bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeking Domestic Approval: Determinants of Ratification Duration in International Trade
Authors: Wüthrich Simon
Published: February 2020

Preferential trade agreements (PTAs) have proliferated rapidly since the early 1990s. The ratification of these agreements matters both economically by rendering commitments legally enforceable for outward‐oriented industries and politically by revealing the domestic‐ and international‐level factors which delay or accelerate the entry into force of a PTA. This research note investigates the institutional design and domestic political determinants of the ratification duration for 270 PTAs concluded in the post‐1990 period. The Weibull survival analysis yields two main results: First, neither domestic political constraints measured through veto players nor PTA depth affect ratification spells. Second, ratification processes become more protracted in the presence of stringent formal domestic ratification requirements as well as with a higher number of partner states. These findings suggest that trade negotiators factor in the shadow of ratification in the bargaining phase but still remain subject to formal ratification hurdles and PTA membership dynamics.
The CO2 stimulus duration and steady‐state time point used for data extraction alters the cerebrovascular reactivity outcome measure
Authors: Burley Claire V. , Lucas Rebekah A. I. , Whittaker Anna C. , Mullinger Karen , Lucas Samuel J. E.
Published: February 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is a common functional test to assess brain health, and impaired CVR has been associated with all‐cause cardiovascular mortality: does the duration of the CO2 stimulus and the time point used for data extraction alter the CVR outcome measure?

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study demonstrated CVR measures calculated from 1 and 2 min CO2 stimulus durations were significantly higher than CVR calculated from a 4 min CO2 stimulus. CVRs calculated from the first 2 min of the CO2 stimulus were significantly higher than CVR values calculated from the final minute if the duration was ≥4 min. This study highlights the need for consistent methodological approaches.

Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CVR) is a common functional test to assess brain vascular health, though conflicting age and fitness effects have been reported. Studies have used different CO2 stimulus durations to induce CVR and extracted data from different time points for analysis. Therefore, this study examined whether these differences alter CVR and explain conflicting findings. Eighteen healthy volunteers (24 ± 5 years) inhaled CO2 for four stimulus durations (1, 2, 4 and 5 min) of 5% CO2 (in air) via the open‐circuit Douglas bag method, in a randomized order. CVR data were derived from transcranial Doppler (TCD) measures of middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv), with concurrent ventilatory sensitivity to the CO2 stimulus ( ). Repeated measures ANOVAs compared CVR and measures between stimulus durations and steady‐state time points. An effect of stimulus duration was observed (P = 0.002, η² = 0.140), with 1 min (P = 0.010) and 2 min (P < 0.001) differing from 4 min, and 2 min differing from 5 min (P = 0.019) durations. sensitivity increased ∼3‐fold from 1 min to 4 and 5 min durations (P < 0.001, η² = 0.485). CVRs calculated from different steady‐state time points within each stimulus duration were different (P < 0.001, η² = 0.454), specifically for 4 min (P = 0.001) and 5 min (P < 0.001), but not 2 min stimulus durations (P = 0.273). These findings demonstrate that methodological differences alter the CVR measure.
Coronavirus epidemic snarls science worldwide
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Experiments are halted as China remains locked down; many conferences are canceled.
Strange bedfellows for human ancestors
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: February 2020

Homo erectus
and other "super-archaics" may have interbred with ancient humans.
Thiostrepton Reactivates Latent HIV-1 through the p-TEFb and NF-κB Pathways Mediated by Heat Shock Response
Authors: Peng Wen , Hong Zhongsi , Chen Xi , Gao Hongbo , Dai Zhuanglin , Zhao Jiacong , Liu Wen , Li Dan , Deng Kai
Published: February 2020

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV-1 replication but fails to cure the infection. The presence of an extremely stable viral latent reservoir, primarily in resting memory CD4
+
T cells, remains a major obstacle to viral eradication. The “shock and kill” strategy targets these latently infected cells and boosts immune recognition and clearance, and thus, it is a promising approach for an HIV-1 functional cure. Although some latency-reversing agents (LRAs) have been reported, no apparent clinical progress has been made, so it is still vital to seek novel and effective LRAs.
FgHtf1 Regulates Global Gene Expression towards Aerial Mycelium and Conidiophore Formation in the Cereal Fungal Pathogen Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Fan Gaili , Zheng Huawei , Zhang Kai , Devi Ganeshan Veena , Opiyo Stephen Obol , Liu Dan , Li Mingyang , Li Guangpu , Mitchell Thomas K. , Yun Yingzi , Wang Zonghua , Lu Guo-dong
Published: February 2020

