bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into corrosion and wear behaviors of laser-clad coatings on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , Li Jun , Jiang Yunqiang , Kang Danning , Juan Yongfei , Lu Zhongjie
Published: January 2020

TiAlCoCrxFeNihigh-entropy alloys (HEAs) coatings were fabricated on the surface of Ti6Al4V by laser cladding. Their microstructural evolution with the increase in x value (x = 0, x = 1.0, x = 2.0) was investigated in detail. Besides that, the investigation into the effects of the Cr content on their corrosion behaviors and mechanical properties (in terms of hardness and wear resistance) was also carried out comprehensively. The results indicated that two kinds of phases (a solid solution with thehexagonal close-packed (HCP) structureand Ti2Ni) were synthesized in the coatings, and the HCP content was gradually increased with the increase in x accompanied with the decrease in Ti2Ni content. A HEA coating only composed of single HCP was successfully prepared when x reached 2.0. The electrochemical and immersion tests all confirmed that the coating with x = 2.0demonstrated the most excellent corrosion resistance in a0.1 mol·L−1 HCl solution from different aspects including corrosion tendency and corrosion rate without the applied potential, the formation difficult/stability of the passive film and the dissolution rate in the passive state, and corrosion surface morphology. The averagemicrohardness values of the coatings weregraduallyincreasedfrom 656HV0.2 to 800 HV0.2with increasing xfrom 0 to 2.0, which wereabout double that of the substrate (350 HV0.2). Wear resistance of the coatings also exhibited the upward tendency with increasing the x values (0.562 mm3 at x = 2.0, 0.640 mm3 at x = 1.0, 0.641 mm3 at x = 0 and 1.419 mm3 for the substrate). More Cr addition into the cladding material will contribute to the formation of a HEA coating composed of single HCPwith excellent corrosion and wear resistance.
Sliding wear behavior of AZ91/B4C surface composites produced by friction stir processing
Authors: Patle Hemendra , Ratna Sunil B , Dumpala Ravikumar
Published: January 2020

In the present study, the surface of AZ91 Mg alloy was modified by incorporating boron carbide (B4C) particles using friction stir processing (FSP). Sliding wear behavior of these developed AZ91/B4C surface composites was investigated against AISI 52100 steel ball using linear reciprocating tribometer. Hardness tests reveal that the hardness of the fabricated surface composite (∼137.47 HV) is significantly increased compared to the base metal (∼95.5 HV) due to the presence of B4C particles. Wear tests were conducted on the samples at two different sliding velocities; 0.06 m s−1 and 0.12 m s−1. It was observed that at higher sliding velocity of 0.12 m s−1, AZ91/B4C surface composite exhibited lower friction coefficient value in comparison to that of the base metal, whereas it is vice versa at the low sliding velocity of 0.06 m s−1. However, surface composites exhibited superior wear resistance at both the sliding velocities, in comparison to that of the base metal. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis of the wear tracks were carried out to understand the wear mechanisms. From the observations, a combination of abrasive, adhesive, and oxidative wear mechanisms were found to be prominent.
Advanced surface treatment techniques counteract biofilm-associated infections on dental implants
Authors: Koopaie Maryam , Bordbar-Khiabani Aidin , Kolahdooz Sajad , Darbandsari Ali Kia , Mozafari Masoud
Published: January 2020

Topography and surface chemistry can significantly affect biofilm formation on dental implants. Recently, the γ-TiAl alloy was considered as the most reliable candidates for the preparation of dental implants because of its excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability and biocompatibility. The emphasis of this study lies in the effects of high-speed milling assisted the minimum quantity of lubrication (HSM-MQL), micro-current wire electrical discharge machining (mWEDM), Er,Cr:YSGG laser and sandblasting/large-grit/acid-etching (SLA) treatments on surface morphology, topography, chemical composition, wettability and biofilm-associated infections on the surface of each group. The surface-treated samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), SEM surface reconstruction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and water contact angle measuring system. SEM and topography images of mWEDM and laser-treated surfaces showed more irregular surfaces compared to SLA and HSM-MQL surfaces. Results showed that mWEDM and laser-treated surfaces revealed hydrophobic behavior. A significant decrease of biofilm formation was observed on mWEDM treated surface due to the hydrophobicity and existence of the copper element in the recast layer chemical composition. Moreover, EDS confirmed that the zirconium, silicon, and fluorine elements were decorated onto the SLA treated γ-TiAl surface that can have a direct effect on the anti-bacterial activity.
Nanoparticles deposition effects on 1050A aluminum alloy anodic layers
Authors: Gaber Gh A , Hussein W A , Ghanem W A
Published: January 2020

The objective of this research is to investigate the electrochemical features of aluminum alloy owing to the deposition of SiO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles in an anodic aluminum oxide film (AAO) via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The modified oxide layer shows potential in view of corrosion protection while retaining the adhesion promotion properties. The modified oxide layer with TiO2 nanoparticles was more effective in corrosion prevention.
Distributed and discrete hydrogen monitoring through optical fiber sensors based on optical frequency domain reflectometry
Authors: Rizzolo Serena , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Michalon Jean-Yves , Marin Emmanuel , Macé Jean-Reynald , Girard Sylvain
Published: January 2020

