bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using plant functional distances to select species for restoration of mining sites
Authors: Navarro‐Cano Jose Antonio , Goberna Marta , Verdú Miguel
Published: June 2019

Plant facilitation, an ecological interaction that benefits at least one species without harming the other, is increasingly used as a restoration tool. To restore degraded habitats under a facilitation framework, practitioners must correctly select both the benefactor (nurse) and the beneficiary (facilitated) species.

Based on community assembly and species coexistence theory, we propose selecting plant species that largely differ in a suite of functional traits so that competition is minimized and facilitation maximized due to functional complementarity. To apply this guideline in a pilot restoration experiment performed in metalliferous mine tailings in South‐Eastern Spain, we first built the plant–plant facilitative interaction network naturally occurring in a set of 12 tailings. After characterizing each species with 20 morphological and physiological traits, we verified that facilitative interactions were predominantly established between functionally distant species.

Then, we designed a sowing experiment combining 50 nurse‐facilitated species pairs separated by a wide range of functional distances. The success of seedling establishment significantly increased with the functional distance between the nurse and the facilitated plant species.

Synthesis and applications. We encourage the use of ecological facilitation together with trait‐based species selection to design restoration programmes based on the principle of increasing functional distance between target species. This method may not only promote the restoration of the plant cover but also impact paramount ecosystem functions, thus being an efficient low‐cost restoration practice in abiotically stressful ecosystems.
Analysis of Dental Case Reports in the Context of Court Decisions: Causal Nexus and Aspects of Fault
Authors: Loreto Denise Bolten Lucion , de Barros Beatriz Álvares Cabral , Rosa Gabriela Cauduro da , de Oliveira Rogerio Nogueira , Rosing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Fernandes Mário Marques
Published: June 2019

The purpose of expert reports is to support the judge in his decisions, by providing technical information. However, it remains uncertain as to what extent the content of these reports is used, and if they are effectively associated with judicial decisions. The aim of this study was to perform a qualitative analysis of case reports in relation to the judicial decisions rendered in association with these reports, by determining the connection between causal nexus and aspects of fault. The case reports included lawsuits against dentists, issued by the Medical Justice Department of the State Court of Appeals of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2010 and 2013. Comparing the percentage of agreement between case report and judicial decision, causal nexus was 79.9% and fault was 86.7%. The high percentages of agreement found in relation to fault and causal nexus highlight the relevance of expert reports in weighing the judge's decision.
Forensic Inspection of Sensitive User Data and Artifacts from Smartwatch Wearable Devices
Authors: Odom Nicole R. , Lindmar Jesse M. , Hirt John , Brunty Josh
Published: June 2019

Wearable devices allow users the ability to leave mobile phones behind while remaining connected to the digital world; however, this creates challenges in the examination, acquisition, identification, and analysis of probative data. This preliminary research aims to provide an enhanced understanding of where sensitive user data and forensic artifacts are stored on smartwatch wearable devices, both through utilization as a connected and standalone device. It also provides a methodology for the forensically sound acquisition of data from a standalone smartwatch wearable device. The results identify significant amounts of data on the Samsung™ Gear S3 Frontier, greater than that stored on the companion mobile phone. An Apple Watch® Series 3 manual examination method which produces native screenshots was identified; however, the companion mobile phone was found to store the greatest amount of data. As a result of this research, a data extraction tool for the Samsung™ Gear S3 Frontier was created.
Chronic stress in superb fairy‐wrens occupying remnant woodlands: Are noisy miners to blame?
Authors: Bain Glen C. , Johnson Chris N. , Jones Menna E.
Published: June 2019

Interactions between competing species may be intensified when they are restricted to small patches of remnant habitat, potentially increasing physiological stress in individuals. The effects of interspecific competition on stress in wildlife remain largely unexplored. In Australia, remnant woodlands are often dominated by aggressive honeyeaters, especially the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala). Harassment of smaller birds by miners may result in their exclusion from suitable woodland habitat. We tested whether the presence of noisy miners is also associated with elevated stress in a model species of small passerine bird, the superb fairy‐wren (Malurus cyaneus). We sampled wrens from six sites, three remnant woodlands with noisy miners and three larger fragments of reserved habitat without noisy miners. Differential white blood cell counts were used to infer levels of chronic stress. We also assessed variation in body condition and the prevalence of blood parasites (Haemoproteusspp.) to test for associations between stress and parasitemia. The mean heterophil‐to‐lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was 1.8 × higher among superb fairy‐wrens living in miner‐dominated woodlands, suggesting higher levels of chronic stress. Individuals with higher stress appeared to be in poorer condition, as indicated by fat scores and residual body mass. Prevalence of blood parasites was generally high and was highest in reserved habitat (59%) where miners were absent. Birds with blood parasites living in these habitats had higher H:L ratios but the intensity of infection and H:L ratio was inversely related. Our results suggest that birds persisting in the presence of noisy miners might experience chronic stress, but further study is necessary to separate the relative importance of noisy miner aggression from other potential stressors in small patches of degraded woodland. Stress induced by interspecific aggression should be considered in future studies of wildlife living in remnant vegetation.
RENT CREATION AND RENT SHARING: NEW MEASURES AND IMPACTS ON TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: Cette Gilbert , Lopez Jimmy , Mairesse Jacques
Published: June 2019

