bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of electrolyte system on the microstructure and properties of MAO ceramics coatings on 7050 high strength aluminum alloy
Authors: Zong Y. , Cao G.P. , Hua T.S. , Cai S.W. , Song R.G.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of different electrolyte systems on the properties of micro-arc oxidation coating on 7050 high strength aluminum alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The coatings were prepared in silicate system with Na2SiO3 as main component, borate system with Na2B4O7 as main component and aluminate solution with Na2AlO2 as main salt, respectively.

Findings

The results show that the 7050 high strength aluminum alloy shows the best properties in silicate system.

Originality/value

This manuscript studied the crucial influence of different electrolyte systems on the microstructure and properties of the aluminum alloy micro-arc oxidation layer.
The effect of surfactant on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of electrodeposited Ni-Mo alloy coatings
Authors: Mousavi Rouhollah , Bahrololoom Mohammad Ebrahim , Deflorian Flavio
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In this research, the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Ni-Mo alloy coatings obtained from a citrate bath solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant, have been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the Cathodic polarization curves were plotted using a potentiostat/galvanostat set. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were, respectively, used to investigate the morphology and chemical composition of the coatings.

Findings

The results of the corrosion test showed that the corrosion resistance of the coatings obtained from electroplating bath only containing CTAB surfactant was deteriorated. On the other hand, SDS anionic surfactant positively affected on the corrosion resistance of the coatings when it was added to the electroplating bath.

Originality/value

For this purpose, the Cathodic polarization curves were plotted using a potentiostat/galvanostat set. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were respectively used to investigate the morphology and chemical composition of the coatings.
Measuring the atmospheric corrosion of Q235B and T91 steels using gray value, wavelet analysis and fuzzy Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy
Authors: Wang Li-Xiang , Xia Da-Hai , Song Shi-Zhe , Behnamian Yashar , Xu Likun
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to quantify atmospheric corrosion by image analyses. The corrosion extent, form and distribution of corrosion product on Q235B and T91 steels exposed to a Zhoushan marine atmosphere over one year are characterized by image analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Image analysis of corrosion images were achieved using the gray value, wavelet analysis and fuzzy Kolmogorov–Sinai (K–S) entropy.

Findings

As corrosion becomes extensive, the gray value of corrosion images decreases, and the energy value of nine subimages after wavelength decomposition decreases. Fuzzy K–S entropy increases as localized corrosion propagates but decreases as uniform corrosion spreads.

Originality/value

The methods proposed in this work open a new way for fast corrosion evaluation of metallic materials exposed to atmospheric conditions.
The study of hydrogen embrittlement of 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel by slow strain rate test with in situ hydrogen charging
Authors: Zhang Kun , Fan Yicheng , Luo Xiaowei , Chen Xiaolang , Ban Chaolei , Zhao Heming , Chen Yiqing
Published: August 2019

Purpose

12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel is commonly used to make hot-wall hydrogenation reactors given its excellent mechanical properties and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) resistance. Longtime exposure to high-pressure hydrogen at medium temperature would still severely damage the mechanical properties of the Cr-Mo steel with surface HICs caused by hydrogen adsorption and hydrogen uptake. The mechanisms of HE remain controversial and have not been fully understood so far.

Design/methodology/approach

The HE of the steel was investigated by slow strain rate test at different strain rates with in situ hydrogen charging. The diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in the steel is measured by electrochemical technology of hydrogen permeation. HIC cracks of the fractured specimens were captured with field emission SEM equipped with an electron backscatter diffraction system.

Findings

Results showed that the hydrogen led to the plasticity of the samples reduced significantly, together with the distinct work hardening behavior induced by hydrogen charging during plastic flow stage. The fracture of in situ charged sample changes from quasi-cleavage to intergranular fracture with the decreasing of strain rates, which indicates that the steel become more susceptible to hydrogen. High densities of dislocations and deformation are found around the crack, where grains are highly sensitive to HIC. Grains with different Taylor factor are more susceptible to intergranular crack.

Originality/value

The results of the study would be helpful to a safer application of the steel.
Modelling the readiness factors for agility in healthcare organization: a TISM approach
Authors: V. Vaishnavi , M. Suresh , Dutta Pankaj
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different readiness factors for implementing agility in healthcare organization. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) based readiness framework for agility has been developed to understand the mutual interactions among the factors and to identify the driving and dependence power of these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of factors is done by TISM approach used for analyzing the mutual interactions between factors. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis is utilized to find the driving and dependent factors of agile readiness in healthcare.

Findings

This paper identifies 12 factors of readiness for change in literature review, which is followed by an expert interview to understand the interconnection of factors and to study interrelationships of factors. The study suggests that factors like environmental scanning, resource availability, innovativeness, cost effectiveness, organizational leadership, training and development are important for implementing/improving the readiness of agility in healthcare organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses mainly on readiness factors for agility in healthcare sector.