The homeobox gene family of transcription factors is known to be involved in the development and conidiation of filamentous fungi. However, the regulatory mechanisms and downstream targets of homeobox genes remain unclear. FgHtf1 is a homeobox transcription factor that is required for phialide development and conidiogenesis in the plant pathogen
F. graminearum
. In this study, we identified FgHtf1-controlled target genes and binding motifs. We found that, besides autoregulation, FgHtf1 also controls global gene expression and promotes conidiation in
F. graminearum
by activation of genes necessary for aerial growth,
FgCON7
, and other conidiation-related genes.
Validation of an Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Risk Stratification Signature for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Use of Multiplex Serology
Authors: Simon Julia , Liu Zhiwei , Brenner Nicole , Yu Kelly J. , Hsu Wan-Lun , Wang Cheng-Ping , Chien Yin-Chu , Coghill Anna E. , Chen Chien-Jen , Butt Julia , Proietti Carla , Doolan Denise L. , Hildesheim Allan , Waterboer Tim
Published: February 2020

Serological testing for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has recently been reinvigorated by the implementation of novel Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific IgA and IgG antibodies from a proteome array. Although proteome arrays are well suited for comprehensive antigen selection, they are not applicable for large-scale studies. We adapted a 13-marker EBV antigen signature for NPC risk identified by proteome arrays to multiplex serology to establish an assay for large-scale studies. Taiwanese NPC cases (
n
 = 175) and matched controls (
n
 = 175) were used for assay validation.
Route of a Multipartite Nanovirus across the Body of Its Aphid Vector
Authors: Di Mattia Jérémy , Vernerey Marie-Stéphanie , Yvon Michel , Pirolles Elodie , Villegas Mathilde , Gaafar Yahya , Ziebell Heiko , Michalakis Yannis , Zeddam Jean-Louis , Blanc Stéphane
Published: February 2020

An intriguing mode of vector transmission described only for plant viruses is circulative nonpropagative transmission, whereby the virus passes through the gut and salivary glands of the insect vector without replicating. Three plant virus families are transmitted this way, but details of the molecular/cellular mechanisms of the virus-vector interaction are missing. This is striking for nanoviruses that are believed to interact with aphid vectors in ways similar to those of luteoviruses or geminiviruses but for which empirical evidence is scarce. We here confirm that nanoviruses follow a within-vector route similar to that of geminiviruses but distinct from that of luteoviruses. We show that they produce a nonstructural protein mandatory for viral entry into gut cells, a unique phenomenon for this mode of transmission. Finally, noting that nanoviruses are multipartite viruses, we demonstrate that a large number of viral particles penetrate susceptible cells of the vector, allowing distinct genome segments to remain together.
Inequalities in cardiovascular risks among Swedish adolescents (ABIS): a prospective cohort study
Authors: Andersson White Pär , Ludvigsson Johnny , Jones Michael P , Faresjo Tomas
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate if socioeconomic status (SES) is predictive of cardiovascular risk factors among Swedish adolescents. Identify the most important SES variable for the development of each cardiovascular risk factor. Investigate at what age SES inequality in overweight and obesity occurs.

Design

Longitudinal follow-up of a prospective birth cohort.

Setting

All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) study includes data from children born between October 1997 and October 1999 in five counties of south east Sweden.

Participants

A regional ABIS-study subsample from three major cities of the region n=298 adolescents aged 16–18 years, and prospective data from the whole ABIS cohort for overweight and obesity status at the ages 2, 5, 8 and 12 years (n=2998–7925).

Outcome measures

Blood pressure above the hypertension limit, overweight/obesity according to the International Obesity Task Force definition, low high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or borderline-high low-density lipoproteins according to National Cholesterol Education Program expert panel on cholesterol levels in children.

Results

For three out of four cardiovascular risk outcomes (elevated blood pressure, low HDL and overweight/obesity), there were increased risk in one or more of the low SES groups (p<0.05). The best predictor was parental occupational class (Swedish socioeconomic classification index) for elevated blood pressure (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.623), maternal educational level for overweight (area under the ROC curve 0.641) and blue-collar city of residence for low HDL (area under the ROC curve 0.641). SES-related differences in overweight/obesity were found at age 2, 5 and 12 and for obesity at age 2, 5, 8 and 12 years (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Even in a welfare state like Sweden, SES inequalities in cardiovascular risks are evident already in childhood and adolescence. Intervention programmes to reduce cardiovascular risk based on social inequality should start early in life.
Psychometric evaluation of the modified Kessler seven-item version (K7) for measuring psychological distress using Rasch analysis: a cross-sectional study in a rural district of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Nazim , Islam Fakir M Amirul
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This investigation expected to validate the psychometric properties of the modified seven-item Kessler psychological distress scale (K7) for measuring psychological distress in healthy rural population of Bangladesh.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Narail district, Bangladesh.

Participants

A random sample of 300 adults of age 18–90 years were recruited. Face-to-face interviews were conducted between July and August 2018 using an Android phone installed with a mobile data collection application known as CommCare.

Outcome measure

Validation of the K7 was the major outcome. Sociodemographic factors were measured to assess for Differential Item Functioning to check if the tool functions equally in different factors. Rasch analysis was carried out for the validation of the K7 scale in the healthy rural population of Bangladesh. RUMM2030 was used for the analyses.

