bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 in the moss Physcomitrella patens: its conserved protein interactions in land plants
Authors: Parihar Vimala , Arya Deepshikha , Walia Akanksha , Tyagi Vidhi , Dangwal Meenakshi , Verma Vibha , Khurana Ridhi , Boora Neelima , Kapoor Sanjay , Kapoor Meenu
Published: December 2018

In flowering plants, LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1)/TERMINAL FLOWER 2 (TFL2) is known to interact with polycomb group (PcG) and non‐PcG proteins and control developmental programs. LHP1/TFL2 is an ancient protein and has been characterized in the early‐divergent plant Physcomitrella patens. However, interacting partners of PpLHP1 other than the chromomethylase PpCMT have not been identified to date. Also, while functional polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is known to exist in P. patens, there is no experimental evidence to support the existence of PRC1‐like complexes in these mosses. In this study, using protein−protein interaction methods, transient expression assays and targeted gene knockout strategy, we report the conserved properties of LHP1/TFL2 using the Physcomitrella system. We show that a PRC1‐like core complex comprising of PpLHP1 and the putative PRC1 Really Interesting New Gene (RING)‐finger proteins can form in vivo. Also, the interaction between PpRING and the PRC2 subunit PpCLF further sheds light on the possible existence of combinatorial interactions between the Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC) in early land plants. Based on the interaction between PpLHP1 and putative hnRNP PpLIF2‐like in planta, we propose that the link between PpLHP1 regulation and RNA metabolic processes was established early in plants. The conserved subnuclear distribution pattern of PpLHP1 in moss protonema further provides insight into the manner in which LHP1/TFL2 are sequestered in the nucleoplasm in discrete foci. The PpLHP1 loss‐of‐function plants generated in this study share some of the pleiotropic defects with multiple aberrations reported in lhp1/tfl2. Taken together, this work documents an active role for PpLHP1 in epigenetic regulatory network in P. patens.
Humoral immunodeficiencies: conferred risk of infections and benefits of immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Authors: Gernez Yael , Baker Mary Grace , Maglione Paul J.
Published: December 2018

Primary immunodeficiency (PID) diseases result from genetic defects of the immune system that increase a patient's susceptibility to infections. The types of infections that occur in patients with PID diseases are dictated largely by the nature of the immunodeficiency, which can be defined by dysfunction of cellular or humoral defenses. An increasing number of PID diseases, including those with both cellular and humoral defects, have antibody deficiency as a major feature, and as a result can benefit from immunoglobulin replacement therapy. In fact, the most common PID diseases worldwide are antibody deficiencies and include common variable immunodeficiency, congenital agammaglobulinemia, hyper‐IgM syndrome, specific antibody deficiency, and Good syndrome. Although immunoglobulin replacement therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for the majority of these conditions, a thorough understanding of the specific infections for which these patients are at increased risk can hasten diagnosis and guide additional therapies. Moreover, the infection trends in some patients with PID disease who have profound defects of cellular immunity, such as autosomal‐dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome (Job/Buckley syndrome) or dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency, suggest that select patients might benefit from immunoglobulin replacement therapy even if their immunodeficiency is not limited to antibody defects. In this review, we provide an overview of the predisposition to infections seen in PID disease that may benefit from immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Wage convergence and trade
Authors: Zhou Yixiao , Bloch Harry
Published: December 2018

We examine differences in wage rates across countries for workers employed in the same industry, distinguishing workers in the low, medium and high‐skill groups. These differences are large and show persistence over time. We ask, nonetheless, whether there is evidence of convergence, much as is done in studies of convergence in per capita income across countries. With our focus on the micro level, we expect convergence to reflect, at least in part, the degree of integration of a country or industry into the world economy and examine particularly the role of market integration and trade. Our results show strong evidence of convergence in a diverse sample of 39 countries, which includes most large economies whether rich or poor. The estimated convergence rate over the period from 1995 to 2008 is about 4% per year for workers in all skill groups, higher in the more integrated economies of the EU than in other economies without such open borders and lower in industries supplying services rather than manufactures. Also, we find evidence that the rate of growth of domestic output impacts positively on the growth of wages in an industry, providing a source for ongoing deviations from the convergence prediction.
Do we need deeper trade agreements for GVCs or just a BIT?
Authors: Boffa Mauro , Jansen Marion , Solleder Olga
Published: December 2018

The paper investigates two policies geared towards stimulating and shaping global value chains (GVCs), namely deep regional trade agreements (DRTAs) and bilateral investment treaties (BITs). In an augmented gravity model, we test the impact of both policies on a variety of trade in value added indicators. We find that both policies are likely to increase GVC trade, although their transmission channels differ. While backward linkages are stimulated through both BITs and DRTAs, forward linkages respond only to DRTAs. The estimates suggest that negotiating a DRTA with investment provisions has a higher impact on trade in value added than signing a shallow RTA and a separate BIT.
Comparison of demographic data, disease severity and response to treatment, between dogs with atopic dermatitis and atopic‐like dermatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Botoni Larissa S. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Koch Sandra N. , Heinemann Marcos B. , Costa‐Val Adriane P.
Published: December 2018

Background

Limited information is available describing the features of canine atopic‐like dermatitis (ALD) compared with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives

To compare demographic data, disease severity and response to therapy between ALD and AD dogs.

