bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phases of U (Nc) QCD3 from type 0 strings and Seiberg duality
Authors: Akhond Mohammad , Armoni Adi , Speziali Stefano
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We propose an embedding of U(N

c
) QCD3 with a Chern-Simons term in string theory. The UV gauge theory lives on the worldvolume of a Hanany-Witten brane configuration in type 0B string theory in the presence of Sagnotti’s O′3 orientifold. We use the brane configuration to propose a magnetic Seiberg dual. We identify various phases of the magnetic theory with conjectured phases of QCD3. In particular the symmetry breaking and bosonization phases are both associated with condensation of the dual squark field. We also discuss the abelian theory without Chern-Simons term and argue that flavour symmetry is not broken. Finally, we also predict novel type 0B string dynamics from QCD dynamics.
Cheating as a dynamic marketing strategy in monopoly, cartel and duopoly
Authors: Eigruber Markus , Wirl Franz
Published: October 2019

In 2015 it was discovered that Volkswagen had manipulated the exhaust emissions of its (diesel) cars. Since then, numerous other automotive car manufacturers were strongly suspected to violate against the same emission standards. This paper investigates how and why firms (monopoly, cartel and duopoly) engage in cheating, more precisely, promising attributes that are actually not part of the product. Firms make claims in order to better market their product but risk damaging their future reputation. The upshot of the paper is the stark difference between open loop and Markov perfect oligopolistic equilibrium outcomes. More precisely, the latter mitigates cheating substantially even below the levels attained by monopolies and cartels (unless consumers have a very short memory), which is contrary to the outcome in the limiting static version of the game. Therefore, revealing the true state (e.g., by mandating strict inspections) could force firms to use this information and play in Markov instead of open loop strategies.
Stabilization of myeloid-derived HIFs promotes vascular regeneration in retinal ischemia
Authors: Villacampa Pilar , Liyanage Sidath E. , Klaska Izabela P. , Cristante Enrico , Menger Katja E. , Sampson Robert D. , Barlow Maeve , Abelleira-Hervas Laura , Duran Yanai , Smith Alexander J. , Ali Robin R. , Luhmann Ulrich F. O. , Bainbridge James W. B.
Published: October 2019

The retinal vasculature is tightly organized in a structure that provides for the high metabolic demand of neurons while minimizing interference with incident light. The adverse impact of retinal vascular insufficiency is mitigated by adaptive vascular regeneration but exacerbated by pathological neovascularization. Aberrant growth of neovessels in the retina is responsible for impairment of sight in common blinding disorders including retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Myeloid cells are key players in this process, with diverse roles that can either promote or protect against ocular neovascularization. We have previously demonstrated that myeloid-derived VEGF, HIF1, and HIF2 are not essential for pathological retinal neovascularization. Here, however, we show by cell-specific depletion of Vhl in a mouse model of retinal ischemia (oxygen-induced retinopathy, OIR) that myeloid-derived HIFs promote VEGF and bFGF expression and enhance vascular regeneration in association with improved density and organization of the astrocytic network.
Biofeedback fixation training method for improving eccentric vision in patients with loss of foveal function secondary to different maculopathies
Authors: Morales Marco U. , Saker Saker , Wilde Craig , Rubinstein Martin , Limoli Paolo , Amoaku Winfried M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Fixation stability (FS) of the preferred retinal locus (PRL) may be improved by biofeedback fixation training (BFT) with microperimetry. Such training can be done on the patient’s PRL or in different retinal loci with better functional characteristics. We studied both options and compared the outcomes.

Methods

Sixty-seven consecutive patients with bilateral central vision loss, poor FS and visual acuity (VA) lower than 0.3 LogMAR were recruited for BFT with microperimeter. Patients were assigned into 2 groups. In group A, BFT was performed on the patient’s spontaneous PRL. In group B, PRL was located between 2 adjacent loci with the highest light sensitivity and the lowest distance from the fovea. Two sets of 12 weekly BFT sessions were performed. Primary outcomes were: FS, VA and reading speed.

Results

Outcomes were statistically significantly better in group B. Mean percentage of FS at therapy end improved from 32 to 35% for group A and from 40 to 55% in group B. Mean VA improved from 1 to 0.86 in group A and from 1 to 0.84 in group B. Reading speed (wpm) improved from 56 to 58 in group A and from 63 to 89 in group B.

Conclusions

This study describes a reliable methodology of improving eccentric fixation stability using BFT in microperimetry, when the fixation training locus is individualized as the retinal area with best functional characteristics. Further studies are needed to validate its value in a larger scale of patients, at different stages of the disease, and its persistence over time.
Current and Future Perspectives on Children’s Genetic- and Endophenotype-Based Differential Susceptibility to Parenting
Authors: Fischer Karen , Weeland Joyce , Leijten Patty , van den Akker Alithe , Overbeek Geertjan
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Accumulating research provides support for differential susceptibility, which holds that the same children who are most vulnerable to adversity, such as negative parenting, may also benefit most from enriched environments, such as positive parenting. This “for better and for worse” phenomenon is believed to be rooted in endogenous, biological susceptibility factors such as genes, and cognitive and physiological endophenotypes (e.g., heart rate variability and skin conductance). The goal of this paper is to discuss the effect of this biological perspective on children’s susceptibility, and the inclusion of genetic and endophenotypical data in parenting research to shed light on the differential effects of parenting behavior We discuss a number of conceptual and methodological issues related to prior studies that have aimed to assess this.

