bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realized absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial universities’ organizational change: the role of process innovation practices
Authors: Zhang Jing A. , Wang Zhimin , O’Kane Conor
Published: March 2019

Although essential to all institutions, organizational change is a complex and high risk activity. In this paper, we examine how organizations develop and implement capabilities to facilitate organizational change. Drawing on the dynamic capability perspective and a ‘resourcing’ synergy view, we investigate how realized absorptive capacity in terms of transformation and exploitation capability directly affects organizational change, and how process innovation practices act as an effective mechanism that link transformation and exploitation capability with organizational change. To distinguish our analysis, we focus on both an emerging organizational form and an emerging economy context. Specifically, on the basis of a questionnaire survey of 316 academics from entrepreneurial universities in Malaysia, we find that both transformation and exploitation capability are facilitators of organizational change. However, the relationship of transformation capability with organizational change is fully mediated by process innovation practices, while the relationship between exploitation capability and organizational change is partially mediated by process innovation practices. Our research therefore contributes to the dynamic capability perspective of organizational change and absorptive capacity by highlighting the importance of integrating organizational transformation and exploitation capability with process innovation practices in different ways to facilitate organizational change. Our findings and accompanying discussion on how process innovation practices can generate moves towards universities that are more entrepreneurial will also be of interest to university managers and policy makers.
Evolutionary history of stomach bot flies in the light of mitogenomics
Authors: Yan Liping , Pape Thomas , Elgar Mark A. , Gao Yunyun , Zhang Dong
Published: March 2019

Stomach bot flies (Calyptratae: Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) are obligate endoparasitoids of Proboscidea (i.e. elephants), Rhinocerotidae (i.e. rhinos) and Equidae (i.e. horses and zebras, etc.), with their larvae developing in the digestive tract of hosts with very strong host specificity. They represent an extremely unusual diversity among dipteran, or even insect parasites in general, and therefore provide significant insights into the evolution of parasitism. The phylogeny of stomach bot flies was reconstructed based on extensive mitochondrial genomic data for Cobboldia, Gyrostigma and six of the eight known species of Gasterophilus. The phylogenetic tree, i.e. {Cobboldia, [Gyrostigma, (Gasterophilus pecorum, (Gasterophilus intestinalis, (Gasterophilus haemorrhoidalis, Gasterophilus inermis)), (Gasterophilus nasalis, Gasterophilus nigricornis))]}, provides a strong evolutionary reference to infer several biological patterns for the first time for this group: (i) host shifts of stomach bot flies from elephants to rhinoceroses and then from rhinoceroses to equids; (ii) dispersal with their hosts from the Afrotropical region into the Palaearctic and Oriental regions; (iii) oviposition site, originally on the host head, and egg production positively correlated with distance from the mouth; (iv) attachment of third‐instar larva originally in the stomach, with duodenal and large intestinal positions secondarily derived; and (v) guanine and cytosine enrichment of the mitogenome as an adaptation to larval life in the warm environment of the host digestive tract, combined with the need for a high evolutionary rate to cope with the fast evolution of their mammalian hosts.
HLA‐associated antiepileptic drug‐induced cutaneous adverse reactions
Authors: Mullan Kerry A. , Anderson Alison , Illing Patricia T. , Kwan Patrick , Purcell Anthony W. , Mifsud Nicole A.
Published: March 2019

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a common cause of hospital admissions (up to 19%), with the majority of cases due to off‐target predictable drug effects (type A reactions). However, idiosyncratic drug‐induced immune activated (type B) reactions contribute to a range of hypersensitivity reactions, with T‐cell‐mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions mainly manifesting as cutaneous ADRs (cADRs). Aromatic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), used in the treatment of epilepsy as well as bipolar disorder or neuropathic pain, have been implicated as culprit drugs in a spectrum of pathologies ranging from mild maculopapular exanthema (MPE) to severe and life‐threatening conditions including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These AED‐induced cADRs are unpredictable based on pharmacological and clinical factors alone, thereby prompting investigations into genomic contributors mediating risk of pathology. The most strongly associated risk genes identified are from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles, which play a critical role in adaptive immunity by flagging either infected or aberrant cells for recognition by surveying T‐cells. In the setting of drug hypersensitivity, the immunogenicity of HLA molecules and their peptide cargo can be modulated by interactions with small drug molecules that drive inappropriate T‐cell responses. This review discusses the current understanding of HLA class I molecules in modifying risk of AED‐induced cADRs.
Identification of the DRB4*01:03:01:02N null allele with HLA‐DRB1*04 in a Spanish donor
Authors: Abad‐Molina Cristina , Vilches‐Moreno Miriam , Cárdaba‐Arranz Mario , Nieto Antonio , Orduña‐Domingo Antonio
Published: March 2019

