bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistemically blameworthy belief
Authors: Brown Jessica
Published: December 2019

When subjects violate epistemic standards or norms, we sometimes judge them blameworthy rather than blameless. For instance, we might judge a subject blameworthy for dogmatically continuing to believe a claim even after receiving evidence which undermines it. Indeed, the idea that one may be blameworthy for belief is appealed to throughout the contemporary epistemic literature. In some cases, a subject seems blameworthy for believing as she does even though it seems prima facie implausible that she is morally blameworthy or professionally blameworthy. Such cases raise the question of whether one can be blameworthy for a belief in a specifically epistemic sense rather than in some already recognised sense, such as being morally or professionally blameworthy. A number of authors have recently argued that there is a moral or social sense in which one ought to conform one’s beliefs to the evidence (e.g. Goldberg, Graham, Vanderheiden). In this paper, I argue that even while accepting that there are moral and social norms governing belief, there are cases in which a subject is blameworthy for a belief but isn’t plausibly morally or socially blameworthy. If this latter view is correct, then we may need to develop a new account of blame which can be applied to beliefs which are not morally or socially blameworthy.
Estimating Nantucket’s Effective Population
Authors: Morrison Peter A. , Edmondson Brad , Ferrantella Kristie , Lockhart David , Reis Samantha , Tapp Anna
Published: December 2019

This paper extends demographers’ traditional approaches to estimating local populations using symptomatic data. We augmented those approaches in order to track one community’s de facto population—both its permanent residents (“Census population”) and other sojourners—and assorted others in residence for shorter spells of time (“impermanent residents”). We illustrate how a new type of mobility data—the anonymous “pings” emitted by people’s personal mobile devices—can unveil the presence and mobility patterns of de facto populations within a community by month, week, and day. We use these data to gauge the seasonal ebb and flow of population on Nantucket Island, MA, a seasonal resort community whose effective population far outnumbers its “Census population.” We distinguish the following factors: (1) Permanent Residents, for whom Nantucket is their “usual place of residence” and where one votes and files one’s tax return; (2) Commuting Workers, who reside off-island and regularly commute to jobs on-island via high-speed ferry or air taxi; and (3) Sojourners of three types: (a) Seasonal residents, most occupying a second home they either own or rent; (b) Seasonal workers, present for several months to fill many hospitality, landscaping, and other temporary jobs from April through September; and (c) Visitors, present for shorter stays, as vacationers or on business. For each segment, we highlight the estimation methodologies we devised and evaluate their strengths and limitations. Our research exemplifies the evolution of traditional demographic methodologies to address practical concerns at local community scales using “Big Data.” Resort communities and winter “snowbird” destinations in Sunbelt locales experience regular annual influxes of visitors and/or seasonal residents in particular months. Just as daytime urban populations strain downtown infrastructure and transportation, such impermanent residents—however, brief or lengthy their stay—impose seasonal strains on local infrastructure and public services.
The cyclicality of government foreign-aid expenditure: voter awareness in “good” times and in “bad”
Authors: Abbott Andrew , Jones Philip
Published: December 2019

While it has been argued that the cyclicality of government spending likely depends on the intensities of political pressure to increase expenditure, in economic upturns and downturns, it is important to explore the determinants of changes in the strengths of those pressures. This paper is the first (to our knowledge) to focus on the relevance of systematic changes in voter awareness of government spending. Predictions of the impact of changes in awareness are tested with reference to 23 OECD donor countries’ foreign aid expenditures over the 1999–2015 period. The evidence offers insights into the discretion governments exercise when “fiscal illusion” increases and into the policy implications of systematic changes in voter awareness (in “good” times and in “bad”).
The scope of political jurisdictions and violence: theory and evidence from Africa
Authors: Adamson Jordan
Published: December 2019

Is there more violence in areas with many small countries or only a single large one? I build on Bernholz (The international game of power: past, present and future 1985) to create a unifying framework where both internal and external contestants engage in conflict, and then summarize how the spatial configuration of countries affects all types of violence with the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index of state sizes. Empirically, I examine fatalities from the conflict in Africa, where I use the borders set by the colonial powers of Europe to identify the effect of concentration. I find the most fatalities in areas with many small countries, but that violence decreases with concentration at a decreasing rate and eventually increases in areas with only one large country. These findings suggest an important difference between the observed average effect of concentration on violence and the expected marginal effects of further concentration.
The dynamics of collaboration networks and the history of general relativity, 1925–1970
Authors: Lalli Roberto , Howey Riaz , Wintergrün Dirk
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a novel methodology for defining and analyzing the dynamics of the collaboration networks of scientists working on general relativity from the mid-1920s–1970. During these four and a half decades the status of the theory underwent a radical transformation: from a marginal theory before the mid-1950s to a pillar of modern physics. To investigate this passage—known as the renaissance of general relativity—we used a definition of collaboration networks broader than the co-authorship relations retrievable from online datasets. We constructed a multilayer network, in which each layer represents a different kind of collaboration. After having analyzed the evolution over time of specific parameters of the co-authorship network, we investigated the effects of adding one type of collaboration edge at a time, in a cumulative fashion, on the values of these parameters and on the topology of the collaboration network through time, including rapid shifts in the dynamic evolution of the largest component. This analysis provides robust quantitative evidence that a shift in the structure of the relativity collaboration network occurred between the late 1950s and the early 1960s, when a giant component started forming. We interpret this shift as the central social dynamic of the renaissance process and then identify its central actors. Our analysis disproves common explanations of the renaissance process. It shows that this phenomenon was not a consequence of astrophysical discoveries in the 1960s, nor was it a simple by-product of socio-economic transformations in the physics landscape after World War II.
CAR T Cell Therapy for Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Gao-xiang , Zhou Jian-feng
Published: December 2019

