bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Osteosclerosis by Inoculated Cd133+ PC3 Cells in Bone‐marrow Microenvironmental Niches
Authors: Kim Donghwi , Ko Youngjong , Park Mineon , Kim Bora , Sohn HongMoon , Lim Wonbong
Published: March 2019

Bone is the most common site of prostate cancer (PC) metastasis. Studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with stemness characteristics, providing some support for the concept that CSCs act as osteosclerotic precursors in bone microenvironmental niches. Here, we asked whether ectopic overexpression of CD133 maintains stability of CSCs in human PC cell lines and induces the changes of molecular features in the bone microenvironment. Ectopic overexpression of CD133 in PC3 or DU145 cells led to increased expression of ALDHA1, OCT4, and NANOG, enhanced colony‐forming ability, and increased ALDH activity. In addition, micro‐CT imaging, confocal microscopy, and H&E staining of mouse tissue confirmed that CD133 overexpression in PC3 and DU145 led to marked osteolytic bone tumor. However, expression of osteoblastic markers such as collagen type I, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin (OC) at the tumor margin of CD133‐overexpressing PC3 tumors in mouse tibiae was higher than that of CD133‐overexpressing DU145 tumors with osteosclerotic molecular features. In addition, expression of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA/protein by CD133‐overexpressing PC3 cells was higher than that by DU145 cells. Especially, conditioned medium (CM) from PC3CD133+ cells increased osterix (OSX) activity in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), resulting in increased expression of OC mRNA/protein resulted in increased staining of mineralized matrix by Alizarin red. However, CM from OPN silenced PC3CD133+ cells led to a reduction of OC mRNA and protein expression through OSX activity resulted in reduced amount of mineralized matrix. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CD133 plays a functional role in regulating CSC characteristics in PCs and modulates their abilities in which induce the osteosclerosis of BMSCs. In addition, OPN from CSCs acts as a niche component that promotes osteosclerosis by supporting osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs. © 2019 The Authors JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Therapeutic Potential of MicroRNAs as Orthobiologics for Skeletal Fractures
Authors: Hadjiargyrou Michael , Komatsu David E
Published: March 2019

The repair of a fractured bone is critical to the well-being of humans. Failure of the repair process to proceed normally can lead to complicated fractures, exemplified by either a delay in union or a complete nonunion. Both of these conditions lead to pain, the possibility of additional surgery, and impairment of life quality. Additionally, work productivity decreases, income is reduced, and treatment costs increase, resulting in financial hardship. Thus, developing effective treatments for these difficult fractures or even accelerating the normal physiological repair process is warranted. Accumulating evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, can serve as key regulatory molecules of fracture repair. In this review, a brief description of the fracture repair process and miRNA biogenesis is presented, as well as a summary of our current knowledge of the involvement of miRNAs in physiological fracture repair, osteoporotic fractures, and bone defect healing. Further, miRNA polymorphisms associated with fractures, miRNA presence in exosomes, and miRNAs as potential therapeutic orthobiologics are also discussed. This is a timely review as several miRNA-based therapeutics have recently entered clinical trials for nonskeletal applications and thus it is incumbent upon bone researchers to explore whether miRNAs can become the next class of orthobiologics for the treatment of skeletal fractures.
Effects of a Rite of Passage Ceremony on Veterans' Well‐Being
Authors: Greenleaf Arie T. , Roessger Kevin M. , Williams Joseph M. , Motsenbocker Jaimie
Published: March 2019

Mixed methods were used to assess the impact of a Veterans Vision Fast program on 5 veterans' mental health. Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, psychological flourishing, life satisfaction, and well‐being were measured twice before and twice after the program using a data collection app. Semistructured interviews assessed veterans' perceived experiences. The authors found significant overall changes and large effect sizes in each outcome over 6 weeks, and several themes emerged from the veterans' responses. The program positively affected veterans' lives.
Psychometric Synthesis of the Counselor Burnout Inventory
Authors: Bardhoshi Gerta , Erford Bradley T. , Jang Hansori
Published: March 2019

The authors reviewed 12 studies using the Counselor Burnout Inventory, including the results from their original, large‐sample study of school counselors (N= 1,005). Aggregated internal consistency (coefficient alpha) was .90 (N= 1,708), and subscale alphas ranged from .73 to .86 (N= 2,809). Test–retest reliability was .81 (N= 18;k= 1), with subscale test–retest reliability estimates ranging from .72 to .85. Convergent comparisons were robust across 10 instruments. Structural validity indicated a 5‐factor solution and an adequate to good fit of the model to the current study's data.
A theoretical study of electronic effects in alkyne‐linked reactive intermediates: (nitrenoethynyl)methylenes, (nitrenoethynyl)silylenes, and (nitrenoethynyl)germylenes
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh , Badragheh Sahar , Asadbeigi Nasim
Published: March 2019

