bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hes1 regulates anagen initiation and hair follicle regeneration through modulation of hedgehog signaling
Authors: Suen Wei-Jeng , Li Shao-Ting , Yang Liang-Tung
Published: November 2019

Adult hair follicles undergo repeated cycling of regression (catagen), resting (telogen), and growth (anagen), which is maintained by hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The mechanism underlying hair growth initiation and HFSC maintenance is not fully understood. Here, by epithelial deletion of Hes1, a major Notch downstream transcriptional repressor, we found that hair growth is retarded, but the hair cycle progresses normally. Hes1 is specifically upregulated in the lower bulge/HG during anagen initiation. Accordingly, loss of Hes1 results in delayed activation of the secondary hair germ (HG) and shortened anagen phase. This developmental delay causes reduced hair shaft length but not identity changes in follicular lineages. Remarkably, Hes1 ablation results in impaired hair regeneration upon repetitive depilation. Microarray gene profiling on HFSCs indicates that Hes1 modulates Shh responsiveness in anagen initiation. Using primary keratinocyte cultures, we demonstrated that Hes1 deletion negatively influences ciliogenesis and Smoothened ciliary accumulation upon Shh treatment. Furthermore, transient application of Smoothened agonist during repetitive depilation can rescue anagen initiation and HFSC self-renewal in Hes1-deficient hair follicles. We reveal a critical function of Hes1 in potentiating Shh signaling in anagen initiation, which allows sufficient signaling strength to expand the HG and replenish HFSCs to maintain the hair cycle homeostasis.
KLF2+ stemness maintains human mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration
Authors: Zhou Ying , Liu Chao , He Jianxiang , Dong Lingqing , Zhu Huiyong , Zhang Bin , Feng Xiaoxia , Weng Wenjian , Cheng Kui , Yu Mengfei , Wang Huiming
Published: November 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are undifferentiated stem cells with the property of stemness and the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages, including osteoblasts, have attracted a great deal of attention in bone tissue engineering. Consistent with the heterogeneity of MSCs, various surface markers have been used. However, it is still unclear which markers of MSCs are best for cell amplification in vitro and later bone regeneration in vivo. Krüppel-like Factor 2 (KLF2) is an important indicator of the stemness of human MSCs (hMSCs) and as early vascularization is also critical for bone regeneration, we used KLF2 as a novel in vitro marker for MSCs and investigated the angiogenesis and osteogenesis between KLF2+ MSCs and endothelial cells (ECs). We found a synergistic interaction between hMSCs and human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) in that KLF2+ stemness-maintained hMSCs initially promoted the angiogenesis of HUVECs, which in turn more efficiently stimulated the osteogenesis of hMSCs. In fact, KLF2+ hMSCs secreted angiogenic factors initially, with some of the cells then differentiating into pericytes through the PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β signaling pathway, which improved blood vessel formation. The matured HUVECs in turn synergistically enhanced the osteogenesis of KLF2+ hMSCs through upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor. A three-dimensional coculture model using cell-laden gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel further confirmed these results. This study provides insight into the stemness-directed synergistic interaction between hMSCs and HUVECs, and our results will have a profound impact on further strategies involving the application of KLF2+ hMSC/HUVEC-laden GelMA hydrogel in vascular network bioengineering and bone regeneration.
A generalized method for estimating drifts and drift components of tall buildings under lateral loading
Authors: Hu Hong‐Song , Wang Rui‐Tao , Guo Zi‐Xiong , Shahrooz Bahram M.
Published: November 2019

A generalized method for estimating the drifts of tall buildings composed of planar moment‐resisting frames and coupled shear walls under lateral loading is presented. This method establishes the stiffness equations at the story levels by assuming that all the nodes in the same floor of a planar lateral‐force‐resisting unit have an identical lateral displacement, an identical rotation component due to the axial deformations of the columns, and an identical rotation component due to the flexural and shear deformations of the beams. By adopting this simplification, the story drifts contributed by different types of deformations, namely, the axial deformations of the columns or wall piers, the flexural and shear deformations of the beams, and the double‐curvature bending and shear deformations of the columns or wall piers, can be identified. In the formulation of the stiffness matrix, the P‐Delta effects were also incorporated. Through comparisons between the lateral displacements and story drifts computed using the proposed method and those computed using the structural analysis software Midas/Gen, the proposed method is proved to have high accuracy in estimating the drifts of tall building structures.
The history, establishment, and functioning of Special‐purpose Committees under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants
Authors: Smith Gideon F. , Schori Melanie , Wilson Karen L.
Published: November 2019

Between International Botanical Congresses, Special‐purpose Committees (SPCs), previously simply called “Special Committees”, fulfill an important governance function on behalf of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Code) through addressing particular topics assigned to them by the Nomenclature Section of an International Botanical Congress or, since 2017, of an International Mycological Congress. Considering the very diverse topics referred to SPCs, the Code does not set out in detail how such Committees should or could function. Given that SPCs are now prominently mentioned in Division III of the current (Shenzhen) Code, we provide the history that led up to this point. We also provide background on the establishment, membership, and functioning of SPCs, and how they differ from ad hoc and Standing Committees.
The neglected nameStatice auriculifolia(Plumbaginaceae) and its related names: A long history of nomenclatural intricacy
Authors: Del Guacchio Emanuele , Erben Matthias , Caputo Paolo
Published: November 2019