As a rapidly progressing field in oncology, the adoptive transfer of T cells that have been genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has shown striking efficacy in the management of hematological malignancies and has been reported in a number of clinical trials. Of note, CAR T cell therapy has shown extraordinary potential, especially in relapsed/refractory patients. However, there are still challenges regarding the further development of this strategy, spanning from engineering and manufacturing issues, to limited applications, to accompanying toxicities. In this review, we will summarize the general knowledge of this novel method, including receptor composition, applications, adverse events and challenges. Additionally, we will propose several comprehensive recommendations.
Social security coordination after Brexit: trying to take an egg out of an omelette?
Authors: Roberts Simon
Published: December 2019

This article examines the negotiations to secure social security and healthcare rights after Brexit for people who have exercised their right to free movement or move between the EU and UK in the future. The analysis is based upon examination of drafts of the Withdrawal Agreement informed by interviews with senior policy makers involved in the Brexit negotiations. The article finds that while persons and benefits included in the Withdrawal Agreement mirror those of the current Coordinating Regulations the procedure for identifying eligibility is complicated and future arrangements might not provide comprehensive coverage and legal certainty.
Changes of Population, Built-up Land, and Cropland Exposure to Natural Hazards in China from 1995 to 2015
Authors: Chen Yimin , Xie Wei , Xu Xiaocong
Published: December 2019

By using the latest China population grid and land-use data, we assess the changing exposure of China’s population and land uses to the hazards of storm surges, droughts, earthquakes, floods, and landslides from 1995 to 2015. We found that the single-hazard areas and the multi-hazard areas covered 43% and 26% of China’s territory, respectively. Population grew faster in the hazard-prone areas than in the non-hazard areas. Built-up area expanded more rapidly in the areas prone to earthquakes and landslides. Cropland changed rapidly in many hazard-prone areas. The hazard-prone areas affected by floods featured the highest cropland loss rates, while the areas prone to earthquakes and landslides featured the highest cropland growth rates. We detected areas with significant exposure changes by using hot spot analysis. It was found that population and built-up land in the Pearl River Basin were increasingly exposed to storm surges, floods, and landslides. The Haihe River Basin and Huaihe River Basin also showed a consistent increase of population and built-up land exposure to droughts and earthquakes. These findings can provide a foundation for the design and implementation of protection and adaptation strategies to improve the resilience of Chinese society to natural hazards.
Dynamic simulation of an opencast coal mine: a case study
Authors: Muniappen Kesavan , Genc Bekir
Published: December 2019

Dynamic simulations are powerful tools, but only if they are developed using the correct methodology, and with information that has been verified. Mining houses rely on simulation to confirm that complex, integrated systems can achieve design capacity before investment decisions are made. Work conducted in the realm of validation can make an invaluable contribution to the success of future projects undertaken around the world. Coal mine a life of mine extension project was approved for implementation when export coal prices were on the low end of the price cycle. The dynamic simulation of the full materials handling value chain conducted during the project feasibility study in 2016 was of utmost importance and provided assurance to the project review team that annual production targets can be achieved. The simulation development methodology was based on a unique approach that reduced time spent on the simulation. Upon completion of project construction and commissioning in 2018, it was essential to validate the simulation, which could lead to the adoption of this approach on future projects. This paper explains the steps taken to validate the dynamic simulation. This case study confirmed that dynamic simulation can add value and predict mining system performance, such that informed decisions can be made.
Design and development of a web-based application for structural shielding calculation of medical X-ray imaging facilities
Authors: Sosa Vera Cristian , Andres Pablo
Published: December 2019

A user-friendly HTML-based open-source software has been developed for structural shielding design of medical X-ray imaging facilities. Based on values published by the NCRP Report N° 147 the software allows thickness calculations for different materials used in conventional X-ray rooms, mammography rooms and computed tomography rooms, diminishing errors resulting from the use of curves. The software focuses on the optimization principle by considering workload distributions instead of applying all the workload at a single high operating potential. The input data can be those recommended by the NCRP Report N° 147 or, if the facility has its own data, they can be used instead. With the implemented methodology, the code validation was performed by comparison of the results with a study case provided by the Report. The software application is available in two languages (English and Spanish) and provides the accuracy of the method presented, as well as assisting the physicist in shielding computations in a user-friendly manner. This software tool is available upon request to the corresponding author.
Designing and Rating Options for Special School Expertise to Support Mainstream Educational Inclusion
Authors: Iacono Teresa , McKinstry Carol , Wilson Elena , Bagley Kerryn , Kenny Amanda
Published: December 2019

