bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and photosynthetic response of the kelp Ecklonia radiata across a turbidity gradient
Authors: Blain Caitlin O. , Rees T. Alwyn V. , Christine Hansen S. , Shears Nick T.
Published: September 2019

Increasing turbidity in coastal waters reduces benthic irradiance levels and consequently poses a fundamental threat to benthic primary producers and the food webs they support. It is therefore necessary to better understand how important primary producers, such as kelp, can adapt both physiologically and morphologically to these declining light conditions. This study examines how variation in turbidity influences the morphology of the kelp Ecklonia radiata, and how this relates to photosynthetic performance, by measuring multiple morphological characteristics, photosynthesis‐irradiance response, and photosynthetic pigments in adult kelp across a large‐scale turbidity gradient. Kelp morphology was strongly related to variation in benthic irradiance among sites, but this was not consistent with morphological acclimation. Kelp at the most turbid sites had short stipes (< 0.4 m) and lower surface area to volume ratios (SA:V) than kelp at moderate to high‐light sites, which had long stipes (~ 1 m) and high SA:V. Photosynthetic parameters and pigment content also varied considerably in relation to benthic irradiance, with increased photosynthetic efficiency and pigment content at low‐light sites. However, maximum rates of photosynthesis were highest at high‐light sites and strongly positively related to higher SA:V of kelp at these sites. These results demonstrate that while physiological adaptation may increase photosynthetic efficiency at low‐light sites, maximum photosynthetic output is strongly related to thallus morphology rather than cellular acclimation. This suggests that the large‐scale variation in kelp morphology observed across the turbidity gradient likely has important consequences for overall primary production as well as other important ecosystem functions.
Disturbance pattern recognition based on an ALSTM in a long‐distance φ‐OTDR sensing system
Authors: Chen Xue , Xu Chengjin
Published: September 2019

In this article, a new pattern recognition method for disturbance signals detected by phase‐sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (φ‐OTDR) distributed optical fiber sensing systems is proposed. Currently, most of the disturbance signal recognition methods for φ‐OTDR exploit the global features of disturbance signals as the basis of classification, neglect the local details of disturbance signals, and thus have poor performances on long‐distance monitoring tasks. In the method proposed in this article, an adaptive denoising method based on spectral subtraction is utilized to enhance signal features. For each frame of disturbance signals, Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficients are extracted as frequency‐domain features, while short‐time energy ratio and short‐time level crossing rate are extracted as time‐domain features. An attention‐based long short‐term memory network is exploited as a classifier to recognize different types of disturbance signals. Experiments show the proposed disturbance recognition method can achieve a classification accuracy of 94.3% with five typical disturbances, namely, walking, digging, vehicle‐passing, climbing, and heavy rain, at ranges of up to 50 km.
Urinary TIMP‐2 and MMP‐2 are significantly associated with poor bladder compliance in adult patients with spina bifida
Authors: Peyronnet Benoit , Richard Claire , Bendavid Claude , Naudet Florian , Hascoet Juliette , Brochard Charlène , Senal Nelly , Jezequel Magali , Alimi Quentin , Khene Zine‐eddine , Corlu Anne , Clément Bruno , Siproudhis Laurent , Bouguen Guillaume , Kerdraon Jacques , Manunta Andrea , Gamé Xavier
Published: September 2019

Aims

To assess the predictive values of six urinary markers (nerve growth factor [NGF], brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP‐2], tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2 [TIMP‐2], transformation growth factor β‐1 [TGF‐B1], and prostaglandin 2 [PGE2]) for adverse urodynamic features and for upper urinary tract damage in adult patients with spina bifida.

Materials and methods

A single‐center prospective trial was conducted from March 2015 to March 2017 including all consecutive adult patients with spina bifida seen for urodynamic testing. The urine was collected and stored at −80°C. A urodynamic and an upper urinary tract were systematically performed. At the end of the inclusion period, urines were defrosted and urinary nerve growth factor, BDNF, TIMP‐2, and TGF‐B1 were assessed using validated ELISA kits. The urinary markers levels were adjusted on the urinary creatinine level. Urinary MMP‐2 levels were assessed by zymography.

Results

Fourty patients were included. Only TIMP‐2 and MMP‐2 were significantly associated with poor bladder compliance (P = .043 and P = .039, respectively). TIMP‐2 was also the only urinary marker significantly associated with upper urinary tract damage on imaging (OR = 19.81; P = .02). Of all urodynamic parameters, bladder compliance and maximum detrusor pressure were the only ones associated with upper urinary tract damage on imaging (P = .01 and P = .02), The diagnostic performances of urinary TIMP‐2 for upper urinary tract damage were slightly superior to PdetMax and bladder compliance with an area under the curve of 0.72.