Animals

Two hundred and fifty‐three atopic dogs with intradermal and serum allergen‐specific IgE test results were selected retrospectively.

Methods and materials

Dogs were enrolled into the ALD group if both IgE tests were negative and into the AD group if at least one test was positive. Demographic data, pruritus level and number of body sites affected before and during therapy, in addition to maintenance therapy protocols, were compared between groups.

Results

There were 216 (85.38%) dogs in the AD group and 37 (14.62%) in the ALD group. The soft‐coated wheaten terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, English bulldog and Labrador retriever were over‐represented in the AD group. No significant differences between the groups were noted regarding the other demographic variables evaluated. There were no differences in the mean pruritus scores and number of affected body sites at the first visit or during treatment. Furthermore, no significant differences between the groups were noted for the maintenance treatment scores and reduction of pruritus level and number of body sites affected during treatment.

Conclusions and clinical significance

The soft‐coated wheaten terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, English bulldog and Labrador retriever were over‐represented in the AD group. No significant differences in the other demographic data and clinical features were noted between dogs with ALD and AD in the present study.
Microchimerism in Ghanaian children recipients of whole blood transfusion for severe anaemia
Authors: Assennato Sonny Michael , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Osei‐Akoto Alex , Lambert Nathalie C. , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

Transfusion‐acquired microchimerism (TA‐Mc) has been reported in major trauma but not in young children despite relative immunodeficiency who, in sub‐Saharan Africa, often suffer severe anaemia related to haemoglobinopathies or primary malaria infections. We examined the hypothesis that such massive red cell destructions might provide conditions favourable to TA‐Mc, particularly when exposed to massive amounts of parasite antigens.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven female children <5 years transfused with male whole blood for severe anaemia (13 with acute malaria and 14 with other causes) were retrospectively identified, and a blood sample was collected >6 months post‐transfusion. Four whole blood samples from paediatric females transfused with blood from female donors and five secondary school female students never pregnant, never transfused were used as negative controls.

Results

Nineteen patients (70%) carried male Mc with four (15%) having high levels of Mc (>100 genome equivalent of male cells/million of host cells) compared to three controls (37·5%). There was no difference in frequency or quantity of male Mc between paediatric patients with severe malaria and paediatric patients with other causes of severe anaemia. TA‐Mc was not correlated with patient age, duration of whole blood storage or lymphocyte load transfused. After a median of 7 months post‐transfusion, acute malaria did not increase the frequency of TA‐Mc. One negative control appeared to carry low‐level male cells.

Conclusion

Transfusion‐acquired microchimerism appears frequent in young children transfused with whole blood for severe anaemia.
A real‐life evaluation of two platelet cross‐matching programmes for the treatment of patients refractory to platelet transfusions
Authors: Revelli Nicoletta , Villa Maria Antonietta , Olivero Barbara , Bresciani Susanna , Flores Marco , Marini Mirella , Pizzi Mara Nicoletta , Prati Daniele , Rebulla Paolo
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Strategies for overcoming alloimmune refractoriness to random donor platelets are based on the use of compatible platelets selected from large panels of HLA‐typed donors or cross‐matching (XM). The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of a platelet XM programme for treating refractory haematological patients at Milan's Policlinico Hospital (PHM) 2002–2014 and Spedali Civili in Brescia (SCB) 2013–2016.

Materials and Methods

A commercially available solid‐phase antibody detection system was used for platelet antibody detection and XM. Forty‐nine alloimmune refractory patients at PHM and 13 at SCB, respectively, received a median [IQR] of 12 [6–13] and 18 [13–15] XM compatible platelet transfusions after the detection of refractoriness. The absolute increases in post‐transfusion platelet counts obtained using random, and XM platelets were retrieved from the patients’ hospital records.

Results

The critical review at SCB showed that the median [IQR] 1 h post‐transfusion increase in platelet counts was 3 × 109/L [1–5] after 47/47 random platelet transfusions, and 10 × 109/L [2–25] after 325/326 XM compatible platelet transfusions. The documentation concerning the outcomes of XM platelet transfusions at PHM was incomplete, and so the findings of the review were inconclusive.