The potential of discrete and distributed fiber-based sensors exploiting the Rayleigh scattering signature of doped amorphous silica is investigated for the real time monitoring of molecular hydrogen (H2) detection. We showed that the impact of the refractive index changes induced by the H2 diffusion into the silica host matrix can be used to detect and quantify this gas presence through two approaches: first via the related fiber length variation and second through the observed spectral shift. Comparing the obtained results with H2 diffusion calculations, we can estimate the sensor sensitivity thresholds to be ∼1016
n
molecule cm−3 for the distributed measurements (spatial resolution better than 1 mm) and below ∼1019
n
molecule cm−3 for the discrete-one. The presented architecture of the sensor is well adapted to the monitoring of slowly evolving H2 concentrations such as the ones expected in nuclear waste repositories as the time response of the sensor remains limited by the diffusion of the gas within the optical fiber. These threshold values and time responses can be easily improved by optimizing the length, the composition and/or the geometry of the sensing fiber.
Changes in Mean Corpuscular Volume and RBC Distribution Width Predict Erythrocyte Engraftment Following ABO-Incompatible Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Sanford Kimberly , Case Natalie , Blake Benjamin , Michaud Tabitha , McPherson Richard A , Roseff Susan D
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify laboratory parameters representing erythrocyte engraftment to be used as an indicator to change the recipient to donor ABO group and Rh type following an ABO-incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Studies have shown that ABO incompatibility does not have an effect on outcome of HSCT; however, the serologic consequences of these ABO-incompatible transplants can make it difficult to decide when to begin support with donor ABO/Rh-type blood products.

Methods

This study explored the use of RBC distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular volume, and hemoglobin as regularly tested laboratory parameters that could be used as surrogate markers for RBC engraftment in 65 patients who received ABO/Rh-incompatible HSCT.

Results

The appearance of engrafted donor RBCs correlated with a peak in RDW (P = .002). In addition, our findings suggest that serologic changes in ABO/Rh appear to correspond with a peak in RDW (P = .002).

Conclusions

High values of RDW likely result from a substantial proportion of large, young erythrocytes from recent engraftment with smaller, older pretransplant erythrocytes from the recipient. Our findings suggest that peak RDW may be an indicator of erythrocyte engraftment, following an ABO/Rh-incompatible HSCT.
Occupational Co-exposures to Multiple Chemical Agents from Workplace Measurements by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Authors: Bosson-Rieutort Delphine , Sarazin Philippe , Bicout Dominique J , Ho Vikki , Lavoué Jérôme
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The occupational environment represents an important source of exposures to multiplehazards for workers’ health. Although it is recognized that mixtures of agents may have differenteffects on health compared to their individual effects, studies generally focus on the assessment ofindividual exposures. Our objective was to identify occupational co-exposures occurring in the United States using the multi-industry occupational exposure databank of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Methods

Using OSHA’s Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), measurement data from workplace inspections occurring from 1979 to 2015 were examined. We defined a workplace situation (WS) by grouping measurements that occurred within a company, within the same occupation (i.e. job title) within 1 year. All agents present in each WS were listed and the resulting databank was analyzed with the Spectrosome approach, a methodology inspired by network science, to determine global patterns of co-exposures. The presence of an agent in a WS was defined either as detected, or measured above 20% of a relevant occupational exposure limit (OEL).

Results

Among the 334 648 detected exposure measurements of 105 distinct agents collected from 14 513 US companies, we identified 125 551 WSs, with 31% involving co-exposure. Fifty-eight agents were detected with others in >50% of WSs, 29 with a proportion >80%. Two clusters were highlighted, one for solvents and one for metals. Toluene, xylene, acetone, hexone, 2-butanone, and N-butyl acetate formed the basis of the solvent cluster. The main agents of the metal cluster were zinc, iron, lead, copper, manganese, nickel, cadmium, and chromium. 68 556 WS were included in the analyses based on levels of exposure above 20% of their OEL, with 12.4% of co-exposure. In this analysis, while the metal cluster remained, only the combinations of toluene with xylene or 2-butanone were frequently observed among solvents. An online web application allows the examination of industry specific patterns.

Conclusions

We identified frequent co-exposure situations in the IMIS databank. Using the spectrome approach, we revealed global combination patterns and the agents most often implicated. Future work should endeavor to explore the toxicological effects of prevalent combinations of exposures on workers’ health to prioritize research and prevention efforts.
CROP: correlation-based reduction of feature multiplicities in untargeted metabolomic data
Authors: Kouřil Štěpán , de Sousa Julie , Václavík Jan , Friedecký David , Adam Tomáš
Published: January 2020

Untargeted liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis produces a large number of features which correspond to the potential compounds in the sample that is analyzed. During the data processing, it is necessary to merge features associated with one compound to prevent multiplicities in the data and possible misidentification. The processing tools that are currently employed use complex algorithms to detect abundances, such as adducts or isotopes. However, most of them are not able to deal with unpredictable adducts and in-source fragments. We introduce a simple open-source R-script CROP based on Pearson pairwise correlations and retention time together with a graphical representation of the correlation network to remove these redundant features.

