bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manganese Oxide Biomineralization Provides Protection against Nitrite Toxicity in a Cell-Density-Dependent Manner
Authors: Zerfaß Christian , Christie-Oleza Joseph A. , Soyer Orkun S.
Published: November 2018

We present here a direct fitness benefit (i.e., growth advantage) for manganese oxide biomineralization activity in
Roseobacter
sp. strain AzwK-3b, a model organism used to study this process. We find that strain AzwK-3b in a laboratory culture experiment is growth inhibited by nitrite in manganese-free cultures, while the inhibition is considerably relieved by manganese supplementation and manganese oxide (MnO
X
) formation. We show that biogenic MnO
X
interacts directly with nitrite and possibly with reactive oxygen species and find that its beneficial effects are established through formation of dispersed MnO
X
granules in a manner dependent on the population size. These experiments raise the possibility that manganese biomineralization could confer protection against nitrite toxicity to a population of cells. They open up new avenues of interrogating this process in other species and provide possible routes to their biotechnological applications, including in metal recovery, biomaterials production, and synthetic community engineering.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 3 in Mexico (1994 to 2017): Decrease of the Unusual Clonal Complex 4909 Lineage following PCV13 Introduction
Authors: Echániz-Aviles Gabriela , Guerreiro Soraia I. , Silva-Costa Catarina , Mendes Catarina I. , Carriço João André , Carnalla-Barajas María Noemí , Soto-Noguerón Araceli , Velazquez-Meza Maria Elena , Melo-Cristino José , Luévanos-Velazquez Antonio , Martínez-Medina Lucía , Vázquez-Larios María del Rosario , Ramirez Mário
Published: November 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae
expressing serotype 3 has a high virulence and a high case fatality ratio. Most studies of serotype 3 pneumococci have focused on a single lineage, the widespread sequence type 180 (ST180).
Matrix Polysaccharides and SiaD Diguanylate Cyclase Alter Community Structure and Competitiveness of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
during Dual-Species Biofilm Development with
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chew Su Chuen , Yam Joey Kuok Hoong , Matysik Artur , Seng Zi Jing , Klebensberger Janosch , Givskov Michael , Doyle Patrick , Rice Scott A. , Yang Liang , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: November 2018

Bacteria in natural and engineered environments form biofilms that include many different species. Microorganisms rely on a number of different strategies to manage social interactions with other species and to access resources, build biofilm consortia, and optimize growth. For example,
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are biofilm-forming bacteria that coinfect the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and diabetic and chronic wounds.
P. aeruginosa
is known to antagonize
S. aureus
growth. However, many of the factors responsible for mixed-species interactions and outcomes such as infections are poorly understood. Biofilm bacteria are encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix that facilitates interspecies behavior and biofilm development. In this study, we examined the poorly understood roles of the major matrix biopolymers and their regulators in mixed-species biofilm interactions and development.
The Transferable Resistome of Produce
Authors: Blau Khald , Bettermann Antje , Jechalke Sven , Fornefeld Eva , Vanrobaeys Yann , Stalder Thibault , Top Eva M. , Smalla Kornelia
Published: November 2018

Produce is one of the most popular food commodities. Unfortunately, leafy greens can be a reservoir of transferable antibiotic resistance genes. We found that IncF and IncI plasmids were the most prevalent plasmid types in
E. coli
isolates from produce. This study highlights the importance of the rare microbiome associated with produce as a source of antibiotic resistance genes that might escape cultivation-independent detection, yet may be transferred to human pathogens or commensals.
Splicing Factor 3B Subunit 1 Interacts with HIV Tat and Plays a Role in Viral Transcription and Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Kyei George B. , Meng Shanshan , Ramani Rashmi , Niu Austin , Lagisetti Chandraiah , Webb Thomas R. , Ratner Lee
Published: November 2018

The reason why HIV cannot be cured by current therapy is because of viral persistence in resting T cells. One approach to permanent HIV remission that has received less attention is the so-called “block and lock” approach. The idea behind this approach is that the virus could be permanently disabled in patients if viral genome or surrounding chromatin could be altered to silence the virus, thus enabling patients to stop therapy. In this work, we have identified splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) as a potential target for this approach. SF3B1 interacts with the viral protein Tat, which is critical for viral transcription. Inhibition of SF3B1 prevents HIV transcription and reactivation from latency. Since there are preclinical inhibitors for this protein, our findings could pave the way to silence HIV transcription, potentially leading to prolonged or permanent remission.
Genomic Surveillance of Enterococcus faecium Reveals Limited Sharing of Strains and Resistance Genes between Livestock and Humans in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gouliouris Theodore , Raven Kathy E. , Ludden Catherine , Blane Beth , Corander Jukka , Horner Carolyne S. , Hernandez-Garcia Juan , Wood Paul , Hadjirin Nazreen F. , Radakovic Milorad , Holmes Mark A. , de Goffau Marcus , Brown Nicholas M. , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J.
Published: November 2018