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the XM programme at SCB, but revealed defective data collection and retrieval methods at PHM, thus underlining the importance of such methods. The literature review accompanying this retrospective analysis identified a recently described algorithm for ensuring platelet support in refractory patients that optimally integrates the combined use of XM and HLA typing.
Assessment on abiotic factors and the presence of storage mites in an animal feed factory
Authors: Siegert Monica Krauze , Da Silva Guilherme Liberato , Toldi Maicon , Johann Liana , Ferla Noeli Juarez
Published: December 2018

Pest mites found in grain, flour, and feed warehouses and also on the shelves of business establishments are common in Brazil. This study aimed at describing the mite fauna associated with environmental factors and several production-line environments inside animal feed factories. Mites were collected from: package depositing (PD), rice bran milling machine (RB), corn conveyor belt (CB), soybean silo (SS), pigeon nests (PN), animal product elevator (AP), pellet cooler (PC), and from the roof of an animal feed factory (R). A total of 2401 mites were collected, belonging to 13 species in 12 families, along with Uropodina and the suborder Oribatida. Higher richness was observed for Cheyletidae, and the highest richness was observed in PN and SS. Dermatophagoides farinae was the most abundant species (883 specimens), followed by T. putrescentiae (654) and C. malaccensis (506). In PC, the place with the highest infestation, we observed 36% of total mite populations, followed by CB with 17.5%, and RB and SS, with 14% each. There was no significant correlation among mite infestation, temperature, and relative humidity (RH). The period with the highest abundance was between March and August. The most abundant species in March was D. farinae, and T. putrescentiae was the most abundant in August. From December to February, C. malaccensis was the most predominant species. Thus, this study showed the prevalence of two pest species (D. farinae and T. putrescentiae) in several production-line environments in an animal feed factory and the presence of a potential predator, C. malaccensis.
An Empirical Mode Decomposition-based detection and classification approach for marine mammal vocal signals
Authors: Seger Kerri D. , Al-Badrawi Mahdi H. , Miksis-Olds Jennifer L. , Kirsch Nicholas J. , Lyons Anthony P.
Published: December 2018

Detecting marine mammal vocalizations in underwater acoustic environments and classifying them to species level is typically an arduous manual analysis task for skilled bioacousticians. In recent years, machine learning and other automated algorithms have been explored for quickly detecting and classifying all sound sources in an ambient acoustic environment, but many of these still require a large training dataset compiled through time-intensive manual pre-processing. Here, an application of the signal decomposition technique Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is presented, which does not require a priori knowledge and quickly detects all sound sources in a given recording. The EMD detection process extracts the possible signals in a dataset for minimal quality control post-processing before moving onto the second phase: the EMD classification process. The EMD classification process uniquely identifies and labels most sound sources in a given environment. Thirty-five recordings containing different marine mammal species and mooring hardware noises were tested with the new EMD detection and classification processes. Ultimately, these processes can be applied to acoustic index development and refinement.
A DNA methylation reader complex that enhances gene transcription
Authors: Harris C. Jake , Scheibe Marion , Wongpalee Somsakul Pop , Liu Wanlu , Cornett Evan M. , Vaughan Robert M. , Li Xueqin , Chen Wei , Xue Yan , Zhong Zhenhui , Yen Linda , Barshop William D. , Rayatpisheh Shima , Gallego-Bartolome Javier , Groth Martin , Wang Zonghua , Wohlschlegel James A. , Du Jiamu , Rothbart Scott B. , Butter Falk , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: December 2018

DNA methylation promotes transcription

DNA methylation generally represses transcription, but in some instances, it has also been implicated in transcription activation. Harris
et al.
identified a protein complex in
Arabidopsis
that is recruited to chromatin by DNA methylation. This complex specifically activated the transcription of genes that are already mildly transcribed but had no effect on transcriptionally silent genes such as transposable elements. The complex thereby counteracts the repression effect caused by transposon insertion in neighboring genes while leaving transposons silent. Thus, by balancing both repressive and activating transcriptional effects, DNA methylation can act to fine-tune gene expression.

Science
, this issue p.
1182
Bioenergetics through thick and thin
Authors: Schon Eric A.
Published: December 2018

Membrane fluidity influences the efficiency of oxidative energy metabolism
Evolution of Hepatitis B Virus Receptor NTCP Reveals Differential Pathogenicities and Species Specificities of Hepadnaviruses in Primates, Rodents, and Bats
Authors: Jacquet Stéphanie , Pons Jean-Baptiste , De Bernardo Ariel , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Cosset François-Loic , Régis Corinne , Etienne Lucie , Pontier Dominique
Published: December 2018

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver disease and cancer in humans. Mammalian HBV-like viruses are also found in nonhuman primates, rodents, and bats. As for most viruses, HBV requires a successful interaction with a host receptor for replication. Cellular receptors are thus key determinants of host susceptibility as well as specificity. One hallmark of pathogenic virus-host relationships is the reciprocal evolution of host receptor and viral envelope proteins, as a result of their antagonistic interaction over time. The dynamics of these so-called “evolutionary arms races” can leave signatures of adaptive selection, which in turn reveal the evolutionary history of the virus-host interaction as well as viral pathogenicity and the genetic determinants of species specificity. Here, we show how HBV-like viruses have shaped the evolutionary history of their mammalian host receptor, as a result of their ancient pathogenicity, and decipher the genetic determinants of cross-species transmissions.
Can adoption at an early age protect children at risk from depression in adulthood? A Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Hjern Anders , Palacios Jesus , Vinnerljung Bo
Published: December 2018

Objective

Our aim was to investigate whether the risk of depression in adulthood in children raised by substitute parents from an early age differ by care arrangements.