Practical implications

Top management must stress on readiness factors that have a strong driving power for efficient implementation of agility in healthcare. This study helps the managers to take quick decisions, and continuous monitoring of readiness factors would be more beneficial to improve the quality of service, which makes the organization more agile.

Originality/value

In this research, TISM-based readiness for agile framework structural model has been proposed for healthcare organizations, which is a new effort for implementation of agility in healthcare.
Estimation of the 3D correlation structure of an alluvial aquifer from surface‐based multi‐frequency ground‐penetrating radar reflection data
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Irving James , Lindsay Kyle , Bradford John , Zhu Peimin , Holliger Klaus
Published: August 2019

Knowledge about the stochastic nature of heterogeneity in subsurface hydraulic properties is critical for aquifer characterization and the corresponding prediction of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Whereas the vertical correlation structure of the heterogeneity is often well constrained by borehole information, the lateral correlation structure is generally unknown because the spacing between boreholes is too large to allow for its meaningful inference. There is, however, evidence to suggest that information on the lateral correlation structure may be extracted from the correlation statistics of the subsurface reflectivity structure imaged by surface‐based ground‐penetrating radar measurements. To date, case studies involving this approach have been limited to 2D profiles acquired at a single antenna centre frequency in areas with limited complementary information. As a result, the practical reliability of this methodology has been difficult to assess. Here, we extend previous work to 3D and consider reflection ground‐penetrating radar data acquired using two antenna centre frequencies at the extensively explored and well‐constrained Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site. We find that the results obtained using the two ground‐penetrating radar frequencies are consistent with each other, as well as with information from a number of other studies at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site. In addition, contrary to previous 2D work, our results indicate that the surface‐based reflection ground‐penetrating radar data are not only sensitive to the aspect ratio of the underlying heterogeneity, but also, albeit to a lesser extent, to the so‐called Hurst number, which is a key parameter characterizing the local variability of the fine‐scale structure.
Changes in vegetation composition and structure following livestock exclusion in a temperate fluvial wetland
Authors: Magnano Andrea L. , Krug Pamela , Casa Valeria , Quintana Rubén D.
Published: August 2019

Questions

Responses of wetland systems to grazing can be highly variable with both positive or negative responses. However, the sustainable use of wetlands for grazing will depend on the management implemented and the resilience of each type of them. In this context, we addressed the question: will the vegetation in the studied wetland be able to recover its structural and functional parameters in the short term after livestock exclusion?

Location

Temperate fluvial wetlands in the middle Delta of the Paraná River, Argentina, South America.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of cattle ranching on vegetation composition and diversity by determining changes in species richness and evenness, biomass (green and dry vegetative, and reproductive biomass), and litter content. We also analyzed the changes in biomass of weeds and of species according to their forage quality, toxicity, and growth form. We applied a randomized block design (by topographic position) with repeated measures over time, using livestock exclusion as treatment.

Results

After 16 months, livestock exclusion affected vegetation species richness, but did not have a significant effect on diversity due to a slightly compensatory effect of evenness. Species composition differed markedly among treatments over time. There was an increase in dry and green vegetative biomass and litter content after eight months of exclusion, while changes in reproductive biomass occurred later. The increase in these variables was closely related to changes in biomass of species with erect habit and good forage quality.

Conclusions

Livestock exclusion increased the forage value for the studied wetland by the development of natural palatable species typical of these environments. This shift in species composition promoted a higher production in biomass in the ungrazed areas. This suggests a remarkable recovery of the structural and functional parameters of the vegetation communities in the short term (two years).
Contextualizing compliance officers and their state of practice
Authors: Krambia‐Kapardis Maria , Stylianou Ioanna , Demetriou Salomi
Published: August 2019

The compliance officers' (CO) profession has been evolving over the last few decades. The expectations placed upon the individuals holding such a position vary across jurisdictions, but they are all expected to ensure employees and management of the business entity comply with the law. Given the limited research on CO in Europe, and the increasing public interest in this profession, the current authors have carried out a survey in Cyprus in an effort to map out and contextualize the CO' profession. The findings illustrate CO's academic and professional qualifications, their awareness of their legal liability, the level of knowledge and job performance of their duties as prescribed by law, as well as gaps in the performance of duties as expected by management, boards, and regulators. The policy implications derived from the study suggest coherence and synergies to be found through common exam and postgraduate qualification in the field of financial compliance.
Three‐dimensional computed tomography analysis of frontoethmoidal cells: A critical evaluation of the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC)
Authors: Gotlib Tomasz , Kołodziejczyk Paulina , Kuźmińska Magdalena , Bobecka‐Wesołowska Konstancja , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Two major classifications of frontoethmoidal cells, Lee and Kuhn and the IFAC (International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification), distinguish anterior, posterior and medial cells. The European anatomical position paper includes also lateral cells. According to the IFAC, anterior cells push the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) medially, posteriorly or posteromedially. Posterior cells push the FSDP anteriorly. The only medial cell, pushing the FSDP laterally is the frontal septal cell, which is attached to or located in the interfrontal sinus septum. The aim of this study was to verify the IFAC and characterise cells, which are inconsistent with this classification.

