bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined detection of AC‐electrokinetic effects: Experiments with three‐axial chicken red blood cells
Authors: Gimsa Jan , Titipornpun Kanokkan , Stubbe Marco , Gimsa Ulrike
Published: July 2018

Dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ROT), and electro‐orientation were used for the dielectric spectroscopy of nucleated three‐axial chicken red blood cells (CRBCs). Because the different AC‐electrokinetic effects are not mutually independent, their DEP and ROT spectra were combined in ranges separated by the reorientation of the CRBCs in the inhomogeneous linear DEP and circular ROT fields. This behavior can be qualitatively described by a single‐shell ellipsoidal model. Whereas in linear fields, the maximum of the Clausius–Mossotti factor along the three axes determines the orientated axis, in circular fields, the minimum of the factor determines the axis perpendicularly orientated to the field plane. Quantitatively, it has not been possible to find a consistent parameter set for fitting the DEP and ROT spectra, as well as the reorientation frequencies. Our ellipsoidal CRBC standard model had semiaxes of a = 7.7 μm, b = 4.0 μm, and c = 1.85 μm, a relative permittivity of 35 to 45 and conductivity of 0.36 to 0.04 S/m for the cytoplasm, combined with a specific capacitance of 10 to 14 mF/m2 and a conductivity of 3500 S/m2 for the cell membrane. The fits in different external conductivity ranges between external conductivities of 0.015 and 1.0 S/m were improved when the membrane capacitance was changed between 4 to 25 mF/m2 depending on the method used. A similar transition was reflected in the effective properties of a three‐shell spherical model containing an internal membranous sphere with the geometry of the CRBC nucleus. Our findings suggest that the simultaneous interpretation of various AC‐electrokinetic spectra is a step toward the dielectric fingerprinting of biological cells.
On the ecohydrology of the Yucatan Peninsula: Evapotranspiration and carbon intake dynamics across an eco‐climatic gradient
Authors: Uuh‐Sonda Jorge M. , Gutiérrez‐Jurado Hugo A. , Figueroa‐Espinoza Bernardo , Méndez‐Barroso Luis A.
Published: July 2018

The hydrology and productivity of the ecosystems of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) are highly constrained by two factors: (a) the lack of surface drainage networks due to the existence of a highly permeable and connected karstic aquifer roughly the size of the peninsula and (b) a climatic gradient that leads to a transition from seasonally dry deciduous and sub‐deciduous tropical forests, in the north‐western and central parts of the Peninsula, to evergreen forests, in the southern and eastern parts. As a result, surface water fluxes of the YP are restricted to evapotranspiration (ET) that are tightly coupled to ecosystems health and gross primary productivity (GPP). The magnitude and seasonal variation of these fluxes are sensitive to climatic variability and perturbations caused by extreme events such as droughts and tropical storms that are frequent in the YP. In this study, we assess the spatio‐temporal dynamics of ET and GPP above average dry and wet conditions through time series analyses of 15 years of remotely sensed data from both Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite products. Our results show that ET and GPP follow a regional moisture and temperature gradient that highly controls the distribution of ecosystems within the peninsula. We observe that ET and GPP are in phase with the rainy season in the deciduous forests, but for the evergreen forests, only the GPP is in phase. Additionally, and with the exception of droughts on deciduous ecosystems of the northern part of the YP, the productivity of these ecosystems shows a legacy effect, responding more to a defined trajectory (wetting or drying on the previous years), rather than to punctual extreme climatic events. This has implications on the resilience of these ecosystems to natural perturbations of climate. Comparisons between deciduous and evergreen forest indicate that both types of ecosystems have different plant water use strategies in response to hydrologic variability.
Breast cancer in women living with HIV: A first global estimate
Authors: McCormack Valerie A , Febvey‐Combes Olivia , Ginsburg Ophira , dos‐Santos‐Silva Isabel
Published: July 2018

