bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architectural modification of shells by terrestrial hermit crabs alters social dynamics in later generations
Authors: Laidre Mark E.
Published: June 2019

Organisms architecturally modify environments and these modifications may persist across generations, potentially strongly shaping social behavior. However, few experiments have directly tested the impact of architectural modifications from earlier generations on social behavior in later generations. Here, I report experiments using extremely durable resources, shells, which endure for decades to centuries in stable form. Terrestrial hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus) architecturally remodel shells and pass these modified shelters to subsequent generations, which reuse them long after the original architect's death. I conducted controlled field experiments in a population of these crabs in which shells have been individually marked and tracked for a decade. I examined the impact of architectural modifications by contrasting social behavior around introduced shells, either remodeled shells (whose internal architecture was modified by earlier generations) or unremodeled shells (whose architecture had never been modified). Remodeled shells generated radically different social dynamics than unremodeled shells, catalyzing vacancy chains in which shells were socially redistributed across the population. Social groups that formed around remodeled shells consisted of size‐ordered queues, with precise timing and social coordination required if individuals were to acquire superior shells. Interestingly, comparative experiments in two non‐architect species (Clibanarius albidigitus and Calcinus obscurus) failed to show any impact of architectural modifications on social behavior; such impacts were only found in the architect species (C. compressus). Broadly, architecture from earlier generations can thus play a major role in driving social dynamics among later generations.
Autophagy is essential for oligodendrocyte differentiation, survival, and proper myelination
Authors: Bankston Andrew N. , Forston Michael D. , Howard Russell M. , Andres Kariena R. , Smith Allison E. , Ohri Sujata Saraswat , Bates Margaret L. , Bunge Mary B. , Whittemore Scott R.
Published: June 2019

Deficient myelination, the spiral wrapping of highly specialized membrane around axons, causes severe neurological disorders. Maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) to myelinating oligodendrocytes (OL), the sole providers of central nervous system (CNS) myelin, is tightly regulated and involves extensive morphological changes. Here, we present evidence that autophagy, the targeted isolation of cytoplasm and organelles by the double‐membrane autophagosome for lysosomal degradation, is essential for OPC/OL differentiation, survival, and proper myelin development. A marked increase in autophagic activity coincides with OL differentiation, with OL processes having the greatest increase in autophagic flux. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that autophagosomes form in developing myelin sheathes before trafficking from myelin to the OL soma. Mice with conditional OPC/OL‐specific deletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg5 beginning on postnatal Day 5 develop a rapid tremor and die around postnatal Day 12. Further analysis revealed apoptotic death of OPCs, reduced differentiation, and reduced myelination. Surviving Atg5−/− OLs failed to produce proper myelin structure. In vitro, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy in OPC/dorsal root ganglion (DRG) co‐cultures blocked myelination, producing OLs surrounded by many short processes. Conversely, autophagy stimulation enhanced myelination. These results implicate autophagy as a key regulator of OPC survival, maturation, and proper myelination. Autophagy may provide an attractive target to promote both OL survival and subsequent myelin repair after injury.
Efficacy and toxicity of sorafenib in the treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Ho An Thi Nhat , Tran Thao T. K. , Capdevila Jaume , Benekli Mustafa , Nakazawa Tadao , Katoh Ryohei , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate and summarize the treatment efficacy and adverse effects (AEs) of sorafenib in the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs).

Methods

We included studies reporting the treatment efficacy or drug toxicity of sorafenib as a single therapeutic agent in MTCs. Pooled incidence and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for complete response, partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and sorafenib‐related AEs were calculated using random‐effect model.

Results

Eight trials with 101 metastatic MTCs were included for meta‐analyses. The overall PR and SD were 21% (95% CI = 9‐33) and 58% (95% CI = 41‐75), respectively. Hand‐foot syndrome, diarrhea, alopecia, mucositis, skin rash, fatigue, and hypertension were the most commonly observed AEs.

Conclusion

Our results show that sorafenib treatment has a modest effect and might be a candidate treatment in patients with metastatic MTCs who have failed other therapeutic regimens.
Efficacy of posttreatment radioiodine scanning in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Na'ara Shorook , Mahameed Kamel , Amit Moran , Cohen Jacob T. , Weiler‐Sagie Michal , Albitskiy Igor , Gil Ziv , Billan Salem
Published: June 2019

Background

Differentiated thyroid cancers often require radioiodine treatment followed by posttreatment scan. We aimed in this study to assess the utility of the posttreatment radioiodine scan in this population.

Methods

An analysis of patients who received radioiodine treatment at Rambam Campus, during 2006‐2013. Scans showing remnant normal thyroid tissue were considered as normal. Positive uptake was defined as uptake in the lateral neck or distant sites.