Design

A radioanatomic analysis.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Participants

One hundred and three Caucasian adult patients with no inflammatory changes in paranasal sinuses CT.

Main outcomes measure

Results of assessment of multiplanar reconstruction of thin slice CT.

Results

Two types of cells that cannot be classified using the IFAC were found: (a) Lateral cells extending between the skull base and the anterior buttress, pushing the FSDP anteromedially or medially, present in 34 (16.5%) of the sides, (b) Paramedian cells: medially based, not adjacent to the interfrontal septum, pushing the FSDP laterally and posteriorly, present in 33 (16%) of sides. Suprabulla cells and suprabulla frontal cells were found to push the FSDP in directions other than anterior 28% and 31% of the time respectively.

Conclusions

Neglecting lateral and paramedian cells may lead to inconsistent results between radioanatomical studies and impede communication between surgeons. They should be included in existing classifications of frontoethmoidal cells.
Endoscopic removal of a fragmented stent after EUS‐guided pancreatic duct drainage using a novel gooseneck snare with an uneven double‐lumen cannula
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Ito Kiyoaki , Yoneda Masashi
Published: August 2019

Watch a video of this article
A novel 13‐plex STR typing system for individual identification and parentage testing of donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Dang W. , Shang S. , Zhang X. , Yu Y. , Irwin D. M. , Wang Z. , Zhang S.
Published: August 2019

Background

Previous studies investigating donkey parentage and genetic diversity used horse‐specific multiplex systems. However, several mis‐allele and null‐allele issues were found with some of the horse primers when used in donkeys. In 2017, the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) recommended 13 dinucleotide short tandem repeats (STRs) (AHT4, ASB23, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HMS18, HTG7, HTG10, TKY297, TKY312, TKY337 and TKY343) as a core panel that should be used to identify individuals and to test for parentage in donkeys. To date, no single multiplex STR typing system containing all 13 donkey STRs recommended by the ISAG has been reported.

Objectives

To establish a novel and donkey‐specific multiplex STR typing system containing all 13 recommended STRs.

Study design

Assay development and validation in field population.

Methods

Primers for seven of the STRs were redesigned and conditions for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were optimised. We analysed the allele sequences, sensitivity, species‐specificity and stutter ratios of this new system.

Results

A 13‐plex STR typing system for donkey was established. A full profile could be generated from a single PCR reaction using as little as 5 ng of DNA template with the 13 pairs of primers labelled with fluorescent dyes. An allele ladder, containing 101 alleles from the 13 STRs, was generated. No full genotype profile was generated with these primers if DNA from humans, or 11 other commonly encountered animals, was used. Genotypes could be generated for the horse and horse‐donkey hybrids (mule and hinny). Stutter ratios and population genetic parameters were calculated based on samples from 150 donkeys. The combined probabilities of paternity exclusion for this system were 0.988907326 (CPEduo) and 0.999665018 (CPEtrio).

Main limitations

This system cannot detect sex.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that our donkey‐specific 13‐plex STR typing system is sensitive, species‐specific and robust for individual identification, paternity testing and population genetic analysis in donkeys, and has potential forensic applications.
Myenteric networks of interstitial cells of Cajal are reduced in horses with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fintl C. , Lindberg R. , McL. Press C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a well‐recognised but poorly understood disease complex in the horse. Clinical signs may vary but often include weight loss, diarrhoea and colic. The effect this disease process may have on the gastrointestinal pacemaker cells (the interstitial cells of Cajal), enteric neurons and glial cells has not been previously evaluated in the horse.

Objectives

To compare the density of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), enteric neurons and glial cells in horses with IBD to those of normal horses using immunohistochemical markers.

Study design

Retrospective, quantitative immunohistochemical study.

Methods

Ileal samples were collected during post‐mortem examinations from 14 horses with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of IBD and from eight normal controls. All horses were Standardbreds 1–15 years of age. Six of the IBD cases had eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) while the remaining eight had granulomatous enteritis (GE). Tissue sections were labelled with anti‐CD117 (c‐Kit), anti‐TMEM16 (TMEM16), anti‐protein gene product (PGP9.5) and anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) using standard immunohistochemical labelling techniques. Image analysis was performed to quantify the presence of ICC (CD117, TMEM16) as well as neuronal (PGP9.5) and enteroglial (GFAP) networks.

Results

Interstitial cells of Cajal networks were significantly reduced in the myenteric plexus (MP) region in IBD horses compared with the controls for both markers (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the density of the neuronal or glial cell markers between the two groups (P>0.05).

Main limitations

The number of horses included in the study.