The authors studiedStaticenames derived from the Tournefortianum “Limonium Lusitanicum, Auriculae Ursi folio”. The nameS. auriculaeursifolia, basionym of the acceptedLimonium auriculaeursifolium, is typified by a specimen in Lamarck's herbarium in Paris. The controversial nameS. auriculifolia, often regarded as a synonym ofL. auriculaeursifolium, corresponds instead toL. nydeggeri, employed for a narrowly endemic plant of Portugal, and has priority over that name.Statice auriculifoliais lectotypified by a specimen in Tournefort's herbarium. In addition, the related namesS. lychnidifolia,S. willdenovii(both illegitimate and synonyms ofL. auriculaeursifolium), andS. ovalifoliumare discussed. Finally, the taxon to which the invalid name “L. ovalifoliumsubsp.gallicum” has been applied, has a legitimate name at the specific rank:L. gallicumDomina. This latter name, however, is a taxonomic synonym ofL. ovalifolium.
Critical Expressionism: Expanding Reader Response in Critical Literacy
Authors: McLaughlin Maureen , DeVoogd Glenn
Published: November 2019

Critical literacy requires that readers have both the ability and the deliberate inclination to think critically about texts of all types, meaningfully question their origin and purpose, and take action. Response to reading from a critical stance has typically been limited to discussion but has recently expanded to include other modes of response.Critical expressionismis the term that describes this newly expanded, more encompassing type of critical response. In this article, the authors begin by defining critical literacy and critical expressionism. Next, they detail how to teach students to become critically literate and engage in critical expressionism. Then, the authors provide classroom examples of critical literacy in action, traditional and multimodal texts, and critical expressions that students created in response to reading from a critical stance. The authors also explain how critical literacy and critical expressionism lead to deep comprehension, a more insightful level of reader understanding.
Synthesis of “Clickable” Nano Metal‐organic Framework by Generic Postsynthetic Modification Route
Authors: Yue Dan , Chen Dong , Zhang Xin , Huang Yike , Wang Zhenling
Published: November 2019

Organic azides have been somewhat popularized due to their pivotal role in the emerging field of “click chemistry”. A simple approach has been used for the synthesis of uniform nano Fe‐MIL‐88B‐NH2, and a generic postsynthetic modification route has been developed for the synthesis of azide‐modified nano Fe‐MIL‐88B‐N3. The approach also has been used to synthesize the azide‐modified IRMOF‐3(‐N3). These new azide‐modified Fe‐MIL‐88B‐N3 nanocrystals hold promising potential for the applications in the fields of “click chemistry”, nanotechnology devices and nano composite membranes.
Minimal D 4 truncations of type I lA
Authors: Varela Oscar
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Consistent embeddings are found of the minimal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 gauged supergravities in four dimensions into its maximally supersymmetric, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8, counterpart with a dyonic ISO(7) gauging. These minimal truncations retain the metric along with relevant U(l) and S0(3) R-symmetry gauge fields selected from the ISO (7) ones. The remaining ISO (7) gauge fields are turned off, with subtleties introduced by the dyonic gauging, and the scalars are fixed to their expectation values at the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 vacua of theN = 8 theory. Using the truncation formulae for massive type I IA supergravity on the six-sphere to D = 4 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 8 ISO (7) supergravity, the minimal D = 4 $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 gauged supergravities are then uplifted consistently to ten dimensions.
On lepton number violation in heavy neutrino decays at colliders
Authors: Drewes Marco , Klaríc Juraj , Klose Philipp
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We study the perspective to observe lepton number violating signatures from heavy Majorana neutrino decays at colliders in view of the requirement to explain the light neutrino masses via the seesaw mechanism. In the minimal model with only two heavy neutrinos and in the νMSM one can identify three distinct regions in the mass- mixing plane. For Majorana masses above the electroweak scale the branching ratio for lepton number violating processes at the LHC is generically suppressed. For masses well below the electroweak scale that are probed in displaced vertex searches or at fixed target experiments lepton number violation is the rule and can only be avoided at the cost of fine tuning. In between there is a mass regime where both possibilities coexist. In models with more than two heavy neutrinos the larger parameter space allows for more freedom, but our results remain qualitatively correct unless there is a mass degeneracy amongst more than two of the heavy neutrinos.
The Impact of Implementing a Comprehensive Surgical Program on the Surgical Cohort at a Remote Referral Hospital in Southeastern Liberia
Authors: Joharifard Shahrzad , Price Natalie , Ipanaqué Josué Gabriel Yarlequé , Clarke Robert Harold , Nyemah Emmanuel , Wallace Andrew F. , Dobboh Charles , Howe Christiana , Kortimai Lucia Gizzie , Chukwuemeka Nnajieneh Stanley , Mentoe Sianeh Jackson , Kabeto Abdissa Kurkie , Beste Jason , Dunbar Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Background

Liberia has an extreme health workforce shortage, particularly with respect to surgery. JJ Dossen Memorial (JJD) is a public referral hospital supported by Partners in Health.