Methods

We review and discuss current and future perspectives on children’s genetic- and endophenotype-based differential susceptibility to parenting, and experimental study designs that can adequately assess the within-person phenomenon of differential susceptibility.

Results

We summarize our call for research in an experimental paradigm to test children’s gene- and endophenotype-based differential susceptibility to parenting in their development of externalizing behavior.

Conclusions

Hereby we aim to advance our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying children’s differential susceptibility to negative and positive parenting.
l-Arginine alleviates heat stress-induced intestinal epithelial barrier damage by promoting expression of tight junction proteins via the AMPK pathway
Authors: Xia Zhaofei , Huang Liqing , Yin Peng , Liu Fenghua , Liu Yanhan , Zhang Zhenbiao , Lin Jiabao , Zou Wenshu , Li Chunxiao
Published: October 2019

Heat stress (HS) and secondary restricted blood flow to the intestines cause dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Tight junctions (TJs) are essential to maintain intestinal integrity. l-Arginine has beneficial effects on gut functions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that l-arginine regulates the TJ network by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, which in turn improves intestinal barrier functions under HS. IEC-6 cells and rat small intestines were used as experiment models of heat stress. AICAR and dorsomorphin were used to activate and inhibit the AMPK pathway, respectively. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, differential gene expression and KEGG pathway analysis, intestinal paracellular permeability, intestinal morphology, and expression of HSP and TJ proteins, and p-AMPK were determined. l-Arginine promoted cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis after heat exposure at an optimal concentration of 5 mmol. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with the HSP family and TJs were elevated by l-arginine. According to KEGG pathway analysis, l-arginine activated the AMPK signaling pathway. In vivo, intestinal damage resulted in obvious morphological changes as well as apoptosis with TUNEL and caspase-3 staining under HS and dorsomorphin treatments. Furthermore, HS and dorsomorphin increased the serum D-lactate concentration, diamine oxidase activity, and mRNA expression level of MLCK (P < 0.05). In contrast, l-arginine and AICAR treatments reduced intestinal injury, maintained intestinal permeability, and increased the villus/crypt ratio under hyperthermia. l-Arginine had the same effect as AICAR both in vitro and in vivo, namely increasing p-AMPK protein expression. l-Arginine and AICAR also upregulated the mRNA expression level of HSP70 and HSP90, and downregulated mRNA expression of MLCK (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of TJ proteins ZO-1 and claudin-1 were suppressed by heat stroke and dorsomorphin, but enhanced by l-arginine and AICAR. Our findings indicate that activation of AMPK signaling by l-arginine is associated with improved intestinal mucosal barrier functions by enhancing the expression of TJs in rat small intestines and IEC-6 cells during HS.
Factors contributing to the ceiling effect of the EQ-5D-5L: an analysis of patients with prostate cancer judged “no-problems”
Authors: Murasawa Hideki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Matsuoka Yuki , Okabe Takashi , Wakumoto Yoshiaki , Tanaka Nobumichi , Sugimoto Mikio , Oyama Masafumi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Horie Shigeo , Funagoshi Masaru , Arakawa Ichiro , Noto Shinichi , Shimozuma Kojiro
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The goal of the present study was to determine factors related to a ceiling effect (CE) on the EQ-5D-5L among Japanese patients with prostate cancer (PC).

Methods

An existent cross-sectional observational study dataset was used. Patients were ≥ 20 years of age and diagnosed with PC. For CE determinants on the EQ-5D-5L, we excluded possible “full-health” patients flagged by the EQ-VAS (score = 100) and/or FACT-P (score = 156) instruments. We then divided them into binary variables: A CE group (EQ-5D-5L score = 1) and others (< 1). The associations between CE, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and FACT-P subscale scores were examined using a multivariate LASSO selection followed by a binomial logistic regression analysis performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 362 patients were analyzed. The LASSO selection variables, including all obtained variables, were as follows: age, palliative treatment, FACT-P physical well-being, and PC subscale score. Statistically significant variables predicting CE were palliative treatment (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.09–0.60), physical well-being (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.34–1.76), and PC subscale (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03–1.14).