Conclusions

Disruption to ICC networks may contribute to the clinical signs of colic in some horses with IBD. Further studies are needed to establish the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and the functional effects of the reduced ICC networks.
Prognostic significance of red cell distribution width in hospitalized older patients with heart failure or infection
Authors: Nakashima Keitaro , Ohgami Eiichi , Kato Kazuhiko , Yoshitomi Souichi , Maruyama Toru , Harada Mine
Published: August 2019

Aim

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a simple, sensitive and cost‐effective parameter, and is associated with pathophysiology of many common diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of RDW in older adults hospitalized for the treatment of heart failure (HF) or infection, because both diseases are fatal, especially in the geriatric population.

Methods

This observational study consecutively enrolled 196 Japanese older (aged ≥75 years) patients hospitalized for the treatment of HF (group A, n = 102) or non‐cardiovascular bacterial infection (group B, n = 94). Baseline and clinical data were extracted from medical records. The observational period was that of hospitalization. The primary end‐point was classified in the order of discharge to the patients’ home, discharge to other facilities and in‐hospital death.

Results

Longer hospital stay (P < 0.01) and worse prognosis (P < 0.01), including higher in‐hospital mortality, were found in patients showing RDW ≥15% relative to those with RDW <15% in both groups. RDW showed no in‐hospital variation despite successful treatment of acutely decompensated HF in selected patients of group A (n = 64).

Conclusions

The present study showed the role of RDW in predicting the prognostic outcome of older adults hospitalized for the treatment of HF or infection, indicating that RDW is a stable and reliable parameter in these common diseases. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 988–992.
High‐temperature oxidation behavior of (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C high‐entropy ceramics in air
Authors: Ye Beilin , Wen Tongqi , Chu Yanhui
Published: August 2019

High‐entropy metal carbides have recently been arousing considerable interest. Nevertheless, their high‐temperature oxidation behavior is rarely studied. Herein the high‐temperature oxidation behavior of (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C high‐entropy metal carbide (HEC‐1) was investigated at 1573‐1773 K in air for 120 minutes. The results showed that HEC‐1 had good oxidation resistance and its oxidation obeyed a parabolic law at 1573‐1673 K, while HEC‐1 was completely oxidized after isothermal oxidation at 1773 K for 60 minutes and thereby its oxidation followed a parabolic‐linear law at 1773 K. An interesting triple‐layered structure was observed within the formed oxide layer at 1673 K, which was attributed to the inward diffusion of O2 and the outward diffusion of Ti element and CO or CO2 gaseous products.
Genome‐wide scan for runs of homozygosity in the composite Montana Tropical® beef cattle
Authors: Peripolli Elisa , Stafuzza Nedenia Bonvino , Amorim Sabrina Thaise , de Lemos Marcos Vinícius Antunes , Grigoletto Laís , Kluska Sabrina , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Eler Joanir Pereira , Mattos Elisângela Chicaroni , Baldi Fernando
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and autozygosity islands in the composite Montana Tropical® beef cattle to explore hotspot regions which could better characterize the different biological types within the composite breed. Montana animals (n = 1,436) were genotyped with the GGP‐LD BeadChip (~30,000 markers). ROH was identified in every individual using the plink v1.90 software. Medium and long ROH prevailed in the genome, which accounted for approximately 74% of all ROH detected. On an average, 2.0% of the genome was within ROH, agreeing with the pedigree‐based inbreeding coefficient. The Montana cattle with a higher proportion of productive breed types showed the highest number of autozygosity islands (n = 17), followed by those with a higher proportion of breeds adapted to tropical environments (n = 15). Enriched terms (p < .05) associated with the immune and inflammatory response, homeostasis, reproduction, mineral absorption, and lipid metabolism were described within the autozygosity islands. In this regard, over‐represented GO terms and KEGG pathways described in this population may play a key role in providing information to explore the genetic and biological mechanisms together with the genomic regions underlying each biological type that favoured their optimal performance ability in tropical and subtropical regions.
Annual report of Reproductive Endocrinology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2019
Authors: Osuga Yutaka , Akira Shigeo , Irahara Minoru , Iwase Akira , Katagiri Yukiko , Kugu Koji , Terada Yukihiro , Maruyama Tetsuo , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: August 2019

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Endocrinology Committee summarizes the activities of each subcommittee below from April 2017 to March 2019.

Current important issues regarding reproductive medicine were examined and discussed from social, political, ethical and scientific viewpoints.

A nation‐wide survey targeted at OB/GYN facilities revealed the usual procedure in diagnosis and management of fertility‐desiring POI patients and fertility outcomes of the patients.

