bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous multi-descent regression and feature learning for facial landmarking in depth images
Authors: Križaj Janez , Peer Peter , Štruc Vitomir , Dobrišek Simon
Published: October 2019

Face alignment (or facial landmarking) is an important task in many face-related applications, ranging from registration, tracking, and animation to higher-level classification problems such as face, expression, or attribute recognition. While several solutions have been presented in the literature for this task so far, reliably locating salient facial features across a wide range of posses still remains challenging. To address this issue, we propose in this paper a novel method for automatic facial landmark localization in 3D face data designed specifically to address appearance variability caused by significant pose variations. Our method builds on recent cascaded regression-based methods to facial landmarking and uses a gating mechanism to incorporate multiple linear cascaded regression models each trained for a limited range of poses into a single powerful landmarking model capable of processing arbitrary-posed input data. We develop two distinct approaches around the proposed gating mechanism: (1) the first uses a gated multiple ridge descent mechanism in conjunction with established (hand-crafted) histogram of gradients features for face alignment and achieves state-of-the-art landmarking performance across a wide range of facial poses and (2) the second simultaneously learns multiple-descent directions as well as binary features that are optimal for the alignment tasks and in addition to competitive landmarking results also ensures extremely rapid processing. We evaluate both approaches in rigorous experiments on several popular datasets of 3D face images, i.e., the FRGCv2 and Bosphorus 3D face datasets and image collections F and G from the University of Notre Dame. The results of our evaluation show that both approaches compare favorably to the state-of-the-art, while exhibiting considerable robustness to pose variations.
Cervical radiculopathy: is a prosthesis preferred over fusion surgery? A systematic review
Authors: Goedmakers Caroline M. W. , Janssen Tessa , Yang Xiaoyu , Arts Mark P. , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Meta-analyses on the comparison between fusion and prosthesis in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy mainly analyse studies including mixed patient populations: patients with radiculopathy with and without myelopathy. The outcome for patients with myelopathy is different compared to those without. Furthermore, apart from decompression of the spinal cord, restriction of motion is one of the cornerstones of the surgical treatment of spondylotic myelopathy. From this point of view, the results for arthroplasty might be suboptimal for this category of patients. Comparing clinical outcome in patients exclusively suffering from radiculopathy is therefore a more valid method to compare the true clinical effect of the prosthesis to that of fusion surgery.

Aim

The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcome of cervical arthroplasty (ACDA) to the clinical outcome of fusion (ACDF) after anterior cervical discectomy in patients exclusively suffering from radiculopathy, and to evaluate differences with mixed patient populations.

Methods

A literature search was completed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, COCHRANE, CENTRAL and CINAHL using a sensitive search strategy. Studies were selected by predefined selection criteria (i.a.) patients exclusively suffering from cervical radiculopathy), and risk of bias was assessed using a validated Cochrane Checklist adjusted for this purpose. An additional overview of results was added from articles considering a mix of patients suffering from myelopathy with or without radiculopathy.

Results

Eight studies were included that exclusively compared intervertebral devices in radiculopathy patients. Additionally, 29 articles concerning patients with myelopathy with or without radiculopathy were studied in a separate results table. All articles showed intermediate to high risk of bias. There was neither a difference in decrease in mean NDI score between the prosthesis (20.6 points) and the fusion (20.3 points) group, nor was there a clinically important difference in neck pain (VAS). Comparing these data to the mixed population data demonstrated comparable mean values, except for the 2-year follow-up NDI values in the prosthesis group: mixed group patients that received a prosthesis reported a mean NDI score of 15.6, indicating better clinical outcome than the radiculopathy patients that received a prosthesis though not reaching clinical importance.

Conclusions

ACDF and ACDA are comparably effective in treating cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated disc in radiculopathy patients. Comparing the 8 radiculopathy with the 29 mixed population studies demonstrated that no clinically relevant differences were present in clinical outcome between the two types of patients.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Is there a role for prophylactic mesh in abdominal wall closure after emergency laparotomy? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burns F. A. , Heywood E. G. , Challand C. P. , Lee Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Incisional hernias are a common complication of emergency laparotomy and are associated with significant morbidity. Recent studies have found a reduction in incisional hernias when mesh is placed prophylactically during abdominal closure in elective laparotomies. This systematic review will assess the safety and efficacy of prophylactic mesh placement in emergency laparotomy.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to the PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42018109283). Papers were dual screened for eligibility, and included when a comparison was made between closure with prophylactic mesh and closure with a standard technique, reported using a comparative design (i.e. case–control, cohort or randomised trial), where the primary outcome was incisional hernia. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias in non-randomised studies tool. A meta-analysis of incisional hernia rate was performed to estimate risk ratio using a random effects model (Mantel–Haenszel approach).