Conclusions

This study revealed that palliative treatment and two FACT-P physical well-being and PC subscale scores were positively related to CE on the EQ-5D-5L. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine predictors of CE on the EQ-5D-5L. The present results may be helpful for facilitating the consideration of “bolt-on” studies from the standpoint of PC patients.
The Role of Value Deliberation to Improve Stakeholder Participation in Issues of Water Governance
Authors: Pigmans Klara , Aldewereld Huib , Dignum Virginia , Doorn Neelke
Published: October 2019

Stakeholder participation is a requirement for environmental decision-making in the European Union. Despite this, numerous instances can be seen in water governance in which stakeholders feel undervalued and unheard, thereby creating unfavourable procedural outcomes, resistance and conflict. In this article, we propose that a process of early-stage deliberation constructed around the values of the stakeholders involved can reduce, and even prevent such conflicts. We suggest that if values that stakeholders perceive as relevant can be identified and discussed as part of the deliberation process then (1) stakeholder preferences can change, and (2) participants can develop a mutual understanding of each other’s values and perspectives. To explore these propositions, facilitated workshops were conducted at two Dutch water institutes, based around the topics of land subsidence and the pharmaceutical contamination of water systems. Participants deliberated on values that they considered relevant. The results suggest that mutual understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives increases as a result of value-based deliberation.
Inhibition of Hypothalamic MCT4 and MCT1–MCT4 Expressions Affects Food Intake and Alters Orexigenic and Anorexigenic Neuropeptide Expressions
Authors: Elizondo-Vega Roberto , Oyarce Karina , Salgado Magdiel , Barahona María José , Recabal Antonia , Ordenes Patricio , López Sergio , Pincheira Roxana , Luz-Crawford Patricia , García-Robles María Angeles
Published: October 2019

Feeding behavior regulation is a complex process, which depends on the central integration of different signals, such as glucose, leptin, and ghrelin. Recent studies have shown that glial cells known as tanycytes that border the basal third ventricle (3V) detect glucose and then use glucose-derived signaling to inform energy status to arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurons to regulate feeding behavior. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1 and MCT4 are localized in the cellular processes of tanycytes, which could facilitate monocarboxylate release to orexigenic and anorexigenic neurons. We hypothesize that MCT1 and MCT4 inhibitions could alter the metabolic communication between tanycytes and ARC neurons, affecting feeding behavior. We have previously shown that MCT1 knockdown rats eat more and exhibit altered satiety parameters. Here, we generate MCT4 knockdown rats and MCT1–MCT4 double knockdown rats using adenovirus-mediated transduction of a shRNA into the 3V. Feeding behavior was evaluated in MCT4 and double knockdown animals, and neuropeptide expression in response to intracerebroventricular glucose administration was measured. MCT4 inhibition produced a decrease in food intake, contrary to double knockdown. MCT4 inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in eating rate and mean meal size and an increase in mean meal duration, parameters that are not changed in the double knockdown animals with exception of eating rate. Finally, we observed a loss in glucose regulation of orexigenic neuropeptides and abnormal expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides in response to fasting when these transporters are inhibited. Taken together, these results indicate that MCT1 and MCT4 expressions in tanycytes play a role in feeding behavior regulation.
The Effect of Aeration for 6-Pentyl-alpha-pyrone, Conidia and Lytic Enzymes Production by Trichoderma asperellum Strains Grown in Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Hamrouni Rayhane , Molinet Josiane , Dupuy Nathalie , Taieb Nadira , Carboue Quentin , Masmoudi Ahmed , Roussos Sevastianos
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the production of biopesticides has gained great attention in the scientific word because it is an important alternative to replace the much debated chemical pesticides used on the field crops. Fungal lytic enzymes, conidia and secondary metabolites like 6 pentyl-alpha-pyrone (6-PP) play a very important role in the biological control of pests. On the present study, the influence of application of air through a solid-state fermentation using threeTrichoderma asperellumstrains to produce conidia, 6-PP and essential enzymes were evaluated. A mix of vine shoots, potatoes flour, jatropha, olive pomace and olive oil as substrates was used.T. asperellumTV104 showed the best 6-PP production (3.06 ± 0.15 mg g DM−1), cellulases activities (34.3 ± 0.4 U g−1), and amylase activity (46.3 ± 0.6 U g−1) however,T. asperellumTF1 produced the higher levels of lipase (30.6 ± 0.3 U g−1), under air conditions. The production of these same enzymes was less efficient without the application of forced aeration. The forced aeration increased the conidia production, the best value was observed withT. asperellumTF1 (2.23 ± 0.07 × 109 g DM−1).

Graphic Abstract
Can investments in manure technology reduce nutrient leakage to the Baltic Sea?
Authors: Jansson Torbjörn , Andersen Hans Estrup , Hasler Berit , Höglind Lisa , Gustafsson Bo G.
Published: October 2019

In this study, quantitative models of the agricultural sector and nutrient transport and cycling are used to analyse the impacts in the Baltic Sea of replacing the current Greening measures of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy with a package of investments in manure handling. The investments aim at improving nutrient utilization and reducing nitrogen leaching, based on the assumption that lagging farms and regions can catch up with observed good practice. Our results indicate that such investments could reduce nitrogen surpluses in agriculture by 18% and nitrogen concentrations in the Baltic Sea by 1 to 9% depending on the basin. The Greening measures, in contrast, are found to actually increase nitrogen leaching.
Cross-Sectoral Big Data
Authors: Laurie Graeme T.
Published: October 2019