Results

Results showed good overall fit, as indicated by a non-significant item-trait interaction (χ2=44.54, df=28, p=0.0245) compared with a Bonferroni adjusted p value of 0.007. Both item fit (mean=0.30, SD 1.22) and person fit residuals (mean=–0.18, SD 0.85) showed perfect fit. Reliability was very good as indicated by a Person Separation Index=0.85 and Cronbach’s alpha=0.89. All individual items were ordered thresholds. The K7 scale showed adequate reliability, unidimensionality and was free from local dependency. The K7 scale also showed similar functioning for adults and older adults, males and females, no education and any level of education, and at least some financial instability versus no financial instability.

Conclusions

Validation of K7 scale confirmed that the tool is suitable for measuring psychological distress among the rural Bangladeshi population. Further research should validate the K7 scale in different rural settings in Bangladesh to determine a valid cut-off score for assessment of severity levels of psychological distress. The K7 scale should also be tested in other developing countries where sociodemographic characteristics are similar to those of Bangladesh.
Evidence into action: implementing alcohol screening and brief interventions in the UK Armed Forces
Authors: Dermont Mark Andrew , Field P , Shepherd J , Rushton R
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Alcohol-related harm continues to represent a major public health problem and previous evidence suggests that alcohol misuse within the UK Armed Forces is higher than in the general population. The aim was to introduce a population-level primary care intervention with an existing evidence base to identify and support Service Personnel whose drinking places them at greater risk of harm.

Implementation

Following successful piloting, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) brief screening tool was introduced as part of routine dental inspections by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) dentists. Alcohol brief intervention (ABI) advice and signposting to support services was offered to personnel identified as being at increased risk and recorded in the patient’s electronic health record.

Achievements to date

Patients attending DPHC Dental Centres are now routinely offered AUDIT-C with 74% (109 459) personnel screened in the first 12 months rising to over 276 000 at 24 months, representing the single largest use of AUDIT-C and ABIs in a military population to date.

Discussion

Introduction of AUDIT-C has seen Defence successfully deliver a whole population alcohol initiative, overcoming implementation barriers to demonstrate the flexibility of a dental workforce to deliver a public health intervention at scale and contributing towards promoting positive attitudes towards alcohol use. The initiative represents a first step towards the goal of a standardised alcohol screening and treatment pathway across DPHC while recognising that the Defence Medical Services are only one aspect of the broader public health approach required to tackle alcohol-related harm in Service Personnel.
Blast injury of the hand related to warfare explosive devices: experience from the French Military Health Service
Authors: Pfister Georges , Murison J-C , Grosset A , Duhoux A , Lapeyre E , Bauer B , Mathieu L
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The objective was to report on the experience of the French Army Health Service in the management of blast injury of the hands related to warfare explosive devices.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in the Percy Military Hospital (role 4 medical treatment facility) among French soldiers who presented with a combat-related blast injury of the hand between 2002 and 2018. The functional result was assessed by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey (OPUS, upper extremity functional status) scores. Proximal amputations (PAs) and distal amputations (DAs) were distinguished for the analysis.

Results

Fifteen patients with a mean age of 31±8 years were included. They totalised 20 blasted hands. There were 16 traumatic amputations: 8 in each of the PA and DA groups. Twelve patients had additional injuries, four of which were polytraumatic. Skin closure time and flap use were higher in the DA group. Only one thumb reconstruction was performed. At a mean follow-up of 6.5±4 years, the number of amputees wearing a prosthesis was higher in the PA group. The mean DASH and OPUS scores were 35.5%±24.0% and 64.0%±19.0%, respectively, with no difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

The severity of hand blasts related to warfare explosive devices requires the systematic application of damage control surgery. PAs are frequent and secondary reconstruction options are limited. The functional result is poor and similar between proximal and distal amputees.
Coagulopathy reversal in intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Sweidan Alexander Jacob , Singh Navneet Kaur , Conovaloff Joseph Luke , Bower Matthew , Groysman Leonid I , Shafie Mohammad , Yu Wengui
Published: February 2020

As intracerebral hemorrahge becomes more frequent as a result of an aging population with greater comorbidities, rapid identification and reversal of precipitators becomes increasingly paramount. The aformentioned population will ever more likely be on some form of anticoagulant therapy. Understanding the mechanisms of these agents and means by which to reverse them early on is critical in managing the acute intracerebral hemorrhage.
Evaluating the use of cytosine arabinoside for treatment for recurrent canine steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis
Authors: Günther Christian , Steffen Frank , Alder Daniela S , Beatrice Laura , Geigy Caroline , Beckmann Katrin
Published: February 2020

Background

Relapses in steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) are frequently observed but specific treatment protocols to address this problem are sparsely reported. Standard treatment includes prolonged administration of glucocorticoids as monotherapy or in combination with immunosuppressive drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of cytosine arabinoside (CA) in combination with glucocorticoids for treatment of SRMA relapses in 12 dogs on a retrospective basis.