Results

332 studies were screened for eligibility, 29 full texts were reviewed and 2 non-randomised studies were included. Both studies were biased due to confounding factors, as closure technique was based on patient risk factors for incisional hernia. Both studies found significantly fewer incisional hernias in the mesh groups [3.2% vs 28.6% (p < 0.001) and 5.9% vs 33.3% (p = 0.0001)]. A meta-analysis of incisional hernia risk favoured prophylactic mesh closure [risk ratio 0.15 (95% CI 0.6–0.35, p < 0.001)]. Neither study found an association between mesh and infection or enterocutaneous fistula.

Conclusion

This review found that there are limited data to assess the effect or safety profile of prophylactic mesh in the emergency laparotomy setting. The current data cannot reliably assess the use of mesh due to confounding factors, and a randomised controlled trial is required to address this important clinical question.
Empirical mode decomposition of multiphase flows in porous media: characteristic scales and speed of convergence
Authors: Echebarrena Nicolás , Mininni Pablo D. , Moreno Gustavo A.
Published: October 2019

We apply a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to data stemming from numerical simulations of a fingering instability in a multiphase flow passing through obstacles in a porous medium, to study water injection processes in the production of hydrocarbon reservoirs. We show that the time evolution of a properly defined flow correlation length can be used to identify the onset of the fingering instability. Computation of characteristic lengths for each of the modes resulting from the POD provides further information on the dynamics of the system. Finally, using numerical simulations with different viscosity ratios, we show that the convergence of the POD depends non-trivially on whether the fingering instability develops or not. This result has implications on proposed methods to decrease the dimensionality of the problem by deriving reduced dynamical systems after truncating the system’s governing equations to a few POD modes.
Selection of Sustainable Food Waste Valorisation Routes: A Case Study with Barley Field Residue
Authors: Stone Jamie , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo , Rahimifard Shahin
Published: October 2019

Purpose

It is increasingly accepted in the food and drink manufacturing sector that there is a need to manage unavoidable food waste more sustainably. Yet to do so requires careful balancing of environmental, social and economic performance of any given treatment method alongside its technological maturity and alignment with that company’s wider business goals. The purpose of this article is to apply a novel Sustainable Waste Valorisation Identification (SWaVI) framework which considers these criteria to a case study with Molson Coors to identify whether the current strategy of using In Field Barley Straw Residue as animal feed is the most sustainable.

Methods

Data was collected via a series of interviews with Molson Coors in spring 2017. Data analysis used a hybrid approach combining Cost–Benefit Analysis and Life-Cycle Assessment with a weighted summation variant of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to facilitate comparison of supercritical CO2 extraction of wax from straw, with the current strategy of selling that straw as animal feed.

Results

Application of the SWaVI framework suggests that supercritical CO2 extraction of wax from straw offers a slightly worse Net Present Value compared to sale as animal feed (£89.1 million compared to £95.3 million) but superior social impacts, technological maturity and alignment with company goals making it superior overall.

Conclusions

Whilst the supercritical CO2 extraction of wax offers the best sustainability and business case performance for Molson Coors, a range of other factors such as long-term market demand, alignment with relevant legislation, and displacement effects on supply chain stakeholders must be considered.

Graphic Abstract
Plant Community Establishment in a Coastal Marsh Restored Using Sediment Additions
Authors: Howard Rebecca J. , Rafferty Patricia S. , Johnson Darren J.
Published: October 2019

A goal of wetland restoration is the establishment of resilient plant communities that persist under a variety of environmental conditions. We investigated the role of intraspecific and interspecific variation on plant community establishment in a brackish marsh that had been restored by sediment addition. Plant growth, sediment accretion, and surface elevation change in planted, not-planted, and nearby reference sites (treatments) were compared. Four perennial macrophytes were planted:Bolboschoenus robustus,Distichlis spicata,Phragmites australis, andSchoenoplectus californicus. There was 100% survival of the planted species, and all exhibited rapid vegetative spread. Intraspecific variation in stem height and cover was identified, and interspecific comparisons also indicated differences in species cover. Treatment comparisons revealed that final total cover at not-planted sites was equivalent to that at reference sites, and was highest at planted sites whereP. australisbecame dominant. Species richness was initially highest at the reference sites, but final richness was equivalent among treatments. Soil surface elevation was greater at planted compared to not-planted and reference sites. Because of the rapid cover and increased surface elevation generated by planted species, the resiliency of restored coastal marshes may be enhanced by plantings in areas where natural colonization is slow and subsidence is high.
Water source quality testing in Gezira State, Sudan, using the compartment bag test
Authors: Abdelgalili Eltigani Bashier , Ahmed Mohamadani , Adam Jaafar , Hamid Samira , Afsatou Traore , Elshiekh Ibtisam , Natasha Potgieter
Published: October 2019