Discussion of uses of biomedical data often proceeds on the assumption that the data are generated and shared solely or largely within the health sector. However, this assumption must be challenged because increasingly large amounts of health and well-being data are being gathered and deployed in cross-sectoral contexts such as social media and through the internet of (medical) things and wearable devices. Cross-sectoral sharing of data thus refers to the generation, use and linkage of biomedical data beyond the health sector. This paper considers the challenges that arise from this phenomenon. If we are to benefit fully, it is important to consider which ethical values are at stake and to reflect on ways to resolve emerging ethical issues across ecosystems where values, laws and cultures might be quite distinct. In considering such issues, this paper applies the deliberative balancing approach of the Ethics Framework for Big Data in Health and Research (Xafis et al. 2019) to the domain of cross-sectoral big data. Please refer to that article for more information on how this framework is to be used, including a full explanation of the key values involved and the balancing approach used in the case study at the end.
Current and past leisure time physical activity in relation to risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults
Authors: Ogino Erika , Manly Jennifer J. , Schupf Nicole , Mayeux Richard , Gu Yian
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The associations between self‐reported current and past leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence were determined using data from the multiethnic Washington/Hamilton Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) study.

Methods

The metabolic equivalent of LTPA energy expenditure was calculated for self‐reported current and past LTPA for 1345 older adults. A Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to estimate the association between LTPA (low, middle, and high) and incident AD risk.

Results

Comparing high to low level, current and past LTPA were both associated with reduced AD risk, with hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.39 (0.20–0.75) and 0.37 (0.18–0.75), respectively. Compared with “always low,” “increased” and “always high” LTPA throughout life were associated with reduced AD risk, with hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.60 (0.36–0.99) and 0.28 (0.08–0.94), respectively. Light‐ and moderate‐intensity LTPA were associated with lower AD risk.

Discussion

LTPA both throughout life and later in life are associated with lower risk of AD.
State Patriotism and Jewish Nationalism in the Late Russian Empire: The Case of Vladimir Jabotinsky’s Journalist Writing on The Russo–Japanese War, 1904–1905
Authors: Shumsky Dmitry
Published: October 2019

In his autobiographical writings, the Russian-Jewish author and the founder of Zionist Revisionism Vladimir Jabotinsky constructed a retrospective self-image, according to which ever since becoming a Zionist early in the 20th century he exclusively clung to a Jewish national identity. This one-dimensional image was adopted by the early historiography of the Revisionist movement in Zionism. Contrary to this trend, much of the recent historiography on Jabotinsky has taken a different direction, describing him, particularly as a young man during the period of his early Zionism in Tsarist Russia, as a Russian-European cosmopolitan intellectual. Both these polarized positions are somewhat unbalanced and simplistic, whereas the figure of Jabotinsky and his worldview that emerge from reading his rich publicist writing in late Tsarist Russia present a far more complex picture of interplay between his deep ethnic-national primordial Jewish affinity, on the one hand, and an array of his different attachments to his non-Jewish surroundings including local, cultural, and civil identities, on the other. Focusing on Jabotinsky’s unexplored journalist writings that address the Russo-Japanese war of 1904–1905, the article discovers a previously unknown identity pattern of the young Jabotinsky—his Russian state patriotism—and traces its relationship to his Jewish nationalism.
Comprehensive comparison of social cognitive performance in autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Pinkham Amy E. , Morrison Kerrianne E. , Penn David L. , Harvey Philip D. , Kelsven Skylar , Ludwig Kelsey , Sasson Noah J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are separate neurodevelopmental disorders that are both characterized by difficulties in social cognition and social functioning. Due to methodological confounds, the degree of similarity in social cognitive impairments across these two disorders is currently unknown. This study therefore conducted a comprehensive comparison of social cognitive ability in ASD and SCZ to aid efforts to develop optimized treatment programs.

Methods

In total, 101 individuals with ASD, 92 individuals with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder, and 101 typically developing (TD) controls, all with measured intelligence in the normal range and a mean age of 25.47 years, completed a large battery of psychometrically validated social cognitive assessments spanning the domains of emotion recognition, social perception, mental state attribution, and attributional style.

Results

Both ASD and SCZ performed worse than TD controls, and very few differences were evident between the two clinical groups, with effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranging from 0.01 to 0.34. For those effects that did reach statistical significance, such as greater hostility in the SCZ group, controlling for symptom severity rendered them non-significant, suggesting that clinical distinctions may underlie these social cognitive differences. Additionally, the strength of the relationship between neurocognitive and social cognitive performance was of similar, moderate size for ASD and SCZ.