Availability and implementation

The CROP R-script is available online at www.github.com/rendju/CROP under GNU GPL.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structural brain networks and functional motor outcome after stroke—a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schlemm Eckhard , Schulz Robert , Bönstrup Marlene , Krawinkel Lutz , Fiehler Jens , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz , Cheng Bastian
Published: January 2020

The time course of topological reorganization that occurs in the structural connectome after an ischaemic stroke is currently not well understood. We aimed to determine the evolution of structural brain networks in stroke patients with motor deficits and relate changes in their global topology to residual symptom burden and functional impairment. In this prospective cohort study, ischaemic stroke patients with supratentorial infarcts and motor symptoms were assessed longitudinally by advanced diffusion MRI and detailed clinical testing of upper extremity motor function at four time points from the acute to the chronic stage. For each time point, structural connectomes were reconstructed, and whole-hemisphere global network topology was quantified in terms of integration and segregation parameters. Using non-linear joint mixed-effects regression modelling, network evolution was related to lesion volume and clinical outcome. Thirty patients were included for analysis. Graph-theoretical analysis demonstrated that, over time, brain networks became less integrated and more segregated with decreasing global efficiency and increasing modularity. Changes occurred in both stroke and intact hemispheres and, in the latter, were positively associated with lesion volume. Greater change in topology was associated with larger residual symptom burden and greater motor impairment 1, 3 and 12 months after stroke. After ischaemic stroke, brain networks underwent characteristic changes in both ipsi- and contralesional hemispheres. Topological network changes reflect the severity of damage to the structural network and are associated with functional outcome beyond the impact of lesion volume.
The role of B-Cell Lymphoma-3 (BCL-3) in enabling the hallmarks of cancer: implications for the treatment of colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Legge Danny N , Chambers Adam C , Parker Christopher T , Timms Penny , Collard Tracey J , Williams Ann C
Published: January 2020

With its identification as a proto-oncogene in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and central role in regulating NF-κB signalling, it is perhaps not surprising that there have been an increasing number of studies in recent years investigating the role of BCL-3 (B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia/Lymphoma-3) in a wide range of human cancers. Importantly, this work has begun to shed light on our mechanistic understanding of the function of BCL-3 in tumour promotion and progression. Here, we summarize the current understanding of BCL-3 function in relation to the characteristics or traits associated with tumourigenesis, termed ‘Hallmarks of Cancer’. With the focus on colorectal cancer, a major cause of cancer related mortality in the UK, we describe the evidence that potentially explains why increased BCL-3 expression is associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. As well as promoting tumour cell proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis, a key emerging function of this proto-oncogene is the regulation of the tumour response to inflammation. We suggest that BCL-3 represents an exciting new route for targeting the Hallmarks of Cancer; in particular by limiting the impact of the enabling hallmarks of tumour promoting inflammation and cell plasticity. As BCL-3 has been reported to promote the stem-like potential of cancer cells, we suggest that targeting BCL-3 could increase the tumour response to conventional treatment, reduce the chance of relapse and hence improve the prognosis for cancer patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in the First Week of Life
Authors: Maswabi Kenneth , Ajibola Gbolahan , Bennett Kara , Capparelli Edmund V , Jean-Philippe Patrick , Moyo Sikhulile , Mohammed Terence , Batlang Oganne , Sakoi Maureen , Lockman Shahin , Makhema Joseph , Lichterfeld Mathias , Kuritzkes Daniel R , Hughes Michael D , Shapiro Roger L
Published: January 2020

Background

Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for infants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, few antiretroviral options are available for neonates.

Methods

The Early Infant Treatment Study in Botswana tested HIV-exposed infants within 96 hours of birth, and HIV-infected infants started nevirapine (NVP) 6 mg/kg twice daily, zidovudine (ZDV), and lamivudine (3TC) at age < 7 days. NVP trough concentrations were tested at 1 and 2 weeks. NVP was switched to ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) at week 2, 3, 4, or 5 according to delivery gestational age.

Results

Forty HIV-infected infants started ART at median age 2 days (range, 1–5 days). NVP trough concentrations were highly variable and below therapeutic target (3000 ng/mL) for 50% of 2-week measurements; concentrations did not correlate with viral decline at weeks 2, 4, or 12. Two deaths unrelated to ART occurred through 24 weeks. Only 1 unscheduled treatment modification was required. Within 4 weeks of transition to LPV/r, 9 (22.5%) had transient HIV RNA increases, likely due to poor LPV/r palatability. At 12 weeks, 22 (55%) of 40 were <40 copies/mL (93% <400 copies/mL); by 24 weeks, 27 of 38 (71%) were < 40 copies/mL (84% < 400 copies/mL). HIV-1 RNA response at 12 and 24 weeks did not differ by baseline HIV RNA or other factors.