Acetylene‐linked reactive intermediates of (nitrenoethynyl)‐X‐methylenes, (nitrenoethynyl)‐X‐silylenes, and (nitrenoethynyl)‐X‐germylenes are almost experimentally unreachable (X–M–C≡C–N; X=H (1), CN (2), OH (3), NH2 (4), NO2 (5), and CHO (6); M=C, Si, and Ge). The effects of the electron‐donating and electron withdrawing groups were compared and contrasted at seven levels of theory. All singlet species as ground states with one local open‐shell singlet carbene subunit (π1π1) and another local open‐shell singlet nitrene subunit (π1π1) were found to be more stable than their corresponding triplets including one local open‐shell singlet carbene (δ1π1) (or one local closed‐shell singlet carbene [δ2π0]) and another local triplet nitrene subunit (π1π1) with 45.94–77.996 kcal/mol singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔEs‐t). Their relative silylenes and germylenes made reduction of ΔEs‐t, so the triplet ground states were found for species 3
Si, 4
Si, 5
Si, 2
Ge, 3
Ge, 4
Ge, and 5
Ge. All the singlet silylenes/germylenes formed by one local closed‐shell singlet silylenes/germylenes (δ2π0) and one local closed‐shell singlet nitrene subunit (π2π0). Also, one local closed‐shell singlet silylene/germylene subunit (δ2π0) and one local triplet nitrene subunit (π1π1) were observed for triplet silylenes/germylenes. The singlet and triplet species 3
Si, 4
Si, 3
Ge, and 4
Ge, due to their electrophilic (Si4/Ge4) and nucleophilic (X5) centers, could be identified as intermediates in chemical reactions.
In situ synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites using bis (2‐hydroxyethyl) phthalate monomer
Authors: Bunekar Naveen , Tsai Tsung‐Yen , Lee Shu Hui , Chang Yu‐Lun
Published: March 2019

In this article, we address in situ synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanocomposites using the bis (2‐hydroxyethyl) phthalate monomer and inorganic layered materials (sulfanilic acid salt‐modified magnesium aluminum‐layered double hydroxides [MgAl LDH‐SAS] and Dimethyloctadecyl [3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride [DTSACl] and tetraethyl orthosilicate [TEOS]‐ modified clay [CL120‐DT]). The dispersion morphology of the synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated using XRD and TEM, from these results, it was confirmed that 0.5 wt% loaded PET/MgAl LDH‐SAS and PET/CL120‐DT nanocomposites have flocculated and intercalated morphologies, respectively. Thermomechanical analyses were performed by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Moreover, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) values of a pure PET, PET/CL120‐DT 0.5 wt%, and PET/MgAl LDH‐SAS 0.5 wt% nanocomposites were found to be 49, 45, and 46 g·m−2·day−1, respectively. Furthermore, the gas barrier properties of PET composite films containing various amounts of inorganic nanoparticles were investigated using Gas permeability analysis (GPA).
The effects of osmium tetroxide post‐fixation and drying steps on leafy liverwort ultrastructure study by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Dwiranti Astari , Masri Furqannul , Rahmayenti Desandra Aulia , Putrika Afiatry
Published: March 2019

Leafy liverwort is one of the most abundant and diverse plants in Indonesia. Their high variation and beneficial secondary metabolites contained in the oil bodies have attracted researchers' attention. The ultrastructural analysis of leafy liverworts is important as a means of species identification and also for further exploration of their oil bodies. However, the optimization of the preparation steps for observing leafy liverworts by SEM is necessary to avoid sample destruction. Fixation and drying play important roles in maintaining a sample's structure as close to its natural state as possible. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the effect of 4% Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and drying on leafy liverworts ultrastructure. Microlejeunea, Acrolejeunea, and Frullania were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde. Some samples were then post‐fixed with 4% OsO4, while the rest were directly dehydrated with an ethanol series and then subjected to different drying methods, i.e. air drying, freeze drying, and drying with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). According to the data obtained, post‐fixation with 4% OsO4 could better maintain the integrity of the samples and enhance the contrast of leafy liverwort SEM images. In addition, samples dried with HMDS showed more detailed structures compared to those that were air dried. Different ultrastructure were found among the different leafy liverworts observed by SEM. Our data suggested the advantages of SEM in providing ultrastructure information on leafy liverworts as well as the optimum conditions to observe them with less deformation.

OsO4 post‐fixation could enhance the contrast of leafy liverwort SEM images and maintain the structure of the samples. Drying with HMDS provided a convenient way for rapid SEM preparation with less structural distortion.
Rhinoviruses in infancy and risk of immunoglobulin E sensitization
Authors: Korhonen Laura , Oikarinen Sami , Lehtonen Jussi , Mustonen Neea , Tyni Iiris , Niemelä Onni , Honkanen Hanna , Huhtala Heini , Ilonen Jorma , Hämäläinen Anu‐Maaria , Peet Aleksandr , Tillmann Vallo , Siljander Heli , Knip Mikael , Lönnrot Maria , Hyöty Heikki ,   on behalf of the DIABIMMUNE Study Group
Published: March 2019