The association between the DRB4*01:03:01:02N null allele and the HLA‐DRB1*07~DQB1*03:03 haplotype has often been reported. Nevertheless, more unusual associations have also been found in other countries, such as its association with HLA‐DRB1*04. HLA class I and II antigen typing is currently performed using DNA‐based methods, making it more difficult to identify null alleles than if serological methods were used. Furthermore, the DRB3/4/5 loci are not usually studied. However, the identification of non‐expressed HLA alleles is of great importance for transplantation so it is necessary to identify HLA antigen associations with null alleles and report these findings. In this paper, we describe the association of DRB4*01:03:01:02N null allele with DRB1*04 for the first time in Spain.
Localization of active endogenous and exogenous β‐glucocerebrosidase by correlative light‐electron microscopy in human fibroblasts
Authors: van Meel Eline , Bos Erik , van der Lienden Martijn J. C. , Overkleeft Herman S. , van Kasteren Sander I. , Koster Abraham J. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G.
Published: March 2019

β‐Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) is the enzyme that degrades glucosylceramide in lysosomes. Defects in GBA that result in overall loss of enzymatic activity give rise to the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of glucosylceramide in tissue macrophages. Gaucher disease is currently treated by infusion of mannose receptor‐targeted recombinant GBA. The recombinant GBA is thought to reach the lysosomes of macrophages, based on the impressive clinical response that is observed in Gaucher patients (type 1) receiving this enzyme replacement therapy. In this study, we used cyclophellitol‐derived activity‐based probes (ABPs) with a fluorescent reporter that irreversibly bind to the catalytic pocket of GBA, to visualize the active enzymes in a correlative microscopy approach. The uptake of pre‐labeled recombinant enzyme was monitored by fluorescence and electron microscopy in human fibroblasts that stably expressed the mannose receptor. The endogenous active enzyme was simultaneously visualized by in situ labeling with the ABP containing an orthogonal fluorophore. This method revealed the efficient delivery of recombinant GBA to lysosomal target compartments that contained endogenous active enzyme.
Anemia induces gut inflammation and injury in an animal model of preterm infants
Authors: Arthur Connie M. , Nalbant Demet , Feldman Henry A. , Saeedi Bejan J. , Matthews Jason , Robinson Brian S. , Kamili Nourine A. , Bennett Ashley , Cress Gretchen A. , Sola‐Visner Martha , Jones Rheinallt M. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Neish Andrew S. , Patel Ravi M. , Nopoulos Peggy , Georgieff Michael K. , Roback John D. , Widness John A. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

While very low birth weight (VLBW) infants often require multiple red blood cell transfusions, efforts to minimize transfusion‐associated risks have resulted in more restrictive neonatal transfusion practices. However, whether restrictive transfusion strategies limit transfusions without increasing morbidity and mortality in this population remains unclear. Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that severe anemia may be an important risk factor for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). However, the mechanism whereby anemia may lead to NEC remains unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The potential impact of anemia on neonatal inflammation and intestinal barrier disruption, two well‐characterized predisposing features of NEC, was defined by correlation of hemoglobin values to cytokine levels in premature infants and by direct evaluation of intestinal hypoxia, inflammation and gut barrier disruption using a pre‐clinical neonatal murine model of phlebotomy‐induced anemia (PIA).

RESULTS

Increasing severity of anemia in the preterm infant correlated with the level of IFN‐gamma, a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that may predispose an infant to NEC. Gradual induction of PIA in a pre‐clinical model resulted in significant hypoxia throughout the intestinal mucosa, including areas where intestinal macrophages reside. PIA‐induced hypoxia significantly increased macrophage pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, while reducing tight junction protein ZO‐1 expression and increasing intestinal barrier permeability. Macrophage depletion reversed the impact of anemia on intestinal ZO‐1 expression and barrier function.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results suggest that anemia can increase intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption likely through altered macrophage function, leading to the type of predisposing intestinal injury that may increase the risk for NEC.
Immunoglobulin M anti‐A and anti‐B titers in South Texas group O D+ male donors
Authors: Beddard Rachel , Ngamsuntikul Samantha , Wafford Tiffany , Aranda Lorena
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The success of whole blood (WB) in damage control resuscitation on the battlefield has generated interest in its use for civilian trauma. Blood centers must maintain a committed donor pool with low isoagglutinin titers to provide this product. Information regarding isoagglutinin titers in different donor populations will help with targeted recruitment of these donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Sequential O D+ male donors with a history of two or more donations at a fixed site were tested for immunoglobulin (Ig)M anti‐A and anti‐B using a single titer cutoff of 256. Donors testing negative at this cutoff were considered “low titer” while positive donors were considered “high titer.” Age and self‐identified race/ethnicity were retrospectively obtained from the blood establishment computer system. Fisher's exact analysis was used for statistical analysis with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Of 3274 donors, 426 tested as high titer, while 2848 tested as low titer. The data show an association of donor age and prevalence of high titers with older age groups showing a lower prevalence of high titers. In addition, different races/ethnicities have different prevalences of high titers with the Caucasian/white group showing a lower prevalence of high‐titer donors versus the Hispanic and undeclared race groups.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of high‐titer IgM anti‐A or ‐B donors varies by age group and race/ethnicity in our data set. This information will provide information on what donor groups to target for collection of low‐titer O WB.
The Mediating Role of Self‐Efficacy in Shaping Self‐Management Behaviors Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jiang Xinjun , Jiang Hua , Li Mingzi , Lu Yanhui , Liu Keke , Sun Xiaohong
Published: March 2019

Background

Self‐efficacy, diabetes distress, knowledge, and education level are likely the important factors affecting diabetes self‐management (DSM) behaviors. However, the theoretical mechanisms underlying these variables remain unclear.