Methods

Dogs with recurrent episodes of SRMA and treated with a combination of CA and prednisolone were included. Information about clinical course, treatment response and adverse events was collected from medical records. Ethical approval was not required for this study.

Results

Ten dogs (10/12) responded well to the treatment with clinical signs being completely controlled. One dog is in clinical remission, but still under treatment. One dog (8%) showed further relapse. Mean treatment period was 51 weeks. Adverse events of variable severity (grade 1–4/5) were documented in all dogs during treatment according to the veterinary cooperative oncology group grading. Three dogs developed severe adverse events. Laboratory findings showed marked changes up to grade 4. Diarrhoea and anaemia were the most often observed adverse events (6), followed by dermatitis (4), alopecia (3) and pneumonia (3). Including blood chemistry changes (13), 50 adverse events were found in total.

Conclusion

Treatment with CA and glucocorticoids resulted in clinical remission in 10/12 dogs, but a high incidence of adverse events occurred requiring additional measures. All adverse events could be managed successfully in all cases.
PASSAT: particle accelerator helioScopes for Slim Axion-like-particle deTection
Authors: Bonivento Walter M. , Kim Doojin , Sinha Kuver
Published: February 2020

We propose a novel method to search for axion-like particles (ALPs) at particle accelerator experiments. ALPs produced at the target via the Primakoff effect subsequently enter a region with a magnetic field, where they are converted to photons that are then detected. Dubbed Particle Accelerator helioScopes for Slim Axion-like-particle deTection (PASSAT), our proposal uses the principle of the axion helioscope but replaces ALPs produced in the Sun with those produced in a target material. Since we rely on ALP-photon conversions, our proposal probes light (slim) ALPs that are otherwise inaccessible to laboratory-based experiments which rely on ALP decay, and complements astrophysical probes that are more model-dependent. As a first application, we reinterpret existing data from the NOMAD experiment in light of PASSAT, and constrain the parameter space for ALPs lighter than $$\sim 100~\mathrm{eV}$$∼100eV and ALP-photon coupling larger than $$\sim 10^{-4}~\mathrm{GeV}^{-1}$$∼10-4GeV-1. As benchmarks of feasible low-cost experiments improving over the NOMAD limits, we study the possibility of re-using the magnets of the CAST and the proposed BabyIAXO experiments and placing them at the proposed BDF facility at CERN, together with some new detectors. We find that these realizations of PASSAT allow for a direct probe of the parameter space for ALPs lighter than $$\sim 100~\mathrm{eV}$$∼100eV and ALP-photon coupling larger than $$\sim 4\times 10^{-6}~\mathrm{GeV}^{-1}$$∼4×10-6GeV-1, which are regions that have not been probed yet by experiments with laboratory-produced ALPs. In contrast to other proposals aiming at detecting single or two-photon only events in hadronic beam dump environments, that rely heavily on Monte Carlo simulations, the background in our proposal can be directly measured in-situ, its suppression optimized, and the irreducible background statistically subtracted. Sensitivity evaluations with other beams will be the subject of a future paper. The measurements suggested in this paper represent an additional physics case for the BDF at CERN beyond those already proposed.
On ℤ2-indices for ground states of fermionic chains
Authors: Bourne Chris , Schulz-Baldes Hermann
Published: February 2020

For parity-conserving fermionic chains, we review how to associate [Formula: see text]-indices to ground states in finite systems with quadratic and higher-order interactions as well as to quasifree ground states on the infinite CAR algebra. It is shown that the [Formula: see text]-valued spectral flow provides a topological obstruction for two systems to have the same [Formula: see text]-index. A rudimentary definition of a [Formula: see text]-phase label for a class of parity-invariant and pure ground states of the one-dimensional infinite CAR algebra is also provided. Ground states with differing phase labels cannot be connected without a closing of the spectral gap of the infinite GNS Hamiltonian.
The computational accelerator physics conference series: From its origins to the present day
Authors: Ryne Robert D.
Published: February 2020

The first conference in what would become the International Computational Accelerator Physics (ICAP) series was held in 1988. At that time the most powerful computer in the world was a Cray YMP with 8 processors and a peak performance of 2 gigaflops. Today the fastest computer in the world has more than 2 million cores and a theoretical peak performance of nearly 200 petaflops. Compared to 1988, performance has increased by a factor of 100 million, accompanied by huge advances in memory, networking, big data management and analytics. By the time of the next ICAP in 2021 we will be at the dawn of the Exascale era. In this talk I will describe the advances in Computational Accelerator Physics that brought us to this point and describe trends in regard to large-scale accelerator simulation in the future.
Fast CU Partitioning Algorithm Based on Decision Trees for Virtual Reality 360∘ Videos
Authors: Liu Wenkai , Kang Jianyuan , Fu Xianya , Zhang Mengmeng , Liu Zhi , Mao Fuqi
Published: February 2020