This analysis proposes new measures of rent creation and rent sharing and assesses their impact on productivity on cross‐country‐industry panel data. We find first that: (1) anticompetitive product market regulations positively affect rent creation and (2) employment protection legislation boosts hourly wages, particularly for low‐skill workers. However, we find no significant impact of this employment legislation on rent sharing, as the hourly wage increases are offset by a negative impact on hours worked. Second, using regulation indicators as instruments, we find that rent creation and rent sharing both have a substantial negative impact on total factor productivity. (JEL E22, E24, O30, L50, O43, O47, C23)
Perceived neuropsychological impairment inversely related to self‐reported health and employment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: D'hooghe M. B. , De Cock A. , Benedict R. H. B. , Gielen J. , Van Remoortel A. , Eelen P. , Van Merhaegen A. , De Keyser J. , D'Haeseleer M. , Peeters E. , Nagels G.
Published: June 2019

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients frequently report cognitive difficulties which impact daily functioning. The objective was to investigate the relationship between patient‐reported cognitive impairment and depression, demographic and MS‐related variables, and to clarify its impact on self‐reported health measures and employment.

Method

A large two‐centre survey included the MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ), the two‐question screening tool for depression, vitality, health‐related quality of life, the Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and questions assessing social network satisfaction and employment status.

Results

Of the 751 respondents (median age 54 years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale 5, 66.2% female), two‐thirds reported perceived neuropsychological impairment or depressive symptoms. Whilst depressive symptoms were related to higher MSNQ scores, the MSNQ poorly predicted depression. After correcting for confounders, higher MSNQ scores and depressive symptoms decreased vitality, health‐related quality of life and health‐promoting behaviours and increased the probability of being socially dissatisfied. In participants below retirement age, higher MSNQ and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores increased the probability of unemployment, whilst depression did not.

Conclusion

The contribution of the MSNQ to self‐reported health measures and its unique explanatory power regarding unemployment suggest that subjective cognitive complaints are connected to subtle, yet meaningful, neuropsychological dysfunction.
Towards an ultimate explanation for mixed‐species shoaling
Authors: Paijmans Kai C. , Booth David J. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: June 2019

The formation of social groups has important impacts on fitness for many animal species, with differences in group compositions resulting in a range of fitness outcomes for individuals. Recent interest in mixed‐species grouping, which extends from a large body of literature invested in understanding single‐species grouping, highlights novel complexities of group formation which relate to phenotypic, behavioural and physiological differences that naturally exist between species. Among fishes, mixed‐species shoaling is a common form of social grouping behaviour displayed across a range of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Research explaining mixed‐species shoaling shows some overlap with explanations for single‐species shoaling; however, it also demonstrates that distinct differences between species give rise to unique cost‐benefit trade‐offs which need to be incorporated into conceptual models of mixed‐species shoaling behaviour. Unique predation related trade‐offs may arise from inefficiency of the confusion effect, variation in vigilance between species and unequal species‐preferences shown by predators, whilst unique foraging‐related trade‐offs may arise from diet partitioning, variations in foraging behaviour and differences in competitive abilities between species. We review the literature on fitness outcomes associated with mixed‐species shoaling and present a new theoretical framework to explain the cost‐benefit trade‐offs for individuals within mixed‐species shoals. The framework incorporates both trade‐offs arising from differences between species and those arising from group size, the former having been largely ignored due to a focus on single‐species shoaling. Our framework is designed to inform future research striving to explain mixed‐species shoaling behaviour.
Juego y suerte: el jaripeo como espectáculo social y su profesionalización en el suroeste de Puebla, México
Authors: Vázquez Zúñiga Iliana
Published: June 2019