Methods

Register study in Swedish national cohorts born 1972–1981, with three study groups of children raised in adoptive or foster homes with care starting before the age of 2 years and a comparison majority population group. Cox regression estimated HRs of prescribed antidepressive medication and specialised psychiatric care with a diagnosis of depression in adulthood during 2006–2012.

Results

Compared with the general population, long-term foster care carried the highest age-adjusted and sex-adjusted HR for both antidepressive medication, 2.07 (95% CI 1.87 to 2.28), and psychiatric care for depression, 2.85 (95% CI 2.42 to 3.35), in adulthood. Adults raised by adoptive parents were far more similar to the general population with HR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.43) for domestic and 1.13 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.18) for international adoption for antidepressive medication. Adjusting the analysis for school marks and income attenuated these risks more in the long-term foster care group.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the benefits of early adoption when substitute parents are provided for young children, and underlines the importance of improved educational support for children in foster care.
B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Nakatsuma Kenji , Taniguchi Tomohiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Shiomi Hiroki , Ando Kenji , Kanamori Norio , Murata Koichiro , Kitai Takeshi , Kawase Yuichi , Izumi Chisato , Miyake Makoto , Mitsuoka Hirokazu , Kato Masashi , Hirano Yutaka , Matsuda Shintaro , Inada Tsukasa , Nagao Kazuya , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Takeuchi Yasuyo , Yamane Keiichiro , Toyofuku Mamoru , Ishii Mitsuru , Minamino-Muta Eri , Kato Takao , Inoko Moriaki , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Komasa Akihiro , Ishii Katsuhisa , Hotta Kozo , Higashitani Nobuya , Kato Yoshihiro , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Maeda Chiyo , Jinnai Toshikazu , Morikami Yuko , Saito Naritatsu , Minatoya Kenji , Kimura Takeshi
Published: December 2018

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), who were not referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods

We used data from a Japanese multicentre registry, the Contemporary outcomes after sURgery and medical tREatmeNT in patients with severe Aortic Stenosis Registry, which enrolled 3815 consecutive patients with severe AS. Of those, 387 asymptomatic patients who were not referred for AVR without left ventricular dysfunction and very severe AS were subdivided into four groups based on their BNP levels (BNP<100 pg/mL, n=201; 100≤BNP<200 pg/mL, n=94; 200≤BNP<300 pg/mL, n=42 and BNP>300 pg/mL, n=50).

Results

The cumulative 5-year incidence of AS-related events (aortic valve-related death or heart failure hospitalisation) was incrementally higher with increasing BNP level (14.2%, 29.6%, 46.3% and 47.0%, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, the risk for AS-related events was incrementally greater with increasing BNP levels (HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.98, p=0.06; HR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.55 to 8.32, p=0.03 and HR: 7.38, 95% CI: 3.21 to 16.9, p<0.001, respectively). Notably, asymptomatic patients with BNPlevels of <100 pg/mL had an event rate of only 2.1% at 1 year.

Conclusions

Increased BNP level was associated with a higher risk for AS-related adverse events in patients with asymptomatic severe AS with normal left ventricular ejection fraction who were not referred for AVR. Asymptomatic patients with BNP levels of <100 pg/mL had relatively low event rate, who might be safely followed with watchful waiting strategy.

Trail registration number

UMIN000012140.
Ulcerative stomatitis associated with ingestion of broomsedge hay in a horse
Authors: Graves Meggan T , Ivey Jennie L
Published: December 2018

An adult mare presented acutely down in the pasture on January 21, 2018. On arrival at the farm, the mare was found recumbent with a heart rate of 60 beats per minute, evidence of struggle and profuse watery diarrhoea. An oral examination revealed a capillary refill time of three seconds and severe gingival and glossal ulcers. The ulcers were filled with seed heads with evidence of chronicity. The mare was determined to have a gas‐distended colon on rectal examination and was humanely euthanised due to financial constraints. The mare was submitted for postmortem examination. No ulcers or grass awns were found in any other area of the gastrointestinal tract. Histopathological examination revealed embedded plant material in the oral lesions, with plant features similar to that reported with foxtail species. Hay samples were submitted for wet chemistry analysis and species identification, and determined to be an inadequate nutritional source for horses.
Severe intraoperative hypoxaemia in a horse due to failure of an oxygen concentrator and auxiliary oxygen supply
Authors: Kropf Josephine , Hughes J. M. Lynne
Published: December 2018