Although poor water quality is recognized as a public health threat, it has been little investigated in Sudan. In this paper, water sources in Gezira State, Greater Wad Medani locality, have been categorized as safe, intermediate safe and high-risk unsafe sources using the compartment bag test (CBT) to detect E. coli, which is an indicator of fecal contamination of water. The CBT is simple, portable and self-contained, and it can be done in the field environment. A total of 122 samples were collected from different water sources and included rivers, water treatment plant, boreholes/tube wells, hand pumps, public water taps, public water coolers, public elevated water tanks and household elevated water tanks. It was found that 69% (84/122) of investigated water sources were safe to drink. The sources most likely to be contaminated were those close to industrial points and factories or open sources exposed to pollution. The result showed that the highest level of contamination of water sources (high risk and unsafe) was observed in rural area (9.1%) followed by urban (5.7%) and peri-urban (1.6%). Frequent and routine qualitative analysis of water sources using CBT is recommended to improve human health and hence the country’s development.
In AI We Trust Incrementally: a Multi-layer Model of Trust to Analyze Human-Artificial Intelligence Interactions
Authors: Ferrario Andrea , Loi Michele , Viganò Eleonora
Published: October 2019

Real engines of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, machine learning (ML) models, and algorithms are embedded nowadays in many services and products around us. As a society, we argue it is now necessary to transition into a phronetic paradigm focused on the ethical dilemmas stemming from the conception and application of AIs to define actionable recommendations as well as normative solutions. However, both academic research and society-driven initiatives are still quite far from clearly defining a solid program of study and intervention. In this contribution, we will focus on selected ethical investigations around AI by proposing an incremental model of trust that can be applied to both human-human and human-AI interactions. Starting with a quick overview of the existing accounts of trust, with special attention to Taddeo’s concept of “e-trust,” we will discuss all the components of the proposed model and the reasons to trust in human-AI interactions in an example of relevance for business organizations. We end this contribution with an analysis of the epistemic and pragmatic reasons of trust in human-AI interactions and with a discussion of kinds of normativity in trustworthiness of AIs.
Overzicht houden
Authors: Mulders Peter F.A.
Published: October 2019

Samenvatting

Het eerste abstract van deze najaarsvergadering, overigens mijn laatste vergadering als voorzitter van de NVU, gaat over een onderzoek naar het PSMA. Dit molecuul en zijn antibody heeft veel impact op de urologische praktijkvoering.
Associations between small and middle molecules clearance and the change of cognitive function in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li Yi , Pi Hai-chen , Yang Zhi-Kai , Dong Jie
Published: October 2019

Background

Uremic toxins have been suspected as potential contributors for cognitive impairment in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, associations between the clearance of serum small and middle molecules and the change of cognitive function were not fully explored and then we explored this issue in the present study.

Method

A total of clinically-stable 222 patients on PD were enrolled and then followed up for 2 years in this single-center prospective cohort study. Small and middle molecules clearances were examined by urea clearance (Kt/V), creatinine clearance (Ccr) and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) clearance via dialysate and urine at baseline and after 2 years. Global and specific cognitive impairment were measured at baseline and after 2 years. Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) was assessed for global cognitive function, trail-making tests A and B for executive function and subtests of the battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status for immediate and delayed memory, visuospatial skills and language ability.

Results

The median of total Kt/V, Ccr and B2M clearance were 1.89, 53.2 l/w/1.73 m2and 17.5 l/w/1.73 m2, respectively at baseline. The prevalence of global cognitive impairment was 12.3% for 222 patients and 15.4% for the remained 130 patients after 2 years. At baseline, total Kt/V was independently positively associated with delayed memory function. Total and dialysate beta-2 microglobulin clearance was positively associated with 3MS scores and negatively with completion time on trail A after multivariate adjustment. At 2 years, we observed a significant difference in the changing trend of 3MS scores between groups divided by total B2M clearance (P = 0.033), which still maintained to be meaningful after multivariate adjustment (P = 0.024). Patients with total B2M clearance > 19.0 l/w/1.73 m2got significant improvement on their 3MS scores (P = 0.005). Patients divided by total Kt/V or Ccr were not significantly different in the trends of general and any specific cognitive function during the follow up.

Conclusion

The higher middle molecules clearance independently correlated to better performance on general cognitive and executive function in PD patients, which also predict an improvement in general cognitive function during the follow up.
Collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm based on user correlation and evolutionary clustering
Authors: Chen Jianrui , Zhao Chunxia , Uliji  , Chen Lifang
Published: October 2019