Methods

We designed and implemented a comprehensive surgical program at JJD. Using case logs, clinic records, and transfer data between December 2016 and April 2018, we evaluated the impact of this program on the surgical cohort and examined temporal trends in patient origin using GIS.

Results

The mean number of cases per day increased from 1.7 ± 1.0 to 2.4 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). The proportion of females decreased from 59.8 to 51.2% (p = 0.03), and mean age decreased from 32.2 ± 14.2 to 29.8 ± 16.5 years (p = 0.05). The proportion of elective procedures, C‐sections, and laparotomies did not change, but hernias decreased from 28.9 to 22.3% (p = 0.05) and oncologic surgery increased from 0.0 to 5.6% (p < 0.001). A smaller proportion of cases were performed under local or general anesthesia, while a larger proportion were performed under spinal and sedation (p < 0.001). Outward surgical transfers decreased from 13.1 to 5.4% (p < 0.001). The mean distance from patient residence to JJD increased from 24.8 ± 29.0 to 32.3 ± 41.9 km (p = 0.01). GIS analysis revealed a broader distribution of patient origins.

Conclusions

Surgeons are desperately needed in referral hospitals to address the large burden of surgical disease in Liberia. The implementation of a surgical program significantly changed the demographics of the surgical cohort and the surgical case mix. Our data can inform training for health workers in Liberia and elsewhere.
Parathyroidectomy is Safe in Elderly Patients: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study
Authors: Khokar Amna M. , Kuchta Kristine M. , Moo‐Young Tricia A. , Winchester David J. , Prinz Richard A.
Published: November 2019

Background

With increasing age, the incidence of hyperparathyroidism is increased. This study evaluates parathyroidectomy outcomes in elderly patients.

Methods

Primary hyperparathyroidism patients having parathyroidectomy as listed in the 2005–2017 ACS‐NSQIP database were separated by age: ≤60, 61–79 and ≥80. Outcomes included complications, 30‐day mortality, return to the OR, operating times, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare patients 61–79 and ≥80 to those ≤60. Patients ≤60 and ≥80 were propensity score matched using gender, race, BMI, smoking status, steroid use, modified frailty index (mFI), ASA class, procedure, setting, anesthesia, and wound class. Morbidity and mortality were compared to ACS‐NSQIP database patients having elective inguinal hernia repair.

Results

Of 47,701 patients: 22,220 were ≤60, 22,683 were 61–79, and 2798 were ≥80. Patients ≥80 had more complications (2.3% vs. 1.5% for 61–79 and 1.0% for ≤60, p < 0.01), LOS > 1 day (10.3% vs. 5.8% and 6.7%, p < 0.01), and mortality (0.21% vs. 0.11% and 0.03%, p < 0.01). On multivariable analysis of the overall population, older age, male gender, steroid use, high mFI, outpatient procedure, and general anesthesia increased the risk of complications. On propensity score matched analysis, there was no difference in complications (1.5% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.06) or mortality (0.04% vs. 0.23%, p = 0.12) between patients ≤60 and ≥80. Parathyroidectomy morbidity and mortality was lower than that for elective inguinal hernia repair in patients ≥80 (2.3% vs. 10% and 0.21% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Parathyroidectomy is a safe operation, offering lower morbidity and mortality than elective hernia repair in all age groups including octogenarians.
Assessment of two different HER2 scoring systems and clinical relevance for colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Furong , Ren Chao , Jin Ying , Xi Shaoyan , He Caiyun , Wang Fang , Wang Zixian , Xu Rui-hua , Wang Feng
Published: November 2019

Although the positivity of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is low in colorectal cancer (CRC), anti-HER2 is becoming a new target therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, assessment of the HER2 scoring system was still not established in CRC. The purpose of our study was to evaluate HER2 status and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and survival according to the HER2 diagnostic criteria for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA criteria) and the HERACLES diagnostic criteria (HERACLES criteria) in a large cohort of Chinese CRC patients. The HER2 positivity was 2.9% (43/1490) and 2.6% (39/1490) in CRCs based on the GEA criteria and the HERACLES criteria, and 3.7% (9/243) in mCRC according to both criteria. HER2 status was associated with primary tumor location (P = 0.037), regional lymph node metastasis (P = 0.035), and TNM stage (P = 0.022) in CRCs based on the HERACLES criteria. No such association was found based on the GEA criteria. Furthermore, HER2 positive only presented in patients with RAS gene wild type (P = 0.001). Significant difference was only observed between the HER2-positive and HER2-negative groups in terms of disease-free survival for stage II-III CRCs (P = 0.048) according to the HERACLES criteria, but not based on the GEA criteria. Our findings suggest that the frequency of HER2 overexpression or amplification was low in Chinese CRC patients, and provide a rationale for further evaluation of HER2 in CRC based on the HERACLES criteria and the HER2 diagnostic criteria for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Improvement of daily precipitation estimations using PRISM with inverse-distance weighting
Authors: Jeong Ha-Gyu , Ahn Joong-Bae , Lee Joonlee , Shim Kyo-Moon , Jung Myung-Pyo
Published: November 2019

