bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tertiary butylhydroquinone alleviates gestational diabetes mellitus in C57BL/KsJ‐Lep db/+ mice by suppression of oxidative stress
Authors: Song Hongbi , Xu Yin , Yang Xiaowu , Rong Xiaoting , Wang Ying , Wei Na
Published: May 2019

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disorder characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy, affecting 2% to 5% of pregnant women. Currently, clinical treatment for GDM is very limited. The present study was designed to investigate the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in a pregnant C57BL/KsJ‐Lep db/+ (referred to as db+) GDM mouse model. The results showed that nonpregnant db/+ mice did not show a diabetic phenotype, and TBHQ had no effect on glucose and insulin tolerance in these mice. Moreover, in db/+ pregnant mice exhibiting typical diabetes symptoms, such as hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, TBHQ could remarkably decrease the blood glucose level, increase insulin level, and improve glucose and insulin intolerance. The results also revealed that TBHQ could inhibit oxidative stress in pregnant db/+ mice. Furthermore, TBHQ greatly improved offspring survival rate, glucose metabolism, and insulin tolerance. In addition, TBHQ inhibited oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Moreover, we found that TBHQ activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby increasing the levels of Nrf2, and ultimately upregulating the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (NO‐1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that TBHQ alleviated GDM via Nrf2 activation.
SBF2‐AS1: An oncogenic lncRNA in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Youwei , Li Yang , Han Liang , Zhang Peiying , Sun Sanyuan
Published: May 2019

The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) SBF2 antisense RNA 1 (SBF2‐AS1) was found to act as an oncogenic lncRNA in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the role of SBF2‐AS1 in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) was still unclear. The purpose of this study was to provide the clinical significance and biological function of SBF2‐AS1 in SCLC. In our results, SBF2‐AS1 was found to be upregulated in SCLC tissues compared with NSCLC tissues or adjacent normal lung tissues. Besides, SBF2‐AS1 expression was also elevated in SCLC cell lines compared with the normal bronchial epithelial cell line or NSCLC lines. Moreover, high expression of SBF2‐AS1 was associated with clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in SCLC patients. Survival analysis showed SCLC patients with high expression of SBF2‐AS1 had shorter overall survival than patients with low expression of SBF2‐AS1, and high expression of SBF2‐AS1 acted as an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival in SCLC patients. The study in vitro suggested inhibition of SBF2‐AS1 obviously depressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in SCLC. In conclusion, SBF2‐AS1 acts as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in SCLC.
Evaluation of antitumor effect of oxygen nanobubble water on breast cancer‐bearing BALB/c mice
Authors: Mahjour Azita , Khazaei Majid , Nourmohammadi Esmail , Khoshdel‐Sarkarizi Hoda , Ebrahimzadeh‐Bideskan Alireza , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Safipour Afshar Akbar
Published: May 2019

Hypoxia is a condition of low oxygen level which poses a common feature of most cancers. In the current study, we investigated effect of water containing oxygen nanobubble (ONB) on tumor growth in breast cancer 4T1‐bearing mice during 14‐day treatment period. Tumor‐bearing mice were randomly divided into three groups (six mice per group), including the ONB group drinking water containing ONB, the air nanobubble (ANB) group drinking water containing ANB, and control group drinking normal water. Tumor weight and size were measured in 2‐day interval during 14‐day treatment. mRNA expression of p53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), and cyclin D/Cdk2 genes were measured in the treated and control mice. After 8, 12, and 14 days of treatment, tumor size in ONB group was significantly decreased by 40.5%, 32.8%, and 28%, respectively, when compared with the control group. In addition, ANB group showed a significant reduction in tumor burden as well. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level of p53 in tumor cells of ONB and ANB group was found to be 36‐fold (P = 0.0001) and 33‐fold (P = 0.0001) higher than that in the control group, respectively. There was a ninefold increase in mRNA expression of VEGF gene in tumor cells of ANB mice than that in control mice; however, there was no significant changes in ONB group. Expression of HIF gene was significantly lower in tumor cells of ONB and ANB group than in the control group. It is concluded that drinking ONB water has potential to inhibit tumor growth, however more preclinical and proof‐of‐concept studies are needed to confirm its safety and therapeutic effect.
GATA‐1 isoforms differently contribute to the production and compartmentation of reactive oxygen species in the myeloid leukemia cell line K562
Authors: Riccio Patrizia , Sessa Raffaele , de Nicola Sergio , Petruzziello Fara , Trombetti Silvia , Menna Giuseppe , Pepe Giampiero , Maddalena Pasquale , Izzo Paola , Grosso Michela
Published: May 2019

Maintenance of a balanced expression of the two isoforms of the transcription factor GATA‐1, the full‐length protein (GATA‐1FL) and a shorter isoform (GATA‐1
S), contributes to control hematopoiesis, whereas their dysregulation can alter the differentiation/proliferation potential of hematopoietic precursors thereby eventually leading to a variety of hematopoietic disorders. Although it is well established that these isoforms play opposite roles in these remarkable processes, most of the molecular pathways involved remain unknown.