For the virtual reality 360[Formula: see text] videos, equirectangular projection (ERP) is a commonly used projection format. However, its high resolution brings extraordinary huge computational complexity in encoding. In order to speed up the intra coding process, a fast coding unit (CU) partitioning algorithm based on regional decision tree is proposed in this paper. The frame image is divided into two regions from a statistical point of view, and the earlysplit and pruned decision trees are established using light weight sample attributes for each region. With the help of these decision trees, the CU partitioning process is accelerated. Compared with the original algorithm of HM16.20, the proposed algorithm can reduce the encoding time by 28%, while BD-rate only increases by 0.27%.
Field Weights Computation for Probabilistic Record Linkage in Presence of Missing Data
Authors: Zhang Yinghao , Xu Senlin , Zheng Mingfan , Li Xinran
Published: February 2020

Record linkage is the task for identifying which records refer to the same entity. When records in different data sources do not have a common key and they contain typographical errors in their identifier fields, the extended Fellegi–Sunter probabilistic record linkage method with consideration of field similarity proposed by Winkler, is one of the most effective methods to perform record linkage to our knowledge. But this method has a limitation that it cannot efficiently handle the problem of missing value in the fields, an inappropriate weight is assigned to record pair containing missing data. Therefore, to improve the performance of Winkler’s probabilistic record linkage method in presence of missing value, we proposed a solution for adjusting record pair’s weight when missing data occurred, which allows enhancing the accuracy of the Winkler’s record linkage decisions without increasing much more computational time.
The Homogenized Transformation Method for the Calculation of Stress Intensity Factor in Cracked FGM Structure
Authors: Li Rong , Yang Meng , Liang Bin
Published: February 2020

A convenient calculation method is proposed for the stress intensity factor (SIF) in cracked functionally graded material (FGM) structures. In this method, the complex computational problem for SIFs in cracked FGM plate and cylinder can be simplified as the calculation problem of empirical formulas of SIFs in cracked homogenous plate and cylinder with same loading conditions and the calculation problem of related transition parameters. The results show that the SIF in cracked FGM structure can be obtained accurately without using matrix and integral. The validity and usefulness of the present method are proved by comparing with the results of the conventional method.
High-Performance Multi-Layers Tubular Nanostructure Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yanbo , Li Ke , Liu Jinjie , Zhang Xi , Dai Jintao , Ai Fanrong
Published: February 2020

In order to reduce the negative volume effect of Silicon (Si) and Silica (SiO[Formula: see text] as anode materials, CNTs@SiO2/Si@C is prepared by sol–gel method and magnesiothermic reduction process. SEM and TEM results show that the surface of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is uniformly coated with active materials including SiO2 and Si. Active materials (SiO2/Si) closely contact with the conductive network constructed by CNTs, which greatly improves the conductivity of the composite anode material. Moreover, the large specific surface area of the tubular structure provides more Li[Formula: see text] diffusion channel. The cushion space of the hollow tube structure effectively alleviates the volume effect of SiO2/Si and enables the anode material excellent electrochemical performance in the cycling test. The initial discharge capacity of CNTs@SiO2/Si@C is 1064[Formula: see text]mAh/g at current density of 200 mA/g. The specific discharge capacity of CNTs@SiO2/Si@C is higher than 960 mAh/g after 100 cycles, and the coulomb efficiency maintains over 98% in the range from 30th to 100th cycle.
Study of the Cooling Performance of a Mist-Type Regenerative Evaporative Cooler Under Different Feed Water Temperature
Authors: Arun B. S. , Mariappan V.
Published: February 2020

In hot and humid climates, evaporative cooler is coupled with desiccant dehumidifier to obtain effective cooling. To realize the M-cycle-based cooler which combines liquid desiccant regeneration and evaporative cooling in a single apparatus, the effect of different feed water temperature on cooling performance is investigated in this paper. It was observed that wetting water film layer of conventional regenerative evaporative cooler (REC) carries a significant amount of sensible heat from the hot water/solution which reduced the wet-bulb effectiveness of the cooler. To enhance its effectiveness, an ultrasonic atomization mist REC was proposed. The influence of different intake conditions on cooling performance was studied and found that mist REC performed better than conventional cooler for higher feed water temperature. The wet-bulb effectiveness of the cooler ranged from 0.56 to 1.15 with maximum cooling capacity of 580[Formula: see text]W, which is comparable to the previous studies. This prototype can be further developed to an ultrasonic liquid desiccant waterless evaporative cooler.
“Adapted” Habitat Evaluation Procedure and Choice Experiment: Substitutes or Complements?
Authors: Dumax Nathalie , Rozan Anne , Rulleau Bénédicte
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we assess the environmental benefits derived from a wetland restoration plan. We assume that some of these benefits are “familiar” and thus fully perceived by the population; whereas those with more complex origins are “unfamiliar” and thus poorly perceived and valued. Well perceived benefits can often be assessed from carefully constructed conventional economic approaches based on preferences. However, the biases of these approaches become too significant for poorly perceived benefits which require alternative valuation methods. The “adapted” Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEPa) “benefit” seeks to value environmental benefits through a non-monetary metric, the habitat unit. It evaluates marginal environmental changes using ecological indicators instead of preferences. Our aim is to test the possibility of combining a conventional monetary valuation method (choice experiment) with a non-monetary alternative valuation method (HEPa) to see whether such a combination could improve the assessment of benefits stemming from positive impacts of environmental policies. By so doing, we seek to contribute to a better integration of ecosystem services into the processes of planning, management, and decision-making regarding natural areas.
Reflections of an Imperfect Anthropologist
Authors: Fedigan Linda Marie
Published: February 2020

