bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes Toward Economic Inequality: The Illusory Agreement
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus T. , Mutz Diana C.
Published: May 2018

Recent studies of attitudes toward economic inequality suggest that most people around the world prefer very low levels of inequality, despite well-known trends toward greater inequality within many countries. Even within countries, people across the political spectrum are said to be in remarkable agreement about the ideal level of economic inequality. Using survey data from 40 countries and a novel survey experiment in the United States, we show that this apparent agreement is illusory. When relying on a widely used cross-national survey measure of Ideal Pay Ratios, preferred levels of inequality are heavily influenced by two well-documented sources of perceptual distortion: the anchoring effect and ratio bias. These effects are substantial and many times larger than the influence of fundamental political predispositions. As a result, these cross-national survey measures tapping preferences regarding economic inequality produce misleading conclusions about desired levels of inequality.
Phenotypic plasticity in clutch size regulation among populations of a potential invasive fruit fly from environments that vary in host heterogeneity and isolation
Authors: Aluja M. , Birke A. , Díaz-Fleischer F. , Rull J.
Published: May 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is thought to evolve in response to environmental unpredictability and can shield genotypes from selection. However, selection can also act on plastic traits. Egg-laying behaviour, including clutch size regulation, is a plastic behavioural trait among tephritid fruit flies. We compared plasticity in clutch size regulation among females of Anastrepha ludens populations stemming from environments that differed in the degree of predictability in egg-laying opportunities. Clutch size regulation in response to hosts of different sizes was compared among flies from (a) a wild, highly isolated population, (b) a wild population that switches seasonally from a small wild host fruit that varies greatly in abundance to an abundant large-sized commercial host, and (c) a laboratory population. Flies from all three populations adjusted clutch number and size according to host size. However, flies from the heterogeneous wild environment were more plastic in adjusting clutch size than flies from agricultural settings that also laid fewer eggs; yet both populations were more plastic in adjusting clutch size in line with host size when compared with laboratory females. When wild and orchard females encountered the largest host, clutch size was extremely variable and egg regulation did not follow the same trend. Heterogeneity in host availability in space and time appears to be as important as seasonal variation in host size in maintaining plastic clutch size regulation behaviour. In stable environments, there was a clear reduction in the plasticity of these traits.
PRINCIPLE, PRACTICE, AND PRECEDENT: VINDICATING JUSTICE, ACCORDING TO LAW
Authors: Allan T.R.S.
Published: May 2018

Legal judgment, I argue, entails moral judgment; legal obligations, correctly identified, are genuine moral obligations. Dworkin's legal theory is instructive, but problematic: his account of integrity fails to provide a convincing reconciliation of practice and principle. We can, however, defend a superior account in which the moral ideals that we invoke to justify legal practice – affirming its legitimacy under certain conditions – retain their force throughout our judgments about its specific demands in particular cases. Common law reasoning exemplifies that approach, reflecting the interdependence of practice and principle. It is an internal, interpretative inquiry, drawing on the moral resources of our own tradition, treated as an influential guide to the requirements of justice. The law is constituted, accordingly, neither by its socially authoritative sources, whatever their merits, nor by the moraleffectsof our legal practice. It is rather the scheme of justice we construct in our continuing efforts to bring our practice closer to the ideals that inspire and redeem it.
Variation in agricultural water demand and its attributions in the arid Tarim River Basin
Authors: Fang G. , Chen Y. , Li Z.
Published: May 2018

Agricultural water use accounts for more than 95% of the total water consumption in the extreme arid region of the Tarim River Basin. Understanding the variation of agricultural water demand (AWD) and its attributions is therefore vital for irrigation management and water resource allocation affecting the economy and natural ecosystems in this high water-deficit region. Here spatial–temporal variations ofAWDbased on weighted crop water requirement (ETc) were estimated using the Penman–Monteith equation and the crop coefficient approach. Then the contributions of meteorological factors and planting structure (i.e. proportions of crop acreages) toAWDvariations were quantified based on traditional methods and numerical experiment (i.e. a series calculation ofAWDbased on different input data). Results indicated thatAWDdecreased during 1960–1988 at a rate of 2.76 mm/year and then started to increase at a high rate of 9.47 mm/year during 1989–2015. For the first period (1960–1988), wind speed (uz), maximum humidity (RHmax) and sunshine duration (n) were the most important factors leading to decreasedAWD, while for the second period the evolution of planting structure was the most significant factor resulting in the rapid increase ofAWD, followed by the minimum temperature (Tmin),uzandRHmax. The evolution of planting structure alone would lead to an increase rate forAWDof 7.1 mm/year while the climatic factor would result in an increase rate of 1.9 mm/year during 1989–2015.
An Ultramontane Jansenist? Charles Hersent's Panegyric of St Louis (1650)
Authors: HEATH SEAN
Published: May 2018