Previous data about the role of viruses in the development of allergic immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization are contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine the possible associations between exposure to different viruses (rhinovirus, enterovirus, norovirus, and parechovirus) during the first year of life and IgE sensitization. Viruses were analyzed from stool samples collected monthly from infants participating in a prospective birth cohort study. From that study, 244 IgE sensitized case children and 244 nonsensitized control children were identified based on their allergen‐specific IgE antibody levels at the age of 6, 18, and 36 months. Stool samples (n = 4576) from the case and control children were screened for the presence of rhinovirus, enterovirus, norovirus, and parechovirus RNA by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The study showed that rhinovirus was the most prevalent virus detected, present in 921 (20%) samples. None of the viruses were associated with IgE sensitization in the full cohort but after stratifying by sex, the number of rhinovirus positive samples was inversely associated with IgE sensitization in boys (odds ratio [OR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69‐0.94; P = 0.006). There was also a temporal relation between rhinoviruses and IgE sensitization, as rhinovirus exposure during the first 6 months of life was associated with a reduced risk of subsequent IgE sensitization in boys (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.6‐0.94; P = 0.016). In conclusion, early exposure to rhinoviruses was inversely associated with IgE sensitization but this protective association was restricted to boys.
The optimal number of lymph nodes to evaluate among patients undergoing surgery for gallbladder cancer: Correlating the number of nodes removed with survival in 6531 patients
Authors: Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Hyer J. Madison , Paredes Anghela Z. , Moris Dimitrios , Beal Eliza W. , Merath Katiuscha , Mehta Rittal , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan M. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2019

Background

The aim of the current study was to identify the minimum number and the optimal range of lymph nodes (LNs) to be examined among patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC).

Methods

Between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015, patients with a diagnosis of GBC were identified in the National Cancer Database. A machine‐based learning approach was used to identify the minimum number and range of LNs to evaluate relative to long‐term outcomes.

Results

Among 6531 patients with GBC, median number of LNs evaluated was 2 (IQR:1‐5); only 21.1% (n = 1376) of patients had 6 or more LNs evaluated. The median number of metastatic LNs was 0 (IQR: 0‐1). On multivariable analysis, evaluation of < 4 LNs was associated with a higher hazard of death (referent 4‐7 LNs: < 4 LNs, HR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.16‐1.40; P < 0.001), whereas, patients who had 4 to 7 LNs and > 7 LNs evaluated had comparable long‐term mortality risk (HR = 1.10, 95%CI, 0.98‐1.24; P = 0.11). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who had at least one metastatic LN identified per T category based on total number of nodes resected (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The overwhelming majority of patients did not have the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recommended 6 total LN count . A machine‐based learning approach identified evaluation of 4 to 7 LNs as the LN number associated with optimal staging and survival. While obtaining 6 LNs may be challenging, evaluation of at least 4 LNs may be a more appropriate threshold as this cut‐off value was associated with optimal patient outcomes and staging.
Risks and complications of thyroglossal duct cyst removal
Authors: Anderson Jennifer L. , Vu Kimberly , Haidar Yarah M. , Kuan Edward C. , Tjoa Tjoson
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are the most common congenital neck cyst and typically present in childhood or adolescence, although a subset remains asymptomatic until adulthood. Although treatment involves surgical excision, few large‐scale studies exist regarding the risks of surgical treatment of TGDCs in adults. This study aims to describe the characteristics of adult patients undergoing TGDC excision and to analyze risk factors associated with reoperation or other postoperative complications.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

Methods

Patients age ≥ 18 years in the NSQIP database who underwent TGDC removal from 2005 to 2014 were included. Covariates included patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative variables, and intraoperative variables. Outcomes included reoperation, complications, and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 793 cases met inclusion criteria. Patients were predominantly female (57.0%) and white (64.3%), with a mean age of 44.3 years. Thirty‐day mortality did not occur in this cohort, but 3.0% of patients experienced at least one complication. Forty‐eight patients (6.1%) underwent reoperation. Wound infection rates were higher in revision operations compared with primary operations (8.3% and 0.9%, respectively; P = .003). Low preoperative sodium was associated with reoperation (P = .047). Additionally, length of hospital stay was associated with increased total operative time (P = .02).

Conclusions

TGDC excision is a safe and well‐tolerated procedure in the adult population, with low complication rates. However, the risk of reoperation, surgical‐site infections, and medical complications should be taken into consideration during preoperative planning.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:381–384, 2020
Factor market rivalry and interindustry competitive dynamics
Authors: Gianiodis Peter T. , Markman Gideon D. , Panagopoulos Andreas
Published: March 2019

We study competitive dynamics by using 10 years of data from the biotech industry on patent infringement lawsuits because they capture offensive actions and defensive responses. Results suggest that larger patent portfolios, long‐term partnerships, and short‐term agreements lead to factor market rivalry. Specifically, long‐term research partnerships are associated with lower proclivity and vulnerability to attack, while short‐term licensing and marketing agreements with increased proclivity and vulnerability to attack. Lastly, although nonbiotech companies attack biotech firms, the proclivity of the latter to launch cross‐industry attacks is not significant. We discuss how the results contribute to competitive dynamics research and theory.
The minimax approach for a class of variable order fractional differential equation
Authors: Semary Mourad S. , Hassan Hany N. , Radwan Ahmed G.
Published: March 2019