Results

A total of 455 patients were analyzed, 68% had T1‐T2 and 28% had positive lymph nodes. Positive uptake in the lateral neck was recorded in 52 (11.4%) and in distant sites in 41 (9%) patients. Tracheal invasion, esophageal invasion, nerve invasion, and N1b classification were associated with a positive scan (P < .05). A positive radioactive iodine scan was not related to poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Posttreatment scans are positive in only 20% of patients. Locally invasive tumor and positive nodes are associated with positive scans.
Increased expression of long noncoding RNA GAS6‐AS2 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of melanoma cells via upregulating GAS6 expression
Authors: Wen Li , Zheng Yuanquan , Wen Xiaoyi , Zhang Yitian , Zeng Weihui
Published: June 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently aberrantly expressed and involved in many cancers, including melanoma. GAS6‐AS2 was a recently identified cancer‐related lncRNA. However, the expression, roles, and functional mechanisms of GAS6‐AS2 in melanoma remain unknown. In this study, we found that lncRNA GAS6‐AS2 is significantly elevated in melanoma tissues and cells. Elevated expression of GAS6‐AS2 is positively correlated with advanced stages and poor prognosis in melanoma. Functional assays demonstrated that ectopic expression of GAS6‐AS2 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of melanoma cells. In contrast, knockdown of GAS6‐AS2 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of melanoma cells. Furthermore, in vivo functional assays showed that GAS6‐AS2 promotes melanoma xenograft growth. Mechanistically, we found that GAS6‐AS2 upregulates GAS6 expression, promotes GAS6 secretion, and activates AXL/AKT/ERK signals. The expression of GAS6 was positively correlated with that of GAS6‐AS2 in melanoma tissues. In addition, deficiency of GAS6 reverses the biological roles of GAS6‐AS2 overexpression in melanoma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Collectively, our data identified GAS6‐AS2 as an oncogenic lncRNA in melanoma via activation of GAS6/AXL/AKT/ERK signals. Our data suggested that GAS6‐AS2 may be a novel potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.
Self‐ and cross‐citations in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior: 2004‐2018
Authors: Mahoney Amanda , Li Anita , Curiel Hugo , Plattner Callie , Poling Alan
Published: June 2019

We examined self‐ and cross‐citations in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) and the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) from 2004 through 2018. Mean annual levels of self‐citations for JABA and JEAB were 40.1% and 28.7%, respectively. Overall, 5.1% of JABA citations were JEAB articles, and 2.3% of JEAB citations were JABA articles. Although overall cross‐citation levels were relatively low, 28.7% of the JABA articles reviewed had at least one JEAB citation, and 27.5% of the JEAB articles reviewed had at least one JABA citation. Authors in both journals cited articles addressing the topics of matching and motivating operations. The extent to which the basic and applied sectors of behavior analysis interact depends on how the interaction is measured. Nonetheless, the degree of interaction is growing, which is a good thing for the discipline.
Majorana vortex photons a form of entangled photons propagation through brain tissue
Authors: Mamani Sandra , Shi Lingyan , Nolan Daniel , Alfano Robert
Published: June 2019

This paper extends the concept of entangled vector vortex beams as a form of Majorana‐like photons. Majorana photon quasi particles are introduced and attributed to a class of entangled vector beams and show higher transmission. These photons and the antiphotons are identical. A Majorana photon has within itself both right and left handed twists. These majorana beams travel at speeds other than speed of light, c in free space. Light transmission of Majorana photon vortex beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) are investigated in a mouse brain at different local regions showing enhanced transmission and properties of being entangled. This work is new interpretation of our past paper of mixed photon beam states. The transmission change observed with Majorana structured light other than linear polarization is attributed to the nonseparable and mixed nature of radial and azimuthal polarizations with OAM and the handedness of the light passing through chiral brain media. These mixed nonhomogeneous beams are entangled in OAM and polarization. Majorana photons may play an important role in the future for quantum and optical computing and sub and super luminal speeds due to its traversal wave vector, k.
High concentration magnesium inhibits extracellular matrix calcification and protects articular cartilage via Erk/autophagy pathway
Authors: Yue Jiaji , Jin Shanzi , Gu Shizhong , Sun Rui , Liang Qingwei
Published: June 2019