Aims

The study aimed to test a model including variables of self‐efficacy, diabetes distress, knowledge, and education level and DSM behaviors that were informed by social cognitive theory and the literature review among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was employed. Among a convenience sample of 320 adults with type 2 diabetes, 265 eligible participants (response rate = 82.81%) were investigated, using the demographic information questionnaire, the Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities, the Self‐Efficacy for Diabetes Scale, the Diabetes‐Related Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Diabetes Distress Scale. Structural equation modeling was performed with 10,000 bootstrap samples using AMOS 23.0.

Results

The final model provided a good fit to the data (χ2 [22, N = 265] = 9.192, df = 5, p = .102, NFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.056). Self‐efficacy had the strongest direct effect on DSM behaviors (β = 0.550, p = .000). Knowledge (β = 0.167, p = .004) and employment status (β = −0.130, p = .009) had a direct effect on DSM behaviors. The association between knowledge and DSM behaviors was partially mediated by self‐efficacy (bootstrap mean = 0.160, 95% CI: 0.088, 0.237), explaining 49.08% of the total effect of knowledge on DSM behaviors. The association between diabetes distress and DSM behaviors (bootstrap mean = −0.113, 95% CI: −0.192, −0.043) and education level and DSM behaviors (bootstrap mean = 0.102, 95% CI: 0.047, 0.165) were completely mediated by self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Self‐efficacy plays an important role in the mediation of the association between knowledge and DSM behaviors, diabetes distress and DSM behaviors, and education level and DSM behaviors, as well as a direct contributing role in the predication of DSM behaviors.

Linking Evidence to Action

Self‐efficacy plays a direct contributing and mediating role in shaping DSM behaviors. The results of the model can help to develop evidence‐ and theory‐based and culturally sensitive interventions. Strategies including goal setting, practicing, recording, peer models, persuasion, positive feedback, and encouragement can be used to address self‐efficacy of patients. Interventions led by nurses that increase knowledge, reduce diabetes distress, and emphasize self‐efficacy have the potential to promote changes in DSM behaviors.
Autoridad. Derivaciones conceptuales de las teorías de la administración
Authors: Jurado Jurado Juan Carlos
Published: March 2019

La autoridad supone las relaciones de subordinación y jerarquía capital–trabajo que fundan a la administración, sin embargo, en sus textos básicos su significado no se desarrolla o se da por sentado debido a su carácter prescriptivo y generalista. En este artículo se pretenden establecer los conceptos de autoridad de las teorías más emblemáticas de la administración y del management contemporáneo a partir de una revisión hermenéutico–crítica de bibliografía primaria y secundaria. Se halla la necesidad de superar las concepciones reduccionistas de la administración a partir de las reflexiones de las ciencias sociales y humanas, que asumen la autoridad como estructura social condicionada por las transformaciones del capitalismo y a partir de la pluralidad de sentidos derivada de las complejas y múltiples interacciones y relaciones de poder.
Effect of Standoff on Near-Field Blast Mitigation Provided by Water-Filled Containers
Authors: Bornstein Huon , Di Placido Sam , Ryan Shannon , Orifici Adrian C. , Mouritz Adrian P.
Published: March 2019

Water-filled containers placed externally on an armored vehicle offer a potentially low cost, light-weight, and simple technique to mitigate near-field explosive blast, although the use of a gap or standoff between the container and target has not been studied. This paper uses experimental testing and numerical simulations to characterize the influence of this container standoff on the mitigation of near-field blast effects. The addition of the container standoff was not found to generally increase the blast mitigation effect provided by water-filled containers on the deformation caused to a steel target plate. While the container standoff was found to enhance the spreading and shadowing blast mitigation mechanisms provided by the water-filled container, this was offset by an increase in blast loading due to the container being closer to the explosive charge. A new mitigation mechanism was identified as the time delay between the initial loading of the steel plate by the blast wave and the subsequent impact of water ejected from the container. The results from this work provide engineers guidance into the design of water-filled containers for near-field blast protection of armored vehicles.
Humans may sense Earth's magnetic field
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: March 2019

Brain recordings shore up a controversial proposal, but mechanism remains hazy.
White House details proposed cuts to science agencies
Authors: Malakoff David , Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

Congress is likely to reject drastic reductions—once again.
Tests identify HIV's final redoubt
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2019

Drugs can't touch virus in "repliclones" but CRISPR might.
Elite advisers to help NSF navigate security concerns
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