How to introduce and adapt FIGO AUB systems to obstetric and gynecologic practices in Japan was examined and discussed.
Comorbid depressive disorders and left‐side dominant occlusal discomfort in patients with phantom bite syndrome
Authors: Shinohara Yukiko , Umezaki Yojiro , Minami Ichiro , Watanabe Motoko , Miura Anna , Mikutsuki Lou , Kawasaki Kaoru , Sugawara Shiori , Trang Tu Thi Hyen , Suga Takayuki , Watanabe Takeshi , Yoshikawa Tatsuya , Takenoshita Miho , Motomura Haruhiko , Toyofuku Akira
Published: August 2019

Background

Phantom bite syndrome (PBS) is characterised by occlusal discomfort without corresponding dental abnormalities. Despite repeated, failed dental treatments, patients with PBS persist in seeking bite correction. PBS has been regarded as a mental disorder. However, we have reported that PBS patients with a dental trigger tend to have less psychiatric history than those without. Hence, the symptoms of PBS cannot be explained by a mental disorder alone, and it is unclear if mental disorders affect occlusal sensation.

Objective

To elucidate the pathophysiology of PBS, we analysed the dental history, PBS symptom laterality and psychiatric history of patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed outpatients with PBS who presented at our clinic between April 2012 and March 2017. Their medical records were reviewed for demographic data, medical history and laterality of occlusal discomfort.

Results

Approximately half of the 199 enrolled patients had bilateral occlusal discomfort. In the others, the side with occlusal discomfort generally tended to be the one that had received dental treatment. There was no significant relationship between the side chiefly affected by occlusal discomfort and whether dental treatment had been received; however, the affected side differed depending on whether the patient had comorbid psychiatric disorders (P = .041).

Conclusions

The distributions of the side with symptoms of PBS were different between those with and without comorbid psychiatric disorders, suggesting that psychiatric disorders might affect occlusal sensation due to a subtle dysfunction in brain areas central to sensory integration. Central dysfunction might play an important role in PBS.
The Adoption of the Healthy Eating Standards in Local Afterschool Programs Does Not Improve Quality of Snacks
Authors: Helmick Meagan , Esmond Abigail C. , Hedrick Valisa , Zoellner Jamie , You Wen , Hill Jennie L.
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

In 2011, the National Afterschool Association adopted the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards to address snack quality and physical activity in afterschool programs. Although research has indicated promise in the adoption of these policies by national organizations, less is known about local adoption, implementation, and effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to compare the quality of snacks served at program sites pre‐ and post‐adoption and to determine the quality of non‐program snacks compared to program snacks.

METHODS

An interrupted time series design was used to measure snack quality and consumption at 3 policy adopting sites and 2 non‐policy adopting sites that served as a comparison control. Trained research staff collected snack type, brand, and amount consumed using a modified quarter‐waste method. Analysis on nutrient content of snacks was completed using Nutrition Data System for Research software.

RESULTS

Adoption of the HEPA standards among policy adopting sites did not result in significantly better snack quality. Across all sites, program snacks were healthier than non‐program snacks.

CONCLUSION

Pursuing additional components of the HEPA standards related to implementation may be necessary to significantly improve snack quality. Environmental supports such as limiting the amount of non‐program snacks available onsite may improve snack quality.
Estimating the Mean Direction of Strongly Dependent Circular Time Series
Authors: Beran Jan , Ghosh Sucharita
Published: August 2019

A class of circular processes based on Gaussian subordination is introduced. This allows for flexible modelling of directional time series with long‐range dependence. Based on limit theorems for subordinated processes and consistent estimation of nuisance parameters, asymptotic confidence intervals for the mean direction are derived. Extensions to cases where the direction depends on explanatory variables are also considered. Simulations and a data example illustrate the proposed method.
Unravelling the evolution of complex reproductive traits with phenotypic engineering
Authors: Fisher Heidi S.
Published: August 2019

The social dynamics surrounding courtship, mating and parental care are complex enough when just a single male and female are involved, but for species that employ multiple strategies for achieving fertilization success, the network of interactions among rivals, allies and suitors can be utterly complicated. Such is the case in the ocellated wrasse, Symphodus ocellatus, in which males adopt one of three mating strategies. The large, colourful “nesting males” court females, defend territories and care for fertilized eggs until they hatch. The smaller “satellite males” help the nesting males court females and guard against the third morph, the “sneaker males”, which sneak in when a nesting male is spawning with a female and surreptitiously release sperm. Sneaker males perform no courtship displays nor defend territories, so their reproductive investment is devoted entirely to sperm production. And these alternative male strategies work: 100% of nests contain some eggs fertilized by sneaker and satellite males, despite the fact that parental care is solely the responsibility of nesting males In this issue of Molecular Ecology, work to untangle the proximate mechanisms regulating the reproductive physiology of nesting males and their behaviour towards other males, which impacts the entire social network. Moreover, they describe how variation in neuroendocrine regulation can give rise to variation in reproductive traits, upon which sexual selection can act.
The role of ADGRE5/CD97 in human retinal pigment epithelial cell growth and survival
Authors: Eichler Wolfram , Lohrenz Andrea , Simon Kay‐Uwe , Krohn Sandra , Lange Johannes , Bürger Susanne , Liebscher Ines
Published: August 2019