There is a growing population of older women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA). Breast cancer is a common cancer in women worldwide, but the global number of breast cancers in WLWHA is not known. We estimated, for each UN sub‐region, the number and age distribution of WLWHA who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, by combining IARC‐GLOBOCAN estimates of age‐country specific breast cancer incidence with corresponding UNAIDS HIV prevalence. Primary analyses assumed no HIV‐breast cancer association, and a breast cancer risk reduction scenario was also considered. Among 16.0 million WLWHA aged 15+ years, an estimated 6,325 WLWHA were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, 74% of whom were in sub‐Saharan Africa, equally distributed between Eastern, Southern and Western Africa. In most areas, 70% of HIV‐positive breast cancers were diagnosed under age 50. Among all breast cancers (regardless of HIV status), HIV‐positive women constituted less than 1% of the clinical burden, except in Eastern, Western and Middle Africa where they comprised 4–6% of under age 50 year old breast cancer patients, and in Southern Africa where this patient subgroup constituted 26 and 8% of breast cancers diagnosed under and over age 50 respectively. If a deficit of breast cancer occurs in WLWHA, the global estimate would reduce to 3,600. In conclusion, worldwide, the number of HIV‐positive women diagnosed with breast cancer was already substantial in 2012 and with an expected increase within the next decade, early detection and treatment research targeted to this population are needed.
Detection of endogenously circulating mesenchymal stem cells in human cancer patients
Authors: van der Velden Daphne L. , Houthuijzen Julia M. , Roodhart Jeanine M.L. , van Werkhoven Erik , Voest Emile E.
Published: July 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can play a vital role in tumor progression and anticancer therapy response, as demonstrated by various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Their ability to home to developing tumors and modulate the tumor microenvironment, by suppressing T‐cell responses and contributing to the tumor stroma, is suggested to have a significant impact on disease progression, metastasis formation, and therapy response. Most evidence, however, is derived from artificial models using exogenously administered MSCs. The contribution of endogenous MSCs to tumor progression is currently unclear. Furthermore, few studies have been conducted in humans. A prospective biomarker study was therefore undertaken in 40 human cancer patients and 10 healthy controls of similar age, aimed at (i) exploring and quantifying circulating MSC levels in healthy volunteers and patients with advanced malignancies, (ii) determining the variability of MSC levels between healthy volunteers and cancer patients with different histologic tumor types, and (iii) exploring biomarkers associated with MSC levels. Significantly increased levels of circulating MSC‐like cells were observed in cancer patients when compared to healthy individuals (1.72 fold difference, 95% CI 1.03–2.81%, p = 0.03). In addition, prior systemic therapy was associated with a significant increase in MSC‐like cells (1.73 fold difference, 95% CI 1.02–2.95, p = 0.04). These results indicate that the amount of endogenously circulating MSCs in humans is increased in response to cancer, and that systemic anticancer treatment can influence MSC levels. Further research is needed to determine whether MSCs have a predictive value.
A novel tumor‐based epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition score that associates with prognosis and metastasis in patients with Stage II/III colorectal cancer
Authors: Roseweir A.K. , Kong C.Y. , Park J.H. , Bennett Lindsay , Powell A.G.M.T. , Quinn J. , van Wyk H.C. , Horgan P.G. , McMillan D.C. , Edwards Joanne , Roxburgh C.S.
Published: July 2018

It is increasingly appreciated that host factors within the tumor center and microenvironment play a key role in dictating colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes. As a result, the metastatic process has now been defined as a result of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Establishment of the role of EMT within the tumor center and its effect on the tumor microenvironment would be beneficial for prognosis and therapeutic intervention in CRC. The present study assessed five immunohistochemical EMT markers within the tumor center on a 185 Stage II/III CRC patient tissue microarray. In 185 patients with CRC, cytoplasmic snail (HR 1.94 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–3.29, p = 0.012) and a novel combined EMT score (HR 3.86 95% CI 2.17–6.86, p < 0.001) were associated with decreased cancer‐specific survival. The combined EMT score was also associated with increased tumor budding (p = 0.046), and systemic inflammation (p = 0.007), as well as decreased memory T‐cells within the stroma (p = 0.030) and at the invasive margin (p = 0.035). Furthermore, the combined EMT score was associated with cancer‐specific survival independent of TNM‐stage (HR 4.12 95% CI 2.30–7.39, p < 0.001). In conclusion, a novel combined EMT score stratifies patient's survival in Stage II/III CRC and associates with key factors of tumor metastasis. Therefore, the combined EMT score could be used to identify patients at risk of micrometastases and who may benefit from standard adjuvant therapy, potentially in combination with EMT blockade.
Somatic mutations in specific and connected subpathways are associated with short neuroblastoma patients’ survival and indicate proteins targetable at onset of disease
Authors: Esposito Maria Rosaria , Binatti Andrea , Pantile Marcella , Coppe Alessandro , Mazzocco Katia , Longo Luca , Capasso Mario , Lasorsa Vito Alessandro , Luksch Roberto , Bortoluzzi Stefania , Tonini Gian Paolo
Published: July 2018

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system with heterogeneous biological, morphological, genetic and clinical characteristics. Although genomic studies revealed the specific biological features of NB pathogenesis useful for new therapeutic approaches, the improvement of high‐risk (HR)‐NB patients overall survival remains unsatisfactory. To further clarify the biological basis of disease aggressiveness, we used whole‐exome sequencing to examine the genomic landscape of HR‐NB patients at stage M with short survival (SS) and long survival (LS). Only a few genes, including SMARCA4, SMO, ZNF44 and CHD2, were recurrently and specifically mutated in the SS group, confirming the low recurrence of common mutations in this tumor. A systems biology approach revealed that in the two patient groups, mutations occurred in different pathways. Mutated genes (ARHGEF11, CACNA1G, FGF4, PTPRA, PTK2, ANK3, SMO, NTNG2, VCL and NID2) regulate the MAPK pathway associated with the organization of the extracellular matrix, cell motility through PTK2 signaling and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Moreover, we detected mutations in LAMA2, PTK2, LAMA4, and MMP14 genes, impairing MET signaling, in SFI1 and CHD2 involved in centrosome maturation and chromosome remodeling, in AK7 and SPTLC2, which regulate the metabolism of nucleotides and lipoproteins, and in NALCN, SLC12A1, SLC9A9, which are involved in the transport of small molecules. Notably, connected networks of somatically mutated genes specific for SS patients were identified. The detection of mutated genes present at the onset of disease may help to address an early treatment of HR‐NB patients using FDA‐approved compounds targeting the deregulated pathways.
Reticular Chemistry of Multifunctional Metal‐Organic Framework Materials
Authors: Lin Rui‐Biao , Xiang Shengchang , Li Bin , Cui Yuanjing , Zhou Wei , Qian Guodong , Chen Banglin
Published: July 2018