Conclusions

NVP/ZDV/3TC started in the first week of life was safe and effective, even when trough NVP levels were below target. Transient viral increases occurred following transition to LPV/r, but by 12 and 24 weeks most children achieved and maintained viral suppression.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02369406.
More light (and some speculation) on Vanbrugh’s Haymarket Theatre project
Authors: McGeary Thomas
Published: January 2020

John Vanbrugh opened his new theatre in London’s Haymarket in April 1705. In 1976 Judith Milhous located (at the University of Nottingham) a list of subscribers to the project and (at the British Library) the contract between Vanbrugh and the Duke of Newcastle. This article reconsiders those discoveries by Milhous and considers several newly uncovered documents, which shed light on how such opera subscription projects were conducted. Political biographies of the subscribers to the Haymarket Theatre indicate it was primarily a Whig project, but not necessarily a Kit-Cat Club project. The contracts with the subscribers allowed them to use the theatre ten nights a year for their own use for plays or entertainments. It is speculated the Haymarket Theatre may have been intended to serve as a venue for a musical facet of the emerging Whig cultural programme, which is otherwise best known for literary productions.
Factors influencing the use of leadless or transvenous pacemakers: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Prospective Survey
Authors: Boveda Serge , Marijon Eloi , Lenarczyk Radoslaw , Iliodromitis Konstantinos E , Marin Francisco , Defaye Pascal , Solnon Aude , Dagres Nikolaos , Potpara Tatjana S
Published: January 2020

To study the proportion of leadless pacemaker (LL-PM) implants and the factors influencing the choice of LL-PM vs. transvenous pacemaker (TV-PM) across tertiary centres in Europe with routine availability of the LL-PM. A European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) prospective snapshot survey using electronically distributed questionnaire sent to participating centres. Participating tertiary cardiac pacing centres prospectively included consecutive patients implanted between November 2018 and January 2019. Questions covered standards of care and policies used for patient management, focusing particularly on the reasons for choosing LL-PM vs. TV-PM. Overall, 21 centres from four countries (France, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy) participated, with eventual data from 798 patients (n = 472, 59% male). With 69 implants, LL-PM represented only 9% of all implants and 36% of the single-chamber pacing group; double-chamber transvenous pacemakers were implanted in 528 patients and biventricular (cardiac resynchronization pacemaker) in 79. The two major reasons reported in favour of LL-PM implantation were an anticipated high risk of infection or low rate of ventricular pacing. Compared to TV-PM, LL-PM patients were more often male (74% vs. 54%, P = 0.009), with greater proportion of valvular heart disease (45% vs. 35%, P = 0.01) and atrial fibrillation (AF; 65% vs. 23%, P < 0.0001), with significantly more comorbidities (≥ one comorbidity, 66% vs. 52%, P = 0.02). This contemporary multicentre European survey shows that LL-PM constitutes a small proportion of all PM implants. Patients implanted with LL-PM were more likely to have AF and a high anticipated risk of infection.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter first discusses the methods by which a family lawyer may resolve family law disputes, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It then reviews the various forms of negotiation that a family lawyer may undertake. These include settlement between clients, negotiation through correspondence, meeting between counsel, and at-court negotiation. Next, the chapter discusses mediation and collaborative law as different forms of ADR used in family law. It outlines MIAMs (mediation information and assessment meetings) and their importance prior to issuing proceedings. It also discusses the various steps of collaborative law. It also briefly considers a recent development in family ADR: arbitration.
9. Procedure for a Matrimonial Order
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter discusses the procedure for obtaining a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership, which is governed by the Family Procedure Rules 2010. It outlines the main steps a solicitor should take before issuing divorce proceedings and explores the complete procedure for obtaining an undefended divorce. It explains that the procedure for divorce is governed by the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) 2010, which came into force in 2011. The FPR refers to ‘matrimonial orders’ which includes a decree of divorce, a decree of nullity, and a decree of judicial separation. Service of the petition is also discussed, as well as the various forms used.
12. Financial Orders
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter discusses the principal forms of financial orders under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, their scope, and how they are used. It explores the availability of each of the orders, and discusses these in relation to civil partners, spouses, and children. The financial orders discussed, including lump sum orders and property adjustment orders. In relation to property adjustment orders, the transfer of property order, settlement of property, and variation of settlement is outlined. Orders concerning the family home are discussed, such as the sale and division of proceeds, transfer of property, and charges on a property. Periodical payments orders and interim orders are also explained.
18. Child Support
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

The Child Support Act 1991 introduced a mechanism to recover maintenance from absent parents for their children. It created the Child Support Agency (CSA) as the organization responsible for collecting child support maintenance. This chapter discusses the framework of child support; when a client may be required to pay child support; what a client can do if they do not receive child support; and the future of child support. It examines the CSA scheme, which commenced in 2003, and the Child Maintenance Service, which opened its doors on 29 July 2013. It also looks at the financial provisions under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.
22. Cohabitation
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