Conclusion

Urinary TIMP‐2 and MMP‐2 were significantly associated with poor bladder compliance and urinary TIMP‐2 was significantly associated with upper urinary tract damage. These findings support a pathophysiological role of extracellular matrix remodeling in poor bladder compliance of adult patients with spina bifida.
Self‐degassing SARA ATRP mediated by Na2S2O4 with no external additives
Authors: Oliveira Andreia S. R. , Mendonça Patrícia V. , Serra Arménio C. , Coelho Jorge F. J.
Published: September 2019

The supplemental activator and reducing agent (SARA) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) mediated by Na2S2O4 in the presence of air, without external deoxygenation or additional oxygen scavengers, is reported for several vinyl monomers: methyl acrylate (MA), n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEOA), and styrene (Sty). The polymerizations can be conducted in aqueous medium or using organic/water mixtures as solvent, with low concentration of copper, near room temperature. In the absence of any external deoxygenation, several well‐defined homopolymers and block copolymers were obtained (Ð < 1.3). The evolution of the oxygen concentration during the polymerizations was monitored with an optical oxygen sensor. The consumption of oxygen prior polymerization in ethanol/water mixtures was attributed to the combined presence of Na2S2O4 and alkyl halide initiator, which led to a lower initiation efficiency (Ieff). This could be overcome by decreasing the headspace volume of the reaction. The system reported exhibited the potential to be scalable, which is very relevant from an industrial standpoint. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 145–153
Tracheomalacia in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Trachealis hyper‐relaxant responses to S‐nitrosoglutathione in a hyperoxic murine model
Authors: Einisman Helly J. , Gaston Benjamin , Wijers Christiaan , Smith Laura A. , Lewis Tristan H. , Lewis Stephen J. , Raffay Thomas M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with airway hyperreactivity is a long‐term pulmonary complication of prematurity. The endogenous nonadrenergic, noncholinergic signaling molecule, S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and its catabolism by GSNO reductase (GSNOR) modulate airway reactivity. Tracheomalacia is a major, underinvestigated complication of BPD. We studied trachealis, left main bronchus (LB), and intrapulmonary bronchiolar (IPB) relaxant responses to GSNO in a murine hyperoxic BPD model.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) or GSNOR knockout (KO) newborn mice were raised in 60% (BPD) or 21% (control) oxygen during the first 3 weeks of life. After room air recovery, adult trachealis, LB, and IPB smooth muscle relaxant responses to GSNO (after methacholine preconstriction) were studied using wire myographs. Studies were repeated after GSNOR inhibitor (GSNORi) pretreatment and in KO mice.

Results

GSNO relaxed all airway preparations. GSNO relaxed WT BPD trachealis substantially more than WT controls (P < .05). Pharmacologic or genetic ablation of GSNOR abolished the exaggerated BPD tracheal relaxation to GSNO and also augmented BPD IPB relaxation to GSNO. LB ring contractility was not significantly different between groups or conditions. Additionally, GSNORi treatment induced relaxation of WT IPBs but not trachealis or LB.

Conclusion

GSNO dramatically relaxed the trachealis in our BPD model, an effect paradoxically reversed by loss of GSNOR. Conversely, GSNOR inhibition augmented IBP relaxation. These data suggest that GSNOR inhibition could benefit both the BPD trachealis and distal airways, restoring relaxant responses to those of room air controls. Because therapeutic options are limited in this high‐risk population, future studies of GSNOR inhibition are needed.
Structure Evolution, Elastic and Electronic Properties of Pt‐Doped Ti Alloy under Pressure
Authors: Zhang Yongmei , Zhao Yuhong , Duan Meiling , Hou Hua
Published: September 2019

The hexagonal closest packed (hcp) to face‐centered cube (fcc) phase transformation of Ti(Pt) alloy with phase transformation pressure of ≈36.8 GPa at 0 K is found using the first‐principle method. The relatively low phase transformation pressure of hcp to fcc structure for Ti(Pt) alloy may be caused by the foregoing tetragonal isostructural transition of fcc Ti(Pt) alloy at ≈32 GPa. Accompanied with the tetragonal isostructural transition, the unit‐cell parameters (a, c) and volume of fcc Ti(Pt) alloy are discontinuous. The axial ratio (c/a) changes from ≈0.471 to ≈0.338; a axis has anomalously negative compressibility, c axis has positive compressibility. Anomalous elastic properties between 32 and 40 GPa, such as the extremely irregular elastic stability factor F and elastic anisotropy index AU, indicate the weak mechanical stability of fcc Ti(Pt) alloy in the phase transformation region. The total density of states, Mulliken population analysis, and difference of charge density indicate that the Pt–Ti interatomic interactions weaken with increasing pressure.
Cu0.78Sn0.12Mn0.1Ox Thin Films as a Photocatalytic Material under Visible Light
Authors: Kuo Li–Lun , Lan Kai‐Wei , Hsiao Yu‐Cheng , Hong Ying‐Jhan , Tsai Chung‐Min , Hu Chi‐Chang , Yew Tri‐Rung
Published: September 2019

