bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning from research: Adapting interventions for sexual offending to improve outcomes
Authors: Völlm Birgit , Craissati Jackie , Grubin Don , Skett Sarah , Williams Fiona
Published: September 2019

Background

Sexual behaviour towards another person who does not or cannot consent to it causes serious harm to its victims. Understandable tendencies towards isolating or shaming the offenders, however, may actually increase risks of recidivism and further such harms.

Aim

The study aims to consider evidence for the effectiveness of interventions for sex offenders, mainly in a U.K. context, across four areas: criminal justice system programmes, medication, interventions for sex offenders with personality disorder and a community‐based model for the reintegration—Circles of Support and Accountability, and identify key evidence gaps.

Methods

We searched for reviews in the following four strands of work—psychosocial programmes, medication, personality focused therapies, and Circles of Support and Accountability—and identified gaps in knowledge.

Findings

Randomised controlled trials in this field are rare but have been achieved. Findings from more naturalistic outcome studies of sex offender treatment programmes are disappointing, but recidivism rates among released sex offender prisoners are low, regardless. Medication relying on substantial physiological change raises substantial ethical concerns. Not all sex offenders have a mental disorder but up to half have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, which may need specific treatment. Evidence is growing that lay work such as Circles of Support and Accountability is a valuable adjunct to other interventions.

Conclusions and Implications for Future Research

In this field, where tensions between attributions swing between “madness” and “badness,” there is growing evidence for optimism that complexity of history and presentation can be met through cooperation between the many disciplines, integrative strategies, and wider community engagement. The need now is for large, prospective controlled trials of interventions, with long periods of follow‐up. Perhaps, the most exciting developments have come from the wider public. More research into the qualities of these volunteers might inform public education and health strategies supporting wider safety.
Discrimination against offenders with mental disorder
Authors: Grounds Adrian
Published: September 2019

Background

Mentally disordered offenders may suffer discrimination on the basis of mental disorder, or on the basis of being offenders, or both.

Aims

The aim of this paper is to outline a framework for examining discrimination affecting mentally disordered offenders. It is argued that there should be systematic comparisons between offenders with mental disorder and nonoffenders with mental disorder in order to identify and characterise specific failures to ensure equivalence of mental health care; and systematic comparisons between offenders with mental disorder and offenders without mental disorder in order to identify how mental disorder may constitute a barrier to forms of support and constructive intervention available to other offenders.

Methods

A critical review was conducted of official documents presenting criminal justice and mental health policy for England and Wales, principally since 2012, together with reports of inspectorate and oversight bodies and relevant research studies.

Findings

There is evidence that offenders with mental disorder may not be able to access mental health care equivalent to that for nonoffenders with mental disorder. There is also evidence that they may not be able to access interventions available to other offenders. Further disadvantage may arise in the criminal courts since, in England and Wales, if inpatient care is required, the powers of criminal courts to effect hospital admission under Part III of mental health legislation are weakened by the statutory requirement of information that places are available. This is discriminatory against offenders with mental disorder insofar as forms of court disposal for other offenders are not prevented by the capacity of criminal justice agencies.

Conclusions and implications

The review supports the need for systematic comparisons to identify forms of disadvantage and discrimination experienced by mentally disordered offenders in relation to both mental health and criminal justice policies services.
Prediction of long‐term patient outcome after contemporary left main stenting using the SYNTAX and SYNTAX II scores: A comparative analysis from the FAIL‐II multicenter registry (failure in left main study with 2nd generation stents‐Cardiogroup III study)
Authors: Cerrato Enrico , Barbero Umberto , Quadri Giorgio , Ryan Nicola , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Tomassini Francesco , Quirós Alicia , Bellucca Simone , Conrotto Federico , Ugo Fabrizio , Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Rolfo Cristina , Pavani Marco , Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Gili Sebastiano , Iannaccone Mario , Debenedictis Michele , Baldassarre Doronzo , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Colombo Antonio , Varbella Ferdinando , Escaned Javier
Published: September 2019

Aims

To establish the value of the SYNTAX Score‐II (SS‐II) in predicting long‐term mortality of patients treated with left main PCI (LM‐PCI) using second‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES).