Conclusions

Findings largely suggest comparable levels of social cognitive impairment in ASD and SCZ, which may support the use of existing social cognitive interventions across disorders. However, future work is needed to determine whether the mechanisms underlying these shared impairments are also similar or if these common behavioral profiles may emerge via different pathways.
Implementing digital game-enhanced pedagogy: Supportive and impeding language awareness and discourse participation phenomena
Authors: McNeil Levi
Published: October 2019

This descriptive study investigated the implementation of student-selected, entertainment-purposed digital games for foreign language teaching and learning. During a 15-week semester, 16 Korean EFL students enrolled in an introductory educational technology course played online games, visited gaming sites, and completed instructional tasks. Conceptualizing games as social practices and drawing from the bridging activities framework (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008), instructional tasks were designed to enhance language awareness and to present possibilities for socialization into gaming discourses. The study investigated the ways that the designed pedagogy supported or impeded language awareness and gaming discourse participation. The study found that the students exhibited language awareness in many ways, but that there were missed opportunities in developing student understandings of language as a social medium. Additionally, six students (38%) directly participated in gaming spaces, and some of them took on more central roles in gaming practices over time. Other students, however, did not attempt to directly participate in gaming sites or were not successful in their attempts. These findings are discussed in regard to pedagogical design, including game selection and supporting learner analyses of gaming discourses, as well as avenues for future research examining socialization in classrooms and gaming spaces.
The impact of increased temperatures on germination patterns of semi-aquatic plants
Authors: Dessent Jade , Lawler Susan , Nielsen Daryl
Published: October 2019

Future climate change predictions indicate that there will be an increase in ambient air temperature. Increases in ambient air temperature will result in a corresponding increase in soil temperature. The consequences of further increases in soil temperature will potentially be detrimental for the soil seed bank of plants in terms of length of dormancy and viability of seeds. This experiment investigated the effect of different exposure temperatures and duration of exposure on the germination of semi-aquatic plant species. Seeds of four species (Alternanthera denticulata, Juncus usitatus, Persicaria lapathifolia and Persicaria prostrata) were exposed to temperatures ranging from 25 to 100°C for durations between 1 and 14 days, before being germinated in an incubator for 6 weeks. Germination occurred in all four species after exposure to temperatures ranging from 25 to 60°C. These temperatures appeared to promote germination as the temperature and duration of exposure increased. However, in P. lapathifolia and P. prostrata, the number of seeds germinating declined when exposed to 70°C and there was no germination for temperatures exceeding this. In contrast, A. denticulata and J. usitatus only began to decline when exposed to 80°C, with no germination at higher temperatures. These results suggest that soil temperatures exceeding potential threshold temperatures of 70 and 80°C will result in a decline in the number of seeds germinating and may potentially see a change in species distributions. As such soil temperatures are already being experienced throughout Australia, some species may already be close to their thermal threshold.
Life under another Sun: From Science Fiction to Science
Authors: Gillon Michaël
Published: October 2019

Initiated in the sixteenth century, the Copernican revolution toppled our Earth from its theological pedestal, revealing it not to be the centre of everything but a planet among several others in orbit around one of the zillions of stars of our Universe. Already proposed by some philosophers at the dawn of this major paradigm shift, the existence of exoplanets, i.e. planets in orbit around stars other than our Sun, remained suspected but unconfirmed for centuries. It is only in the last decade of the twentieth century that the first of these extrasolar worlds were found. Their seminal discoveries initiated the development of more and more ambitious projects that led eventually to the detection of thousands of exoplanets, including a few dozen potentially habitable ones, i.e. terrestrial exoplanets that could harbour large amounts of liquid water – and maybe life – on their surfaces. Upcoming astronomical facilities will soon be able to probe the atmospheric compositions of some of these extrasolar worlds, maybe performing in the process the historical detection of chemical signs of life light-years away. But while the existence of extraterrestrial life remains pure speculation for now, it has been a major theme of science fiction for more than a century. By creating countless stories of encounters between humans and alien forms of life, science-fiction authors have pursued, in a sense, the Copernican revolution, confronting us with the idea that not only could life be widespread in the Universe, but also that our species may be far from the Cosmic pinnacle in matters of intelligence and technological development.
A longitudinal description of incompetent to stand trial admissions to a state hospital
Authors: McDermott Barbara E. , Warburton Katherine , Auletta-Young Chloe
Published: October 2019

Objective.

Evidence is clear that the nation is experiencing an increasing number of incompetent to stand trial (IST) admissions to state hospitals. As a result, defendants in need of treatment can wait in jail for weeks for admission for restoration. This study was conducted to better understand this growing population and to inform hospital administration about the characteristics of IST admissions.

Methods.

The study was conducted at the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) facility in Napa (DSH-Napa), a 1200-bed primarily forensic inpatient psychiatric facility located in northern California. The records of patients found IST and admitted to DSH-Napa for restoration of competence between the dates of 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2016 were eligible for inclusion in the study.

Results.

There were a total of 3158 unduplicated IST admissions available during the specified time period. Our data indicate that the number of admissions with more than 15 prior arrests increased significantly, from 17.7% in 2009 to 46.4% in 2016. In contrast, the percent of patients reporting prior inpatient psychiatric hospitalization evidenced a consistent decrease over time from over 76% in 2009 to less than 50% in 2016.

Conclusion.