The Victorian Government, Australia, committed to deliver recommendations from a review of the Program for Students with Disabilities. We report on the implementation of Recommendation 7: to explore options for how special schools could become ‘centres of expertise’ to support inclusion in mainstream schools. Informed by evidence reviews of inclusive education practices and interviews of special and mainstream staff and parents, stakeholders were engaged in a forum to develop a range of options. A larger sample of stakeholders then completed a survey to evaluate them. Forum attendees were parents, education staff, and allied health professionals from special and mainstream schools. They worked in small groups to develop options, which were later grouped into 5 categories. These options were entered into an online survey for distribution to a wider group of stakeholders. Survey respondents were 142 stakeholders from special (71%) and mainstream primary and secondary schools (parents, education staff, and allied health professionals). They rated each option, such that 8 with high ratings for feasibility and acceptability were recommended to support inclusive mainstream education through utilisation of special school expertise. The final list of options focused on collaboration, development, and coordination of networks of special and mainstream schools, and building capacity and leadership to support mainstream schools to meet diverse student need.
A simple cut-off for waist-to-height ratio (0·5) can act as an indicator for cardiometabolic risk: recent data from adults in the Health Survey for England
Authors: Gibson Sigrid , Ashwell Margaret
Published: December 2019

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has acknowledged the value of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as an indicator for ‘early health risk’. We used recent UK data to explore whether classification based on WHtR identifies more adults at cardiometabolic risk than the ‘matrix’ based on BMI and waist circumference, currently used for screening. Data from the Health Survey for England (4112 adults aged 18+ years) were used to identify cardiometabolic risk, indicated by raised glycated Hb, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. HbA1c, total/HDL-cholesterol and systolic blood pressure (BP) were more strongly associated with WHtR than the ‘matrix’. In logistic regression models for HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol, total/HDL-cholesterol > 4 and hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg or on medication), WHtR had a higher predictive value than the ‘matrix’. AUC was significantly greater for WHtR than the ‘matrix’ for raised HbA1c and hypertension. Of adults with raised HbA1c, 15 % would be judged as ‘no increased risk’ using the ‘matrix’ in contrast to 3 % using WHtR < 0·5. For hypertension, comparative values were 23 and 9 %, and for total/HDL-cholesterol > 4, 26 and 13 %. Nearly one-third of the ‘no increased risk’ group in the ‘matrix’ had WHtR ≥ 0·5 and hence could be underdiagnosed for cardiometabolic risk. WHtR has the potential to be a better indicator of cardiometabolic risks associated with central obesity than the current NICE ‘matrix’. The cut-off WHtR 0·5 in early screening translates to a simple message, ‘your waist should be less than half your height’, that allows individuals to be aware of their health risks.
Strongylid infection varies with age, sex, movement and social factors in wild African elephants
Authors: Parker Jenna M. , Goldenberg Shifra Z. , Letitiya David , Wittemyer George
Published: December 2019

Comparing parasitic infection among individuals of wildlife populations can provide insight into factors that influence wildlife disease ecology. Strongylids are parasitic worms that infect the intestinal tract of vertebrates, and infection with strongylids can be approximated by counting strongylid eggs in dung samples. Here we tested for correlations between strongylid egg counts and 18 different individual characteristics, environmental and social factors in individually known wild African elephants. We counted more eggs in the dung samples of younger elephants and females relative to mature elephants and males. We also found that elephants spending more time outside reserves shed more strongylid eggs than elephants that were more often within reserves. Elephants that were less socially integrated, as measured by how much aggression they received from other elephants, shed fewer strongylid eggs; relatedly, socially isolated orphan elephants that had left their family shed fewer strongylid eggs than elephants that remained with their family. Our results suggest that landscapes altered by livestock grazing and social disruption caused by humans may impact parasitic infection in wildlife.
Recent advances in nucleic acid-based methods for detection of helminth infections and the perspective of biosensors for future development
Authors: Ullah Hanif , Qadeer Abdul , Rashid Muhammad , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Cheng Guofeng
Published: December 2019

Pathogenic helminth infections are responsible for severe health problems and economic losses worldwide. Timely and accurate diagnosis of helminth infections is critical for adopting suitable strategies for pathogen control. Here, we review recent advances in nucleic acid-based diagnostic methods, including polymerase chain reaction, quantitative qPCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages for diagnosing helminth infections. In addition, we highlight recent advances in biosensors for the detection of nucleic acid biomarkers that can potentially be used for the diagnosis of helminth infection.
An update on non-invasive urine diagnostics for human-infecting parasitic helminths: what more could be done and how?
Authors: Archer John , LaCourse James E. , Webster Bonnie L. , Stothard J. Russell.
Published: December 2019