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline solids constructed by means of reticular chemistry (refers to the connection of molecular building units via strong bonds to make extended structures), which is currently one of the most rapidly expanding platforms for new functional materials. Rational combinations of various building units enable MOFs to show tailorable pore structures. Based on well‐established approaches, including the control over pore size and pore chemistry, immobilization of functional sites, post‐synthetic modification, and multivariate complex, multifunctional MOFs can be readily synthesized. In this brief review, we summarize and highlight our research progress in MOF chemistry on applications including gas storage, gas separations, optical response, chemical sensing, proton conduction, and molecular recognitions.
The ICID Vision 2030 and Action Plan 2017–2021
Authors: Gundogdu Huseyin
Published: July 2018

Water, soil, energy and food have been the core values for the existence of human beings as well as other creatures living in the world from the beginning of human history and will increasingly be significant concerns in the future together with environmental issues and climate change due to the rapid growth in the world population, urbanization, industry and poor management of those core needs. Poverty and hunger should be the most important concerns for all humanity to tackle in this developing and changing world, but how? Water, as the key natural resource, is one of the essential inputs to all economic, social and environmental processes in tackling poverty and hunger. The role of agricultural water management, mainly irrigation, in ensuring food security, hence tackling poverty and hunger, is seemingly going to be at the centre of solution proposals. There are actually many scientifically and technologically developed instruments available in this world to solve poverty and hunger. What is needed is action. Poverty and hunger could be tackled with a broader vision and a well‐defined mission together with a detailed action plan. The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), as one of the leading global professional organizations, has initiated more active support for ‘A Water‐Secure World and Free of Poverty and Hunger'. ‘A Road Map to ICID Vision 2030' is a document, developed over past 2 years, that presents an action plan to move towards a water‐secure world free of poverty and hunger through sustainable rural development. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen peroxide modulates redox status, energy metabolism, and gene expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in rat liver
Authors: Ahmed‐Farid Omar A. , Rizk Hanan A. , Shehata Ahmed M.
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels on blood and liver oxidative status, energy metabolites, and gene expression in male albino rats at two time intervals (2 and 4 weeks).

Methods

A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups. The first group received tap water and served as control. The second group received low dose of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 0.25%), The third group received medium dose of H2O2 (0.5%) and the fourth group received high dose of H2O2 (1%) in drinking water.

Results

Present data showed that medium and high dose increased oxidative stress markers, decreased cell energy, and decreased antioxidant enzyme gene expression (GPx and Nrf2) and its downstream in contrast low dose did not show significant effects.

Conclusion

This study might indicate that hydrogen peroxide medium level is the best dose for redox model status.
The effect of organo‐modified silicate nanolayers on the oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Shabanian Meisam
Published: July 2018

For improving the oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a new series of PLA‐based nanocomposite films containing an organoclay (OC) and a hydrogel were prepared via the solvent casting method. The synthesized hydrogel was used in a PLA system combined with and without the reactive organo‐modified clay. Montmorillonite and the protonated form of SABO®STAB UV 94 were used to prepare the OC via an ion‐exchange reaction. The modification of silicate layers was investigated by FTIR, XRD, and TGA techniques. The char residue of the OC obtained was 28% lower than that of the neat montmorillonite, which indicated the presence of SABO in the silicate layer structure. In the presence of the OC, the hydrogel showed a synergistic effect to enhance the barrier properties of PLA. The water vapor permeability decreased from 0.243 to 0.224 g/m2·24 hr in PLA/hydrogel‐OC nanocomposite containing 3 mass% each of the hydrogel and OC (PSH 6) compared to the neat PLA. Also, the oxygen permeability of PSH 6 was 37% lower than that of the neat PLA.
Retracted: Effect of microRNA‐186 on oxidative stress injury of neuron by targeting interleukin 2 through the janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wen Xin , Wang Yong‐Jian , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Shan , Shen Min , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhuang Juan , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng‐Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun‐Hui , Lu Jun , Chen Gui‐Quan , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: July 2018