The significant cytopathological changes of osteoarthritis are chondrocyte hypertrophy, proteoglycan loss, extracellular matrix (ECM) calcification, and terminally, the replacement of cartilage by bone. Meanwhile, magnesium ion (Mg2+), as the second most abundant divalent cation in the human body, has been proved to inhibit the ECM calcification of hBMSCs (human bone marrow stromal cells), hVSMCs (Human vascular smooth muscle cells), and TDSCs (tendon‐derived stem cells) in vitro studies. The ATDC5 cell line, which holds chondrocyte characteristics, was used in this study as an in vitro subject. We found that Mg2+ can efficiently suppress the ECM calcification and downregulate both hypertrophy and matrix metalloproteinase‐related genes. Meanwhile, Mg2+ inhibits the formation of autophagy by inhibiting Erk phosphorylation signaling and lowers the expression of LC3, and eventually effectively reduces the formation of ECM calcification in vitro. In this study, we also used destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)‐induced osteoarthritis (OA) animal model to further confirm the protective effect of Mg2+ on articular cartilage. Compared with the control group (saline‐injected), continuous intra‐articular magnesium chloride (MgCl2) injection can significantly alleviate the severity of cartilage calcification in OA animal model. Immunofluorescence staining also revealed that saline‐injected DMM group had a higher positive rate of LC3 expression in cartilage chondrocytes, compared with MgCl2‐injected DMM group. In general, Mg2+ can significantly downregulate the hypertrophic gene Runx2, MMP13, and Col10α1, upregulate the chondrogenic genes Sox9 and Col1α1, inhibit the Erk phosphorylation signaling, reduce the expression of autophagy protein LC3, and effectively inhibit the ECM calcification of ATDC5. In vivo study also proved that intra‐articular injection of Mg2+ protected knee cartilage by inhibiting the autophagy formation.
How Brands Acquire Cultural Meaning: Introduction
Authors: Krishna Aradhna
Published: June 2019

This article is part of a Research Dialogue: Fournier & Alvarez (2019): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1119 Batra (2019): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1122 Price & Coulter (2019): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1121 MacInnis et al. (2019): https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1118
Severe periodontitis may influence cementum and dental pulp through inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis
Authors: Li Xiangchun , Hu Liang , Ma Linsha , Chang Shimin , Wang Weili , Feng Yuanyong , Xu Yipu , Hu Jinchao , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Songlin
Published: June 2019

Background

The relationship between chronic periodontitis and pulpal/cemental changes is seldom reported. This study aimed to report on the microstructural changes of cementum and histopathological features of the dental pulp in teeth with severe chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Eighty molar teeth with severe chronic periodontitis and 50 extracted third molars (as normal controls) were collected. The microstructure of cementum was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and the pulp was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐1β levels were examined by immunohistochemistry/western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) levels were also checked. Caspase 3 expression and terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining were used as apoptotic indices, and LC3B and P62 were detected to demonstrate the level of autophagy.

Results

The surface of cementum showed irregularities; the dental pulp was inflamed and under oxidative stress. IL‐17 and IL‐1β levels were increased in the pulp of teeth with periodontitis. ROS and apoptosis levels were higher than in normal dental pulp, while SOD 1 level was reduced. Intriguingly, autophagy markers LC3B and P62 were upregulated in the pulp obtained from teeth with periodontitis.

Conclusions

Severe chronic periodontitis influenced the microstructure of both cementum and dental pulp. The dental pulp collected from teeth with periodontitis was inflamed, under oxidative stress, and presented increased levels of apoptosis and autophagy relative to normal dental pulp.
Apical stability of implants with progressive thread design in vitro, based on clinicians with different levels of experience
Authors: Romanos Georgios E. , Kuyunov Osnat , Sacks Danielle , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael
Published: June 2019

Background

The implant design and the surgical technique are important parameters that can be modified to improve the implant primary stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the apical part of an implant on the implant stability of implants placed in Type II dense bone by novice and experienced clinicians.

Methods

Implants with a progressive thread design (3.5 mm diameter, 11 mm length) were used. A total of 80 osteotomies were prepared in dense bone samples (quality Type II) by two clinicians with different levels of experience (novice and experienced) under the same surgical protocol. Two experimental groups were prepared. In the test group (apical stability), 40 implants were inserted with only 3 mm of the apical portion of the implant within the bone and without lateral contact between the residual implant length and the osteotomy walls. In the control group (full implant stability), 40 implants were inserted with full contact between the osteotomy walls and the implant surface. The stability of both groups (test and control) was evaluated using a resonance frequency analysis (RFA) (implant stability quotient [ISQ] values). Statistical comparisons between the groups were performed using the Kruskal‐Wallis test with Dunn post‐test for multiple comparisons.

Results

The results did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in terms of primary stability between implants placed by novice or experienced clinicians in dense bone. The control group showed significantly higher ISQ values compared with the test group (P < 0.001). The apical implant stability contributed to ≈ 30% and 43% of the entire implant stability for novice and experienced clinicians, respectively.

Conclusions

The apical portion of an implant plays a fundamental role in the entire implant stability and is independent on the clinician's experience. However, precise implant site preparation to guarantee apical implant anchorage is recommended.
Surfactants as Antimicrobials: A Brief Overview of Microbial Interfacial Chemistry and Surfactant Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Falk Nancy A.
Published: June 2019