This paper introduces an approximate solution for Liouville‐Caputo variable order fractional differential equations with order 0 < α(t) ≤ 1. The solution is adapted using a family of fractional‐order Chebyshev functions with unknown coefficients. These coefficients have been obtained by using an optimization approach based on minimax technique and the least pth optimization function. Several linear and nonlinear fractional‐order differential equations are discussed using the proposed technique for fixed and variable order fractional‐order derivatives. Moreover, the response of RC charging circuit with variable order fractional capacitor is studied for different cases. Several comparisons with related published techniques have been added to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Infinite programming and theorems of the alternative
Authors: Montiel López Pablo , Ruiz Galán Manuel
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we obtain optimal versions of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker, Lagrange multiplier, and Fritz John theorems for a nonlinear infinite programming problem where both the number of equality and inequality constraints is arbitrary. To this end, we make use of a theorem of the alternative for a family of functions satisfying a certain type of weak convexity, the so‐called infsup‐convexity.
Magnetic resonance studies of copper (II) sorbitol complex, in solution, reveal a supramolecular structure compatible to the crystal structure
Authors: Kock Flávio Vinícius Crizóstomo , Higuera‐Padilla Angel Rubén , Vigatto Maiara da Silva Santos , Martin Neto Ladislau , Colnago Luiz Alberto
Published: March 2019

Although the Cu2+‐sorbitol complex [Cu2+‐Sorb] structure in crystalline state has been determined by X rays, it is not known in solution, where most studies of this complex are performed. Therefore, the goal of this work was to obtain information about the structure of this complex in aqueous solution using nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. The magnetic resonance results indicate that the complex is formed at approximately pH 12. In this pH the sorbitol 1H relaxation times were so short (broad line) that was not possible to use standard nuclear magnetic resonance parameters (nuclear Overhauser effect and spin–spin coupling constants values) to solve the three‐dimensional structure. However, valuable structural information about the complex in solution was obtained. The relaxation results indicate that the Cu2+ ions are buried in the structure and not accessible to solvent; the 1H and 13C spectra shows strong paramagnetic shift effect indicating short distance between these nuclei and Cu2+ in the structure. No electron paramagnetic resonance signal was observed in pH 12 indicating strong Cu2+‐ Cu2+ dipolar interaction, compatible to Cu2+‐Cu2+ distances measured in crystal, from 1.148 to 1.393 Angstroms. The complex self‐diffusion coefficient (D) of 1.58 × 10−10 m2/s value, determined by Diffusion‐Ordered Spectroscopy, is compatible to a molecular weight of 3–6 KDa. Therefore, these results corroborate that the [Cu2+‐Sorb] complex is assembled in solution, at pH 12, with several structural parameters compatible to the toroidal hexadecacuprate supramolecular structure determined in solid state.
Suction and time effects in rockfill deformation
Authors: Alonso Eduardo E. , Tapias Mauricio A.
Published: March 2019

Ambient relative humidity controls the stress‐strain‐time behaviour of granular media exhibiting particle breakage. Breakage is the result of crack propagation inside loaded particles. The DEM model developed uses the results of subcritical crack propagation in brittle rock to predict breakage and the subsequent structural rearrangement. Two closed‐form solutions at grain level, stress distribution under diametrically opposed forces and the mode I crack propagation velocity, were included in the DEM formulation. Crack propagation velocity depends explicitly on relative humidity. The resulting model incorporates comminution and splitting modes of particle breakage as well as arbitrary grain shapes by means of aggregation of spherical microparticles. The model was first validated against a large diameter suction‐controlled oedometer test on hard limestone crushed gravel. Direct tests on contact properties (local stiffness and friction) helped to validate the model. The model was then used to predict the response of large diameter suction‐controlled triaxial tests on gravels having different (uniform) initial sizes. Time delayed deformations and wetting‐induced collapse deformations under maintained load are also a natural outcome of the model. They were shown to follow quite accurately the experimental results.
Non‐proportional loading in sequentially linear analysis for 3D stress states
Authors: Pari Manimaran , Hendriks Max A.N. , Rots Jan G.
Published: March 2019

Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), a non‐incremental‐iterative approach towards finite element simulation of quasi‐brittle materials, is based on sequentially identifying a critical integration point in the model, to reduce its strength and stiffness, and the associated critical load multiplier (λcrit), to scale the linear analysis results. In this article, two novel methods are presented to enable SLA simulations for non‐proportional loading situations in a three‐dimensional fixed smeared crack framework. In the first approach, the cubic function in the load multiplier is analytically solved for real roots using trigonometric solutions or the Cardano method. In the second approach, the load multiplier is expressed as a function of the inclination of a potential damage plane and is deduced using a constrained optimization approach. The first method is preferred over the second for the validation studies due to computational efficiency and accuracy reasons. A three‐point bending beam test, with and without prestress, and an RC slab tested in shear, with and without axial loads, are used as benchmarks. The proposed solution method shows good agreement with the experiments in terms of force‐displacement curves and damage evolution.
A cell‐based smoothed radial point interpolation method with virtual nodes for three‐dimensional mid‐frequency acoustic problems
Authors: Zhang Guiyong , Chen Zecong , Sui Zhixiang , Tao Dongsong , He Zhicheng , Tang Qian , Sun Lei
Published: March 2019

