this study the issue of whether both strains are present in Africa was tested by an assay that can detect strain-biased mating behaviors. Western Hemisphere fall armyworm consistently showed evidence of strain-specific assortative mating in the field that was not found in surveys from multiple locations in Africa. The absence of strain mating biases and the disagreements between the strain diagnostic genetic markers indicates that the R-strain is rare (<1% of the population) or absent in Africa. Instead, it appears that the African fall armyworm populations are dominated by two groups, the C-strain and the descendants of interstrain hybrids. These results suggest that plant hosts associated with the R-strain may not be at high risk of fall armyworm infestation in Africa.
Prevalence of the fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisin amphibians of Costa Rica predated first-known epizootic
Authors: De León Marina E. , Zumbado-Ulate Héctor , García-Rodríguez Adrián , Alvarado Gilbert , Sulaeman Hasan , Bolaños Federico , Vredenburg Vance T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEmerging infectious diseases are a growing threat to biodiversity worldwide. Outbreaks of the infectious disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), have caused the decline and extinction of numerous amphibian species. In Costa Rica, a major decline event occurred in 1987, more than two decades before this pathogen was discovered. The loss of many species in Costa Rica is assumed to be due toBd-epizootics, but there are few studies that provide data from amphibians in the time leading up to the proposed epizootics. In this study, we provide new data onBdinfection rates of amphibians collected throughout Costa Rica, in the decades prior to the epizootics. We used a quantitative PCR assay to test forBdinfection in 1016 specimens collected throughout Costa Rica. We foundBd-infected hosts collected as early as 1964, and a infection prevalence average per decade of just 4%. The infection prevalence remained relatively low and geographically constrained until the 1980s when epizootics are hypothesized to have occurred. After that time, infection prevalence increased three-fold andBd-infected hosts we collected throughout the entire country. Our results, suggest thatBdmay either have invaded Costa Rica earlier than previously known, and spread more slowly than previously reported, or that an endemic lineage of the pathogen may exists. To help visualize areas where future studies should take place, we provide aBdhabitat suitability model trained with local data. Studies that provide information on genetic lineages ofBdare needed to determine whether an endemic lineage ofBdor the Global Panzootic Lineage (identified from mass die off sites globally) was present in Costa Rica and responsible for the epizootics that caused amphibian communities to collapse.
Tasks and responsibilities in physical activity promotion of older patients during hospitalization: A nurse perspective
Authors: Scheerman Kira , Mesters Joram W. , Borger Jay N. , Meskers Carel G. M. , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate how nurses perceive tasks and responsibilities in promoting physical activity during hospitalization of older patients and which factors are of influence.DesignObservational cohort studySetting and participantsOne hundred and eight nurse students, nurses and nurse supervisors employed by an academic Dutch teaching hospital participated in a questionnaire survey and 51 nurses took part in a subsequent in-depth interview.MeasuresData were collected on tasks and responsibilities in physical activity promotion and their influencing factors as perceived by nurses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data from the questionnaire survey and a deductive approach with directed content analysis was used for the data from the interviews.ResultsNurses perceived to have a dominant role in physical activity promotion of older patients during hospitalization. Ninety percent of the nurses stated to be responsible for physical activity promotion and 32 percent stated to be satisfied with the actual level of physical activity of their patients. Influencing factors were low patient motivation, high workload causing priority shifts of tasks and the role of physicians.ConclusionAlthough their perceived dominant role in physical activity promotion, nurses identified a number of barriers interfering with actual level of physical activity. Improvement strategies should involve physicians, patients and carers.
Seedling leaves allocate lower fractions of nitrogen to photosynthetic apparatus in nitrogen fixing trees (Dalbergia odorifera and Erythrophleum fordii) than in non-nitrogen fixing trees (Betula alnoides and Castanopsis hystrix) in subtropical China