Reliable diagnosis of human helminth infection(s) is essential for ongoing disease surveillance and disease elimination. Current WHO-recommended diagnostic assays are unreliable in low-endemic near-elimination settings and typically involve the invasive, onerous and potentially hazardous sampling of bodily fluids such as stool and blood, as well as tissue via biopsy. In contrast, diagnosis by use of non-invasive urine sampling is generally painless, more convenient and low risk. It negates the need for specialist staff, can usually be obtained immediately upon request and is better accepted by patients. In some instances, urine-based diagnostic assays have also been shown to provide a more reliable diagnosis of infection when compared to traditional methods that require alternative and more invasive bodily samples, particularly in low-endemicity settings. Given these relative benefits, we identify and review current research literature to evaluate whether non-invasive urine sampling is currently exploited to its full potential in the development of diagnostic tools for human helminthiases. Though further development, assessment and validation are needed before their routine use in control programmes, low-cost, rapid and reliable assays capable of detecting transrenal helminth-derived antigens and cell-free DNA show excellent promise for future use at the point-of-care in high-, medium- and even low-endemicity elimination settings.
Second-harmonic generation by a chirped laser pulse with the exponential density ramp profile in the presence of a planar magnetostatic wiggler
Authors: Kant Niti , Singh Arvinder , Thakur Vishal
Published: December 2019

Second-harmonic generation of the relativistic self-focused chirped laser pulse in plasma has been studied with the exponential plasma density ramp profile in the presence of a planar magnetostatic wiggler. It is evident that the exponential plasma density ramp is helpful in enhancing second-harmonic generation as, with the introduction of the exponential plasma density ramp, self-focusing becomes stronger and hence, it leads to enhance the harmonic generation of the second order in the plasma. Also, it is observed that the efficiency of second-harmonic generation enhances significantly with an increase in the value of the chirp parameter. Further, the magnetostatic wiggler helps in enhancing the harmonic generation of the second order. This is due to the fact that dynamics of the oscillating electrons is altered due to the Lorentz force which, in turn, modifies the plasma wave and, hence, results in the efficient second-harmonic generation.
A non-local traffic flow model for 1-to-1 junctions
Authors: CHIARELLO F. A. , FRIEDRICH J. , GOATIN P. , GÖTTLICH S. , KOLB O.
Published: December 2019

We present a model for a class of non-local conservation laws arising in traffic flow modelling at road junctions. Instead of a single velocity function for the whole road, we consider two different road segments, which may differ for their speed law and number of lanes (hence their maximal vehicle density). We use an upwind type numerical scheme to construct a sequence of approximate solutions, and we provide uniformL∞and total variation estimates. In particular, the solutions of the proposed model stay positive and below the maximum density of each road segment. Using a Lax–Wendroff type argument and the doubling of variables technique, we prove the well-posedness of the proposed model. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided and compared with the corresponding (discontinuous) local model.
Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch early after coarctation repair in the neonatal period
Authors: Sousa Ana R. , Teixeira Ana M. , Neves José P.
Published: December 2019

Aortic arch aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication early after coarctation repair in the neonatal period. We report the case of a newborn with a ventricular septal defect and aortic coarctation with a hypoplastic aortic arch that developed a large aortic arch pseudoaneurysm following a radically extended end-to-end coarctation repair. Successful surgical correction of the pseudoaneurysm was performed.
The geographies of justice in Portugal: redefining the judiciary's territories
Authors: Branco Patrícia
Published: December 2019

In this paper, I examine the current geographical location of Portuguese courts and the effects this territorial redefinition has had on the relationships between the justice system and the territories/populations in a context in which external and internal political factors, rather than a mere need to improve the justice system, have played a major role. Such an analysis entails three key elements: the geographic impacts on access to justice, in view of the emblematic presence of the state in the territories, both contrasted with the conflict between specialisation and the proximity of jurisdiction.
Belastungserleben von Müttern mit Kindern mit ADHS
Authors: Schwörer Mona Céline , Nitkowski Dennis , Petermann† Franz , Petermann Ulrike
Published: December 2019

Zusammenfassung. Eltern von Kindern mit ADHS berichten von einer hohen psychischen Belastung, die durch die eigene und die kindliche Symptomatik bedingt scheint. Ziel der Studie ist es erstens zu prüfen, ob sich die mütterliche Belastung in Abhängigkeit davon unterscheidet, welche ADHS-Erscheinungsform bei den Kindern vorliegt und ob eine komorbide Symptomatik einer Störung mit oppositionellem Trotzverhalten (SOT) besteht. Zum zweiten soll untersucht werden, welche kindlichen und welche elterlichen Faktoren am besten die Gesamtbelastungen der Mütter aufklären können. An der Studie nahmen 207 Kinder ( M = 9.00 Jahre; SD = 1.52; 65.2 % männlich) teil. Von diesen wurden 138 Kinder nach dem ADHS-Erscheinungsbild (DSM-5) und nach der SOT in vier Untergruppen eingeteilt (unaufmerksames und gemischtes Erscheinungsbild mit/ohne SOT). Bei 157 Kindern wurden die mütterlichen (ADHS, Depression und Erziehungsstatus) und kindlichen Faktoren (ADHS, SOT und die Anzahl der im Haushalt lebenden Kinder) erhoben. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass Mütter von Kindern, die neben einer ADHS eine zusätzliche SOT aufweisen, die größte Belastung berichten. Die mütterliche Depression und die gemischte ADHS-Erscheinungsform mit komorbider SOT des Kindes sagten die Belastung der Mütter am besten vorher. Im klinischen Kontext sollte bei Müttern von Kindern, die ein gemischtes ADHS-Erscheinungsbild mit SOT aufweisen, gezielt eine depressive Symptomatik abgeklärt werden.
Mechanisms of resistance to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Hunter Francis W. , Barker Hilary R. , Lipert Barbara , Rothé Françoise , Gebhart Géraldine , Piccart-Gebhart Martine J. , Sotiriou Christos , Jamieson Stephen M. F.
Published: December 2019