Cell surface molecules of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells participate in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. In an attempt to identify cell surface proteins that play a role in RPE cell–cell interactions, we have considered studying the expression, regulation, and signaling of ADGRE5/CD97, an adhesion G protein–coupled receptor family member, based on its known adhesive function in other cell types such as leukocytes. We showed that RPE cells express three isoforms of CD97 and identified inflammation‐related cytokines as important mediators regulating CD97 expression. Whereas TNF‐α and IFN‐γ upregulated CD97, TGF‐β decreased CD97 expression. Due to interaction with CD55, ARPE‐19 cells firmly adhered to monocytes and T lymphocytes when overexpressing CD97, suggesting a role for CD97 in controlling leukocyte infiltration across the RPE‐based blood–retinal barrier. CD97‐mediated signaling acted synergistically with PDGF‐BB and IFN‐γ to regulate cell growth and survival, ensuring a cellular balance under inflammatory conditions. These findings suggest that CD97 on RPE cells serves to control leukocyte activation and trafficking in uveoretinal inflammation while at the same time regulating second messenger‐mediated gene expression, cell growth, and survival.
Interleukin‐8/β‐catenin mediates epithelial–mesenchymal transition in ameloblastoma
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Yanhui , Fan Cunhui , Xiao Ximei , Zhang Qian , Xu Tao , Jiang Chunmiao
Published: August 2019

Objective

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the tooth development and tumor invasion. We investigated the effect of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) on the EMT process in primary‐cultured ameloblastoma tumor cells (AM‐P) and ameloblastoma immortalized tumor cells (AM‐L) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

IL‐8 levels in ameloblastomas were detected by immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. AM‐P cells and AM‐L cells were stimulated with IL‐8, and EMT transcription factors, total β‐catenin and phosphorylated‐β‐catenin (p‐β‐catenin) levels were determined by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. β‐catenin siRNA was used to knockdown β‐catenin expression in AM‐P cells and AM‐L cells stimulated with IL‐8.

Results

IL‐8 was highly expressed in the solid ameloblastomas. IL‐8 promoted the EMT process in ameloblastoma tumor cells in vitro, as evidenced by decreased E‐cadherin and increased vimentin, twist and zeb1 levels. IL‐8 also increased total β‐catenin and p‐β‐catenin expression in ameloblastoma tumor cells, and β‐catenin knockdown partially inhibited the EMT process in tumor cells, as evidenced by increased E‐cadherin, and decreased vimentin and zeb1 levels.

Conclusions

IL‐8 could promote EMT in ameloblastoma tumor cells by activating β‐catenin and its downstream transcription factor zeb1.
Cross‐section positioning based on a dynamic MLS tunnel monitoring system
Authors: Du Liming , Zhong Ruofei , Sun Haili , Liu Yujiao , Wu Qiong
Published: August 2019

The number of tunnels is increasing sharply, especially in China, due to the development of urban rail transit networks. It is thus crucial to study rapid structural deformation detection methods for tunnels in operation. A dynamic tunnel monitoring system can directly obtain cross sections. However, using only odometers to locate the cross sections along the track of a tunnel results in insufficient accuracy. Furthermore, the measured cross sections are all in local coordinate systems, providing no indication of curved tunnels and restricting 3D display capabilities. This paper focuses on a relative positioning method based on mobile laser scanning to improve the accuracy, together with a unified positioning method to relate the measured cross sections in a single system. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed methods are verified by experiments which demonstrate that the solutions can fully meet accuracy requirements and 3D display purposes.
Inhibition of microRNA-34a mediates protection of thymosin beta 4 in endothelial progenitor cells against advanced glycation endproducts by targeting B-cell lymphoma 2
Authors: Chen Qi , Shen Zhida , Mao Yanjun , Li Qinfeng , Liu Yu , Mei Menghan , Qiu Fuyu , Wang Meihui
Published: August 2019

The aim of our work was to test whether thymosin beta 4 protected endothelial progenitor cells against apoptosis induced by advanced glycation endproducts and investigate the underlying mechanism. Treatment with thymosin beta 4 or transfection with microRNA-34a inhibitor enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, abated oxidative stress, and attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial progenitor cells exposed to advanced glycation endproducts. Incubation with advanced glycation endproducts led to increased levels of microRNA-34a, which was attenuated by treatment with thymosin beta 4. Transfection with microRNA-34a reversed the beneficial effect of thymosin beta 4 against injuries induced by advanced glycation endproducts. The microRNA-34a could directly bind to the 3′UTRs of the mRNA of B-cell lymphoma 2, and thymosin beta 4 treatment upregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 expression in endothelial progenitor cells exposed to advanced glycation endproducts. More importantly, knockdown of B-cell lymphoma 2 abolished the protection of thymosin beta 4 and microRNA-34a inhibitor against advanced glycation endproducts. In conclusion, inhibition of microRNA-34a mediated protection of thymosin beta 4 in endothelial progenitor cells against advanced glycation endproducts by targeting B-cell lymphoma 2, which was helpful for understanding the therapeutic potential of thymosin beta 4 for diabetic patients.
Beyond R2D2
Authors: Karreman Daphne E. , Ludden Geke D. S. , Evers Vanessa
Published: August 2019