Research agency wants storied Jason group to look at balancing national security and openness.
For these intrepid crickets, lava is home sweet home
Authors: Price Michael
Published: March 2019

Scientists probe how an insect colonizes Hawaii's fresh flows.
The reef builders
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: March 2019

Researchers embrace a radical idea: engineering coral to cope with climate change.
Autologous grafting of cryopreserved prepubertal rhesus testis produces sperm and offspring
Authors: Fayomi Adetunji P. , Peters Karen , Sukhwani Meena , Valli-Pulaski Hanna , Shetty Gunapala , Meistrich Marvin L. , Houser Lisa , Robertson Nicola , Roberts Victoria , Ramsey Cathy , Hanna Carol , Hennebold Jon D. , Dobrinski Ina , Orwig Kyle E.
Published: March 2019

Preserving male fertility

Before chemotherapy or radiation treatment, sperm from adult men can be cryopreserved for future use. However, this is not possible for prepubertal boys. Fayomi
et al.
grafted cryopreserved testicular tissue from castrated pubertal rhesus macaques, placing each animal's own testis sections under the skin of the back or scrotum (see the Perspective by Neuhaus and Schlatt). Grafts grew, produced testosterone, and were able to generate sperm that could fertilize oocytes, in one case resulting in a successful pregnancy. The results hold promise for preserving human fertility, for example, after childhood cancer treatments.

Science
, this issue p.
1314
; see also p.
1283
Inverse-designed metastructures that solve equations
Authors: Mohammadi Estakhri Nasim , Edwards Brian , Engheta Nader
Published: March 2019

Solving equations with waves

Signal processing of light waves can be used to represent certain mathematical functions and to perform computational tasks on signals or images in an analog fashion. Such processing typically requires complex systems of bulk optical elements such as lenses, filters, and mirrors. Mohammadi Estakhri
et al.
demonstrate that specially designed nanophotonic structures can take input waveforms encoded as complex mathematical functions, manipulate them, and provide an output that is the integral of the functions. The results, demonstrated for microwaves, provide a route to develop chip-based analog optical computers and computing elements.

Science
, this issue p.
1333
The future of science in film
Authors: Weber Doron
Published: March 2019

Film is a universal language of modern societies. Larger-than-life images, stories, ideas, and characters portrayed in films can speak across the globe. This makes science and technology—which have shaped the modern world but remain little understood and poorly integrated into mainstream culture—a rich subject for film and a goldmine for filmmakers. From the mad scientist films of the '20s and '30s to the postnuclear dystopias of the '50s; and from the ecological disaster flics of the '70s and '80s to the space adventures of recent years, films have periodically reflected society's hopes and fears about science. But we can do better when it comes to dramatizing the great, ongoing human enterprise to understand and enhance the world around and inside us.
Impact of maternal smoking on early childhood health: a retrospective cohort linked dataset analysis of 697 003 children born in Scotland 1997–2009
Authors: Lawder Richard , Whyte Bruce , Wood Rachael , Fischbacher Colin , Tappin David Michael
Published: March 2019

Objective

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with adverse health impacts on mother and child. We used a large linked Scottish dataset to produce contemporary estimates of the impact on child health, particularly hospitalisation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study linking birth, death, maternity, infant health, child health surveillance and admission records. We examined the association between smoking status at maternity booking and pregnancy outcomes, hospital admission and death during the first 5 years of life. Models were adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status, infant feeding, country of birth, sex, parity and delivery mode. We calculated population attributable fraction (PAF) for each outcome.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Participants

Singleton births between 1997 and 2009 (n=697 003) followed to March 2012.

Results

332 386 children had at least one admission by 31 March 2012. There were 56 588 born small for gestational age, 40 492 prematurely and 1074 postneonatal deaths. Within the first 5 years of life, 56 615 children had at least one admission for acute respiratory infections, 24 088 for bronchiolitis and 7549 for asthma. Maternal smoking significantly increased admission for acute respiratory infections (adjusted HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.34, PAF 6.7%) and bronchiolitis (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.48 under 1 year, PAF 10.1%), asthma (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.37 age 1–5 years, PAF 7.1%) and bacterial meningitis (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.71, PAF 11.8%) age 0–5 years. Neonatal mortality (adjusted OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.49, PAF 6.7%), postneonatal mortality (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.87 to 2.53, PAF 22.3%), small for gestational age (OR 2.67, 95% CI 2.62 to 2.73, PAF 27.5%) and prematurity (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.44, PAF 8.8%) were higher among the offspring of smokers.

Conclusion

Smoking during pregnancy causes significant ill health and death among children born in Scotland. These findings support continued investment to reduce smoking among women before, during and after pregnancy as 50% of women will go on to have further children.
Effect of two tapering strategies on endurance-related physiological markers in athletes from selected training centres of Ethiopia
Authors: Jafer Ambachew Amede , Mondal Soumitra , Abdulkedir Mahmud , Mativananan D
Published: March 2019

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effects of two tapering strategies on specific endurance-related performance markers in some selected athletic training centres of Ethiopia.