Improved daily precipitation estimations were attempted using the parameter-elevation regressions on a parameter-elevation regression on independent slopes model (PRISM) with inverse-distance weighting (IDW) and a precipitation-masking algorithm for precipitation areas. The PRISM (PRISM_ORG) suffers two overestimation problems when the daily precipitation is estimated: overestimation of the precipitation intensity in mountainous regions and overestimation of the local precipitation areas. In order to solve the problem of overestimating the precipitation intensity, we used the IDW technique that employs the same input stations as those used in the PRISM regression (PRISM_IDW). A precipitation-masking algorithm that selectively masks the precipitation estimation grid points was additionally applied to the PRISM_IDW results (PRISM_MSK). For 6 months from March to August 2012, daily precipitation data were produced in a horizontal resolution of 1 km based on the above two experiments and PRISM_ORG. Afterwards, each experiment was evaluated for improvements. The monthly root mean squared errors (RMSEs) of PRISM_IDW and PRISM_MSK were reduced by 0.83 mm/day and 0.86 mm/day, respectively, compared to PRISM_ORG.
Perineal rectosigmoidectomy for rectal prolapse—the preferred procedure for the unfit elderly patient? 10 years experience from a UK tertiary centre
Authors: Alwahid M. , Knight S. R. , Wadhawan H. , Campbell K. L. , Ziyaie D. , Koch S. M. P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Rectal prolapse is a disease presentation with a prevalence of about 1%, mainly affecting older women. It usually presents with symptoms of rectal mass, rectal bleeding, fecal incontinence or constipation, with patients frequently feeling socially isolated as a result. Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is associated with lesser morbidity and mortality than the abdominal procedure, but with a much higher recurrence rate. Therefore, this technique is mainly suitable for the frail elderly patient. Specific outcomes in an elderly population have been described in only a few studies. We evaluated the morbidity, mortality, recurrence rate and functional results after this procedure related to age.

Methods

All patients who underwent a perineal rectosigmoidectomy over a 10-year period in two tertiary referral centers were included in the study. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, pre- and postoperative symptoms, pathology-reported post-fixation specimen length, length of in-patient stay, 30-day morbidity/mortality, and recurrence were measured.

Results

A total of 45 patients underwent a perineal rectosigmoidectomy. Forty-three (95%) were female, with a median age of 82.0 years (IQR 70.5–86.5), ASA grade III and median follow-up of 20 months (range 8.5–45.5 months). Half of the cohort was over 80 years old. Significant symptomatic relief was achieved, predominantly the resolution of rectal mass (8.9% vs. 60.0% preoperatively), fecal incontinence (15.6% vs. 46.7%) and constipation (4.4% vs. 26.7%). The median length of stay was 6 days, while morbidity occurred in 14 patients (31.1%) and recurrence occurred in 6 patients (13%). There were no deaths within 30 days of the procedure and outcomes were comparable in the < 80 and ≥ 80 age group.

Conclusions

Perineal rectosigmoidectomy is safe for older patients with greater comorbidities resulting in good functional results and is associated with low morbidity and mortality.
Occupational Animal Contact in Southern and Central Vietnam
Authors:   the VIZIONS consortium, Tu Nguyen Thi Kha , Tue Ngo Tri , Vapalahti Olli , Virtala Anna-Maija K. , Van Tan Le , Rabaa Maia A. , Carrique-Mas Juan , Thwaites Guy E. , Baker Stephen
Published: November 2019

Despite the global zoonotic disease burden, the underlying exposures that drive zoonotic disease emergence are not understood. Here, we aimed to assess exposures to potential sources of zoonotic disease and investigate the demographics, attitudes, and behavior of individuals with sustained occupational animal contact in Vietnam. We recruited 581 animal workers (animal-raising farmers, slaughterers, animal health workers, and rat traders) and their families in southern and central Vietnam into a cohort. Cohort members were followed for 3 years and interviewed annually regarding (1) demography and attitudes regarding zoonotic disease, (2) medical history, (3) specific exposures to potential zoonotic infection sources, and (4) socioeconomic status. Interview information over the 3 years was combined and analyzed as cross-sectional data. Of the 297 cohort members interviewed, the majority (79.8%; 237/297) reported raising livestock; almost all (99.6%; 236/237) reported being routinely exposed to domestic animals, and more than a quarter (28.7%; 68/237) were exposed to exotic animals. Overall, 70% (208/297) reported slaughtering exotic animals; almost all (99.5%; 207/208) reported consuming such animals. The consumption of raw blood and meat was common (24.6%; 73/297 and 37%; 110/297, respectively). Over half (58.6%; 174/297) reported recent occupational animal-induced injuries that caused bleeding; the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was limited. Our work demonstrates that individuals working with animals in Vietnam are exposed to a wide range of species, and there are limited procedures for reducing potential zoonotic disease exposures. We advocate better education, improved animal security, and enforced legislation of PPE for those with occupational animal exposure in Vietnam.
Performative Compliance and the State–Corporate Structuring of Neglect in a Residential Care Home for Older People
Authors: Greener Joe
Published: November 2019

