bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical quantum private query based on Bell state
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhang Shibin , Gao Xiang , Chang Yan
Published: June 2019

Quantum private query (QPQ) is a cryptographic application that protects the privacy of both users and databases while querying the database secretly. In most existing QPQ protocols, the protection of user privacy can only be cheat-sensitive. Cheat-sensitive means that Bob will be found later with a certain probability if he tries to get the address queried by Alice. On the premise of cheat-sensitivity, although Alice can discover Bob’s malicious behavior after a query (transaction), the secret information of Alice was leaked in the completed query, which is likely to be a fatal blow to Alice. Or, to prevent Bob’s malicious behavior, Alice executes one or more additional queries to test Bob’s honesty. However, to bypass Alice’s honesty test, Bob can also provide several honest queries before performing dishonest queries. Therefore, cheat-sensitive should not be the ultimate goal of user privacy protection in QPQ. In this paper, we propose a practical QKD-based QPQ protocol with better user privacy protection than cheat-sensitivity based on order rearrangement of qubits. The proposed QPQ protocol can resist the Trojan horse attack even without wavelength filter and photon number splitter (PNS) equipped with auxiliary monitoring detectors.
Exact solution of the relativistic finite-difference equation for the Coulomb plus a ring-shaped-like potential
Authors: Nagiyev Sh. M. , Ahmadov A. I.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, a three-dimensional problem of the motion of a charged relativistic particle in a noncentral Coulomb plus ring-shaped potential is studied. Our investigation is based on a finite-difference version of relativistic quantum mechanics. The energy eigenvalues and the corresponding wave functions are obtained analytically. It is shown that radial part and the angular part of the wave functions are expressed through the Meixner–Pollaczek polynomials and Jacobi polynomials, respectively. All relativistic expressions, for example, radial wave functions and energy spectrum, have the correct nonrelativistic limit. We also build a dynamical symmetry group for the radial part of the equation of motion, which allows us to find the energy spectrum purely algebraically.
High Stable and Low Power 8T CNTFET SRAM Cell
Authors: Elangovan M. , Gunavathi K.
Published: June 2019

Designing of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology based VLSI circuits in deep submicron range includes many challenges like tremendous increase of leakage power. Design is also easily affected by process variation. The Carbon NanoTube Field Effect Transistor (CNTFET) is an alternative for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) for nanoscale range VLSI circuits design. CNTFET offers best performance than MOSFET. It has high stability and consumes least power. Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cells play a vital role in cache memory in most of the electronic circuits. In this paper, we have proposed a high stable and low power CNTFET based 8Transistor (8T) SRAM cell. The performance of proposed 8T SRAM cells for nominal chiral value (all CNTFET with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and Dual chiral value (NCNTFET with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and PCNTFET [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) is compared with that of conventional 6T and 8T cells. From the simulation results, it is noted that the proposed structure consumes less power than conventional 6T and 8T cells during read/write operations and gives higher stability during write and hold modes. It consumes higher power than conventional 6T and 8T cells during hold mode and provides lower stability in read mode due to direct contact of bit lines with storage nodes. A comparative analysis of proposed and conventional 8T MOSFET SRAM has been done and the SRAM parameters are tabulated. The simulation is carried out using Stanford University 32[Formula: see text]nm CNTFET model in HSPICE simulation tool.
2-Adjacency between some special knots and pretzel knot
Authors: Tao Zhi-Xiong
Published: June 2019

We study 2-adjacency between a classical (3-strand) pretzel knot and the trefoil knot or the figure-eight knot by using the early results about classical pretzel knots and their polynomials and elementary number theory. We show that except for the trefoil knot or the figure-eight knot, a nontrivial classical pretzel knot is not 2-adjacent to either of them, and vice versa.
Nonlinear matter terms in general scalar–tensor braneworld cosmology
Authors: Pardede Kevin F. S. , Suroso Agus , Zen Freddy P.
Published: June 2019

A five-dimensional braneworld cosmological model in general scalar–tensor action that is comprised of various Horndeski Lagrangians is considered. The Friedmann equations in the case of strongly and weakly coupled [Formula: see text] Horndeski Lagrangians have been obtained. The strongly coupled [Formula: see text] model produces the Cardassian term [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], which can serve as an alternative explanation for the accelerated expansion phase of the universe. Furthermore, the latest combined observational facts from BAO, CMB, SNIa, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] value observation suggest that the [Formula: see text] term lies quite close to the constrained value. On the other hand, the weakly coupled [Formula: see text] case has several new correction terms which are omitted in the braneworld Einstein–Hilbert model, e.g. the cubic [Formula: see text] and the dark radiation–matter interaction term [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, this model provides a cosmological constant constructed from the bulk scalar field, requires no brane tension and supports the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) constraint naturally.
Twistorial examples of Riemannian almost product manifolds and their Gil–Medrano and Naveira types
Authors: Davidov Johann
Published: June 2019

Non-trivial examples of Riemannian almost product structures are constructed on the product bundle of the positive and negative twistor spaces of an oriented Riemannian four-manifold. The Gil–Medrano and Naveira types of these structures are determined and a geometric interpretation of the corresponding classes is given.
Gelicit
Authors: Magrofuoco Nathan , Vanderdonckt Jean
Published: June 2019