Recent studies have proposed that microRNAs (miR) function as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common disease among the elderly. In the current study, we aim to explore the effect of miR‐186 on oxidative stress injury of neuron in rat models of AD with the involvement of the interleukin‐2 (IL2) and the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathways. AD rat models were established, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay and online software were used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐186 and IL2. Immunohistochemistry was used evaluating the positive rate of IL2. Afterward, to define the role of miR‐186 in AD, miR‐186, IL2, and JAK–STAT related protein (JAK2, STAT3) expressions were quantified. Cell proliferation was measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. We observed downregulated miR‐186 and IL2 and upregulated JAK–STAT signaling pathway related genes in AD. The overexpression of miR‐186 was shown to significantly promote cell proliferation while suppressing cell apoptosis along with the expression of the IL2 and JAK–STAT signaling pathway related protein. Collectively, the key findings obtained from the current study define the potential role of miR‐186 as an inhibitor of AD development by downregulation of IL2 through suppression of the JAK–STAT signaling pathway.
Participatory research—A modernizing science for primary health care
Authors: Andersson Neil
Published: July 2018

Participatory research is the science of partnerships underlying research, concerned with research governance, ownership of research products, and relationships behind research objectives and methods. The common strand behind the quite different schools of participatory research is that research should be in respectful partnership with people; it is not about researchers working on, for, or about people. Modern participatory research embraces different philosophies through several applications. The first application addresses research objectives, with participation at different points in the research cycle. Second, modern participatory research is relevant in adaptive management, including management of primary health care. Third, participatory research is a tool for patient engagement and patient‐centered outcomes in the clinical context. A fourth application is participatory research as an intervention: Participatory research moves people, and it mobilizes resources and can thus be pivotal to sustainability and for health‐promoting intersectoral linkages. As primary health care is a family medicine responsibility, participatory research offers family medicine a valuable toolbox complementing the accepted clinical toolboxes. Through shared identification of problems and decisions about solutions, participatory research increases participant capacity to identify and address their own issues. Among clinicians, it enhances professional practices. In the bigger social picture, all this promotes social justice, self‐determination, and knowledge utilization.
Hematopoietic cell-derived RELMα regulates hookworm immunity through effects on macrophages
Authors: Batugedara Hashini M , Li Jiang , Chen Gang , Lu Dihong , Patel Jay J , Jang Jessica C , Radecki Kelly C , Burr Abigail C , Lo David D , Dillman Adler R , Nair Meera G
Published: July 2018

Resistin-like molecule α (RELMα) is a highly secreted protein in type 2 (Th2) cytokine-induced inflammation including helminth infection and allergy. In infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb), RELMα dampens Th2 inflammatory responses. RELMα is expressed by immune cells, and by epithelial cells (EC); however, the functional impact of immune versus EC-derived RELMα is unknown. We generated bone marrow (BM) chimeras that were RELMα deficient (RELMα−/−) in BM or non BM cells and infected them with Nb. Non BM RELMα−/− chimeras had comparable inflammatory responses and parasite burdens to RELMα+/+ mice. In contrast, both RELMα−/− and BM RELMα−/− mice exhibited increased Nb-induced lung and intestinal inflammation, correlated with elevated Th2 cytokines and Nb killing. CD11c+ lung macrophages were the dominant BM-derived source of RELMα and can mediate Nb killing. Therefore, we employed a macrophage-worm co-culture system to investigate whether RELMα regulates macrophage-mediated Nb killing. Compared to RELMα+/+ macrophages, RELMα−/− macrophages exhibited increased binding to Nb and functionally impaired Nb development. Supplementation with recombinant RELMα partially reversed this phenotype. Gene expression analysis revealed that RELMα decreased cell adhesion and Fc receptor signaling pathways, which are associated with macrophage-mediated helminth killing. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that BM-derived RELMα is necessary and sufficient to dampen Nb immune responses, and identify that one mechanism of action of RELMα is through inhibiting macrophage recruitment and interaction with Nb. Our findings suggest that RELMα acts as an immune brake that provides mutually beneficial effects for the host and parasite by limiting tissue damage and delaying parasite expulsion.

Employing hookworm infection of RELMα−/− bone marrow chimeras, co-culture assays, and gene expression analysis, we show that lung macrophage-derived RELMα downregulates inflammation and parasite killing.
Development of an ASE‐GC‐MS/MS method for detecting dinitolmide and its metabolite 3‐ANOT in eggs
Authors: Zhao Xia , Wang Bo , Xie Kaizhou , Liu Yanan , Zhang Yangyang , Wang Yajuan , Liu Chujun , Guo Yawen , Bu Xiaona , Zhang Genxi , Zhang Tao , Dai Guojun
Published: July 2018