The rise in rates of human infection caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREfm) strains between 1988 to the 2000s in Europe was suggested to be associated with acquisition from livestock. As a result, the European Union banned the use of the glycopeptide drug avoparcin as a growth promoter in livestock feed. While some studies reported a decrease in VREfm in livestock, others reported no reduction. Here, we report the first livestock VREfm prevalence survey in the UK since 2003 and the first large-scale study using whole-genome sequencing to investigate the relationship between
E. faecium
strains in livestock and humans. We found a low prevalence of VREfm in retail meat and limited evidence for recent sharing of strains between livestock and humans with bloodstream infection. There was evidence for limited sharing of genes encoding antibiotic resistance between these reservoirs, a finding which requires further research.
High-Affinity Chemotaxis to Histamine Mediated by the TlpQ Chemoreceptor of the Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Corral-Lugo Andrés , Matilla Miguel A. , Martín-Mora David , Silva Jiménez Hortencia , Mesa Torres Noel , Kato Junichi , Hida Akiko , Oku Shota , Conejero-Muriel Mayte , Gavira Jose A. , Krell Tino
Published: November 2018

Genome analyses indicate that many bacteria possess an elevated number of chemoreceptors, suggesting that these species are able to perform chemotaxis to a wide variety of compounds. The scientific community is now only beginning to explore this diversity and to elucidate the corresponding physiological relevance. The discovery of histamine chemotaxis in the human pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
provides insight into tactic movements that occur within the host. Since histamine is released in response to bacterial pathogens, histamine chemotaxis may permit bacterial migration and accumulation at infection sites, potentially modulating, in turn, quorum-sensing-mediated processes and the expression of virulence genes. As a consequence, the modulation of histamine chemotaxis by signal analogues may result in alterations of the bacterial virulence. As the first report of bacterial histamine chemotaxis, this study lays the foundation for the exploration of the physiological relevance of histamine chemotaxis and its role in pathogenicity.
Gut Microbial and Metabolic Responses to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium and Candida albicans
Authors: Bratburd Jennifer R. , Keller Caitlin , Vivas Eugenio , Gemperline Erin , Li Lingjun , Rey Federico E. , Currie Cameron R.
Published: November 2018

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized for playing a critical role in human health and disease, especially in conferring resistance to both virulent pathogens such as
Salmonella
, which infects 1.2 million people in the United States every year (E. Scallan, R. M. Hoekstra, F. J. Angulo, R. V. Tauxe, et al., Emerg Infect Dis 17:7–15, 2011,
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1701.P11101
), and opportunistic pathogens like
Candida
, which causes an estimated 46,000 cases of invasive candidiasis each year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United State
s,
2013
, 2013). Using a gnotobiotic mouse model, we investigate potential changes in gut microbial community structure and function during infection using metagenomics and metabolomics. We observe that changes in the community and in biosynthetic gene cluster potential occur within 3 days for the virulent
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, but there are minimal changes with a poorly colonizing
Candida albicans
. In addition, the metabolome shifts depending on infection status, including changes in glutathione metabolites in response to
Salmonell
a infection, potentially in response to host oxidative stress.
Petrobactin Protects against Oxidative Stress and Enhances Sporulation Efficiency in Bacillus anthracis Sterne
Authors: Hagan Ada K. , Plotnick Yael M. , Dingle Ryan E. , Mendel Zachary I. , Cendrowski Stephen R. , Sherman David H. , Tripathi Ashootosh , Hanna Philip C.
Published: November 2018

Bacillus anthracis
causes the disease anthrax, which is transmitted via its dormant, spore phase. However, conversion from bacillus to spore is a complex, energetically costly process that requires many nutrients, including iron.
B. anthracis
requires the siderophore petrobactin to scavenge iron from host environments. We show that, in the Sterne strain, petrobactin is required for efficient sporulation, even when ample iron is available. The petrobactin biosynthesis operon is expressed during sporulation, and petrobactin is biosynthesized during growth in high-iron sporulation medium, but instead of being exported, the petrobactin remains intracellular to protect against oxidative stress and improve sporulation. It is also required for full growth and sporulation in blood (bovine), an essential step for anthrax transmission between mammalian hosts.
The Enterococcus Cassette Chromosome, a Genomic Variation Enabler in Enterococci
Authors: Sivertsen A. , Janice J. , Pedersen T. , Wagner T. M. , Hegstad J. , Hegstad K.
Published: November 2018

Enterococcus faecium
is a bacterium found in a great variety of environments, ranging from the clinic as a nosocomial pathogen to natural habitats such as mammalian intestines, water, and soil. They are known to exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer and recombination, leading to great variability of accessory genes and aiding environmental adaptation. Identifying mobile genetic elements causing sequence variation is important to understand how genetic content variation occurs. Here, a novel genetic island, the enterococcus cassette chromosome, is shown to contain a wealth of genes, which may aid
E. faecium
in adapting to new environments. The transmission mechanism involves the only two conserved genes within ECC,
ccrAB
Ent
, large serine recombinases that insert ECC into the host genome similarly to SCC elements found in staphylococci.
Complement Susceptibility in Relation to Genome Sequence of Recent Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Thai Hospitals
Authors: Loraine Jessica , Heinz Eva , De Sousa Almeida Jessica , Milevskyy Oleksandr , Voravuthikunchai Supayang P. , Srimanote Potjanee , Kiratisin Pattarachai , Thomson Nicholas R. , Taylor Peter W.
Published: November 2018