Este artículo analiza el jaripeo considerando dos aspectos interrelacionados. El primero se refiere al proceso de profesionalización, en el cual se han incorporado instrumentos en la monta que han mejorado la calidad del espectáculo, pero incrementado el riesgo del jinete. Argumento que este mecanismo de violencia y la posibilidad de la muerte del jinete hacen más atractivo el espectáculo. El segundo se refiere al jaripeo como espectáculo social que contiene y genera estereotipos raciales y de clase, para lo cual se realiza una comparación con la charrería y se presentan algunas reflexiones sobre la cultura ranchera relacionada con estos espectáculos. Este estudio se sustenta en los datos recabados mediante entrevistas y trabajo de campo en tres municipios del suroeste de Puebla, México (Piaxtla, Axutla y Tulcingo). En esta región, los jaripeos se han profesionalizado con mayor fuerza desde los años noventa como una actividad ligada a la ganadería. [Charrería, desigualdades de clase y raza, ganadería de reparo, México, profesionalización del jaripeo]
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with worse clinical‐radiological risk scores of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Toledo‐Pons Nuria , Alonso‐Fernández Alberto , de la Peña Mónica , Pierola Javier , Barceló Antonia , Fernández‐Capitán Carmen , Lorenzo Alicia , Mejía Núñez Juan Andrés , Carrera Miguel , Soriano Joan B. , Calvo Néstor , Pinilla Inmaculada , García‐Río Francisco
Published: June 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for pulmonary embolism, although its association with pulmonary embolism severity is unknown. Our objective was to study if obstructive sleep apnea is associated with worse pulmonary embolism severity scores and greater extent of arterial obstruction. In consecutive pulmonary embolism patients, we performed respiratory polygraphy and recorded sleep characteristics, classical risk factors for pulmonary embolism and physical activity 6–12 months after the pulmonary embolism episode. Simplified Geneva Prognostic Score and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index were calculated at the time of the pulmonary embolism diagnosis. The Pulmonary Artery Obstruction Index and the right ventricle to left ventricle diameter ratio were measured by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. We included 120 patients, of whom 45.8% had moderate‐severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index > 15 hr−1). There was a larger proportion of moderate‐severe obstructive sleep apnea patients in the third and fourth Pulmonary Artery Obstruction Index quartiles and in the III‐V Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index levels compared with apnea–hypopnea index < 15 hr−1 group. However, no differences were found between the proportion of patients with or without moderate‐severe obstructive sleep apnea in their stratification by simplified Geneva Prognostic Score. The mean adjusted values of the simplified Geneva Prognostic Score, Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and Pulmonary Artery Obstruction Index scores were higher in the apnea–hypopnea index > 15 hr−1 group (p < .05). Multiple linear regression analysis identified apnea–hypopnea index as the only independent factor related to Pulmonary Artery Obstruction Index and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, whereas desaturation index was associated with simplified Geneva Prognostic Score. Patients with pulmonary embolism and moderate‐severe obstructive sleep apnea had greater pulmonary artery obstruction as well as more pulmonary embolism severity, assessed by both the simplified Geneva Prognostic Score and the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, compared with patients with apnea–hypopnea index ≤ 15 hr−1. Moreover, these prognostic indices were independently related to sleep parameters.
Psychometric properties and cultural adaptation of sleep disturbance measures in Arabic‐speaking populations: A systematic review
Authors: Al Maqbali Mohammed , Dunwoody Lynn , Rankin Jane , Hacker Eileen , Hughes Ciara , Gracey Jackie
Published: June 2019

The aim of this review was to evaluate the psychometric properties and cross‐cultural adaptation of sleep disturbance scales that have been translated into Arabic or originally developed in Arabic, and to identify appropriate scales that can be used in research and clinical practice intended for Arabic‐speaking participants. The following databases were searched: CINAHL (2003–2019), MEDLINE (1946–2019), EMBASE (1980–2019), PsycINFO (1806–2019) and Cochrane Library (1806–2019). This review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Terwee et al. (J. Clin. Epidemiol., 60, 2007, 34) quality assessment was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the studies, and cross‐cultural adaptation was assessed using criteria from Guillemin, Bombardier, and Beaton (J. Clin. Epidemiol., 46, 1993, 1417). Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, which included four scales: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Arabic Scale of Insomnia. Cross‐cultural adaptations scored between good and poor; psychometric properties information was missing for most scales. The review suggested that Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index may be a useful scale to measure sleep disturbance, as the scale showed good cultural adaptation and acceptable psychometric properties in an Arabic population. Furthermore, the scales measure seven different aspects of sleep quality. This review provides options to help researchers and clinicians select the most appropriate instrument for their practice. Further psychometric testing and cultural adaptation is required for sleep scales used in Arabic clinical populations to ensure validity and reliability in outcome measurement for research studies.
Microsleep as a marker of sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Morrone Elisa , D'Artavilla Lupo Nadia , Trentin Rossella , Pizza Fabio , Risi Irene , Arcovio Simona , Fanfulla Francesco
Published: June 2019

We hypothesized that: (a) the presence of microsleep (MS) during a Maintenance Wakefulness Test (MWT) trial may represent a reliable marker of sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients; (b) the number of MSs will be higher in sleepy versus non‐sleepy patients with a borderline MWT mean sleep latency; and (c) scoring MS during MWT analysis may help physicians to recognize patients with a higher degree of sleepiness. We analysed the MWT data of 112 treatment‐naïve OSA patients: 20 with short sleep latency (SL, sleep latency <12.8 min), 43 with borderline latency (BL, sleep latency between 12.8 and 32.6 min) and 49 with normal latency (NL, sleep latency >32.6 min). Microsleep was identified in all SL, in 42 BL and in 18 NL patients, with a median latency of 5.6 min. Accordingly, patients were classified into two subgroups: group A (n = 43) with microsleep latency <5.6 min and group B (n = 69) with microsleep latency >5.6 min when present. The mean sleep latency in the MWT was 14.5 ± 7.5 min in group A and 34.6 ± 7.4 min in group B (p < 0.0001). The number of microsleep episodes during each MWT trial was higher in group A than in group B. Sleep latency survival curves demonstrated different patterns of sleep latency in these groups (log‐rank test <0.0001). This finding was confirmed in a Cox proportional hazard analysis: the presence of a mean MS latency <5.6 min is associated with an increasing risk of falling asleep during the MWT (RR, 1.93; 95 CI 1.04–3.6; p = 0.03). We conclude that the detection of microsleep may help in discriminating OSA patients with and without daytime vigilance impairment.
Labor Laws and Shadow Economies: A Cross‐National Assessment
Authors: Blanton Robert G. , Peksen Dursun
Published: June 2019