Methods and Results

The SYNTAX score (SS) and the SS‐II were calculated in 804 patients included in the FAILS‐2 registry (failure in left main study with 2nd generation stents). Patients were classified in low (SS‐II ≤33; n = 278, 34.6%), intermediate (SS‐II 34–43; n = 260, 32.3%) and high (SS‐II ≥44; n = 266, 33.1%) SS‐II tertiles. Primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. A significant difference in long‐term mortality was noted (5.2 ± 3.6 years): 4.1, 7.5, and 16.7% in low, mid and high SS‐II tertiles respectively (p < .001). SS‐II score was more accurate in predicting mortality than SS (AUC = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.67–0.79 vs. AUC = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.48–0.63, respectively; p < .001). SS‐II led to a reclassification in the risk of all‐cause mortality re‐allocating 73% of patients from the CABG‐only indication to PCI or equipoise PCI‐or‐CABG indication. Using multiple Cox regression analysis, SS‐II (HR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.05–1.09; p < .001), along with Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (HR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.03–2.66; p = .07) and Cardiogenic shock (CS) (HR: 2.82 (95%CI: 1.41–5.64; p = .003) were independent predictors of long‐term mortality. SS‐II (HR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.04–1.06; p < .001) along with Insulin dependent Type 2 DM (HR: 1.58, 95%CI: 1.09–2.30.; p < .05), ACS (HR: 1.58, 95%CI: 1.16–2.14; p < .001) and CS (HR: 2.02 95%CI 1.16–3.53; p < .05), were independent predictors of long‐term MACE.

Conclusion

The SS‐II was superior to the SS in predicting outcomes associated with contemporary LM‐PCI. In this real‐world population, two clinical variables not included in the SS‐II, ACS and T2DM, were identified as additional markers of poor outcome.
Treatment of focal distal abdominal aortic stenosis with the GORE VIABAHN VBX balloon expandable covered stent
Authors: Whitbeck Matthew G.
Published: September 2019

The incidence of focal infrarenal stenosis of the aorta is rare. Endovascular therapy has evolved as a first‐line treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease and has been shown to substantially improve health‐related quality of life. The 8 French sheath compatible, GORE VIABAHN VBX (GORE Flagstaff, AZ) balloon expandable covered stent offers the traditional benefits of a balloon expandable covered stent with a design that improves on flexibility. We report three cases with the use of this system for treatment of infrarenal stenosis of the aorta.
Facile Preparation of Inverse Nanoporous Cr2O3/Cu Catalysts for Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Shen Yongli , Xiao Zihui , Liu Jiangyun , Wang Zhifeng
Published: September 2019

The inverse oxide/metal structures represent a new class of heterogeneous catalysts with great research interests due to their diverse interfacial structures between oxides and metal supports, which often lead to unique catalytic properties. Herein, we report a facile and general strategy to prepare inverse catalysts with nanoporous structures by dealloying. As an example, inverse nanoporous Cr2O3/Cu (NP−Cr2O3/Cu) catalysts with a bi‐continuous nanoporous structure are fabricated by room temperature chemical dealloying of CrCuAl alloy in alkaline solution, which exhibit excellent performance in CO2 reduction to CO (reverse water‐gas shift, RWGS), significantly higher performance than the traditional Cu/Cr2O3 catalyst and inverse catalysts obtained by other traditional preparation methods. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results show that CO2 reduction is evidently promoted by the synergistic effects of Cr2O3 cluster and nanoporous Cu. These results suggest a promising route for the preparation of various heterogeneous catalysts with tailored functionalities.
Sizing of Packed Deaeration Columns
Authors: Jaćimović Nikola , Genić Srbislav , Jaćimović Branislav
Published: September 2019

Removal of oxygen from feedwater is of paramount importance for safe boiler operation. Insufficient extraction of oxygen in deaeration vessels will lead to limited efficiency of oxygen scavengers and unsafe plant operation. The presented sizing procedure for packed deaeration columns is based on the similarity theory between heat and mass transfer and existing procedures. The goal of the proposed technique is not to achieve optimization of column dimensions, but to ensure that there is no undersizing of the packing height. This approach is justified considering the relatively low capital costs of deaeration columns in boiler plants. The proposed equations are based on an experimental setup involving several hundred operating regimes which have been verified and confirmed to have a high degree of accuracy.
A wnt2 ortholog in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Robert Nicolas , Hammami Firas , Lhomond Guy , Dru Philippe , Lepage Thierry , Schubert Michael , Croce Jenifer C.
Published: September 2019

Members of the wnt gene family encode secreted glycoproteins that mediate critical intercellular communications in metazoans. Large‐scale genome and transcriptome analyses have shown that this family is composed of 13 distinct subfamilies. These analyses have further established that the number of wnt genes per subfamily varies significantly between metazoan phyla, highlighting that gene duplication and gene loss events have shaped the complements of wnt genes during evolution. In sea urchins, for example, previous work reported the absence of representatives of both the WNT2 and WNT11 subfamilies in two different species, Paracentrotus lividus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Recently, however, we identified a gene encoding a WNT2 ortholog in P. lividus and, based on that finding, we also reanalyzed the genome of S. purpuratus. Yet, we found no evidence of a bona fide wnt2 gene in S. purpuratus. Furthermore, we established that the P. lividus wnt2 gene is selectively expressed in vegetal tissues during embryogenesis, in a pattern that is similar, although not identical, to that of other P. lividus wnt genes. Taken together, this study amends previous work on the P. lividus wnt complement and reveals an unexpected variation in the number of wnt genes between closely related sea urchin species.
Maternal influences on body image and eating concerns among 7‐ and 8‐year‐old boys and girls: Cross‐sectional and prospective relations
Authors: Rodgers Rachel F. , Wertheim Eleanor H. , Damiano Stephanie R. , Paxton Susan J.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Little is known regarding maternal influences on the body image and eating concerns of young children. The current study aimed to examine the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships between maternal comments about their child's weight and shape and eating, and mothers' own body dissatisfaction and disordered eating on one hand, and their children's body esteem and disordered eating behaviors on the other.