Here, we demonstrate that GATA‐1FL and GATA‐1S are able to differently influence intracellular redox states and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compartmentation in the erythroleukemic K562 cell line, thus shedding novel mechanistic insights into the processes of cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance in myeloid precursors. Furthermore, given the role played by ROS signaling as a strategy to escape apoptosis and evade cell‐mediated immunity in myeloid cells, this study highlights a mechanism through which aberrant expression of GATA‐1 isoforms could play a role in the leukemogenic process.
CD markers variations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: New insights into prognosis
Authors: Vosoughi Tina , Bagheri Marziye , Hosseinzadeh Mehran , Ehsanpour Ali , Davari Nader , Saki Najmaldin
Published: May 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most commonly occurring adult leukemias that is associated with clonal accumulation of mature apoptosis‐resistant B‐cells in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and specific tissues. Different pathogenesis factors can contribute to the aggression of the clinical course in this disease. Cytogenetic abnormalities and surface biomarkers of neoplastic CLL cells can be effective in the outcome of CLL, and the examination of changing CD markers expressions in the progression of CLL can be related to the prognosis of this disease. Changing expression levels of CD markers on lymphocytes and other cells in CLL patients can play a role in the aggressive clinical outcomes such as organomegaly, immunodeficiency, and advanced disease stages through their interaction with CLL microenvironment. Given the involvement of CD markers in the pathogenesis of CLL, it can be stated that recognizing the expression changes of CD markers in the cells involved in CLL can be a proper approach to evaluate prognosis among these patients.
Shelf‐life study of ready‐to‐cook slices of globe artichoke ‘Spinoso sardo’: effects of anti‐browning solutions and edible coating enriched withFoeniculum vulgareessential oil
Authors: Rizzo Valeria , Lombardo Sara , Pandino Gaetano , Barbagallo Riccardo N , Mazzaglia Agata , Restuccia Cristina , Mauromicale Giovanni , Muratore Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Background

The globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculusvar.scolymus(L.) Fiori] is a natural source of minerals, fiber, inulin, and polyphenols. A ready‐to‐cook (RTC) version of this product could improve its commercialization and consumption. In this study, the effects of (i) anti‐browning treatments (citric acid 0.5% + ascorbic acid 2%, or cysteine 0.5%, w/v) and (ii) dipping in locust bean gum (LBG) edible coating with or withoutFoeniculum vulgareessential oil (EO) were evaluated on RTC globe artichoke slices cv. ‘Spinoso sardo’ during storage (11 days at 4 °C). Fresh weight loss, color, texture, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), microbiological and chemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and sensory descriptors were determined.

Results

The results showed that, despite the antioxidant treatment used, when EO was added to LBG, all microbiological groups underwent an average reduction of 0.50 log CFU g−1. Cysteine preserved the antioxidant capacity, color, and texture of samples better than citric acid and ascorbic acid, and inhibited PPO; the addition of EO to LBG enhanced these effects. At the end of the storage period, the overall highest sensory attribute score was attained by the coated globe artichoke samples with EO.

Conclusion

The marked efficacy of the LBG edible coating with addedF. vulgareEO in maintaining microbiological, physical, chemical, and sensory qualities makes it a promising processing tool for the preservation of ready‐to‐cook Spinoso sardo globe artichoke slices during storage for 11 days at 4 °C. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening the anti‐allergic components in Saposhnikoviae Radix using high‐expression Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography online coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Jia Qianqian , Sun Wei , Zhang Liyang , Fu Jia , Lv Yanni , Lin Yuanyuan , Han Shengli
Published: May 2019

Saposhnikoviae Radix, the dried root of Saposhnikoviae divaricata, is commonly used in the traditional Chinese anti‐allergic preparations, like Bofutsusho‐san and Yupingfeng granules. A high‐expression Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography coupled online with high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with an ion trap time‐of‐flight multistage mass spectrometry system was established and used for screening and identifying the anti‐allergic components in Saposhnikoviae Radix. The system was validated for excellent specificity and suitability using the appropriate standards. Two retained fractions were obtained on the cell membrane chromatography column, and three main components were identified as prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, and 4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol. Next, the molecular docking study was conducted, which confirmed that these three components could effectively bind to MRGPRX2 through hydrogen bonds with its amino acid residues. Finally, histamine release assay was performed to investigate the bioactivities of prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, and 4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol. Results showed that these three components could exert anti‐allergic effects by inhibiting the histamine release in a dose‐dependent manner (from 10 to 100 µM). In conclusion, the high‐expression Mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography is an effective tool for discovering the anti‐allergic components in Saposhnikoviae Radix.
Understanding memorable tourism experiences as the determinants of tourists' behaviour
Authors: Sharma Pramod , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: May 2019