Objective

Toward better understanding the political economy of illicit economy, we examine the impact that labor laws have on illicit economic activity. Specifically, we posit that labor regulations are one of the key prospective benefits associated with formal work, and thus incentivize firms and individuals to participate in the formal, rather than illicit, sector. We further argue that the possible negative effect of labor laws on shadow economies is conditioned by countries’ institutional strength.

Methods

To test our hypotheses, we analyze time‐series, cross‐national data for over 100 countries from 1984 to 2012.

Findings

Results suggest that labor regulations are negatively related to shadow economic activity and the suggested impact of labor laws is particularly germane to countries with stronger institutional capacity.

Conclusion

Our argument and findings challenge the notion that regulations, particularly labor‐related regulations, induce more illicit economic exchanges.
Cellulose nanocrystal modified with 3‐chloro propyl trimethoxysilane: a new bio‐adsorbent for nitrate removal from water
Authors: Manhooei Leila , Mehdinejadiani Behrouz , Amininasab Seyed Mojtaba
Published: June 2019

In this work, preparation, characterization and nitrate removal ability of a chemically modified cellulose nanocrystal (CPTMS/CNC) were investigated for the first time. The FTIR, FESEM, EDX and TG analyses confirmed the successful modification of the cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) by 3‐chloro propyl trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and the thermal stability of CPTMS/CNC. The optimum removal efficiency (86.5%) occurred at initial pH of 7 and room temperature (~25°C) with an initial nitrate concentration of 20 mg/L, contact time of 10 min and CPTMS/CNC dosage of 3 g/L. The nitrate adsorption dropped noticeably in the presence of sulphate, followed by bicarbonate, chloride and phosphate, respectively. The kinetic adsorption data were fitted well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the adsorption process involved two stages. The equilibrium adsorption data obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis suggested a spontaneous and exothermic adsorption process with a decrease in random collisions at the solid–solution interface.
A Conceptual Framework of Information Security Database Audit and Assessment
Authors: -ul-Hasan Muneeb , Othman Siti Hajar
Published: June 2019

Today, databases are on of the most important things in the IT world and it is also becoming more and more popular and organizations globally are gradually moving their traditional IT setup to database model to gain the benefits of securing the data and in terms of providing easy access to, and elasticity of IT services. With database security, the IT service roles within an organization become integrated hence giving the overall IT operating model a more structured layout. Such objectivity however can only be materialized when proper planning and execution are put in place. As such, a proper execution and implementation of database system would include a stringent set of checks and audit processes. The goal of database auditing is central towards determining if the services engaged and its―maintainers are meeting certain legal requirements in terms of protecting customers data and organization standards to achieve secure data assets success against various security threats. Therefore, this project explores the factors influencing security audit quality by collecting data using structured group discussion.
Anchor Hole Placement for Bankart Repairs and Its Interaction With Variable Size Hill–Sachs Defects-Minimizing Risk of Glenoid Rim Fractures
Authors: Dabirrahmani Danè , Bokor Desmond , Tarento Thomas , Ahmad Shahrulazua , Appleyard Richard
Published: June 2019

As the use of glenoid suture anchors in arthroscopic and open reconstruction, for instability after Bankart lesions of the shoulder, increases, an emerging problem has been the incidence of glenoid rim fractures through suture drill holes. Very little is known regarding the effect of the Hill–Sachs lesion on the glenoid's susceptibility to fracture and how drill hole location can further affect this. This study used finite element modeling techniques to investigate the risk of fracture of the glenoid rim in relation to variable sized Hill–Sachs defects impacting on the anterior glenoid edge with suture anchor holes placed in varying positions. The distribution of Von Mises (VM) stresses and the factor of safety (FOS) for each of the configurations were calculated. The greatest peak in VM stresses was generated when the glenoid was loaded with a small Hill–Sachs lesion. The VM stresses were lessened and the FOS increased (reducing likelihood of failure) with increasing size of the Hill–Sachs lesion. Placement of the suture drill holes at 2 mm from the glenoid rim showed the highest risk of failure; and when combined with a medium sized Hill–Sachs lesion, which matched the central line of the drill holes, a potentially clinically significant configuration was presented. The results of this study are useful in assisting the surgeon in understanding the interaction between the Hill–Sachs lesion size and the placement of suture anchors with the purpose of minimizing the risk of subsequent rim fracture with new injury.
Assessment of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to pertussis vaccination: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Akinola Funbi , Muloiwa Rudzani , Hussey Gregory, D , Dirix Violette , Kagina Benjamin , Amponsah-Dacosta Edina
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Globally, some studies show a resurgence of pertussis. The risks and benefits of using whole-cell pertussis (wP) or acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines in the control of the disease have been widely debated. Better control of pertussis will require improved understanding of the immune response to pertussis vaccines. Improved understanding and assessment of the immunity induced by pertussis vaccines is thus imperative. Several studies have documented different immunological outcomes to pertussis vaccination from an array of assays. We propose to conduct a systematic review of the different immunological assays and outcomes used in the assessment of the humoraland cell-mediated immune response following pertussis vaccination.