A gesture elicitation study, as originally defined, consists of gathering a sample of participants in a room, instructing them to produce gestures they would use for a particular set of tasks, materialized through a representation called referent, and asking them to fill in a series of tests, questionnaires, and feedback forms. Until now, this procedure is conducted manually in a single, physical, and synchronous setup. To relax the constraints imposed by this manual procedure and to support stakeholders in defining and conducting such studies in multiple contexts of use, this paper presents Gelicit, a cloud computing platform that supports gesture elicitation studies distributed in time and space structured into six stages: (1) define a study: a designer defines a set of tasks with their referents for eliciting gestures and specifies an experimental protocol by parameterizing its settings; (2) conduct a study: any participant receiving the invitation to join the study conducts the experiment anywhere, anytime, anyhow, by eliciting gestures and filling forms; (3) classify gestures: an experimenter classifies elicited gestures according to selected criteria and a vocabulary; (4) measure gestures: an experimenter computes gesture measures, like agreement, frequency, to understand their configuration; (5) discuss gestures: a designer discusses resulting gestures with the participants to reach a consensus; (6) export gestures: the consensus set of gestures resulting from the discussion is exported to be used with a gesture recognizer. The paper discusses Gelicit advantages and limitations with respect to three main contributions: as a conceptual model for gesture management, as a method for distributed gesture elicitation based on this model, and as a cloud computing platform supporting this distributed elicitation. We illustrate Gelicit through a study for eliciting 2D gestures executing Internet of Things tasks on a smartphone.
Creating Interactive Scientific Publications using Bindings
Authors: Konkol Markus , Kray Christian , Suleiman Jan
Published: June 2019

Many scientific publications report on computational results based on code and data, but even when code and data are published, the main text is usually provided in a separate, traditional format such as PDF. Since code, data, and text are not linked on a deep level, it is difficult for readers and reviewers to understand and retrace how the authors achieved a specific result that is reported in the main text, e.g. a figure, table, or number. In addition, to make use of new the opportunities afforded by data and code availability, such as re-running analyses with changed parameters, considerable effort is required. In order to overcome this issue and to enable more interactive publications that support scientists in more deeply exploring the reported results, we present the concept, implementation, and initial evaluation of bindings. A binding describes which data subsets, code lines, and parameters produce a specific result that is reported in the main text (e.g. a figure or number). Based on a prototypical implementation of these bindings, we propose a toolkit for authors to easily create interactive figures by connecting specific UI widgets (e.g. a slider) to parameters. In addition to inspecting code and data, readers can then manipulate the parameter and see how the results change. We evaluated the approach by applying it to a set of existing articles. The results provide initial evidence that the concept is feasible and applicable to many papers with moderate effort.
AB4Web
Authors: Vanderdonckt Jean , Zen Mathieu , Vatavu Radu-Daniel
Published: June 2019

We introduce AB4Web, a web-based engine that implements a balanced randomized version of the multivariate A/B testing, specifically designed for practitioners to readily compare end-users' preferences for user interface alternatives, such as menu layouts, widgets, controls, forms, or visual input commands. AB4Web automatically generates a balanced set of randomized pairs from a pool of user interface design alternatives, presents them to participants, collects their preferences, and reports results from the perspective of four quantitative measures: the number of presentations, the preference percentage, the latent score of preference, and the matrix of preferences. In this paper, we exemplify the AB4Web tester with a user study for which N=108 participants expressed their preferences regarding the visual design of 49 distinct graphical adaptive menus, with a total number of 5,400 preference votes. We compare the results obtained from our quantitative measures with four alternative methods: Condorcet, de Borda count starting at one and zero, and the Dowdall scoring system. We plan to release AB4Web as a public tool for practitioners to create their own A/B testing experiments.
Characterization of a mouse model of hypereosinophilia-associated heart disease
Authors: Prows Daniel R. , Klingler Andrea , Gibbons William J. , Homan Shelli M. , Zimmermann Nives
Published: June 2019

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is characterized by sustained and marked eosinophilia leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Morbidity and mortality occur primarily due to cardiac and thromboembolic complications. Understanding the cause and mechanism of disease would aid in the development of targeted therapies with greater efficacy and fewer side effects. We discovered a spontaneous mouse mutant in our colony with a hypereosinophilic phenotype. Mice develop peripheral blood eosinophilia; infiltration of lungs, spleen, and heart by eosinophils; and extensive myocardial damage and remodeling. This ultimately leads to heart failure and premature death. Histopathological assessment of the hearts revealed a robust inflammatory infiltrate composed primarily of eosinophils and B-lymphocytes, associated with myocardial damage and replacement fibrosis, consistent with eosinophilic myocarditis. In many cases, hearts showed dilatation and thinning of the right ventricular wall, suggestive of an inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy. Most mice showed atrial thrombi, which often filled the chamber. Protein expression analysis revealed overexpression of chemokines and cytokines involved in innate and adaptive immunity including IL-4, eotaxin, and RANTES. Disease could be transferred to wild-type mice by adoptive transfer of splenocytes from affected mice, suggesting a role for the immune system. In summary, the pathologies observed in the mutant lines are reminiscent of those seen in patients with hypereosinophilia, where cardiac-related morbidities, like congestive heart failure and thrombi, are the most common causes of death. As such, our model provides an opportunity to test mechanistic hypotheses and develop targeted therapies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article describes a new model of heart disease in hypereosinophilia. The model developed as a spontaneous mouse mutant in the colony and is characterized by peripheral blood eosinophilia and infiltration of lungs, spleen, and heart by eosinophils. In the heart, there is extensive myocardial damage, remodeling, fibrosis, and thrombosis, leading to heart failure and death. The immune microenvironment is one of increased innate and adaptive immunity, including Th1 and Th2 cytokines/chemokines. Finally, adoptive transfer of splenocytes transfers disease to recipient mice. In summary, this model provides an opportunity to test mechanistic hypotheses and develop targeted therapies for this rare but devastating disease.
Extraneural Metastasis of Primary Glioma Occurring in a Setting of Occupational Ionizing Radiation Exposure
Authors: Prabhakaran Nitya , Miller Douglas C. , Litofsky N. Scott , Frazier Shellaine R.
Published: June 2019