This study empirically investigated a theoretical model predicting the direct and indirect effects of memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) on behavioural intentions via destination image and tourists' satisfaction in yoga tourism. This research was conducted using data collected from 502 tourists visiting Rishikesh in India. Using confirmatory factor analysis and SPSS macro (PROCESS), findings confirmed that MTEs influenced behavioural intentions both directly and indirectly via destination image and tourists' satisfaction. MTEs were found as the strongest influencer of behavioural intentions in yoga tourism. This study opposes those researchers and practitioners who argued tourists' satisfaction alone as the most significant influencer of destination performance.
Constraints to domestic ocean cruise participation among higher income Chinese adults
Authors: Tang Chuanzhong , Weaver David , Shi Fangfang , Huang Ming‐Feng , Liu Yang
Published: May 2019

The study identifies barriers to participation in cruises from domestic homeports among higher income Chinese adults. Results from 775 respondents extend leisure constraints theory by revealing that “structural” constraints (lack of knowledge, time, and money) most influence intentions not to cruise even for these wealthier consumers, whereas “not‐an‐option” constraints (disinterest due to previous cruising experience, intentions to cruise from a foreign homeport) are least influential. “Personal” factors (lack of companions and fears about safety, boredom, and seasickness) are moderately important. Six identified clusters include a large normative “moderate‐constraint” cluster, small “low‐potential” and “high‐potential” segments, and several specialized segments.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as first‐line consolidation therapy can improve the prognosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with high expression of MYC protein
Authors: Hu Kai , Gao Jin‐Jie , Li Qi‐Hui , Tian Lei , Wan Wei , Zhao Wei , Wang Ji‐Jun , Fu Lin
Published: May 2019

Myc‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma has lower curative efficacy and long‐term survival than its negative counterpart, even when treated with R‐CHOP regimen. The present study aims to determine whether the use of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a consolidation therapy can improve the curative efficacy in this type of patients after achieving the best effect of chemotherapy for the first time. The data of 50 patients with Myc‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. Autologous transplantation was performed for 23 patients, while transplantation was not performed for 27 patients. The clinicopathological features and survival conditions were compared. The 1‐year and 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 66.7% ± 0.9% and 57.7% ± 1.0%, respectively, in the non transplantation group, and 100% and 82.1% ± 0.1%, respectively, in the transplantation group (P = .021). The 1‐year overall survival (OS) rate for these two groups was 88.7% ± 0.6% vs 100%, respectively, while the 3‐year OS rates for these two groups was 78.6% ± 0.1% vs 91.3% ± 0.1%, respectively (P = .176). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed after chemotherapy is a risk factor for OS. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a consolidation therapy in the early stage can improve the prognosis of patients with Myc‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.
3D and Porous RGDC‐Functionalized Polyester‐Based Scaffolds as a Niche to Induce Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Authors: Yassin Mohammed A. , Fuoco Tiziana , Mohamed‐Ahmed Samih , Mustafa Kamal , Finne‐Wistrand Anna
Published: May 2019

Polyester‐based scaffolds covalently functionalized with arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid‐cysteine (RGDC) peptide sequences support the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. The aim is to create an optimized 3D niche to sustain human bone marrow stem cell (hBMSC) viability and osteogenic commitment, without reliance on differentiation media. Scaffolds consisting of poly(lactide‐co‐trimethylene carbonate), poly(LA‐co‐TMC), and functionalized poly(lactide) copolymers with pendant thiol groups are prepared by salt‐leaching technique. The availability of functional groups on scaffold surfaces allows for an easy and straightforward method to covalently attach RGDC peptide motifs without affecting the polymerization degree. The strategy enables the chemical binding of bioactive motifs on the surfaces of 3D scaffolds and avoids conventional methods that require harsh conditions. Gene and protein levels and mineral deposition indicate the osteogenic commitment of hBMSC cultured on the RGDC functionalized surfaces. The osteogenic commitment of hBMSC is enhanced on functionalized surfaces compared with nonfunctionalized surfaces and without supplementing media with osteogenic factors. Poly(LA‐co‐TMC) scaffolds have potential as scaffolds for osteoblast culture and bone grafts. Furthermore, these results contribute to the development of biomimetic materials and allow a deeper comprehension of the importance of RGD peptides on stem cell transition toward osteoblastic lineage.
Exercising the cmap
Authors: Gutmann Ludwig
Published: May 2019

See article on pages 25–31 in this issue.
Hsp104 facilitates the endoplasmic‐reticulum–associated degradation of disease‐associated and aggregation‐prone substrates
Authors: Doonan Lynley M. , Guerriero Christopher J. , Preston G. Michael , Buck Teresa M. , Khazanov Netaly , Fisher Edward A. , Senderowitz Hanoch , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2019

Misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are selected for ER‐associated degradation (ERAD). More than 60 disease‐associated proteins are substrates for the ERAD pathway due to the presence of missense or nonsense mutations. In yeast, the Hsp104 molecular chaperone disaggregates detergent‐insoluble ERAD substrates, but the spectrum of disease‐associated ERAD substrates that may be aggregation prone is unknown. To determine if Hsp104 recognizes aggregation‐prone ERAD substrates associated with human diseases, we developed yeast expression systems for a hydrophobic lipid‐binding protein, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), along with a chimeric protein harboring a nucleotide‐binding domain from the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) into which disease‐causing mutations were introduced. We discovered that Hsp104 facilitates the degradation of ER‐associated ApoB as well as a truncated CFTR chimera in which a premature stop codon corresponds to a disease‐causing mutation. Chimeras containing a wild‐type version of the CFTR domain or a different mutation were stable and thus Hsp104 independent. We also discovered that the detergent solubility of the unstable chimera was lower than the stable chimeras, and Hsp104 helped retrotranslocate the unstable chimera from the ER, consistent with disaggregase activity. To determine why the truncated chimera was unstable, we next performed molecular dynamics simulations and noted significant unraveling of the CFTR nucleotide‐binding domain. Because human cells lack Hsp104, these data indicate that an alternate disaggregase or mechanism facilitates the removal of aggregation‐prone, disease‐causing ERAD substrates in their native environments.
Assessment of charge behavior in water tree‐degraded cables under pulse voltages
Authors: Ra Nhet , Yamane Ryota , Futami Hiroyuki , Kawashima Tomohiro , Murakami Yoshinobu , Hozumi Naohiro
Published: May 2019

In this article, water tree degradation was detected and was located by applying the method entitled ‘Charge Radar method’. We studied the reduction of charge depending on the number of pulse voltages and the time interval between each pulse (5 µs or 1 s). It was revealed that the charge amount remained stable at 5 µs of the time interval and decayed significantly at 1 s of the time interval. This tendency suggested that the number of pulses did not provide a significant change to the reduction of charge amount. We investigated the space charge behavior of a thin crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) film sample using the Pulse Electro‐Acoustic (PEA) method. The result suggested that the shallowly trapped charge was released shortly after the film sample had been short‐circuited, and the residual charge would stay for a long time depending on the depth of the trapping layer. It was also revealed that the residual charge was not disturbed by a short pulse voltage. It was suggested that the reduction in charge amount depended on the short‐circuiting time after polarization. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vertex Operator Algebras and 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 gauge theories
Authors: Costello Kevin , Gaiotto Davide
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We introduce two mirror constructions of Vertex Operator Algebras associated to special boundary conditions in 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 gauge theories. We conjecture various relations between these boundary VOA’s and properties of the (topologically twisted) bulk theories. We discuss applications to the Symplectic Duality and Geometric Langlands programs.
Energy system transition and macroeconomic impacts of a European decarbonization action towards a below 2 °C climate stabilization
Authors: Vrontisi Zoi , Fragkiadakis Kostas , Kannavou Maria , Capros Pantelis
Published: May 2019

The European Union has recently established the “Clean Energy for all Europeans” climate policy framework, aiming at the achievement of the European Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the Paris Agreement. The EU28 NDC includes a commitment for emission reductions in 2030 but also refers to an economy-wide effort towards 2050 so as to contribute effectively to the long-term mitigation of climate change. We discuss the respective EU28 emission pathways in the context of a well below 2 °C global climate stabilization target and estimate the macroeconomic impacts for the EU28 economy by considering alternative levels of climate action for major non-EU emitters. We employ two models, the technology-rich energy system model PRIMES, and the global large-scale hybrid computable general equilibrium model GEM-E3. The two models are soft linked so as to ensure a consistent and robust framework of analysis. We find that emission reductions in the energy supply sector are dominant up to 2030 while transport takes the lead in 2050. Transport and non-CO2 emissions are the main remaining emitting sources in 2050. We present the key decarbonization pillars and confirm that the impacts on the EU28 economy largely depend on the level of mitigation action adopted by the rest of the world and by the relative carbon intensity across regions. Due to asymmetric ambition of climate policies, a global implementation of NDCs results in economic losses for the EU28 when compared with a “pre-Paris” policy reference scenario, despite positive effects on energy-intensive and clean technology exports. On the contrary, we find that the region registers economic gains in the case of coordinated 2 °C global climate action.
Crushed Gold Shell Nanoparticles Labeled with Radioactive Iodine as a Theranostic Nanoplatform for Macrophage-Mediated Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Lee Sang Bong , Lee Jae-Eon , Cho Sung Jin , Chin Jungwook , Kim Sang Kyoon , Lee In-Kyu , Lee Sang-Woo , Lee Jaetae , Jeon Yong Hyun
Published: May 2019

Plasmonic nanostructure-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) has proven to be a promising approach for cancer treatment, and new approaches for its effective delivery to tumor lesions are currently being developed. This study aimed to assess macrophage-mediated delivery of PTT using radioiodine-124-labeled gold nanoparticles with crushed gold shells (124I-Au@AuCBs) as a theranostic nanoplatform. 124I-Au@AuCBs exhibited effective photothermal conversion effects both in vitro and in vivo and were efficiently taken up by macrophages without cytotoxicity. After the administration of 124I-Au@AuCB-labeled macrophages to colon tumors, intensive signals were observed at tumor lesions, and subsequent in vivo PTT with laser irradiation yielded potent antitumor effects. The results indicate the considerable potential of 124I-Au@AuCBs as novel theranostic nanomaterials and the prominent advantages of macrophage-mediated cellular therapies in treating cancer and other diseases.
The development of policy actors involved in the Bologna reform in Ukraine
Authors: Kushnir Iryna
Published: May 2019