This article summarizes my perspective on vital lessons that I have learned over my 45 years as a practicing anthropologist. To avoid repeating previously published biographical details of my life, I have only briefly described the facts and stages of my career here. Instead I have focused on a personal account of what I have learned from the events and experiences of my career and have attempted to distill them into underlying premises that have guided my academic vocation. I call them “nine truths I live by.”
Dynamic Construction, Perception, and Remodeling of Plant Cell Walls
Authors: Anderson Charles T. , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: February 2020

Plant cell walls are dynamic structures that are synthesized by plants to provide durable coverings for the delicate cells they encase. They are made of polysaccharides, proteins, and other biomolecules and have evolved to withstand large amounts of physical force and to resist external attack by herbivores and pathogens but can in many cases expand, contract, and undergo controlled degradation and reconstruction to facilitate developmental transitions and regulate plant physiology and reproduction. Recent advances in genetics, microscopy, biochemistry, structural biology, and physical characterization methods have revealed a diverse set of mechanisms by which plant cells dynamically monitor and regulate the composition and architecture of their cell walls, but much remains to be discovered about how the nanoscale assembly of these remarkable structures underpins the majestic forms and vital ecological functions achieved by plants.
Mavacamten rescues increased myofilament calcium sensitivity and dysregulation of Ca2+ flux caused by thin filament hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations
Authors: Sparrow Alexander J. , Watkins Hugh , Daniels Matthew J. , Redwood Charles , Robinson Paul
Published: February 2020

Thin filament hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations increase myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and alter Ca2+ handling and buffering. The myosin inhibitor mavacamten reverses the increased contractility caused by HCM thick filament mutations, and we here test its effect on HCM thin filament mutations where the mode of action is not known. Mavacamten (250 nM) partially reversed the increased Ca2+ sensitivity caused by HCM mutations Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) R92Q, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) R145G in in vitro ATPase assays. The effect of mavacamten was also analyzed in cardiomyocyte models of cTnT R92Q and cTnI R145G containing cytoplasmic and myofilament specific Ca2+ sensors. While mavacamten rescued the hypercontracted basal sarcomere length, the reduced fractional shortening did not improve with mavacamten. Both mutations caused an increase in peak systolic Ca2+ detected at the myofilament, and this was completely rescued by 250 nM mavacamten. Systolic Ca2+ detected by the cytoplasmic sensor was also reduced by mavacamten treatment, although only R145G increased cytoplasmic Ca2+. There was also a reversal of Ca2+ decay time prolongation caused by both mutations at the myofilament but not in the cytoplasm. We thus show that mavacamten reverses some of the Ca2+-sensitive molecular and cellular changes caused by the HCM mutations, particularly altered Ca2+ flux at the myofilament. The reduction of peak systolic Ca2+ as a consequence of mavacamten treatment represents a novel mechanism by which the compound is able to reduce contractility, working synergistically with its direct effect on the myosin motor.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mavacamten, a myosin inhibitor, is currently in phase-3 clinical trials as a pharmacotherapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Its efficacy in HCM caused by mutations in thin filament proteins is not known. We show in reductionist and cellular models that mavacamten can rescue the effects of thin filament mutations on calcium sensitivity and calcium handling although it only partially rescues the contractile cellular phenotype and, in some cases, exacerbates the effect of the mutation.
Pathogenic mechanisms and the potential of drug therapies for aortic aneurysm
Authors: Liu Bo , Granville David J. , Golledge Jonathan , Kassiri Zamaneh
Published: February 2020

Aortic aneurysm is a permanent focal dilation of the aorta. It is usually an asymptomatic disease but can lead to sudden death due to aortic rupture. Aortic aneurysm-related mortalities are estimated at ∼200,000 deaths per year worldwide. Because no pharmacological treatment has been found to be effective so far, surgical repair remains the only treatment for aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysm results from changes in the aortic wall structure due to loss of smooth muscle cells and degradation of the extracellular matrix and can form in different regions of the aorta. Research over the past decade has identified novel contributors to aneurysm formation and progression. The present review provides an overview of cellular and noncellular factors as well as enzymes that process extracellular matrix and regulate cellular functions (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases, granzymes, and cathepsins) in the context of aneurysm pathogenesis. An update of clinical trials focusing on therapeutic strategies to slow abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and efforts underway to develop effective pharmacological treatments is also provided.
Effects of Calliandra and Sesbania on Daily Milk Production in Dairy Cows on Commercial Smallholder Farms in Kenya
Authors: Makau D. N. , VanLeeuwen J. A. , Gitau G. K. , McKenna S. L. , Walton C. , Muraya J. , Wichtel J. J.
Published: February 2020