In this brief overview of a large and complex subject, as presented at the 2018 Surfactants in Solution conference, the need for, and impact of, hard surface antimicrobial products is demonstrated. The composition of the interfaces of three common classes of pathological microbes, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is discussed so that surfactant and cleaning product development scientists better understand their interfacial characteristics. Studies of antimicrobial efficacy from the four major classes of surfactants (cationic, anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic) are shown. The need for preservatives in surfactants is elucidated. The regulatory aspects of antimicrobials in cleaning products to make antimicrobial claims are stressed.
Development of a decontamination method to inactivate Acidovorax citrulli on Cucurbitaceae seeds without loss of seed viability
Authors: Lee Seulgi , Kim Hoikyung , Beuchat Larry R , Ryu Jee‐Hoon
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Acidovorax citrulli is a plant pathogen causing bacterial fruit blotch in Cucurbitaceae family. Applying high concentration of disinfectants to seeds containing plant pathogen may substantially decrease the germination rate of seeds. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a hurdle technology which can inactivate plant pathogens without decreasing seed viability. This study was conducted to develop a decontamination method to inactivate the plant pathogen Acidovorax citrulli on Cucurbitaceae seeds by sequential treatments with aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO2), drying, and dry heat.

RESULTS

The maximum ClO2 concentration that did not lower germination rates of cucumber, honeydew melon, and watermelon seeds was ca. 100 μg mL−1 of ClO2 for 5 min. Optimal incubation conditions for drying seeds that had been treated with aqueous ClO2 were determined as 25 °C and 43% relative humidity (RH) for 48 h. The maximum dry‐heat temperature that did not reduce germination rates of seeds, which had been treated with ClO2 and dried at 25 °C, was 60 °C at 43% RH for 24 h. When seeds containing A. citrulli (6.4–7.0 log CFU g−1) were treated with aqueous ClO2 (50 μg mL−1, 5 min), dried (25 °C, 43% RH, 24 h), and dry heated (60 °C, 43% RH, 24 h), the pathogen was inactivated to below the detection limit from all three seed types (<−0.5 log CFU g−1).

CONCLUSION

The decontamination conditions to inactivate A. citrullii from Cucurbitaceae seeds without decreasing the seed viability were determined (sequential treatment with ClO2 [50 μg mL−1, 5 min], dried [25 °C, 43% RH, 24 h], and dry heated [60 °C, 43% RH, 24 h]). The results of this study may also be applicable to other plant pathogens on other types of seeds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Integration of proteome and transcriptome data reveals the mechanism involved in controlling of Fusarium graminearum by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhao Lina , Cheng Yangyang , Li Bo , Gu Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaoyun , Boateng Nana Adwoa Serwah , Zhang Hongyin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that antagonistic microorganisms could effectively control the infection of Fusarium graminearum. However, there is limited information on the control of F. graminearum by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while the possible control mechanisms involved through proteomic and transcriptomic techniques have also not been reported.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that S. cerevisiae Y‐912 could significantly inhibit the growth of F. graminearum Fg1, and the spore germination rate and germ tube length of F. graminearum Fg1 were also significantly inhibited by S. cerevisiae Y‐912. Proteomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins which were made of some basic proteins and enzymes related to basal metabolism, such as glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM), enolase (ENO), fructose diphosphate aldolase (FBA) and so on, were all down‐regulated. The transcriptomics of F. graminearum control by S. cerevisiae was also analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The control mechanism of S. cerevisiae Y‐912 on F. graminearum Fg1 was a very complex material and energy metabolic process in which the related proteins and genes involved in the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and amino acid metabolism were all down‐regulated. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multitask bilateral learning for real‐time image enhancement
Authors: Kong Kyeongbo , Lee Junggi , Song Woo‐Jin , Kang Minsung , Kwon Kyung Joon , Kim Seong Gyun
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, deep neural networks (DNNs) for image processing are becoming more complex; thus, reducing computational cost is increasingly important. This study highlights the construction of a DNN for real‐time image processing, training various image processing operators efficiently through multitask learning. For real‐time image processing, the proposed algorithm takes a joint upsampling approach through bilateral guided upsampling. For multitask learning, the overall network is based on an encoder‐decoder architecture, which consists of encoding, processing, and decoding components, in which the encoding and decoding components are shared by all the image processing operators. In the processing component, a semantic guidance map, which contains processing information for each image processing operator, is estimated using simple linear shifts of the shared deep features. Through these components, the proposed algorithm requires an increase of only 5% in the number of parameters to add another image processing operator and achieves faster and higher performance than that of deep‐learning‐based joint upsampling methods in local image processing as well as global image processing.
Simultaneous determination of five isoflavones in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS: Comparative pharmacokinetic characteristics of Puerariae lobatae radix in normal and type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Hongmin , Hu Xintong , Qiao Miao , Li Yang , Cao Shijie , Ding Liqin , Feng Xinchi , Kang Ning , Zhang Deqin , Qiu Feng
Published: June 2019