Methods and analysis

The primary outcomes for consideration are quality and quantity of immune responses (humoral and cell-mediated) post-pertussis vaccination. Of interest as secondary outcomes are types of immunoassays used in assessing immune responses post-pertussis vaccination, types of biological samples used in assessing immune responses post-pertussis vaccination, as well as the types of antigens used to stimulate these samples during post-pertussis vaccination immune response assessments. Different electronic databases (including PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, Scopus and Web of Science) will be accessed for peer-reviewed published and grey literature evaluating immune responses to pertussis vaccines between 1990 and 2019. The quality of included articles will be assessed using standardised risk and quality assessment tools specific to the study design used in each article. Data extraction will be done using a data extraction form. The extracted data will be analysed using STATA V.14.0 and RevMan V.5.3 software. A subgroup analysis will be conducted based on the study population, type of vaccine (wP or aP) and type of immune response (cell-mediated or humoral). Guidelines for reporting systematic reviews in the revised 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement will be used in this study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this study as it is a systematic review. We will only make use of data already available in the public space. Findings will be reported via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific meetings and workshops.

Trial registration number

CRD42018102455.
Reversible Circuits Synthesis from Functional Decision Diagrams by using Node Dependency Matrices
Authors: Stojković Suzana , Stanković Radomir , Moraga Claudio , Stanković Milena
Published: June 2019

Decision diagrams are a data structure suitable for reversible circuit synthesis. Functional decision diagrams (FDDs) are particularly convenient in synthesis with Toffoli gates, since the functional expressions for decomposition rules used in them are similar to the functional expressions of Toffoli gates. The main drawback of reversible circuit synthesis based on decision diagrams is the usually large number of ancilla lines. This paper presents two methods for the reduction of the number of ancilla lines in reversible circuits derived from FDDs by selecting the order of implementation of nodes. In the first method, nodes are implemented by levels, starting from the bottom level to the top. The method uses appropriately defined level dependency matrices for choosing the optimal order of implementation of nodes at the same level. In this way, the optimization is performed level by level.

The second method uses a diagram dependency matrix expressing mutual dependencies among all the nodes in the diagram. This method is computationally more demanding than the first method, but the reductions of both the number of lines and the Quantum cost of the circuits are larger.
Energy Analysis for the Solar Thermal Cooling System in Universitas Indonesia
Authors: Alhamid M. Idrus , Nasruddin  , Lubis Arnas , Saito Kiyoshi , Yabase Hajime , Aisyah Nyayu
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study is to analyze all the energy used in the solar cooling system in Universitas Indonesia. This system uses three energies at the same time, namely, solar, gas and electricity energies, which are used to provide a required cooling capacity from the mechanical research center (MRC) building in Universitas Indonesia. The single–double-effect absorption chiller is the main component of the solar thermal cooling system to provide the chilled water that is circulated between the system and MRC building. In this system, heat from solar energy is absorbed by the evacuated tube solar collector and then transferred to the hot water that is used to generate vapor together with the gas at the absorption machine. On the other hand, electricity is mostly consumed by the pumps to circulate the hot, cooling and chilled water, also the working fluids inside the absorption machine. Finally, all the energies used to create a thermal comfort zone in the MRC building based on the Indonesia weathers are reported in this paper.
Fifty years of the Wilson Cycle concept in plate tectonics: an overview
Authors: Wilson R. W. , Houseman G. A. , Buiter S. J. H. , McCaffrey K. J. W. , Doré A. G.
Published: June 2019

It is now more than 50 years since Tuzo Wilson published his paper asking ‘Did the Atlantic close and then re-open?’. This led to the ‘Wilson Cycle’ concept in which the repeated opening and closing of ocean basins along old orogenic belts is a key process in the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. This implied that the processes of rifting and mountain building somehow pre-conditioned and weakened the lithosphere in these regions, making them susceptible to strain localization during future deformation episodes. Here we provide a retrospective look at the development of the concept, how it has evolved over the past five decades, current thinking and future focus areas. The Wilson Cycle has proved enormously important to the theory and practice of geology and underlies much of what we know about the geological evolution of the Earth and its lithosphere. The concept will no doubt continue to be developed as we gain more understanding of the physical processes that control mantle convection and plate tectonics, and as more data become available from currently less accessible regions.
Photochemistry of Organic Retinal Prostheses
Authors: Manfredi Giovanni , Colombo Elisabetta , Barsotti Jonathan , Benfenati Fabio , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: June 2019