Multidrug-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaeis responsible for an increasing proportion of nosocomial infections, and emerging hypervirulentK. pneumoniaeclones now cause severe community-acquired infections in otherwise healthy individuals. These bacteria are adept at circumventing immune defenses, and most survive and grow in serum; their capacity to avoid C′-mediated destruction is correlated with their invasive potential. Killing of Gram-negative bacteria occurs following activation of the C′ cascades and stable deposition of C5b-9 MACs onto the OM. ForKlebsiella, studies with mutants and conjugants have invoked capsules, lipopolysaccharide O-side chains, and OM proteins as determinants of C′ resistance, although the precise roles of the macromolecules are unclear. In this study, we sequenced 164Klebsiellaisolates with different C′ susceptibilities to identify genes involved in resistance. We conclude that no single OM constituent can account for resistance, which is likely to depend on biophysical properties of the target bilayer.
Temporal Variability of
Escherichia coli
Diversity in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Tanzanian Children with and without Exposure to Antibiotics
Authors: Richter Taylor K. S. , Hazen Tracy H. , Lam Diana , Coles Christian L. , Seidman Jessica C. , You Yaqi , Silbergeld Ellen K. , Fraser Claire M. , Rasko David A.
Published: November 2018

This study increases the number of resident
Escherichia coli
genome sequences, and explores
E. coli
diversity through longitudinal sampling. We investigate the genomes of
E. coli
isolated from human gastrointestinal tracts as part of an antibiotic treatment program among rural Tanzanian children. Phylogenomics demonstrates that resident
E. coli
are diverse, even within a single host. Though the
E. coli
isolates of the gastrointestinal community tend to be phylogenomically similar at a given time, they differed across the interrogated time points, demonstrating the variability of the members of the
E. coli
community in these subjects. Exposure to antibiotic treatment did not have an apparent impact on the
E. coli
community or the presence of resistance and virulence genes within
E. coli
genomes. The findings of this study highlight the variable nature of specific bacterial members of the human gastrointestinal tract.
Sinorhizobium meliloti, a Slow-Growing Bacterium, Exhibits Growth Rate Dependence of Cell Size under Nutrient Limitation
Authors: Dai Xiongfeng , Shen Zichu , Wang Yiheng , Zhu Manlu
Published: November 2018

The dependence of cell size on growth rate is a fundamental principle in the field of bacterial cell size regulation. Previous studies of cell size regulation mainly focus on fast-growing bacterial species such as
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus
subtilis
. We find here that
Sinorhizobium meliloti
, a slow-growing bacterium, exhibits a remarkable growth rate-dependent cell size pattern under nutrient limitation, generalizing the applicability of the empirical nutrient growth law of cell size. Moreover,
S. meliloti
exhibits a much slower speed of cell cycle progression than
E. coli
does, suggesting a delicate coordination between the cell cycle progression rate and the biomass growth rate.
Management assessment of mountain pine beetle infestation in Cypress Hills, SK
Authors: Kunegel-Lion Mélodie , McIntosh Rory L. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: November 2018

Insect epidemics such as the mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreak have a major impact on forest dynamics. In Cypress Hills, Canada, the Forest Service Branch of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment aims to control as many new infested trees as possible by conducting ground-based surveys around trees infested in previous years. Given the risk posed by MPB, there is a need to evaluate how well such a control strategy performs. Therefore, the goal of this study is to assess the current detection strategy compared with competing strategies (random search and search based on model predictions via machine learning), while taking management costs into account. Our model predictions via machine learning used a generalized boosted classification tree to predict locations of new infestations from ecological and environmental variables. We then ran virtual experiments to determine control efficiency under the three detection strategies. The classification tree predicts new infested locations with great accuracy (AUC = 0.93). Using model predictions for survey locations gives the highest control efficiency for larger survey areas. Overall, the current detection strategy performs well but control could be more efficient and cost-effective by increasing the survey area, as well as adding locations given by model predictions.
Semi-Online Hierarchical Scheduling on Two Machines for lp-Norm Load Balancing
Authors: Qi Xianglai , Yuan Jinjiang
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates semi-online hierarchical scheduling problems on two identical machines, with the purpose of minimizing the [Formula: see text]-norm of the machines’ loads. We consider two semi-online versions with knowing the total processing time [Formula: see text] of all jobs, or knowing the total processing time [Formula: see text] of the jobs of hierarchy [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] in advance. For the two semi-online versions, the best possible online algorithms are designed with competitive ratios of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, where [Formula: see text] is the maximum value of the function [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], our results cover the known results for minimizing the makespan.
PV-Aware Analog Sizing for Robust Analog Layout Retargeting with Optical Proximity Correction
Authors: Dong Xuan , Zhang Lihong
Published: November 2018

For analog integrated circuits (ICs) in nanometer technology nodes, process variation (PV) induced by lithography may not only cause serious wafer pattern distortion, but also result in device mismatch, which can readily ruin circuit performance. Although the conventional optical proximity correction (OPC) operations can effectively improve the wafer image fidelity, an analog circuit without robust device sizes is still highly vulnerable to such a mismatch effect. In this article, a PV-aware sizing-inclusive analog layout retargeting framework, which encloses an efficient hybrid OPC scheme for yield enhancement, is proposed. The device sizes are tuned during the layout retargeting process by using a deterministic circuit-sizing algorithm considering PV conditions. Our hybrid OPC method combines global rule-based OPC with local model-based OPC functions to boost the wafer image quality improvement but without degrading the computational efficiency. The experimental results show that our proposed framework can achieve the best wafer image quality and circuit performance preservation compared to any other alternative approaches.
Fabrication of ABS/Graphene Oxide Composite Filament for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printing
Authors: Aumnate C. , Pongwisuthiruchte A. , Pattananuwat P. , Potiyaraj P.
Published: November 2018