Malignant gliomas account for 60% of all primary brain tumors in adults. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary glial tumor with a dismal prognosis and a median survival of approximately 14 months. Extra-neural metastases from primary brain tumors are unusual with an incidence rate of less than 2%. This has been attributed to factors such as short survival, lack of true lymphatics in the CNS, and physical barriers provided by the dura, extracellular matrix, and basement membrane. Although most GBMs occur sporadically, there is a known association with therapeutic radiation exposure and with work in nuclear disaster cleanup. To our knowledge, no case of GBM with metastasis occurring in a patient with occupational radiation exposure currently exists in the literature. In this article, we present a case of GBM with lung metastasis occurring in a 51-year-old Caucasian male, whose history is significant for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, and review the literature on GBM risk factors and potential mechanisms of metastasis.
Modeling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in hSOD1G93A Transgenic Swine
Authors: Chieppa M.N. , Perota A. , Corona C. , Grindatto A. , Lagutina I. , Vallino Costassa E. , Lazzari G. , Colleoni S. , Duchi R. , Lucchini F. , Caramelli M. , Bendotti C. , Galli C. , Casalone C.
Published: June 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that occurs in two clinically indistinguishable forms: sporadic (SALS) and familial (FALS), the latter linked to several gene mutations, mostly inheritable in a dominant manner. Nearly 20% of FALS forms are linked to mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene. Research on ALS relies on transgenic models and particularly on mice carrying a glycine-to-alanine conversion at the 93rd codon (G93A) of the hSOD1 gene. Although G93A transgenic mice have been widely employed in clinical trials and basic research, doubts have been recently raised from numerous reliable sources about their suitability to faithfully reproduce human disease. Besides, the scientific community has already foreseen swine as an attractive and alternative model to nonhuman primates for modeling human diseases due to closer anatomical, physiological and biochemical features of swine rather than rodents to humans. On this basis, we have produced the first swine ALS model by in vitro transfection of cultured somatic cells combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). To achieve this goal we developed a SOD1G93A (superoxide dismutase 1 mutated in Gly93-Ala) vector, capable of promoting a high and stable transgene expression in primary porcine adult male fibroblasts (PAF). After transfection, clonal selection and transgene expression level assessment, selected SOD1G93A PAF colonies were used as nuclei donors in SCNT procedures. SOD1G93A embryos were transferred in recipient sows, and pregnancies developed to term. A total of 5 piglets survived artificial hand raising and weaning and developed normally, reaching adulthood. Preliminary analysis revealed transgene integration and hSOD1G93A expression in swine tissues and 360° phenotypical characterization is ongoing. We believe that our SOD1G93A swine would provide an essential bridge between the fundamental work done in rodent models and the reality of treating ALS.
Periventricular White Matter Lesions Influence Gait Functions in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Toda Kunio , Iijima Mutsumi , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: June 2019

Objective: We quantitatively evaluated the gait of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients over a 10-m course during normal walking and during dual-task walking while performing a calculation task, and clarified which parts of white matter lesions (WML) influence gait in PD patients. Methods: Gait parameters, including walking speed, gait cycle, stride length, and left-right instability, were measured in 64 PD patients and 20 controls who walked 10 m with normal gait and as they were performing a calculation task. WML on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of PD patients were scored according to Scheltens’ criteria, and associations with gait parameters were investigated. Results: Compared to controls, the PD group showed decreased walking speed and narrowed stride (p < 0.05), and the stride length and step time coefficient of variation changed significantly during the calculation task (p < 0.001). Frontal lobe functions correlated positively with walking speed and stride during the calculation task in patients with PD (p < 0.05). The total score for periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) on MRI correlated with walking speed and stride (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between walking speed and frontal cap of PVH, and between stride and occipital cap (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Gait of PD patients deteriorated not only due to motor dysfunction but also due to mental burden in association with frontal lobe function and periventricular lesions of cerebral white matter.
Cognitive Assessments in Hydration Research Involving Children: Methods and Considerations
Authors: Westfall Daniel R. , Logan Nicole E. , Khan Naiman A. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: June 2019