An accelerated solvent extraction coupled with gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (ASE‐GC‐MS/MS) method for detecting dinitolmide residue and its metabolite (3‐amino‐2‐methyl‐5‐nitrobenzamide, 3‐ANOT) in eggs was developed and optimized. The samples were extracted using ASE with acetonitrile as the extractant and were purified by passage through a neutral alumina solid‐phase extraction column. Then, the samples were analyzed using the GC‐MS/MS method. The optimized method parameters were validated according to the requirements set forth by the European Union and the Food and Drug Administration. The average recoveries of dinitolmide and 3‐ANOT from eggs (egg white, egg yolk, and whole egg) at the limit of quantification (LOQ), 0.5 maximum residue limit (MRL), 1 MRL, and 2 MRL were 82.74% to 87.49%, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 4.63%, and the intra‐day RSDs and the inter‐day RSDs were 2.96% to 5.21% and 3.94% to 6.34%, respectively. The limits of detection and the LOQ were 0.8 to 2.8 μg/kg and 3.0 to 10.0 μg/kg, respectively. The decision limits (CCα) were 3001.69 to 3006.48 μg/kg, and the detection capabilities (CCβ) were 3001.74 to 3005.22 μg/kg. Finally, the new method was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of dinitolmide and 3‐ANOT in 50 commercial eggs from local supermarkets.
Natural course of persistent hepatitis B virus infection in hepatitis B e antigen‐positive and hepatitis B e antigen‐negative cohorts in Japan based on the Markov model
Authors: Yamasaki Kazumi , Tanaka Junko , Kurisu Akemi , Akita Tomoyuki , Ohisa Masayuki , Sakamune Kazuaki , Ko Ko , Sugiyama Aya , Yasaka Takahiro , Shirahama Satoshi
Published: July 2018

This population‐based study examined the natural course of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive or HBeAg‐negative persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, adjusted by age and liver disease states using a Markov model. Using 12 417 person‐years data (n = 862), annual transition probabilities were estimated, and age‐adjusted cumulative incidence and natural history of persistent HBV infection were simulated in both sexes of groups 1 (HBeAg‐negative status with HBV DNA level <4.0 log IU/mL at entry) and 2 (persistent HBeAg‐positive status throughout the study). In group 1, 15.26% of 30‐years old men with chronic hepatitis (CH) were expected to remain in the same state at age 65 years, 28.32% subsided into an hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative state, and 13.20% developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expectations for 40‐years old men in group 1 were 21.43%, 19.86%, and 15.04%, respectively. The expectations for 30 years women in group 1 were 30.57%, 21.15%, and 4.08%, respectively. These results suggest that HBeAg positivity caused a higher risk of HCC onset in persistent HBV infection after adjustments for age, sex, and liver disease state. HCC was likely to develop, but unlikely to subside into HBsAg clearance, remaining in a CH state with aging, regardless of HBeAg state. Furthermore, both HCC development and HBsAg clearance occurred more frequently in men than in women, irrespective of HBeAg status.
A multi‐state, time‐removal model for population dynamics of cliff‐nesting raptors
Authors: Mizel Jeremy D. , Mcintyre Carol L. , Lewis Stephen B. , Lindberg Mark S. , Schmidt Joshua H.
Published: July 2018

Cliff‐nesting raptors present considerable challenges for population estimation due to their sparse distribution across remote landscapes and the multiple occupancy states (e.g., unoccupied, occupancy without breeding, breeding occupancy) through which we observe their nesting territory dynamics. To increase the efficiency and spatial inference of surveys, we developed 2 versions of a multi‐state, time‐removal model: 1 for long‐term monitoring studies and the other for population inventories or single‐season surveys in which there is no prior knowledge of nest locations. We focused our development of these methods in the context of a combined aerial and ground‐based survey approach, which permits efficient surveying at landscape scales. The approach, however, is also applicable to designs restricted to ground surveys. For long‐term monitoring of species with alternative nests, we formulated a version of the model that accounts for state uncertainty at the territory level caused by a failure to observe all nests within a territory. Simulations based on the long‐term monitoring model indicated adequate (near nominal) coverage and low relative bias (<0.05) for nearly all parameters. In the simulation study for the inventory model, population size estimates showed negligible bias for a survey duration of 90 minutes. We applied our approach to a long‐term study of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in Alaska and demonstrated that the maximum effort spent on any nesting territory could be reduced by up to almost 90% of that recommended by standard protocols. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Quantifying the effects of human activities and climate variability on vegetation cover change in a hyper‐arid endorheic basin
Authors: Shen Qin , Gao Guangyao , Han Fei , Xiao Feiyan , Ma Ying , Wang Shuai , Fu Bojie
Published: July 2018

Quantifying the contributions of human activities and climatic factors to vegetation cover change is critical for sustainable ecosystem and water resources management in arid and semiarid regions. In this study, the temporal–spatial variations of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin (a typical arid endorheic basin in China) from 2000 to 2015 were detected, and a formal analytic framework was used to quantify the roles of climatic factors and human activities in driving vegetation cover change. The results showed that the study area has undergone evident overall greening with significant increases in NDVI in both oasis and desert areas. The fractional oasis area increased significantly from 22.93% to 27.69%, and the desert area decreased. The overall greening was mainly due to increases of fractional oasis area and NDVI in desert area with contributions of 50.50% and 42.08%, respectively. The increase in regional NDVI was mainly driven by gross domestic product (GDP) and precipitation with contributions of 40.2% and 40.3%, respectively, and the watertable played a secondary role in the NDVI increase with a contribution of less than 20%. This study indicated that human activities (i.e., oasis expansion) in the oasis areas and precipitation in the desert areas played decisive roles in regional NDVI changes. Coordination between expanding oases and maintaining the stability of oasis ecosystems should be reached. This study provides important references that policy makers and stakeholders can use to rationally manage ecosystem restoration and socioeconomic development and prevent land degradation in endorheic basins.
On the nonstationary Stokes system in an angle
Authors: Rossmann J.
Published: July 2018