Viewed with hindsight, the link between Jansenism and Gallican resistance to papal pronouncements can seem inevitable. Before 1653, however, Rome's reluctance to commit itself unambiguously to condemning Jansen's ideas of grace made the idea of gaining papal support conceivable to some of his supporters. This article examines one hitherto ignored moment: the panegyric delivered in Rome by Charles Hersent, whose career in controversy combined ultramontane views with Jansenist theology. The episode reveals the broader volatility of these years, often missing from accounts that present the condemnation of Jansenism as inevitable, and the fact that Jansenism was not yet fused with Gallicanism.
Kinzig on the Creeds
Authors: EDWARDS MARK
Published: May 2018

In these four volumes Wolfram Kinzig has put together the largest compilation to date of texts which profess to set out the principal tenets of the Church between the second and the eighth centuries of the Christian era. In dimension it easily surpasses its German precursors of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, while in content it can aim to be more eclectic than the compendium which Philip Schaff addressed to the clergy and fellow-believers in 1877. Its only rival in the twenty-first century is the joint labour of Jaroslav Pelikan and Valerie Hotchkiss, broader in chronological range but therefore less exhaustive in its representation of this formative epoch. The first volume affords all necessary materials for the telling and untelling of the narrative which customarily ends with the promulgation of an amplified version of the Nicene Creed at Constantinople in 381; the second is an argosy of western specimens, a high proportion being prototypes or variants of the so-called Apostles Creed; the third is a miscellany of both personal and synodical confessions, some conventional, some idiosyncratic, many obscure in provenance and purpose; the contents of the fourth are drawn primarily from the Carolingian era, though the sources consulted in the first half are as various as the Pontifical of Donaueschingen (vol. iv. 99), the Irish Book of Dimma (iv. 119), the Dicta Leonis Episcopi (iv. 158–61) and the Sacramentary of Autun (iv. 283). The result is a monument of erudition, an invaluable resource for all future scholarship, and pleasurable reading for those who have hitherto been unable to approach the texts for want of an English rendering. The following remarks are therefore offered to the editor of these volumes as a stimulus to discussion, not to throw any aspersion on his judgement or on his many-times-proven competence as historian and critic.
Efficacy of artemisinin–naphthoquine phosphate against Schistosoma haematobium adult flukes: dose–effect relationship and tegumental alterations
Authors: El-Beshbishi S.N. , El Bardicy S. , Tadros M. , Ayoub M. , Taman A.
Published: May 2018

Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections have broadly overlapping geographical distributions. Praziquantel is the only treatment for human schistosomiasis, so drug tolerance and/or resistance are major concerns. Artemisinin–naphthoquine phosphate (CO-ArNp), an artemisinin-based combination therapy endorsed by the World Health Organization as a gold standard therapy for malaria, has also been identified as a promising treatment for S. mansoni. In this in vitro study, we tested the effect of 1–40 μg/ml CO-ArNp on S. haematobium worms, and inspected tegumental changes by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), aiming to determine if this combination therapy has a broad-spectrum antischistosomal activity. Incubation of S. haematobium adults with 20 or 30 μg/ml CO-ArNp caused 100% mortality of worms within 72 or 48 h, respectively. SEM examination showed extensive tegumental alterations such as oedema, constriction, shortening and loss of spines, fissuring, sloughing and perforation, resulting in exposure of the underlying basal lamina, mainly in treated male schistosomes. Besides the well-established potent efficacy, bioavailability, tolerability and safety of the antimalarial artemisinin–naphthoquine phosphate combined therapy, these results may also suggest its possible utilization as a new broad-spectrum antischistosomal agent.
Ion-channel laser growth rate and beam quality requirements
Authors: Davoine X. , Fiúza F. , Fonseca R. A. , Mori W. B. , Silva L. O.
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we determine the growth rate of the exponential radiation amplification in the ion-channel laser, where a relativistic electron beam wiggles in a focusing ion channel that can be created in a wakefield accelerator. For the first time the radiation diffraction, which can limit the amplification, is taken into account. The electron beam quality requirements to obtain this amplification are also presented. It is shown that both the beam energy and wiggler parameter spreads should be limited. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of the self-consistent ion-channel laser confirm our theoretical predictions.
Spirocerca vulpissp. nov. (Spiruridae: Spirocercidae): description of a new nematode species of the red fox,Vulpes vulpes(Carnivora: Canidae)
Authors: Rojas Alicia , Sanchis-Monsonís Gloria , Alić Amer , Hodžić Adnan , Otranto Domenico , Yasur-Landau Daniel , Martínez-Carrasco Carlos , Baneth Gad
Published: May 2018

Previous studies have reported nematodes of the Spirocercidae family in the stomach nodules of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) described asSpirocercasp. orSpirocerca lupi(Rudolphi, 1819). We characterized spirurid worms collected from red foxes and compared them toS. lupifrom domestic dogs by morphometric and phylogenetic analyses. Nematodes from red foxes differed fromS. lupiby the presence of six triangular teeth-like buccal capsule structures, which are absent in the latter. Additionally, in female worms from red foxes, the distance of the vulva opening to the anterior end and the ratio of the glandular-to-muscular oesophagus lengths were larger than those ofS. lupi(P< 0.006). In males, the lengths of the whole oesophagus and glandular part, the ratio of the glandular-to-muscular oesophagus and the comparison of the oesophagus to the total body length were smaller inS. lupi(allP< 0.044). Phylogenetic analyses revealed thatS. lupiand the red foxes spirurid represent monophyletic sister groups with pairwise nucleotide distances of 9.2 and 0.2% in the cytochrome oxidase 1 and 18S genes, respectively. Based on these comparisons, the nematodes from red foxes were considered to belong to a separate species, for which the nameSpirocerca vulpissp. nov. is proposed.
Mammomonogamusnematodes in felid carnivores: a minireview and the first molecular characterization
Authors: Červená Barbora , Hrazdilová Kristýna , Vallo Peter , Ketzis Jennifer , Bolfa Pompei , Tudor Edgar , Lux-Hoppe Estevam G. , Blanvillain Caroline , Modrý David
Published: May 2018