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, 3′‐hydroxy puerarin, and genistein in rat plasma after oral administration of Puerariae lobatae radix extract. The method of protein precipitation with acetonitrile was used for sample preparation. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with the mobile phases of acetonitrile/water containing 0.1% formic acid. The analytes were detected by mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operating in the negative ion mode. The linearity, precision, accuracy, dilution reliability, recovery, matrix effects, and stability of the method were within acceptable ranges. The developed method was successfully used to compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of five analytes in normal and type 2 diabetics rats after oral administration of Puerariae lobatae radix extract. Several pharmacokinetic alterations were observed and this might be caused by the pathological state of type 2 diabetes.
Development and Validation of the Moral Injury Scales for Youth
Authors: Chaplo Shannon D. , Kerig Patricia K. , Wainryb Cecilia
Published: June 2019

This paper describes the development and preliminary psychometric properties of the Moral Injury Scales for Youth (MISY). Although to date, the construct of moral injury has been focused on studies of samples of adult military personnel, the MISY was developed to extend the study of moral injury to interpersonal relationship stressors and transgressions among emerging adults, adolescents, and children. Participants in a validation study included 473 undergraduate students (78.6% female, age range: 18–25 years) recruited from a psychology participant pool at a large university in the Western United States as well as a second sample of 185 students recruited from the same pool, to assess reliability. Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the MISY demonstrated a five‐factor latent structure with good internal consistencies. Correlational analyses indicated that the MISY subscales demonstrated good convergent validity, divergent validity, and test–retest reliability. The findings suggest that the MISY is a psychometrically reliable and valid measure of moral injury in emerging adults, with utility for examining moral injury in nonmilitary youth populations.
Factors associated with polyp detection during colonoscopy: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Chen Chun‐Wei , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Su Ming‐Yao , Lin Chun‐Jung , Hsu Chen‐Ming , Lim Siew‐Na , Yeh Chau‐Ting , Lin Wey‐Ran
Published: June 2019

The polyp detection rate (PDR) is an important quality indicator for colonoscopy. Several factors have been shown to be associated with PDR. However, whether the moderate sedation is a factor for polyp detection remains controversial. This study aims to assess factors associated with polyp detection including the moderate sedation factor during colonoscopy. Patients who underwent colonoscopy from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 were enrolled into this retrospective study. Patients with poor colon preparation and failure to reach the cecum were excluded. The clinical factors, including patient's sex, age, midazolam/fentanyl sedation, indications, endoscopist colonoscopy volume, and use of antispasmodic agent were evaluated by multivariate analysis. A total of 3373 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 55.8 years, and 1980 patients (58.7%) were male. Among the 3373 patients, 2513 (74.5%) underwent midazolam/fentanyl‐based sedated colonoscopy. The multivariate analysis showed that male sex, age over 50 years old, midazolam/fentanyl sedation and indications of screening and surveillance were significantly associated with polyp detection. Moreover, when stratified by sex and age, the midazolam/fentanyl sedation was associated with polyp detection in male patients and patients over 50 years old. This study has highlighted the role of midazolam/fentanyl sedation administered by colonoscopists as a modifiable factor that may increase polyp detection during colonoscopy.
Soil enzyme activity and stoichiometry along a gradient of vegetation restoration at the Karst Critical Zone Observatory in Southwest China
Authors: Guo Zhiming , Zhang Xinyu , Green Sophie M. , Dungait Jennifer A.J. , Wen Xuefa , Quine Timothy A.
Published: June 2019

The “Grain for Green Programme” was implemented in the 1990s as a solution to the extreme degradation of karst landscapes that cover one‐third of China, largely caused by decades of poorly managed intensive agriculture. The recovery of soil functions is key to the success of ecosystem regeneration of abandoned croplands where the carbon (C) and nutrient cycles have been severely perturbed by cultivation. However, an ecological ‘tipping point’ beyond which soil functions are unrecoverable in manageable timescales may have been passed in the fragile, subtropical karst ecosystem. The aim of this study was to use the activity of key enzymes for C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) acquisition in the soil as a proxy for the biological response to vegetation restoration after agricultural abandonment in a severely degraded karst catchment at the Karst Critical Zone Observatory in Guizhou Province. In 2016, a space‐for‐time approach was used to establish a chronosequence of vegetation recovery: sloping cropland < recently abandoned sloping cropland < shrubland < secondary (regenerated) forest < primary (natural) forest. Soils were sampled from the surface to the bedrock (up to 80‐cm depth) in each recovery phase. The activity of all enzymes in the top 0 to 30‐cm depth increased after abandonment and was positively correlated with soil nutrient and water contents. Nitrogen deficiencies were indicated by the reduced ratios of C‐ relative to N‐hydrolase activity and the increased ratios of N‐ relative to P‐hydrolase activity in the abandoned croplands and shrublands. Phosphorus deficiencies were indicated by the reduced ratios of N‐ relative to P‐hydrolase activity and C‐ relative to P‐hydrolase activity in the soils of the shrubland and secondary forest compared with the primary forest. Our results revealed that near‐to‐natural biological soil function was recoverable as vegetation naturally restored and suggested that the rate of recovery may be accelerated by managed nutrient amendments during the early stages after abandonment. This new information may help to inform the managed regeneration of degraded agricultural land in nutrient‐poor, subtropical environments.
A noniterative method for robustly computing the intersections between a line and a curve or surface
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Busé Laurent , Cirak Fehmi
Published: June 2019