The HER2-targeted antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is approved for the treatment of metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer after prior trastuzumab and taxane therapy, and has also demonstrated efficacy in the adjuvant setting in incomplete responders to neoadjuvant therapy. Despite its objective activity, intrinsic and acquired resistance to T-DM1 remains a major clinical challenge. T-DM1 mediates its activity in a number of ways, encompassing HER2 signalling blockade, Fc-mediated immune response and payload-mediated microtubule poisoning. Resistance mechanisms relating to each of these features have been demonstrated, and we outline the findings of these studies in this review. In our overview of the substantial literature on T-DM1 activity and resistance, we conclude that the T-DM1 resistance mechanisms most strongly supported by the experimental data relate to dysfunctional intracellular metabolism of the construct and subversion of DM1-mediated cell killing. Loss of dependence on signalling initiated by HER2–HER2 homodimers is not substantiated as a resistance mechanism by clinical or experimental studies, and the impact of EGFR expression and tumour immunological status requires further investigation. These findings are instructive with respect to strategies that might overcome T-DM1 resistance, including the use of second-generation anti-HER2 antibody–drug conjugates that deploy alternative linker-payload chemistries.
Hsa_circ_0002483 inhibited the progression and enhanced the Taxol sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer by targeting miR-182-5p
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Yang Bo , Ren Haixia , Xiao Ting , Zhang Liang , Li Lei , Li Mingjiang , Wang Xuhui , Zhou Honggang , Zhang Weidong
Published: December 2019

In this study, we identified a novel circRNA, circ_0002483, and further investigated its functions in the progression and Taxol resistance of NSCLC. We found that circ_0002483 was expressed at low levels in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Functional assays indicated that circ_0002483 overexpression significantly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo and enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to Taxol. Mechanistically, circ_0002483 was identified to sponge multiple miRNAs including miR-182-5p (also named miR-182), miR-520q-3p, miR-582-3p, miR-587, and miR-655. In addition, circ_0002483 was also demonstrated to regulate the expression of GRB2, FOXO1, and FOXO3, three target genes of miR-182-5p, by sponging miR-182-5p. Circ_0002483 was demonstrated to inhibit NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo and enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to Taxol by sponging miR-182-5p to release the inhibition on GRB2, FOXO1, and FOXO3 mRNAs.
A database of geopositioned Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus occurrences
Authors: Ramshaw Rebecca E. , Letourneau Ian D. , Hong Amy Y. , Hon Julia , Morgan Julia D. , Osborne Joshua C. P. , Shirude Shreya , Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Hay Simon I. , Pigott David M.
Published: December 2019

As a World Health Organization Research and Development Blueprint priority pathogen, there is a need to better understand the geographic distribution of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and its potential to infect mammals and humans. This database documents cases of MERS-CoV globally, with specific attention paid to zoonotic transmission. An initial literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus; after screening articles according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 208 sources were selected for extraction and geo-positioning. Each MERS-CoV occurrence was assigned one of the following classifications based upon published contextual information: index, unspecified, secondary, mammal, environmental, or imported. In total, this database is comprised of 861 unique geo-positioned MERS-CoV occurrences. The purpose of this article is to share a collated MERS-CoV database and extraction protocol that can be utilized in future mapping efforts for both MERS-CoV and other infectious diseases. More broadly, it may also provide useful data for the development of targeted MERS-CoV surveillance, which would prove invaluable in preventing future zoonotic spillover.
Levels of sdRNAs in cytoplasm and their association with ribosomes are dependent upon stress conditions but independent from snoRNA expression
Authors: Mleczko Anna M. , Machtel Piotr , Walkowiak Mateusz , Wasilewska Anna , Pietras Piotr J. , Bąkowska-Żywicka Kamilla
Published: December 2019