The paper deals with the Dirichlet problem for the nonstationary Stokes system in a twodimensional angle. Existence and uniqueness results for weak and strong solutions in weighted Sobolev spaces and regularity assertions for the solutions are proved.
Catch Trend and Stock Assessment of Hilsa Tenualosa ilisha Using Digital Image Measured Length-Frequency Data
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Jalilur , Wahab Md. Abdul , Amin S. M. Nurul , Nahiduzzaman Md. , Romano Nicholas
Published: July 2018

The annual global average catch shares of the anadromous Hilsa Tenualosa ilisha of Bangladesh increased rapidly from 74.5% all through 1984–2013 to 86.7% during the 2010–2015 periods. With a few exceptions, an increasing trend of Hilsa production over the last three decades was found in Bangladesh. Initially three options incorporating digital image measurements were compared to determine the best method for obtaining accurate length data. The length-frequency data measured from digital images showed that Hilsa have a moderate growth rate (K =0.90 year−1) of up to 58.70 cm (L) TL. High fishing mortality (F =2.83 year−1) and exploitation level (E =0.67) suggest a slight overexploitation of the Hilsa fishery; the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was estimated at 526,000 metric tons/year if the recommended TL at first capture (Lc) of 27 cm is adhered to. The present annual Hilsa catch is about 496,417 metric tons, which indicates the potential benefit of achieving MSY through sustainable fisheries management by regulating mesh size of nets and protecting brood fish. Size distribution of Hilsa within sanctuaries revealed a remarkable presence of juvenile fish during February–March in some areas, which suggests a need to readjust the fishing ban period from March–April to February–March. More fisheries management is necessary to reduce the exploitation level of Hilsa by 17% and at the same time increase the allowable Lc to potentially increase the MSY and CPUE.
Applying Bayesian approach to predict deformations during tunnel construction
Authors: Janda Tomáš , Šejnoha Michal , Šejnoha Jiří
Published: July 2018

In this paper a fully probabilistic approach based on the Bayesian statistical method is presented to predict ground settlements in both transverse and longitudinal directions during gradual excavation of a tunnel. To that end, the convergence confinement method is adopted to give estimates of ground deformation numerically. Together with in situ measurements of the evolution of vertical deflections at selected points along the tunnel line, it allows for the construction of a likelihood function and consequently in the framework of Bayesian inference to provide posterior improved knowledge of model parameters entering the numerical analysis. In this regard, the Bayesian updating is first exploited in the material identification step and next used to yield predictions of ground settlement in sections along the tunnel line ahead of the tunnel face. This methodology thus makes it possible to improve original designs by utilizing an increasing number of data (measurements) collected in the course of tunnel construction.
Genipin crosslinked microspheres as an effective hemostatic agent
Authors: Liu Wen , Yang Xiao , Li Na , Xi Guanghui , Wang Mingshan , Liang Bin , Feng Yakai , Chen Hao , Shi Changcan , Li Wenzhong
Published: July 2018

Efficient hemorrhage control is of extreme importance to decrease mortality rates arising from traumatic bleeding. However, traditional hemostatic agents are limited to unsatisfied biocompatibility, inconvenient usage, and high cost. To this end, we have devised a novel hemostatic microsphere from chitosan and gelatin by using appropriate amount of genipin as a crosslinker. The performance of these Cs/Gel MPs was evaluated with experiments in vitro and in vivo. Results in vitro showed that the best hemostatic efficacy was achieved by Cs/Gel‐0.75 MPs (the mass fraction of genipin in Cs/Gel mixture is 8.6 × 10−6). Skin laceration model indicated that the hemostatic time of Cs/Gel‐0.75 MPs was within 12 seconds, which has been significantly shortened in comparison with commercial available products. Moreover, cytocompatibility results displayed that Cs/Gel‐0.75 MPs caused no obvious cytotoxicity even at the high concentration of 40 μg/ml. Cs/Gel‐0.75 MPs also possess satisfactory fluid absorption ratio and low hemolysis. Therefore, these Cs/Gel‐0.75 MPs are promising candidates for further surgical wound hemostatic agent.
Plasma Proteome Profiles of Stable CAD Patients Stratified According to Total Apo C‐III Levels
Authors: Manfredi Marcello , Chiariello Carmela , Conte Eleonora , Castagna Annalisa , Robotti Elisa , Gosetti Fabio , Patrone Mauro , Martinelli Nicola , Bassi Antonella , Cecconi Daniela , Marengo Emilio , Olivieri Oliviero
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The present research reports the study the of plasma proteome profile of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients characterized by different levels of total Apolipoprotein‐CIII (Apo C‐III), a prognostic marker for cardiovascular risk.

Experimental design

Two subgroups of CAD patients (n = 52) with divergent concentrations of total circulating Apo C‐III (≤ and ≥10 mg dL−1) are examined using a shotgun proteomic approach. Validation experiments are also performed with immunochemistry methods including both the patients affected by CAD (n = 119) and the subjects without CAD (CAD‐free; n = 58). Results are analyzed by bioinformatics tools and multivariate statistics.