Our data add to the body of literature on the potential causes of the nationwide increase in competency referrals. The literature is clear that jails and prisons are now the primary provider of the nation’s mental health care. Our data suggest that another system has assumed this role: state hospitals and other providers charged with restoring individuals to competence.
Association between dietary patterns and chronic kidney disease in a middle-aged Chinese population
Authors: Xu Shan-Shan , Hua Jun , Huang Yi-Qian , Shu Long
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To explore the relationship between dietary patterns and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese adults aged 45–59 years.

Design:

Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Factor analysis was used to identify the major dietary patterns. Logistic regression models were applied to clarify the association between dietary patterns and the risk of CKD.

Setting:

The present study population was a part of the population-based Nutrition and Health Study performed in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, eastern China.

Participants:

A total of 2437 eligible participants (45–59 years) were enrolled in the present cross-sectional study from June 2015 to December 2016.

Results:

Three major dietary patterns were identified: ‘traditional southern Chinese’, ‘Western’ and ‘grains–vegetables’ patterns, collectively accounting for 25·6 % of variance in the diet. After adjustment for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of the Western pattern had greater odds for CKD (OR = 1·83, 95 % CI 1·21, 2·81; P < 0·05) than those in the lowest quartile. Compared with the lowest quartile of the grains–vegetables pattern, the highest quartile had lower odds for CKD (OR = 0·84, 95 % CI 0·77, 0·93; P < 0·05). In addition, there was no significant association between the traditional southern Chinese pattern and risk of CKD (P > 0·05).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the Western pattern is associated with an increased risk, whereas the grains–vegetables pattern is associated with a reduced risk for CKD. These findings can guide dietary interventions for the prevention of CKD in a middle-aged Chinese population.
Identification of promising resistance sources against sheath blight from the annual wild species of riceOryza nivara(SharmaetShastry)
Authors: Aggarwal S. K. , Neelam K. , Jain Jyoti , Kaur Rupinder , Pannu P. P. S. , Lenka S. K. , Lore J. S. , Singh Kuldeep
Published: October 2019

Sheath blight caused by soil borne necrotrophic fungusRhizoctonia solani[teleomorph-Thanatephorus cucumeris(Frank) Donk.] is a major disease of rice. The disease is increasing over the year in India and cause up to 69% yield loss under favourable conditions. A total of 67 accessions ofOryza nivarawere screened to identify resistance against sheath blight during 2015. Out of these, 16 accessions were found moderately resistant (MR) which were further evaluated during the year 2016 and 2017. After three years of screening, 12 of them were found to have a consistent moderate resistant reaction whereas four of theO. nivaraaccessions namely, IRGC81941, IRGC102463C, CR100097 and CR100110A have shown moderately susceptible to susceptible reaction against sheath blight. A correlation study revealed that different disease variables measured were significantly (P< 0.05) correlated. All the genotypes and genotype × environment interaction had a significant (P< 0.001) effect on all the disease variables. Cluster analysis showed that all the accessions were clustered into four groups which showed resistant, MR, moderately susceptible and susceptible reactions. Among all theO. nivaraaccessions IRGC81941A showed the maximum potential against sheath blight due to a least relative lesion height of 22.80%. None of the accession had complete resistance to the disease. The identified promising accessions such as IRGC81835, IRGC81941A, CR100008 and CR100111B can be utilized in a sheath blight resistance breeding program.
Guerrillas, Peasants, and Communists:Agrarian Reform in Cuba's 1958 Liberated Territories
Authors: Kozameh Sara
Published: October 2019

In October of 1958, amidst the guerrilla war to topple Fulgencio Batista, Fidel Castro's Rebel Army passed an Agrarian Reform Law that would serve as an embryo for the Cuban Revolution's 1959 land reform. Relying on rare documents from the insurgency, this paper reanimates the debate over the role of peasants during the war, arguing that peasants not only helped shape the movement to topple Batista, but that their mobilization led to the articulation of important guerrilla agrarian policies—including land reform. As the liberated territories became a laboratory in which rebels experimented with how to run a state, peasants took part in civil projects, simultaneously bestowing legitimacy on the movement and harnessing its organizational apparatus for the achievement of the peasants’ own goals. In highlighting the political subjectivity of Cuban peasants, this paper also gives new insight into everyday life during the rebel insurgency.
Angst und psychosomatische Erkrankungen: Eskalationsmechanismen und therapeutische Strategien aus der Sicht von Systemtheorie und Verhaltenstherapie
Authors: Hansch Dietmar
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Es dürfte kaum eine symptomatische Funktionsstörung oder Erkrankung geben, die beim Menschen nicht von mehr oder weniger starker Angst begleitet wird. Dies kann körperliche Krankheitsprozesse direkt negativ beeinflussen, immer erzeugt bzw. intensiviert es psychisches Leiden, oft verselbständigt es sich zu einer eigenständigen Angsterkrankung. Pathogenetisch spielen nichtlineare Verstärkungen eine zentrale Rolle, wie sie für Komplexe dynamische Systeme typisch sind. Während diese vielfältigen Teufelskreis-Mechanismen für die Eskalation der Symptome verantwortlich sind, bewirken fehlgeleitete Lernprozesse eine Chronifzierung. Es wird ein Integrierendes Modell für diese pathogenetischen Zusammenhänge entwickelt, das zugleich deutlich macht, wie man etablierte verhaltenstherapeutische Methoden zu ihrer Behandlung synergistisch kombinieren kann. Diese verfahrensintegrierende Verhaltenstherapie wird an einem Fallbeispiel exemplifiziert.
This Is How the World Moves
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: October 2019