Organic devices are attracting considerable attention as prostheses for the recovery of retinal light sensitivity lost to retinal degenerative disease. The biotic/abiotic interface created when light-sensitive polymers and living tissues are placed in contact allows excitation of a response in blind laboratory rats exposed to visual stimuli. Although polymer retinal prostheses have proved to be efficient, their working mechanism is far from being fully understood. In this review article, we discuss the results of the studies conducted on these kinds of polymer devices and compare them with the data found in the literature for inorganic retinal prostheses, where the working mechanisms are better comprehended. This comparison, which tries to set some reference values and figures of merit, is intended for use as a starting point to determine the direction for further investigation.
Using Macaques to Address Critical Questions in Zika Virus Research
Authors: Dudley Dawn M. , Aliota Matthew T. , Mohr Emma L. , Newman Christina M. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Friedrich Thomas C. , O'Connor David H.
Published: June 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) and nonhuman primates have been inextricably linked since the virus was first discovered in a sentinel rhesus macaque in Uganda in 1947. Soon after ZIKV was epidemiologically associated with birth defects in Brazil late in 2015, researchers capitalized on the fact that rhesus macaques are commonly used to model viral immunity and pathogenesis, quickly establishing macaque models for ZIKV infection. Within months, the susceptibility of pregnant macaques to experimental ZIKV challenge and ZIKV-associated abnormalities in fetuses was confirmed. This review discusses key unanswered questions in ZIKV immunity and in the pathogenesis of thecongenital Zika virus syndrome. We focus on those questions that can be best addressed in pregnant nonhuman primates and lessons learned from developing macaque models for ZIKV amid an active epidemic.
Polypyrrole/Nafion Composite Membranes for Hydrogen Production in Cu-Cl Thermochemical Cycle
Authors: Abdo Naser , Edge Patrick S. R. , Easton E. Bradley
Published: June 2019

The dissociation of water by the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle is a promising green method of producing hydrogen on a large scale. However, the electrolyzer cell in Cu-Cl cycle has one major drawback – copper crossover. In this study, Nafion NRE212, 115 and 117 membranes have been chemically modified by in situ polymerization of a pyrrole aqueous solution. Furthermore, their physical properties such as water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity, and methanol and Cu permeability have been investigated. The results show that the reduction in the water uptake is 34.35 %, 41.95 % and 44.90 % for NRE212/Ppy, N115/Ppy and N117/ppy, respectively. This was explained by the decreased porosity of the composite membranes. The composite membranes demonstrate significant reduction in methanol and copper permeability over its unmodified counterpart ca. (50-63 %) and (56-69 %) reduction, respectively. As expected, Ppy composite membranes demonstrated superior performance in a Cu-Cl electrolyzer which was confirmed by measuring the Faradaic current efficiency. In addition, there was a linear correlation between the relative selectivity of methanol and Cu, which shows that methanol permeability can be a good predictor of the Cu permeability.
Genital Ulcer of Behçet Disease Localized in the Vagina May Lack Pain, Making It Difficult to Assess
Authors: Obata Soichiro , Kobayashi Koji , Toda Misaki , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: June 2019

Genital ulcer is one of the main clinical symptoms of Behçet disease; ulcers mostly occur in the vulva and are usually quite painful. We present an unusual case of Behçet disease wherein a painless genital ulcer was localized in the vagina. Our case is of a 43-year-old woman diagnosed with Behçet disease that was controlled with prednisolone. She became pregnant and developed fever, oral ulcers, and arthralgia at 16 weeks of gestation. Although a relapse of Behçet disease was suspected, ulceration and pain of the vulva were not observed. At 18 and 28 weeks of gestation, a vaginal ulcer was observed during regular prenatal examination, but the patient had no pain or other symptoms in the vulva. The vaginal ulcer healed at 29 weeks of gestation. No recurrence of the vaginal ulcer and other symptoms of Behçet disease were seen on subsequent follow-up examination at 1 month after delivery. Although genital ulcers of Behçet disease are common in the vulva and are generally painful, if they are located in the vagina, they can be painless. If Behçet disease is suspected based on other symptoms, a vaginal examination should be conducted as necessary for accurate evaluation of Behçet disease.
Assessment of Groundnut Elite Lines under Drought Conditions and Selection of Tolerance Associated Traits
Authors: Bacharou Falke Achirou , Hamidou Falalou , Halilou Oumarou , Harou Abdou
Published: June 2019