Results

A total of 188 proteins are quantified among the patients. The fold change analysis and the partial least square discriminant analysis show a clear separation of the two groups. Lipoproteins (Apo C‐II and Apo E), retinol‐binding protein 4, and vitronectin are upregulated in patients with high Apo C‐III, while alpha‐1 antitrypsin is downregulated.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

In this pilot study, the differential expression of plasma proteins related to different concentrations of Apo C‐III is defined, suggesting possible new players involved in the Apo C‐III‐associated process of arterial damage. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005973.
Shear Exfoliation and Photoresponse of 2D‐Layered Gallium Selenide Nanosheets
Authors: Chan A. Sattar , Fu Xiao , Panin Gennady N. , Cho Hak Dong , Lee Dong Jin , Kang Tae Won
Published: July 2018

Layered two‐dimensional materials have attracted much attention because of their interesting physical properties for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications. In this work, Gallium Selenide (GaSe) nanosheets are exfoliated by the shear exfoliation method to produce dispersion of various GaSe nanosheets. The morphological features are examined using Raman Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy and the optical band gap was estimated to be 2.1 eV using Tauc's Plot. The heterojunction comprising GaSe nanosheets and n‐type silicon was fabricated which exhibits rectifying behavior and also prominent photoresponse was observed. The obtained results suggest the potential of shear exfoliated GaSe nanosheets for photodetection and next‐generation optoelectronics.
Photothermal Control of Heat‐Shock Protein Expression at the Single Cell Level
Authors: Robert Hadrien M. L. , Savatier Julien , Vial Stéphanie , Verghese Jacob , Wattellier Benoit , Rigneault Hervé , Monneret Serge , Polleux Julien , Baffou Guillaume
Published: July 2018

Laser heating of individual cells in culture recently led to seminal studies in cell poration, fusion, migration, or nanosurgery, although measuring the local temperature increase in such experiments remains a challenge. Here, the laser‐induced dynamical control of the heat‐shock response is demonstrated at the single cell level, enabled by the use of light‐absorbing gold nanoparticles as nanosources of heat and a temperature mapping technique based on quadriwave lateral shearing interferometry (QLSI) measurements. As it is label‐free, this approach does not suffer from artifacts inherent to previously reported fluorescence‐based temperature‐mapping techniques and enables the use of any standard fluorescent labels to monitor in parallel the cell's response.
Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery normalizes dopamine D1, D2, and DAT levels
Authors: Hamilton John , Swenson Sabrina , Hajnal Andras , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: July 2018

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is one of the most effective treatments for morbid obesity. However, increased substance abuse following RYGB has been observed clinically. This study examined the effects of RYGB on the dopamine system to elucidate these observed changes in reward‐related behavior. Rats were assigned to four groups: normal diet with sham surgery, ad libitum high fat (HF) diet with sham surgery, restricted HF diet with sham surgery, and HF diet with RYGB surgery. Following surgeries, rats were kept on their respective diets for 9 weeks before they were sacrificed. [3H]SCH 23390, [3H]Spiperone, and [3H]WIN35 428 autoradiography was performed to quantify the effects of diet and RYGB surgery on dopamine type 1‐like receptor (D1R)‐like, dopamine type 2‐like receptor (D2R)‐like, and dopamine transporter (DAT) binding. Rats on a chronic HF diet became obese with reduced D1R‐like binding within the ventrolateral striatum and the nucleus accumbens core, reduced D2R‐like binding in all areas of the striatum and nucleus accumbens core and shell, and reduced DAT binding in the dorsomedial striatum. Restricted HF diet rats showed similar reductions in D1R‐like and D2‐R‐like binding as the obese rats, and reduced DAT binding within all areas of the striatum. Both RYGB and restricted HF diet rats showed similar weight reductions, with RYGB rats showing no difference in binding compared to controls. The observed changes in binding between non‐treated obese rats and RYGB rats demonstrates that HF dietary effects on the dopamine system were reversed by RYGB.
Explicitly correlated local coupled‐cluster methods using pair natural orbitals
Authors: Ma Qianli , Werner Hans‐Joachim
Published: July 2018