The effects of optimal and insufficient hydration on human health have received increasing investigation in recent years. Specifically, water is an essential nutrient for human health, and the importance of hydration on cognition has continued to attract research interest over the last decade. Despite this focus, children remain a relatively understudied population relative to the effects of hydration on cognition. Of those studies investigating children, findings have been inconsistent, resulting from utilizing a wide variety of cognitive domains and cognitive assessments, as well as varied hydration protocols. Here, our aim is to create a primer for assessing cognition during hydration research in children. Specifically, we review the definition of cognition and the domains of which it is composed, how cognition has been measured in both field- and laboratory-based assessments, results from neuroimaging methods, and the relationship between hydration and academic achievement in children. Lastly, future research considerations are discussed.
International Society of Nephrology 0 by 25 Project: Lessons Learned
Authors: Macedo Etienne , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo , Mehta Ravindra L. , Rocco Michael V.
Published: June 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disorder with a high risk of mortality and development of chronic kidney disease. With the validation of the recent classification systems, RIFLE in 2004 and KDIGO, in use today, our understanding of AKI has evolved. We now know that community-acquired AKI is also associated with an increased risk of worse outcomes. In addition, several epidemiological studies, including cohorts from low-income and low-middle income countries, have confirmed common risk factors for community-acquired AKI. In 2013, the International Society of Nephrology launched the 0 by 25 campaign with the goal that no patient should die from preventable or untreated AKI in low-resource areas by 2025 [Mehta et al.: Lancet 2015;385:2616–43]. The initial effort of the initiative was a meta-analysis of AKI epidemiology around the world. The second project of the 0 by 25 initiative, the Global AKI Snapshot (GSN) study, provided insights into the recognition, treatment, and outcomes of AKI worldwide [Mehta et al.: Lancet 2016;387:2017–25]. Following the GSN, a Pilot Project was designed to test whether education and a simple protocol-based approach can improve outcomes in patients at risk of community-acquired AKI in low-resource settings [Macedo: J Am Soc Nephrol 2017]. In this review, we will comment on the main findings and lessons learned from the 0 by 25 initiative.
Safe Water Community Project in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Macedo Etienne , Rocco Michael V. , Mehta Ravindra , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo
Published: June 2019

Few studies have assessed kidney function in patients with gastrointestinal infections in low-resource settings. Although dehydration is a frequent complication of acute diarrhea, we do not know the frequency and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) in this context. A high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been reported among the inhabitants of poor communities in Poncitlan, Mexico. Polluted drinking water has been implicated as a probable cause. These communities report a high mortality associated with gastrointestinal infection. It is possible that a high incidence of waterborne disease and consequent more episodes of AKI might contribute to the high prevalence of CKD in this population. In this study, we aim to determine the association between the use of unsafe water and the incidence of acute diarrhea and AKI, and to determine if the provision of clean water decreases these complications. The study will be conducted in 3 communities of the municipality of Poncitlan. Initially, we will determine the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) characteristics in the population and evaluate the incidence of diarrheal disease. In the observation phase, outcomes will be assessed after families receive training in WASH techniques, but before they are provided with clean water. In the intervention phase, outcomes will be assessed after clean water is provided.
Unravelling the Role of MAPKs (ERK1/2) in Venous Reflux in Patients with Chronic Venous Disorder
Authors: Ortega Miguel A. , Asúnsolo Ángel , Romero Beatriz , Álvarez-Rocha María J. , Sainz Felipe , Leal Javier , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Buján Julia , García-Honduvilla Natalio
Published: June 2019