Methodology

Thirty-seven young distance runners (mean age: 20±1.97 years; mean training period: 2.43±0.603 years) were randomly assigned to high-intensity low-volume (HILV) and high-intensity moderate-volume (HIMV) taper groups. Training frequencies were five times per week conducted for 2 weeks in both groups. At baseline and after 2 weeks of the taper intervention, the average red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and haematocrit percentages (Hct) of the participants were measured and analysed using a complete blood count (sysmix) instrument.

Results

Using a parallel-group design, we investigated the effects of the two tapering strategies (HILV and HIMV), and positive changes were observed in the endurance-related physiological traits of RBC count, Hgb concentration and Hct percentages regardless of the amount of volume reduced during the 2-week taper period. Comparisons of the two strategies did not reveal significant differences between the taper groups.

Conclusion

Taper strategies characterised by HILV and HIMV training load have beneficial effects on the improvement of endurance performance. Reduction of training load-training volume did not affect endurance performance, instead these could induce extra adaption of the body physiology.
Decitabine shows synergistic effects with arsenic trioxide against myelodysplastic syndrome cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis
Authors: Huang Lei , Liu Zhaoyun , Jiang Huijuan , Li Lijuan , Fu Rong
Published: March 2019

Most of the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) high-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome partly responded to hypomethylating therapy even with transient remission, while arsenic trioxide (ATO) had partial effect in patients with MDS. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of the combination of ATO and decitabine (DAC) in MDS cells. In our study, the MUTZ-1 and SKM-1 cells were treated with ATO, DAC or both. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expressions of the endoplasmicreticulum (ER) stress-associated genes and proteins were examined. Results showed the combination of ATO and DAC synergistically inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of MDS cells. Through the RNA-sequence and GSEA gene function analysis, ER stress-related pathway played an important role in apoptosis of MDS cells induced by the combination of ATO and DAC. ER stress-related genes DNA damage inducible transcript 3, GRP78, and activating transcription factor-6 were significantly highly expressed in combination group than those in single agent groups; proteins were confirmed by western blot. The levels of ROS significantly increased in the combination group. Furthermore, the apoptosis of (ATO+DAC) group MDS cells could be partially reversed by antioxidant agent N-acetylcysteine, accompanied by decreased expression of intracellular ROS and ER stress-related genes. These results suggested that the combination of ATO and DAC synergistically induced the apoptosis of MDS cells by increased ROS-related ER stress in MDS cells.
An ab initio study on the transport characteristics of Si2C2 clusters
Authors: Hu Wei , Wang Qinglin , Zhou Qinghua , Liu Wenhua , Liang Yan , Hu Jianfeng , Wan Haiqing
Published: March 2019

We have studied the transport properties of three different contact structures in Si2C2 clusters by using the first principles based on density functional theory (DFT) and non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) in this paper. Both M1 and M2 show excellent transport properties and a weak negative differential resistance (NDR) phenomenon appears due to greater transferring charge between the central area and the electrodes. The intermediate barrier of M3 is very large, and the electrons are difficult to transmit. However, it also shows good conductivity after we add sulfur (S) atoms at both ends of the molecule. Through the molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian (MPSH) analysis, the molecular orbital is expanded with the addition of S atoms, thus showing good conductivity. With the addition of the bias, the conductance of Si2C2 clusters at the Fermi level is reduced due to the drift of the energy level. It is interesting to note that there is a high resonant transmission peak at −1.14 eV under 2 V bias of the M3 system, which shows a molecular switching behavior.
Food caching by a marine apex predator, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)
Authors: Krause Douglas J. , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: March 2019

The foraging behaviors of apex predators can fundamentally alter ecosystems through cascading predator–prey interactions. Food caching is a widely studied, taxonomically diverse behavior that can modify competitive relationships and affect population viability. We address predictions that food caching would not be observed in the marine environment by summarizing recent caching reports from two marine mammal and one marine reptile species. We also provide multiple caching observations from disparate locations for a fourth marine predator, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx (de Blainville, 1820)). Drawing from consistent patterns in the terrestrial literature, we suggest the unusual diversity of caching strategies observed in leopard seals is due to high variability in their polar marine habitat. We hypothesize that caching is present across the spectrum of leopard seal social dominance; however, prevalence is likely to increase in smaller, less-dominant animals that hoard to gain competitive advantage. Given the importance of this behavior, we draw attention to the high probability of observing food caching behavior in other marine species.
Metrics that matter
Authors: Sloss Benjamin Treynor , Nukala Shylaja , Rau Vivek
Published: March 2019

Critical but oft-neglected service metrics that every SRE and product owner should care about.
Fully device independent quantum key distribution
Authors: Vazirani Umesh , Vidick Thomas
Published: March 2019

Quantum cryptography promises levels of security that are impossible to attain in a classical world. Can this security be guaranteed to classical users of a quantum protocol, who may not even trust the quantum devices used to implement the protocol?