There is a growing interest in protein supplementation of dairy-cow diets using leguminous shrubs. The study objective was to ascertain the association between diet supplementation with Calliandra calothyrsus and Sesbania sesban and milk production in dairy cattle on commercial smallholder farms. This trial involved 235 cows from 80 smallholder dairy farms in Kenya randomly allocated to 4 intervention groups: (1) receiving Calliandra and Sesbania and nutritional advice; (2) receiving reproductive medicines and advice; (3) receiving both group 1 and 2 interventions; and (4) receiving neither intervention. Farm nutritional practices and management data were collected in a questionnaire, and subsequent physical examinations, mastitis tests, and milk production of cows on the farm were monitored approximately monthly for 16 months. Descriptive and univariable statistical analyses were conducted, and multivariable mixed-model regression was used for identification of factors associated (P<0.05) with daily milk production. The mean milk production was 6.39 liters/cow/day (SD = 3.5). Feeding Calliandra/Sesbania to cows was associated (P<0.0005) with an increase in milk produced by at least 1 liter/cow/day with each kg fed. Other variables positively associated with ln daily milk production in the final model included feeding of Napier grass, amount of silage and dairy meal fed, body condition score, and appetite of the cow. Other variables negatively associated with ln daily milk production in the final model included amount of maize germ fed, days in milk, sudden feed changes, pregnancy, and subclinical mastitis. In conclusion, our field trial data suggest that use of Calliandra/Sesbania through agroforestry can improve milk production in commercial smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. Agroforestry land use systems can be adopted as a way for dairy farmers to cope with feed shortages and low crude protein in farm-available feeds for their cows.
Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome: Application of Lymphocyte Subset Analysis in Predicting Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Liu Yang , Zheng Ke , Liu Yecheng , Zhu Huadong
Published: February 2020

Purpose. With immunosuppressants being widely used, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) has been increasing and could be life-threatening among HIV-negative patients. This study aimed at identifying prognostic factors of PCP in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Methods. We retrospectively investigated patients with nephrotic syndrome who were diagnosed with PCP. The diagnosis of PCP was based on clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and microbiological confirmatory tests. Predictors of outcome were determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The PCP mortality was 33.3%, which increased to 48.6% if ICU admission was required and to 60% when mechanical ventilation was needed. The T lymphocyte count and CD4/CD8 ratio independently predicted the outcome of PCP, so did the CD4+ T lymphocyte count (OR, 0.981; 95% CI, 0.967–0.996; p=0.001). The cut-off value of 71 cells/μl for the CD4+ T lymphocyte count was determined to identify patients with poor prognosis. No association was found between PCP mortality and the type of immunosuppressant used. Conclusions. PCP is a fatal complication among nephrotic syndrome patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The CD4+ T lymphocyte count is suggested as an independent predictor of prognosis, which can be used clinically to identify patients with high risk of unfavorable outcomes.
Changes in Renal Parameters during a Training Camp among Handball Players in the Sub-Saharan Environment
Authors: Tonon Brigitte A. , Bio Nigan Issiako , Agboton Bruno , Gouthon Polycarpe , Nouatin Basile , Agboton Hippolyte
Published: February 2020

The aim of the study was to describe the changes in kidney parameters induced by 10 days of tapering (TP) during a training camp (TC), where the players were preparing for a group competition, in 15 female handball team members of a Division 1 Amateur of Benin, in the sub-Saharan environment. Measures were taken in all the players before and after the intensive training (IT) and tapering (TP) phases in an intervention study. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the CKD-EPI 4-level race formula, the fractional excretions of sodium (FeNa) and potassium (FeK), the urine potassium-to-sodium ratio (Na/K urine), and the hemoglobin rate [Hb] were determined for all participants. At the end of IT, eGFR and FeNa increased, respectively, by 22.39% (P<0.01) and 143.85% (P<0.01), but the variation of FeK is not significant (P>0.05). The number of abnormally low eGFR values (<90 mL/min/1.73 m2) was reduced from 11 to 5 (P<0.05). At the end of TP, the eGFR and urine Na-to-K ratio remained on average constant (P>0.05) but FeNa decreased by 96.32% (P<0.001) and FeK increased by 144.41% (P<0.001). The [Hb] rate increased by 9.80% (P<0.001), and players had inadequate hydration practice. The results suggested that in addition to its already known effects, TP preserves the positive effects of IT on glomerular function in athletes preparing for a competition that presents a major challenge.
Centrality Dependence of Multiplicity Fluctuations from a Hydrodynamical Approach
Authors: Ma Hong-Hao , Lin Kai , Qian Wei-Liang , Wang Bin
Published: February 2020