Chronic venous disorder (CVeD), is a disorder in which there is a modification in the conditions of blood return to the heart. The disorder may arise from incompetent valves and the resultant venous reflux (chronic venous insufficiency, CVI). The economic burden of CVeD on health systems is high, and research efforts have sought to elucidate the mechanisms involved as possible therapeutic targets. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) enzymes mediate a wide array of physiopathological processes in human tissues. In this family of proteins, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 plays a direct role in the cell homeostasis that determines the viability of mammalian tissues. This study sought to examine whether ERK1/2 plays a role in venous reflux. This was a prospective study performed on 56 participants including 11 healthy controls. Of the CVeD patients, 23 had venous reflux with CVI (CVI-R) and 22 had no reflux (NR). Distribution by age was: controls <50 years (n = 4) and ≥50 years (n = 7); NR <50 years (n = 9) and ≥50 years (n = 13); CVI-R <50 years (n = 11) and ≥50 years (n = 12). Great saphenous vein specimens were subjected to gene (real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry, IHC) expression techniques to identify ERK1/2. Data was compared between groups using the Mann Whitney U test. Patients with CVI showed significant gene activation of ERK1/2 protein, and, in those with venous reflux, the expression of this gene was significantly greater. The CVI-R group <50 years showed significantly greater ERK1/2 gene expression than their age-matched controls. Expression patterns were consistent with IHC findings. Our studies suggest that ERK1/2 expression is involved in venous vascular disease.
A Body Mass Index-Based Cross-Classification Approach for the Assessment of Prognostic Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease Progression
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Ono Kota , Mochizuki Toshio , Hanafusa Norio , Imai Enyu , Hishida Akira , Nitta Kosaku
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: Cross-classification analyses are rarely reported. We investigated the prognostic factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression using a body mass index (BMI)-based cross-classification approach. Methods: Patients’ renal outcome (≥50% decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate or end-stage renal disease) in each subcohort was examined. Results: The number of prognostic factors identified in the multivariate Cox analysis was smaller in the “BMI ≥25, female” and CKD stage 3 subcohorts than in other subcohorts. Prognostic factors identified in the “BMI ≥25, CKD stage 3” subcohort only comprised albuminuria and male sex, and those in the “BMI ≥25, female” subcohort only comprised albuminuria, hyperphosphatemia, and anemia. Albuminuria, kidney impairment, male sex, hyperphosphatemia, anemia, and increased pulse pressure × heart rate product (PP × HR; pulsatile stress) were stable renal prognostic factors in almost all subcohorts. On the other hand, the prognostic value of increased BMI, younger age, hypoalbuminemia, increased intact parathyroid hormone, and decreased estimated 24-h urinary potassium excretion (e24hUK) differed according to subcohort. BMI was positively associated with CKD progression in the “BMI ≥25, age ≥65 years” and “BMI ≥25, CKD stages 4–5” subcohorts, whereas it was negatively associated with CKD progression in the “BMI <25, diabetes mellitus” subcohort. PP × HR was independently associated with CKD progression in the “BMI <25, CKD stage 3” subcohort, which had relatively few identified renal prognostic factors. Decreased e24hUK was a renal prognostic factor for CKD progression in the “BMI <25, CKD stages 4–5” subcohort, while no significant factors were observed in the “BMI ≥25, CKD stages 4–5” subcohort. Conclusion: A BMI-based cross-classification approach, which provides more comprehensive findings than that in previous approaches, is expected to be an effective method for evaluating renal prognostic factors in patients with CKD who are affected by multiple risk factors.
Neural Crest Cells Differentiate Into Brown Adipocytes and Contribute to Periaortic Arch Adipose Tissue Formation
Authors: Fu Mengxia , Xu Lian , Chen Xiaohui , Han Weiqing , Ruan Chengchao , Li Jun , Cai Chenleng , Ye Maoqing , Gao Pingjin
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Periaortic arch adipose tissue (PAAT) plays critical roles in regulating vascular homeostasis; however, its anatomic features, developmental processes, and origins remain unclear.

Approach and Results:

Anatomic analysis and genetic lineage tracing of Wnt1 (wingless-type MMTV [mouse mammary tumor virus] integration site family member 1)-Cre
+
;Rosa26
RFP/+
mice, Myf5 (myogenic factor 5)-Cre
+
;Rosa26
RFP/+
mice, and SM22α-Cre
+
;Rosa26
RFP/+
mice are performed, and the results show that PAAT has unique anatomic features, and the developmental processes of PAAT are independent of the others periaortic adipose tissues. PAAT adipocytes are mainly derived from neural crest cells (NCCs) rather than from Myf5
+
progenitors. Most PAAT adipocyte progenitors expressed SM22α
+
(smooth muscle protein 22-alpha) during development. Using Wnt1-Cre
+
;
PPAR
γ
flox/flox
mice, we found that knockout of PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor)-γ in NCCs results in PAAT developmental delay and dysplasia, further confirming that NCCs contribute to PAAT formation. And we further indicated PAAT dysplasia aggravates Ang II (angiotensin II)–induced inflammation and remodeling of the common carotid artery close to aorta arch. We also found that NCCs can be differentiated into both brown and white adipocytes in vivo and in vitro. RNA sequencing results suggested NCC-derived adipose tissue displays a distinct transcriptional profile compared with the non-NCC-derived adipose tissue in PAAT.

Conclusions:

PAAT has distinctive anatomic features and developmental processes. Most PAAT adipocytes are originated from NCCs which derive from ectoderm. NCCs are progenitors not only of white adipocytes but also of brown adipocytes. This study indicates that the PAAT is derived from multiple cell lineages, the adipocytes derived from different origins have distinct transcriptional profiles, and PAAT plays a critical role in Ang II–induced common carotid artery inflammation and remodeling.Visual OvervieW: An online visual overview is available for this article.
Outcomes of Pregnancy in Patients With Prior Right Ventricular Outflow Interventions
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , El‐Harasis Majd , Miranda William R. , Ammash Naser M. , Rose Carl H. , Fatola Ayotola , Kothapalli Srikanth , Abdelsamid Mohamed Farouk , Connolly Heidi M.
Published: June 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pregnancy‐related adverse outcomes (
PRAO
) between patients with versus without hemodynamically significant right ventricle outflow tract (
RVOT)
.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective cohort study of all pregnant patients with isolated
RVOT
lesions undergoing evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, 1990 to 2017. Hemodynamic significance was defined as ≥moderate pulmonary/conduit stenosis (≥3 m/s) and/or ≥moderate regurgitation. Patients with concomitant significant left heart disease were excluded.
PRAO
was defined as cardiovascular, obstetric, and/or neonatal complications occurring during the pregnancy through 6 weeks postpartum. A total of 224 pregnancies in 114 patients with
RVOT
lesions were identified; 38 pregnancies occurred in 24 patients with hemodynamically significant
RVOT
. Forty‐eight (21%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion. Of the 173 completed pregnancies, median gestational age at delivery was 38 (35–40) weeks and median birth weight 2965 (2065–4122) g. Seven pregnancies (4%) were complicated by cardiovascular events, 14 (8%) by obstetric complications, with adverse neonatal outcomes occurring in 38 (22%). There were no maternal deaths. The incidence of spontaneous abortion and
PRAO
were similar in both the
RVOT
and hemodynamically significant
RVOT
groups. As an isolated condition, Tetralogy of Fallot–pulmonary atresia was associated with spontaneous abortion and neonatal complications.