It is well known that the finite element method (FEM) encounters dispersion errors in coping with mid‐frequency acoustic problems due to its “overly stiff” nature. By introducing the generalized gradient smoothing technique and the idea of condensed shape functions with virtual nodes, a cell‐based smoothed radial point interpolation method is proposed to solve the Helmholtz equation for the purpose of reducing dispersion errors. With the properly selected virtual nodes, the proposed method can provide a close‐to‐exact stiffness of continuum, leading to a conspicuous decrease in dispersion errors and a significant improvement in accuracy. Numerical examples are examined using the present method by comparing with both the traditional FEM using four‐node tetrahedral elements (FEM‐T4) and the FEM model using eight‐node hexahedral elements with modified integration rules (MIR‐H8). The present cell‐based smoothed radial point interpolation method has been demonstrated to possess a number of superiorities, including the automatically generated tetrahedral background mesh, high computational efficiency, and insensitivity to mesh distortion, which make the method a good potential for practical analysis of acoustic problems.
Risk of Gynecomastia with Users of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: He Bonnie , Carleton Bruce , Etminan Mahyar
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for many gastrointestinal diseases. A number of case reports have linked PPIs to gynecomastia in men, but large epidemiologic studies are lacking.

Objective

To quantify the risk of gynecomastia with PPIs in male patients.

Methods

Using the PharMetrics Plus™ health claims database from the United States, a retrospective cohort study of new PPI users and new amoxicillin users from 2006 to 2016 was conducted. Diagnosis of gynecomastia was identified by the International Classification for Diseases, 9th edition (ICD‐9) and 10th edition (ICD‐10) codes. Cases were defined as patients with two codes for gynecomastia within 90 days, with the first code as the event code. Hazard ratios (HRs) were computed by adjusting for alcoholic cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, testicular cancer, Klinefelter syndrome, and obesity, as well as the use of ketoconazole, risperidone, spironolactone, and androgen deprivation therapy. A sensitivity analysis defining exposure with two PPI prescriptions was also undertaken.

Results

There were 389 cases of gynecomastia diagnosed among 220,791 new PPI users, and 996 gynecomastia cases were diagnosed among 837,740 new amoxicillin users. The crude HR for PPI use compared to amoxicillin use was 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.461–1.976). The adjusted HR for the sensitivity analysis was 1.299 (95% CI: 1.146–1.473). The adjusted HR was 1.4795 (95% CI: 1.2431–1.7609) for patients over 50 years old and 1.324 (95% CI: 1.1133–1.5745) for patients 50 years old or younger.

Conclusion

This large retrospective cohort study suggests that patients who used PPIs are at higher risk of developing gynecomastia. Clinicians may want to convey this information to male patients who require long‐term PPI therapy.
TMT‐Based Proteomics Profiling of Bovine Liver Underscores Protein Markers of Anabolic Treatments
Authors: Biancotto Giancarlo , Bovo Davide , Mastrorilli Eleonora , Manuali Elisabetta , Angeletti Roberto , Stella Roberto
Published: March 2019

Illegal use of growth promoter compounds in food production exposes consumers to health risk. Surveillance of such practices is based on direct detection of drugs or related metabolites by HPLC‐MS/MS. Screening strategies focusing on indirect biological responses are considered promising tools to improve surveillance. In this study, an untargeted shotgun proteomics approach based on tandem mass tags (TMTs) is carried out to identify proteins altered in bovine liver after different anabolic treatments. Three controlled pharmacological treatments with dexamethasone, a combination of dexamethasone and clenbuterol, or a combination of sexual steroids (trenbolone and estradiol) are analyzed. Untargeted TMT analysis of liver digests by high resolution MS allowed for the relative quantification of proteins. Thanks to partial least squarediscriminant analysis, a set of proteins capable to classify animals treated with dexamethasone alone (11 proteins), or in combination with clenbuterol (13 proteins) are identified. No significant difference is found upon administration of sexual steroids. After relative quantification of candidate markers by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), two predictive models are trained to validate protein markers. Finally, an independent animal set of control bulls and bulls treated with dexamethasone is analyzed by PRM to further validate a predictive model giving an accuracy of 100%.
Scale interactions and anisotropy in stable boundary layers
Authors: Vercauteren Nikki , Boyko Vyacheslav , Faranda Davide , Stiperski Ivana
Published: March 2019

Regimes of interactions between motions on different time‐scales are investigated in the FLOSSII dataset for nocturnal near‐surface stable boundary layer turbulence. The non‐stationary response of turbulent vertical velocity variance to non‐turbulent, submeso‐scale wind velocity variability is analysed using the bounded variation, finite element, vector autoregressive factor models (FEM‐BV‐VARX) clustering method. Several locally stationary flow regimes are identified with different influences of submeso wind velocity on the turbulent vertical velocity variance. In each flow regime, we analyse multiple scale interactions and quantify the amount of turbulent variability which can be statistically explained by external forcing by the submeso wind velocity. The state of anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor in the different flow regimes is shown to relate to these different signatures of scale interactions. In flow regimes under considerable influence of the submeso‐scale wind variability, the Reynolds stresses show a clear preference for strongly anisotropic, one‐component states. These periods additionally show stronger persistence in their dynamics, compared to periods of more isotropic stresses. The analyses give insights on how the different topologies relate to non‐stationary turbulence triggering by submeso‐scale motions.
H‐1B and L‐1 visa‐sponsored guest workers in the USA: An analysis of the strategic impact of Indian and other firms
Authors: Norlander Peter , Varma Arup
Published: March 2019