Additive manufacturing, the so‐called three‐dimensional (3D) printing, is a revolutionary emerging technology. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most used 3D printing technology in which the melted filament is extruded through the nozzle and builds up layer by layer onto the build platform. The layers are then fused together and solidified into final parts. Graphene‐based materials have been positively incorporated into polymers for innovative applications, such as for the mechanical, thermal, and electrical enhancement. However, to reach optimum properties, the graphene fillers are necessary to be well dispersed in polymers matrix. This study aims to emphasise the interest of producing ABS/graphene oxide (GO) composites for 3D printing application. The ABS/GO composite filaments were produced using dry mixing and solvent mixing methods before further melt extruded to investigate the proper way to disperse GO into ABS matrix. The ABS/GO composite filament with 2 wt.% of GO, prepared from the solvent mixing method, was successfully printed into a 3D model. By adding GO, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of ABS can be enhanced. However, the ABS/GO composite filament that was prepared via the dry mixing method failed to print. This could be attributed to the aggregation of GO, leading to the die clogging and failure of the printing process.
An IMM Filter Defined in the Linear-Circular Domain, Application to Maneuver Detection with Heading Only
Authors: El mokhtari Karim , Reboul Serge , Stienne Georges , Choquel Jean Bernard , Amami Benaissa , Benjelloun Mohammed
Published: November 2018

In this article, we propose a multimodel filter for circular data. The so-called Circular Interacting Multimodel filter is derived in a Bayesian framework with the circular normal von Mises distribution. The aim of the proposed filter is to obtain the same performance in the circular domain as the classical IMM filter in the linear domain. In our approach, the mixing and fusion stages of the Circular Interacting Multimodel filter are, respectively, defined from the a priori and from the a posteriori circular distributions of the state angle knowing the measurements and according to a set of models. We propose in this article a set of circular models that will be used in order to detect the vehicle maneuvers from heading measurements. The Circular Interacting Multimodel filter performances are assessed on synthetic data and we show on real data a vehicle maneuver detection application.
Plasma Asprosin Levels Are Associated with Glucose Metabolism, Lipid, and Sex Hormone Profiles in Females with Metabolic-Related Diseases
Authors: Li Xing , Liao Mingyu , Shen Rufei , Zhang Linlin , Hu Hua , Wu Jun , Wang Xiuli , Qu Hua , Guo Shaodong , Long Min , Zheng Hongting
Published: November 2018

Asprosin is a white adipose tissue-derived hormone that increases abnormally in mammals with insulin resistance. However, the role of asprosin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disease partly characterized by insulin resistance, and its potential connection with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and PCOS has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. To investigate the association of asprosin with metabolic profiles, sex-related hormones, or inflammation in females with T2DM or PCOS, plasma asprosin and metabolic indicators were measured in 66 healthy females, 53 female patients with T2DM, and 41 patients with PCOS. Spearman’s correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis models were used. Plasma asprosin was significantly higher in T2DM females than in healthy subjects (P<0.001) and was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and HOMA-IR (P<0.05). Asprosin in PCOS subjects was also higher than in healthy subjects (P<0.001) but lower than in T2DM subjects (P<0.05), and it was positively correlated with FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, LDL-c, APOB, APOE, and testosterone (P<0.05). The BMI-categorized subgroups of PCOS subjects also showed correlations of asprosin with metabolic profiles and sex-related hormones. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma asprosin level acted as an independent risk factor for T2DM or PCOS. These findings suggest the correlation of plasma asprosin level with glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, sex-related hormones, and inflammation in females, supporting asprosin as a potential predictive factor for females with metabolic-related diseases. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-ROC-17010719.
Design and Characterization of a Miniaturized Antenna Based on Palisade-Shaped Metasurface
Authors: Li Ximing , Yang Jingjing , Chen Zhigang , Ren Pengshan , Huang Ming
Published: November 2018

A palisade-shaped metasurface (PSMS) is presented to miniaturize the micropatch antenna. With the aid of the metasurface, a footprint miniaturization is obtained, and the dual resonant modes are produced simultaneously. Furthermore, through analyzing the dispersion curve of the metasurface to optimize the structure, the proposed antenna achieves a compact structure with a maximum size of 0.38λ02; a low profile of 0.08λ0 (where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at 5.0 GHz) exhibits a 19.6% impedance bandwidth (S11<−10dB) and an average gain of 6.76 dBi across the bandwidth.
Research of the Passenger’s Preferences and Requirements for the Travel Companion Application
Authors: Dolinayova Anna , Masek Jaroslav , Kendra Martin , Čamaj Juraj , Grandsart Delphine , Marlier Evelien , Colzani Paola , Arena Marika , Paragreen Jonathan , Navaratnam Piraba , Brennan Martin , Paleta Tomas
Published: November 2018