In recent years, application of recommendation algorithm in real life such as Amazon, Taobao is getting universal, but it is not perfect yet. A few problems need to be solved such as sparse data and low recommended accuracy. Collaborative filtering is a mature algorithm in the recommended systems, but there are still some problems. In this paper, a novel collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm based on user correlation and evolutionary clustering is presented. Firstly, score matrix is pre-processed with normalization and dimension reduction, to obtain denser score data. Based on these processed data, clustering principle is generated and dynamic evolutionary clustering is implemented. Secondly, the search for the nearest neighbors with highest similar interest is considered. A measurement about the relationship between users is proposed, called user correlation, which applies the satisfaction of users and the potential information. In each user group, user correlation is applied to choose the nearest neighbors to predict ratings. The proposed method is evaluated using the Movielens dataset. Diversity experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has outstanding performance in predicted accuracy and recommended precision.
Constant state of change: engagement inequality in temporal dynamic networks
Authors: Miller Hadar , Mokryn Osnat
Published: October 2019

The temporal changes in complex systems of interactions have excited the research community in recent years as they encompass understandings on their dynamics and evolution. From the collective dynamics of organizations and online communities to the spreading of information and fake news, to name a few, temporal dynamics are fundamental in the understanding of complex systems. In this work, we quantify the level of engagement in dynamic complex systems of interactions, modeled as networks. We focus on interaction networks for which the dynamics of the interactions are coupled with that of the topology, such as online messaging, forums, and emails. We define two indices to capture the temporal level of engagement: the Temporal Network (edge) Intensity index, and the Temporal Dominance Inequality index. Our surprising results are that these measures are stationary for most measured networks, regardless of vast fluctuations in the size of the networks in time. Moreover, more than 80% of weekly changes in the indices values are bounded by less than 10%. The indices are stable between the temporal evolution of a network but are different between networks, and a classifier can determine the network the temporal indices belong to with high success. We find an exception in the Enron management email exchange during the year before its disintegration, in which both indices show high volatility throughout the inspected period.
About complexity of complex networks
Authors: Goryashko Alexander , Samokhine Leonid , Bocharov Pavel
Published: October 2019

We derive complexity estimates for two classes of deterministic networks: the Boolean networksS(Bn,m), which compute the Boolean vector-functionsBn,m, and the classes of graphs$G(V_{P_{m,\,l}}, E)$G(VPm,l,E), with overlapping communities and high density. The latter objects are well suited for the synthesis of resilience networks. For the Boolean vector-functions, we propose a synthesis of networks on a NOT, AND, and OR logical basis and unreliable channels such that the computation of any Boolean vector-function is carried out with polynomial information cost.All vertexes of the graphs$G(V_{P_{m,\,l}}, E)$G(VPm,l,E)are labeled by the trinomial (m2±l,m)-partitions from the set of partitionsPm,l. It turns out that such labeling makes it possible to create networks of optimal algorithmic complexity with highly predictable parameters. Numerical simulations of simple graphs for trinomial (m2±l,m)-partition families (m=3,4,…,9) allow for the exact estimation of all commonly known topological parameters for the graphs. In addition, a new topological parameter—overlapping index—is proposed. The estimation of this index offers an explanation for the maximal density value for the clique graphs$G(V_{P_{m,\,l}}, E)$G(VPm,l,E).
Application of Computational Biology to Decode Brain Transcriptomes
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Guang-Zhong
Published: October 2019

The rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has generated massive valuable brain transcriptome atlases, providing great opportunities for systematically investigating gene expression characteristics across various brain regions throughout a series of developmental stages. Recent studies have revealed that the transcriptional architecture is the key to interpreting the molecular mechanisms of brain complexity. However, our knowledge of brain transcriptional characteristics remains very limited. With the immense efforts to generate high-quality brain transcriptome atlases, new computational approaches to analyze these high-dimensional multivariate data are greatly needed. In this review, we summarize some public resources for brain transcriptome atlases and discuss the general computational pipelines that are commonly used in this field, which would aid in making new discoveries in brain development and disorders.
Memory matters in dementia: Efficacy of a mobile reminiscing therapy app
Authors: Yu Fang , Mathiason Michelle A. , Johnson Kari , Gaugler Joseph E. , Klassen Dan
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Reminiscence therapy has been shown to improve mental health and quality of life in dementia; however, reminiscence therapy is often delivered by therapists instead of being technology‐enabled. This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of Memory Matters (MM), an iPad reminiscence game on mood, social interaction, quality of life, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Methods

This pilot study used an experimental design where participants were randomized on a 2:2:1 ratio to three arms: individual MM (one‐on‐one with an interventionist), group MM (2–3 participants per session), or waitlist control. MM was delivered for 30 minutes a session, twice a week for six weeks, followed by six‐week self‐play. Outcomes were assessed at the baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks by data collectors blinded to group allocation. Data were analyzed using intention‐to‐treat analysis and analysis of covariance.

Results

The sample (n = 80) was 82.1 ± 7.8 years in age with 58% female, 15.3 ± 3.3 years of education. Mood did not differ, except for apathetic mood between group MM and control arm at 12 weeks (P = .051). Social interaction improved for individual MM compared with group MM (t = 2.38, P = .017) and control (t = 2.84, P = .005) at six weeks, but not 12 weeks. Other outcomes did not differ.