Organizational sponsors of guest workers to the United States claim foreign‐born workers enhance productivity and innovation. Drawing upon a unique dataset of all organizational sponsors of guest workers in the United States from 1993 to 2008, we find a 10% increase in guest worker sponsorship is associated with a 2.2–3.1% increase in patenting within firms. Furthermore, we examine how organizational industry and country of origin are associated with the effects of guest worker sponsorship on organization‐level measures of innovation and productivity. Despite an overall within‐firm positive association between sponsorship and patenting, higher percentages of a firm's workers on visas are associated with lower patenting, but higher labor productivity. Firm‐level industry and country of origin heterogeneity is significantly related to the relationship between guest work sponsorship and both patent‐related and nonpatent investment in innovation such as research and development (R&D) expenditures. Semiconductor firms and universities spend more on R&D in conjunction with guest worker sponsorship, while semiconductor companies and hardware companies patent less. We discuss theoretical and human resource implications, and offer suggestions for future research.
The tandem zinc finger RNA binding domain of members of the tristetraprolin protein family
Authors: Lai Wi S. , Wells Melissa L. , Perera Lalith , Blackshear Perry J.
Published: March 2019

Tristetraprolin (TTP), the prototype member of the protein family of the same name, was originally discovered as the product of a rapidly inducible gene in mouse cells. Development of a knockout (KO) mouse established that absence of the protein led to a severe inflammatory syndrome, due in part to elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TTP was found to bind directly and with high affinity to specific AU‐rich sequences in the 3′‐untranslated region of the TNF mRNA. This initial binding led to promotion of TNF mRNA decay and inhibition of its translation. Many additional TTP target mRNAs have since been identified, some of which are cytokines and chemokines involved in the inflammatory response. There are three other proteins in the mouse with similar activities and domain structures, but whose KO phenotypes are remarkably different. Moreover, proteins with similar domain structures and activities have been found throughout eukaryotes, demonstrating that this protein family arose from an ancient ancestor. The defining characteristic of this protein family is the tandem zinc finger (TZF) domain, a 64 amino acid sequence with many conserved residues that is responsible for the direct RNA binding. We discuss here many aspects of this protein domain that have been elucidated since the original discovery of TTP, including its sequence conservation throughout eukarya; its apparent continued evolution in some lineages; its functional dependence on many key conserved residues; its “interchangeability” among evolutionarily distant species; and the evidence that RNA binding is required for the physiological functions of the proteins.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Necessary parameter setting of the finite‐difference method for determining selected rotor‐dynamics characteristics
Authors: Goraj Robert
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study is to analyse the adequacy of the finite difference‐method (FDM) for determining the stability boundary of a rigid rotor mounted on short hydrodynamic plain journal bearings through the solution of the Reynolds partial differential equation (PDE). The Reynolds equation, obtained by coupling the equation of motion with the continuity equation, governs the pressure distribution in a lubricant film. The quasi stationary form of this equation requires normalization prior to solving, for the numerical error of the FDM to be minimized. Except for numerical benefits, the dimensionless form of the PDE is universally applicable to a bride spectrum of tribological problems, including hydrodynamic plain journal bearings. The present study first examines the adequacy of solver settings, including the computational grid, through comparison of the corresponding numerical results with an analytical solution obtained by means of the Short Bearing Theory (SBT). Two characteristic tribological quantities are selected as the basis for comparison: the modified Sommerfeld number and the bearing attitude angle. Further, dimensionless stiffness and damping tensors, valid for any short hydrodynamic plain journal bearing, are determined from the numerically obtained distribution of the dimensionless hydrodynamic pressure. These two dimensionless tensors allow for the subsequent estimation of the stability boundary, which marks the dimensionless speed at which a given rigid rotor becomes dynamically unstable. The results of the current study demonstrate sensitivity of the FDM results to the numerical step size. The corresponding numerical error is verified using the SBT and presented as function of the dimensionless (relative) journal eccentricity together with rotor start‐up curves. As a major finding, a dimensionless range of the step size is identified for the error to remain below 5%.
Correction to: Leading in a VUCA World
Authors: Kok Jacobus , van den Heuvel Steven C.
Published: March 2019