Cohabitating relationships are not covered by the same coherent body of law available to married couples or civil partners. Many cohabitants mistakenly believe that they acquire legal rights after a number of years of cohabiting, but this is incorrect. Many clients are shocked to find that they have few legal remedies, and that available are far from straightforward. This chapter begins with a comparison of marriage, civil partnership, and cohabitation. It then goes on to discuss the law on cohabitation contracts, as well as case-law relating to this. The Law Commission Proposals and future developments on cohabitation are then discussed.
28. Child Abduction
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter focuses on the issue of parental child abduction, i.e. the removal of children by a parent to another country without the permission of the other parent or the permission of the court. It looks at jurisdiction, in which circumstances removal may be lawful, passports, and port alerts. It examines the phenomenon of parental child abduction; the national and international law assisting parents seeking the return of a child; and the law and procedure relevant to preventing child abduction. Hague and non-Hague convention countries are also discussed, as well as what can be done if a child is abducted to a non-Hague convention country.
31. Public Children Procedure
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the procedural issues involved in public children law proceedings. It discusses the public law outline; representation of the child; steps to be taken before proceedings; the issue and allocation of proceedings; and case management hearings. The various court hearings and meetings which take place in public law children proceedings are explained, including first appointment; the case management hearing and advocates’ meeting; the issue resolution hearing; and the final hearing. Changes to the inclusion expert evidence to only when it is ‘necessary’, is explained. The stages of the public law outline are presented in a helpful flow chart and case-law is also used for illustration.
32. Child Protection Conferences
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

A local authority’s investigation into a child’s health and development includes a case conference so that information about the child can be shared by those involved with the child and family. This chapter discusses the function of a child protection conference in public children law and the role of a solicitor in the conference. Family group conferences are also discussed, as well as who attends the child protection conference, their contributions to it, and when a child protection conference will be held. Confidentiality in the child protection and parents being excludes from all or parts of the conference is explained.
Small-area methods for investigation of environment and health
Authors: Piel Frédéric B , Fecht Daniela , Hodgson Susan , Blangiardo Marta , Toledano M , Hansell A L , Elliott Paul
Published: January 2020

Small-area studies offer a powerful epidemiological approach to study disease patterns at the population level and assess health risks posed by environmental pollutants. They involve a public health investigation on a geographical scale (e.g. neighbourhood) with overlay of health, environmental, demographic and potential confounder data. Recent methodological advances, including Bayesian approaches, combined with fast-growing computational capabilities, permit more informative analyses than previously possible, including the incorporation of data at different scales, from satellites to individual-level survey information. Better data availability has widened the scope and utility of small-area studies, but has also led to greater complexity, including choice of optimal study area size and extent, duration of study periods, range of covariates and confounders to be considered and dealing with uncertainty. The availability of data from large, well-phenotyped cohorts such as UK Biobank enables the use of mixed-level study designs and the triangulation of evidence on environmental risks from small-area and individual-level studies, therefore improving causal inference, including use of linked biomarker and -omics data. As a result, there are now improved opportunities to investigate the impacts of environmental risk factors on human health, particularly for the surveillance and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Entropic CLT for Smoothed Convolutions and Associated Entropy Bounds
Authors: Bobkov Sergey G , Marsiglietti Arnaud
Published: January 2020

We explore an asymptotic behavior of entropies for sums of independent random variables that are convolved with a small continuous noise.
Matrix degradation regulates osteoblast protrusion dynamics and individual migration
Authors: Movilla Nieves , Valero Clara , Borau Carlos , García-Aznar Jose Manuel
Published: January 2020

Protrusions are one of the structures that cells use to sense their surrounding environment in a probing and exploratory manner as well as to communicate with other cells. In particular, osteoblasts embedded within a 3D matrix tend to originate a large number of protrusions compared to other type of cells. In this work, we study the role that mechanochemical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play on the dynamics of these protrusions, namely, the regulation of the size and number of emanating structures. In addition, we also determine how the dynamics of the protrusions may lead the 3D movement of the osteoblasts. Significant differences were found in protrusion size and cell velocity, when degradation activity due to metalloproteases was blocked by means of an artificial broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, whereas stiffening of the matrix by introducing transglutaminase crosslinking, only induced slight changes in both protrusion size and cell velocity, suggesting that the ability of cells to create a path through the matrix is more critical than the matrix mechanical properties themselves. To confirm this, we developed a cell migration computational model in 3D including both the mechanical and chemical properties of the ECM as well as the protrusion mechanics, obtaining good agreement with experimental results.
Deficiency of TGR5 exacerbates immune-mediated cholestatic hepatic injury by stabilizing the β-catenin destruction complex
Authors: Rao Jianhua , Yang Chao , Yang Shikun , Lu Hao , Hu Yuanchang , Lu Ling , Cheng Feng , Wang Xuehao
Published: January 2020