The need to compute the intersections between a line and a high‐order curve or surface arises in a large number of finite element applications. Such intersection problems are easy to formulate but hard to solve robustly. We introduce a noniterative method for computing intersections by solving a matrix singular value decomposition and an eigenvalue problem. That is, all intersection points and their parametric coordinates are determined in one‐shot using only standard linear algebra techniques available in most software libraries. As a result, the introduced technique is far more robust than the widely used Newton‐Raphson iteration or its variants. The maximum size of the considered matrices depends on the polynomial degree q of the shape functions and is 2q × 3q for curves and 6q2 × 8q2 for surfaces. The method has its origin in algebraic geometry and has here been considerably simplified with a view to widely used high‐order finite elements. In addition, the method is derived from a purely linear algebra perspective without resorting to algebraic geometry terminology. A complete implementation is available from http://bitbucket.org/nitro-project/.
Perspectives of ammunition users on the use of lead ammunition and its potential impacts on wildlife and humans
Authors: Newth Julia L. , Lawrence Alice , Cromie Ruth L. , Swift John A. , Rees Eileen C. , Wood Kevin A. , Strong Emily A , Reeves Jonathan , McDonald Robbie A.
Published: June 2019

Recent national and international policy initiatives have aimed to reduce the exposure of humans and wildlife to lead from ammunition. Despite restrictions, in the UK, lead ammunition remains the most widespread source of environmental lead contamination to which wildlife may be exposed.

The risks arising from the use of lead ammunition and the measures taken to mitigate these have prompted intense and sometimes acrimonious discussion between stakeholder groups, including those advancing the interests of shooting, wildlife conservation, public health and animal welfare.

However, relatively little is known of the perspectives of individual ammunition users, despite their role in adding lead to the environment and their pivotal place in any potential changes to practice. Using Q‐methodology, we identified the perspectives of ammunition users in the UK on lead ammunition in an effort to bring forward evidence from these key stakeholders.

Views were characterised by two statistically and qualitatively distinct perspectives: (a) Open to change—comprised ammunition users that refuted the view that lead ammunition is not a major source of poisoning in wild birds, believed that solutions to reduce the risks of poisoning are needed, were happy to use non‐lead alternatives and did not feel that the phasing out of lead shot would lead to the demise of shooting; and (b) Status quo—comprised ammunition users who did not regard lead poisoning as a major welfare problem for wild birds, were ambivalent about the need for solutions and felt that lead shot is better than steel at killing and not wounding an animal. They believed opposition to lead ammunition was driven more by a dislike of shooting than evidence of any harm.

Adherents to both perspectives agreed that lead is a toxic substance. There was consensus that involvement of stakeholders from all sides of the debate was desirable and that to be taken seriously by shooters, information about lead poisoning should come from the shooting community.

This articulation of views held by practitioners within the shooting community presents a foundation for renewing discussions, beyond current conflict among stakeholder and advocacy groups, towards forging new solutions and adaptation of practices.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Comparative Proteomics Analysis of Serum Proteins in Gestational Diabetes during Early and Middle Stages of Pregnancy
Authors: Shen Liming , Zhao Danqing , Chen Youjiao , Zhang Kaoyuan , Chen Xinqian , Lin Jing , Li Cuihua , Iqbal Javed , Zhao Yuxi , Liang Yi , Wei Yan , Feng Chengyun
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study is designed to screen serum proteins that may serve as biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and clarify the mechanisms of disease.

Experimental Design

By using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation proteomics analysis, serum proteins levels were quantified in pregnant women who subsequently developed GDM (12–16 weeks), GDM patients (24–28 weeks), and their corresponding controls. The strategy of mixing samples is used in proteomic analysis.

Results

Thirty‐one and 27 differentially expressed proteins are identified in the serum of pregnant women with developed GDM at 12–16 weeks and GDM patients during 24–28 weeks, respectively. Thirty eight and 28 proteins are identified in 24–28 weeks versus 12–16 weeks controls (24/12 CTR group), and 24–28 weeks GDM patients versus 12–16 weeks women with subsequently developed GDM (24/12 GDM group), respectively. Most of these proteins in the case and control subjects are associated with diabetes and maternal and perinatal short‐ and long‐term complications.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The results highlight the roles of complement system and the blood clotting cascade in the pathogenesis of GDM. Differentially expressed proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for GDM prediction and diagnosis in the future.
First‐Principles Calculations to Investigate the Refractive Index and Optical Dielectric Constant of Na3SbX4 (X = S, Se) Ternary Chalcogenides
Authors: Al‐Douri Y. , Ameri M. , Bouhemadou A. , Batoo Khalid M.
Published: June 2019