Recently developed explicitly correlated local coupled‐cluster methods [PNO‐LCCSD(T)‐F12] are reviewed. Extensive benchmarks for reaction energies and intermolecular interaction energies are presented, in which the convergence of the results with respect to all local approximations is studied. The explicit correlation treatment (F12) is shown to be essential to minimize basis set incompleteness errors, as well as errors caused by domain approximations. Generally, the errors of relative energies due to local approximations can be reduced to below 1 kcal/mol. The methods are well parallelized, and using small computer clusters with 100–200 computing cores, calculations for systems with 100–200 atoms using augmented triple‐ζ basis sets can be carried out within a few hours of elapsed time. Recommendations are made on how such calculations should be carried out, how the accuracy can be tested, and which computational resources are required.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory> Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software> Quantum Chemistry
Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet black rings at large D
Authors: Chen Bin , Li Peng-Cheng , Zhang Cheng-Yong
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We study the black ring solution in the Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet (EGB) theory at large D. By using the 1/D expansion in the near horizon region we derive the effective equations for the slowly rotating black holes in the EGB theory. The effective equations describe the non-linear dynamics of various stationary solutions, including the EGB black ring, the slowly rotating EGB black hole and the slowly boosted EGB black string. By different embeddings we construct these stationary solutions explicitly. By performing the perturbation analysis of the effective equations, we obtain the quasinormal modes of the EGB black ring. We find that thin EGB black ring becomes unstable against non-axisymmetric perturbation. Furthermore, we numerically evolve the effective equations in a particular case to study the final state of the instability, and find that the thin black ring becomes the stable non-uniform black ring at late time, which gives a relative strong evidence to support the conjecture given in [25].
Studying a charged quark gluon plasma via holography and higher derivative corrections
Authors: Waeber Sebastian , Schäfer Andreas
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We compute finite ’t Hooft coupling corrections to observables related to charged quantities in a strongly coupled

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma. The coupling corrected equations of motion of gauge fields are explicitly derived and differ from findings of previous works, which contained several small errors with large impact. As a consequence the

$$ \mathcal{O}\left(\gamma \right) $$

O

γ

-corrections to the observables considered, including the conductivity, quasinormal mode frequencies, in and off equilibrium spectral density and photoemission rates, become much smaller. This suggests that infinite coupling results obtained within AdS/CFT are little modified for the real QCD coupling strength.
Hypothesis Testing of the Q-matrix
Authors: Gu Yuqi , Liu Jingchen , Xu Gongjun , Ying Zhiliang
Published: July 2018

The recent surge of interests in cognitive assessment has led to the development of cognitive diagnosis models. Central to many such models is a specification of the Q-matrix, which relates items to latent attributes that have natural interpretations. In practice, the Q-matrix is usually constructed subjectively by the test designers. This could lead to misspecification, which could result in lack of fit of the underlying statistical model. To test possible misspecification of the Q-matrix, traditional goodness of fit tests, such as the Chi-square test and the likelihood ratio test, may not be applied straightforwardly due to the large number of possible response patterns. To address this problem, this paper proposes a new statistical method to test the goodness fit of the Q-matrix, by constructing test statistics that measure the consistency between a provisional Q-matrix and the observed data for a general family of cognitive diagnosis models. Limiting distributions of the test statistics are derived under the null hypothesis that can be used for obtaining the test p-values. Simulation studies as well as a real data example are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Standardization of amyloid quantitation with florbetapir standardized uptake value ratios to the Centiloid scale
Authors: Navitsky Michael , Joshi Abhinay D. , Kennedy Ian , Klunk William E. , Rowe Christopher C. , Wong Dean F. , Pontecorvo Michael J. , Mintun Mark A. , Devous Michael D.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Klunk et al. recently proposed a means of standardizing quantitation of amyloid burden from positron emission tomography scans to a common Centiloid scale, and we have applied that method to florbetapir.

Methods

Florbetapir and Pittsburgh compound B scans were acquired for 46 mixed clinical presentation subjects within 18 ± 20 days. Florbetapir and Pittsburgh compound B cortical standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) values were well correlated for both standard Centiloid (R2 = 0.894) and Avid (R2 = 0.901) volume of interests (VOIs). The methods of Klunk et al. were applied to establish a conversion first from florbetapir SUVr values obtained using standard Centiloid VOIs to Centiloids and then from Avid VOIs (Joshi et al.) to Centiloids.

Results

The equation for conversion of florbetapir SUVr from Avid VOIs to the Centiloid scale was as follows: Florbetapir Centiloids = 183 × SUVrAvid − 177. The threshold that discriminated neuropathologically verified none or sparse versus moderate to frequent plaques in autopsy‐confirmed data is 24.1 Centiloids.

Discussion

These findings may allow improved tracer‐independent amyloid quantitation.
Financial structure and the development of domestic bond markets in emerging economies
Authors: Hardie Iain , Rethel Lena
Published: July 2018

In the period from the 1990s emerging market financial crises until the North Atlantic financial crisis of 2008, the development of domestic bond markets in developing economies was a prominent agenda item in international financial reform circles. The crises of the 1990s drew attention to the vulnerabilities generated by frequently occurring double mismatches of currency denominations and maturities in the borrowing of emerging economies. This led to a series of reform efforts targeted at both increasing liquidity and the range of borrowers in domestic bond markets. In the aggregate, these efforts were successful: For emerging market economies as a whole, domestic debt now exceeds international debt. Moreover, domestic corporate bond markets have emerged in many countries, often for the first time. However, the nature of market development has been far from uniform, and often has not been in line with government aims. In this paper, we examine the interplay of government and business actors in market development. Drawing on 155 interviews with policy and market actors as well as secondary data, we show that the main explanation of variation in market development lies in the pre-existing structure of financial markets, conceptualized as a heterogeneous set of interest/influence constellations.