Discussion

MM improved social interaction and possibly mood. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of MM with a sufficient sample size.
Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Water Disinfection for Wilderness, International Travel, and Austere Situations
Authors: Backer Howard D. , Derlet Robert W. , Hill Vincent R.
Published: October 2019

To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society convened experts to develop evidence-based guidelines for water disinfection in situations where the potability of available water is not ensured, including wilderness and international travel, areas affected by disaster, and other areas without adequate sanitation. The guidelines present the available methods for reducing or eliminating microbiologic contamination of water for individuals, groups, or households; evaluation of their effectiveness; and practical considerations. The evidence evaluation includes both laboratory and clinical publications. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks or burdens, according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians.
Catharine Trotter Cockburn’s Democratization of Moral Virtue
Authors: Lustila Getty L.
Published: October 2019

This paper examines Catharine Trotter Cockburn’s moral philosophy, focusing on her accounts of virtuous conduct, conscience, obligation, and moral character. I argue that Cockburn’s account of virtue has two interlocking parts: a view of what virtue requires of us, and a view of how we come to see this requirement as authoritative. I then argue that while the two parts are ultimately in tension with one another, the tension is instructive. I use Cockburn’s encounter with Shaftesbury’s writings to help bring out this tension in her thought. I conclude that Cockburn’s work marks a bridge in modern moral philosophy from seventeenth-century natural law theory to the naturalism of the eighteenth century— that of Gay, Hume, and Bentham.
Hierarchy effects in copula constructions
Authors: Keine Stefan , Wagner Michael , Coon Jessica
Published: October 2019

This paper develops a generalization about agreement in German copula constructions described in Coon et al. (2017), and proposes an analysis that ties it to other well-established hierarchy phenomena. Specifically, we show that “assumed-identity” copula constructions in German exibit both person and number hierarchy effects, and that these extend beyond the “non-canonical” or “inverse” agreement patterns described in previous work on copula constructions (e.g., Béjar and Kahnemuyipour 2017 and works cited there). We present experimental evidence to support this generalization, and then develop an account that unifies it with hierarchy phenomena in other languages, with a focus on PCC effects. Specifically, we propose that what German copula constructions have in common with PCC environments is that there are multiple accessible DPs in the domain of a single agreement probe, the lower of which is more featurally specified than the higher (see, e.g., Béjar and Rezac 2003, 2009; Anagnostopoulou 2005; Nevins 2007). We also offer an explanation as to why number effects are present in German copula constructions but notably absent in PCC effects. We then place our account within the broader context of constraints on predication structures.
Criminogenic risk and mental health: a complicated relationship
Authors: Morgan Robert D. , Scanlon Faith , Van Horn Stephanie A.
Published: October 2019

The relationship between criminogenic risk and mental illness in justice involved persons with mental illness is complex and poorly understood by clinicians, researchers, administrators, and policy makers alike. Historically, when providing services to justice involved persons with mental illness, clinicians have emphasized mental health recovery (eg, psychiatric rehabilitation) at the exclusion of treatments targeted at criminogenic risk. More recently, however, researchers have demonstrated with great clarity that criminogenic risk not only contributes but is likely the leading factor in the criminal behavior committed by persons with mental illness. Yet, we still do not know the nature of this criminogenic-mental illness relationship, how this relationship impacts treatment needs, and of ultimate concern, what this relationship means in terms of individual and societal outcomes. In this paper we briefly define criminogenic risk and the research that demonstrates the role of criminogenic risk in criminal justice involvement of persons with mental illness. We also review prevalence rates of persons with mental illness justice involvement, and then discuss important factors to be considered when assessing risk to include both criminogenic and mental illness risk. We conclude this paper by reviewing treatment and management strategies for persons with mental illness that are criminal justice involved particularly reviewing and building off the recommendations put forth by Bartholomew & Morgan.
Aggressive Behavior in School-aged Children: Clusters based on Anger, Empathy and Testosterone and Cortisol Measures
Authors: Pascual-Sagastizabal Eider , Sánchez-Martín José Ramón , Vegas Oscar , Muñoz José Manuel , Braza Paloma , Carreras María Rosario , del Puerto-Golzarri Nora , Azurmendi Aitziber
Published: October 2019

The aim of this piece of research was to study the existence of clusters based on anger, empathy and cortisol and testosterone measures associated with aggressive behavior in school-aged children. The sample group comprised 139 eight-year-old children (80 boys and 59 girls). Aggressive behavior was measured using the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale. Both psychological and biological variables were used to determine psychobiological profiles. The psychological variables considered were trait anger, measured using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory for Children and Adolescents, and empathy, measured using the Empathy Quotient-Child Version. Testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured through saliva samples and analyzed using an ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A Cluster Analysis revealed three clusters which were clearly different as regards their psychological and biological characteristics. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the cluster characterized by having higher anger levels, lower empathy levels and higher testosterone and cortisol levels was more aggressive than the other two (p < .0001, η2 = .19). The results indicate that studying psychological and biological variables together may help establish differentiated aggression patterns among children.
Hormonal Alterations in Victimized Women Explained by Their Hostile Reactions in Coping with Couple Violence
Authors: Romero-Martínez Ángel , Blasco-Ros Concepción , Martínez Manuela , Moya-Albiol Luis
Published: October 2019