The book was inadvertently published with incorrect authors for the below listed chapters:
Hidden sectors in string theory: kinetic mixings, fifth forces and quintessence
Authors: Acharya Bobby Samir , Maharana Anshuman , Muia Francesco
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Light moduli fields in string compactifications can have interesting implications for particle physics and cosmology. Fifth force bounds impose stringent constraints on the interactions of such moduli with the visible sector. To be consistent with the bounds, they need to be part of hidden sectors which interact with the Standard Model with weaker-than-Planck suppressed interactions. We consider scenarios in which the visible sector degrees of freedom are localised in the compactification and light moduli arise as closed string degrees of freedom associated with hidden sectors which are geometrically separated (in the extra-dimensions) from the Standard Model. Kinetic mixings lead to interactions between the moduli and the visible sector — we compute these using Kähler potentials of string/M-theory compactifications. We argue that in general these interactions provide a lower bound on the strength of the interactions between the moduli and the visible sector. The interactions scale with inverse powers of the volume of the compactification, thus fifth force bounds can be translated to lower bounds on the volume of the extra-dimensions. We find that compactification volumes have to be large to evade the bounds. This imposes interesting constraints on quintessence model building in string theory. Our results for the strength of the interactions can also be used to quantify the fine-tuning necessary for the stability of the potential of a light modulus against quantum corrections involving visible sector loops.
Tower of subleading dual BMS charges
Authors: Godazgar Hadi , Godazgar Mahdi , Pope C. N.
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We supplement the recently found dual gravitational charges with dual charges for the whole BMS symmetry algebra. Furthermore, we extend the dual charges away from null infinity, defining subleading dual charges. These subleading dual charges complement the subleading BMS charges in the literature and together account for all the Newman-Penrose charges.
Holographic relations for OPE blocks in excited states
Authors: Cresswell Jesse C. , Jardine Ian T. , Peet Amanda W.
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We study the holographic duality between boundary OPE blocks and geodesic integrated bulk fields in quotients of AdS3 dual to excited CFT states. The quotient geometries exhibit non-minimal geodesics between pairs of spacelike separated boundary points which modify the OPE block duality. We decompose OPE blocks into quotient invariant operators and propose a duality with bulk fields integrated over individual geodesics, minimal or non-minimal. We provide evidence for this relationship by studying the monodromy of asymptotic maps that implement the quotients.
Gravity dual of a multilayer system
Authors: Jokela Niko , Penín José Manuel , Ramallo Alfonso V. , Zoakos Dimitrios
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We construct a gravity dual to a system with multiple (2+1)-dimensional layers in a (3 + 1)-dimensional ambient theory. Following a top-down approach, we generate a geometry corresponding to the intersection of D3- and D5-branes along 2+1 dimensions. The D5-branes create a codimension one defect in the worldvolume of the D3-branes and are homogeneously distributed along the directions orthogonal to the defect. We solve the fully backreacted ten-dimensional supergravity equations of motion with smeared D5-brane sources. The solution is supersymmetric, has an intrinsic mass scale, and exhibits anisotropy at short distances in the gauge theory directions. We illustrate the running behavior in several observables, such as Wilson loops, entanglement entropy, and within thermodynamics of probe branes.
Frequency Limitations of Resonant-Tunnelling Diodes in Sub-THz and THz Oscillators and Detectors
Authors: Feiginov Michael
Published: March 2019

The review outlines the basic principles of operation of resonant-tunnelling diodes (RTDs) and RTD oscillators followed by an overview of their development in the last decades. Further, we discuss different types of RTDs and RTD oscillators, the limitations of RTDs due to parasitics, inherent limitations of RTDs and operation of RTDs as detectors. We also give an overview of the present status of sub-THz and THz RTD oscillators and give several examples of their applications.
Co-production in action: perceiving power in the organisational dimensions of a global biodiversity expert process
Authors: Montana Jasper
Published: March 2019

Opening up knowledge–action systems to a wider range of disciplinary and societal actors is considered to be a necessary step in achieving transformative change for sustainability. In science for sustainability, there is a growing body of experience and literature of putting this ‘co-production’ into action. However, there is an opportunity to strengthen the application of analytical resources for more explicitly recognising and accounting for the power relations embedded in these initiatives. This paper deploys social theory from science and technology studies to develop an approach to perceive power relations between the participants, processes and products of co-production. This necessitates paying attention to the multiple and distributed organisational spaces where co-production takes place to discern: who participates; who (and what) is represented; how deliberations are structured; and how outcomes are circulated. This paper shows that these organisational dimensions of participation, representation, deliberation, and circulation not only give structure to co-productive forums, but can also define the power relations between their participants, processes and products. The paper then illustrates the applicability of this approach using the case of a current global expert process for biodiversity: The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This case study offers insights on the challenges and opportunities for designing and evaluating co-production initiatives for sustainability.
Is the Family Size of Parents and Children Still Related? Revisiting the Cross-Generational Relationship Over the Last Century
Authors: Beaujouan Eva , Solaz Anne
Published: March 2019

In most developed countries, the fertility levels of parents and children are positively correlated. This article analyzes the strength of the intergenerational transmission of family size over the last century, including a focus on this reproduction in large and small families. Using the large-scale French Family Survey (2011), we show a weak but significant correlation of approximately 0.12–0.15, which is comparable with levels in other Western countries. It is stronger for women than men, with a gender convergence across cohorts. A decrease in intergenerational transmission is observed across birth cohorts regardless of whether socioeconomic factors are controlled, supporting the idea that the family of origin has lost implicit and explicit influence on fertility choices. As parents were adopting the two-child family norm, the number of siblings lost its importance for having two children, but it continues to explain lower parity and, above all, three-child families. This suggests that the third child has increasingly become an “extra child” (beyond the norm) favored by people from large families.
A Zygmund-type integral inequality for polynomials
Authors: Mir Abdullah
Published: March 2019

Let P(z) be a polynomial of degree n which does not vanish in $$|z|<1$$

|
z
|
<
1

. Then it was proved by Hans and Lal (Anal Math 40:105–115, 2014) that $$\begin{aligned} \Bigg |z^s P^{(s)}+\beta \dfrac{n_s}{2^s}P(z)\Bigg |\le \dfrac{n_s}{2}\Bigg (\bigg |1+\dfrac{\beta }{2^s}\bigg |+\bigg | \dfrac{\beta }{2^s}\bigg |\Bigg )\underset{|z|=1}{\max }|P(z)|, \end{aligned}$$

|

z
s

P

(
s
)

+
β

n
s

2
s

P

(
z
)

|

≤

n
s

2

(

|

1
+

β

2
s

|

+

|

β

2
s

|

)

max

|
z
|
=
1

|
P

(
z
)

|

,

for every $$\beta \in \mathbb C$$

β
∈
C

with $$|\beta |\le 1,1\le s\le n$$

|
β
|
≤
1
,
1
≤
s
≤
n

and $$|z|=1.$$

|
z
|
=
1
.