Investigation of groundnut genotypes response to drought stress could contribute to improving drought tolerance and productivity. The objective of this study was to investigate new improved groundnut varieties response to drought stress under controlled conditions to identify tolerant materials and drought tolerance related traits. Thus, three experiments were conducted during off-seasons: two experiments in lysimetric system in 2017 and 2018 and one experiment in pots in 2017, to assess twelve varieties in a randomized complete block design with 2 water regimes and 4 replications. The water regimes were a full irrigation (WW) and an intermittent drought imposed at flowering times (WS). The investigated morphophysiological traits like transpiration, specific leaf area, root dry matter, root length density, and yield components decreased under WS. Significant year effect and genotypic variation were observed on most of investigated traits. Genotypes ICGV 92206 and ICGV 06319 showed low transpiration and revealed high pod yielding and early maturing genotypes under both water regimes, while genotypes ICGV 92035, ICGV 92195, ICGV 02038, ICGV 07211, and ICGV 07210 were drought-sensitive for pods production but produced high haulm under both water regimes. ICGV 92206, ICGV 02005, ICGV 02125, and ICGV 06319 showed higher yielding than 55-437 and Fleur 11. In this study, low total transpiration to control water loss, chlorophyll content, and root length density revealed drought tolerance associated traits for pod production, while TTW, TE, RDW, and RV revealed drought tolerance associated traits for fodder production.
Characterization of MWCNT-PEDOT: PSS Nanocomposite Flexible Thin Film for Piezoresistive Strain Sensing Application
Authors: Hegde Roopa , Ramji Koona , Peravali Swapna , Shiralgi Yallappa , Hegde Gurumurthy , Bathini Lavakumar
Published: June 2019

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by the reduction of ethyl alcohol with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) under a strong basic solvent with the high concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Nanocomposites of different concentration of MWCNT dispersed in poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polymerized with poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were prepared and deposited on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer substrates by the spin coating method. The thin films were characterized for their nanostructure and subsequently evaluated for their piezoresistive response. The films were subjected to an incremental strain from 0 to 6% at speed of 0.2 mm/min. The nanocomposite thin film with 0.1 wt% of MWCNT exhibits the highest gauge factor of 22.8 at 6% strain as well as the highest conductivity of 13.5 S/m. Hence, the fabricated thin film was found to be suitable for piezoresistive flexible strain sensing applications.
Ca2+ Channel Toolkit in Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Fiorio Pla Alessandra , Gkika Dimitra
Published: June 2019

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) constitute a heterogeneous group of malignancies with various clinical presentations and growth rates but a common origin in neuroendocrine cells located all over the body. NET are a relatively low-frequency disease mostly represented by gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary tumors (pNET); on the other hand, an increasing frequency and prevalence have been associated with NET. Despite great efforts in recent years, the management of NET is still a critical unmet need due to the lack of knowledge of the biology of the disease, the lack of adequate biomarkers, late presentation, the relative insensitivity of imaging modalities, and a paucity of predictably effective treatment options. In this context Ca2+ signals, being pivotal molecular devices in sensing and integrating signals from the microenvironment, are emerging to be particularly relevant in cancer, where they mediate interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment to drive different aspects of neoplastic progression (e.g., cell proliferation and survival, cell invasiveness, and proangiogenetic programs). Indeed, ion channels represent good potential pharmacological targets due to their location on the plasma membrane, where they can be easily accessed by drugs. The present review aims to provide a critical and up-to-date overview of NET development integrating Ca2+ signal involvement. In this perspective, we first give an introduction to NET and Ca2+ channels and then describe the different families of Ca2+ channels implicated in NET, i.e., ionotropic receptors, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and transient receptor potential channels, as well as intracellular Ca2+ channels and their signaling molecules.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Advanced Imaging in Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Divakaran Sanjay , Stewart Garrick C. , Lakdawala Neal K. , Padera Robert F. , Zhou Wunan , Desai Akshay S. , Givertz Michael M. , Mehra Mandeep R. , Kwong Raymond Y. , Hedgire Sandeep S. , Ghoshhajra Brian B. , Taqueti Viviany R. , Skali Hicham , Dorbala Sharmila , Blankstein Ron , Di Carli Marcelo F.
Published: June 2019

Background:

The diagnostic yield of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) by endomyocardial biopsy is limited. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may facilitate noninvasive diagnosis, but the accuracy of this approach is not well defined. We aimed to correlate findings from FDG PET and cardiac MRI with histological findings from explanted hearts of patients who underwent cardiac transplantation.

Methods:

We analyzed the explanted heart histology for all patients who underwent cardiac transplant at our center from April 2008 to July 2018 and had pretransplant FDG PET (n=18) or cardiac MRI (n=31). The likelihood of CS based on FDG PET or cardiac MRI was categorized in a blinded fashion using a previously published method.

RESULTS:

Using a CS probable cutoff for FDG PET resulted in a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI, 54.1%–100.0%) and a specificity of 33.3% (95% CI, 9.9%–65.1%). Three of the 9 CS probable by FDG PET cases were found to be arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The test characteristics of cardiac MRI are more challenging to comment on using our data as there was only one confirmed case of CS on post-transplant histological assessment. Of the 8 CS highly probable or probable cases by cardiac MRI, 3 were found to be dilated cardiomyopathy, and 2 were found to be end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

FDG PET and cardiac MRI can help facilitate the diagnosis of CS in patients with advanced heart failure with a high degree of sensitivity but lower specificity.
ACC1 (Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase 1) Is a Potential Immune Modulatory Target of Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Yuxi , Tang Dan , Zhu Ziyu , Li Yan , Huang Tingting , Müller Rolf , Yu Weifeng , Li Peiying
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral ischemic stroke elicits profound responses of CD4
+
T cells, which in turn significantly affect the ischemic brain injury. ACC1 (acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1) is a key enzyme that has been recently found to propagate CD4
+
T cell–associated inflammation by mediating de novo fatty acid synthesis; however, its role in the context of ischemic stroke remains unknown.