Recent studies have highlighted the dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and its end products, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. These studies analyzed several coping styles, but they neglected to examine the use of violent strategies to confront IPV and the way these strategies affect HPA functioning. This latter proposal would be based on the gender symmetry model of IPV, which sustains that IPV is generally symmetrical, but that women’s violence tends to be a reaction to male violence. Hence, the main objective of the present study was to examine whether women’s violent reactions to IPV would significantly predict salivary cortisol and DHEA levels, as well as the cortisol/DHEA ratio (assessed through two saliva samples per day on four consecutive work days), controlling for the women’s prior IPV abuse, psychopathology, and demographic variables. Our data demonstrated that, specifically, psychological confrontation strategies predicted vespertine cortisol levels (adj R2 = .18, β = .447, p < .01) and the cortisol/DHEA ratio (adj R2 = .08, β = .322, p < .05), even after controlling several confounding variables, whereas physical and total confrontation in response to IPV did not predict these hormonal parameters.
Seasonal Variations in the Small Phytoplankton Contribution to the Total Primary Production in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Lim Yu Jeong , Kim Tae‐Wan , Lee SangHoon , Lee Dabin , Park Jisoo , Kim Bo Kyung , Kim Kwanwoo , Jang Hyo Keun , Bhavya P.S. , Lee Sang H.
Published: October 2019

The importance of small phytoplankton in warming and stratified water conditions has been emphasized, but little information on the small phytoplankton contribution is currently available in the Southern Ocean. In this study, we analyzed temporal variations in the carbon uptake rates of large and small phytoplankton and the small phytoplankton contributions to the total primary production. The data were collected in the Amundsen Sea polynya region using three different field observations (early January, January–February, and February–March) from 2012 to 2016. The total primary production in the polynya region decreased from 0.84 ± 0.18 g C·m−2·day−1 in early January to 0.19 ± 0.04 g C·m−2·day−1 in February–March, which is typical of the seasonal variation in the primary production of phytoplankton in the Amundsen Sea. In contrast, the small phytoplankton contributions to the total carbon uptake rates increased considerably from early January (14.9 ± 8.4%) to February–March (50.8 ± 18.4%) in the polynya region. This substantial increase of small phytoplankton contribution was not caused by increasing biomass and the specific uptake rates of small phytoplankton, but rather by seasonally declining biomass and the specific uptake rates of large phytoplankton during the study period. The overall contribution (25.5 ± 15.7%) of small phytoplankton to the primary production in the polynya region based on the three different time observations is significantly higher than the previous result (14.9 ± 8.4%) based on one time observation. Therefore, a seasonal variation in the small phytoplankton contribution in the Amundsen Sea should be considered in further studies.
Kuroshio Shape Composition and Distribution of Filamentous Diazotrophs in the East China Sea and Southern Yellow Sea
Authors: Jiang Zhibing , Chen Jianfang , Zhai Hongchang , Zhou Feng , Yan Xiaojun , Zhu Yuanli , Xuan Jiliang , Shou Lu , Chen Quanzhen
Published: October 2019

The filamentous Trichodesmium and Richelia/Calothrix appear to be crucial N2‐fixing cyanobacteria throughout the warm oligotrophic ocean, particularly in western boundary currents. The Kuroshio, the hotspot of N2 fixation in the Pacific Ocean, intrudes into the East China Sea (ECS) and southern Yellow Sea (SYS), which may profoundly influence composition and distribution of filamentous diazotrophs. We provide high spatial resolution dataset of filamentous diazotrophs in the ECS and SYS in July and August 2013. Results showed that Trichodesmium colonies and Richelia/Calothrix were strictly restricted to warm, saline, nitrogen‐limited waters of the ECS influenced by Kuroshio and were not detected in the SYS. The density of Trichodesmium in the ECS and SYS was 8.48 × 106 trichomes/m2, and colonial trichomes accounted for 40%. In addition to free filaments, Richelia/Calothrix were found to be symbiotic with diatoms Hemiaulus, Rhizosolenia/Guinardia, Chaetoceros, and Bacteriastrum with a total density at 2.13 × 106 heterocysts/m2 in the ECS. The densities of filamentous diazotrophs were significantly higher in high‐salinity region of the ECS (mainly controlled by Kuroshio) than in low‐salinity region of the ECS and in the SYS. The densities of Trichodesmium and Richelia/Calothrix were significantly and positively correlated with temperature, salinity, and mixed‐layer depth but were negatively correlated with NO3, turbidity, and chlorophyll‐a. These results suggested that composition and distribution of filamentous diazotrophs in the ECS and SYS were largely shaped by Kuroshio and associated physicochemical properties. We hypothesize that active N2 fixation in Kuroshio may be substantially supported by Richelia/Calothrix in addition to Trichodesmium.
Deforestation Effects on Rainfall‐Induced Shallow Landslides: Remote Sensing and Physically‐Based Modelling
Authors: Lehmann Peter , von Ruette Jonas , Or Dani
Published: October 2019