This work investigates the feasibility of using an earth‐abundant and eco‐friendly Cu0.78Sn0.12Mn0.1Ox thin film as a catalyst for photodegradation applications under visible light. The thin film was deposited by e‐beam evaporation using the pallet formed using CuO, SnO2, and MnO2 powders as raw materials. The photocurrent response and performance as a catalyst of Methyl Orange (MO) dye photodegradation was optimized by varying the oxide composition to tune band gap and the use of post‐annealing at 500 °C for 3 hr in air to obtain crystalline structure of Cu0.78Sn0.12Mn0.1Ox thin films for higher photoconductivity. The band gap, conduction band energy level, and valence band energy level of the crystalline Cu0.78Sn0.12Mn0.1Ox oxide thin film were characterized to be 2.3 eV, −4.4 eV and −6.7 eV to vacuum, respectively. The stable photocurrent response with an intensity of ∼42 uA/cm2 at an applied voltage of −0.4 V under filtered 150 W Xe‐lamp visible light illumination could be achieved, which is higher than previous works even with lower power and thinner materials. Besides, the feasibility of Cu0.78Sn0.12Mn0.1Ox thin film for MO photodegradation under the visible light has also been demonstrated, though the rate constant still needs further improvement.
Characterization of Dolomite Promoted by NaAlO2 and Application as Catalyst in Transesterification by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ning Yilin , Niu Shengli , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhang Yujiao , Han Kuihua , Lu Chunmei , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2019

The effective heterogeneous base catalysts are synthesized to intensify the catalytic capacity of dolomite via the wet impregnation method with NaAlO2. Compared with the calcined natural dolomite, the catalyst promoted by 10% NaAlO2 possesses the higher basic density and more developed mesoporous structure, where the better catalytic activity is performed to transesterify palm oil with methanol. Response surface methodology with Box‐Behnken Design (RSM‐BBD) is used to investigate the combined effects of the catalyst loaded amount, molar ratio of methanol to oil, transesterification temperature and duration on biodiesel yield. Results show that the highest yield of 99.27% is achieved with the 5.30 wt.% catalyst loaded amount and 12.39 molar ratio of methanol to oil at 65.26 °C for 2.11 h. The catalyst shows superior stability and efficiency of 89.92% is achieved for the fifth reused cycle, where for the pure calcined dolomite it is 77.58%. Also, the physicochemical indices of the purified transesterification product are in accordance with ASTM D6751 standard.
High‐Performance Lithium‐ion Supercapatteries Constructed Using Li3V2(PO4)3/C Mesoporous Nanosheets
Authors: Zhuang Biying , Wu Zhaojun , Chu Wenjing , Gao Yanfang , Cao Zhenzhu , Bold Tungalagtamir , Yang Nianjun
Published: September 2019

To construct “non‐consumable electrolyte type” or “internal serial hybrid type” lithium‐ion supercapatteries with both high power and energy densities, carbon‐coated lithium vanadium phosphate composite (Li3V2(PO4)3/C) is utilized as the cathode. This cathode with a high specific area is synthesized by a hydrothermal method assisted by delayed sol‐gel method and using the surfactant of myristyltrimethylammonium bromide as the carbon source. It is self‐assembled and mesoporous. This cathode has a high specific surface area of 40.92 m2 g−1, a pore volume of 0.095 cm3 g−1, a considerably high initial discharge capacity of 166 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C‐rate. Even at 20 C‐rate, the high discharge capacity of 90 mAh g−1 is maintained. The lithium‐ion supercapattery assembled using this cathode, the anode of activated carbon as exhibits a discharge time of as long as 1369.24 s, a maximum energy density of 53.22 Wh kg−1, and a maximum power density of 3.01 kW kg−1. Such lithium‐ion supercapatteries thus overcome the disadvantages of rapid energy density attenuation under high power density of existed lithium‐ion supercapatteries.
Pipeline provenance for cloud‐based big data analytics
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Sun Daniel , Li Guoqiang , Wong Raymond , Chen Shiping
Published: September 2019

Provenance is information about the origin and creation of data. In data science and engineering related with cloud environment, such information is useful and sometimes even critical. In data analytics, it is necessary for making data‐driven decisions to trace back history and reproduce final or intermediate results, even to tune models and adjust parameters in a real‐time fashion. Particularly, in cloud, users need to evaluate data and pipeline trustworthiness. In this paper, we propose a solution: LogProv, toward realizing these functionalities for big data provenance, which needs to renovate data pipelines or some of big data software infrastructure to generate structured logs for pipeline events, and then stores data and logs separately in cloud space. The data are explicitly linked to the logs, which implicitly record pipeline semantics. Semantic information can be retrieved from the logs easily since they are well defined and structured beforehand. We implemented and deployed LogProv in Nectar Cloud,* associated with Apache Pig, Hadoop ecosystem, and adopted Elasticsearch to provide query service. LogProv was evaluated and empirically case studied. The results show that LogProv is efficient since the performance overhead is no more than 10%; the query can be responded within 1 second; the trustworthiness is marked clearly; and there is no impact on the data processing logic of original pipelines.
Difference in the reaction process of slag activated by waterglass solution and NaOH solution
Authors: Li Jing , Yu Qijun , Huang Haoliang , Yin Suhong
Published: September 2019