This central question dates back to the early 1990s when the challenge of achieving Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution (DIQKD) was first formulated. We answer the challenge by rigorously proving the device-independent security of an entanglement-based protocol building on Ekert's original proposal for quantum key distribution. The proof of security builds on techniques from the classical theory of pseudo-randomness to achieve a new quantitative understanding of the non-local nature of quantum correlations.
NHL Pathological Image Classification Based on Hierarchical Local Information and GoogLeNet-Based Representations
Authors: Bai Jie , Jiang Huiyan , Li Siqi , Ma Xiaoqi
Published: March 2019

Background. Accurate classification for different non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) is one of the main challenges in clinical pathological diagnosis due to its intrinsic complexity. Therefore, this paper proposes an effective classification model for three types of NHL pathological images, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods. There are three main parts with respect to our model. First, NHL pathological images stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) are transferred into blue ratio (BR) and Lab spaces, respectively. Then specific patch-level textural and statistical features are extracted from BR images and color features are obtained from Lab images both using a hierarchical way, yielding a set of hand-crafted representations corresponding to different image spaces. A random forest classifier is subsequently trained for patch-level classification. Second, H&E images are cropped and fed into a pretrained google inception net (GoogLeNet) for learning high-level representations and a softmax classifier is used for patch-level classification. Finally, three image-level classification strategies based on patch-level results are discussed including a novel method for calculating the weighted sum of patch results. Different classification results are fused at both feature 1 and image levels to obtain a more satisfactory result. Results. The proposed model is evaluated on a public IICBU Malignant Lymphoma Dataset and achieves an improved overall accuracy of 0.991 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.998. Conclusion. The experimentations demonstrate the significantly increased classification performance of the proposed model, indicating that it is a suitable classification approach for NHL pathological images.
Power Spectral Density Response of Bridge‐Like Structures Loaded by Stochastic Moving Forces
Authors: Sorrentino Silvio
Published: March 2019

In this study, simple and manageable closed form expressions are obtained for the mean value, the spectral density function, and the standard deviation of the deflection induced by stochastic moving loads on bridge‐like structures. As a basic case, a simply supported beam is considered, loaded by a sequence of concentrated forces moving in the same direction, with random instants of arrival, constant random crossing speeds, and constant random amplitudes. The loads are described by three stochastic processes, representing an idealization of vehicular traffic on a bridge in case of negligible inertial coupling effects between moving masses and structure. System’s responses are analytically determined in terms of mean values and power spectral density functions, yielding standard deviations, with the possibility to easily extend the results to more refined models of single span bridge‐like structures. Potential applications regard structural analysis, vibration control, and condition monitoring of traffic excited bridges.
An Evolutionary Scheme for Secondary Virtual Networks Mapping onto Cognitive Radio Substrate
Authors: Balieiro Andson , Falcão Marcos , Dias Kelvin
Published: March 2019

The Fifth Generation (5G) of wireless communication is envisioned to comprise heterogeneous applications, different radio access technologies (RATs), and a large demand for mobile traffic. In this respect, Wireless Virtualization (WV) and Cognitive Radio (CR) are put forward as 5G enablers for providing additional spectrum resources through dynamic spectrum access (DSA) techniques, besides dealing with heterogeneity with no hardware modification. By empowering the synergy between CR and WV, we visualize an environment denoted as Cognitive Radio Virtual Networks Environment (CRVNE) that encompasses VWNs with different access priorities, called Primary Virtual Networks (PVNs) and Secondary Virtual Networks (SVNs) that may be deployed in an overlay manner. In this scenario, the SVNs users (SUs) access the resources opportunistically, which naturally raises challenges towards the SVN mapping. In this paper, we revisit our previous letter that models the interactions between PUs and SUs in a CRVNE and analyzes a proposed formulation for collision probability during the SVN mapping process. The current work is pioneer as it presents a comprehensive approach to the SVNs mapping problem; models, validates, and analyzes additional performance metrics such as SU blocking and SU dropping probabilities and joint utilization; formulates the SVNs mapping as a multiobjective problem; and proposes an evolutionary scheme based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to solve it. The results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the alternative method in terms of collision, SU dropping, SU blocking probabilities, and joint utilization under different primary and secondary loads.
Double Loop Inductive Feed Patch Antenna Design for Antimetal UHF RFID Tag
Authors: Mo Lingfei , Li Chenyang
Published: March 2019