Currently, passengers have access to a lot of information when planning their trip by public transport. They can use a lot of applications, which are not compatible with each other. Sometimes it can be even quite difficult to collect all relevant information. The creation of one application (Travel Companion), which contains all relevant data needed for optimal planning of a trip can make travelling by public transport more attractive. This paper identifies and describes conditions for a large market uptake of the Travel Companion approach by the end-users: the travellers. The paper deals with research of the passenger’s preferences and requirements for the travel companion. Research consists of four steps based on analyses of interaction points, interviews, and workshops. Every step of methodology brings interesting feedback on the design and functionality of the travel companion. The paper is based on particular results of the H2020 project - 730842 Governance of the Interoperability Framework for Rail and Intermodal Mobility (GoF4R).
Properties Exploring and Information Mining in Consumer Community Network: A Case of Huawei Pollen Club
Authors: Meng Qingchun , Zhang Zhen , Wan Xiaole , Rong Xiaoxia
Published: November 2018

Substantial changes took place in the role of consumers in the supply chain with the development of practices. They became creators from consumers of product values. More and more consumers express their consumption experiences by posting in network community. Consumer community network is an important place for feedback of product experiences and facilitating product innovation in future. Manufacturers can promote improvement and innovation of products by exploring effective information on the consumer community network, thus improving the experience level of consumers. Therefore, how to explore information in topics (posts) and their relationships becomes very important. Is it possible to describe the structure of consumer community network by complex network and explore information about products and consumers? There is important and positive significance to study the collaborative innovation in the supply chain in which consumers participate. In this paper, the consumer community network was constructed by Boolean retrieve programming and discussed in the methodology and empirical way based on the community data of Huawei P10/P10 Plus. In methodology, interaction difference and uniformity within consumer community were explored by the density of isolated nodes and generalized variance of degree of network. In empirical studies, community network users were divided into ordinary user group, intermediary user group, and enterprise user group according to empirical data, and corresponding interaction networks were constructed. A contrastive analysis on the interaction of these three groups was carried out by combining the existing properties and innovative properties. Topics in each network were put in the order according to significance. Research conclusions have important significance to enrich the network analysis methods, explore the effective information in consumer community network, facilitate product improvement and innovations, and improve the experience level of consumers.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Survival of Patients with Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Institution
Authors: Tai Wai Meng , Tan Sze Huey , Tan Damien Meng Yew , Loke Kelvin Siu Hoong , Ng David Chee Eng , Yan Sean Xuexian , Hwang Jacqueline Siok Gek , Lim Kiat Hon , Loh Lih Ming , Kek Peng Chin , Goh Brian Kim Poh , Lee Ser Yee , Chung Alexander Yaw Fui , Ong Simon Yew Kuang
Published: November 2018

Background: Epidemiological evidence suggests there are differences in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEPNEN) among population groups. We aimed to contribute to the current evidence by evaluating the clinicopathological characteristics of GEPNEN in a multi-ethnic Asian group. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with GEPNEN at a tertiary medical institution at Singhealth Outram Campus, Singapore, between 1995 and 2015. Results: Two hundred ninety-five patients were included in the evaluation, comprising Chinese (74.6%), Malay (4.4%), Indian (9.5%) and other (11.5%) ethnic backgrounds. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years; 52.5% were males. Distribution of disease stage at diagnosis was: localised (42.4%), regional (15.3%) and distant (38.0%). The three most common primary tumour sites were located in the pancreas (38.6%), rectum (19.7%) and stomach (9.5%), which varied significantly with ethnic background and age at diagnosis. Malay patients were younger (median 42 years) at diagnosis than Chinese (60 years). Patients with an appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) (48 years) were younger compared to oesophageal NEN (66 years). Disease stage correlated with primary tumour site and grade (p < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) for all GEPNEN was 10.2 years. Age at diagnosis, disease stage and grading were prognostic factors of OS in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Our findings correspond with other studies that focus on GEPNEN incidences in Asian countries, with the pancreas, rectum and stomach being the most common primary tumour sites. Our findings suggest racial differences in primary tumour site and age at diagnosis. Further prospective population-based registries are required to understand these epidemiological differences.
Em busca dos direitos humanos
Authors: Schilling Flávia , Boto Carlota
Published: November 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivo debater a história e a atualidade das acepções de direito e de justiça nas lutas sociais que abarcaram as ideias de igualdade e de diversidade. Trabalharemos, como ponto de partida, com um artigo da Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos que orientará nossa reflexão, por revelar, de forma radical, os dilemas da igualdade e da diferença que permeiam os embates e as lutas sobre “quem” é o sujeito de direitos. Refletiremos, do ponto de vista histórico, sobre as conquistas relacionadas ao campo dos direitos humanos. Em seguida, levantaremos questões contemporâneas que abarcam o tema da democracia e dos procedimentos para obtenção da justiça, os quais ancoram uma sociedade pautada pela dimensão dos direitos humanos.
Sobre a prática da tortura no Brasil
Authors: Endo Paulo
Published: November 2018