Conclusions

The risk of cardiovascular complications was low in patients with isolated
RVOT
lesions, and hemodynamically significant
RVOT
lesions were not associated with either cardiovascular complications or
PRAO
. Further studies are required to explore the factors responsible for
PRAO
in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot–pulmonary atresia.
On the Cryptobiina of the Arabian peninsula (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)
Authors: ASSING VOLKER
Published: June 2019

The species of the paederine subtribe Cryptobiina from Oman and Yemen are examined. The following taxa are (re-) described and illustrated: Cryptomanum gen. n., C. omanicum (Coiffait, 1981), comb. n., C. spinosissimum sp. n. (Oman), and Afrobium arabicum sp. n. (Yemen, Iran). Keys to the genera of Cryptobiina present in the Western Palaearctic region and to the Cryptobiina species recorded from the south of the Arabian peninsula are provided.
New position of an abdominal defensive gland complex in Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) with redescription of Piestus heterocephalus Fauvel, 1902 (Piestinae)
Authors: CARON EDILSON , RIBEIRO-COSTA CIBELE S. , NEWTON ALFRED F.
Published: June 2019

A Neotropical rove beetle, Piestus heterocephalus Fauvel, 1902 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Piestinae), is redescribed and illustrated. Its abdominal defensive gland complex is described using drawings, photos and scanning electron micrographs. This complex is reported for the first time in Piestinae and its distinctive position is unique in Staphylinidae. Our preliminary survey suggests that the presence of this gland complex is restricted to part or all of the genus Piestus Gravenhorst, 1806.
Insects found in birds' nests from Argentina: Tachycineta leucorrhoa leucorrhoa (Vieillot, 1817) [Aves: Hirundinidae], a new host for Acanthocrios furnarii (Cordero & Vogelsang, 1928) [Hemiptera: Cimicidae]
Authors: IORIO OSVALDO DI , BULIT FLORENCIA , ALDATZ FLORENCIA , MASSONI VIVIANA
Published: June 2019

Nest-boxes used by the White-rumped Swallows, Tachycineta leucorrhoa leucorrhoa (Vieillot, 1817) [Aves: Hirundinidae] were sampled during two consecutive breeding seasons in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total of 11 taxa of insects were found in the nests of this species: 10 in the order Coleoptera: Coccinellidae [Cycloneda ancoralis; Scymnus sp.]; Cavognathidae [Cavognatha sp.]; Aphodiidae [Aphodius sp.]; Dermestidae [Trogoderma sp.; Dermestes maculatus]; Histeridae [Saprinus sp.]; Carabidae [Notaphus fisheri; Bradycellus sp.]; Elateridae [undetermined sp.]; Undetermined family (larvae), and one in the order Hemiptera: Cimicidae [Acanthocrios furnarii]. These insects were differentiated from prey remains, sometimes entire specimens. The species of Cimicidae appeared in two different nests built in the same box by the same female. The composition of the insect fauna found in swallows’ nests is similar to those in natural birds’ nests from the same province, but the diversity, abundance and richness in swallows’ nests inside boxes were lower.
New edaphic mites of the genus Veigaia from Slovakia and Bulgaria, with a key to the European species (Acari, Mesostigmata, Veigaiidae)
Authors: MAŠÁN PETER , FENĎA PETER , MIHÁL IVAN
Published: June 2019

Five new European mite species (Acari: Veigaiidae) are described from the Carpathian Mountains in Slovakia and the Stara Planina Mountains in Bulgaria: Veigaia carpathica Mašán & Fenďa, sp. nov., V. incisilobata Mašán, sp. nov., V. pentachaeta Mašán, sp. nov., V. slovaca Mašán, sp. nov., and V. vermiculifera Mašán, sp. nov. Ecological information is provided for the most common and abundant species, V. carpathica and V. slovaca. A new key to the females of the European species of Veigaia is provided.
A revision of the generic position of Typton australis Bruce, 1973 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Pontoniinae), with a new diagnosis for the pontoniine shrimp genus Onycocaridella Bruce, 1981
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: June 2019

Typton australis Bruce, 1973 was described from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The species was referred to the genus Typton Costa, 1844 increasing the diversity of the genus in Indo-West Pacific region to six species. At the same time, T. australis shows a developed blade of the scaphocerite and absence of any ornamentation on the orbital and anterolateral margins of the carapace (Bruce 1973, 2000), whereas the type species of the genus Typton, T. spongicola Costa, 1844, possesses well-developed so-called “paraorbital” teeth (Bruce 1972, 1977; I. Marin, pers. observ.). Complete absence of any ornamentation on the orbital and anterolateral margins of the carapace is also known for Typton capricorniae Bruce, 2000 but the blade of the scaphocerite of this species is almost completely reduced as in the other species of the genus Typton.
A revision of Northern Vietnamese species of the ant genus Pheidole (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: EGUCHI KATSUYUKI
Published: June 2019