A horse with acute colic underwent exploratory laparotomy. Following anaesthetic induction, the inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) was found to be 0.23 and severe hypoxaemia (PaO2: 4.12 kPa [30.9 mmHg]) was detected. The terminal oxygen outlet was delivering mostly pressurised room air due to a mechanical fault within the oxygen concentrator, with subsequent failure of the auxiliary oxygen manifold. The oxygen supply in the operating room was switched to a cylinder (FiO2: 0.95) but PaO2increased to only 12.3 kPa [92.3 mmHg], indicating probable ventilation/perfusion mismatch. Anaesthetic recovery was uneventful, but signs of abdominal pain returned four days later. A second laparotomy revealed perforation of the jejunum and generalised peritonitis, and the horse was euthanased. Failure of both an oxygen concentrator and the backup supply is rare but potentially disastrous. A thorough preanaesthetic equipment check, including the FiO2, and detailed knowledge of all equipment components are essential for the anaesthetist.
Estimation of total fatigue life for in-service asphalt mixture based on accelerated pavement testing and four-point bending beam fatigue tests
Authors: Ma Zexin , Liu Liping , Yuan Yu , Sun Lijun
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to estimate the total fatigue life for in-service asphalt mixture fatigue with in situ accelerated pavement testing (APT) and laboratory four-point bending beam tests. On a selected expressway in Shanghai, China, a series of full-scale APT tests were conducted. During the APT tests, a portable seismic property analyzer was used to monitor the pavement deterioration through modulus reduction. An equivalent factor between the APT loading and equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) was estimated. Additionally, asphalt concrete slabs were cut from the APT test sections and then transferred to the laboratory for four-point bending beam fatigue tests. A new fatigue equation was proposed for the in-service asphalt mixtures. Furthermore, a shift factor between the laboratory fatigue life and field ESAL was recommended. Finally, the field total fatigue life of the in-service asphalt mixture was estimated based on all the work in this study.
New lump-like structures in models with hyperbolic interactions
Authors: Ferreira D. A.
Published: December 2018

We investigate lump-like solutions in models described by a single real scalar field with non-polynomial interactions in (1, 1) dimensions. We start with a model that supports kink-like solutions and then use the deformation procedure to obtain families of models with hyperbolic interactions. The results show that depending on the values of the parameters, the models can support lump-like and kink-like solutions. We illustrate our findings, constructing new models and examining their solutions, energy densities, stability potentials and zero modes.
Studies on proper time regularization and the QCD chiral phase transition
Authors: Cui Yu-Qiang , Pan Zhong-Liang
Published: December 2018

We investigate the finite-temperature and zero quark chemical potential QCD chiral phase transition of strongly interacting matter within the two-flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model as well as the proper time regularization. We use two different regularization processes, as discussed in Refs. 36 and 37, separately, to discuss how the effective mass M varies with the temperature T. Based on the calculation, we find that the M of both regularization schemes decreases when T increases. However, for three different parameter sets, quite different behaviors will show up. The results obtained by the method in Ref. 36 are very close to each other, but those in Ref. 37 are getting farther and farther from each other. This means that although the method in Ref. 37 seems physically more reasonable, it loses the advantage in Ref. 36 of a small parameter dependence. In addition, we also, find that two regularization schemes provide similar results when T [Formula: see text] 100 MeV, while when T is larger than 100 MeV, the difference becomes obvious: the M calculated by the method in Ref. 36 decreases more rapidly than that in Ref. 37.
First-principles investigation of the electronic band structures and optical properties of quaternary ABaMQ4 (A = Rb, Cs; M = P, V; and Q = S) metal chalcogenides
Authors: Ullah Shahid , Ullah Hayat , Yar Abdullah , Azam Sikander , Laref A.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we study the optoelectronic properties of quaternary metal chalcogenide semiconductor ABaMQ4 (A = Rb, Cs; M = P, V; and Q = S) compounds using state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT) with TB-mBJ approximation for the treatment of exchange-correlation energy. In particular, the electronic and optical properties of the relaxed geometries of these compounds are investigated. Our first-principles ab-initio calculations show that the CsBaPS4 and RbBaPS4 compounds have direct bandgaps whereas the CsBaVS4 compound exhibits indirect bandgap nature. Importantly, the theoretically calculated values of the bandgaps of the compounds are consistent with experiment. Furthermore, our analysis of the electronic charge densities of these compounds indicates that the above quaternary chalcogenides have mixed covalent and ionic bonding characters. The effective masses of these compounds are also calculated which provide very useful information about the band structure and transport characteristics of the investigated compounds. Similarly, high absorptivity in the visible and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum possibly predicts and indicates the importance of these materials for potential optoelectronic applications in this range.
The effect of channel uniaxial strain on thermal conductivity of graphene nano-ribbon field effect transistor
Authors: Doyom Elham Zonoobi , Haji-Nasiri Saeed
Published: December 2018