In October, we celebrate AGU’s Centennial by looking under our feet, where the relatively new study of plate tectonics is evolving rapidly.
Human Activity Outpaces Volcanoes, Asteroids in Releasing Deep Carbon
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: October 2019

Humanity’s carbon emissions are, by far, the largest disturbance to Earth’s steady state carbon cycle.
ROCK1 induces dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis via the activation of Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Changpeng , Huang Jingbin , Liu Wuyi , Lai Wenjing , Leng Faning , Tang Qin , Liu Yali , Wang Qing , Zhou Min , Sheng Fangfang , Li Guobing , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2019

Dopamine deficiency is mainly caused by apoptosis of dopaminergic nerve cells in the substantia nigra of the midbrain and the striatum and is an important pathologic basis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent research has shown that dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission plays a crucial role in dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis. However, the upstream regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Our study showed that Drp1 knockdown inhibited aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Importantly, we found that ROCK1 was activated in an MPP+-induced PD cell model and that ROCK1 knockdown and the specific ROCK1 activation inhibitor Y-27632 blocked Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis of dopaminergic nerve cells by suppressing Drp1 dephosphorylation/activation. Our in vivo study confirmed that Y-27632 significantly improved symptoms in a PD mouse model by inhibiting Drp1-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Collectively, our findings suggest an important molecular mechanism of PD pathogenesis involving ROCK1-regulated dopaminergic nerve cell apoptosis via the activation of Drp1-induced aberrant mitochondrial fission.
The contrary intracellular and extracellular functions of PEDF in HCC development
Authors: Li Cen , Huang Zhijian , Zhu Liuqing , Yu Xianhuan , Gao Tianxiao , Feng Juan , Hong Honghai , Yin Haofan , Zhou Ti , Qi Weiwei , Yang Zhonghan , Liu Chao , Yang Xia , Gao Guoquan
Published: October 2019

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a classic angiogenic inhibitor, has been reported to function as a tumor suppression protein and to downregulate in many types of solid tumors. However, the expression level of PEDF and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are contradictory. The present study investigates the expression and different activities of secreted and intracellular PEDF during HCC development, as well as the underlying mechanism of PEDF on HCC lipid disorders. We found that PEDF had no association with patients’ prognosis, although PEDF was highly expressed and inhibited angiogenesis in HCC tumor tissues. The animal experiments indicated that full-length PEDF exhibited equalizing effects on tumor growth activation and tumor angiogenesis inhibition in the late stage of HCC progression. Importantly, the pro-tumor activity was mediated by the intracellular PEDF, which causes accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs) in vivo and in vitro. Based on the correlation analysis of PEDF and lipid metabolic indexes in human HCC tissues, we demonstrated that the intracellular PEDF led to the accumulation of FFA and eventually promoted HCC cell growth by inhibiting the activation of AMPK via ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation, which causes increased de novo fatty acid synthesis and decreased FFA oxidation. Our findings revealed why elevated PEDF did not improve the patients’ prognosis as the offsetting intracellular and extracellular activities. This study will lead to a comprehensive understanding of the diverse role of PEDF in HCC and provide a new selective strategy by supplement of extracellular PEDF and downregulation of intracellular PEDF for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
Verteporfin-induced lysosomal compartment dysregulation potentiates the effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gavini Jacopo , Dommann Noëlle , Jakob Manuel O. , Keogh Adrian , Bouchez Laure C. , Karkampouna Sofia , Julio Marianna Kruithof-de , Medova Michaela , Zimmer Yitzhak , Schläfli Anna M. , Tschan Mario P. , Candinas Daniel , Stroka Deborah , Banz Vanessa
Published: October 2019

Lysosomal sequestration of anti-cancer compounds reduces drug availability at intracellular target sites, thereby limiting drug-sensitivity and inducing chemoresistance. For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (SF) is the first line systemic treatment, as well as a simultaneous activator of autophagy-induced drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to elucidate how combination therapy with the FDA-approved photosensitizer verteporfin (VP) can potentiate the antitumor effect of SF, overcoming its acquired resistance mechanisms. HCC cell lines and patient-derived in vitro and in vivo preclinical models were used to identify the molecular mechanism of action of VP alone and in combination with SF. We demonstrate that SF is lysosomotropic and increases the total number of lysosomes in HCC cells and patient-derived xenograft model. Contrary to the effect on lysosomal stability by SF, VP is not only sequestered in lysosomes, but induces lysosomal pH alkalinization, lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and tumor-selective proteotoxicity. In combination, VP-induced LMP potentiates the antitumor effect of SF, further decreasing tumor proliferation and progression in HCC cell lines and patient-derived samples in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that combination of lysosome-targeting compounds, such as VP, in combination with already approved chemotherapeutic agents could open a new avenue to overcome chemo-insensitivity caused by passive lysosomal sequestration of anti-cancer drugs in the context of HCC.
Modeling and observation of mid-infrared nonlocality in effective epsilon-near-zero ultranarrow coaxial apertures
Authors: Yoo Daehan , Vidal-Codina Ferran , Ciracì Cristian , Nguyen Ngoc-Cuong , Smith David R. , Peraire Jaime , Oh Sang-Hyun
Published: October 2019