Method

Children, n = 244 of the fifth wave, aged 7 years (58% female), and n = 194 of the sixth wave, aged 8 years (57% female), of the longitudinal Children's Body Image Development Study, in Melbourne, Australia were included. Mothers completed measures of body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, and comments and concerns regarding their children's weight and eating behaviors. They also reported on their children's disordered eating behaviors. Children's body esteem was assessed through a child interview.

Results

Findings revealed cross‐sectional and prospective bivariate relationships between maternal comments and disordered eating behaviors among both boys and girls. Similar patterns of relationships emerged between maternal body dissatisfaction and lower child body esteem.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the importance of conducting prevention within the family environment from a young age, and targeting both direct communication as well as parental body image and eating behaviors.
Photochemical Strategies for Carbon–Heteroatom Bond Formation
Authors: Cavedon Cristian , Seeberger Peter H. , Pieber Bartholomäus
Published: September 2019

Photochemistry enables new synthetic means to form carbon–heteroatom bonds. Photocatalysts can catalyze carbon–heteroatom cross‐couplings by electron or energy transfer either alone or in combination with a second catalyst. Photocatalyst‐free methods are possible using photolabile substrates or by generating photoactive electron donor‐acceptor complexes. This review summarizes and discusses the strategies used in light‐mediated carbon–heteroatom bond formations based on the proposed mechanisms.
Staying in the Race: Counselor Visits and Job Search Confidence Among People With Disabilities
Authors: Hemphill Elizabeth , Kulik Carol T.
Published: September 2019

Support that helps job seekers maintain confidence might decrease unemployment rates among people with disabilities. In this study, clients described their employment barriers (disability, education, and work history) and then reported their job search confidence 3 times at 6‐month intervals. Their employment support agency provided information about the support (counseling visits, support hours, and financial resources) it delivered. Clients with more disabilities and education barriers experienced declines in job search confidence unless they received intensive levels of employment counseling. Three visits to a counselor maintained client confidence, and confidence improved only after 18 visits. Other service intensity indicators (support hours and financial resources) did not halt confidence declines.
Microstructure‐Based Modeling of Mechanical Properties and Deformation Behavior of DP600 Dual Phase Steel
Authors: Li Shengci , Guo Chengyu , Hao Leilei , Kang Yonglin , An Yuguo
Published: September 2019

Herein, the modeling approach for predicting the work hardening flow curve of DP600 steels from the real microstructure and comparison between micromechanical modeling and experimental shear loading are described. A real microstructure‐based model by representative volume element (RVE) method is used to evaluate the microstructure deformation. The flow behavior of ferrite and martensite single phase is predicted by a dislocation‐based model. Results show that the work hardening predicted by the simulation under shear loading condition is consistent with the experimental data. An increased carbon in ferrite phase can increase the strength and strain hardening rate of a given steel. Simulation indicates that the strain is mainly concentrated in the ferrite, and the plastic strain localization is mainly located at the ferrite grains along the phase boundaries; martensite carries most of the stress. The distribution and morphology of martensite affect the deformation behavior of dual phase (DP) steel. A predominant shear failure mode is developed and instability occurs under uniaxial loading.
Going low to reach high: Small‐scale ChIP‐seq maps new terrain
Authors: Fosslie Madeleine , Manaf Adeel , Lerdrup Mads , Hansen Klaus , Gilfillan Gregor D. , Dahl John Arne
Published: September 2019

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) enables mapping of specific histone modifications or chromatin‐associated factors in the genome and represents a powerful tool in the study of chromatin and genome regulation. Importantly, recent technological advances that couple ChIP with whole‐genome high‐throughput sequencing (ChIP‐seq) now allow the mapping of chromatin factors throughout the genome. However, the requirement for large amounts of ChIP‐seq input material has long made it challenging to assess chromatin profiles of cell types only available in limited numbers. For many cell types, it is not feasible to reach high numbers when collecting them as homogeneous cell populations in vivo. Nonetheless, it is an advantage to work with pure cell populations to reach robust biological conclusions. Here, we review (a) how ChIP protocols have been scaled down for use with as little as a few hundred cells; (b) which considerations to be aware of when preparing small‐scale ChIP‐seq and analyzing data; and (c) the potential of small‐scale ChIP‐seq datasets for elucidating chromatin dynamics in various biological systems, including some examples such as oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development.