The effect of channel uniaxial strain on thermal conductivity of graphene nano-ribbon field effect transistor (GNRFET) is analyzed by self-consistent Hückel method. The supposed strains are tensile and its values are 2% to 24% of lattice constant. All of the assumed strains are applied to the channel length direction. Energy band gap, density of states (DOS), phonon transmission, thermal conductivity, and I–V characteristics of the GNRFET have been calculated. The results show that by increasing the strain, the energy band gap of the channel is increased and the drain current is decreased. Also by increasing the band gap, phonon transmission is decreased. Maximum phonon transmission occurs in 8% strain. By considering all of these parameters, the results show that there is a maximum thermal conductivity versus temperature in 8% uniaxial strain that is more than the bare one and its value is decreased intensively in 16% and 24% strain. This is due to maximum phonon transmission that is observed in 8% strain and increasing the DOS around the energy band gap in this value. Also, it is observed that in the energy range of more than 0.75 eV, by increasing the strain, thermal conductivity is increased.
Compactness in Lebesgue–Bochner spaces of random variables and the existence of mean-square random attractors
Authors: Wang Yejuan , Zhu Xiangming , Kloeden Peter
Published: December 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a probability space and let [Formula: see text] be a separable Banach space. It is shown a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], is relatively compact in [Formula: see text] if and only if it is uniformly [Formula: see text]-integrable and uniformly tight. The additional condition of scalarly relatively compact required in the literature is shown to hold by a probabilistic argument. The result is then used to establish the existence of a mean-square random attractor for dissipative stochastic differential equations and stochastic parabolic partial differential equations.
Wild Animal Detection from Highly Cluttered Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Verma Gyanendra K. , Gupta Pragya
Published: December 2018

Monitoring wild animals became easy due to camera trap network, a technique to explore wildlife using automatically triggered camera on the presence of wild animal and yields a large volume of multimedia data. Wild animal detection is a dynamic research field since the last several decades. In this paper, we propose a wild animal detection system to monitor wildlife and detect wild animals from highly cluttered natural images. The data acquired from the camera-trap network comprises of scenes that are highly cluttered that poses a challenge for detection of wild animals bringing about low recognition rates and high false discovery rates. To deal with the issue, we have utilized a camera trap database that provides candidate regions utilizing multilevel graph cut in the spatiotemporal area. The regions are utilized to make a validation stage that recognizes whether animals are present or not in a scene. These features from cluttered images are extracted using Deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). We have implemented the system using two prominent CNN models namely VGGNet and ResNet, on standard camera trap database. Finally, the CNN features fed to some of the best in class machine learning techniques for classification. Our outcomes demonstrate that our proposed system is superior compared to existing systems reported in the literature.
Determination of Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Supply in Selected Areas of Lahore
Authors: AKHTAR Sana , DEAN Sarah , ANJUM Faiza , JAVED Maryam
Published: December 2018

Water scarcity is an alarming issue in the developing world. Due to population explosion, the supply of water to households is becoming difficult. And as the quality of water supply infrastructure is deteriorating, clean water is getting mixed with sewage and becoming a cause of waterborne diseases. This study was carried out in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, to find out the willingness to pay (WTP) for improved water supply by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). This study explores the relationship of WTP with socio-economic factors, i.e. income, accommodation and employment. Moreover, questionnaires were administered to randomly selected 200 respondents. For statistical analysis stepwise linear regression, Pearson correlation and chi square were employed to find out the variables that determine WTP for improved water supply quality. Results showed that income was the variable that most significantly impacted the WTP for improved water supply. The WTP amount was found to be 0.70 USD. People were not generally satisfied with the water supply quality. Unavailability of water for 1–2[Formula: see text]h per day was commonly reported by the respondents. However, more studies should be conducted with a larger sample size to enhance our knowledge about water supply situation in Lahore.
Reasoning Challenges of Data Abstraction and Aliasing in Concurrent Programs
Authors: Weide Alan
Published: December 2018

Substantial effort has been directed toward the specification and verification of concurrent programs. Separation logic is one such project and is considered by many to be the state of the art int he field. However, the shortcomings of separation logic in the face of data abstraction cannot be overlooked. This paper enumerates several variants of a concurrent program for which separation logic cannot capture the desired level of abstraction without compromising its readability and usefulness
ATP2A2 rs3026468 does not associate with quadriceps contractile properties and acute muscle potentiation in humans
Authors: Kirk Eric A. , Singh Shiva M. , Rice Charles L.
Published: December 2018