Este artigo apresenta um quadro comparativo entre as recomendações do relatório de Nigel Rodley sobre a tortura em sua visita ao Brasil no ano 2000 e, mais de 15 anos depois, o que foi relatado pelos membros do Mecanismo Nacional de Prevenção e Combate à Tortura em visita a locais de detenção pelo país. Tal comparação deixa evidente que as práticas de tortura no Brasil não apenas não cederam, como, de diversas maneiras, se aprofundaram e se enraizaram como prática corriqueira cometida pelas instituições e agentes do Estado brasileiro.
Uma interpretação programática do direito à educação
Authors: Carvalho José Sérgio Fonseca de
Published: November 2018

O direito à educação ocupa um lugar ímpar entre os direitos sociais. Diferentemente de alguns de seus congêneres, seu reconhecimento como um direito fundamental e sua aspiração à universalidade não parecem ser objetos de grandes controvérsias no que concerne à legitimidade de sua enunciação e os mecanismos jurídicos para sua garantia são bastante claros. Contudo, a despeito da universalização da oferta de vagas no ensino fundamental, há muito a caminhar em relação à sua efetivação. A hipótese que guia o presente artigo é a de que sua plena realização requer uma elucidação acerca do próprio bem jurídico assegurado: o direito à educação como um direito subjetivo público.
Neoliberalism in Mexican Cultural Theory
Authors: Prado Ignacio M. Sánchez
Published: November 2018

This essay reviews two theoretical books on neoliberalism written by Mexican cultural critics: Capitalismo gore (Gore Capitalism), by Sayak Valencia, published originally in Spanish in 2010 and translated into English in 2018, and La tiranía del sentido común ( The Tyranny of Common Sense) by Irmgard Emmelhainz, published in Spanish in 2016 and yet to be translated into English. These works are pioneering in their discussion of the correlation between neoliberalism, subjectivity, and culture in Mexico, and they have become widely influential in broader discussions of art, visual culture, literature, and cultural production. They add to the work of economic and political historians, such as Fernando Escalante Gonzalbo and María Eugenia Romero Sotelo, by connecting landmark moments in neoliberalization (from the financialization of the global economy in the 1970s to the War on Drugs in the 2000s) to changing paradigms in art. Author Ignacio M. Sánchez Prado contextualizes both books within larger discussions of Mexican cultural neoliberalism and describes the theoretical frame works through which both authors read Mexican politics, art, and popular culture. In Valencia's case, Sánchez Prado discusses her idea of “gore capitalism”: a framework for understanding how neoliberalism relies on dynamics of the shadow economy and on the subjectification of gore (what Valencia calls endriago subjectivity) to function at the social and artistic levels. In the case of Emmelhainz, Sánchez Prado engages with the author's idea of semiocapitalism, a term borrowed from theorist Franco “Bifo” Berardi, which Emmelhainz deploys to account for the interrelation between culture and capital in the era of neoliberalism. As such, Sánchez Prado argues, Emmelhainz and Valencia provide ways of reading artistic and visual production, including museum curatorship and narcocultura, in ways that show their organic relationship to neoliberal economic and political reforms. Find the complete article at artmargins.com .
The Equal and the Different
Authors: de Castro Eduardo Viveiros
Published: November 2018

Eduardo Viveiros de Castro's text, “The Equal and the Different,” was written circa 1975 at the request of the Brazilian artist Carlos Vergara, who had recently completed a series of photographs devoted the Rio de Janeiro-based carnival group, Cacique de Ramos. Viveiros de Castro, then an anthropology student at the Museu Nacional, locates in Cacique de Ramos a unique model of individual-group dynamics, one based neither on social hierarchy nor conformity, but mimesis and ecstatic deindividualization: a “passion of the same,” as he writes, that emerges from deep within Western society.
A new record of Neoperla obliqua Banks, 1930 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Mt. Malindang, Mindanao, Philippines and association of life stages using DNA barcodes
Authors: CRUZ IAN NIEL B. DELA , NUÑEZA OLGA M. , LIN CHUNG-PING
Published: November 2018

The nymph of the perlid Neoperla obliqua Banks, 1913 from Mt. Malindang, Mindanao Island, the Philippines is described and associated with the male and female adults using DNA barcodes. Using pairwise CO1, the nymph was associated with 99.9 ± 0.14% interspecific similarity, while comparison between sexes generated a 0.2% intraspecific divergence between males and females of putative conspecifics. Additionally, the mature ova from female adults are described using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The distinctive chorionic surface is rugose with longitudinal ridge-like pattern with a bare and flat collar.
Some soil-inhabiting mites from Zanzibar (Acari: Laelapidae)
Authors: JOHARCHI OMID , HALLIDAY BRUCE , KHAUSTOV ALEXANDER A. , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: November 2018

This paper reports on six species of soil-inhabiting mites of the family Laelapidae from Zanzibar, Tanzania: Gaeolaelaps praesternalis (Willmann), G. zanzibarensis sp. nov., Hypoaspisella bernhardi sp. nov., Ololaelaps placentula (Berlese), Ololaelaps placidus (Banks) and Pseudoparasitus missouriensis (Ewing). The subgenus Hypoaspis (Hypoaspisella) Bernhard, 1971 is raised to the genus level and its diagnosis is clarified.
The larva of Rhyacophila palmeni McLachlan 1879 (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae) from Greece and Kosovo with notes on ecology and zoogeography including a key to the known Greek Rhyacophila larvae
Authors: KARAOUZAS IOANNIS , IBRAHIMI HALIL , WARINGER JOHANN
Published: November 2018