The Bologna Process is an international policy project for the convergence of higher education structures in the European Higher Education Area. Most of the literature on Bologna represents studies that focus on the implementation implications of the reforms. The focus on the reform process, particularly in relation to the development process of Bologna policy actors, has been under-represented in the literature. This article investigates the process of the development of the main policy actors involved in the Bologna reform in the case of Ukraine. The timeframe includes the pre-history of Bologna since Ukrainian independence in 1991 until after the introduction of the relevant policy changes in 2003, and through to the issue of 2014 Law on Higher Education. Empirical data were collected through interviews with higher education actors in Ukraine and policy document search. Both types of data were thematically analyzed. The analysis in this article is informed by the policy learning theory and demonstrates the interconnection between path-dependency and change in the development of policy actors in the Bologna reform in Ukraine. This article shows that the old clusters of higher education actors, and the pre-Bologna relationships amongst some of them have been reproduced during the Bologna reform. At the same time, such a reproduction of the old during the reform was only partial as the Bologna Process has also been altering the relationships among some actors to an extent.
Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Retinal Artery Occlusion: The Calgary Experience
Authors: Pettersen J.A. , Hill M.D. , Dechuck A.M. , Morrish W. , Hudon M.E. , Hu W. , Wong J. , Barber P.A. , Buchan A.M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Retinal artery occlusion represents a medical emergency with poor prognosis for visual recovery. Spontaneous improvement is estimated to occur in less than 15% of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) cases and conventional treatments have provided only limited benefit. Intra-arterial thrombolysis has been reported as a potentially efficacious and safe treatment.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of all retinal artery occlusion cases treated with intra-arterial recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) from January 1998 to May 2004. Patients received Goldmann perimetry visual field testing at a variable interval following the procedure (2 days-2.5 years). Visual acuity (VA) was re-assessed in May 2004.

Results:

Eight cases (59-77 years) were treated for CRAO, 6-18 hours post-onset with intra-arterial rtPA (10-20 mg over 15-60 minutes); one case of branch occlusion (BRAO) was treated with 30 mg rtPA over 75 minutes, 12 hours post-onset. Among the six patients with CRAO assessed in clinic, three experienced improvement in VA by two or more gradations (Snellen lines); three improved by one gradation. However, none achieved a final VA better than 20/300. The case of branch occlusion improved to a VA of 20/20. All patients had residual monocular field defects.

Conclusion:

Our findings reveal a limited benefit for intra-arterial tPA compared to the rate of spontaneous improvement and conventional forms of therapy for retinal artery occlusion.
One-class support vector machines with a bias constraint and its application in system reliability prediction
Authors: Hu Zhengwei , Hu Zhangli , Du Xiaoping
Published: May 2019

Support vector machine (SVM) methods are widely used for classification and regression analysis. In many engineering applications, only one class of data is available, and then one-class SVM methods are employed. In reliability applications, the one-class data may be failure data since the data are recorded during reliability experiments when only failures occur. Different from the problems handled by existing one-class SVM methods, there is a bias constraint in the SVM model in this work and the constraint comes from the probability of failure estimated from the failure data. In this study, a new one-class SVM regression method is proposed to accommodate the bias constraint. The one class of failure data is maximally separated from a hypersphere whose radius is determined by the known probability of failure. The proposed SVM method generates regression models that directly link the states of failure modes with design variables, and this makes it possible to obtain the joint probability density of all the component states of an engineering system, resulting in a more accurate prediction of system reliability during the design stage. Three examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new one-class SVM method.
Evaluating sub-typing methods for pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticato support outbreak investigations in New Zealand
Authors: Strydom H. , Wang J. , Paine S. , Dyet K. , Cullen K. , Wright J.
Published: May 2019

Incidence of human yersiniosis in New Zealand has increased between 2013 and 2017. For surveillance and outbreak investigations it is essential that an appropriate level of discrimination between pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticaisolates is provided, in order to support epidemiological linking of connected cases. Subtyping of 227Y. enterocoliticaisolates was performed using a range of different typing methods, including biotyping, serotyping and seven loci multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). In addition, core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (core SNP) analysis and multi-locus sequence typing were performed on a subset of 69 isolates. Sixty-seven different MLVA types were identified. One MLVA profile was associated with an outbreak in the Bay of Plenty region, supported by epidemiological data. Core SNP analysis showed that all the outbreak-related isolates clustered together. The subtyping and epidemiological evidence suggests that the outbreak of yersiniosis in the Bay of Plenty region between October and December 2016 could be attributed to a point source. However, subtyping results further suggest that the same clone was isolated from several regions between August 2016 and March 2017. Core SNP analysis and MLVA typing failed to differentiate betweenY. enterocoliticabiotype 2 and biotype 3. For this reason, we propose that these biotypes should be reported as a single type namely:Y. enterocoliticabiotype 2/3 and that the serotype should be prioritised as an indicator of prevalence.
Continuity Trumps Change: The First Year of Trump’s Administrative Presidency
Authors: Potter Rachel Augustine , Rudalevige Andrew , Thrower Sharece , Warber Adam L.
Published: May 2019

