bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trusting You Will See This as We Do: The Hidatsa Water Buster (Midi Badi) Clan Negotiates the Return of a Medicine Bundle from the Museum of the American Indian in 1938
Authors: Shannon Jennifer
Published: November 2019

An often cited 1938 repatriation from the Museum of the American Indian in New York City to the members of the Water Buster or Midi Badi clan of the Hidatsa tribe in North Dakota is revisited. Rather than focusing on this event as a “first” in repatriation history or using it as a character assessment of the director of the museum, this account highlights the clan’s agency and resistance through an examination of their negotiation for the return of a sacred bundle and the objects they selected to provide in exchange. Through this example, we see how tribes have had to make hard choices in hard times, and how repatriation is a form of resistance and redress that contributes to the future of a community’s wellbeing in the face of a history of religious and colonial oppression.
An Aesthetic Pattern of Nonbelonging—Immigration and Identity in Contemporary Israeli Art
Authors: Gashinsky Emma
Published: November 2019

This research pinpoints a local pattern of migratory aesthetics recurrently employed by four Israeli artists in the early years of the 21st century. I argue that works by artists Philip Rantzer, Gary Goldstein, Haim Maor, and David Wakstein showcase a hybrid migratory self-definition that is embedded in the artistic language itself. By harnessing a collagistic language of juxtaposition and fragmentation, they frame Israeli identity as uncanny, reflecting a cultural mindset of being neither “here” nor “there”. I contend that this pattern is used by a particular generation of artists, born in the early 1950s, and reflects a reaction, in hindsight, to the Zionist ethos of collective local identity. Employing old photographs from their family albums that they transform into framed detached figures, these artists draw upon childhood memories of immigration. Their art marks an identity clash between two homelands, which is the result of intertwined aesthetic and socio-cultural characteristics. The first is evident in the prevalent use of collage in local art—in itself a language of oppositions. The second is the negation of the diaspora in the Israeli socio-cultural mentality, which constructs identity through binary thinking. To date, no other study has acknowledged this aesthetic pattern nor the common ground these artists share in their works.
Coulomb (Velocity) Gauge Recommended in Multiconfiguration Calculations of Transition Data Involving Rydberg Series
Authors: Papoulia Asimina , Ekman Jörgen , Gaigalas Gediminas , Godefroid Michel , Gustafsson Stefan , Hartman Henrik , Li Wenxian , Radžiūtė Laima , Rynkun Pavel , Schiffmann Sacha , Wang Kai , Jönsson Per
Published: November 2019

Astronomical spectroscopy has recently expanded into the near-infrared (nIR) wavelength region, raising the demands on atomic transition data. The interpretation of the observed spectra largely relies on theoretical results, and progress towards the production of accurate theoretical data must continuously be made. Spectrum calculations that target multiple atomic states at the same time are by no means trivial. Further, numerous atomic systems involve Rydberg series, which are associated with additional difficulties. In this work, we demonstrate how the challenges in the computations of Rydberg series can be handled in large-scale multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) and relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) calculations. By paying special attention to the construction of the radial orbital basis that builds the atomic state functions, transition data that are weakly sensitive to the choice of gauge can be obtained. Additionally, we show that the Babushkin gauge should not always be considered as the preferred gauge, and that, in the computations of transition data involving Rydberg series, the Coulomb gauge could be more appropriate for the analysis of astrophysical spectra. To illustrate the above, results from computations of transitions involving Rydberg series in the astrophysically important C IV and C III ions are presented and analyzed.
Trastuzumab Specific Epitope Evaluation as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker in Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Koh Jiwon , Nam Soo Kyung , Lee Youn Woo , Kim Jin Won , Lee Keun-Wook , Ock Chan-Young , Oh Do-Youn , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Kim Hyung-Ho , Kang Keon-Wook , Kim Woo Ho , Lee Ho-Young , Lee Hye Seung
Published: November 2019

While human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibodies bind to the intracellular domain, trastuzumab binds to the extracellular epitope of HER2 receptor: target of drug action. We aimed to evaluate clinical significance of the new IHC method assessing the target of trastuzumab in gastric cancer (GC) patients and compare with conventional methods. Sixty-nine trastuzumab-treated GC patients were enrolled from two different cohorts. Additionally, we enrolled 528 consecutive GC patients to evaluate prognostic implications of HER2 test methods. HER2 status was assessed by trastuzumab IHC, HER2 IHC (4B5), and HER2 silver in situ hybridization (SISH). HER2 IHC showed 3+ in 48/69 trastuzumab-treated patients (69.6%), however, trastuzumab IHC showed 3+ in 25 (36.2%). Patients with trastuzumab IHC ≥2+ had significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than their counterpart (p = 0.014). In univariate analysis, trastuzumab IHC ≥2+ and HER2 IHC 3+ were only significant predictive factors for OS in trastuzumab-treated patients. Of the 528 consecutive GCs, patients with trastuzumab IHC ≥2+ had shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and OS (p = 0.008 and 0.031, respectively), while conventional methods failed to reveal any significant survival differences. HER2 assessment by trastuzumab IHC was different from conventional HER2 test results. Trastuzumab IHC was suggested to be a significant predictive factor for trastuzumab responsiveness and prognostic factor for consecutive GCs.
LCAT, ApoD, and ApoA1 Expression and Review of Cholesterol Deposition in the Cornea
Authors: Flores Rhonda , Jin Xueting , Chang Janet , Zhang Connie , Cogan David G. , Schaefer Ernst J. , Kruth Howard S.
Published: November 2019