This article is categorized under:

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Three-pion contribution to hadronic vacuum polarization
Authors: Hoferichter Martin , Hoid Bai-Long , Kubis Bastian
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We address the contribution of the 3π channel to hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) using a dispersive representation of the e
+
e
− → 3π amplitude. This channel gives the second-largest individual contribution to the total HVP integral in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon (g − 2)
μ
, both to its absolute value and uncertainty. It is largely dominated by the narrow resonances ω and ϕ, but not to the extent that the off-peak regions were negligible, so that at the level of accuracy relevant for (g − 2)
μ
an analysis of the available data as model independent as possible becomes critical. Here, we provide such an analysis based on a global fit function using analyticity and unitarity of the underlying γ
∗ → 3π amplitude and its normalization from a chiral low-energy theorem, which, in particular, allows us to check the internal consistency of the various e
+
e
− → 3π data sets. Overall, we obtain

$$ {a}_{\mu}^{3\pi } $$

a
μ

3
π

|≤1.8 GeV = 46.2(6)(6) × 10−10 as our best estimate for the total 3π contribution consistent with all (low-energy) constraints from QCD. In combination with a recent dispersive analysis imposing the same constraints on the 2π channel below 1 GeV, this covers nearly 80% of the total HVP contribution, leading to

$$ {a}_{\mu}^{\mathrm{HVP}} $$

a
μ
HVP

= 692.3(3.3) × 10−10 when the remainder is taken from the literature, and thus reaffirming the (g−2)
μ
anomaly at the level of at least 3.4σ. As side products, we find for the vacuum-polarization-subtracted masses M

ω
= 782.63(3)(1) MeV and M

ϕ
= 1019.20(2)(1) MeV, confirming the tension to the ω mass as extracted from the 2π channel.
Dynamic and stochastic systems as a framework for metaphysics and the philosophy of science
Authors: List Christian , Pivato Marcus
Published: September 2019

Scientists often think of the world (or some part of it) as a dynamical system, a stochastic process, or a generalization of such a system. Prominent examples of systems are (i) the system of planets orbiting the sun or any other classical mechanical system, (ii) a hydrogen atom or any other quantum–mechanical system, and (iii) the earth’s atmosphere or any other statistical mechanical system. We introduce a general and unified framework for describing such systems and show how it can be used to examine some familiar philosophical questions, including the following: how can we define nomological possibility, necessity, determinism, and indeterminism; what are symmetries and laws; what regularities must a system display to make scientific inference possible; how might principles of parsimony such as Occam’s Razor help when we make such inferences; what is the role of space and time in a system; and might they be emergent features? Our framework is intended to serve as a toolbox for the formal analysis of systems that is applicable in several areas of philosophy.
An asymptotically optimal heuristic for general nonstationary finite-horizon restless multi-armed, multi-action bandits
Authors: Zayas-Cabán Gabriel , Jasin Stefanus , Wang Guihua
Published: September 2019

We propose an asymptotically optimal heuristic, which we termrandomized assignment control(RAC) for a restless multi-armed bandit problem with discrete-time and finite states. It is constructed using a linear programming relaxation of the original stochastic control formulation. In contrast to most of the existing literature, we consider a finite-horizon problem with multiple actions and time-dependent (i.e. nonstationary) upper bound on the number of bandits that can be activated at each time period; indeed, our analysis can also be applied in the setting with nonstationary transition matrix and nonstationary cost function. The asymptotic setting is obtained by letting the number of bandits and other related parameters grow to infinity. Our main contribution is that the asymptotic optimality of RAC in this general setting does not require indexability properties or the usual stability conditions of the underlying Markov chain (e.g. unichain) or fluid approximation (e.g. global stable attractor). Moreover, our multi-action setting is not restricted to the usual dominant action concept. Finally, we show that RAC is also asymptotically optimal for adynamicpopulation, where bandits can randomly arrive and depart the system.
Scaling limits for a random boxes model
Authors: Aurzada F. , Schwinn S.
Published: September 2019

We consider random rectangles in

$\mathbb{R}^2$

that are distributed according to a Poisson random measure, i.e. independently and uniformly scattered in the plane. The distributions of the length and the width of the rectangles are heavy tailed with different parameters. We investigate the scaling behaviour of the related random fields as the intensity of the random measure grows to infinity while the mean edge lengths tend to zero. We characterise the arising scaling regimes, identify the limiting random fields, and give statistical properties of these limits.
Association of sugar-sweetened beverage intake at 18 months and 5 years of age with adiposity outcomes at 6 years of age: the Singapore GUSTO mother–offspring cohort
Authors: Quah Phaik Ling , Kleijweg Josefien , Chang Ya Yin , Toh Jia Ying , Lim Hui Xian , Sugianto Ray , Aris Izzuddin M. , Yuan Wen Lun , Tint Mya Thway , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Natarajan Padmapriya , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette P. , Tan Kok Hian , Eriksson Johan G. , Yap Fabian , Lee Yung Seng , Chong Mary F. F.
Published: September 2019