Ternary chalcogenides are promising candidate for visible light absorber as they have excellent optoelectronic properties. The ternary chalcogenides Na3SbX4 (X = S, Se) are investigated by using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). These chalcogenides have direct bandgap. The upper valence bands are predominantly composed of S or Se p‐orbitals and lower conduction bands consist of hybridization between Sb and S or Se p‐orbitals electrons. The optical absorption is investigated by calculating dielectric functions, refractive index, and optical dielectric constant. Our results of electronic and optical properties suggest potential of superionic conductors and energy storage applications.
Preparing Xanthan‐Chitosan Composites in Glycerol
Authors: Bilanovic Dragoljub , Iliassafov Lubov , Kurzbaum Eyal , Armon Robert
Published: June 2019

Anionic xanthan (X) and cationic chitosan (C) form xanthan‐chitosan (X+C) complexes by electrostatic attraction in an aquatic environment where concentration of either of the polysaccharides does not exceed 2.5 wt %. Covalently bonded xanthan‐chitosan (X−C) composites were prepared in dry glycerol with concentration of either of the polysaccharides in the range 0.025 to 50% weight. In dry glycerol xanthan and chitosan formed covalent bonds via condensation reactions. Carboxyl groups donate OH− while amino groups donate H+ to make H2O; water is also condensed in Maillard reactions during crosslinking of both xanthan and chitosan with glycerol. X−C composites were made at xanthan to chitosan ratio in range 0.08 to 26. Porosity of X−C composites decreased with increasing xanthan content and decreasing chitosan content. X−C composites prepared at various xanthan to chitosan ratio showed different H2O absorption, hardness, release and absorption of chemicals, and they differed in other characteristics as well. These results are significant for scientific community, food, material, pharmaceutical, and other fields.
Stochastic volatility generated by product autoregressive models
Authors: Muhammed Anvar P. , Balakrishna Narayana , Abraham Bovas
Published: June 2019

This paper analyses the stochastic volatility models induced by non‐negative Markov sequences generated by product autoregressive models. In particular, a stationary sequence of generalized gamma random variables is proposed to generate volatilities. The method of combined estimating functions is employed for parameter estimation. Simulation studies and real data analysis are provided to demonstrate the utility of the model.
Feeding Ecology of Early Life Stage Razorback Sucker Relative to Other Sucker Species in the San Juan River, Utah
Authors: Pennock Casey A. , Farrington Michael A. , Gido Keith B.
Published: June 2019

Low survival of early life stage (ELS) Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus in the Colorado River basin, USA, is thought to cause a recruitment bottleneck. Conversely, two other native sucker species, the Bluehead Sucker Catostomus discobolus and Flannelmouth Sucker C. latipinnis, successfully recruit to adulthood. To explore a potential factor leading to this survival discrepancy among species, we used museum‐catalogued specimens collected from the San Juan River, Utah, to investigate trophic resource use of co‐occurring ELS suckers. We evaluated diet diversity and composition, expecting high overlap in diets among sucker species. All species were significantly different in median SL and varied in the ranges of developmental stages present in collections, with Razorback Sucker generally being the smallest and least developed. Size differences among sampled individuals coincided with a 1.7× higher mean diet richness for Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker compared to Razorback Sucker. The Bluehead Sucker was the only species for which diet richness increased significantly with fish size. Discriminant function analysis was able to distinguish Razorback Sucker from the other two species based on a low frequency of occurrence of all diet items. Nine of twelve diet item categories differed significantly in frequency of occurrence among species. Bluehead Sucker and Razorback Sucker had higher mean carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) relative to Flannelmouth Sucker, and variation in δ13C was high among individual Flannelmouth Sucker across sites. The δ13C and δ15N of Bluehead Sucker decreased significantly with fish size, but no significant relationship was found for Flannelmouth Sucker or Razorback Sucker. The confounding issue of fish size and species identity in this data set prevented us from completely isolating either of these two effects on differences in diet richness, δ13C, and δ15N. Nevertheless, differences in diet item occurrence across sizes and species reflect differences in resource acquisition among ELS suckers that might be related to recruitment bottlenecks.
Water as a weapon and casualty of armed conflict: A review of recent water‐related violence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen
Authors: Gleick Peter H.
Published: June 2019

Violence over water resources has persisted in various forms for thousands of years, driven by complex ideological, religious, economic, and strategic factors. Scarce and valuable freshwater has played a role in conflicts as a contributing factor, a target or tool, or a weapon. The focus of this review is on specific instances of violence around water and water systems conflict in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, where water resources and human‐built water systems have been both weapons and targets of conflict. A new cycle of violence in the region, growing in extent and severity, began approximately three decades ago and is described here in the context of broader regional water challenges and theoretical issues around environmental security. New data and definitions and an analysis of the types of event and sources of information are also provided in the context of international humanitarian law. This assessment confirms and expands upon previous work that evaluates trends toward the weaponization of water and the targeting of water systems in Middle East conflicts. Initial recommendations for reducing these trends are provided.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Rights to Water