Robots are expected to enter the everyday lives of people to entertain, educate, or support them. It is therefore important that people can intuitively understand the behavior of robots. Oftentimes, the behavior of people is used as a model because of its familiarity. However, it is as yet unclear what the best approach is to design interaction behaviors for non-humanoid robots. In this article, we explore two different approaches toward designing behavior for a service robot. The first concerns the commonly used approach of copying human behavior as closely as possible to the robot (
human-translated
). The second approach was inspired by product design methods. The design of the robot's behavior was optimized for the robot's interaction capabilities and hardware modalities (
robot-optimized
). To evaluate people's responses to the two behavior sets for a tour guide robot, an online video study (
N
= 204) and a two-day in-the-wild study (
N
> 600) were performed. Results showed that participants responded slightly more positive to robot-optimized behavior and paid attention to robot-optimized behavior for longer. However, participants remembered more details when the robot showed human-translated behavior. Together, the studies show that it is sometimes better for non-humanoid robots to have robot-optimized behaviors rather than human-translated behaviors.
ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in embryonic vascular development and hypertension
Authors: Crosswhite Patrick L.
Published: August 2019

Hypertension, a chronic elevation in blood pressure, is the largest single contributing factor to mortality worldwide and the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure increases the risk for someone to experience a number of adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, stroke, or aneurysm. Despite advancements in understanding factors that contribute to hypertension, the etiology remains elusive and there remains a critical need to develop innovative study approaches to develop more effective therapeutics. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers are dynamic regulators of DNA-histone bonds and thus gene expression. The goal of this review is to highlight and summarize reports of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers contribution to the development or maintenance of hypertension. Emerging evidence from hypertensive animal models suggests that induction of chromatin remodeler activity increases proinflammatory genes and increases blood pressure, whereas human studies demonstrate how chromatin remodelers may act as stress-response sensors to harmful physiological stimuli. Importantly, genomic studies have linked patients with hypertension to mutations in chromatin remodeler genes. Collectively, evidence linking chromatin remodelers and hypertension warrants additional research and ultimately could reveal novel therapeutic approaches for treating this complex and devastating disease.
Searching for an Exit: The Effects of Context, Process and Structure on Crisis Negotiation
Authors: Butler Michael J.
Published: August 2019

By virtue of their defining criteria, international crises would seem unlikely candidates for conflict management and resolution. However, negotiations among crisis protagonists are not uncommon. Such behavior may reflect a desire to ‘exit’ the crisis dynamic. This article takes up the question of when and in what circumstances actors engaged in crisis situations turn to negotiation. Through an empirical analysis of over 1000 cases of foreign policy crises occurring between 1918 and 2015, this research examines a set of potential contextual, processual and structural correlates of crisis negotiation. The results of this analysis indicate that negotiation is less likely to occur in complex, high stakes, and especially violent crises, suggesting that negotiation is an unlikely and perhaps ill-suited response to more intense and severe crises.
Chasing the Holy Grail of Mediation: US Efforts to Mediate the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Since 1993
Authors: Niv-Solomon Anat
Published: August 2019

President Clinton was deeply engaged and invested in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and this commitment seems to transcend administrations as Presidents Bush, Obama, and more recently Trump have made considerable efforts to mediate the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This article addresses the question of why would a US president risk his own legacy and the reputation of the office as an international mediator to try to solve this complicated case in the face of expected and proven failures? This study traces efforts made by recent US Presidents to mediate the long-standing protracted conflict between Palestinians and Israel understand the reasons for the ongoing US commitment to this process, and why different presidents and their administrations persist in their mediation attempts where their predecessors failed.
Criteria for Determining the Common Basis of the Greek Versions of Daniel
Authors: Olariu Daniel
Published: August 2019

This study acknowledges the pivotal role that the criterion of common basis plays for both the adherents and the critics of the theory that Th-Dan is a revision. In order to diminish the force and number of the distinctive agreements that affirm the common basis in the Greek versions of Daniel, critics often cast suspicion on their relevance by either underscoring the corrupt character of OG-Dan in comparison with readings from Th-Dan or by assessing them as questionable, with the direction of dependence unclear. At variance with such methodological strategies, this study expands the stock of significant agreements by adducing ten examples that are free of textual corruption and unequivocally represent borrowing of Th-Dan from OG-Dan.
Inequality and U.S. Public Opinion on Foreign Aid
Authors: Lee Hak‐Seon
Published: August 2019