Deforestation of steep slopes may temporarily reduce evapotranspiration and lessen root reinforcement thus potentially enhancing landslide susceptibility. Quantifying the effects of deforestation and associated perturbations on landslide characteristics remains a challenge, especially for predictions in remote areas with limited information. We applied the STEP‐TRAMM model that uses publicly available climatic and landscape information to assess effects of forest alteration on hydro‐mechanical processes. The model considers two types of forest alterations: (i) removal of root reinforcement following permanent forest conversion, and (ii) time dependent root decay and regrowth following clear‐cut timber harvesting. The model was applied to four study areas in different climatic regions (New Zealand, Oregon, Sumatra and Cambodia). We compared model predictions of landslide metrics with satellite‐imaging of landslides following deforestation. Although we observe a higher propensity and larger landslides in deforested areas, effects were sensitive to deforestation practices and patterns. The largest increase in landslide area was associated with large and interconnected deforested tracts within a few years after deforestation as determined by competition between root decay and forest regrowth. For patchy small‐scale forest conversion, the landslide areas were smaller but could occur many years after deforestation (> 10 years). The modeling framework offers ability to evaluate forest alteration scenarios through their potential impact on landslide hazard in specific regions of the landscape.
The TWIST1-centered competing endogenous RNA network promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xia Wenjie , Mao Qixing , Chen Bing , Wang Lin , Ma Weidong , Liang Yingkuan , Zhang Te , Dong Gaochao , Xu Lin , Jiang Feng
Published: October 2019

The proposed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism suggested that diverse RNA species, including protein-coding messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs such as long non-coding RNAs, pseudogenes and circular RNAs could communicate with each other by competing for binding to shared microRNAs. The ceRNA network (ceRNET) is involved in tumor progression and has become a hot research topic in recent years. To date, more attention has been paid to the role of non-coding RNAs in ceRNA crosstalk. However, coding transcripts are more abundant and powerful than non-coding RNAs and make up the majority of miRNA targets. In this study, we constructed a mRNA-mRNA related ceRNET of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and identified the highlighted TWIST1-centered ceRNET, which recruits SLC12A5 and ZFHX4 as its ceRNAs. We found that TWIST1/SLC12A5/ZFHX4 are all upregulated in LUAD and are associated with poorer prognosis. SLC12A5 and ZFHX4 facilitated proliferation, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro, and their effects were reversed by miR-194–3p and miR-514a-3p, respectively. We further verified that SLC12A5 and ZFHX4 affected the function of TWIST1 by acting as ceRNAs. In summary, we constructed a mRNA-mRNA related ceRNET for LUAD and highlighted the well-known oncogene TWIST1. Then we verified that SLC12A5 and ZFHX4 exert their oncogenic function by regulating TWIST1 expression through a ceRNA mechanism.
Syntrophic growth of alkaliphilic anaerobes controlled by ferric and ferrous minerals transformation coupled to acetogenesis
Authors: Zavarzina Daria G , Gavrilov Sergey N , Chistyakova Natalia I , Antonova Angelina V , Gracheva Maria A , Merkel Alexandr Yu , Perevalova Anna A , Chernov Michail S , Zhilina Tatyana N , Bychkov Andrey Yu , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A
Published: October 2019