The $$L^{\gamma }$$

L
γ

analog of the above inequality was recently given by Gulzar (Anal Math 42:339–352, 2016) who under the same hypothesis proved $$\begin{aligned}&\Bigg \{\int _0^{2\pi }\Big |e^{is\theta }P^{(s)}(e^{i\theta })+\beta \dfrac{n_s}{2^s}P(e^{i\theta })\Big |^ {\gamma } \mathrm{d}\theta \Bigg \}^\frac{1}{\gamma }\\&\quad \le n_s\Bigg \{\int _0^{2\pi }\Big |\Big (1+\dfrac{\beta }{2^s}\Big )e^{i\alpha }+\dfrac{\beta }{2^s}\Big |^{\gamma } \mathrm{d}\alpha \Bigg \}^\frac{1}{\gamma }\dfrac{\Bigg \{\int _0^{2\pi }\big |P(e^{i\theta })\big |^{\gamma } \mathrm{d}\theta \Bigg \}^\frac{1}{\gamma }}{\Bigg \{\int _{0}^{2\pi }\big |1+e^{i\alpha }\big |^\gamma \mathrm{d}\alpha \Bigg \}^\frac{1}{\gamma }}, \end{aligned}$$

{

∫
0

2
π

|

e

i
s
θ

P

(
s
)

(

e

i
θ

)

+
β

n
s

2
s

P

(

e

i
θ

)

|

γ

d
θ

}

1
γ

≤

n
s

{

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0

2
π

|

(

1
+

β

2
s

)

e

i
α

+

β

2
s

|

γ

d
α

}

1
γ

{

∫
0

2
π

|

P

(

e

i
θ

)

|

γ

d
θ

}

1
γ

{

∫

0

2
π

|

1
+

e

i
α

|

γ

d
α

}

1
γ

,

where $$n_s=n(n-1)\ldots (n-s+1)$$

n
s

=
n

(
n
-
1
)

…

(
n
-
s
+
1
)

and $$0\le \gamma <\infty $$

0
≤
γ
<
∞

.

In this paper, we generalize this and some other related results.
Arbovirus lifecycle in mosquito: acquisition, propagation and transmission
Authors: Wu Pa , Yu Xi , Wang Penghua , Cheng Gong
Published: March 2019

Mosquitoes are haematophagous vectors for hundreds of pathogenic viruses that are aetiological agents of human diseases. In nature, mosquito-borne viruses maintain a lifecycle between mosquitoes and vertebrate animals. Viruses are acquired by a naive mosquito from an infected host by blood meals and then propagate extensively in the mosquito's tissues. This mosquito then becomes a virus reservoir and is competent to transmit the viruses to a naive vertebrate host through the next blood meal. To survive in and efficiently cycle between two distinct host environments, mosquito-borne viruses have evolved delicate and smart strategies to comprehensively exploit host and vector factors. Here, we provide an update on recent studies of the mechanisms of virus survival in, acquisition and transmission by mosquitoes.
Craniofacial, orofacial and dental disorders: the role of the RAS/ERK pathway
Authors: Vogiatzi Angeliki , Mavrothalassitis George
Published: March 2019

Deviations from the precisely coordinated programme of human head development can lead to craniofacial and orofacial malformations often including a variety of dental abnormalities too. Although the aetiology is still unknown in many cases, during the last decades different intracellular signalling pathways have been genetically linked to specific disorders. Among these pathways, the RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling cascade is the focus of this review since it encompasses a large group of genes that when mutated cause some of the most common and severe developmental anomalies in humans. We present the components of the RAS/ERK pathway implicated in craniofacial and orodental disorders through a series of human and animal studies. We attempt to unravel the specific molecular targets downstream of ERK that act on particular cell types and regulate key steps in the associated developmental processes. Finally we point to ambiguities in our current knowledge that need to be clarified before RAS/ERK-targeting therapeutic approaches can be implemented.
Kesten’s theorem for uniformly recurrent subgroups
Authors: FRACZYK MIKOLAJ
Published: March 2019

We prove a lower bound on the difference between the spectral radius of the Cayley graph of a group $G$ and the spectral radius of the Schreier graph $H\backslash G$ for any subgroup $H$. As an application, we extend Kesten’s theorem on spectral radii to uniformly recurrent subgroups and give a short proof that the result of Lyons and Peres on cycle density in Ramanujan graphs [Lyons and Peres. Cycle density in infinite Ramanujan graphs. Ann. Probab.43(6) (2015), 3337–3358, Theorem 1.2] holds on average. More precisely, we show that if ${\mathcal{G}}$ is an infinite deterministic Ramanujan graph then the time spent in short cycles by a random trajectory of length $n$ is $o(n)$.