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is an enzyme secreted by the liver and circulates with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. The enzyme esterifies plasma cholesterol and increases the capacity of HDL to carry and potentially remove cholesterol from tissues. Cholesterol accumulates within the extracellular connective tissue matrix of the cornea stroma in individuals with genetic deficiency of LCAT. LCAT can be activated by apolipoproteins (Apo) including ApoD and ApoA1. ApoA1 also mediates cellular synthesis of HDL. This study examined the expression of LCAT by epithelial cells, keratocytes, and endothelial cells, the cell types that comprise from anterior to posterior the three layers of the cornea. LCAT and ApoD were immunolocalized to all three cell types within the cornea, while ApoA1 was immunolocalized to keratocytes and endothelium but not epithelium. In situ hybridization was used to detect LCAT, ApoD, and ApoA1 mRNA to learn what cell types within the cornea synthesize these proteins. No corneal cells showed mRNA for ApoA1. Keratocytes and endothelium both showed ApoD mRNA, but epithelium did not. Epithelium and endothelium both showed LCAT mRNA, but despite the presence of LCAT protein in keratocytes, keratocytes did not show LCAT mRNA. RNA sequencing analysis of serum-cultured dedifferentiated keratocytes (commonly referred to as corneal stromal fibroblasts) revealed the presence of both LCAT and ApoD (but not ApoA1) mRNA, which was accompanied by their respective proteins detected by immunolabeling of the cultured keratocytes and Western blot analysis of keratocyte lysates. The results indicate that keratocytes in vivo show both ApoA1 and LCAT proteins, but do not synthesize these proteins. Rather, keratocytes in vivo must take up ApoA1 and LCAT from the corneal interstitial tissue fluid.
The Mental Health Implications of Living in the Shadows: The Lived Experience and Coping Strategies of Undocumented African Migrant Women
Authors: Olukotun Oluwatoyin , Gondwe Kaboni , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy
Published: November 2019

In the United States, undocumented immigrants often encounter complex challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Existing literature has primarily focused on Latino immigrants. Thus, little is known about the mental health needs of undocumented African immigrant women. To address this gap, we examined the stressors, mental health concerns and coping strategies of undocumented African migrant women in the United States. This qualitative study used a postcolonial feminist framework approach. Twenty-four undocumented African migrant women were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that the women dealt with complex stressors created by the sociopolitical environment. These stressors contributed to feelings of depression and anxiety which they coped with using social support and religion. The results uncover the need for culturally relevant tools for screening and addressing the mental health needs of undocumented women and increased awareness amongst healthcare providers on how social context and policies adversely impact the mental health of marginalized groups. Lastly, at a structural level, the need for policy and social change that fosters an inclusive and safe environment for undocumented persons.
The Low Lying Double-Exciton State of Conjugated Diradicals: Assessment of TDUDFT and Spin-Flip TDDFT Predictions
Authors: Canola Sofia , Dai Yasi , Negri Fabrizia
Published: November 2019

Conjugated singlet ground state diradicals have received remarkable attention owing to their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. A distinctive character of these systems is the location of the double-exciton state, a low lying excited state dominated by the doubly excited HOMO,HOMOLUMO,LUMO configuration, (where HOMO=highest occupied molecular orbital, LUMO=lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) which may influence optical and other photophysical properties. In this contribution we investigate this specific excited state, for a series of recently synthesized conjugated diradicals, employing time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) based on the unrestricted parallel spin reference configuration in the spin-flip formulation (SF-TDDFT) and standard TD calculations based on the unrestricted antiparallel spin reference configuration (TDUDFT). The quality of computed results is assessed considering diradical and multiradical descriptors, and the excited state wavefunction composition.
Predicting the Evolution of Physics Research from a Complex Network Perspective
Authors: Liu Wenyuan , Saganowski Stanisław , Kazienko Przemysław , Cheong Siew Ann
Published: November 2019

The advancement of science, as outlined by Popper and Kuhn, is largely qualitative, but with bibliometric data, it is possible and desirable to develop a quantitative picture of scientific progress. Furthermore, it is also important to allocate finite resources to research topics that have the growth potential to accelerate the process from scientific breakthroughs to technological innovations. In this paper, we address this problem of quantitative knowledge evolution by analyzing the APS data sets from 1981 to 2010. We build the bibliographic coupling and co-citation networks, use the Louvain method to detect topical clusters (TCs) in each year, measure the similarity of TCs in consecutive years, and visualize the results as alluvial diagrams. Having the predictive features describing a given TC and its known evolution in the next year, we can train a machine learning model to predict future changes of TCs, i.e., their continuing, dissolving, merging, and splitting. We found the number of papers from certain journals, the degree, closeness, and betweenness to be the most predictive features. Additionally, betweenness increased significantly for merging events and decreased significantly for splitting events. Our results represent the first step from a descriptive understanding of the science of science (SciSci), towards one that is ultimately prescriptive.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of an (Al0.5CoCrFeNi)0.95Mo0.025C0.025 High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Wang Bingfeng , Wang Chu , Liu Bin , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: November 2019

The dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of the (Al0.5CoCrFeNi)0.95Mo0.025C0.025 high entropy alloy (HEA) prepared by powder extrusion were investigated by a split Hopkinson pressure bar and electron probe microanalyzer and scanning electron microscope. The (Al0.5CoCrFeNi)0.95Mo0.025C0.025 HEA has a uniform face-centered cubic plus body-centered cubic solid solution structure and a fine grain-sized microstructure with a size of about 2 microns. The HEA possesses an excellent strain hardening rate and high strain rate sensitivity at a high strain rate. The Johnson–Cook plastic model was used to describe the dynamic flow behavior. Hat-shaped specimens with different nominal strain levels were used to investigate forced shear localization. After dynamic deformation, a thin and short shear band was generated in the designed shear zone and then the specimen quickly fractured along the shear band.
Möbius Transforms, Cycles and q-triplets in Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Gazeau Jean Pierre , Tsallis Constantino
Published: November 2019

In the realm of Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistical mechanics and its q-generalisation for complex systems, we analysed sequences of q-triplets, or q-doublets if one of them was the unity, in terms of cycles of successive Möbius transforms of the line preserving unity ( q = 1 corresponds to the BG theory). Such transforms have the form q ↦ ( a q + 1 − a ) / [ ( 1 + a ) q − a ] , where a is a real number; the particular cases a = − 1 and a = 0 yield, respectively, q ↦ ( 2 − q ) and q ↦ 1 / q , currently known as additive and multiplicative dualities. This approach seemingly enables the organisation of various complex phenomena into different classes, named N-complete or incomplete. The classification that we propose here hopefully constitutes a useful guideline in the search, for non-BG systems whenever well described through q-indices, of new possibly observable physical properties.
Uniform Inference in Panel Autoregression
Authors: Chao John C. , Phillips Peter C. B.
Published: November 2019

This paper considers estimation and inference concerning the autoregressive coefficient ( ρ ) in a panel autoregression for which the degree of persistence in the time dimension is unknown. Our main objective is to construct confidence intervals for ρ that are asymptotically valid, having asymptotic coverage probability at least that of the nominal level uniformly over the parameter space. The starting point for our confidence procedure is the estimating equation of the Anderson–Hsiao (AH) IV procedure. It is well known that the AH IV estimation suffers from weak instrumentation when ρ is near unity. But it is not so well known that AH IV estimation is still consistent when ρ = 1 . In fact, the AH estimating equation is very well-centered and is an unbiased estimating equation in the sense of Durbin (1960), a feature that is especially useful in confidence interval construction. We show that a properly normalized statistic based on the AH estimating equation, which we call the M statistic, is uniformly convergent and can be inverted to obtain asymptotically valid interval estimates. To further improve the informativeness of our confidence procedure in the unit root and near unit root regions and to alleviate the problem that the AH procedure has greater variation in these regions, we use information from unit root pretesting to select among alternative confidence intervals. Two sequential tests are used to assess how close ρ is to unity, and different intervals are applied depending on whether the test results indicate ρ to be near or far away from unity. When ρ is relatively close to unity, our procedure activates intervals whose width shrinks to zero at a faster rate than that of the confidence interval based on the M statistic. Only when both of our unit root tests reject the null hypothesis does our procedure turn to the M statistic interval, whose width has the optimal N − 1 / 2 T − 1 / 2 rate of shrinkage when the underlying process is stable. Our asymptotic analysis shows this pretest-based confidence procedure to have coverage probability that is at least the nominal level in large samples uniformly over the parameter space. Simulations confirm that the proposed interval estimation methods perform well in finite samples and are easy to implement in practice. A supplement to the paper provides an extensive set of new results on the asymptotic behavior of panel IV estimators in weak instrument settings.
Barriers to Effective Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management (DMSM) Practice for Glycemic Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Socio Cultural Context of Indonesian Communities in West Sulawesi
Authors: Pamungkas Rian Adi , Chamroonsawasdi Kanittha , Vatanasomboon Paranee , Charupoonphol Phitaya
Published: November 2019

Diabetes mellitus self-management (DMSM) is an essential strategy used to maintain blood glucose levels and to prevent severe complications. Several barriers have been documented while implementing DMSM practices. A qualitative study aimed to explore barriers to effective DMSM practice among uncontrolled glycemic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Indonesia. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) among 28 key informants, including patients, family members, healthcare providers (HCPs), and village health volunteers (VHVs). The interviews and FGDs were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The results revealed six core themes with sub-categories of themes used by all participants to describe the barriers to effective DMSM practice among uncontrolled T2DM patients. The critical barriers of DMSM practice included low perception of susceptibility to and severity of the illness; inadequate knowledge and skill of diabetes mellitus self-management; lack of motivation to perform diabetes mellitus self-management; insufficient human resources; lack of social engagement; and social exclusion and feelings of embarrassment. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the barriers while implementing the DMSM practice. Healthcare providers should negotiate with both T2DM patients and caretakers to participate in a DMSM program at a community health care level.
Economic Dispatch of BESS and Renewable Generators in DC Microgrids Using Voltage-Dependent Load Models
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Grisales-Noreña Luis , Orozco-Henao César , Serra Federico
Published: November 2019