Five of the 13 known species ofMammomonogamushave been described in members of the family Felidae, including domestic cats, making felids the most frequent hosts ofMammomonogamus.The occurrence ofMammomonogamusin felids is geographically scattered and information on the life cycle and other aspects of infections is lacking. The paucity of data opens the questions on possible conspecificity of some of the described species ofMammomonogamusand on the existence of possible reservoirs for infections in domestic cats in geographically isolated endemic foci of infection. To test such hypotheses, we compared sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear markers obtained fromMammomonogamusadults or eggs collected from domestic cats in three geographically distant localities. Based on morphology, geographic origin and site of infection, the worms examined can be referred to asMammomonogamus iereiandMammomonogamus auris. Phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA markers showed monophyly of the genusMammomonogamusand suggested the existence of at least two species in cats. Review of the literature, the existence of several species and the discontinuous geographic distribution ofMammomonogamusinfections in domestic cats suggest an historical spillover of infection from wild reservoirs, presumably wild felids.
Gramsci meets emergentist materialism: Towards aneoneo-gramscian perspective on world order
Authors: Pass Jonathan
Published: May 2018

Neo-Gramscians have made invaluable contributions to expanding traditional IR/IPE theory. Nevertheless, as the following article indicates, the ontological, epistemological, and methodological positions they adopt results in a rather one-sided interpretation of Antonio Gramsci and a partial, at times erroneous, account of the nature of the current global system. In highlighting these oversights, theneoneo-Gramscian approach presented here – rooted in a critical realist philosophy of science, specifically ‘emergentist materialism’, and involving a more complete reading of Gramsci – seeks to lay the basis for the elaboration of a more convincing theoretical and conceptual framework to analyse the changing dynamics of contemporary world order, without which the Coxian critical theory dream of engendering social emancipation cannot be fully realised.
Imported cases and minimum temperature drive dengue transmission in Guangzhou, China: evidence from ARIMAX model
Authors: Jing Q. L. , Cheng Q. , Marshall J. M. , Hu W. B. , Yang Z. C. , Lu J. H.
Published: May 2018

Dengue is the fastest spreading mosquito-transmitted disease in the world. In China, Guangzhou City is believed to be the most important epicenter of dengue outbreaks although the transmission patterns are still poorly understood. We developed an autoregressive integrated moving average model incorporating external regressors to examine the association between the monthly number of locally acquired dengue infections and imported cases, mosquito densities, temperature and precipitation in Guangzhou. In multivariate analysis, imported cases and minimum temperature (both at lag 0) were both associated with the number of locally acquired infections (P < 0.05). This multivariate model performed best, featuring the lowest fitting root mean squared error (RMSE) (0.7520), AIC (393.7854) and test RMSE (0.6445), as well as the best effect in model validation for testing outbreak with a sensitivity of 1.0000, a specificity of 0.7368 and a consistency rate of 0.7917. Our findings suggest that imported cases and minimum temperature are two key determinants of dengue local transmission in Guangzhou. The modelling method can be used to predict dengue transmission in non-endemic countries and to inform dengue prevention and control strategies.
Waterborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, December 2016/January 2017
Authors: Sekwadi P. G. , Ravhuhali K. G. , Mosam A. , Essel V. , Ntshoe G. M. , Shonhiwa A. M. , McCarthy K. , Mans J. , Taylor M. B. , Page N. A. , Govender N.
Published: May 2018

An unexpected increase in gastroenteritis cases was reported by healthcare workers on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, January 2017 with >600 cases seen over a 3-week period. A case–control study was conducted to identify the source and risk factors associated with the outbreak so as to recommend control and prevention measures. Record review identified cases and controls and structured-telephonic interviews were conducted to obtain exposure history. Stool specimens were collected from 20 cases along with environmental samples and both screened for enteric pathogens. A total of 126 cases and 62 controls were included in the analysis. The odds of developing gastroenteritis were 6.0 times greater among holiday makers than residents (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–17.7). Swimming in the lagoon increased the odds of developing gastroenteritis by 3.3 times (95% CI 1.06–10.38). Lagoon water samples tested positive for norovirus (NoV) GI.6, GII.3 and GII.6, astrovirus and rotavirus. Eleven (55%) stool specimens were positive for NoV with eight genotyped as GI.1 (n = 2), GI.5 (n = 3), GI.6 (n = 2), and GI.7 (n = 1). A reported sewage contamination event impacting the lagoon was the likely source with person-to-person spread perpetuating the outbreak. Restriction to swimming in the lagoon was apparently ineffective at preventing the outbreak, possibly due to inadequate enforcement, communication and signage strategies.
The risk of rabies spread in Japan: a mathematical modelling assessment
Authors: Kadowaki H. , Hampson K. , Tojinbara K. , Yamada A. , Makita K.
Published: May 2018