The reaction processes of waterglass‐activated slag (WAS) and NaOH‐activated slag (NAS) with a high liquid‐to‐solid ratio were observed by using in‐situ polarization microscope. During these processes, the phase evolution in the alkali‐activated slag (AAS) was analyzed non‐destructively by means of X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In parallel, hardened pastes of AAS were prepared and investigated by means of SEM and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results showed that the reaction of NAS was dissolution‐precipitation process at the early age, and the reaction products tended to form around or on the surface of slag particles. A few kinds of intermediate products, such as Ca[OH]2, were formed at the beginning. At the later age, the reaction mechanism of NAS changed into solid‐phase reaction, and the reaction products tended to generate in the space that originally occupied by the slag particles. In comparison, the whole process of the reaction between waterglass and slag was dissolution‐precipitation under the condition of a high liquid‐to‐solid ratio. The reaction products tended to form in the solution, which was beneficial for pore‐filling. The aforementioned difference in reaction process made the hardened paste of NAS had a higher porosity and a lower early strength than the hardened paste of WAS.
Impact of Hypertension and Preeclampsia Intervention Trial At Near Term‐I (HYPITAT‐I) on obstetric management and outcome in The Netherlands
Authors: de Sonnaville C. M. W. , Hukkelhoven C. W. , Vlemmix F. , Groen H. , Schutte J. M. , Mol B. W. , van Pampus M. G.
Published: September 2019

Objective

The Hypertension and Preeclampsia Intervention Trial At near Term‐I (HYPITAT‐I) randomized controlled trial showed that, in women with gestational hypertension or mild pre‐eclampsia at term, induction of labor, compared with expectant management, was associated with improved maternal outcome without compromising neonatal outcome. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of these findings on obstetric management and maternal and perinatal outcomes in The Netherlands.

Methods

We retrieved data for the period 2000–2014 from the Dutch National Perinatal Registry, including 143 749 women with gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia and a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation, delivered between 36 + 0 and 40 + 6 weeks of gestation (hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) group). Pregnant women without HDP were used as the reference group (n = 1 649 510). The HYPITAT‐I trial was conducted between 2005 and 2008. To study the impact of HYPITAT‐I, we compared rate of induction of labor, mode of delivery and maternal and perinatal outcomes in the periods before (2000–2005) and after (2008–2014) the trial. We also differentiated between hospitals that participated in HYPITAT‐I and those that did not.

Results

In the HDP group, the rate of induction of labor increased from 51.1% before the HYPITAT‐I trial to 64.2% after it (relative risk (RR), 1.26; 95% CI, 1.24–1.27). Maternal mortality decreased from 0.022% before the trial to 0.004% after it (RR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06–0.70) and perinatal death decreased from 0.49% to 0.27% (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45–0.65), which was attributable mostly to a decrease in fetal death. Both the increase in induction rate and the reduction in hypertensive complications were more pronounced in hospitals that participated in the HYPITAT‐I trial than in those that did not. Following HYPITAT‐I, the rate of induction of labor also increased (by 4.6 percentage points) in the reference group; however, the relative increase in the HDP group (13.1 percentage points) was significantly greater (P < 0.001 for the interaction). The reduction in maternal and perinatal deaths did not differ significantly between the HDP and reference groups. There was a decreased incidence of placental abruption in both HDP and reference groups, which was significantly greater in the HDP than in the reference group (P < 0.001 for the interaction). There was also an increased incidence of emergency Cesarean section in both HDP and reference groups; however, this change was significantly greater in the reference than in the HDP group (P < 0.001 for the interaction).

Conclusion

Following the HYPITAT‐I trial, there was a higher rate of induction of labor and improved obstetric outcome in term pregnancies complicated by HDP in The Netherlands. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
First‐trimester intervention in twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence
Authors: Tavares de Sousa M. , Glosemeyer P. , Diemert A. , Bamberg C. , Hecher K.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To report the outcome of monochorionic twins with twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence following interstitial laser therapy in the first trimester.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive cases of TRAP that underwent interstitial laser therapy at ≤ 14 + 3 weeks' gestation between January 2014 and April 2016. Interstitial laser treatment was performed under ultrasound guidance using a 400‐nm Nd:YAG laser fiber. Hospital records were reviewed to ascertain perinatal survival and morbidity.

Results

Twelve monochorionic twin pregnancies underwent interstitial laser treatment of the umbilical artery of the acardiac fetus, at a median gestational age of 13 + 5 (interquartile range (IQR), 13 + 4 to 14 + 0) weeks. In all cases, one treatment was sufficient to achieve complete interruption of the perfusion of the acardiac twin. There were no procedure‐related complications during or within 48 h after the procedure. In one (8.3%) case, intrauterine death of the pump twin occurred 2 weeks after the intervention. All other cases (91.7%) resulted in a live birth at a median gestational age of 39 + 6 (IQR, 37 + 1 to 41 + 2) weeks and with a median birth weight of 3370 (IQR, 2980–3480) g. No neonatal mortality or serious morbidity occurred.