This paper addresses the optimal dispatch problem for battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in direct current (DC) mode for an operational period of 24 h. The problem is represented by a nonlinear programming (NLP) model that was formulated using an exponential voltage-dependent load model, which is the main contribution of this paper. An artificial neural network was employed for the short-term prediction of available renewable energy from wind and photovoltaic sources. The NLP model was solved by using the general algebraic modeling system (GAMS) to implement a 30-node test feeder composed of four renewable generators and three batteries. Simulation results demonstrate that the cost reduction for a daily operation is drastically affected by the operating conditions of the BESS, as well as the type of load model used.
Batch and Fed-Batch Ethanol Fermentation of Cheese-Whey Powder with Mixed Cultures of Different Yeasts
Authors: Farkas Csilla , Rezessy-Szabó Judit M. , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Bujna Erika , Pham Tuan M. , Pásztor-Huszár Klára , Friedrich László , Bhat Rajeev , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Nguyen Quang D.
Published: November 2019

Eight yeast strains of Lachancea thermotolerans, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Kluyveromyces waltii have been tested for their ability to ferment lactose into ethanol in mashes containing 10% (w/v) cheese whey powder (CWP). The K. marxianus NCAIM Y00963 achieved 3.5% (v/v) ethanol concentration at 96–120 h of fermentation. The ethanol production by the selected lactose-positive strains and the well-known ethanologenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Levuline Fb) in mixed culture was also investigated at different CWP concentrations and inoculation techniques in batch mode. The mixed culture in an equal ratio (1:1) of cell counts of K. marxianus and S. serevisiae showed an increase in lactose conversion rate. The two yeast strains in a ratio of 3:1 (three-quarters of K. marxianus and a quarter of S. cerevisiae in a total of 4.5 × 1010 cells) resulted in 72.33% efficiency of lactose bioconversion and 7.6% (v/v) ethanol production at 17.5% (w/v) of CWP concentration. In the repeated inoculation process, with the addition of three-quarter part of 3:1 ratio of mixed culture (3.3 × 1010 cells of K. marxianus) into 150 mL CWP mash at initiation and the rest quarter part (1.2 × 1010 cells of S. cerevisiae) at 24 h, 8.86% (v/v) ethanol content with 87.5% efficiency of lactose conversion was reached. Both the ethanol concentration and efficiency of bioconversion were increased to 10.34% (v/v) and 92%, respectively, by combination with fed-batch fermentation technology. Our results can serve a very good basis for the development of industrial technology for the utilization of cheese whey.
Study on the Optimization of a Gas Drainage Borehole Drainage Horizon Based on the Evolution Characteristics of Mining Fracture
Authors: Li Tengteng , Wu Bing , Lei Baiwei
Published: November 2019

Gas disaster restricts the safety development of coal mine. The technology of high-level borehole gas drainage is an important means to reduce the gas concentration in goaf. In order to determine the best position of the end of gas drainage hole, in this paper, based on the geological conditions of Xinyuan coal mine 31009 working face, a series of numerical simulation is carried out; and through the field test, the dynamic change of gas concentration in different height of borehole is monitored. The results show that: When the working face advances to different distances, there are four characteristic distribution areas in the horizontal direction: the fracture area of the original rock stratum, fracture channel generation and development area, fracture channel mature area and fracture channel closure area. Although the drilling horizon is different, the change of gas concentration in drilling can be divided into four stages: gas stabilization stage, gas initial change stage, gas fluctuation stage and gas re-stabilization stage. The variation of borehole concentration can reflect the evolution characteristics of fracture area. The response time of gas change in different layers is also different. In the gas initial change stage and the gas re-stabilization stage, the low-level borehole first responds. The response of gas change in high-level drilling is a long process, so the effect of high-level drilling is better than that of low-level drilling. For 31009 working face, the best gas drainage layer is 32m, and the field gas drainage has achieved good practical results. This study can provide some guidance for the prevention and control of gas disaster in goaf.
Gamma-Ray Sensitivity to Dark Matter Subhalo Modelling at High Latitudes
Authors: Calore Francesca , Hütten Moritz , Stref Martin
Published: November 2019