Rabies was eliminated from Japan in 1957. In the 60 years since elimination, vaccination coverage has declined and dog ownership habits have changed. The purpose of this study was to assess the current risk of rabies spread in Japan. A spatially explicit transmission model was developed at the 1 km2 grid scale for Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures. Parameters associated with dog movement and bite injuries were estimated using historical records from Japan, and were used with previously published epidemiological parameters. The final epidemic size, efficacy of rabies contingency plans and the influence of dog owner responses to incursions were assessed by the model. Average outbreak sizes for dog rabies were 3.1 and 4.7 dogs in Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures, respectively. Average number of bite injury cases were 4.4 and 6.7 persons in Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures, respectively. Discontinuation of mandatory vaccination increased outbreak sizes in these prefectures. Sensitivity analyses showed that higher chance of unintentional release of rabid dogs by their owners (from 0.5 to 0.9 probability) increased outbreak size twofolds. Our model outputs suggested that at present, incursions of rabies into Japan are very unlikely to cause large outbreaks. Critically, the reaction of dog owners to their dogs developing rabies considerably impacts the course of outbreaks. Contingency measures should therefore include sensitisation of dog owners.
Review analysis and impact of co-circulating H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Rokshana , Begum Jahan Ara , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Vahlenkamp Thomas W.
Published: May 2018

Almost the full range of 16 haemagglutinin (HA) and nine neuraminidase subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has been detected either in waterfowl, land-based poultry or in the environment in Bangladesh. AIV infections in Bangladesh affected a wide range of host species of terrestrial poultry. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) H5N1 and low pathogenic AI H9N2 were found to co-circulate and be well entrenched in the poultry population, which has caused serious damage to the poultry industry since 2007. By reviewing the available scientific literature, the overall situation of AIVs in Bangladesh is discussed. All Bangladeshi (BD) H5N1 and H9N2 AIV sequences available at GenBank were downloaded along with other representative sequences to analyse the genetic diversity among the circulating AIVs in Bangladesh and to compare with the global situation. Three different H5N1 clades, 2.2.2, 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4.2, have been detected in Bangladesh. Only 2.3.2.1a is still present. The BD LP H9N2 viruses mostly belonged to the H9 G1 lineage but segregated into many branches, and some of these shared internal genes with HP viruses of subtypes H7N3 and H5N1. However, these reassortment events might have taken place before introduction to Bangladesh. Currently, H9N2 viruses continue to evolve their HA cleavage, receptor binding and glycosylation sites. Multiple mutations in the HA gene associated with adaptation to mammalian hosts were also observed. Strict biosecurity at farms and gradual phasing out of live-bird markets could be the key measures to better control AIVs, whereas stamping out is not a practicable option in Bangladesh. Vaccination also could be an additional tool, which however, requires careful planning. Continuous monitoring of AIVs through systematic surveillance and genetic characterisation of the viruses remains a hallmark of AI control.
Retrieval of large Occlutech Figula Flex septal defect occluders using a commercially available bioptome: proof of concept
Authors: Georgiev Stanimir , Tanase Daniel , Genz Thomas , Ewert Peter , Naumann Susanne , Pozza Robert Dalla , Eicken Andreas
Published: May 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a method for retrieval of the new meshed nitinol atrial septal defect occluders – Ceraflex and Occlutech.

Background

The newly developed atrial septal defect occluders have potential benefits considering implantation, but concerns regarding their removal in case of embolisation have been raised.

Methods

Over 21 years, 1449 patients underwent interventional atrial septal defect occlusion in our institution. We reviewed the cases of embolisation of the device, developed a strategy for device removal, and tested it on the benchside and in animal tests.

Results

In 11 patients (0.8%), the intended atrial septal defect occlusion was complicated by an embolisation of the device. In contrast to the Amplatzer septal occluders, retrieval of Occlutech devices larger than 16 mm with snare techniques was impossible. In benchside tests, this was confirmed and a new method for removal of large meshed devices was developed. This involved the commercially available Maslanka® biopsy forceps. The feasibility of this technique in vivo was tested in a pig model. During animal tests, using the Maslanka biopsy forceps it was possible to interventionally retrieve embolised Ceraflex and Occlutech devices of different sizes – 10, 16, 30, and 40 mm – into a 12-F sheath.

Conclusion

It was impossible to retrieve Occlutech and Ceraflex devices larger than 16 mm into a large sheath in vivo and during benchside tests. However, this was feasible on the bench and in vivo using the Maslanka biopsy forceps even with the largest available devices.
Association of dietary patterns of American adults with bone mineral density and fracture
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Kengne Andre Pascal , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: May 2018

Objective

In a representative sample of US adults, we investigated the associations of nutrient patterns (NP) with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

US community-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Subjects

Participants with measured data on dietary intake and BMD from 2005 to 2010 were included. Principal components analysis was used to identify NP. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ANCOVA, adjusted logistic and linear regression models were employed, accounting for the complex survey design and sample weights.