Planar UHF RFID antimetal tag can be widely used for the metallic products or packages with metal material inside. A double loop inductive feed planar patch antenna is proposed for UHF RFID tag mounted on metallic objects. Compared to conventional microstrip antennas or PIFA antennas used for UHF RFID tags, the double loop inductive feed patch antenna has a planar structure, with no short via or short wall, which could decrease the manufacturing cost of the tags. The double loop inductive feed structure also increases the radiation performance of the planar antenna. Moreover, the double loop inductive feed structure makes the impedance of the patch antenna be tuned easily for conjugate impedance matching.
Rational Waves and Complex Dynamics: Analytical Insights into a Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Distributed Coefficients
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhang Lijie , Xu Bo
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we first present a complex multirational exp‐function ansatz for constructing explicit solitary wave solutions, N‐wave solutions, and rouge wave solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) with complex coefficients. To illustrate the effectiveness of the complex multirational exp‐function ansatz, we then consider a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger (gNLS) equation with distributed coefficients. As a result, some explicit rational exp‐function solutions are obtained, including solitary wave solutions, N‐wave solutions, and rouge wave solutions. Finally, we simulate some spatial structures and dynamical evolutions of the modules of the obtained solutions for more insights into these complex rational waves. It is shown that the complex multirational exp‐function ansatz can be used for explicit solitary wave solutions, N‐wave solutions, and rouge wave solutions of some other nonlinear PDEs with complex coefficients.
Efficient Enumeration of d‐Minimal Paths in Reliability Evaluation of Multistate Networks
Authors: Xu Xiu-Zhen , Niu Yi-Feng , Li Qing
Published: March 2019

A number of real‐world complex networks can be modeled as multistate networks for performance analysis. A multistate network consists of multistate components and possesses multiple different performance levels. For such a network, reliability is concerned with the probability of the network capacity level greater than or equal to a predetermined demand level d. One major method for multistate network reliability evaluation is using d‐minimal paths. This paper proposes an efficient algorithm to find d‐minimal paths. First, a new concept of qualified state vector is defined so as to fix a relatively smaller search space of d‐minimal paths, and a sufficient and necessary condition for a qualified state vector to be d‐minimal path is established. Then, the max‐flow algorithm and the enumeration algorithm are integrated to search for d‐minimal paths in the determined search space that is recursively divided into subspaces such that the searching efficiency can be increased as much as possible. Both analytical and numerical results show that the proposed algorithm is more efficient in finding all d‐minimal paths. In addition, a case study related to power transmission network is performed to demonstrate the implication of network reliability.
Impact of Differential Densification on the Pore Structure of Tight Gas Sandstone: Evidence from the Permian Shihezi and Shanxi Formations, Eastern Sulige Gas Field, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Wang Meng , Tang Hongming , Tang Haoxuan , Liu Shu , Zhang Liehui , Zeng Ming , Cheng Yulin
Published: March 2019

The tight sandstone reservoirs of the Permian Shihezi and Shanxi Formation with strong heterogeneity constitute the main producing zone of the eastern Sulige gas field. The process of differential densification results in various reservoir qualities. Mineral composition, structural characteristic, pore system, and diagenesis were investigated with analyses of well logs, thin sections, porosity, and horizontal permeability of the core plugs; environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR); X-ray computed tomography (X-CT); and fluid inclusion homogenization temperature. The results show that lithic sandstone reservoirs experienced complex and various diagenetic evolutions. Eight types of densification modes can be divided according to the diagenesis paths; these modes represent lithofacies with different densification times and reservoir qualities. Intense mechanical compaction is the main reason for the formation of lithofacies 1, 2, and 5. Lithofacies 4, 6, and 7 formed due to intense cementation, increasing the impermeability of the diagenetic system. The primary pore space in lithofacies 3 is preserved due to the overpressure and chlorite coatings. The dissolution and weak cementation of lithofacies 8 contribute to reservoir development. The middle-lower part of braided channel lags and channel bars, the middle part of meandering riverbed lags, and the middle part of point bars are favourable for reservoir development.
Extracellular Matrix Protein Tenascin C Increases Phagocytosis Mediated by CD47 Loss of Function in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ma Ding , Liu Senquan , Lal Bachchu , Wei Shuang , Wang Shuyan , Zhan Daqian , Zhang Hao , Lee Richard S. , Gao Peisong , Lopez-Bertoni Hernando , Ying Mingyao , Li Jian Jian , Laterra John , Wilson Mary Ann , Xia Shuli
Published: March 2019

Glioblastomas (GBM) are highly infiltrated by myeloid-derived innate immune cells that contribute to the immunosuppressive nature of the brain tumor microenvironment (TME). CD47 has been shown to mediate immune evasion, as the CD47–SIRPα axis prevents phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages and other myeloid cells. In this study, we established CD47 homozygous deletion (CD47−/−) in human and mouse GBM cells and investigated the impact of eliminating the "don't eat me" signal on tumor growth and tumor–TME interactions. CD47 knockout (KO) did not significantly alter tumor cell proliferation in vitro but significantly increased phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages in cocultures. Compared with CD47 wild-type xenografts, orthotopic xenografts derived from CD47−/− tumor cells grew significantly slower with enhanced tumor cell phagocytosis and increased recruitment of M2-like tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAM). CD47 KO increased tumor-associated extracellular matrix protein tenascin C (TNC) in xenografts, which was further examined in vitro. CD47 loss of function upregulated TNC expression in tumor cells via a Notch pathway–mediated mechanism. Depletion of TNC in tumor cells enhanced the growth of CD47−/− xenografts in vivo and decreased the number of TAM. TNC knockdown also inhibited phagocytosis of CD47−/− tumor cells in cocultures. Furthermore, TNC stimulated release of proinflammatory factors including TNFα via a Toll-like receptor 4 and STAT3-dependent mechanism in human macrophage cells. These results reveal a vital role for TNC in immunomodulation in brain tumor biology and demonstrate the prominence of the TME extracellular matrix in affecting the antitumor function of brain innate immune cells.