The larva of Rhyacophila palmeni McLachlan 1879 is described, based on material from Greece and Kosovo. The diagnostic features of the species are discussed and illustrated, and some information on its ecology and distribution are included. In addition, diagnostic characters for larvae of the known Greek Rhyacophila species are provided.
A Novel Interface-Induced Seed-Medicated Approach for Synthesis of Ag@TiO2 Hollow Nanospheres with Superb Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Ouyang Wen-Jing , Chen Li-Bo , Wang Guang-Sheng
Published: November 2018

A novel interface-induced seed medicated method was developed for the synthesis of highly visible active Ag@TiO2 hollow nanospheres. The polar/unipolar interface plays a key role in the deposition of Silver particles. SEM, HRTEM, XRD and EDS tests were carried out to characterize
the crystal structure. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was investigated, the result indicated that these nanocrystals have super photocatalytic activities with a reaction constant rate of 0.3125 min–1.
Mechanical Blending Preparation of Hydrophilic Spherical Nano-SiO2/Acrylic Resin Nanocomposite for Tanning Leather
Authors: Pan Hui , Li Guang-Long , Wang Xiao-Dong , Wang Shu-Xia , Gong Chun-Hong , Ding Tao
Published: November 2018

In this study, the spherical silica nanoparticles (denoted as PASP-K-SiO2) were firstly prepared with 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (KH550) and polyaspartic acid (PASP) as surface-modifiers by sol–gel method. The PASP-K-SiO2 nanoparticles were well dispersed
in water and combined with waterborne acrylic resin matrix (denoted as PAA) for preparing novel nanocomposite tanning agents (denoted as PASP-K-SiO2/PAA) successfully through a strong mechanical blending. The nanocomposite tanning agents were used to tan pickling white-wet sheepskin
and the tanned leather was characterized by rheological measurements, revealing an increase in the storage modulus and relaxation time of the leather compared to the leather tanned with bare nano-SiO2 and neat PAA. The leather tanned with PASP-K-SiO2 nanoparticles also
exhibits excellent mechanical properties, high thermal stability and chromium absorption rate. Moreover, the shrinkage temperature of the leather tanned with PASP-K-SiO2/PAA and just 0.2% chromium powder based on the sheepskin weight can reach above 80 C, which is potentially advantageous
in completely or partially replacing toxic chromium tanning agents used in traditional leather industry. Compared with the chromium tanning process, the tanning method with the nanocomposites would be regarded as eco-friendly, thus contributing to the reduction of environmental impact.
Modified Rapeseed Oil/Al-Montmorillonite Composite Material: Preparation and Application in Leather Collagen
Authors: Lyu Bin , Wang Yue-Feng , Ma Jian-Zhong , Gao Dang-Ge
Published: November 2018

In this study, montmorillonite (MMT) was modified by aluminium sulfate via ions exchange method and aluminium-montmorillonite (Al-MMT) was obtained. Al-MMT was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that the interlayer spacing
of MMT increased from 1.26 nm to 1.55 nm after being modified by Al3+. Then Al-MMT was introduced to modified rapeseed oil by an in-situ method. The results of TGA and XRD indicated that modified rapeseed oil (MRO) could smoothly enter the interlayer of Al-MMT and modified
rapeseed oil/Al-montmorillonite (MRO/Al-MMT) composite material was prepared successfully. Finally, MRO/Al-MMT composite material was applied in the leather fatliquoring process of goatskin garment. Physical and mechanical properties and flame retardant performance of leather fatliquored by
MRO/Al-MMT composite material were improved compared with those of leather fatliquored by MRO. And MRO/Al-MMT composite material was easily biodegradable compared with MRO.
Electrical Properties of Exfoliated Multilayer Germanium Selenide (GeSe) Nanoflake Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Kang Soo-Young , Yoon Yo-Seop , Park No-Won , Lee Won-Yong , Kim Gil-Sung , Yoon Young-Gui , Koh Jung-Huk , Koo Sang-Mo , Umar Ahmad , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: November 2018

We report on the electrical properties of natural p-type GeSe nanoflakes, which were mechanically exfoliated from GeSe single crystals by the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp method, using a back-gate field effect transistor (FET) measured in a vacuum probe station at room temperature.
In this study, we used two contact metals, including Au and Cr metals, as the Ohmic contacts to the GeSe nanoflake FETs, resulting in an Ohmic behavior with the Au contacts, with a total resistance of 5.5 × 106 Ω. We also found that the 40-nm-thick GeSe nanoflake FET
exhibits clear p-type semiconductor behavior with a field-effect mobility of ∼1.0 × 10–3 cm2/(V · s) and a current on/off ratio of ∼104 at room temperature.
Synthesis, Characterization and CO2 Adsorption of Cr(III)-Based Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Rather Sami Ullah , Muhammad Ayyaz , Al-Zahrani Abdulrahim Ahmad , Youssef Tamer Ezzat
Published: November 2018