Intrahepatic cholestasis induced by drug toxicity may cause cholestatic hepatic injury (CHI) leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) is a membrane receptor with well-known roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. However, the role and mechanism of TGR5 in the context of inflammation during CHI remains unclear. Wild-type (WT) and TGR5 knockout (TGR5−/−) mice with CHI induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) were involved in vivo, and WT and TGR5−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were used in vitro. TGR5 deficiency significantly exacerbated BDL-induced liver injury, inflammatory responses and hepatic fibrosis compared with WT mice in vivo. TGR5−/− macrophages were more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation than WT macrophages. TGR5 activation by its ligand suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses in WT but not TGR5−/− BMDMs. Notably, expression of β-catenin was effectively inhibited by TGR5 deficiency. Furthermore, TGR5 directly interacted with Gsk3β to repress the interaction between Gsk3β and β-catenin, thus disrupting the β-catenin destruction complex. The pro-inflammatory nature of TGR5-knockout was almost abolished by lentivirus-mediated β-catenin overexpression in BMDMs. BMDM migration in vitro was accelerated under TGR5-deficient conditions or supernatant from LPS-stimulated TGR5−/− BMDMs. From a therapeutic perspective, TGR5−/− BMDM administration aggravated BDL-induced CHI, which was effectively rescued by β-catenin overexpression. Our findings reveal that TGR5 plays a crucial role as a novel regulator of immune-mediated CHI by destabilizing the β-catenin destruction complex, with therapeutic implications for the management of human CHI.
Characterization of a blaNDM-1-carrying IncHI5 plasmid from Enterobacter cloacae complex of food-producing animal origin
Authors: Zhu Yao , Liu Wenyu , Schwarz Stefan , Wang Changzhen , Yang Qin , Luan Tian , Wang Lingli , Liu Siguo , Zhang Wanjiang
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To characterize an NDM-1-encoding multiresistance IncHI5 plasmid from Enterobacter cloacae complex of chicken origin.

Methods

Carbapenemase genes were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The MICs for the E. cloacae complex isolate and its transformant were determined by the agar dilution and broth microdilution methods. Conjugation and electrotransformation were performed to assess the horizontal transferability of the carbapenemase plasmid. Plasmid DNA was isolated from the transformant and fully sequenced using Illumina HiSeq and PacBio platforms. Plasmid stability was investigated by sequential passages on antibiotic-free medium. A circular intermediate was detected by inverse PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

Plasmid pNDM-1-EC12 carried a conserved IncHI5 backbone and exhibited an MDR phenotype. All antimicrobial resistance genes were clustered in a single MDR region. Genetic environment analysis revealed that the blaNDM-1 gene was in a novel complex integron, In469. Based on sequence analysis, the blaNDM-1-carrying region was thought to be inserted by homologous recombination. Inverse PCR indicated that an ISCR1-mediated circular intermediate can be formed. Plasmid pNDM-1-EC12 was stably maintained both in the parental strain and the transformant without selective pressure. Comprehensive analysis of IncHI5-type plasmids suggested that they may become another key vehicle for rapid transmission of carbapenemase genes.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fully sequenced IncHI5 plasmid recovered from an E. cloacae complex strain of food-producing animal origin. Co-occurrence of blaNDM-1 with genes encoding resistance to other antimicrobial agents on the same IncHI5 plasmid may result in the co-selection of blaNDM-1 and facilitates its persistence and rapid dissemination.
Security, Trade, and Political Violence
Authors: Amodio Francesco , Baccini Leonardo , Di Maio Michele
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the effect of security-motivated trade restrictions on economic activity and political violence. We exploit the 2008 restrictions imposed by Israel on imports of selected goods to the West Bank as a quasi-experiment. We show that after 2008 (i) output and wages decrease differentially in manufacturing sectors that use restricted materials more intensively as production inputs, (ii) wages decrease in localities where employment is more concentrated in these sectors, and (iii) episodes of political violence are more likely to occur in these localities. This differential effect accounts for 16% of violent events that occurred in the West Bank from 2008 to 2012.
Incidental leiomyosarcoma within an ischaemic gut: a review of the management of visceral sarcoma
Authors: McSweeney William T , Hendahewa Rasika
Published: January 2020

Leiomyosarcomas are rare, primary malignancies that can be found in the small bowel in a minority of cases. The management of these visceral sarcomas remains controversial, with surgical resection forming the mainstay, being optimally achieved in a unit familiar with the management of sarcomas. These tumours are difficult to diagnose based on history and are challenging to localize on conventional imaging modalities. We report a case of a 61-year-old female who proceeded to emergent laparotomy with imaging suggestive of small bowel ischaemia secondary to portal venous thrombosis. Incidental leiomyosarcoma was noted on histology and was discussed at local multidisciplinary meeting regarding further management.
Breast necrotizing fasciitis following stillbirth managed with nipple areola conservation in a resource-poor setting: a case report
Authors: Maduba Charles Chidiebele , Nnadozie Ugochukwu Uzodimma
Published: January 2020