The ATP2A2 gene encodes the SERCA protein required for active calcium reuptake to the sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac and slow-twitch skeletal muscle. The ATP2A2 rs3026468 variant has been associated with voluntary strength phenotypes in humans but requires further validation. Here we investigated a homogenous cohort of 80 young, healthy, active Caucasian males who were assessed for maximal isometric strength, voluntary activation, stimulated contractile properties, and muscle potentiation in the quadriceps. A dynamometer was used to record knee extensions, and electrical stimulation was applied to the thigh to elicit a twitch response. DNA was isolated from cheek swabs, and the rs3026468 genotypes were assessed by TaqMan primer quantitative PCR. The results show no association between ATP2A2 rs3026468 variants and muscle strength measures. We conclude there is no effect of the rs3026468 variant in our cohort and that functional influences do not likely contribute to contractile property differences in young healthy men.
Hypoxia Preconditioning of Human MSCs: a Direct Evidence of HIF-1α and Collagen Type XV Correlation
Authors: Lambertini Elisabetta , Penolazzi Letizia , Angelozzi Marco , Bergamin Leticia Scussel , Manferdini Cristina , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Paolella Francesca , Lisignoli Gina , Piva Roberta
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold considerable promise in bone tissue engineering, but their poor survival and potency when in vivo implanted limits their therapeutic potential. For this reason, the study on culture conditions and cellular signals that can influence the potential therapeutic outcomes of MSCs have received considerable attention in recent years. Cell maintenance under hypoxic conditions, in particular for a short period, is beneficial for MSCs, as low O2 tension is similar to that present in the physiologic niche, however the precise mechanism through which hypoxia preconditioning affects these cells remains unclear. Methods: In order to explore what happens during the first 48 h of hypoxia preconditioning in human MSCs (hMSCs) from bone marrow, the cells were exposed to 1.5% O2 tension in the X3 Hypoxia Hood and Culture Combo – Xvivo System device. The expression modulation of critical genes which could be good markers of increased osteopotency has been investigated by Western blot, immunufluorescence and ELISA. Luciferase reporter assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to investigate the regulation of the expression of Collagen type XV (ColXV) gene. Results: We identified ColXV as a new low O2 tension sensitive gene, and provided a novel mechanistic evidence that directly HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha) mediates ColXV expression in response to hypoxia, since it was found specifically in vivo recruited at ColXV promoter, in hypoxia-preconditioned hMSCs. This finding, together the evidence that also Runx2, VEGF and FGF-2 expression increased in hypoxia preconditioned hMSCs, is consistent with the possibility that increased ColXV expression in response to hypoxia is mediated by an early network that supports the osteogenic potential of the cells. Conclusion: These results add useful information to understand the role of a still little investigated collagen such as ColXV, and identify ColXV as a marker of successful hypoxia preconditioning. As a whole, our data give further evidence that hypoxia preconditioned hMSCs have greater osteopotency than normal hMSCs, and that the effects of hypoxic regulation of hMSCs activities should be considered before they are clinically applied.
Cultural Transition in a Kibbutz Industry from Clan to Hierarchical Control Attributes
Authors: Moskovich Yaffa
Published: December 2018

This article describes changes in a kibbutz factory as an outcome of social change in the kibbutz community and in Israeli society. The study estimates the cultural transformation in the specific kibbutz industry and analyzes the transition from its original clan culture to a Weberian hierarchic structure. The findings serve as a basis for comparing the impact of cultural change in various kibbutz industries and other types of enterprises as well. When founded, the plant operated according to socialist values: Equity, democracy, rotation among managers and familial features. From the 1980s, when the kibbutz underwent privatization, its factory also shifted away from strict socialist principles. After a financial crisis in the 1990s, the factory experienced a period of decline and finally closed. Later, a private individual from outside the kibbutz bought and reopened the factory, drastically changing its organizational culture as the business became a stratified hierarchic organization.
Civilian Targeting as Interaction Ritual: Evidence from Insurgent Groups in Cross-National Perspective
Authors: Davis Andrew P. , Jang Beksahn
Published: December 2018

Why do some insurgent groups target civilians, while others show more restraint? Whereas the majority of the literature on this topic has focused on strategic relations with civilians, in this paper the authors emphasize the role of internal group processes in influencing civilian targeting. Specifically, they argue that insurgent groups sanction violence against civilians as a means of socializing recruits that enter without preexisting ties and commitments, as is likely the case with forced recruits. The authors frame such socialization as an interaction ritual in order to understand how violence can play a role in transforming identities and building shared norms in this process. Using data drawn from two existing sources, they employ a number of statistical procedures. The authors test the extent to which forced recruitment leads to a higher number of civilian casualties for the rebel group in question – an important focus for scholars focusing on unit cohesion. Results from this analysis confirm theoretical expectations that low levels of cohesion are related to higher counts of civilian casualties.
Thermodynamic Control on the Poleward Shift of the Extratropical Jet in Climate Change Simulations: The Role of Rising High Clouds and Their Radiative Effects
Authors: Li Ying , Thompson David W. J. , Bony Sandrine , Merlis Timothy M.
Published: December 2018