Searches for “dark” subhaloes in gamma-ray point-like source catalogues are among promising strategies for indirect dark matter detection. Such a search is nevertheless affected by uncertainties related, on the one hand, to the modelling of the dark matter subhalo distribution in Milky-Way-like galaxies, and, on the other hand, to the sensitivity of gamma-ray instruments to the dark matter subhalo signals. In the present work, we assess the detectability of dark matter subhaloes in Fermi-LAT catalogues, taking into accounts uncertainties associated with the modelling of the galactic subhalo population. We use four different halo models bracketing a large set of uncertainties. For each model, adopting an accurate detection threshold of the LAT to dark matter subhalo signals and comparing model predictions with the number of unassociated point-sources in Fermi-LAT catalogues, we derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section as a function of dark matter mass. Our results show that, even in the best-case scenario (i.e., DMonly subhalo model), which does not include tidal disruption from baryons, the limits on the dark matter parameter space are less stringent than current gamma-ray limits from dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Comparing the results obtained with the different subhalo models, we find that baryonic effects on the subhalo population are significant and lead to dark matter constraints that are less stringent by a factor of ∼2 to ∼5. This uncertainty comes from the unknown resilience of dark matter subhaloes to tidal disruption.
The Role of Somatic Maturation on Bioimpedance Patterns and Body Composition in Male Elite Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Campa Francesco , Silva Analiza Monica , Iannuzzi Vincenzo , Mascherini Gabriele , Benedetti Luca , Toselli Stefania
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of chronological age (CA) and somatic maturation on body composition (BC) and bioimpedance parameters in male elite soccer players. BC and bioimpedance variables were measured in a sample of 249 players aged 9−18 years of age and registered in two professional Italian soccer teams. Results from segmental analysis showed transition time points where the influence of CA and somatic maturation on bioimpedance patterns and BC characteristics increased or subsided. The accelerated phases were assessed for fat free mass, total body water, and upper muscle area, with a starting time point at approximately −2.00 years from peak at velocity (YPHV), and for body cell mass, whose developmental tempo sped up around −1.00 YPHV. An increase in the rate of development was also observed close to −2.00 YPHV for phase angle (PA), although without accelerated phases. From a CA point of view, significant slope changes were found for all BC and bioimpendance variables, except for the calf muscle area. Although the starting points and the span of the accelerated phases were different, they subsided or disappeared at ~ 15 years, except for PA, whose growth waned at ~ 17 years.
First Description of the Hyperpnea–Hypopnea Periodic Breathing in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease-Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Treatment Implications in a Real-Life Setting
Authors: Canora Angelo , Nicoletta Carmine , Ghinassi Giacomo , Bruzzese Dario , Rea Gaetano , Capaccio Annalisa , Castaldo Sabrina , Coppola Antonietta , Polistina Giorgio Emanuele , Sanduzzi Alessandro , Bocchino Marialuisa
Published: November 2019

There is evidence that hypopneas are more common than apneas in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We investigated the frequency distribution of hypopneas in 100 patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) (mean age 69 yrs ± 7.8; 70% males), including 54 IPF cases, screened for OSA by home sleep testing. Fifty age- and sex-matched pure OSA patients were included as controls. In ILD-OSA patients the sleep breathing pattern was characterized by a high prevalence of hypopneas that were preceded by hyperpnea events configuring a sort of periodic pattern. This finding, we arbitrarily defined hyperpnea–hypopnea periodic breathing (HHPB), was likely reflecting a central event and was completely absent in control OSA. Also, the HHPB was highly responsive to oxygen but not to the continuous positive pressure support. Thirty-three ILD-OSA patients (42%) with a HHPB associated with a hypopnea/apnea ratio ≥3 had the best response to oxygen with a median residual AHI of 2.6 (1.8–5.6) vs. 28.3 (20.7–37.8) at baseline (p < 0.0001). ILD-OSA patients with these characteristics were similarly distributed in IPF (54.5%) and no-IPF cases (45.5%), the most of them being affected by moderate–severe OSA (p = 0.027). Future studies addressing the pathogenesis and therapy management of the HHPB should be encouraged in ILD-OSA patients.
Retrieving Landmark Salience Based on Wikipedia: An Integrated Ranking Model
Authors: Binski Noa , Natapov Asya , Dalyot Sagi
Published: November 2019

Landmarks are important for assisting in wayfinding and navigation and for enriching user experience. Although many user-generated geotagged sources exist, landmark entities are still mostly retrieved from authoritative geographic sources. Wikipedia, the world’s largest free encyclopedia, stores geotagged information on many geospatial entities, including a very large and well-founded volume of landmark information. However, not all Wikipedia geotagged landmark entities can be considered valuable and instructive. This research introduces an integrated ranking model for mining landmarks from Wikipedia predicated on estimating and weighting their salience. Other than location, the model is based on the entries’ category and attributed data. Preliminary ranking is formulated on the basis of three spatial descriptors associated with landmark salience, namely permanence, visibility, and uniqueness. This ranking is integrated with a score derived from a set of numerical attributes that are associated with public interest in the Wikipedia page―including the number of redirects and the date of the latest edit. The methodology is comparatively evaluated for various areas in different cities. Results show that the developed integrated ranking model is robust in identifying landmark salience, paving the way for incorporation of Wikipedia’s content into navigation systems.
Apolipoprotein C1: Its Pleiotropic Effects in Lipid Metabolism and Beyond
Authors: Fuior Elena V. , Gafencu Anca V.
Published: November 2019