In recent years, a number of small RNA molecules derived from snoRNAs have been observed. Findings concerning the functions of snoRNA-derived small RNAs (sdRNAs) in cells are limited primarily to their involvement in microRNA pathways. However, similar molecules have been observed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is an organism lacking miRNA machinery. Here we examined the subcellular localization of sdRNAs in yeast. Our findings reveal that both sdRNAs and their precursors, snoRNAs, are present in the cytoplasm at levels dependent upon stress conditions. Moreover, both sdRNAs and snoRNAs may interact with translating ribosomes in a stress-dependent manner. Likely consequential to their ribosome association and protein synthesis suppression features, yeast sdRNAs may exert inhibitory activity on translation. Observed levels of sdRNAs and snoRNAs in the cytoplasm and their apparent presence in the ribosomal fractions suggest independent regulation of these molecules by yet unknown factors.
Early Pep-13-induced immune responses are SERK3A/B-dependent in potato
Authors: Nietzschmann Linda , Gorzolka Karin , Smolka Ulrike , Matern Andreas , Eschen-Lippold Lennart , Scheel Dierk , Rosahl Sabine
Published: December 2019

Potato plants treated with the pathogen-associated molecular pattern Pep-13 mount salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-dependent defense responses, leading to enhanced resistance against Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease. Recognition of Pep-13 is assumed to occur by binding to a yet unknown plasma membrane-localized receptor kinase. The potato genes annotated to encode the co-receptor BAK1, StSERK3A and StSERK3B, are activated in response to Pep-13 treatment. Transgenic RNAi-potato plants with reduced expression of both SERK3A and SERK3B were generated. In response to Pep-13 treatment, the formation of reactive oxygen species and MAP kinase activation, observed in wild type plants, is highly reduced in StSERK3A/B-RNAi plants, suggesting that StSERK3A/B are required for perception of Pep-13 in potato. In contrast, defense gene expression is induced by Pep-13 in both control and StSERK3A/B-depleted plants. Altered morphology of StSERK3A/B-RNAi plants correlates with major shifts in metabolism, as determined by untargeted metabolite profiling. Enhanced levels of hydroxycinnamic acid amides, typical phytoalexins of potato, in StSERK3A/B-RNAi plants are accompanied by significantly decreased levels of flavonoids and steroidal glycoalkaloids. Thus, altered metabolism in StSERK3A/B-RNAi plants correlates with the ability of StSERK3A/B-depleted plants to mount defense, despite highly decreased early immune responses.
Muscle attachment site patterns for species determination in West Palaearctic Wohlfahrtia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) of medical and veterinary importance
Authors: Niederegger Senta , Akbarzadeh Kamran , Szpila Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

The flesh fly genusWohlfahrtiaBrauer & Bergenstamm contains at least six species of medical and veterinary importance. Traditional methods of species identification in specimens ofWohlfahrtia, however, are restricted mostly to adult forms. Muscle attachment site (MAS) patterns allow for species determination in larval forms. MAS patterns in third instar larvae of six common West Palearctic species ofWohlfahrtiahave been analyzed for this study. As in previously investigated Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae, MAS patterns were found to be species specific. A genus pattern was established to be used as base for comparison in further species determination. For the first time a tool is provided for species identification of such broad range in larvae ofWohlfahrtiaspecies.Wohlfahrtiapatterns are composed of a significantly higher number of MAS than patterns found inSarcophaga. Specifics of the six species analyzed are explained in detail. The larvae of the well-known speciesW. magnifica, an obligate traumatic myiasis agent, had to be excluded from the analysis as a great number of spines on the outside obscure muscle attachment sites on the inside of the cuticle.
Dietary Calcium Intake and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Han Dan , Fang Xuexian , Su Danting , Huang Lichun , He Mengjie , Zhao Dong , Zou Yan , Zhang Ronghua
Published: December 2019

Growing evidence has suggested a possible relationship between dietary calcium intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk. However, the findings of these observational studies are inconclusive, and the dose-response association between calcium intake and risk of MetS remains to be determined. Here, we identified relevant studies by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases up to December 2018, and selected observational studies reporting relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for MetS based on calcium intake and estimated the summary RRs using random-effects models. Eight cross-sectional and two prospective cohort studies totaling 63,017 participants with 14,906 MetS cases were identified. A significantly reduced risk of MetS was associated with the highest levels of dietary calcium intake (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80–0.99; I2 = 75.3%), with stronger association and less heterogeneity among women (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.66–0.83; I2 = 0.0%) than among men (RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.82–1.37; I2 = 72.6%). Our dose-response analysis revealed that for each 300 mg/day increase in calcium intake, the risk of MetS decreased by 7% (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87–0.99; I2 = 77.7%). In conclusion, our findings suggest that dietary calcium intake may be inversely associated with the risk of MetS. These findings may have important public health implications with respect to preventing the disease. Further studies, in particular longitudinal cohort studies and randomized clinical trials, will be necessary to determine whether calcium supplementation is effective to prevent MetS.
Auditory-induced visual illusions in rodents measured by spontaneous behavioural response
Authors: Ito Yuki , Sato Ryo , Tamai Yuta , Hiryu Shizuko , Uekita Tomoko , Kobayasi Kohta I.
Published: December 2019