Conclusions

Our results support the use of interstitial laser therapy in the first trimester of pregnancy complicated by TRAP sequence, showing a live birth rate of 92%. The results of a randomized controlled trial, evaluating early vs late intervention in pregnancy with TRAP sequence, are awaited. © 2019 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Plant molecular farming of virus‐like nanoparticles as vaccines and reagents
Authors: Rybicki Edward P.
Published: September 2019

The use of plants for the production of virus‐like nanoparticles (VNPs) dates back to separating natural empty capsids of plant viruses from whole virions nearly 70 years ago, through to the present use of transgenic plants or recombinant Agrobacterium tumefaciens and/or plant virus‐derived vectors for the transient expression of engineered viral or other structural proteins in plants—a production system also known as molecular farming. Plant production of heterologous proteins has major advantages in terms of convenience—whole plants are generally used, and processes do not need to be sterile—and cost, as bulk biomass production is significantly cheaper than by any other method. Plant‐made VNPs in current use for nanotechnology include whole virions and naturally occurring empty capsids of plant viruses, and particles made by reassembly of coat protein (CP) purified from virions or by recombinant expression. Engineered VNP‐forming animal or human virus CPs expressed in plants include L1 protein from human papillomaviruses, human norovirus CP, hepatitis B surface and core antigens, influenza virus HA protein and HIV Gag polyprotein forming large enveloped particles by budding, orbi‐ and rotavirus particles that require assembly of four co‐expressed proteins, and polio‐ and foot and mouth disease viruses which require proteolytic processing of a polyprotein precursor to form 4‐component VNPs. Both plant and animal virus‐derived plant‐made VNPs can be used for surface and internal display of heterologous peptides or even whole proteins. A significant recent development has been the production of pseudovirions in plants, comprising plant or animal virus CPs and RNA or DNA pseudogenomes that can be used to deliver nucleic acid payloads into cultured cells or specific tissues or tumors in whole animals.

This article is characterized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Influence of the federal landowner Incentive Program
Authors: Carr Sunni L. , Riley Steven P. , Stoner Kristal , Steinauer Gerry , Walker Thomas L.
Published: September 2019

The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) was introduced as a federal conservation program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2002 as a means to incentivize private landowners in the management of rare wildlife species and their habitats. States and tribes were encouraged to apply for competitive funding and establish appropriate programs aimed at reversing population declines of wildlife species on privately owned land. We document the origin of LIP and highlight 2 case studies that exemplify innovations catalyzed by LIP. From 2002 to 2007, US$127 million was appropriated and >4,300 projects were completed nationwide. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
A state assessment of private lands wildlife conservation in the United States
Authors: Morgan John J. , Rhoden Cody M. , White Bill , Riley Steven P.
Published: September 2019

Wildlife habitat in the United States is largely owned by private entities. Threatened and endangered species conservation and game‐species hunting interests occur predominately on private lands. Our wildlife conservation history was characterized by eras of exploitation followed by conservation reactions. State wildlife agencies evolved through those eras as well. We sought to assess state wildlife agency investments in private lands conservation. We used a short survey to construct an index score designed to measure the state agency manpower commitment (%) as it relates to the composition of the state's private ownership (%). During 2019, we collected data about state wildlife agency participation in private lands program activities including cost‐share, equipment loans, or free supplies (seed or herbicide). Our survey metrics showed Kansas, USA, was the national leader in its commitment to private land management. Several midwestern and western states were notably well‐positioned to deliver private lands conservation relative to the nation. Our data show states are trending toward more effort on privately owned lands, but they continue to focus disproportionately more manpower on publicly owned lands or other priorities. Development of state wildlife agency commitments to private lands is a process characterized well by the Missouri Department of Conservation, USA. Expansion in conservation efforts on private lands will likely be linked to funding expansion that includes nonconsumptive users. We charge professionals to meet the conservation challenges of the 21st Century, they must invest significantly greater resources in private lands management through state wildlife agencies. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
The Z penguin in generic extensions of the Standard Model
Authors: Brod Joachim , Gorbahn Martin
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Precision flavour observables play an important role in the interpretation of results at the LHC in terms of models of new physics. We present the result for the one-loop Z penguin in generic extensions of the standard model which exhibit exact perturbative unitarity. We use Slavnov-Taylor identities to study the implications of unitarity on the renormalisation of the Z penguin, and derive a manifestly finite result that depends on a reduced set of physical couplings.
Development of an Algorithm for Optimal Demand Responsive Relocatable Feeder Transit Networks Serving Multiple Trains and Stations
Authors: Lee Young-Jae , Meskar Mana , Nickkar Amirreza , Sahebi Sina
Published: September 2019