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by infants and young children are less explored in Asian populations. The Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort study examined associations between SSB intake at 18 months and 5 years of age, with adiposity measures at 6 years of age. We studied Singaporean infants/children with SSB intake assessed by FFQ at 18 months of age (n 555) and 5 years of age (n 767). The median for SSB intakes is 28 (interquartile range 5·5–98) ml at 18 months of age and 111 (interquartile range 57–198) ml at 5 years of age. Association between SSB intake (100 ml/d increments and tertile categories) and adiposity measures (BMI standard deviation scores (sd units), sum of skinfolds (SSF)) and overweight/obesity status were examined using multivariable linear and Poisson regression models, respectively. After adjusting for confounders and additionally for energy intake, SSB intake at age 18 months were not significantly associated with later adiposity measures and overweight/obesity outcomes. In contrast, at age 5 years, SSB intake when modelled as 100 ml/d increments were associated with higher BMI by 0·09 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·16) sd units, higher SSF thickness by 0·68 (95 % CI 0·06, 1·44) mm and increased risk of overweight/obesity by 1·2 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·23) times at age 6 years. Trends were consistent with SSB intake modelled as categorical tertiles. In summary, SSB intake in young childhood is associated with higher risks of adiposity and overweight/obesity. Public health policies working to reduce SSB consumption need to focus on prevention programmes targeted at young children.
GUILT, GRIEF, AND THE GOOD
Authors: Nelkin Dana Kay
Published: September 2019

In this essay, I consider a particular version of the thesis that the blameworthy deserve to suffer, namely, that they deserve to feel guilty to the proper degree (a thesis I call "Desert-Guilt"). Two further theses have been thought to explicate and support the thesis, one that appeals to the non-instrumental goodness of the blameworthy receiving what they deserve (in this case, the experience of guilt), and the other that appeals to the idea that being blameworthy provides reason to promote the blameworthy receiving what they deserve (again, in this case, the experience of guilt). I call the first "Good-Guilt" and the second "Reason-Guilt.” I begin by exploring what I take to be the strongest argument for Good-Guilt which gains force from a comparison of guilt and grief, and the strongest argument against. I conclude that Good-Guilt might be true, but that even if it is, the strongest argument in favor of it fails to support it in a way that provides reason for the thesis that the blameworthy deserve to feel guilty. I then consider the hypothesis that Reason-Guilt might be true and might be the more fundamental principle, supporting both Good-Guilt and Desert-Guilt. I argue that it does not succeed, however, and instead propose a different principle, according to which being blameworthy does not by itself provide reason for promoting that the blameworthy get what they deserve, but that being blameworthy systematically does so in conjunction with particular kinds of background circumstances. Finally, I conclude that Desert-Guilt might yet be true, but that it does not clearly gain support from either Good-Guilt or Reason-Guilt.
NARRATIVE CAPACITY AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Griffith Meghan
Published: September 2019

My main aim in this essay is to argue that “narrative capacity” is a genuine feature of our mental lives and a skill that enables us to become full-fledged morally responsible agents. I approach the issue from the standpoint of reasons-responsiveness. Reasons-responsiveness theories center on the idea that moral responsibility requires sufficient sensitivity to reasons. I argue that our capacity to understand and tell stories has an important role to play in this sensitivity. Without such skill we would be cut off from the full range of reasons to which moral agents need access and/or we would be deficient in the ability to weigh the reasons that we recognize. After arguing for the relevance of narrative skill, I argue that understanding the connection between reasons-sensitivity and narrative confers additional benefits. It illuminates important psychological structures (sometimes said to be missing from reasons-responsive accounts) and helps to explain some cases of diminished blame.
THE GREAT TRADE COLLAPSE: AN EVALUATION OF COMPETING STORIES
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan
Published: September 2019

The reduction in international trade has been more than the reduction in economic activity during the 2008 financial crisis, against the one-to-one relationship between them implied by standard trade models. This so-called the Great Trade Collapse (GTC) has been investigated extensively in the literature resulting in alternative competing stories as potential explanations. By introducing and estimating a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model using 18 quarterly series from the USA, including those that represent the competing stories, this paper evaluates the contribution of each story to GTC. The results show that retail inventories have contributed the most to the collapse and the corresponding recovery, followed by protectionist policies, intermediate-input trade, and trade finance. Productivity and demand shocks have played negligible roles.
The response of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) to mungbean density
Authors: Mobli Ahmadreza , Matloob Amar , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: September 2019

Annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) is a major weed of mungbean crops in Australia. Resistance in this weed to several herbicide groups is a challenging issue for its management. Hence, cultural weed management strategies, such as increasing the crop competitive ability through increased stand density, should be considered to reduce reliance on herbicides. It was hypothesized that a competitive crop stand may reduce the growth and seed production of S. oleraceus. Two pot studies were conducted, and each study was repeated once. The first study evaluated the effect of different mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] densities (0, 82, 164, 246, and 328 plants m−2) on S. oleraceus growth and seed production, while the second study focused on glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of this weed in competition with densities of 0, 82, and 164 mungbean plants m−2. Although increasing mungbean density from 0 to 82 and 164 plants m−2 reduced S. oleraceus seed production by 55% and 78%, respectively, a large number of seeds were produced, even at the mungbean density of 328 plants m−2 (1,185 seeds plant−1). Both glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of S. oleraceus responded similarly to the increase in mungbean density. The results of the second study showed that height, leaves, number of inflorescence, and seed production per plant of both glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes were reduced but not suppressed adequately. The glyphosate-resistant biotype produced fewer leaves and less biomass and, consequently, its seed production was 24% less compared with the glyphosate-susceptible biotype in the no-competition treatment. Both biotypes of S. oleraceus produced about 4,000 seeds plant−1 in competition with 164 mungbean plants m−2. The results suggest that crop competition alone cannot provide satisfactory control of S. oleraceus; therefore, for effective and adequate weed management, other practices such as PRE herbicides should be integrated with increased crop density.
Changes in Permeability Caused by Two Consecutive Earthquakes—Insights From the Responses of a Well‐Aquifer System to Seismic Waves
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Xiang Yang , Shi Zheming
Published: September 2019

Earthquake‐induced aquifer permeability changes have been observed both in the laboratory and the field. However, the effects of multiple earthquakes on aquifer systems have rarely been differentiated. In this study, we analyze the piezometric response to earthquake pairs that occurred on the same day. The results show that events with higher seismic energy may result in a rise in piezometric level, and the seismic waves enhanced the permeability of the aquifer by different magnitudes. Stress/strain history from consecutive earthquakes may be retained, and permeability increased much more following the second earthquake than the first one. The method proposed in this study is useful in evaluating the permeability enhancement induced by consecutive earthquakes. The stress/strain memory of aquifers also has important implications for understanding aftershocks.
Utility of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, in a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Clinic
Authors: Hahn Amy L. , Garbacz Lauren L. , Lemanek Kathleen L.
Published: September 2019

Objective: Young children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive delays. Traditional neurocognitive measures are not realistic for frequent, repeated screenings in a medical clinic setting. The current study sought to (a) examine the clinical utility of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (3rd ed.; ASQ-3) for repeated developmental screenings in an integrated behavioral health model within a SCD specialty clinic and (b) highlight case examples of ongoing developmental monitoring. Method: Parents of 52 children aged 3 months to 4 years old were administered the ASQ-3. The ASQ-3 screener provides five domain scores (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, personal social), which translate into pass, at-risk, or fail categories using age-based cut-off scores. Families participated in three administrations in a SCD clinic. Results were used by an interdisciplinary team to inform patient care. Results: The majority of the sample (90% to 96%) screened in the passing category across domains at baseline. However, 17% to 30% of the sample had at least one at-risk or failing score in any one domain across administrations. Rates of passing scores declined by 5% to 17% across administrations. Problem solving and personal social domains showed the largest declines. Conclusions: Results of the current study supported utility of the ASQ-3 in this specialty clinic setting to detect children at risk for developmental delays. In a high-risk population such as SCD, repeated, prospective developmental screening of young children with a brief screening measure can detect those in need of developmental supports and allows for timely referrals to early intervention.

Implications for Impact Statement

Children followed in a medical clinic for sickle cell disease (SCD) care participated in developmental screening with a psychology provider as a routine part of their medical visit. Most children (90% to 96%) passed the screener at their first visit. However nearly one third of the children had at least one at-risk or failing score in one of five developmental domains as they got older. Monitoring young children with SCD using a brief screening measure can identify children in need of developmental supports and help get them connected with early intervention and other developmentally supportive services.
Targeted next-generation sequencing identified a known EMD mutation in a Chinese patient with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dai Xiafei , Zheng Chenqing , Chen Xuepin , Tang Yibin , Zhang Hongmei , Yan Chao , Ma Huihui , Li Xiaoping
Published: September 2019

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare X-linked recessive disease characterized by the clinical triad of early childhood joint contractures, progressive weakness in muscles and cardiac involvement and can result in sudden death. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed for a Chinese patient with EDMD and the previously reported mutation [NM_000117.2: c.251_255del (p.Leu84Profs*7)] in exon 3 of the emerin gene (EMD) was identified.
In situ observation of picosecond polaron self-localisation in α-Fe2O3 photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Pastor Ernest , Park Ji-Sang , Steier Ludmilla , Kim Sunghyun , Grätzel Michael , Durrant James R. , Walsh Aron , Bakulin Artem A.
Published: September 2019