Methods—

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 minutes in mice. Seahorse XF glycolysis assay and targeted lipidomic profiling were used to detect metabolic changes in CD4
+
T cell after stroke. CD4

cre

mice were crossed with ACC1

fl/fl

mice to generate the CD4
+
T-cell–specific deletion of ACC1 (CD4

cre

ACC1

fl/fl

mice) mice. Pretreatment with calorie restriction (CR; with 30% reduction of food for 4 weeks before middle cerebral artery occlusion) or post-treatment with ACC1 inhibitor, soraphen A were both used to test the effect of ACC1 modulation on poststroke neuroinflammation.

Results—

Cerebral ischemic stroke increased glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis in peripheral CD4
+
T cells, in which the expression of ACC1 was also upregulated. CR downregulated the expression of ACC1 in CD4
+
T cells after stroke. Both CD4

cre

ACC1

fl/fl

mice and CR-pretreated mice exhibited significantly reduced ischemic brain injury and preserved the balance of peripheral regulatory T cells/T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Furthermore, conditional knockout of ACC1 in CD4
+
T cells attenuated the protection exerted by CR both on ischemic brain injury and peripheral balance of regulatory T cells/Th17 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of ACC1 after middle cerebral artery occlusion attenuates neuroinflammation, preserves regulatory T cells/Th17 balance, and improves neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke.

Conclusions—

ACC1 is a novel immune metabolic modulation target to balance the regulatory T cells and Th17 cells and blunt neuroinflammation after stroke. Inhibition of ACC1 can be a previously unrecognized mechanism that underlies CR-afforded neuroprotection against cerebral ischemic stroke.
Two new species of Baetodes Needham & Murphy (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Brazil
Authors: SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO , POLEGATTO CLEBER MACEDO
Published: June 2019

Baetodes santatereza, new species, and B. liviae, new species, are described based on nymphs collected from São Paulo, and Paraná states, Brazil. They both possess one gill on each coxa and tubercles on metanotum and abdominal segments 1 – 9. Besides these characteristics, they can be distinguished from the other known species of the genus by the following combination of characters: B. santatereza, n. sp., glossae with two bladelike setae, one pectinate and one nonpectinate, and dorsal edge of femora with five to seven clavate setae, nearly one half the length of long, fine setae; B. liviae, n. sp., glossae with one pectinate bladelike setae, dorsal edge of femora often with 6 to 8 clavate setae, nearly the length of long fine setae, besides body color pattern and body length.
New description of Echiniscus scabrospinosus Fontoura, 1982, and description of a new species of Echiniscus (Heterotardigrada) from China
Authors: PILATO GIOVANNI , FONTOURA PAULO , LISI OSCAR , BEASLEY CLARK
Published: June 2019

A redescription of Echiniscus scabrospinosus Fontoura, 1982, is presented. A comparison with the more similar species is made, based on information available since the original description. A previously unreported cuticular feature (a central dark ring in the light spots) is described for Echiniscus marginatus Binda & Pilato, 1994. A new species, Echiniscus lineatus sp. nov., is described from China. This new species has a double plate ornamentation with numerous dark polygons and fewer light spots, forming transverse stripes on the plates. Longitudinal stripes are also present on the scapular plate. The new species has lateral filaments A and spines B, C, D, and E, as well as dorsal spines C d and D d .
The tribe Lepturini in South America (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lepturinae)
Authors: MONNÉ MARCELA L. , MONNÉ MIGUEL A.
Published: June 2019

A key to the genera of South American Lepturini and keys to the South American species of Cyphonotida, Euryptera, Lycochoriolaus, Megachoriolaus and Strangalia are provided. Megachoriolaus clarkei Monné & Monné new species is described from Brazil (Rondônia) and Bolivia (Santa Cruz). The following new synonymies are proposed: Euryptera latipennis var. virgata Gounelle, 1911 and Euryptera brasiliensis Fuchs, 1956 = Euryptera latipennis Lepeletier & Audinet-Serville, 1828; Euryptera rotundipennis Fuchs, 1956 = Lycochoriolaus angustatus (Melzer, 1935). The following species are transferred from Euryptera: Lycochoriolaus ater (Gounelle, 1911) new combination, Megachoriolaus atripennis (Bates, 1870) new combination, M. bicolor (Gounelle, 1911) new combination and M. venustus (Breme, 1844) new combination. Lectotype designations are proposed for the following species: Euryptera leonina Gounelle, 1911, Euryptera latipennis var. virgata Gounelle, 1911 and Euryptera bicolor Gounelle, 1911.