I investigate how the level of inequality affects American public opinion on foreign aid. As the level of inequality increases across the United States, the majority of the public will be more likely to demand the government implement policies that should ameliorate severe inequality in society. Assuming that government resources are limited, a greater level of inequality in American society may weaken public support for foreign aid because the public may prioritize providing social safety nets and welfare programs in domestic milieu over granting foreign aid to developing countries. In addition, as inequality widens, the public may perceive economic globalization as one of the main causes of inequality; thus, their overall support for globalization will decline. As a result, American support for global engagement will be negatively affected, and public support for foreign aid may decrease. An empirical test using public opinion data in 50 U.S. states since the 1980s confirms my theory: widening inequality both across states and within a given state does weaken public support for U.S. foreign aid.
Investigation of pore structure characteristics and adsorption characteristics of coals with different destruction types
Authors: Yue Jiwei , Wang Zhaofeng , Chen Jinsheng , Zheng Menghao , Wang Qiao , Lou Xiufang
Published: August 2019

The occurrence of coal and gas outbursts is closely linked to the presence of tectonic coal. To study the pore structure characteristics and adsorption characteristics of different destruction types of coal, nondestructive coal, destructive coal, strongly destructive coal, pulverized coal, and fully pulverized coal are selected based on the coal and gas outburst mine identification specifications. The experimental methods used are liquid nitrogen adsorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry and CH4 isothermal adsorption. The results show that the pore volume obtained by the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda method and the specific surface area increase with increasing destruction type. For all tested coal samples, the N2 adsorption/desorption hysteresis loop is not closed when the relative pressure is low, indicating the existence of ink-bottle pores, an elastic structure of the coal and nitrogen affinity in the coal. With increasing tectonic stress, it becomes more advantageous to produce micropores. The pore volume obtained by the mercury intrusion porosimetry experiment increases with increasing destruction types except for the case of fully pulverized coal. High-pressure mercury causes pore deformation and collapse. When the f value is <0.5, the compression effect of the pores is obvious. The smaller the value of f is, the wider is the pore range affected by the high-pressure mercury. The degree of destruction is positively correlated with the porosity, specific surface area, and Langmuir volume. However, the degree of destruction is negatively correlated with the f value and mercury extrusion efficiency.
GIMEMA AML1310 trial of risk-adapted, MRD-directed therapy for young adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Venditti Adriano , Piciocchi Alfonso , Candoni Anna , Melillo Lorella , Calafiore Valeria , Cairoli Roberto , de Fabritiis Paolo , Storti Gabriella , Salutari Prassede , Lanza Francesco , Martinelli Giovanni , Luppi Mario , Mazza Patrizio , Martelli Maria Paola , Cuneo Antonio , Albano Francesco , Fabbiano Francesco , Tafuri Agostino , Chierichini Anna , Tieghi Alessia , Fracchiolla Nicola Stefano , Capelli Debora , Foà Robin , Alati Caterina , La Sala Edoardo , Fazi Paola , Vignetti Marco , Maurillo Luca , Buccisano Francesco , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Irno-Consalvo Maria , Ottone Tiziana , Lavorgna Serena , Voso Maria Teresa , Lo-Coco Francesco , Arcese William , Amadori Sergio
Published: August 2019

Key Points

A risk-adapted, MRD-driven transplant strategy is a feasible approach for the treatment of younger adults with AML. Pretransplant MRD positivity should not contraindicate delivery of an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
In vivo efficacy of endothelial growth medium stimulated mesenchymal stem cells derived from patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Al-Rifai Rida , Nguyen Philippe , Bouland Nicole , Terryn Christine , Kanagaratnam Lukshe , Poitevin Gaël , François Caroline , Boisson-Vidal Catherine , Sevestre Marie-Antoinette , Tournois Claire
Published: August 2019

Background

Cell therapy has been proposed for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Autologous bone marrow derived cells (BMCs) have been mostly used, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) being an alternative. The aim of this study was to characterize two types of MSCs and evaluate their efficacy.

Methods

MSCs were obtained from CLI-patients BMCs. Stimulated- (S-) MSCs were cultured in endothelial growth medium. Cells were characterized by the expression of cell surface markers, the relative expression of 6 genes, the secretion of 10 cytokines and the ability to form vessel-like structures. The cell proangiogenic properties was analysed in vivo, in a hindlimb ischemia model. Perfusion of lower limbs and functional tests were assessed for 28 days after cell infusion. Muscle histological analysis (neoangiogenesis, arteriogenesis and muscle repair) was performed.

Results

S-MSCs can be obtained from CLI-patients BMCs. They do not express endothelial specific markers but can be distinguished from MSCs by their secretome. S-MSCs have the ability to form tube-like structures and, in vivo, to induce blood flow recovery. No amputation was observed in S-MSCs treated mice. Functional tests showed improvement in treated groups with a superiority of MSCs and S-MSCs. In muscles, CD31+ and αSMA+ labelling were the highest in S-MSCs treated mice. S-MSCs induced the highest muscle repair.

Conclusions

S-MSCs exert angiogenic potential probably mediated by a paracrine mechanism. Their administration is associated with flow recovery, limb salvage and muscle repair. The secretome from S-MSCs or secretome-derived products may have a strong potential in vessel regeneration and muscle repair.

Trial registration NCT00533104