Apolipoprotein C1 (apoC1), the smallest of all apolipoproteins, participates in lipid transport and metabolism. In humans, APOC1 gene is in linkage disequilibrium with APOE gene on chromosome 19, a proximity that spurred its investigation. Apolipoprotein C1 associates with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDL and exchanges between lipoprotein classes. These interactions occur via amphipathic helix motifs, as demonstrated by biophysical studies on the wild-type polypeptide and representative mutants. Apolipoprotein C1 acts on lipoprotein receptors by inhibiting binding mediated by apolipoprotein E, and modulating the activities of several enzymes. Thus, apoC1 downregulates lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, phospholipase A2, cholesterylester transfer protein, and activates lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase. By controlling the plasma levels of lipids, apoC1 relates directly to cardiovascular physiology, but its activity extends beyond, to inflammation and immunity, sepsis, diabetes, cancer, viral infectivity, and—not last—to cognition. Such correlations were established based on studies using transgenic mice, associated in the recent years with GWAS, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. The presence of a duplicate gene, pseudogene APOC1P, stimulated evolutionary studies and more recently, the regulatory properties of the corresponding non-coding RNA are steadily emerging. Nonetheless, this prototypical apolipoprotein is still underexplored and deserves further research for understanding its physiology and exploiting its therapeutic potential.
Protein Kinase CK2 Subunits Differentially Perturb the Adhesion and Migration of GN11 Cells: A Model of Immature Migrating Neurons
Authors: Lettieri Antonella , Borgo Christian , Zanieri Luca , D’Amore Claudio , Oleari Roberto , Paganoni Alyssa , Pinna Lorenzo A. , Cariboni Anna , Salvi Mauro
Published: November 2019

Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a highly conserved and ubiquitous kinase is involved in crucial biological processes, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. CK2 holoenzyme is a tetramer composed by two catalytically active (α/α’) and two regulatory (β) subunits and exerts its function on a broad range of targets. In the brain, it regulates different steps of neurodevelopment, such as neural differentiation, neuritogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, CK2 mutations have been recently linked to neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the functional requirements of the individual CK2 subunits in neurodevelopment have not been yet investigated. Here, we disclose the role of CK2 on the migration and adhesion properties of GN11 cells, an established model of mouse immortalized neurons, by different in vitro experimental approaches. Specifically, the cellular requirement of this kinase has been assessed pharmacologically and genetically by exploiting CK2 inhibitors and by generating subunit-specific CK2 knockout GN11 cells (with a CRISPR/Cas9-based approach). We show that CK2α’ subunit has a primary role in increasing cell adhesion and reducing migration properties of GN11 cells by activating the Akt-GSK3β axis, whereas CK2α subunit is dispensable. Further, the knockout of the CK2β regulatory subunits counteracts cell migration, inducing dramatic alterations in the cytoskeleton not observed in CK2α’ knockout cells. Collectively taken, our data support the view that the individual subunits of CK2 play different roles in cell migration and adhesion properties of GN11 cells, supporting independent roles of the different subunits in these processes.
Ankle Brachial Index in Different Types of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Sirico Felice , Palermi Stefano , Gambardella Francesco , Capuano Eduardo , Ferrari Umberto , Baioccato Veronica , Castaldo Clotilde , Di Meglio Franca , Nurzynska Daria
Published: November 2019

Similar to other peripheral artery diseases, vessel narrowing in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) reduces the ankle brachial index (ABI). Since the PAES is related to several anatomical or functional variations, we sought to determine if the ABI was correlated with the type of syndrome. Through a systematic review of literature, we identified case reports and series in which the diagnosis of PAES was accompanied by ABI measurement. Twenty-seven studies included in the qualitative synthesis described 87 limbs. The most common types of the syndrome were those caused by an abnormal medial head of the gastrocnemius (type II, n = 35, 40.23%) and aberrant course of the popliteal artery (type I, n = 20, 22.99%). The variation of plantaris muscle (n = 7, 8.05%) is currently not included in the classification system. The median value of ABI was 0.87 (interquartile range (IQR) = 0.6–1.0). There were no differences among types of syndrome (F = 0.13, p = 0.72). In conclusion, despite clinical recommendations, the ABI remains underused in PAES diagnosis. No correlation was detected between the index score and type of syndrome. The cases of PAES involving structures other than the gastrocnemius or popliteus muscle suggest the need to revisit the current clinical classification system.
Interleukin-1β Mediates Arterial Thrombus Formation via NET-Associated Tissue Factor
Authors: Liberale Luca , Holy Erik W. , Akhmedov Alexander , Bonetti Nicole R. , Nietlispach Fabian , Matter Christian M. , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio , Beer Jürg H. , Paneni Francesco , Ruschitzka Frank , Libby Peter , Lüscher Thomas F. , Camici Giovanni G.
Published: November 2019