With advances in nanofabrication techniques, extreme-scale nanophotonic devices with critical gap dimensions of just 1–2 nm have been realized. Plasmons in such ultranarrow gaps can exhibit nonlocal response, which was previously shown to limit the field enhancement and cause optical properties to deviate from the local description. Using atomic layer lithography, we create mid-infrared-resonant coaxial apertures with gap sizes as small as 1 nm and observe strong evidence of nonlocality, including spectral shifts and boosted transmittance of the cutoff epsilon-near-zero mode. Experiments are supported by full-wave 3-D nonlocal simulations performed with the hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method. This numerical method captures atomic-scale variations of the electromagnetic fields while efficiently handling extreme-scale size mismatch. Combining atomic-layer-based fabrication techniques with fast and accurate numerical simulations provides practical routes to design and fabricate highly-efficient large-area mid-infrared sensors, antennas, and metasurfaces.
A tunable dual-input system for on-demand dynamic gene expression regulation
Authors: Pedone Elisa , Postiglione Lorena , Aulicino Francesco , Rocca Dan L. , Montes-Olivas Sandra , Khazim Mahmoud , di Bernardo Diego , Pia Cosma Maria , Marucci Lucia
Published: October 2019

Cellular systems have evolved numerous mechanisms to adapt to environmental stimuli, underpinned by dynamic patterns of gene expression. In addition to gene transcription regulation, modulation of protein levels, dynamics and localization are essential checkpoints governing cell functions. The introduction of inducible promoters has allowed gene expression control using orthogonal molecules, facilitating its rapid and reversible manipulation to study gene function. However, differing protein stabilities hinder the generation of protein temporal profiles seen in vivo. Here, we improve the Tet-On system integrating conditional destabilising elements at the post-translational level and permitting simultaneous control of gene expression and protein stability. We show, in mammalian cells, that adding protein stability control allows faster response times, fully tunable and enhanced dynamic range, and improved in silico feedback control of gene expression. Finally, we highlight the effectiveness of our dual-input system to modulate levels of signalling pathway components in mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
Reduced mu opioid receptor availability in schizophrenia revealed with [11C]-carfentanil positron emission tomographic Imaging
Authors: Ashok Abhishekh H. , Myers Jim , Reis Marques Tiago , Rabiner Eugenii A. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: October 2019

Negative symptoms, such as amotivation and anhedonia, are a major cause of functional impairment in schizophrenia. There are currently no licensed treatments for negative symptoms, highlighting the need to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying them. Mu-opioid receptors (MOR) in the striatum play a key role in hedonic processing and reward function and are reduced post-mortem in schizophrenia. However, it is unknown if mu-opioid receptor availability is altered in-vivo or related to negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Using [11 C]-carfentanil positron emission tomography (PET) scans in 19 schizophrenia patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls, here we show a significantly lower MOR availability in patients with schizophrenia in the striatum (Cohen’s d = 0.7), and the hedonic network. In addition, we report a marked global increase in inter-regional covariance of MOR availability in schizophrenia, largely due to increased cortical-subcortical covariance.
Publisher Correction: Human DEF6 deficiency underlies an immunodeficiency syndrome with systemic autoimmunity and aberrant CTLA-4 homeostasis
Authors: Serwas Nina K. , Hoeger Birgit , Ardy Rico C. , Stulz Sigrun V. , Sui Zhenhua , Memaran Nima , Meeths Marie , Krolo Ana , Petronczki Özlem Yüce , Pfajfer Laurène , Hou Tie Z. , Halliday Neil , Santos-Valente Elisangela , Kalinichenko Artem , Kennedy Alan , Mace Emily M. , Mukherjee Malini , Tesi Bianca , Schrempf Anna , Pickl Winfried F. , Loizou Joanna I. , Kain Renate , Bidmon-Fliegenschnee Bettina , Schickel Jean-Nicolas , Glauzy Salomé , Huemer Jakob , Garncarz Wojciech , Salzer Elisabeth , Pierides Iro , Bilic Ivan , Thiel Jens , Priftakis Peter , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Förster-Waldl Elisabeth , Medgyesi David , Huber Wolf-Dietrich , Orange Jordan S. , Meffre Eric , Sansom David M. , Bryceson Yenan T. , Altman Amnon , Boztug Kaan
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.