Chromium(III)-based metal-organic framework was prepared by using a tritopic bridging 1,3,5-Tris(4-carboxyphenyl) benzene ligand as a linker and chromium as metal that forms a secondary building unit, by solvothermal method. Continuous weight loss of Cr-MOF sample in the entire temperature
range was related to loss of desorption of adsorbed gases from pores and cavities, removal of guest molecules such as N,N-dimethyl formamide, and framework disintegration. Specific surface area was found to be 420 m2/g and significant steep raise in the isotherm at
partial pressure >0.2 indicates microporous character of the sample. The CO2 adsorption capacity of Cr-MOF sample measured at 298 K and partial pressure of 0.9 atm was found to be 3.5 wt.%. Temperature elevation from 298 to 343 K decreases adsorption capacity according
to the Le-Chatelier's Principle. The CO2 adsorption increases linearly as the pressure increases from 0 to 0.9 atm is due to relatively weak adsorption sites and homogeneity.
Study on Preparation and Properties of Cement-Based/Geopolymer-Polystyrene Composite Building Exterior Wall Insulation Materials
Authors: Cui Baolong , Liu Jialiang , Li Shengbin , Shen Zhijun
Published: November 2018

With the continuous improvement of building energy-saving requirements, traditional insulation materials cannot meet current needs. New building insulation materials have become the focus of many researchers. The geopolymer was used as a matrix and combined with waste polystyrene foam
(EPS) to form a geopolymerpolystyrene composite. The composite material is used to improve the thermal insulation performance of the cement exterior wall. XRD and morphological analysis of Qingdao kaolin were carried out by XRD and SEM. The optimum calcination temperature and time were determined
to be 570 °C and 8 h, respectively. The geopolymer was subjected to hydration experiments based on the preparation of geopolymers from kaolin. The hydrated geopolymer was subjected to XRD analysis and morphology analysis. To obtain the best bonding performance of the geopolymer/polystyrene
composite, polystyrene loading experiments were carried out. The resulting geopolymer-polystyrene composite was tested for thermal insulation properties with cement based on the optimum oligomer/polystyrene content ratio. Through the experiment, the following conclusions are obtained: When
the ratio of cement to composite material does not exceed 8.7 and the solid solute density of hydrate formation is less than 280 kg/m3, the cement/geopolymer-polystyrene composite material satisfies the requirements of building exterior wall insulation materials. The increase of
water cement ratio will reduce the strength of composite insulation materials. The increase of the content of cellulose, alkali water or air entraining agent can enhance the performance of the composite insulation material.
Effect of Annealing Process on Properties of Ferritic Ductile Iron for Subway
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Sun Shufeng , Liu Changsong , Zhu Yuguo , Liu Qingyu , Wang Yongwu , Wang Jin , Wang Mingyu
Published: November 2018

In order to improve the comprehensive mechanical properties of the commonly used ductile iron QT400-18, the microstructure of the ductile iron in the cast state was improved by optimizing the heat treatment process, thereby improving its comprehensive mechanical properties. The mechanical
properties of the heat-treated samples at different annealing rates were tested, and the microstructures of the samples were observed. Furthermore, the influence of different heat treatment processes on the mechanical properties was analyzed. The results indicated that the mechanical properties
and tissue properties of ductile iron QT400-18 were significantly improved after heat treatment. With the increase of annealing rate, the spheroidization effect, low temperature impact toughness and elongation showed a tendency to increase first and then decrease, while the strength and hardness
decrease. The microstructure and mechanical properties of ductile cast iron were optimal at annealing rate of 70 °C/h. According to the national standards and actual requirements of subway products, the annealing rate of 110 °C/h or 150 °C/h could also be chosen to improve production
efficiency on the premise of meeting the performance requirements.
Posidonia oceanica leaves for processing of PMDI composite boards
Authors: Kuqo Aldi , Korpa Arjan , Dhamo Nikolla
Published: November 2018

Posidonia oceanica leaves (seagrass) are collected almost in all the Mediterranean seashores as spoils and disturbing material with additional cost for removal from the coastline. Seagrass, however, is known for its interesting properties, such as decay, fire and moisture resistance as well as insulation. Research for using this material in composing boards was initiated. This study looks into the possibility of using these waste marine plants for the production of alternative building material in the form of pressed panels. The paper describes the pretreatment of seagrass leaves before their processing for composite boards and the examination of its final product. The residence time for salts desorption was also determined. The main processes analyzed were the binder spraying and panel forming. Mechanical properties were evaluated by the standardized flexural tests. In addition, swelling properties were investigated. Results obtained from testing and observation of boards indicated that seagrass leaves are propitious for the application in construction and furniture industry.
Everyday (Imagined) Talk: An Exploration of Everyday Conversational Topics and Imagined Interaction Features
Authors: Vickery Andrea J.
Published: November 2018

Imagined interactions (IIs), a cognitive process generating mental imagery of conversations, play an important role in interpersonal relationships. This study investigates the frequency of everyday topics of talk represented in imagined talk and the bivariate and multivariate associations with the features of II functions and II attributes. Participants ( N = 264) reported their general tendencies using II features and general frequency of topics of everyday talk in IIs in a cross-sectional survey. Bivariate and multivariate correlations were estimated to investigate four exploratory research questions. The results identify consistent patterns of association between II features and everyday topics of imagined talk at two levels of abstraction of everyday talk; relationally centered topics emerge as thematic for understanding II usage and functions. Contributions to the theoretical and methodological framework of IIs are discussed.