From campaign rhetoric to tweets, President Trump has positioned himself as “disrupter in chief,” often pointing to administrative action as the avenue by which he is leaving a lasting mark. However, research on the administrative presidency begins with the premise that all presidents face incentives to use administrative tools to gain substantive or political traction. If, as this article suggests, Trump’s institutional standing differs little from his recent predecessors, then how much of the Trump presidency represents achangefrom past norms and practices? How much representscontinuity, or the perennial dynamics of a far-from-omnipotent executive in an ongoing world of “separate institutions sharing powers” (Neustadt 1990, 29)? To answer this, we tracked presidential directives and regulatory policy during Trump’s first year in office. We found evidence of continuity, indicating that in its use of administrative tactics to shape policy, the Trump White House largely falls in line with recent presidencies.
Recent advances in depression across the generations
Authors: Weissman Myrna M.
Published: May 2019

This Editorial presents recent research on the transmission of depression across three generations and discusses the implications for improving detection, treatment and prevention and for identifying important subgroups for biological studies. It reports a case-control study of three generations at high or low risk for major depression. The first two generations were followed longitudinally for 20 years and were assessed blind to the clinical status of the other generations. Depression is highly familial across three generations. Over 60% of grandchildren (average age 12 yrs.) with two generations affected with depression already have some psychopathology. Anxiety disorders are usually the first presentation before puberty with an increase in depression in adolescents, especially among girls. New opportunities for early detection and treatment exist. Families with three generations affected with depression present a potentially important group for biological, genetic and neuroimaging studies.
Editorial
Authors: Villanueva Beatriz
Published: May 2019

There is certainly nothing new in saying that inbreeding, the mating of related individuals, has negative consequences in farmed animal populations. Inbreeding leads to loss of genetic variation and most importantly to reductions in performance (i.e. inbreeding depression) particularly in traits related with fitness such as fertility and viability. Reductions in fitness traits can eventually make further progress imposible despite the presence of genetic variance. Even large populations are experiencing large increases in the rates at which inbreeding accumulates. Examples include US and UK Holstein dairy cattle populations where the worldwide use of few elite sires is leading to current rates much higher than those observed in the past and where deteriorations in health and reproductive traits have been observed. Broadening the breeding objectives for livestock species (Simm et al., 2001) would alleviate this but still effective methods for controlling inbreeding need to be applied.
Henry Klumb: Puerto Rico’s critical modernist
Authors: Cruz César A.
Published: May 2019

In February 1944 a thirty-nine-year-old itinerant architect named Heinrich ‘Henry’ Klumb [1] (1905–1984), moved to the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico for what was supposed to be a short-term, public works job with the island’s provincial government, that is, a territorial government that had been established and was largely supervised by the American federal government. At the time of his arrival on the island, Klumb was a one-time German immigrant, a former protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn’s occasional design and business partner during the mid-to-late 1930s, and a moderately successful designer of a variety of projects and building types. These early projects and building types included residences, prototype prefabricated buildings and houses, museum exhibits, furniture pieces, and a number of housing and urban master plans. Over the next forty years he would emerge as Puerto Rico’s most locally well-known and prolific modern architect. His major successes on the island consisted of his public works, university buildings, churches, residences, and office buildings. Outside of Puerto Rico, his association with Frank Lloyd Wright has also generated a measure of interest.
ON THE TOPOGRAPHY-DRIVEN VORTICITY PRODUCTION IN SHALLOW LAKES
Authors: SÁNDOR BALÁZS , TORMA PÉTER , SZABÓ K. GÁBOR , ZHANG HONG
Published: May 2019

We analyse the vorticity production of lake-scale circulation in wind-induced shallow flows using a linear elliptic partial differential equation. The linear equation is derived from the vorticity form of the shallow-water equation using a linear bed friction formula. The features of the wind-induced steady-state flow are analysed in a circular basin with topography as a concave paraboloid, having a quadratic pile in the middle of the basin. In our study, the size of the pile varies by a size parameter. The vorticity production due to the gradient in the topography (and the distance of the boundary) makes the streamlines parallel to topographical contours, and beyond a critical size parameter, it results in a secondary vortex pair. We compare qualitatively and quantitatively the steady-state circulation patterns and vortex evolution of the flow fields calculated by our linear vorticity model and the full, nonlinear shallow-water equations. From these results, we hypothesize that the steady-state topographical vorticity production in lake-scale wind-induced circulations can be described by the equilibrium of the wind friction field and the bed friction field. Moreover, the latter can also be considered as a linear function of the velocity vector field, and hence the problem can be described by a linear equation.
Compact high efficiency circularly polarized rectenna based on artificial magnetic conductor
Authors: Li Lin , Yang Xue-Xia , Zhu Geliang , Luo Qi , Gao Steven
Published: May 2019