Northern Vietnamese species of the ant genus Pheidole (Myrmicinae: Pheidolini) were revised, and 31 species including six new species were recognized: capellinii Emery, colpigaleata Eguchi, dugasi Forel, elongicephala sp.n., fervens F. Smith, fervida F. Smith, fortis Eguchi, foveolata Eguchi, gatesi (Wheeler), hongkongensis Wheeler, indosinensis Wheeler stat.n., laevicolor Eguchi, laevithorax sp.n., magna Eguchi, megacephala (Fabricius), noda F. Smith, ochracea sp.n., parva Mayr, pieli Santschi, plagiaria F. Smith, planifrons Santschi, rabo Forel, rugithorax sp.n., smythiesii Forel, taipoana Wheeler, tjibodana Forel, tumida sp.n., vieti sp.n., vulgaris Eguchi, yeensis Forel, zoceana Santschi. The following cases of synonymy were resolved: Myrmica agilis F. Smith as a junior synonym of Pheidole megacephala; Pheidole rhombinoda var. stella Forel, P. rhombinoda var. formosensis Forel, P. rhombinoda var. taprobanae Forel, and P. nodus var. flebilis Santschi as junior synonyms of P. noda; Pheidole peguensis r. yomensis as a junior synonym of P. plagiaria; and Pheidole smythiesii var. bengalensis Forel and P. bhavanae Bingham as junior synonyms of P. smythiesii. The lectotype was designated for the following species: Pheidole dugasi, P. rhombinoda var. stella, P. peguensis r. yomensis and P. sulcaticeps r. yeensis. A key to N. Vietnamese species of Pheidole based on the worker caste is given.
Development of a Subtype-Specific Diagnostic System for Influenza Virus H3N2 Using a Novel Virus-Based Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (Viro-SELEX)
Authors: Kwon Junyoung , Narayan Chandan , Kim Chonsaeng , Han Min Jung , Kim Meehyein , Jang Sung Key
Published: June 2019

Aptamers are oligonucleotide molecules that bind to specific target molecules generated by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers have high future potential for use in diagnostics and therapeutics as molecular probes that recognize target molecules.
To develop aptamers against a target protein using a SELEX process, it is necessary to purify the target protein. Purifying a membrane protein, however, is usually a challenging task. Here, we report a novel approach to developing aptamers against membrane proteins. Surrogate viruses containing
target proteins on the surface of an enveloped virus (e.g., baculovirus), instead of purified proteins, were used in a new SELEX process. We designated this new SELEX process as "surrogate virus-based SELEX (viro-SELEX)." Using viro-SELEX, we developed a pair of aptamers that specifically
interact with the hemagglutinin protein of influenza subtype H3N2. Using the aptamer pair and a lateral flow assay system, we developed a very sensitive point-of-care diagnostic system for specifically detecting influenza virus subtype H3N2.
Mannosylated PEGylated-Polyethyleneimine as Efficient CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Carriers for Efficient Dendritic Cell Targeting Delivery and Activation
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Wang Jin , Zhu Qiqiang , Yu Chunqiang , Yin Jianrong , Zheng Longpo , Li Ang
Published: June 2019

CpG ODN acts as a 'pathogen-associated' molecular pattern that is recognized by intracellular Toll-like receptor 9 and can induce a robust dendritic cells (DCs) activation to against various diseases. However, the CpG ODN is restricted with critical defects of easily enzymolysis and
negligible phagocytosis. To overcome these issues, a simpler and competent nanocarrier of mannose modified PEGylated branched PEI25k (PEI-PEG-Man) was designed to achieve excellent DCsspecific delivery of CpG. Nanoparticles of PEI-PEG-Man encapsulating CpG (PEI-PEG-Man@CpG) possessed
elevated gene loading capacity, biological stability and admirable anti-enzymolysis ability. PEI-PEG-Man@CpG could be selectively uptake by DCs through a receptor-mediated endocytosis, which generates a potent immunostimulatory activity on bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) evidenced
by significantly upregulation of the pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and the co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II) on BMDCs in vitro. More importantly, the results of in vivo targeting assay showed that PEI-PEG-Man@CpG nanoparticles
could remarkably boost CpG accumulation in lymph lodes upon subcutaneous administration in C57BL/6 mice, which facilitated maturation of DCs and productions of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Our results suggested that PEI-PEG-Man@CpG nanoparticles, in the future, might function as a powerful
vector for ex vivo engineering to promote DC targeting and maturation, which enhance vaccine efficiency against cancer or infectious disease.
Ocean Salinity as a Precursor of Summer Rainfall over the East Asian Monsoon Region
Authors: Chen Biao , Qin Huiling , Chen Guixing , Xue Huijie
Published: June 2019