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) is the most studied artificial oxygen-evolving photo-anode and yet its efficiency limitations and their origin remain unknown. A sub-picosecond reorganisation of the hematite structure has been proposed as the mechanism which dictates carrier lifetimes, energetics and the ultimate conversion yields. However, the importance of this reorganisation for actual device performance is unclear. Here we report an in situ observation of charge carrier self-localisation in a hematite device, and demonstrate that this process affects recombination losses in photoelectrochemical cells. We apply an ultrafast, device-based optical-control method to resolve the subpicosecond formation of small polarons and estimate their reorganisation energy to be ~0.5 eV. Coherent oscillations in the photocurrent signals indicate that polaron formation may be coupled to specific phonon modes (<100 cm−1). Our results bring together spectroscopic and device characterisation approaches to reveal new photophysics of broadly-studied hematite devices.
Meiotic sex in Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Imamura Hideo , Van den Broeck Frederik , Costales Jaime A. , Maiguashca-Sánchez Jalil , Miles Michael A. , Andersson Bjorn , Grijalva Mario J. , Llewellyn Martin S.
Published: September 2019

Genetic exchange enables parasites to rapidly transform disease phenotypes and exploit new host populations. Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasitic agent of Chagas disease and a public health concern throughout Latin America, has for decades been presumed to exchange genetic material rarely and without classic meiotic sex. We present compelling evidence from 45 genomes sequenced from southern Ecuador that T. cruzi in fact maintains truly sexual, panmictic groups that can occur alongside others that remain highly clonal after past hybridization events. These groups with divergent reproductive strategies appear genetically isolated despite possible co-occurrence in vectors and hosts. We propose biological explanations for the fine-scale disconnectivity we observe and discuss the epidemiological consequences of flexible reproductive modes. Our study reinvigorates the hunt for the site of genetic exchange in the T. cruzi life cycle, provides tools to define the genetic determinants of parasite virulence, and reforms longstanding theory on clonality in trypanosomatid parasites.
A CRISPR platform for targeted in vivo screens identifies Toxoplasma gondii virulence factors in mice
Authors: Young Joanna , Dominicus Caia , Wagener Jeanette , Butterworth Simon , Ye Xingda , Kelly Gavin , Ordan Merav , Saunders Becky , Instrell Rachael , Howell Michael , Stewart Aengus , Treeck Moritz
Published: September 2019

Genome-wide CRISPR screening is a powerful tool to identify genes required under selective conditions. However, the inherent scale of genome-wide libraries can limit their application in experimental settings where cell numbers are restricted, such as in vivo infections or single cell analysis. The use of small scale CRISPR libraries targeting gene subsets circumvents this problem. Here we develop a method for rapid generation of custom guide RNA (gRNA) libraries using arrayed single-stranded oligonucleotides for reproducible pooled cloning of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. We use this system to generate mutant pools of different sizes in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondi and describe optimised analysis methods for small scale libraries. An in vivo genetic screen in the murine host identifies novel and known virulence factors and we confirm results using cloned knock-out parasites. Our study also reveals a potential trans-rescue of individual knock-out parasites in pools of mutants compared to homogenous knock-out lines of the key virulence factor MYR1.
Pituitary cell translation and secretory capacities are enhanced cell autonomously by the transcription factor Creb3l2
Authors: Khetchoumian Konstantin , Balsalobre Aurélio , Mayran Alexandre , Christian Helen , Chénard Valérie , St-Pierre Julie , Drouin Jacques
Published: September 2019

Translation is a basic cellular process and its capacity is adapted to cell function. In particular, secretory cells achieve high protein synthesis levels without triggering the protein stress response. It is unknown how and when translation capacity is increased during differentiation. Here, we show that the transcription factor Creb3l2 is a scaling factor for translation capacity in pituitary secretory cells and that it directly binds ~75% of regulatory and effector genes for translation. In parallel with this cell-autonomous mechanism, implementation of the physiological UPR pathway prevents triggering the protein stress response. Knockout mice for Tpit, a pituitary differentiation factor, show that Creb3l2 expression and its downstream regulatory network are dependent on Tpit. Further, Creb3l2 acts by direct targeting of translation effector genes in parallel with signaling pathways that otherwise regulate protein synthesis. Expression of Creb3l2 may be a useful means to enhance production of therapeutic proteins.
Closed-loop control of gamma oscillations in the amygdala demonstrates their role in spatial memory consolidation
Authors: Kanta Vasiliki , Pare Denis , Headley Drew B.
Published: September 2019