As one of the possible signals for the whereabouts of the critical point on the QCD phase diagram, recently, the multiplicity fluctuations in heavy-ion collisions have aroused much attention. It is a crucial observation of the Beam Energy Scan program of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In this work, we investigate the centrality dependence of the multiplicity fluctuations regarding the recent measurements from STAR Collaboration. By employing a hydrodynamical approach, the present study is dedicated to the noncritical aspects of the phenomenon. To be specific, in addition to the thermal fluctuations, finite volume corrections, and resonance decay at the freeze-out surface, the model is focused on the properties of the hydrodynamic expansion of the system and the event-by-event initial fluctuations. It is understood that the real signal of the critical point can only be obtained after appropriately subtracting the background; the latter is investigated in the present work. Besides the experimental data, our results are also compared to those of the hadronic resonance gas, as well as the transport models.
Fixed-Time Connectivity Preserving Tracking Consensus of Multiagent Systems with Disturbances
Authors: Sun Fenglan , Liu Peiyong , Kurths Jürgen , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2020

This text studies the fixed-time tracking consensus for nonlinear multiagent systems with disturbances. To make the fixed-time tracking consensus, the distributed control protocol based on the integral sliding mode control is proposed; meanwhile, the adjacent followers can be maintained in a limited sensing range. By using the nonsmooth analysis method, sufficient conditions for the fixed-time consensus together with the upper and lower bounds of convergence time are obtained. An example is given to illustrate the potential correctness of the main results.
The Antitumor Efficacy of β‐Elemene by Changing Tumor Inflammatory Environment and Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Xie Qiang , Li Fengzhou , Fang Lei , Liu Wenzhi , Gu Chundong
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory mediators and inflammatory cells in the inflammatory microenvironment promote the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells in the early stage of cancer, promote the growth and development of cancer cells, and induce tumor immune escape. The monomeric active ingredient β‐elemene is extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Curcuma wenyujin and has been proven to have good anti‐inflammatory and antitumor activities in clinical applications for more than 20 years in China. Recent studies have found that this traditional Chinese medicine plays a vital role in macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization, as well as in regulating immune disorders, and it even regulates the transcription factors NF‐κB and STAT3 to alter inflammation, tumorigenesis, and development. In addition, β‐elemene regulates not only different inflammatory factors (such as TNF‐α, IFN, TGF‐β, and IL‐6/10) but also oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. The excellent anti‐inflammatory and antitumor effects of β‐elemene and its ability to alter the inflammatory microenvironment of tumors have been gradually elaborated. Although the study of monomeric active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines is insufficient in terms of quality and quantity, the pharmacological effects of more active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicines will be revealed after β‐elemene.
Lithium Sulfide as Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Zhou Luoting , Zhang Wenkui , Wang Yangfeng , Liang Sheng , Gan Yongping , Huang Hui , Zhang Jun , Xia Yang , Liang Chu
Published: February 2020

Due to the ever-growing demand for high-density energy storage devices, lithium-ion batteries with a high-capacity cathode and anode are thought to be the next-generation batteries for their high energy density. Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is considered the promising cathode material for its high theoretical capacity, high melting point, affordable volume expansion, and lithium composition. This review summarizes the activation and lithium storage mechanism of Li2S cathodes. The design strategies in improving the electrochemical performance are highlighted. The application of the Li2S cathode in full cells of lithium-ion batteries is discussed. The challenges and new directions in commercial applications of Li2S cathodes are also pointed out.
A Study of Influence Distance and Road Safety Avoidance Distance from Postearthquake Building Debris Accumulation
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Nana , Wang Leiming , Wang Ziyi , Ma Donghui
Published: February 2020

To study the influence of the debris accumulation caused by the continuous collapse of the postearthquake building structure on the avoidance distance of the road red line, taking the typical masonry structures of three stories, five stories, and seven stories as examples, this study simulates the process of sloughing collapse and the positive and negative collapse along the Z axis of the building structure under 28 different seismic conditions in details. Taking “the flying stones” into consideration, this study divides the influence distance of the collapsed building structure under earthquakes into (a) the safety distance during earthquakes and (b) the main influence distance of the debris accumulation after the earthquake. In this study, two types of movement laws of flying stones are analyzed statistically first. Then, the statistical analysis and hypothesis testing are carried out on the main influence distance of all the debris accumulation using the influence width coefficient, and the main influence distance distribution probability models of the debris accumulation of the collapsed building structure under earthquake excitation are established. The distribution models include the gamma distribution and the extreme value type III along the Z axis and the normal distribution probability model along the X axis. Finally, a simplified calculation table of the influence distance of collapsed building structures is established. It provides a scientific basis for the safe control distance of buildings to avoid the road red line and for the minimum distance between the buildings and people after a destructive earthquake.