Redox-active iron minerals can act as energy sources or electron-transferring mediators in microbial syntrophic associations, being important means of interspecies metabolic cooperation in sedimentary environments. Alkaline conditions alter the thermodynamic stability of iron minerals, influencing their availability for interspecies syntrophic interactions. We have modeled anaerobic alkaliphilic microbial associations in ethanol-oxidizing co-culture of an obligate syntroph Candidatus “Contubernalis alkalaceticum” and a facultative lithotroph Geoalkalibacter ferrihydriticus, which is capable of dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction and homoacetogenic oxidation of Fe(II) with CO2. The co-cultures were cultivated with thermodynamically metastable ferric-containing ferrihydrite, or ferrous-containing siderite, or without minerals. Mössbauer spectral analysis revealed the transformation of both minerals to the stable magnetite. In the presence of ferrihydrite, G. ferrihydriticus firstly reduced Fe(III) with ethanol and then switched to syntrophic homoacetogenesis, providing the growth of obligate syntroph on ethanol. The ability of G. ferrihydriticus to accept hydrogen from its syntrophic partner and produce extra acetate from carbonate during ethanol oxidation was confirmed by co-culture growth without minerals. In the presence of siderite, G. ferrihydriticus performed homoacetogenesis using two electron donors simultaneously— siderite and hydrogen. Pieces of evidence for direct and indirect hydrogen-mediated electron exchange between partner organisms were obtained. Relative abundancies of partner organisms and the rate of acetate production by their co-cultures were strongly determined by thermodynamic benefits, which G. ferrihydriticus got from redox transformations of iron minerals. Even the minor growth of G. ferrihydriticus sustained the growth of the syntroph. Accordingly, microbe-to-mineral interactions could represent underestimated drivers of syntrophic interactions in alkaline sedimentary environments.
CCL14 serves as a novel prognostic factor and tumor suppressor of HCC by modulating cell cycle and promoting apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Mengxuan , Xu Weiyue , Wei Chuanyuan , Huang Jing , Xu Jietian , Zhang Yuye , Zhao Yan , Chen Jie , Dong Shuangshuang , Liu Binbin , Liang Chunmin
Published: October 2019

CCL14 is a member of CC chemokines and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. In this study, CCL14 expression were analyzed by tissue microarray (TMA) including 171 paired tumor and peritumor tissues of patients from Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. We found for the first time that CCL14 was downregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared with peritumor tissues (P = 0.01). Meanwhile, CCL14 low expression in HCC tumor tissues is associated with a poor prognosis (P = 0.035). CCL14 also displayed its predictive value in high differentiation (P = 0.026), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.003), and no tumor capsule (P = 0.024) subgroups. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated in HCC cell lines by CCL14 overexpression and knock-down in vitro. We found overexpression of CCL14 suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Finally, the effect was confirmed by animal xenograft tumor models in vivo. The results shown overexpression of CCL14 lead to inhibiting the growth of tumor in nude mice. Interestingly, our data also implied that CCL14 played these effects by inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings suggest CCL14 is a novel prognostic factor of HCC and serve as a tumor suppressor.
Mitochondrial 3243A > G mutation confers pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammatory properties in MELAS iPS derived endothelial cells
Authors: Pek Nicole Min Qian , Phua Qian Hua , Ho Beatrice Xuan , Pang Jeremy Kah Sheng , Hor Jin-Hui , An Omer , Yang Henry He , Yu Yang , Fan Yong , Ng Shi-Yan , Soh Boon-Seng
Published: October 2019

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder that is commonly caused by the m.3243A > G mutation in theMT-TL1gene encoding for mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(UUR)). While clinical studies reported cerebral infarcts, atherosclerotic lesions, and altered vasculature and stroke-like episodes (SLE) in MELAS patients, it remains unclear how this mutation causes the onset and subsequent progression of the disease. Here, we report that in addition to endothelial dysfunction, diseased endothelial cells (ECs) were found to be pro-atherogenic and pro-inflammation due to high levels of ROS and Ox-LDLs, and high basal expressions of VCAM-1, in particular isoform b, respectively. Consistently, more monocytes were found to adhere to MELAS ECs as compared to the isogenic control, suggesting the presence of an atherosclerosis-like pathology in MELAS. Notably, these disease phenotypes in endothelial cells can be effectively reversed by anti-oxidant treatment suggesting that the lowering of ROS is critical for treating patients with MELAS syndrome.
IRE1 promotes neurodegeneration through autophagy-dependent neuron death in the Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yan Cheng , Liu Jingqi , Gao Jiamei , Sun Ying , Zhang Lei , Song Haiyun , Xue Lei , Zhan Lixing , Gao Guanjun , Ke Zunji , Liu Yong , Liu Jingnan
Published: October 2019

Abnormal aggregation of misfolded pathological proteins in neurons is a prominent feature of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Perturbations of proteostasis at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers ER stress, activating the unfolded protein response (UPR). Chronic ER stress is thought to underlie the death of neurons during the neurodegenerative progression, but the precise mechanism by which the UPR pathways regulate neuronal cell fate remains incompletely understood. Here we report a critical neurodegenerative role for inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), the evolutionarily conserved ER stress sensor, in a Drosophila model of PD. We found that IRE1 was hyperactivated upon accumulation of α-synuclein in the fly photoreceptor neurons. Ectopic overexpression of IRE1 was sufficient to trigger autophagy-dependent neuron death in an XBP1-independent, JNK-dependent manner. Furthermore, IRE1 was able to promote dopaminergic neuron loss, progressive locomotor impairment, and shorter lifespan, whereas blocking IRE1 or ATG7 expression remarkably ameliorated the progression of α-synuclein-caused Parkinson’s disease. These results provide in vivo evidence demonstrating that the IRE1 pathway drives PD progression through coupling ER stress to autophagy-dependent neuron death.