Gamma is a ubiquitous brain rhythm hypothesized to support cognitive, perceptual, and mnemonic functions by coordinating neuronal interactions. While much correlational evidence supports this hypothesis, direct experimental tests have been lacking. Since gamma occurs as brief bursts of varying frequencies and durations, most existing approaches to manipulate gamma are either too slow, delivered irrespective of the rhythm’s presence, not spectrally specific, or unsuitable for bidirectional modulation. Here, we overcome these limitations with an approach that accurately detects and modulates endogenous gamma oscillations, using closed-loop signal processing and optogenetic stimulation. We first show that the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) exhibits prominent gamma oscillations during the consolidation of contextual memories. We then boost or diminish gamma during consolidation, in turn enhancing or impairing subsequent memory strength. Overall, our study establishes the role of gamma oscillations in memory consolidation and introduces a versatile method for studying fast network rhythms in vivo.
Potentially repurposable drugs for schizophrenia identified from its interactome
Authors: Karunakaran Kalyani B. , Chaparala Srilakshmi , Ganapathiraju Madhavi K.
Published: September 2019

We previously presented the protein-protein interaction network of schizophrenia associated genes, and from it, the drug-protein interactome which showed the drugs that target any of the proteins in the interactome. Here, we studied these drugs further to identify whether any of them may potentially be repurposable for schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, gene expression has been described as a measurable aspect of the disease reflecting the action of risk genes. We studied each of the drugs from the interactome using the BaseSpace Correlation Engine, and shortlisted those that had a negative correlation with differential gene expression of schizophrenia. This analysis resulted in 12 drugs whose differential gene expression (drug versus normal) had an anti-correlation with differential expression for schizophrenia (disorder versus normal). Some of these drugs were already being tested for their clinical activity in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Several proteins in the protein interactome of the targets of several of these drugs were associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. The network of genes with opposite drug-induced versus schizophrenia-associated expression profiles were significantly enriched in pathways relevant to schizophrenia etiology and GWAS genes associated with traits or diseases that had a pathophysiological overlap with schizophrenia. Drugs that targeted the same genes as the shortlisted drugs, have also demonstrated clinical activity in schizophrenia and other related disorders. This integrated computational analysis will help translate insights from the schizophrenia drug-protein interactome to clinical research - an important step, especially in the field of psychiatric drug development which faces a high failure rate.
A Frameshift Variant in the CHST9 Gene Identified by Family-Based Whole Genome Sequencing Is Associated with Schizophrenia in Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Jingchun , Wu Jain-Shing , Mize Travis , Moreno Marvi , Hamid Mahtab , Servin Francisco , Bashy Bita , Zhao Zhongming , Jia Peilin , Tsuang Ming T. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Xiong Momiao , Chen Xiangning
Published: September 2019

Recent studies imply that rare variants contribute to the risk of schizophrenia, however, the exact variants or genes responsible for this condition are largely unknown. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 20 Chinese families. Each family consisted of at least two affected siblings diagnosed with schizophrenia and at least one unaffected sibling. We examined functional variants that were found in affected sibling(s) but not in unaffected sibling(s) within a family. Matching this criterion, a frameshift heterozygous deletion of CA (–/CA) at chromosome 18:24722722, also referred to as rs752084147, in the Carbohydrate Sulfotransferase 9 (CHST9) gene, was detected in two families. This deletion was confirmed by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. With the observed frequency of 0.00076 in Han Chinese population, we performed both case-control and family-based analyses to evaluate its association with schizophrenia. In the case-control analyses, Chi-square test P-value was 6.80e-12 and the P-value was 0.0008 after one million simulations. In family-based segregation analyses, segregation P-value was 7.72e-7 and simulated P-value was 5.70e-6. For both the case-control and family-based analyses, the CA deletion was significantly associated with schizophrenia in the Chinese population. Further investigation of this gene  is warranted in the development of schizophrenia by utilizing larger and more ethnically diverse samples.
Validating mitochondrial electron transport chain content in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Wu Abbie , Da Silva Tania , Jacobson Maya , Tagore Abanti , Lalang Nittha , Kiang Michael , Mizrahi Romina , Andreazza Ana C.
Published: September 2019

Altered mitochondrial electron transport chain function has been implicated in the pathophysiology and etiology of schizophrenia. To date, our previously published study (i.e. first cohort) is still the only study to demonstrate that mitochondrial electron transport chain is not altered in white blood cells from individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. Here, we aimed to replicate our previous findings with an independent set of samples and validate the levels of mitochondrial complex I-V content in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. We demonstrated that the second cohort (i.e. validation cohort) expressed similar results as the first cohort. We combined the first cohort study with the second cohort and once more validated a lack of differential levels in mitochondrial complex I-V content between the two groups. In addition, we were able to validate a correlation between complex III content and prodromal negative symptom severity when the two cohorts studies were combined. Additionally, a correlation between complex V content and prodromal disorganization symptom severity was found when the two cohorts were combined. In conclusion, our results showed that dysfunction of the mitochondrial electron transport chain is not detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of individuals in the putative prodromal stage of schizophrenia.