Although demand responsive feeder bus operation is possible with human-driven vehicles, it has not been very popular and is mostly available as a special service because of its high operating costs due to intensive labor costs as well as requirement for advanced real-time information technology and complicated operation. However, once automated vehicles become available, small-sized flexible door-to-door feeder bus operation will become more realistic, so preparing for such automated flexible feeder services is necessary to take advantage of the rapid improvement of automated vehicle technology. Therefore, in this research, an algorithm for optimal flexible feeder bus routing, which considers relocation of buses for multiple stations and trains, was developed using a simulated annealing algorithm for future automated vehicle operation. An example was developed and tested to demonstrate the developed algorithm. The algorithm successfully handled relocation of buses when the optimal bus routings were not feasible using the buses available at certain stations. Furthermore, the developed algorithm limited the maximum degree of circuity for each passenger while minimizing the total cost, including total vehicle operating costs and total passenger in-vehicle travel time costs.
A model of identity development: Life‐course narratives of North Korean youth resettling in South Korea
Authors: Park Heejung
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Identity development is a convoluted process for youth experiencing traumatic interruptions in their lives. This study aimed to build a model of identity development in an understudied cultural group of trauma‐exposed youth who fled North Korea and resettled in South Korea.

Methods

Sixteen participants (75% female, Mage = 26.63 years, Mdefection age = 16.29 years, Mdefection duration = 5.72 years) produced life‐course narratives, as guided by the life‐lines they drew to depict their high and low points and future trajectories. The cross‐sectional qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Themes of identity, trauma, and turning points were derived and coded, and then organized sequentially to classify stages of identity development.

Results

The Vulnerable stage defined a sense of helplessness during an early life of deprivation in North Korea. Their identity entered the Invisible stage during their hiding in China. Upon reaching South Korea, they traversed four stages: The Renewal stage signaling a fresh outset; the Turmoil stage characterized by acculturative stress, rejection, and family disruption; the Achieved stage of relative stability; and the Self‐Transcendence stage in which youth extended beyond their immediate views of self and focused on meaning and purpose across the themes of social change, reconciliation, and spirituality.

Discussion

The six‐stage model of identity development demonstrates that North Korean youth who defect to South Korea undergo a multifaceted identity development process as they navigate adversities, interruptions, and turning points. Results suggest that traumatic experiences can spur positive identity development and provide implications for professionals working with youth affected by intense and prolonged social conflict.
Medial Temporal Lobe Dysgenesis and More in a Man with Hypochondroplasia and Epilepsy
Authors: Krawitz S , Del Bigio M
Published: September 2019

Hypochondroplasia, achondroplasia, and thanatophoric dysplasia are related at the molecular level, all caused by fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene mutations. They differ in severity. FGFR3 has critical roles in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling pathways during bone growth and cerebral cortical development. Mutations of the FGFR3 gene lead to constitutive activation of FGFR3. The well-described brain malformation in thanatophoric dysplasia is characterized by gross abnormalities of temporal lobe patterning and severe dysplasia of the hippocampus. Experimental models suggest that increased proliferation, abnormal migration, and decreased apoptosis are involved. However, reports of the brain findings in hypochondroplasia are based solely on radiologic imaging.

We present the neuropathology of a 44 year-old man with hypochondroplasia, epilepsy, and significant intellectual disability. The temporal lobes are enlarged, prominent fissures traverse the inferior temporal surface, and the hippocampus is abnormally folded. Microscopically, the dentate gyrus is variably small or thin and is located near the edge of a gyrus. Ammon’s horn is displaced and meandering. Subicular-like clusters are profuse. Complex gyri resemble microgyria. White matter forms a subpial border in some gyri. In summary: medial temporal lobe dysgenesis.

This individual also had many autistic features including stereotypies and head banging. The latter could explain another surprising set of brain abnormalities unrelated to the presumed FGFR3-related syndrome.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Summarize current theories on the pathogenesis of FGFR3-related cortical malformation

2.

Describe the brain abnormalities in hypochondroplasia

3.

Identify the neuropathology resulting from head banging
Human brain atlas: miRNA version
Authors: Khara M , Zhou Z , Wong J , Renwick N
Published: September 2019

Human brain is a complex organ comprising multiple cell types of differing function. Although histological evaluation remains the mainstay approach for evaluating tissue, comprehensive molecular characterization is now possible due to advanced -omic approaches. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small (~22 nt) RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and mediate cellular differentiation in normal brain development. miRNAs also make excellent tissue markers due to their abundance, cell-type and disease-stage specificity, and stability in solid/liquid clinical samples. To advance our knowledge of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in human brain, we generated comprehensive miRNA expression profiles from 117 fresh normal brain samples through barcoded small RNA sequencing; tissues included neocortex, allocortex, white matter, cerebellum, olfactory bulb, optic nerve, pineal gland and spinal cord. FASTQ sequence files were annotated using state-of-the-art sequence annotation available through the Renwick lab. Following data pre-processing, high expression analysis of miRNA profiles showed that miR-9 was the highest expressed miRNA in neocortex, cerebellum and olfactory bulb, whereas miR-22 was highest expressed in cingulate cortex, optic nerve and spinal cord; interestingly, miR-29 was the highest expressed miRNA in hippocampus. Our analyses showed a trend towards unique miRNA signatures in different anatomical areas of the brain. Our next step is to perform miRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues using a novel method developed in the Renwick lab. Accurate miRNA characterization of normal tissues will provide a firm basis for understanding miRNA changes in neurological diseases.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Describe the function of miRNAs and their suitability as tissue/cell specific signatures

2.