The abuse and neglect of older people in care homes is widespread across England, but current causative explanations are limited and frequently fail to highlight the economic and political factors underpinning poor care. Informed by social harm and state–corporate crime perspectives, this study uses ethnographic data gathered through a nine-month period of working in an older person’s residential care home to show how neglect is embedded in working routines. Three aspects of care are interrogated to reveal the embedded nature of harm in the home; all reveal the rift between official, regulatory rules and informal working practices shaped by material constraints of the labor process. This article explores the role of regulatory regimes in actively legitimizing sectors, such as the residential care industry, even in the face of routine violence, by bureaucratically ensuring the appearance of compliance with formal rules. While the harms of contemporary institutionalized care for older people have its roots in material conditions, performative compliance through regulation guarantees that these injurious outcomes are concealed. This article contends that malpractice (and harm) can be explained with reference to conjoint state–corporate relationships and practices.
Natriuretic peptide system expression in murine and human submandibular salivary glands: a study of the spatial localisation of ANB, BNP, CNP and their receptors
Authors: Ahmed Araz , Gulino Alessandro , Amayo Simita , Arancio Walter , Florena Ada Maria , Belmonte Beatrice , Jurjus Abdo , Leone Angelo , Miletich Isabelle
Published: November 2019

The natriuretic peptide (NP) system comprises of three ligands, the Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), Brain Natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type Natriuretic peptide (CNP), and three natriuretic peptide receptors, NPRA, NPRB and NPRC. Here we present a comprehensive study of the natriuretic peptide system in healthy murine and human submandibular salivary glands (SMGs). We show CNP is the dominant NP in mouse and human SMG and is expressed together with NP receptors in ducts, autonomic nerves and the microvasculature of the gland, suggesting CNP autocrine signalling may take place in some of these glandular structures. These data suggest the NP system may control salivary gland function during homeostasis through the regulation of electrolyte re-absorption, neural stimulation and/or blood vessel wall contraction/relaxation. We also show abnormal expression of NPRA in the stroma of a subset of human SMGs resected from patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of non-salivary gland origin. This finding warrants further research to investigate a possible correlation between early OSCC invasion and NPRA overexpression.
Iconoclasm and Imagination: Gaston Bachelard’s Philosophy of Technoscience
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: November 2019

Gaston Bachelard (1884–1962) occupies a unique position in the history of European thinking. As a philosopher of science, he developed a profound interest in genres of the imagination, notably poetry and novels. While emphatically acknowledging the strength, precision and reliability of scientific knowledge compared to every-day experience, he saw literary phantasies as important supplementary sources of insight. Although he significantly influenced authors such as Lacan, Althusser, Foucault and others, while some of his key concepts (“epistemological rupture,” “epistemological obstacle,” “technoscience”) are still widely used, his oeuvre tends to be overlooked. And yet, as I will argue, Bachelard’s extended series of books opens up an intriguing perspective on contemporary science. First, I will point to a remarkable duality that runs through Bachelard’s oeuvre. His philosophy of science consists of two sub-oeuvres: a psychoanalysis of technoscience, complemented by a poetics of elementary imagination. I will point out how these two branches deal with complementary themes: technoscientific artefacts and literary fictions, two realms of human experience separated by an epistemological rupture. Whereas Bachelard’s work initially entails a panegyric in praise of scientific practice, he becomes increasingly intrigued by the imaginary and its basic images (“archetypes”), such as the Mother Earth archetype.
Psychotropic Medication Prescribing for Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the UK
Authors: Alfageh Basmah H. , Man Kenneth K. C. , Besag Frank M. C. , Alhawassi Tariq M. , Wong Ian C. K. , Brauer Ruth
Published: November 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disorder. In the UK, risperidone is the only psychotropic medication approved for the management of the behavioural symptoms that may accompany autism. This is a population-based study aimed to provide an evaluation of the changing trend in the incidence and prevalence of ASD and to analyse the pattern of psychotropic medication prescribing in the UK. 20,194 patients with ASD were identified. The prevalence increased 3.3-fold from 0.109 per 100 persons in 2009 to 0.355 per 100 persons in 2016. Approximately one-third of the identified cohort was prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. Although the medications approved to manage the symptoms of ASD are limited, the prescribing of such medications is increasing.
A model for roughness statistics of heterogeneous fibrous materials
Authors: Sampson William W. , Wang Di
Published: November 2019

We present a theory giving the standard roughness metrics $$R_{\mathrm{a}}$$Raand $$R_{\mathrm{q}}$$Rqof stochastic fibrous materials in terms of their porosity and the thickness of the constituent fibres. Our treatment shows also that $$R_{\mathrm{a}}$$Raand $$R_{\mathrm{q}}$$Rqare linearly dependent on each other with gradient depending on the skewness of the surface depth profile. Comparison of our theory with experiments on laboratory-formed paper samples and with data from the literature for industrially manufactured paper and carbon fibre nonwovens for use in fuel cells is excellent. The theory has applicability to generic families of stochastic fibrous materials and has relevance, for example, to printing of devices on paper.
Correction to: Implementation and Evaluation of a RFID Smart Cabinet to Improve Traceability and the Efficient Consumption of High Cost Medical Supplies in a Large Hospital
Authors: del Carmen León-Araujo María , Gómez-Inhiesto Elisa , Acaiturri-Ayesta María Teresa
Published: November 2019