Authors: Tang Jingchao , Sun Baodi , Cheng Ruimei , Shi Zuomin , Luo Da , Liu Shirong , Centritto Mauro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPhotosynthetic-nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) is a useful trait to characterize leaf economics, physiology, and strategy. In this study, we investigated the differences in PNUE, leaf nitrogen (N) allocation, and mesophyll conductance (gm) inDalbergia odoriferaandErythrophleum fordii(N-fixing trees), andBetula alnoidesandCastanopsis hystrix(non-N-fixing trees). Seedlings of the four species were cultured in pots and received the same nutrient solution, water volume, and light. LiCor-6400 was used to determine fluorescence yield, photosynthetic response to light, and intercellular CO2concentration (Ci). N allocation fractions in the photosynthetic apparatus were calculated according to Niinemets and Tenhunen method;gmwas calculated according to variableJ, EDO, andA-Cicurve fitting methods. PNUE ofD. odoriferaandE. fordiiwere significantly lower than those ofB. alnoidesandC. hystrixbecause of their allocation of a lower fraction of leaf N to Rubisco (PR) and bioenergetics (PB). Mesophyll conductance had a significant positive correlation with PNUE inD. odorifera, E. fordii, andB. alnoides. The fraction of leaf N to cell wall (PCW) had a significant negative correlation withPRinB. alnoidesandC. hystrix. We conclude thatB. alnoidesandC. hystrixoptimized their leaf N allocation toward photosynthesis, with the trade-off being N allocation to the cell wall and Rubisco. Thus, these two species may have a higher competitive ability in natural ecosystems with fertile soil.
Conformational dynamics of the HIV Vif protein complex
Authors: Ball K. A. , Chan L. M. , Stanley D. J. , Tierney E. , Thapa S. , Ta H. M. , Burton L. A. , Binning J. M. , Jacobson M. P. , Gross J. D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHIV-1 viral infectivity factor (Vif) is an intrinsically disordered protein responsible for the ubiquitination of the APOBEC3 antiviral proteins. Vif folds when it binds the Cullin-RING E3 ligase CRL5 and the transcription cofactor CBF-β. A five-protein complex containing the substrate receptor (Vif, CBF-β, Elongin-B, Elongin-C) and Cullin5 (CUL5) has a published crystal structure, but dynamics of this VCBC-CUL5 complex have not been characterized. Here, we use Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and NMR to characterize the dynamics of the VCBC complex with and without CUL5 and APOBEC3 bound. Our simulations show that the VCBC complex undergoes global dynamics involving twisting and clamshell opening of the complex, while VCBC-CUL5 maintains a more static conformation, similar to the crystal structure. This observation from MD is supported by methyl-transverse relaxation optimized spectroscopy (methyl-TROSY) NMR data, which indicates that the entire VCBC complex without CUL5 is dynamic on the μs-ms timescale. Vif binds APOBEC3 to recruit it to the complex, and methyl-TROSY NMR shows that the VCBC complex is more conformationally restricted when bound to APOBEC3F, consistent with our MD simulations. Vif contains a flexible linker region located at the hinge of the VCBC complex, which changes conformation in conjuction with the global dynamics of the complex. Like other ubiquitin substrate receptors, VCBC can exist alone or in complex with CUL5 in cells. Accordingly, the VCBC complex could be a good target for therapeutics that would inhibit full assembly of the ubiquitination complex by stabilizing an alternate VCBC conformation.
Eccentric compression behavior of TRC-strengthened concrete columns under chloride environment
Authors: Hu Xiang-Qian , Yin Shiping , Lv Heng-Lin 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical behavior of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC)-strengthened concrete columns with small eccentricity under chloride-wet-dry cycles.Design/methodology/approachA total of ten reinforced concrete (RC) columns were constructed and subjected to eccentric compression, and the effects of the slenderness ratio, a variable number of wet-dry cycles and the coupled effect of loading and a chloride environment were analyzed. One of the columns tested was unreinforced, whereas the remaining columns were strengthened laterally with TRC.FindingsThe results showed that a reduction in the slenderness ratio was conducive to the improvement of the bearing capacity of the reinforced column; however, the reinforcement effect of TRC tended to decrease with an increasing number of wet-dry cycles, and the coupled effect of loading and a chloride environment significantly degraded the compression performance of TRC-strengthened columns, with the damage becoming more serious with increase in the sustained load ratio.Research limitations/implicationsIn the next test, the duration of chloride-wet-dry cycles will be extended. In the same time, to obtain a clearer trend, the authors will also increase the number of specimens to obtain more data for drawing general conclusions.Originality/valueThe originality is to explore the feasibility of using cement-based materials (TRC) as a confinement technique in chloride environment. The investigations demonstrate that TRC has a good reinforcement effect on the concrete columns under chloride-wet-dry cycles. Finally, influence of each parameter is analyzed, which can be used as reference and foundation in actual application.
Complexity, creeping normalcy and conceit: sexy and unsexy catastrophic risks
Authors: Kuhlemann Karin 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to consider few cognitive and conceptual obstacles to engagement with global catastrophic risks (GCRs).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper starts by considering cognitive biases that affect general thinking about GCRs, before questioning whether existential risks really are dramatically more pressing than other GCRs. It then sets out a novel typology of GCRs – sexy vs unsexy risks – before considering a particularly unsexy risk, overpopulation.