Describe the miRNA expression trends in profiling various anatomical regions of the central nervous system
Image Analysis in Neuropathology: Hue-Saturation-Intensity vs. Colour Deconvolution
Authors: Cosma D , Alturkustani M , Khan A , Hammond R
Published: September 2019

As image analysis expands into clinical and basic applications it is important that users be aware of opportunities and limitations. A common image analysis workflow involves the digitization of stained tissue sections into a red-green-blue (RGB) colour model for quantitative interpretation. Upstream of the digital image, quality and variability can be degraded at each step (tissue handling, fixation, sectioning, staining, image acquisition). Digital image analysis presents additional steps where variables can affect data quality. Image analysis platforms are not uniform. Aside from interface preferences, some introduce unintended variability due to their processing architecture that may not be obvious to the end-user. One important component of this is colour space representation: hue-saturation-intensity (HSI) vs. colour deconvolution (CD). A potential weakness of analyses within the HSI colour space is the mis-identification of darkly stained pixels, particularly when more than one stain is present. We were interested to discover whether HSI or CD provided greater fidelity in a typical immunoperoxidase/hematoxylin dataset.

Fifty-nine samples were processed using HSI- and CD-based analyses. Processed image pairs were compared with the original sample to determine which processed image provided a more accurate representation. CD proved superior to HSI in 94.9% of the analyzed image pairs. Where the option exists, CD-based image analysis is strongly recommended.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

To describe differences between HSI and CD colour spaces

2.

To explain limitations in the use of HSI-based analyses

3.

To be aware of recent developments in CD-based platforms
NTRK2 Fusion Driven Pediatric Glioblastoma: Identification of key molecular drivers by personalized oncology
Authors: Levine  , Shen Y , Mungall K , Serrano J , Snuderl M , Pleasance E , Jones SJM , Laskin J , Marra MA , Rassekh R , Deyell R , Yip S , Cheng S , Dunham C
Published: September 2019

We describe the case of an 11-month-old girl with a rare cerebellar glioblastoma driven by a NACC2-NTRK2 (Nucleus Accumbens Associated Protein 2-Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2) fusion. Initial workup of our case demonstrated homozygous CDKN2A deletion, but immunohistochemistry for other driver mutations, including IDH1 R132H, BRAF V600E, and H3F3A K27M were negative, and ATRX was retained. Tissue was subsequently submitted for personalized oncogenomic analysis, including whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing, which demonstrated an activating NTRK2 fusion, as well as high PD-L1 expression, which was subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, H3 and IDH demonstrated wildtype status. These findings suggested the possibility of treatment with either NTRK- or immune checkpoint- inhibitors through active clinical trials. Ultimately, the family pursued standard treatment that involved Head Start III chemotherapy and proton radiotherapy. Notably, at most recent follow upapproximately two years from initial diagnosis, the patient is in disease remission and thriving, suggesting favorable biology despite histologic malignancy. This case illustrates the value of personalized oncogenomics, as the molecular profiling revealed two actionable changes that would not have been apparent through routine diagnostics. NTRK fusions are known oncogenic drivers in a range of cancer types, but this is the first report of a NACC2-NTRK2 fusion in a glioblastoma.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Explore the current molecular landscape of pediatric high grade gliomas

2.

Recognize the value of personalized oncogenomic analysis, particularly in rare and/or aggressive tumors

3.

Discuss the current status of NTRK inhibitor clinical trials
Role of MacroH2A2 in the glioblastoma stem cell epigenome
Authors: Nikolic A , Ellestad K , Johnston M , Dirks PB , Zemp FJ , Gafiuk C , Mahoney DJ , Gallo M
Published: September 2019

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumour in adults, and remains uniformly lethal. These tumours contain a subpopulation of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that drive tumour recurrence and drug resistance. We find that MacroH2A2 is a histone variant that can stratify glioblastoma patients, with higher levels of this histone variant associated with better patient prognosis. Knockdown of macroH2A2 in GSCs is associated with increased self-renewal and an increased expression of stemness genes by RNA-seq. Our preliminary results suggest that macroH2A2 is a novel biomarker for glioblastoma and that macroH2A2 loss is a marker of GSC stemness and a poor prognostic marker in glioblastoma. This work identifies loss of macroH2A2 as a feature of GSCs and provides a framework for therapeutic modulation of this histone variant.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Explain the role of epigenetics in glioblastoma pathophysiology
Assessing autolyzed foetal brains
Authors: Joseph JT
Published: September 2019

Problem:

Evaluating very soft foetal brains is problematic, since anatomic information is often lost when these collapse on a dissection board.