Results

We included a total of 18 318 participants, with 47·0 % (n 8607) being men. The mean age was 45·8 years with no sex difference. Three NP emerged, explaining 55·9 % of the variance in nutrient consumption. Multivariable-adjusted linear regressions revealed significant inverse associations between the ‘high-energy’ NP (rich in carbohydrates and sugar, total fat and saturated fat) and total femur, femoral neck, trochanter and intertrochanter BMD (β coefficient: −0·029, −0·025, −0·034 and −0·021, respectively, all P<0·001), while there were significant associations between the ‘nutrient-dense’ NP (rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre) and ‘healthy fat’ NP (high dietary PUFA and MUFA) and BMD at total femur, femoral neck, trochanter and intertrochanter (all P<0·001). In adjusted logistic regression models, the odds of hip, wrist or spine fractures did not vary significantly across NP quartiles.

Conclusions

Nutrient-dense and healthy fat NP are associated with higher BMD at various bone sites, while the high-energy NP is inversely associated with BMD measures.
United in Diversity? The Relationship between Monetary Policy and Prudential Supervision in the Banking Union
Authors: Goldmann Matthias
Published: May 2018

Banking Union – Single Supervisory Mechanism – Economic interplay between monetary policy and prudential supervision – Strict separation envisaged by the Single Supervisory Mechanism legal framework – Legal framework does not prevent a more holistic approach – Financial stability is a legitimate consideration for monetary policy-making – Price stability is a legitimate concern for prudential supervision – Challenge to European Central Bank legitimacy and independence – Democratising the European Central Bank
Closed-form model to determine the co-axial probe reactance of an equilateral triangular patch antenna
Authors: Biswas Manotosh , Dam Mihir
Published: May 2018

A simple closed-form analytical formula is proposed to compute the probe reactance of an equilateral triangular patch antenna. The variation of the probe reactance with the variation of antenna dimension, substrate electrical parameters, and probe location is examined thoroughly. The computed values employing the present model show excellent agreement with experimental and simulation results.
Detection of biological abnormalities using a near-field microwave microscope
Authors: Kazemi Fatemeh , Mohanna Farahnaz , Ahmadi-Shokouh Javad
Published: May 2018

Microwave and millimeter-wave reflectometry is one of the potential techniques for the diagnosis and detection of biological abnormalities, such as subcutaneous masses or cancerous tumors in human body. In this paper, a high-quality microwave sensor based on planar misrostrip resonator is designed, fabricated, and successfully tested with different kinds of biological samples. The proposed sensor has unique properties such as small size, simple fabrication, non-contact with a sample, excellent de-coupling from surroundings, and high microwave power is directly coupled into the tissue. Two experiments are performed for the detection of visible and hidden “lipoma” (fat masses), and minimum size of “lipoma” that is diagnosed by the sensor is obtained as well. In this regard, a two-dimensional image of hidden “lipomas” with amplitude contrast about 30 dB and frequency shifts contrast about 60 MHz at aλ/10 (at 13.5 GHz) stand-off distance is provided. Finally, a measurement scenario for the detection of skin cancer based on the artificial model using different layers of raw chicken with different water content is described. Results show that the proposed microscope is easy to fabricate and provide a low-cost solution for fast and accurate skin cancer detection.
Commitment to Political Ideology is a Luxury Only Students Can Afford: A Distributive Justice Experiment
Authors: Demel Simona , Barr Abigail , Miller Luis , Ubeda Paloma
Published: May 2018

Using a political-frame-free, lab-in-the-field experiment, we investigate the associations between employment status, self-reported political ideology, and preferences for redistribution. The experiment consists of a real-effort task, followed by a four-player dictator game. In one treatment, dictator game initial endowments depend on participants’ performance in the real-effort task, i.e., they are earned, in the other, they are randomly determined. We find that being employed or unemployed is associated with revealed redistributive preferences, while the political ideology of the employed and unemployed is not. In contrast, the revealed redistributive preferences of students are strongly associated with their political ideologies. The employed and right-leaning students redistribute earnings less than windfalls, the unemployed, and left-leaning students make no such distinction.
Rough Ocean Surface Effects on Evaporative Duct Atmospheric Refractivity Inversions Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Penton S. E. , Hackett E. E.
Published: May 2018