Findings
It is proposed that many risks commonly regarded as existential are “sexy” risks, while certain other GCRs are comparatively “unsexy.” In addition, it is suggested that a combination of complexity, cognitive biases and a hubris-laden failure of imagination leads us to neglect the most unsexy and pervasive of all GCRs: human overpopulation. The paper concludes with a tentative conceptualisation of overpopulation as a pattern of risking.

Originality/value
The paper proposes and conceptualises two new concepts, sexy and unsexy catastrophic risks, as well as a new conceptualisation of overpopulation as a pattern of risking.
Influence of repeated household fabric softener treatment on the comfort characteristics of cotton and polyester fabrics
Authors: Rathinamoorthy R. 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The utilisation of softener after laundering of textile became one of the mandatory activities among the consumers. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of repeated rinse cycle softener treatment on the comfort characteristics of cotton and polyester woven fabric.

Design/methodology/approach
The selected cotton and polyester fabrics were treated using three different softeners types and three different numbers of rinsing times, namely 5, 10 and 15. The impact of repeated rinse cycle softener treatment on the comfort characteristics like absorbency, air permeability, wicking, thermal conductivity and flammability was analysed and the changes in the properties were confirmed using two-way ANOVA.

Findings
The number of rinse cycle softener treatment has a significant impact on the absorbency, air permeability and wicking ability of the cotton and polyester fabrics. The thermal conductivity and flammability characteristics of the fabrics mostly altered based on the type of fabric softener used. For all the type of fabric, the burning time reduced after the softener treatment.

Social implications
The consumer expects the softness and fragrance smell developed by the rinse cycle softener and they intend to use it more frequently after every laundry process to achieve that feel. This repeated the application of softener causes a negative impact on the fabric performances. This research result provides an evidence for the changes in physiological comfort aspects of textiles.

Originality/value
This analysis enlightens the negative impact of the repeated use of commercial fabric softener and their types on the common fabrics used in apparel endues.
Effect of preferential trade agreements on China’s energy trade from Chinese and exporters’ perspectives
Authors: Galkin Philipp , Bollino Carlo Andrea , Atalla Tarek 
Published: November 2018

PurposeChina is a major energy import powerhouse, its trade deals have significant impact on international energy trade and global energy markets. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of energy in China’s preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and their impact on Chinese imports of oil, gas and coal.Design/methodology/approachAn extended trade gravity model framework is applied to explore the dynamics of China’s annualized energy import flows from the 22 economies that have PTAs with it for the period 1995–2015.FindingsThe effect of PTAs on trade patterns varies across the product groups and agreement clauses. The dominant factor affecting trade flows of coal, crude oil and oil products is the average tariff level. Its impact is less significant for gas imports, which are more affected by policy arrangements represented by a PTA variable. The depth and scope of a PTA do not affect Chinese energy imports patterns.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is focused on exploring the effect of China’s trade and foreign relations strategies on its energy imports through the prism of its PTAs. Estimating the direct impact of China’s initiatives in the areas of trade, investment, security, culture, etc., on its trade flows of energy products and other product groups using the methodological framework proposed in this study would contribute to better understanding of the issue.Practical implicationsThe findings can assist both China and energy exporting countries that target Chinese market in better understanding the drivers of trade flows of energy products and design their PTA strategies accordingly.Originality/valueThis study applies the trade gravity model framework to assess the impact of specific components of preferential trade agreements – tariff reduction and depth and scope of agreement – on energy trade flows differentiated by product group.
The philosophical roots of development ethics
Authors: Marangos John , Astroulakis Niko , Triarchi Eirini 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the philosophical roots of development ethics as a field of study with its interdisciplinary character.

Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual and historical evolution of development ethics is unfolded through Aristotle’s philosophy.

Findings
The authors argued that Aristotle’s philosophy, incorporating the concepts of “a good life” and “a good society,” defines ethical development and influences contemporary development ethics.

Originality/value
Development ethics is a relatively new field of study within social sciences and determines the ethical perspective of development in a holistic and normative manner. It is important to understand the antecedents, pioneers and contemporary practitioners of development ethics and how they are related. Based on the authors’ knowledge, there has been limited research regarding the origins of the concept of a “good society” as a determinant factor of development. In this context, Aristotle’s philosophy incorporating the concepts of a “good life” and a “good society” is the founding determinant in the study of ethical development.