Methods:

Present cases of very soft foetal brains photographed under water, discuss technical details on this technique, and indicate how these data can be used to evaluate the brains.

Results:

Foetal brains from intrauterine foetal deaths and from foetal terminations that have a long death-to-delivery time are often very soft, even after fixation, and collapse under their own weight on a dissection board. To better evaluate these brains, they have been floated and photographed in water. When possible, the brain is photographed intact in ventral and dorsal views. After the brainstem with cerebellum is removed and hemispheres are separated, these are all photographed; hemispheres are imaged in both lateral and medial views. This technique records developmental data about cortical gyration, the presence of olfactory tracts/bulbs, corpus callosum posterior extension, cerebellum foliation, and brainstem, which can be compared to standard brain development references. Problems with this technique include fragmentation of autolyzed brain into water.

Discussions:

Photography of very soft foetal brains under water allows evaluation of brains that normally collapse under their own weight. In cases too soft for meaningful dissection, these data often provide the only available brain developmental information.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This presentation will enable the learner to:

1.

Photograph foetal brain under water

2.

Evaluate key aspects of external examination using standard developmental literature
Magnetic anisotropy and debris-dependent rheological heterogeneity within stratified basal ice
Authors: Hopkins Nathan R. , Evenson Edward B. , Bilardello Dario , Alley Richard B. , Berti Claudio , Kodama Kenneth P.
Published: September 2019

Basal ice of glaciers and ice sheets frequently contains a well-developed stratification of distinct, semi-continuous, alternating layers of debris-poor and debris-rich ice. Here, the nature and distribution of shear within stratified basal ice are assessed through the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of samples collected from Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Generally, the AMS reveals consistent moderate-to-strong fabrics reflecting simple shear in the direction of ice flow; however, AMS is also dependent upon debris content and morphology. While sample anisotropy is statistically similar throughout the sampled section, debris-rich basal ice composed of semi-continuous mm-scale layers (thestratified facies) possesses well-defined triaxial to oblate fabrics reflecting shear in the direction of ice flow, whereas debris-poor ice containing mm-scale star-shaped silt aggregates (thesuspended facies) possesses nearly isotropic fabrics. Thus, deformation within the stratified basal ice appears concentrated in debris-rich layers, likely the result of decreased crystal size and greater availability of unfrozen water associated with high debris content. These results suggest that variations in debris-content over small spatial scales influence ice rheology and deformation in the basal zone.
French and British Colonial Legacies in Education: Evidence from the Partition of Cameroon
Authors: Dupraz Yannick
Published: September 2019

Cameroon was partitioned between France and the United Kingdom after WWI and then reunited after independence. I use this natural experiment to investigate colonial legacies in education, using a border discontinuity analysis of historical census microdata from 1976. I find that men born in the decades following partition had, all else equal, one more year of schooling if they were born in the British part. This positive British effect disappeared after 1950, as the French increased education expenditure, and because of favoritism in school supply towards the Francophone side after reunification. Using 2005 census microdata, I find that the British advantage resurfaced more recently: Cameroonians born after 1970 are more likely to finish high school, attend a university, and have a high-skilled occupation if they were born in the former British part. I explain this result by the legacy of high grade repetition rates in the French-speaking education system and their detrimental effect on dropout.
Comparing the availability of paid parental leave for same-sex and different-sex couples in 34 OECD countries
Authors: WONG ELIZABETH , JOU JUDY , RAUB AMY , HEYMANN JODY
Published: September 2019

The availability of paid family leave has been widely researched in the context of a two-parent household with one mother and one father, yet few studies have explored whether households with same-sex parents have access to equal benefits. Expanding on previous cross-country comparisons of parental leave policies, this study examines parental leave policies in 34 OECD countries to compare the total duration of paid parental leave available to same-sex and different-sex parent families within a country. We find that same-sex female and different-sex couples receive equal durations of leave in the majority of countries. However, same-sex male couples often receive shorter durations of paid parental leave compared to both different-sex and same-sex female couples. In addition to addressing the implications of laws and policies surrounding same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption on parental leave availability, we highlight specific aspects of paid leave policies that may explain the unequal durations of paid leave between same-sex and different-sex couples.
Large prime factors on short intervals
Authors: MERIKOSKI JORI
Published: September 2019

We show that for all large enough x the interval [x, x + x1/2 log1.39x] contains numbers with a prime factor p > x18/19. Our work builds on the previous works of Heath–Brown and Jia (1998) and Jia and Liu (2000) concerning the same problem for the longer intervals [x, x + x1/2 + ϵ]. We also incorporate some ideas from Harman’s book Prime-detecting sieves (2007). The main new ingredient that we use is the iterative argument of Matomäki and Radziwiłł (2016) for bounding Dirichlet polynomial mean values, which is applied to obtain Type II information. This allows us to take shorter intervals than in the above-mentioned previous works. We have also had to develop ideas to avoid losing any powers of log x when applying Harman’s sieve method.