Science of Water > Water Quality
Influence analysis of different design conditions on urban runoff and nonpoint source pollution
Authors: Li Jiake , Ma Menghua , Li Yajiao , Zhang Zhaoxin
Published: June 2019

Urban waterlogging and nonpoint source (NPS) pollution caused by urbanization have considerably increased, and their control effects are affected by many factors. This study established a distribution model to analyze the influences of different rainfall conditions and rain garden layouts on runoff output and NPS pollution. Simulation results showed that (a) the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load decreased from 45% to 23% and from 57% to 23% with increasing rainfall duration (1–24 hr). The flow and concentration peaks, total discharge amount and load increased, and the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load decreased from 47% to 32% and from 60% to 21%, respectively, with increasing recurrence period (1–50 annual). The changes in the rain peak coefficient had minimal reduction effect on water quantity and quality. (b) Under different rain garden layouts, the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load were 37%–52% and 13%–57%, respectively. The reduction effects of the runoff and pollution load improved, whereas amplitudes decreased with increasing rain garden layouts (0%–4%). (c) Rainfall duration and rain garden proportion greatly influenced the runoff and load reductions, respectively.

Practitioner points

The reduction effects of runoff and pollution load under different rainfall conditions were simulated and analyzed.

The reduction effects of runoff and pollution load under different setting proportions of rain garden were simulated and analyzed.

The influence degrees of different design conditions on water quantity and quality reduction rates were evaluated.
Fundamental truthmakers and non-fundamental truths
Authors: Schipper Arthur
Published: June 2019

Recently, philosophers have tried to develop a version of truthmaker theory which ties the truthmaking relation (T-REL) closely to the notion of fundamentality. In fact, some of these truthmaker-fundamentalists (TF-ists), as I call them, assume that the notion of fundamentality is intelligible in part by citing, as central examples of fundamentals, truthmakers, which they understand necessarily as constituents of fundamental reality. The aim of this paper is first to bring some order and clarity to this discussion, sketching how far TF is compatible with orthodox truthmaking, and then critically to evaluate the limits of TF. It will be argued that truthmaker theory cannot directly help with articulating the nature of fundamental reality and that T-REL does not necessarily relate truths with anything more fundamental, unless what is fundamental is what the truthbearers in question are about. I shall argue that TF faces a rather thorny dilemma and some general problems. I shall present two exhaustive types of fundamentalism on which a version of TF can be based: deflationary and inflationary. It will be argued that each version of TF runs into significant troubles accounting for all truth, specifically ordinary truths and metaphysical truths about the relations between ordinary facts and fundamental facts. I shall not attempt to solve these problems, but rather, at the end, diagnose the issues with TF as lying in the difficulties with reconciling the manifest image with the scientific and metaphysical images of reality.
Prediction of Rail Contact Fatigue on Crossings Using Image Processing and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Sysyn Mykola , Gerber Ulf , Nabochenko Olga , Gruen Dmitri , Kluge Franziska
Published: June 2019

In this paper, an application of computer vision and machine learning algorithms for common crossing frog diagnostics is presented. The rolling surface fatigue of frogs along the crossing lifecycle is analysed. The research is based on information from high-resolution optical images of the frog rolling surface and images from magnetic particle inspection. Image processing methods are used to pre-process the images and to detect the feature set that corresponds to objects similar to surface cracks. Machine learning methods are used for the analysis of crack images from the beginning to the end of the crossing lifecycle. Statistically significant crack features and their combinations that depict the surface fatigue state are found. The research result consists of the early prediction of rail contact fatigue.
Association of TLR4 with Alzheimer's disease risk and presymptomatic biomarkers of inflammation
Authors: Miron Justin , Picard Cynthia , Lafaille‐Magnan Marie‐Élyse , Savard Mélissa , Labonté Anne , Breitner John , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Auld Daniel , Poirier Judes ,   for the PREVENT‐AD research group
Published: June 2019

Introduction

A coding variant in the TLR4 receptor (rs4986790), previously associated with longevity and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk reduction, was examined in a population isolate (Québec Founder Population [QFP]) and in presymptomatic individuals with a parental history of AD (Pre‐Symptomatic Evaluation of Novel or Experimental Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease [PREVENT‐AD]).

Methods

Genotyping was performed using the Illumina HumanHap 550k (QFP) and the Illumina Omni2.5 beadchips (PREVENT‐AD). Cognition was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Whole‐brain cortical thickness data were analyzed using CIVET 1.12. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of cytokines were obtained by using Milliplex.

Results

The minor allele of the rs4986790 polymorphism (G) is associated with a reduced risk of developing AD in the QFP, as well as higher visuospatial and constructional abilities, higher cortical thickness in visual‐related regions, and stable cerebrospinal fluid IL‐1β levels in the PREVENT‐AD cohort.

Discussion

The rs4986790 G coding variant in the TLR4 gene appears to reduce AD risk through the modulation of IL‐1β synthesis and secretion in the presymptomatic phase of the disease.