CANTOS reported reduced secondary atherothrombotic events in patients with residual inflammatory risk treated with the inhibitory anti-IL-1β antibody, Canakinumab. Yet, mechanisms that underlie this benefit remain elusive. Recent work has implicated formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis) in arterial thrombosis. Hence, the present study explored the potential link between IL-1β, NETs, and tissue factor (TF)—the key trigger of the coagulation cascade—in atherothrombosis. To this end, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients from the Swiss multicenter trial SPUM-ACS were retrospectively and randomly selected based on their CRP levels. In particular, 33 patients with STEMI and high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (≥ 10 mg/L) and, 33 with STEMI and low CRP levels (≤ 4 mg/L) were investigated. High CRP patients displayed elevated circulating IL-1β, NETosis, and NET-associated TF plasma levels compared with low CRP ones. Additionally, analysis of patients stratified by circulating IL-1β levels yielded similar results. Moreover, NETosis and NET-associated TF plasma levels correlated positively in the whole population. In addition to the above, translational research experiments provided mechanistic confirmation for the clinical data identifying IL-1β as the initial trigger for the release of the pro-coagulant, NET-associated TF. In conclusion, blunted TF presentation by activated neutrophils undergoing NETosis may provide a mechanistic explanation to reduced secondary atherothrombotic events as observed in canakinumab-treated patients in CANTOS.
α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Molecular Docking Studies of Natural Brominated Metabolites from Marine Macro Brown Alga Dictyopteris hoytii
Authors: Ur Rehman Najeeb , Rafiq Kashif , Khan Ajmal , Ahsan Halim Sobia , Ali Liaqat , Al-Saady Nadiya , Hilal Al-Balushi Abdullah , Al-Busaidi Haitham Khamis , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Bioassay guided isolation of the methanolic extract of marine macro brown alga Dictyopteris hoytii afforded one new metabolite (ethyl methyl 2-bromobenzene 1,4-dioate, 1), one new natural metabolite (diethyl-2-bromobenzene 1,4-dioate, 2) along with six known metabolites (3–8) reported for the first time from this source. The structure elucidation of all these compounds was achieved by extensive spectroscopic techniques including 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (NOESY, COSY, HMBC and HSQC) NMR and mass spectrometry and comparison of the spectral data of known compounds with those reported in literature. The in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition studies confirmed compound 7 to be the most active against α-glucosidase enzyme with IC50 value of 30.5 ± 0.41 μM. Compounds 2 and 3 demonstrated good inhibition with IC50 values of 234.2 ± 4.18 and 289.4 ± 4.91 μM, respectively, while compounds 1, 5, and 6 showed moderate to low inhibition. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies of the active compounds were performed to examine their mode of inhibition in the binding site of the α-glucosidase enzyme.
Toxicity, Pharmacokinetics, and Gut Microbiome of Oral Administration of Sesterterpene MHO7 Derived from a Marine Fungus
Authors: Tian Wei , Yang Liang , Wu Di , Deng Zixin , Hong Kui
Published: November 2019

Sesterterpene MHO7 derived from mangrove fungus is a novel estrogen receptor degrader for the treatment of breast cancer. To explore its safety and pharmacokinetics in vivo, Log P/D values, stability in simulated gastric/intestinal (SGF/SIF), toxicity, and pharmacokinetics studies were carried mainly by liquid chromatography technique coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method in mice, and the effect of MHO7 on mice gut microbiota at different time points was revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Log P/D values ranged 0.93–2.48, and the compound in SGF and SIF is stable under the concentration of 5 mM·L−1. The maximum tolerance dose (MTD) of oral administration in mice was 2400 mg·kg−1. The main pharmacokinetics parameters were as following: Cmax of 1.38 μg·mL−1, Tmax of 8 h, a half-life (t1/2) of 6.97 h, an apparent volume of mean residual time (MRT) of 8.76 h, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 10.50 h·μg·mL−1. MHO7 displayed a wide tissue distribution in mice, with most of the compound in liver (3.01 ± 1.53 μg·g−1) at 1 h, then in fat (5.20 ± 3.47 μg·g−1) at 4 h, and followed by reproductive organs with the concentrations of 23.90 ± 11.33 μg·g−1,13.69 ± 10.29 μg·g−1, 1.46 ± 1.23 μg·g−1, and 0.36 ± 0.46 μg·g−1 at 8, 12, 20 and 30 h, respectively. The most influenced genera of gut microbiome belonged to phylum Firmicutes (21 of 28), among which 18 genera originated from the order Clostridiales, class Clostridia, and families of Ruminococcaceae (11 of 18) and Lachnospiraceae (4 of 18). These results provide that MHO7 is suitable for oral administration in the treatment of breast cancer with the target organs of reproductive organs and regulation on Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae.
Low and Medium Carbon Advanced High-Strength Forging Steels for Automotive Applications
Authors: Sugimoto Koh-ichi , Hojo Tomohiko , Srivastava Ashok
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the microstructural and mechanical properties of low and medium carbon advanced high-strength forging steels developed based on the third generation advanced high-strength sheet steels, in conjunction with those of conventional high-strength forging steels. Hot-forging followed by an isothermal transformation process considerably improved the mechanical properties of the forging steels. The improvement mechanisms of the mechanical properties were summarized by relating to the matrix structure, the strain-induced transformation of metastable retained austenite, and/or a mixture of martensite and austenite.
Analysis of the Degradation of Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporins by OXA-48-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Using MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Oviaño Marina , Rodicio María Rosario , Heinisch Jürgen J. , Rodicio Rosaura , Bou Germán , Fernández Javier
Published: November 2019