The article Implementation and Evaluation of a RFID Smart Cabinet to Improve Traceability and the Efficient Consumption of High Cost Medical Supplies in a Large Hospital, written by María del Carmen León-Araujo, Elisa Gómez-Inhiesto and María Teresa Acaiturri-Ayesta.
Frankfurt cases and the Newcomb Problem
Authors: Ahmed Arif
Published: November 2019

A standard argument for one-boxing in Newcomb’s Problem is ‘Why Ain’cha Rich?’, which emphasizes that one-boxers typically make a million dollars compared to the thousand dollars that two-boxers can expect. A standard reply is the ‘opportunity defence’: the two-boxers who made a thousand never had an opportunity to make more. The paper argues that the opportunity defence is unavailable to anyone who grants that in another case—a Frankfurt case—the agent is deprived of opportunities in the way that advocates of Frankfurt cases typically claim.
Correction to: Appraisal Accuracy and Automated Valuation Models in Rural Areas
Authors: Bogin Alexander N. , Shui Jessica
Published: November 2019

The article Appraisal Accuracy and Automated Valuation Models in Rural Areas, written by Alexander N. Bogin and Jessica Shui, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on August 2019 without open access.
Keto microbiota: A powerful contributor to host disease recovery
Authors: Cabrera-Mulero Amanda , Tinahones Alberto , Bandera Borja , Moreno-Indias Isabel , Macías-González Manuel , Tinahones Francisco J.
Published: November 2019

Gut microbiota (GM) is a key contributor to host metabolism and physiology. Data generated on comparing diseased and healthy subjects have reported changes in the GM profile between both health states, suggesting certain bacterial composition could be involved in pathogenesis. Moreover, studies reported that reshaping of GM could contribute actively to disease recovery. Interestingly, ketogenic diets (KD) have emerged recently as new economic dietotherapeutic strategy to combat a myriad of diseases (refractory epilepsy, obesity, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases…). KD, understood in a broad sense, refers to whatever dietetic approximation, which causes physiological ketosis. Therefore, high fat-low carbs diets, fasting periods or caloric restriction constitute different strategies to produce an increase of main ketones bodies, acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate, in blood. Involved biological mechanisms in ketotherapeutic effects are still to be unravelled. However, it has been pointed out that GM remodelling by KD, from now on “keto microbiota”, may play a crucial role in patient response to KD treatment. In fact, germ-free animals were resistant to ketotherapeutic effects; reinforcing keto microbiota may be a powerful contributor to host disease recovery. In this review, we will comment the influence of gut microbiota on host, as well as, therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets and keto microbiota to restore health status. Current progress and limitations will be argued too. In spite of few studies have defined applicability and mechanisms of KD, in the light of results, keto microbiota might be a new useful therapeutic agent.
Heated and Salted Below Porous Convection with Generalized Temperature and Solute Boundary Conditions
Authors: Straughan Brian
Published: November 2019

We address the problem of initiation of convective motion in the case of a fluid saturated porous layer, containing a salt in solution, which is heated and salted below. We amplify the very interesting recent results of Nield and Kuznetsov and examine in detail a whole range of temperature and salt boundary conditions allowing for a combination of prescribed heat flux and temperature. The behaviour of the transition from stationary to oscillatory convection is examined in detail as the boundary conditions vary from prescribed temperature and salt concentration toward those of prescribed heat flux and salt flux.
Impact of MgO and K2O on Slag-Nickel Matte Equilibria
Authors: Sukhomlinov Dmitry , Virtanen Olli , Latostenmaa Petri , Jokilaakso Ari , Taskinen Pekka
Published: November 2019

Slag chemistry of the direct nickel matte smelting was studied in typical industrial high-grade nickel matte smelting conditions at 1400 °C and 0.1 atm pSO2. The experimental technique used involved equilibration, quenching and direct elemental phase composition analysis by Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis. Magnesia and potassia, a typical gangue constituent of sulfidic nickel concentrates and a common impurity of industrial grade silica flux (sand), respectively, were adopted as slag modifiers in concentrations typical to industrial operations. Their effects on oxidation degree of the nickel-copper-iron matte and equilibrium concentrations of Ni and Cu in the slag were studied as a function of oxygen partial pressure. Solubility of silica in the slag increased significantly with additions of MgO and K2O in the constrained case studied, at silica saturation. Equilibrium concentrations of Ni and Cu in the slag containing MgO and K2O were about a quarter lower compared to the pure iron silicate slag, in the entire oxygen partial pressure range studied.
Classification of Simple Modules of the Ore Extension $$K[X][Y; f\frac{d}{dX}]$$
Authors: Bavula V. V.
Published: November 2019

For the algebras$$\Lambda $$Λin the title of the paper, a classification of simple modules is given, an explicit description of the prime and completely prime spectra is obtained, the global and the Krull dimensions of$$\Lambda $$Λare computed.
Gray Matter Changes in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease and Relation to Cognition
Authors: Krajcovicova Lenka , Klobusiakova Patricia , Rektorova Irena
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

We summarize structural (s)MRI findings of gray matter (GM) atrophy related to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in light of new analytical approaches and recent longitudinal studies results.