When two brief sounds are presented with a short flash of light, we often perceive that the flash blinks twice. This phenomenon, called the “sound-induced flash illusion”, has been investigated as an example of how humans finely integrate multisensory information, more specifically, the temporal content of perception. However, it is unclear whether nonhuman animals experience the illusion. Therefore, we investigated whether the Mongolian gerbil, a rodent with relatively good eyesight, experiences this illusion. The novel object recognition (NOR) paradigm was used to evaluate the gerbil’s natural (i.e., untrained) capacity for multimodal integration. A light-emitting diode embedded within an object presented time-varying visual stimuli (different flashing patterns). The animals were first familiarised with repetitive single flashes. Then, various sound stimuli were introduced during test trials. An increase in exploration suggested that the animals perceived a flashing pattern differently only when the contradicting sound (double beeps) was presented simultaneously with a single flash. This result shows that the gerbil may experience the sound-induced flash illusion and indicates for the first time that rodents may have the capacity to integrate temporal content of perception in a sophisticated manner as do humans.
Association Between Cardiac Natriuretic Peptides and Lipid Profile: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Spannella Francesco , Giulietti Federico , Bordicchia Marica , Burnett John C. , Sarzani Riccardo
Published: December 2019

Cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) play a fundamental role in maintaining cardiovascular (CV) and renal homeostasis. Moreover, they also affect glucose and lipid metabolism. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the association of NPs with serum lipid profile. A PubMed and Scopus search (2005–2018) revealed 48 studies reporting the association between NPs and components of lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and triglycerides (TG)]. Despite high inconsistency across studies, NPs levels were inversely associated with TC [k = 32; pooled r = −0.09; I2 = 90.26%], LDLc [k = 31; pooled r = −0.09; I2 = 82.38%] and TG [k = 46; pooled r = −0.11; I2 = 94.14%], while they were directly associated with HDLc [k = 41; pooled r = 0.06; I2 = 87.94%]. The relationship with LDLc, HDLc and TG lost significance if only studies on special populations (works including subjects with relevant acute or chronic conditions that could have significantly affected the circulating levels of NPs or lipid profile) or low-quality studies were taken into account. The present study highlights an association between higher NP levels and a favorable lipid profile. This confirms and extends our understanding of the metabolic properties of cardiac NPs and their potential in CV prevention.
Mitochondrial genome characterization of the family Trigonidiidae (Orthoptera) reveals novel structural features and nad1 transcript ends
Authors: Ma Chuan , Wang Yeying , Zhang Licui , Li Jianke
Published: December 2019

The Trigonidiidae, a family of crickets, comprises 981 valid species with only one mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequenced to date. To explore mitogenome features of Trigonidiidae, six mitogenomes from its two subfamilies (Nemobiinae and Trigonidiinae) were determined. Two types of gene rearrangements involving a trnN-trnS1-trnE inversion and a trnV shuffling were shared by Trigonidiidae. A long intergenic spacer was observed between trnQ and trnM in Trigonidiinae (210−369 bp) and Nemobiinae (80–216 bp), which was capable of forming extensive stem-loop secondary structures in Trigonidiinae but not in Nemobiinae. The anticodon of trnS1 was TCT in Trigonidiinae, rather than GCT in Nemobiinae and other related subfamilies. There was no overlap between nad4 and nad4l in Dianemobius, as opposed to a conserved 7-bp overlap commonly found in insects. Furthermore, combined comparative analysis and transcript verification revealed that nad1 transcripts ended with a U, corresponding to the T immediately preceding a conserved motif GAGAC in the superfamily Grylloidea, plus poly-A tails. The resultant UAA served as a stop codon for species lacking full stop codons upstream of the motif. Our findings gain novel understanding of mitogenome structural diversity and provide insight into accurate mitogenome annotation.
Exploring the air stability of PdSe2 via electrical transport measurements and defect calculations
Authors: Hoffman Anna N. , Gu Yiyi , Liang Liangbo , Fowlkes Jason D. , Xiao Kai , Rack Philip D.
Published: December 2019

In this work we investigate the effects of ambient exposure on CVD grown PdSe2 and correlate density functional theory calculations of various physisorption and chemisorption binding energies and band structures to the observed changes in the electrical transport. Pristine PdSe2 is n-type due to intrinsic selenium vacancies, but shows increased p-type conduction and decreased n-type conduction as a function of ambient aging during which various aging mechanisms appear to be operative. Short term aging (<160 h) is ascribed to an activated chemisorption of molecular O2 at selenium vacancies; first-principles calculations suggest a ~0.85 eV activation energy and adsorption geometries with binding energies varying between 1.3–1.6 eV, in agreement with experimental results. Importantly, this chemisorption is reversible with a low temperature anneal. At long term aging (>430 h), there is a total suppression of n-type conduction, which is attributed to a dissociative adsorption/reaction of the O2 molecules to atomic O and subsequent PdO2 formation. XPS confirms the presence of PdO2 in long term aged flakes. At these extended aging times, the low temperature anneal restores low n-type conduction and suppresses p-type conduction due to the low thermal stability of PdO2 which, in agreement with XPS measurements, sublimates during the anneal. Thus PdSe2 devices can be processed into device architectures in standard laboratory environments if atmospheric exposure times are limited to on the order of 1 week.
Water oxidation intermediates on iridium oxide electrodes probed by in situ electrochemical SHINERS
Authors: Saeed Khezar H. , Forster Mark , Li Jian-Feng , Hardwick Laurence J. , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: December 2019

Shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) is applied to the study of a state-of-the-art water oxidation electrocatalyst, IrOx, during oxygen evolution.
Unusual electrochemical N2 reduction activity in an earth-abundant iron catalyst via phosphorous modulation
Authors: Zhu Xiaojuan , Wu Tongwei , Ji Lei , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Cui Guanwei , Xiang Yimo , Zhang Yanning , Zheng Baozhan , Sun Xuping
Published: December 2019

FeP2 nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide hybrid acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for conversion of N2 to NH3 in 0.5 M LiClO4, achieving a large NH3 yield of 35.26 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a high faradaic efficiency of 21.99%.
Enzyme-responsive fluorescent camptothecin prodrug/polysaccharide supramolecular assembly for targeted cellular imaging and in situ controlled drug release
Authors: Zhang Yu-Hui , Zhang Ying-Ming , Sheng Xianliang , Wang Jie , Liu Yu
Published: December 2019

An enzyme-responsive polysaccharide assembly was constructed, which possesses low cytotoxicity, targeted imaging and controlled drug release, while providing a concurrent means for the real-time tracking of drug delivery.
Evaluation of the OECD POV and LRTP screening tool for estimating the long-range transport of organophosphate esters
Authors: Sühring Roxana , Scheringer Martin , Rodgers Timothy F. M. , Jantunen Liisa M. , Diamond Miriam L.
Published: December 2019

OECD POV and LRT Screening Tool (the Tool) underestimates the long-range transport potential of OPEs. Adding optional settings for episodic air and river-based transport, and cold temperatures can significantly improve estimates.
Engineering 3D parallelized microfluidic droplet generators with equal flow profiles by computational fluid dynamics and stereolithographic printing
Authors: Kamperman Tom , Teixeira Liliana Moreira , Salehi Seyedeh Sarah , Kerckhofs Greet , Guyot Yann , Geven Mike , Geris Liesbet , Grijpma Dirk , Blanquer Sebastien , Leijten Jeroen
Published: December 2019

This work combines computational fluid dynamics simulations and stereolithographic printing to fabricate 3D-parallelized microfluidic droplet generators with equal flow profiles.
Radionuclide-labeled gold nanoparticles for nuclei-targeting internal radio-immunity therapy
Authors: Su Weiwei , Chen Chen , Wang Tao , Li Xiao , Liu Yanyan , Wang Han , Zhao Shuai , Zuo Changjing , Sun Gaofeng , Bu Wenbo
Published: December 2019

High-Z AuNPs react with 131I to form bremsstrahlung X-rays for efficient internal radio-immunity therapy.
Isoselective ring-opening polymerization and asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization of rac-lactide catalyzed by bifunctional iminophosphorane–thiourea/urea catalysts
Authors: Lv Chengdong , Zhou Li , Yuan Ruiting , Mahmood Qaiser , Xu Guangqiang , Wang Qinggang
Published: December 2019

The isoselective mechanism (CEC or ESC) for ring-opening polymerization of rac-LA was demonstrated using chiral and achiral IPTU/IPU organocatalysts.
Green and efficient synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical [18F]FDOPA using a microdroplet reactor
Authors: Wang Jia , Holloway Travis , Lisova Ksenia , van Dam R. Michael
Published: December 2019

The first microscale radiosynthesis of the radiopharmaceutical [18F]FDOPA is developed using a green and efficient approach.
Morphological Development in Normal and Clinical Populations
Authors: Morris Joanna
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The goal of this review article is to summarize what is currently known about morphological processing in both normal and clinical populations in order to present unexplored opportunities to focus remediation efforts for children with language difficulties.

Method

Existing evidence was collected via a computerized database search, and the data were summarized in a narrative review.

Conclusions

Strong, precise lexical representations are key to skilled reading and writing performance, and the available evidence suggests that, in order to become efficient readers, English-speaking children must acquire a rapid and flexible word recognition system that can accommodate the quasiregular morpho-orthographic to semantic mappings that characterize English. Individual differences may affect how easily children are able to discover these regularities on the basis of linguistic experience and make use of sublexical morphemic constituents in visual word recognition.
Leveraging inconsistency management in the multi‐view collaborative modelling of cyber‐physical production systems
Authors: Vogel‐Heuser Birgit , Zou Minjie
Published: December 2019

Cyber‐physical production systems (CPPS) are interconnected systems producing customised products. Such a system appeals for flexibility and closer cross‐disciplinary collaboration, which might introduce inconsistencies among models and lead to system failures. Detecting inconsistencies needs expert knowledge and is usually performed in an ad‐hoc way. Knowledge base, a technology which stores knowledge formally for automatic problem‐solving, can efficiently assist engineers in detecting inconsistencies across engineering models and between the models and their physical realisations. The approach is evaluated with a bench‐scale CPPS.