The objective of the study was to evaluate the activity of OXA-48 against different broad-spectrum cephalosporins and to identify the reaction products by MALDI-TOF MS. The action of OXA-48 on cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone was assessed by this method, using an Escherichia coli J53 transconjugant carrying only the ~62 Kb IncL plasmid containing the blaOXA-48 gene, and the same strain without any plasmid was included as a negative control. In addition, a collection of 17 clinical OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which were susceptible to broad-spectrum cephalosporins, was evaluated. MALDI-TOF MS-based analysis of the E. coli transconjugant carrying the blaOXA-48-harboring plasmid, and also the clinical isolates, showed degradation of cefotaxime into two inactive compounds—decarboxylated and deacetylated cefotaxime (~370 Da) and deacetyl cefotaxime (~414 Da), both with the hydrolyzed beta-lactam ring. Reaction products were not obtained when the experiment was performed with ceftriaxone or ceftazidime. From a clinical point of view, our study supports the idea that the efficacy of cefotaxime against OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae is doubtful, in contrast to ceftazidime and ceftriaxone which could be valid choices for treating infections caused by these bacteria. However, further clinical studies confirming this hypothesis are required.
Changes of Root Endophytic Bacterial Community Along a Chronosequence of Intensively Managed Lei Bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) Forests in Subtropical China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Zhong Zheke , Gai Xu , Du Xuhua , Bian Fangyuan , Yang Chuanbao , Gao Guibin , Wen Xing
Published: November 2019

Endophytic bacteria widely exist inside plant tissues and have an important role in plant growth and development and the alleviation of environmental stress. However, little is known about the response of root-associated bacterial endophytes of Lei bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) to intensive management, which is a common management practice for high bamboo shoot production in subtropical China. In this study, we comparatively investigated the root endophytic bacterial community structures in a chronosequence of intensively managed (5a, 10a, 15a, and 20a) and extensively managed plantations (as control, Con). The results showed that endophytic Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in the bamboo roots. Intensive management significantly increased (p < 0.05) the bacterial observed species and Chao1 (except 5a) indices associated with bamboo roots. The relative abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria (except 15a) in the intensively managed bamboo roots significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with those in Con, while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria significantly decreased in intensively managed bamboo roots (p < 0.05). The phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were the biomarkers in Con, 5a, 15a, and 20a, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil alkali-hydrolysable N (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available K (AK), and total organic carbon (TOC) were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the bacterial community compositions. Our results suggest that the root endophytic microbiome of Lei bamboo was markedly influenced by intensive management practices, and the available nutrient status could be the main driving factor for such shifts. Although heavy fertilization in the intensive management system increased the diversity indices, the rapid changes in root endophyte communities and their relevant functions might indicate a high risk for sustainable management.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients are Not at Higher Risk for Hepatitis E Virus Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Pedro , Frias Mario , Camacho Angela , Rivero Antonio , Rivero-Juarez Antonio
Published: November 2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the most common cause of acute hepatitis in the world. It is not well established whether people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more susceptible to infection with HEV than people not infected with HIV. Many studies have evaluated this relationship, although none are conclusive. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether patients with HIV infection constitute a risk group for HEV infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), to find publications comparing HEV seroprevalences among HIV infected and uninfected populations. The analysis was matched by sex, age and geographical area, and compared patients who live with HIV and HIV-negative individuals. The odds ratio (OR) for patients with HIV was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74–1.03) in the fixed effects meta-analysis and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.70–1.11) in random effects, with I2 = 47%. This study did not show that HIV infection was a risk factor for HEV infection when compared with those who are HIV-negative.
Structure–Activity Relationships of 7-Substituted Dimethyltyrosine-Tetrahydroisoquinoline Opioid Peptidomimetics
Authors: Montgomery Deanna , Anand Jessica P. , Baber Mason A. , Twarozynski Jack J. , Hartman Joshua G. , Delong Lennon J. , Traynor John R. , Mosberg Henry I.
Published: November 2019

The opioid receptors modulate a variety of biological functions, including pain, mood, and reward. As a result, opioid ligands are being explored as potential therapeutics for a variety of indications. Multifunctional opioid ligands, which act simultaneously at more than one type of opioid receptor, show promise for use in the treatment of addiction, pain, and other conditions. Previously, we reported the creation of bifunctional kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist/mu opioid receptor (MOR) partial agonist ligands from the classically delta opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist selective dimethyltyrosine-tetrahydroisoquinoline (Dmt-Tiq) scaffold through the addition of a 7-benzyl pendant on the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring. This study further explores the structure–activity relationships surrounding 7-position pendants on the Dmt-Tiq scaffold. Some analogues maintain a KOR agonist/MOR partial agonist profile, which is being explored in the development of a treatment for cocaine addiction. Others display a MOR agonist/DOR antagonist profile, which has potential to be used in the creation of a less addictive pain medication. Ultimately, we report the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel opioid ligands with a variety of multifunctional profiles.