Recent Findings

The hippocampus-to-cortex ratio seems to be the best sMRI biomarker to discriminate between various AD subtypes, following the spatial distribution of tau pathology, and predict rate of cognitive decline. PD is clinically far more variable than AD, with heterogeneous underlying brain pathology. Novel multivariate approaches have been used to describe patterns of early subcortical and cortical changes that relate to more malignant courses of PD.

New emerging analytical approaches that combine structural MRI data with clinical and other biomarker outcomes hold promise for detecting specific GM changes in the early stages of PD and preclinical AD that may predict mild cognitive impairment and dementia conversion.
Angular dependence of nanoparticle generation in the matrix assembly cluster source
Authors: Spadaro Maria Chiara , Zhao Junlei , Terry William D. , Liu Jian , Yin Feng , Djurabekova Flyura , Palmer Richard E.
Published: November 2019

The matrix assembly cluster source (MACS) represents a bridge between conventional instruments for cluster beam deposition (CBD) and the level of industrial production. The method is based on Ar+ ion sputtering of a pre-condensed Ar-M matrix (where M, is typically a metal such as Ag). Each Ar+ ion produces a collision cascade and thus the formation of metal clusters is in the matrix, which are then sputtered out. Here we present an experimental and computational investigation of the cluster emission process, specifically its dependence on the Ar+ ion angle of incidence and the cluster emission angle. We find the incidence angle strongly influences the emerging cluster flux, which is assigned to the spatial location of the deposited primary ion energy relative to the cluster into the matrix. We also found an approximately constant angle between the incident ion beam and the peak in the emitted cluster distribution, with value between 99° and 109°.
Evaluation of in vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of secondary metabolites from the endophytic fungus, Nigrospora sphaerica, isolated from Helianthus annuus
Authors: Supaphon Preuttiporn , Preedanon Sita
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate alpha-glucosidase inhibition and antimicrobial activity as well as cytotoxic activity of extracts from the endophytic fungus, Nigrospora sp., isolated from leaves of Helianthus annuus, which is widely cultivated for food and used as a medicinal plant.

Methods

The fungus (TSU-CS003) was identified based on internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequences and fungal biomass, and fermentation broth was subjected to extraction by solvents (hexane and ethyl acetate). All extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and cytotoxicity activity. In addition, the active extract was analyzed by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Results

TSU-CS003 was identified as Nigrospora sphaerica. The fermentation broth extract (BE) showed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 16–32 μg/mL and a few yeasts with MIC values ranging from 64 to 128 μg/mL, especially Talaromyces marneffei with an MIC value of 4 μg/mL. The effects of BE were observed by SEM. The results showed that this extract affected the cell morphology of T. marneffei. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BE from alpha-glucosidase inhibition was recorded as 17.25 μg/mL and also showed significant cytotoxicity against A549 human cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 22.41 μg/mL. Furthermore, BE was analyzed by using GC-MS and divided into three main compounds, including 5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, (Z)-methyl 4-(isobutyryloxy)but-3-enoate, and 2-phenylacetic acid.

Conclusion

This was the first report of the endophytic fungus N. sphaerica from H. annuus. It is a potential source of active metabolites, which gave the strong antifungal activity, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity to A549 cancer cell lines.
Anticipating employment location patterns in economic regions: modeling complex dynamics
Authors: Kaufman Sanda , Kaufman Miron , Salling Mark
Published: November 2019

Complex social-ecological systems—such as cities and regions—change in time whether or not we intervene through plans and policies. This is due in part to the numerous individual and organizational actors who make self-interested, unilateral decisions. Public decision makers are expected to act in the public interest and are accountable to constituents. They need the ability to explore alternatives, select ones that are likely to benefit the public, and avoid or mitigate negative outcomes. Predicting processes and outcomes in the context of complex systems is risky, however, and mistakes can be costly. Switching from prediction of specific future states to anticipation of possible ranges of futures may help contend with the uncertainties inherent in these systems. We propose here a dynamic network model for generating ranges of possible futures for employment location in an economic region. The model can be used to anticipate employment location effects of various policies. First, using historical (2002–2015) number and location of jobs in two rather different metropolitan areas, we calibrate the model for each and validate it against actual data. Having found that the model performs well, we show how policy makers can use it to ask what-if questions regarding proposed policies to either attract businesses to specific locations or discourage them from locating in parts of the region.
Pregnancy, thyroid, and the potential use of selenium
Authors: Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja , Duntas Leonidas , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra
Published: November 2019