A compact circularly polarized (CP) rectenna with low profile and high efficiency based on the artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is proposed in this paper. The receiving CP antenna is a coplanar stripline fed dual rhombic loop with an AMC reflector. The proposed AMC reflector not only improves the antenna gain to 9.8 dBi but also decreases the profile to 0.1 λ0. The AMC reflector also makes the antenna have a harmonic suppression function so the low pass filter between the rectifying circuit and the antenna could be omitted and the rectenna has a compact structure. According to the measured results, the rectenna has the highest conversion efficiency of 76% on the load of 240 Ω with the received power of 117.5 mW. When the linearly polarized transmitting antenna is rotated, the conversion efficiency of the CP rectenna maintains a constant high conversion efficiency of 74%. The compact structure and CP operation of the rectenna made it a good candidate of the wireless battery for some electronic devices and far-distance microwave power transmission.
The experiences of spirituality among adults with mental health difficulties: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Milner K. , Crawford P. , Edgley A. , Hare-Duke L. , Slade M.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Despite an increasing awareness of the importance of spirituality in mental health contexts, a ‘religiosity gap’ exists in the difference in the value placed on spirituality and religion by professionals compared with service users. This may be due to a lack of understanding about the complex ways people connect with spirituality within contemporary society and mental health contexts, and can result in people's spiritual needs being neglected, dismissed or pathologised within clinical practice. The aim of this qualitative systematic review is to characterise the experiences of spirituality among adults with mental health difficulties in published qualitative research.

Methods

An electronic search of seven databases was conducted along with forward and backward citation searching, expert consultation and hand-searching of journals. Thirty-eight studies were included from 4944 reviewed papers. The review protocol was pre-registered (PROSPERO:CRD42017080566).

Results

A thematic synthesis identified six key themes: Meaning-making (sub-themes: Multiple explanations; Developmental journey; Destinyv. autonomy), Identity, Service-provision, Talk about it, Interaction with symptoms (sub-themes: Interactive meaning-making; Spiritual disruption) and Coping (sub-themes: Spiritual practices; Spiritual relationship; Spiritual struggles; Preventing suicide), giving the acronym MISTIC.

Conclusions

This qualitative systematic review provides evidence of the significant role spirituality plays in the lives of many people who experience mental health difficulties. It indicates the importance of mental health professionals being aware of and prepared to support the spiritual dimension of people using services. The production of a theory-based framework can inform efforts by health providers to understand and address people's spiritual needs as part of an integrated holistic approach towards care.
Small Comrades as Historians and Ethnographers: Performativity, Agency, and the Socialist Pedagogy of Citizenship in Ceaușescu's Romania, 1969–1989
Authors: Georgescu Diana
Published: May 2019

Beginning with the state's successful promotion of purposeful and patriotic tourism for children in Ceaușescu's Romania, this article argues that we should move beyond traditional representations of the relationship between citizens and the socialist state in oppositional terms that emphasize resistance, subversion, and indifference, leaving historical subjects strangely disconnected from their socio-political context. Children and teachers who engaged in summer expeditions, for example, found self-fulfillment not only by opposing the regime or escaping into alternative lifestyles, but also by pursuing the socialist and national values the regime promoted and by activating forms of youth agency that were built into the socialist pedagogy of citizenship, which encouraged activism, voluntarism, and leadership in youth. To investigate young people's engagement with the socialist state, this article proposes a performative approach that has the potential to not only contribute to studies of late socialism, but also invigorate studies of nationalism and histories of childhood and youth under authoritarian regimes.
Event‐Based Precipitation Isotopes in the Laurentian Great Lakes Region Reveal Spatiotemporal Patterns in Moisture Recycling
Authors: Corcoran Megan C. , Thomas Elizabeth K. , Boutt David F.
Published: May 2019

Lake effect snowstorms influence climate, ecology, and agriculture in the Laurentian Great Lakes region and can be costly to surrounding communities in the United States and Canada. Stable isotopes of lake effect precipitation events throughout the year display a distinct signature that can be used to better understand how these storms may respond to a changing climate. Here we present event‐based δ18O and δ2H of precipitation from a site in Skaneateles, NY, downwind of Lakes Ontario and Erie, between April 2015 and February 2018. We find a seasonal isotopic cycle with a well‐defined signature of high deuterium excess (d‐excess) during National Weather Service‐defined lake effect snowstorms. Application of a previously developed moisture recycling model to this data set shows that up to 25% more moisture recycling takes place when the lake water and air temperature difference is large, air temperature is below freezing, and wind direction permits storms to move over Lake Ontario or Lake Erie. Moisture recycling occurs less frequently during spring, summer, and early fall due to meteorological and lake parameters that are less conducive to moisture recycling. Comparison of annual mean precipitation d‐excess at sites both upwind and downwind of the Laurentian Great Lakes provides evidence that this high d‐excess signature is characteristic of mean annual precipitation isotopic composition at downwind sites and therefore may be used to quantify changes in moisture recycling that occur on event to annual time scales in response to past and future climate changes.
Structural Variability of the Nightside Martian Ionosphere Near the Terminator: Implications on Plasma Sources
Authors: Cao Y.‐T. , Cui J. , Wu X.‐S. , Guo J.‐P. , Wei Y.
Published: May 2019