Radar performance is impacted by variations in atmospheric refractivity because it changes the direction of electromagnetic wave propagation. Because direct measurement and simulation of atmospheric refractivity at high resolution over large distances is challenging, inversion techniques have developed to address this knowledge gap in predicting refractivity. Here we use synthetic radar data to solve refractivity inversion problems, focusing on evaporation ducts. Unlike most prior “refractivity from clutter” studies, this study examines inversions based on point‐to‐point propagation rather than sea clutter. This approach removes complexities associated with uncertainties in surface reflection coefficients; however, the sea surface still plays a role in the forward scattering and reflection (multipath) of electromagnetic waves. Using synthetic data that permit quantitative evaluation of inverse solution accuracy and detailed knowledge regarding the sea state conditions used to produce the data, we evaluate the impact various representations of the sea surface have on the accuracy of refractivity inversions. These representations include neglect of the sea surface, use of the same phase‐resolved surface, and use of a statistically equivalent sea surface. Results show that neglect of the sea surface and use of a statistically equivalent sea surface significantly decreases the accuracy of inverse solutions, and this decrease primarily results from discrepancies in the multipath pattern that generate larger variations in the propagation than does the refractivity. We show that averaging propagation over several different phases of the sea surface aids in washing out the multipath pattern to increase sensitivity of the inversion to the features of the refractivity profile.
The Ion Composition of Saturn's Equatorial Ionosphere as Observed by Cassini
Authors: Cravens T. E. , Moore L. , Waite J. H. , Perryman R. , Perry M. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Persoon A. , Kurth W. S.
Published: May 2018

The Cassini Orbiter made the first in situ measurements of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of Saturn in 2017. The Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) found molecular hydrogen and helium as well as minor species including water, methane, ammonia, and organics. INMS ion mode measurements of light ion species (H+, H2+, H3+, and He+) and Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument measurements of electron densities are presented. A photochemical analysis of the INMS and Radio and Plasma Wave Science data indicates that the major ion species near the ionospheric peak must be heavy and molecular with a short chemical lifetime. A quantitative explanation of measured H+ and H3+ densities requires that they chemically react with one or more heavy neutral molecular species that have mixing ratios of about 100 ppm.
Intense Storms Increase the Stability of Tidal Bays
Authors: Castagno Katherine A. , Jiménez‐Robles Alfonso M. , Donnelly Jeffrey P. , Wiberg Patricia L. , Fenster Michael S. , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: May 2018

Coastal bays and, specifically, back‐barrier tidal basins host productive ecosystems, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure. As sea level continues to rise and tropical cyclones increase in intensity, these coastal systems are increasingly at risk. Developing a sediment budget is imperative to understanding how storm events affect the system's resilience, where net import of sediment indicates growth and resilience against sea level rise, and net export of sediment indicates deterioration. Using high‐resolution numerical simulations, we show that intense storms import sediment into a system of bays in Virginia, USA. Duration and magnitude of storm surge are among the most important factors in sediment import, suggesting that intense storms increase the stability of tidal bays by providing the sediment necessary to counteract sea level rise. Since climate models project that tropical cyclones will increase in intensity in coming decades, our results have significant implications for the resilience of tidal bays and the future of coastal communities worldwide.
Nitrogen Isotope Variations in the Northern South China Sea Since Marine Isotopic Stage 3: Reconstructed From Foraminifera‐Bound and Bulk Sedimentary Nitrogen
Authors: Wang Tingting , Ravelo Ana Christina , Ren Haojia , Dang Haowen , Jin Haiyan , Liu Jingjing , Jian Zhimin
Published: May 2018

We report the differences between δ15N of organic nitrogen bound in foraminifera tests (foraminifera‐bound δ15N, or FB‐δ15N), which is considered an effective recorder of thermocline nitrate δ15N in the oligotrophic areas, and bulk sedimentary δ15N (δ15Nbulk) of core MD12‐3433, located in the northern South China Sea (SCS) to explore possible causes of the offset between these two proxies in the SCS. The offset can be best explained by the influence of the terrigenous input on δ15Nbulk, as evidenced by its general correlation with sea level changes, C:N ratios, and inorganic nitrogen contribution to total nitrogen. Moreover, our new record is compared to six previously published δ15Nbulk records of the SCS based on their geographical proximity to the mainland or large rivers, which all show being influenced by terrigenous input. The effect of changes in vertical mixing is evaluated and believed to play a minor role on the general pattern of FB‐δ15N, while N2 fixation is the most important impact on FB‐δ15N records in the SCS as previously studies revealed. A deeper mixed layer during the last glacial period could result in nitrate with higher δ15N from the subsurface being mixed into the euphotic zone. FB‐δ15N of Orbulina universa have higher values than Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerinoides sacculifer, with a maximum difference in the last glacial maximum, which could be accounted for by its deeper habitat where it is sensitive to changes in the contributions of vertically mixed subsurface nitrate relative to nitrate from N2 fixation.
Plant sterols lower LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in dyslipidemic individuals with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Trautwein Elke A. , Koppenol Wieneke P. , de Jong Arienne , Hiemstra Harry , Vermeer Mario A. , Noakes Manny , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie D.
Published: May 2018

Background

Managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, e.g., dyslipidemia in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is critically important as CVD is the most common cause of death in T2DM patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of plant sterols (PS) on lowering both elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG).

Methods

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study, 161 individuals at increased risk of and with established T2DM, consumed low-fat spreads without or with added PS (2 g/d) for 6 weeks after a 2-week run-in period. Increased risk of developing T2DM was defined by the Australian T2DM Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Fasting serum/plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Effects on acute and chronic postprandial blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured over 4-h in 39 individuals with T2DM following a mixed meal challenge without and with added 2 g/d PS at week 6. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02288585).