The management of pregnant women is a major concern of health care around the world. There is growing evidence regarding the influence of selenium (Se) on pregnancy and fetus outcomes. However, due to as yet insufficient evidence, lack of measurable markers to assess the effect of Se supplementation on the human metabolism, and Se’s narrow therapeutic index, the majority of experts and the current guidelines published by several scientific societies do not recommend the use of Se in pregnancy and in women of childbearing age. Further research based on well-designed studies, including assessment of the complex interactions between different micronutrients and individual response to different doses of Se, is needed.
Speed up random walk by leveraging community affiliation information
Authors: Yin Naian , Lu Yachao , Zhang Nan
Published: November 2019

Large online networks are most massive and opulent data sources these days. The inherent growing demands of analyses related data fetching conflict greatly with network providers’ efforts to protect their digital assets as well as users’ increasing awareness of privacy. Restrictions on web interfaces of online networks prevent third party researchers from gathering sufficient data and further global images of these networks are also hidden. Under such circumstances, only techniques like random walk approaches that can run under local neighborhood access will be adopted to fulfill large online network sampling tasks. Meanwhile, the presence of highly clustered community like structure in large networks leads to random walk’s poor conductance, causing intolerable and hard-to-foresee long mixing time before useful samples can be collected. With lack of techniques incorporate online network topology features being the context, in this paper we focus on taking use of community affiliation information that possibly comes with metadata when querying objects in online networks, and proposed a speeded version of random walk by raising the probability of inter-community edges being selected. Assuming the community structure is well established as promised, the community speeded random walk expects better conductance and faster convergence. Our method forces the sampler to travel rapidly among different communities that conquers the bottlenecks and thus the samples being collected are of higher quality. We also consider the scenario when community affiliation is not directly available, where we apply feature selection algorithms to select features as community.
Seasonal ice-speed variations in 10 marine-terminating outlet glaciers along the coast of Prudhoe Land, northwestern Greenland
Authors: Sakakibara Daiki , Sugiyama Shin
Published: November 2019

We present a 3-year record of seasonal variations in ice speed and frontal ablation of 10 marine-terminating outlet glaciers along the coast of Prudhoe Land in northwestern Greenland. The glaciers showed seasonal speedup initiated between late May and early June, and terminated between late June and early July. Ice speed subsequently decreased from July to September. The timing of the speedup coincided with the onset of the air temperature rise to above freezing, suggesting an influence of meltwater availability on the glacier dynamics. No clear relationship was found between the speedup and the terminus position or the sea-ice/ice-mélange conditions. These results suggest that the meltwater input to the glacier bed triggered the summer speedup. The excess of summer speed (June–August) over the mean for the rest of the year accounted for 0.5–13% of the annual ice motion. Several glaciers showed seasonal frontal variations, i.e. retreat in summer and advance in winter. This was not due to ice-speed variations, but was driven by seasonal variations in frontal ablation. The results demonstrate the dominant effect of glacier surface melting on the seasonal speedup, and the importance of seasonal speed patterns on longer-term ice motion of marine-terminating outlet glaciers in Greenland.
Collective Economic Conceptualization of Cider and Wine Routes by Stakeholders
Authors: Cloutier L. Martin , Renard Laurent , Arcand Sébastien
Published: November 2019

The coherence and systemic strength of the collaborative process among thematic route stakeholders are key factors to economic success for individual businesses and regional economic development. The objective of this article is to identify the economic action set to rejuvenate the Cider Route and the Wine Route of the Montérégie region (Quebec, Canada). Group concept mapping is used to estimate the conceptualization and perceptions of stakeholders (cideries, wineries, tourism professionals, visitors) regarding the articulation of the action set. The contribution is threefold. Methodologically, the approach taken supports both the estimation of the concept map and associated perception measures. Empirically, eight action clusters are identified to articulate stakeholders’ “organizational” and “selling” dimensions of the routes. Practically, action priorities identified and feasibility constraints are helpful to target the capability development support needed by route stakeholders to collaborate. (JEL Classifications: D02, L23, L26, L66, Q18)
THE OTTOMANS DURING THE GLOBAL CRISES OF CHOLERA AND PLAGUE: THE VIEW FROM IRAQ AND THE GULF
Authors: Bolaños Isacar A.
Published: November 2019

The cholera and plague pandemics of the 19th and early 20h centuries shaped Ottoman state-building and expansionist efforts in Iraq and the Gulf in significant ways. For Ottoman officials, these pandemics brought attention to the possible role of Qajar and British subjects in spreading cholera and plague, as well as the relationship between Iraq's ecology and recurring outbreaks. These developments paved the way for the expansion of Ottoman health institutions, such as quarantines, and the emergence of new conceptions of public health in the region. Specifically, quarantines proved instrumental not only to the delineation of the Ottoman–Qajar border, but also to defining an emerging Ottoman role in shaping Gulf affairs. Moreover, the Ottomans’ use of quarantines and simultaneous efforts to develop sanitary policies informed by local ecological realities signal a localized and ad hoc approach to disease prevention that has been overlooked. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that environmental factors operating on global and regional scales were just as important as geopolitical factors in shaping Ottoman rule in Iraq and the Gulf during the late Ottoman period.