The sea surface salinity (SSS) varies largely as a result of the evaporation–precipitation difference, indicating the source or sink of regional/global water vapor. This study identifies a relationship between the spring SSS in the tropical northwest Pacific (TNWP) and the summer rainfall of the East Asian monsoon region (EAMR) during 1980–2017. Analysis suggests that the SSS–rainfall link involves the coupled ocean–atmosphere–land processes with a multifacet evolution. In spring, evaporation and water vapor flux divergence were enhanced in some years over the TNWP where an anomalous atmospheric anticyclone was established and a high SSS was well observed. As a result, the convergence of water vapor flux and soil moisture over the EAMR was strengthened. This ocean-to-land water vapor transport pattern was sustained from spring to summer and played a leading role in the EAMR rainfall. Moreover, the change in local spring soil moisture helped to amplify the summer rainfall by modifying surface thermal conditions and precipitation systems over the EAMR. As the multifacet evolution is closely related to the large-scale ocean-to-land water vapor transport, it can be well represented by the spring SSS in the TNWP. A random forest regression algorithm was used to further evaluate the relative importance of spring SSS in predicting summer rainfall compared to other climate indices. As the SSS is now monitored routinely by satellite and the global Argo float array, it can serve as a good metric for measuring the water cycle and as a precursor for predicting the EAMR rainfall.
Combining Hybrid and One-Step-Ahead Smoothing for Efficient Short-Range Storm Surge Forecasting with an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Raboudi Naila F. , Ait-El-Fquih Boujemaa , Dawson Clint , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: June 2019

This work combines two auxiliary techniques, namely the one-step-ahead (OSA) smoothing and the hybrid formulation, to boost the forecasting skills of a storm surge ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) forecasting system. Bayesian filtering with OSA-smoothing enhances the robustness of the ensemble background statistics by exploiting the data twice: first to constrain the sampling of the forecast ensemble with the future observation, and then to update the resulting ensemble. This is expected to improve the behavior of EnKF-like schemes during the strongly nonlinear surges periods, but requires integrating the ensemble with the forecast model twice, which could be computationally demanding. The hybrid flow-dependent/static formulation of the EnKF background error covariance is then considered to enable the implementation of the filter with a small flow-dependent ensemble size, and thus less model runs. These two methods are combined within an ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF). The resulting hybrid ETKF with OSA smoothing is tested, based on twin experiments, using a realistic setting of the Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) model configured for storm surge forecasting in the Gulf of Mexico and assimilating pseudo-observations of sea surface levels from a network of buoys. The results of our numerical experiments suggest that the proposed filtering system significantly enhances ADCIRC forecasting skills compared to the standard ETKF without increasing the computational cost.
David versus Goliath: Tanzania’s Efforts to Stand Up to Foreign Gas Corporations
Authors: Polus Andrzej , Tycholiz Wojciech
Published: June 2019

This article presents and analyses how Tanzania, a country on the global “periphery” with a natural resource sector dominated by capital from the Global North, has thus far failed to transform its mineral wealth into sustained economic development. Using Immanuel Wallerstein’s “world systems theory” as the theoretical framework, we exemplify how the “core” exploited gold reserves in the 1990s and into the new century – and what techniques and mechanisms (e.g. asymmetry of information, imposition of inadequate management structures) it now currently uses to develop the nascent gas sector to its advantage. Scrutinising actions undertaken by the Tanzanian president to concentrate power, root out corruption, and to stand up to profit-maximising foreign corporations – or what we call the “Magufuli effect” – as way of illustration, we also demonstrate how Tanzania is trying to change its role within the international division of labour and how the core attempts to maintain the status quo meanwhile.
From Bullets to Banners and Back Again? The Ambivalent Role of Ex-combatants in Contested Land Deals in Sierra Leone
Authors: Hennings Anne
Published: June 2019

The rise of land deals poses unpredictable risks to war-torn societies, exposing them to the violent folds of the global economy. In Sierra Leone, commercial land leases have perpetuated the chieftaincy monopoly, further curtailed social mobility, and sparked particular resentment among youths and ex-combatants. Drawing on the concept of the “war machine,” I analyse how Kamajor militia fighters shape contestation against land deals and explore the attendant risks for remobilisation and conflict transformation. My findings, based on in-depth ethnographic field research, indicate that while aggrieved communities turn to Kamajor-run civil society organisations for support, Kamajor living in precarious conditions largely shy away from open contestation. While the historically close ties between the Kamajor and the chieftaincy have eroded in the wake of commercial land leases, complex patronage networks along with the moral setback encountered from the Special Court proceedings and tight surveillance thwart a more overt response. Yet, the Kamajor’s background support remains key to the struggle of anti-plantation and mining activists.
Thy Kingdom Come: The Church and the Kingdom of God in Loisy’s L’Évangile et l’Église
Authors: Morrow Jeffrey L
Published: June 2019

This article examines Alfred Loisy’s (1857–1940) ecclesiology as evidenced in his famous work L’Évangile et l’Église. Ecclesiological concerns are a generally understudied area of Loisy scholarship, but this article discusses Loisy’s ecclesiological elements with reference to his work on the Bible. In particular, the article looks at how Loisy views the relationship between the kingdom of God and the Church. The article then underscores some ways in which Loisy’s work anticipates the Second Vatican Council.