Breast necrotizing fasciitis is a rare condition that has a tendency to rapidly progress with untoward morbidity and potential mortality. Its rarity often results to misdiagnosis and the fulminant course of the disease. We wish to present a case managed with nipple areola conservation following early intervention. We report a 28-year-old woman managed for unilateral right breast necrotizing fasciitis following stillbirth and resultant breast congestion in a background hypoalbuminemia. Early intervention ensured nipple-areola salvage. Wound was covered with split-thickness skin grafting. Early aggressive intervention in necrotizing fasciitis of the breast in a post-stillbirth lady with congestion contributed to preservation of nipple areola complex with eventual satisfactory management using split-thickness skin grafting.
Post-flowering biotic and abiotic stresses impact nitrogen use efficiency and seed filling in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Marmagne Anne , Jasinski Sophie , Fagard Mathilde , Bill Laurence , Guerche Philippe , Masclaux-Daubresse Céline , Chardon Fabien
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient that plants require for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and many other important metabolites. Plant metabolism and growth are consequently dependent on the amount of N that is assimilated and distributed from source leaves to developing sinks, such as fruits and seeds. The environmental stresses enhanced by climate change deeply influence seed yield and seed composition, and may disturb N use efficiency (NUE) in pants. We aimed to investigate plant responses to extreme climates with regard to NUE, N remobilization efficiency, and seed composition. By studying a collection of Arabidopsis genotypes showing a range of C:N ratios in seeds, we investigated the impact of different post-flowering growth conditions (control, heat, drought, low nitrate availability, induced senescence, and induced plant defense) on seed yield, N allocation in organs, NUE, and N remobilization efficiency. We analysed how post-flowering stresses could change seed filling and showed that post-flowering stresses change both the range of N and C concentrations and the C:N stoichiometry in seeds. Using a new trait, called delta seed composition, we measured the deviation in C:N stoichiometry of each genotype and revealed the genetic determinism of the C:N stoichiometry. Altogether, the results indicate that extreme climate impacts NUE dramatically in plants and generates different bottlenecks in N fluxes during seed filling.
AGNs at the cosmic dawn: predictions for future surveys from a ΛCDM cosmological model
Authors: Griffin Andrew J , Lacey Cedric G , Gonzalez-Perez Violeta , Lagos Claudia del P , Baugh Carlton M , Fanidakis Nikos
Published: January 2020

Telescopes to be launched over the next decade and a half, such as JWST, EUCLID, ATHENA, and Lynx, promise to revolutionize the study of the high-redshift Universe and greatly advance our understanding of the early stages of galaxy formation. We use a model that follows the evolution of the masses and spins of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) within a semi-analytic model of galaxy formation to make predictions for the active galactic nucleus luminosity function at $z$ ≥ 7 in the broadband filters of JWST and EUCLID at near-infrared wavelengths, and ATHENA and Lynx at X-ray energies. The predictions of our model are relatively insensitive to the choice of seed black hole mass, except at the lowest luminosities (Lbol < 1043 erg s−1) and the highest redshifts ($z$ > 10). We predict that surveys with these different telescopes will select somewhat different samples of SMBHs, with EUCLID unveiling the most massive, highest accretion rate SMBHs, Lynx the least massive, lowest accretion rate SMBHs, and JWST and ATHENA covering objects inbetween. At $z$ = 7, we predict that typical detectable SMBHs will have masses, MBH ∼ 105–8 M⊙, and Eddington normalized mass accretion rates, $\dot{M}/\dot{M}_{\mathrm{Edd}}\sim 0.6{-}2$. The SMBHs will be hosted by galaxies of stellar mass M⋆ ∼ 108–10 M⊙, and dark matter haloes of mass Mhalo ∼ 1011–12 M⊙. We predict that the detectable SMBHs at $z$ = 10 will have slightly smaller black holes, accreting at slightly higher Eddington normalized mass accretion rates, in slightly lower mass host galaxies compared to those at $z$ = 7, and reside in haloes of mass Mhalo ∼ 1010–11 M⊙.
Evolution of MAXI J1631–479 during the January 2019 outburst observed by INTEGRAL/IBIS
Authors: Fiocchi M , Onori F , Bazzano A , Bird A J , Bodaghee A , Charles P A , Lepingwell V A , Malizia A , Masetti N , Natalucci L , Ubertini P
Published: January 2020

We report on a recent bright outburst from the new X-ray binary transient MAXI J1631–479, observed in January 2019. In particular, we present the 30–200 keV analysis of spectral transitions observed with INTEGRAL/IBIS during its Galactic plane monitoring program. In the MAXI and BAT monitoring period, we observed two different spectral transitions between the high/soft and low/hard states. The INTEGRAL spectrum from data taken soon before the second transition is best described by a Comptonized thermal component with a temperature of kTe ∼ 30 keV and a high-luminosity value of $L_{2-200\, \mathrm{keV}}\sim 3\times 10^{38}$ erg−1 (assuming a distance of 8 kpc). During the second transition, the source shows a hard, power-law spectrum. The lack of high energy cut-off indicates that the hard X-ray spectrum from MAXI J1631–479 is due to a non-thermal emission. Inverse Compton scattering of soft X-ray photons from a non-thermal or hybrid thermal/non-thermal electron distribution can explain the observed X-ray spectrum although a contribution to the hard X-ray emission from a jet cannot be determined at this stage. The outburst evolution in the hardness-intensity diagram, the spectral characteristics, and the rise and decay times of the outburst are suggesting that this system is a black hole candidate.
The tale of the tail – disentangling the high transverse velocity stars in Gaia DR2
Authors: Amarante João A S , Smith Martin C , Boeche Corrado
Published: January 2020