Results

Hundred fifty-one individuals completed the study and 138 (57% men, 43% women; 44 with and 94 at risk of T2DM) were included in per protocol analysis. Baseline LDL-C and TG were 3.8 ± 1.0 and 2.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l, respectively. PS intake significantly lowered fasting LDL-C (−4.6%, 95%CI −1.2; −8.0; p = 0.009), TC (−4.2%, 95%CI −1.2; −7.1; p = 0.006) and TG (−8.3%, 95% −1.1, −15.0; p = 0.024) with no significant changes in HDL-C, glucose or insulin. Postprandial lipid (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, remnant cholesterol), glucose and insulin responses did not differ.

Conclusions

In individuals at risk of and with established T2DM and with elevated TG and LDL-C, 2 g/d of PS results in dual LDL-C plus TG lowering. Postprandial lipid or glycemic responses did not differ between PS and control treatment.
Constitutive interferon signaling maintains critical threshold of MLKL expression to license necroptosis
Authors: Sarhan Joseph , Liu Beiyun C. , Muendlein Hayley I. , Weindel Chi G. , Smirnova Irina , Tang Amy Y. , Ilyukha Vladimir , Sorokin Maxim , Buzdin Anton , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Poltorak Alexander
Published: May 2018

Interferons (IFNs) are critical determinants in immune-competence and autoimmunity, and are endogenously regulated by a low-level constitutive feedback loop. However, little is known about the functions and origins of constitutive IFN. Recently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IFN was implicated as a driver of necroptosis, a necrotic form of cell death downstream of receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase activation and executed by mixed lineage kinase like-domain (MLKL) protein. We found that the pre-established IFN status of the cell, instead of LPS-induced IFN, is critical for the early initiation of necroptosis in macrophages. This pre-established IFN signature stems from cytosolic DNA sensing via cGAS/STING, and maintains the expression of MLKL and one or more unknown effectors above a critical threshold to allow for MLKL oligomerization and cell death. Finally, we found that elevated IFN-signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) augments necroptosis, providing a link between pathological IFN and tissue damage during autoimmunity.
Novel peptide GX1 inhibits angiogenesis by specifically binding to transglutaminase-2 in the tumorous endothelial cells of gastric cancer
Authors: Lei Zhijie , Chai Na , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Ying , Wang Guodong , Liu Jian , Tian Zuhong , Yi Xiaofang , Chen Di , Li Xiaowei , Yu Pengfei , Hu Hao , Xu Bing , Jian Chao , Bian Zhenyuan , Guo Hao , Wang Jinpeng , Peng Shiming , Nie Yongzhan , Huang Niu , Hu Sijun , Wu Kaichun
Published: May 2018

The clinical application of GX1, an optimal gastric cancer (GC) targeting peptide, is greatly limited because its receptor in the GC vasculature is unknown. In this study, we screened the candidate receptor of GX1, transglutaminase-2(TGM2), by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) combined with mass spectrometry. We found that TGM2 was up-regulated in GC vascular endothelial cells and that GX1 receptor expression was suppressed correspondingly after TGM2 downregulation. A highly consistent co-localization of GX1 receptor and TGM2 was detected at both the cellular and tissue levels. High TGM2 expression was evident in GC tissues from patients with poor prognosis. After TGM2 downregulation, the GX1-mediated inhibition of proliferation and migration and the induction of the apoptosis of GC vascular endothelial cells were weakened or even reversed. Finally, we observed that GX1 could inhibit the GTP-binding activity of TGM2 by reducing its intracellular distribution and downregulating its downstream molecular targets (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-κB; hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α, HIF1α) in GC vascular endothelial cells. Our study confirms that peptide GX1 can inhibit angiogenesis by directly binding to TGM2, subsequently reducing the GTP-binding activity of TGM2 and thereby suppressing its downstream pathway(NF-κB/HIF1α). Our conclusions suggest that GX1/TGM2 may provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Myelodysplastic syndrome in an infant with constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter
Authors: Morokawa Hirokazu , Kamiya Motoko , Wakui Keiko , Kobayashi Mikiko , Kurata Takashi , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Kawamura Rie , Kanno Hiroyuki , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Nakazawa Yozo , Kosho Tomoki
Published: May 2018

We report on a Japanese female infant as the fourth patient with the constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter confirmed by chromosomal microarray and as the first who developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) among those with the constitutional 1q duplication. Common clinical features of the constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter include developmental delay, craniofacial characteristics, foot malformation, hypertrichosis, and respiratory insufficiency. The association between MDS and the duplication of the genes in the 1q41-qter region remains unknown.
Genome-scale identification of transcription factors that mediate an inflammatory network during breast cellular transformation
Authors: Ji Zhe , He Lizhi , Rotem Asaf , Janzer Andreas , Cheng Christine S. , Regev Aviv , Struhl Kevin
Published: May 2018