Extratropical eddy-driven jets are predicted to shift poleward in a warmer climate. Recent studies have suggested that cloud radiative effects (CRE) may enhance the amplitude of such shifts. But there is still considerable uncertainty about the underlying mechanisms, whereby CRE govern the jet response to climate change. This study provides new insights into the role of CRE in the jet response to climate change by exploiting the output from six global warming simulations run with and without atmospheric CRE (ACRE). Consistent with previous studies, it is found that the magnitude of the jet shift under climate change is substantially increased in simulations run with ACRE. It is hypothesized that ACRE enhance the jet response to climate change by increasing the upper-tropospheric baroclinicity due to the radiative effects of rising high clouds. The lifting of the tropopause and high clouds in response to surface warming arises from the thermodynamic constraints placed on water vapor concentrations. Hence, the influence of ACRE on the jet shift in climate change simulations may be viewed as an additional “robust” thermodynamic constraint placed on climate change by the Clausius–Clapeyron relation. The hypothesis is tested in simulations run with an idealized dry GCM, in which the model is perturbed with a thermal forcing that resembles the ACRE response to surface warming. It is demonstrated that 1) the enhanced jet shifts found in climate change simulations run with ACRE are consistent with the atmospheric response to the radiative warming associated with rising high clouds, and 2) the amplitude of the jet shift scales linearly with the amplitude of the ACRE forcing.
Ocean Acoustic Tomography in the North Atlantic
Authors: Dushaw Brian D.
Published: December 2018

An objective mapping exercise simulating observations of temperature in the North Atlantic Ocean was used to assess the resolution capabilities of ocean acoustic tomography in combination with Argo floats. A set of basis functions for a basinwide area was obtained from a singular value decomposition of a covariance derived from an ocean state estimate. As demonstrated by the formal uncertainty estimates from the objective maps, Argo and tomography are complementary measurements. In several examples, each separately obtained uncertainty for determining large-scale monthly average temperature of about 50% of prior (resolved 75% of variance), while when both data were employed, uncertainties were reduced to about 25% of prior (resolved 94% of variance). Possible tomography configurations range from arrays that span specific regions to line arrays that supplement existing observations to arrays that span the Atlantic basin. A basinwide array consisting of two acoustic sources and seven receivers can be used to significantly reduce the uncertainties of estimated broad-scale temperature. An optimal observing system study would comprise simulated measurements in combination with data assimilation techniques and numerical ocean modeling. This objective map study, however, showed that the addition of tomography to the existing observing system could substantially reduce the uncertainties for estimated large-scale temperature. To the extent that tomography offers a 50% reduction in uncertainty at a fraction of the cost of the Argo program, it is a cost-effective contribution to the ocean observing system.
A Phase Locking Perspective on Rossby Wave Amplification and Atmospheric Blocking Downstream of Recurving Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Riboldi Jacopo , Grams Christian M. , Riemer Michael , Archambault Heather M.
Published: December 2018

The extratropical transition (ET) of tropical cyclones (TCs) can significantly influence the evolution of the midlatitude flow. However, the interaction between recurving TCs and upstream upper-level troughs features a large and partly unexplained case-to-case variability. In this study, a synoptic, feature-based climatology of TC–trough interactions is constructed to discriminate recurving TCs that interact with decelerating and accelerating troughs. Upper-level troughs reducing their eastward propagation speed during the interaction with recurving TCs exhibit phase locking with lower-level temperature anomalies and are linked to pronounced downstream Rossby wave amplification. Conversely, accelerating troughs do not exhibit phase locking and are associated with a nonsignificant downstream impact. Irrotational outflow near the tropopause associated with latent heat release in regions of heavy precipitation near the transitioning storm can promote phase locking (via enhancement of trough deceleration) and further enhance the downstream impact (via advection of air with low potential vorticity in the direction of the waveguide). These different impacts affect the probability of atmospheric blocking at the end of the Pacific storm track, which is generally higher if a TC–trough interaction occurs in the western North Pacific. Blocking in the eastern North Pacific is up to 3 times more likely than climatology if an interaction between a TC and a decelerating trough occurs upstream, whereas no statistical deviation with respect to climatology is observed for accelerating troughs. The outlined results support the hypothesis that differences in phase locking can explain the observed variability in the downstream impact of ET.
Does Periodic Continence Harm Spousal Love?: Pope John Paul II’s Response to the Pastoral Difficulties of Living Out Humanae Vitae
Authors: Alexander Irene
Published: December 2018

The main reason for the widespread dissent from Humanae vitae is not primarily academic. Rather, dissent arises first on a practical level by couples themselves on account of the difficulty they experience in living out the teaching. More specifically, couples often feel that there is a “contradiction” between the responsible regulation of birth and the unity of their love. This essay addresses this pastoral objection head on through a candid appreciation of the “difficulties” couples experience and through demonstrating Pope John Paul II’s idea of cultivating a “conjugal spirituality,” which moves couples interiorly from merely following rules to fostering reverence both for one’s spouse and for God.

This article provides a pastoral response to the difficulties of living out the teaching of Humanae vitae, by explaining the teaching of Humanae vitae through the lens of Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Specifically, I explain John Paul II’s exhortation to couples to develop a “conjugal spirituality” through the virtues, so that they will grow in reverence for their spouse and for God.