With the aid of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements made onboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, we examine the morphology of the nightside Martian ionosphere near the terminator at 150–250 km in terms of the extension into darkness for a selected set of ion species: O
, NO+, HNO+, N
/CO+, CO
, and HCO+. Our analysis reveals several interesting characteristics, including the presence of dawn‐dusk and north‐south asymmetries and the variability among different species. A full interpretation of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer observations relies on the combination of impact ionization by precipitating electrons and day‐to‐night plasma transport, as two important sources of plasma in the nightside Martian ionosphere near the terminator. The former partially contributes to the north‐south asymmetry, whereas the latter favorably explains not only the dawn‐dusk asymmetry but also NO+ and HCO+ as two exceptions which are more extended into darkness as compared to the other species on the dusk side. A comparison between the two plasma sources further indicates that the effect of day‐to‐night transport tends to be suppressed over the southern hemisphere. The above results highlight the impacts of crustal magnetic fields on the structural variability of the nightside Martian ionosphere near the terminator, manifest as the shielding of precipitating electrons and the suppression of day‐to‐night transport, both by the presence of strong magnetic anomalies clustering over the southern hemisphere of the planet.
Author Correction: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis on multiple Gene Expression Omnibus datasets of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Huang Shanzhou , Sun Chengjun , Hou Yuchen , Tang Yunhua , Zhu Zebin , Zhang Zhiheng , Zhang Yixi , Wang Linhe , Zhao Qiang , Chen Mao-Gen , Guo Zhiyong , Wang Dongping , Ju Weiqiang , Zhou Qi , Wu Linwei , He Xiaoshun
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Lipidomic Signatures of Nonhuman Primates with Radiation-Induced Hematopoietic Syndrome
Authors: Pannkuk Evan L. , Laiakis Evagelia C. , Singh Vijay K. , Fornace Albert J.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
High spatial resolution scintillator dosimetry of synchrotron microbeams
Authors: Archer James , Li Enbang , Davis Jeremy , Cameron Matthew , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Lerch Michael
Published: May 2019

Microbeam radiation therapy is a novel pre-clinical external beam therapy that uses high-brilliance synchrotron X-rays to deliver the necessary high dose rates. The unique conditions of high dose rate and high spatial fractionation demand a new class of detector to experimentally measure important beam quality parameters. Here we demonstrate the highest spatial resolution plastic scintillator fibre-optic dosimeter found in the literature to date and tested it on the Imaging and Medical Beam-Line at the Australian Synchrotron in a X-ray beam where the irradiation dose rate was 4435 Gy/s. With a one-dimensional spatial resolution of 10 μm the detector is able to resolve the individual microbeams (53.7 ± 0.4 μm wide), and measure the peak-to-valley dose ratio to be 55 ± 17. We also investigate the role of radioluminescence in the optical fibre used to transport the scintillation photons, and conclude that it creates a significant contribution to the total light detected.
A sulfonyl hydrazone cholesterol conjugate: gelation, anion interaction and its application in dye adsorption
Authors: Panja Atanu , Ghosh Sumit , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: May 2019

Cholesterol appended sulfonyl-hydrazone derivative 1 was designed and synthesized as a supramolecular gelator for anionic sensing and dye adsorption. Gelator 1 forms a strong gel in DMSO–H2O and the morphology of the xerogel shows a tiny rod-like fibrous network. The gel of 1 shows a selective response toward CN− and F− ions causing gel-to-sol transformation. The gel of 1 acts as an efficient matrix for adsorption and removal of anionic dyes such as erythrosine B and uranine from water.
The role of fluoride in anion–π interaction with naphthalene diimide
Authors: Tam Teck Lip Dexter , Xu Jian Wei
Published: May 2019

The role of fluoride in anion–π interaction with naphthalene diimide (NDI) is dependent on the solvent used.
Determination of element–deuterium bond lengths in Zintl phase deuterides by2H-NMR
Authors: Guehne Robin , Auer Henry , Kohlmann Holger , Haase Jürgen , Bertmer Marko
Published: May 2019

The Zintl phase deuterides CaSiD4/3, SrSiD5/3, BaSiD2, SrGeD4/3, BaGeD5/3and BaSnD4/3were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to reliably determine element–deuterium bond lengths.
Predicting aromatic exciplex fluorescence emission energies
Authors: Krueger Rachel A. , Blanquart Guillaume
Published: May 2019

Analysis of PAH exciplex TDDFT fluorescence energies shows a linear relationship between the mean monomer HOMO–LUMO gap and complex fluorescence.