Although the stellar halo accounts for just ∼1 per cent of the total stellar mass of the Milky Way, the kinematics of halo stars encode valuable information about the origins and evolution of our Galaxy. It has been shown that the high transverse velocity stars in Gaia DR2 reveal a double sequence in the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram, indicating a bifurcation in the local stellar halo within 1 kpc. We fit these stars by updating the popular Besançon/Galaxia model, incorporating the latest observational results for the stellar halo and an improved kinematic description for the thick disc from Schönrich & Binney (2012). We are able to obtain a good match to the Gaia data and provide new constraints on the properties of the Galactic disc and stellar halo. In particular, we show that the kinematically defined thick-disc contribution to this high velocity tail is $\approx 13{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. We look in greater detail using chemistry from LAMOST DR5, identifying a population of retrograde stars with thick-disc chemistry. Our thick-disc kinematic model cannot account for this population and so we conclude there is likely to be a contribution from heated or accreted stars in the Solar Neighbourhood. We also investigate proposed dynamical substructures in this sample, concluding that they are probably due to resonant orbits rather than accreted populations. Finally, we provide new insights on the nature of the two sequences and their relation with past accretion events and the primordial Galactic disc.
Multiwavelength behaviour of the blazar 3C 279: decade-long study from γ-ray to radio
Authors: Larionov V M , Jorstad S G , Marscher A P , Villata M , Raiteri C M , Smith P S , Agudo I , Savchenko S S , Morozova D A , Acosta-Pulido J A , Aller M F , Aller H D , Andreeva T S , Arkharov A A , Bachev R , Bonnoli G , Borman G A , Bozhilov V , Calcidese P , Carnerero M I , Carosati D , Casadio C , Chen W-P , Damljanovic G , Dementyev A V , Di Paola A , Frasca A , Fuentes A , Gómez J L , Gónzalez-Morales P , Giunta A , Grishina T S , Gurwell M A , Hagen-Thorn V A , Hovatta T , Ibryamov S , Joshi M , Kiehlmann S , Kim J-Y , Kimeridze G N , Kopatskaya E N , Kovalev Yu A , Kovalev Y Y , Kurtanidze O M , Kurtanidze S O , Lähteenmäki A , Lázaro C , Larionova L V , Larionova E G , Leto G , Marchini A , Matsumoto K , Mihov B , Minev M , Mingaliev M G , Mirzaqulov D , Muñoz Dimitrova R V , Myserlis I , Nikiforova A A , Nikolashvili M G , Nizhelsky N A , Ovcharov E , Pressburger L D , Rakhimov I A , Righini S , Rizzi N , Sadakane K , Sadun A C , Samal M R , Sanchez R Z , Semkov E , Sergeev S G , Sigua L A , Slavcheva-Mihova L , Sola P , Sotnikova Yu V , Strigachev A , Thum C , Traianou E , Troitskaya Yu V , Troitsky I S , Tsybulev P G , Vasilyev A A , Vince O , Weaver Z R , Williamson K E , Zhekanis G V
Published: January 2020

We report the results of decade-long (2008–2018) γ-ray to 1 GHz radio monitoring of the blazar 3C 279, including GASP/WEBT, Fermi and Swift data, as well as polarimetric and spectroscopic data. The X-ray and γ-ray light curves correlate well, with no delay $\gtrsim 3$ h, implying general cospatiality of the emission regions. The γ-ray–optical flux–flux relation changes with activity state, ranging from a linear to a more complex dependence. The behaviour of the Stokes parameters at optical and radio wavelengths, including 43 GHz Very Long Baseline Array images, supports either a predominantly helical magnetic field or motion of the radiating plasma along a spiral path. Apparent speeds of emission knots range from 10 to 37c, with the highest values requiring bulk Lorentz factors close to those needed to explain γ-ray variability on very short time-scales. The Mg ii emission line flux in the ‘blue’ and ‘red’ wings correlates with the optical synchrotron continuum flux density, possibly providing a variable source of seed photons for inverse Compton scattering. In the radio bands, we find progressive delays of the most prominent light-curve maxima with decreasing frequency, as expected from the frequency dependence of the τ = 1 surface of synchrotron self-absorption. The global maximum in the 86 GHz light curve becomes less prominent at lower frequencies, while a local maximum, appearing in 2014, strengthens toward decreasing frequencies, becoming pronounced at ∼5 GHz. These tendencies suggest different Doppler boosting of stratified radio-emitting zones in the jet.