Transient activation of Src oncoprotein in non-transformed, breast epithelial cells can initiate an epigenetic switch to the stably transformed state via a positive feedback loop that involves the inflammatory transcription factors STAT3 and NF-κB. Here, we develop an experimental and computational pipeline that includes 1) a Bayesian network model (AccessTF) that accurately predicts protein-bound DNA sequence motifs based on chromatin accessibility, and 2) a scoring system (TFScore) that rank-orders transcription factors as candidates for being important for a biological process. Genetic experiments validate TFScore and suggest that more than 40 transcription factors contribute to the oncogenic state in this model. Interestingly, individual depletion of several of these factors results in similar transcriptional profiles, indicating that a complex and interconnected transcriptional network promotes a stable oncogenic state. The combined experimental and computational pipeline represents a general approach to comprehensively identify transcriptional regulators important for a biological process.
Testosterone is an endogenous regulator of BAFF and splenic B cell number
Authors: Wilhelmson Anna S. , Lantero Rodriguez Marta , Stubelius Alexandra , Fogelstrand Per , Johansson Inger , Buechler Matthew B. , Lianoglou Steve , Kapoor Varun N. , Johansson Maria E. , Fagman Johan B. , Duhlin Amanda , Tripathi Prabhanshu , Camponeschi Alessandro , Porse Bo T. , Rolink Antonius G. , Nissbrandt Hans , Turley Shannon J. , Carlsten Hans , Mårtensson Inga-Lill , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Tivesten Åsa
Published: May 2018

Testosterone deficiency in men is associated with increased risk for autoimmunity and increased B cell numbers through unknown mechanisms. Here we show that testosterone regulates the cytokine BAFF, an essential survival factor for B cells. Male mice lacking the androgen receptor have increased splenic B cell numbers, serum BAFF levels and splenic Baff mRNA. Testosterone deficiency by castration causes expansion of BAFF-producing fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) in spleen, which may be coupled to lower splenic noradrenaline levels in castrated males, as an α-adrenergic agonist decreases splenic FRC number in vitro. Antibody-mediated blockade of the BAFF receptor or treatment with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine revert the increased splenic B cell numbers induced by castration. Among healthy men, serum BAFF levels are higher in men with low testosterone. Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized regulation of BAFF by testosterone and raises important questions about BAFF in testosterone-mediated protection against autoimmunity.
Identification of a unique Ca2+-binding site in rat acid-sensing ion channel 3
Authors: Zuo Zhicheng , Smith Rachel N. , Chen Zhenglan , Agharkar Amruta S. , Snell Heather D. , Huang Renqi , Liu Jin , Gonzales Eric B.
Published: May 2018

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) evolved to sense changes in extracellular acidity with the divalent cation calcium (Ca2+) as an allosteric modulator and channel blocker. The channel-blocking activity is most apparent in ASIC3, as removing Ca2+ results in channel opening, with the site’s location remaining unresolved. Here we show that a ring of rat ASIC3 (rASIC3) glutamates (Glu435), located above the channel gate, modulates proton sensitivity and contributes to the formation of the elusive Ca2+ block site. Mutation of this residue to glycine, the equivalent residue in chicken ASIC1, diminished the rASIC3 Ca2+ block effect. Atomistic molecular dynamic simulations corroborate the involvement of this acidic residue in forming a high-affinity Ca2+ site atop the channel pore. Furthermore, the reported observations provide clarity for past controversies regarding ASIC channel gating. Our findings enhance understanding of ASIC gating mechanisms and provide structural and energetic insights into this unique calcium-binding site.
The genomic landscape of TERT promoter wildtype-IDH wildtype glioblastoma
Authors: Diplas Bill H. , He Xujun , Brosnan-Cashman Jacqueline A. , Liu Heng , Chen Lee H. , Wang Zhaohui , Moure Casey J. , Killela Patrick J. , Loriaux Daniel B. , Lipp Eric S. , Greer Paula K. , Yang Rui , Rizzo Anthony J. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Friedman Allan H. , Friedman Henry S. , Wang Sizhen , He Yiping , McLendon Roger E. , Bigner Darell D. , Jiao Yuchen , Waitkus Matthew S. , Meeker Alan K. , Yan Hai
Published: May 2018

The majority of glioblastomas can be classified into molecular subgroups based on mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH). These molecular subgroups utilize distinct genetic mechanisms of telomere maintenance, either TERTp mutation leading to telomerase activation or ATRX-mutation leading to an alternative lengthening of telomeres phenotype (ALT). However, about 20% of glioblastomas lack alterations in TERTp and IDH. These tumors, designated TERTpWT-IDHWT glioblastomas, do not have well-established genetic biomarkers or defined mechanisms of telomere maintenance. Here we report the genetic landscape of TERTpWT-IDHWT glioblastoma and identify SMARCAL1 inactivating mutations as a novel genetic mechanism of ALT. Furthermore, we identify a novel mechanism of telomerase activation in glioblastomas that occurs via chromosomal rearrangements upstream of TERT. Collectively, our findings define novel molecular subgroups of glioblastoma, including a telomerase-positive subgroup driven by TERT-structural rearrangements (IDHWT-TERTSV), and an ALT-positive subgroup (IDHWT-ALT) with mutations in ATRX or SMARCAL1.