Significance:

These findings link TNC to CD47-driven phagocytosis and demonstrate that TNC affects the antitumor function of brain TAM, facilitating the development of novel innate immune system–based therapies for brain tumors.
Juvenile Muscular Atrophy of the Proximal Upper Extremity as So-Called Proximal-Type Hirayama Disease: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yokote Akira , Fukuhara Kousuke , Tsugawa Jun , Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: March 2019

Hirayama disease is a distinct type of cervical myelopathy characterized by juvenile onset of unilateral muscular atrophy of a distal upper extremity. We report herein a case with Hirayama disease-like juvenile muscular atrophy involving proximal muscles in the upper extremities. In this case, in the flexion position of the neck, cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the spinal cord was compressed by expansion of the posterior extradural space with forward displacement of the dura matter. These neuroimaging results are identical to those of Hirayama disease. However, the involved muscles in this case were the proximal muscles, unlike Hirayama disease. Five previous cases have displayed this rare subtype of Hirayama disease. The cause of the unique phenotype may be abnormal cervical column alignment, with upper cervical kyphosis producing a higher apex of the vertebral level in a cervical flexion position, resulting in mid-cervical segmental myelopathy.
Genetic Variant Screening of DNA Repair Genes in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Identifies a Novel Mutation in the XRCC2 Gene
Authors: Valka Jan , Vesela Jitka , Votavova Hana , Dostalova-Merkerova Michaela , Urbanova Zuzana , Jonasova Anna , Cermak Jaroslav , Belickova Monika
Published: March 2019

Background: We aimed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mutations in DNA repair genes and their possible association with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Methods: Targeted enrichment resequencing of 84 DNA repair genes was initially performed on a screening cohort of MDS patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping selected SNPs in the validation cohort of patients. Results: A heterozygous frameshift mutation in the XRCC2 gene was identified. It leads to the formation of a truncated non-functional protein and decreased XRCC2 expression level. Decreased expression levels of all DNA repair genes functionally connected with mutated XRCC2 were also present. Moreover, a synonymous substitution in the PRKDC gene and 2 missense mutations in the SMUG1 and XRCC1 genes were also found. In the screening cohort, 6 candidate SNPs were associated with the tendency to develop MDS: rs4135113 (TDG, p = 0.03), rs12917 (MGMT, p = 0.003), rs2230641 (CCNH, p = 0.01), rs2228529 and rs2228526 (ERCC6, p = 0.04 and p = 0.03), and rs1799977 (MLH1, p = 0.04). In the validation cohort, only a polymorphism in MLH1 was significantly associated with development of MDS in patients with poor cytogenetics (p = 0.0004). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that genetic variants are present in DNA repair genes of MDS patients and may be associated with susceptibility to MDS.
A COACHS Nomogram to Predict the Probability of Three-Month Unfavorable Outcome after Acute Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Patients
Authors: Song BaiLi , Liu YuKai , Nyame Linda , Chen XiangLiang , Jiang Teng , Wang Wei , Sun Chao , Tang Dan , Chen Chen , Ibrahim Mako , Yang Jie , Zhou JunShan , Zou JianJun
Published: March 2019

Background: Accurate prognostication of unfavorable outcome made at the early onset of stroke is important to both the clinician and the patient management. This study was aimed to develop a nomogram based on the integration of parameters to predict the probability of 3-month unfavorable functional outcome in Chinese acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: We retrospectively collected patients who underwent acute ischemic stroke at Stroke Center of the Nanjing First Hospital (China) between May 2013 and May 2018. After exclusion, the study population includes 1,025 patients for nomogram development. The main outcome measure was 3-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale > 2). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the predicting model, and stepwise logistic regression with the Akaike information criterion was utilized to find best-fit nomogram model. We incorporated the creatinine, fast blood glucose, age, previous cerebral hemorrhage, previous valvular heart disease, and NHISS score (COACHS), and these factors were presented with a nomogram. We assessed the discriminative performance by using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration of risk prediction model by using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: Multivariate analysis of the 1,025 patients for logistic regression helped identify the independent factors as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission, age, previous valvular heart disease, fasting blood glucose, creatinine, and previous cerebral hemorrhage, which were included in the COACHS nomogram. The AUC-ROC of nomogram was 0.799. Calibration was good (p = 0.1376 for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test). Conclusions: The COACHS nomogram may be used to predict unfavorable outcome at 3 months after acute ischemic stroke in Chinese population. It may be also a reliable tool that is effective in its clinical utilization to risk-stratify acute stroke patients.