bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Test Technology of Ionizing Radiation Effect of Spacecraft Material
Authors: Man Li , Yuming Liu , Chunqing Zhao , Kai Zhang , Xiangpeng Liu , Yun Xu
Published: October 2019

60Co γ-ray source and 45keV electron source are used as radiation sources respectively to study the ionizing radiation effect of spacecraft material heat-shrinkable sleeve, and compare the radiation effect similarities and differences between the two radiation sources. The results show that in the damage mechanism, both γ-rays and electrons cause ionization and excitation of electrons outside the nucleus in the material, producing ionization effects, and resulting in degradation and cross-linking of the molecular chains of the material. However, in terms of macroscopic mechanical property degradation, γ-rays can cause complete loss of mechanical properties of material, while 45keV electrons only cause partial damage to the mechanical properties of the material. In addition, at the same dose, γ-rays can damage the mechanical properties of the material to a greater extent than 45keV electrons. This paper explains the phenomenon and puts forward the applicable conditions of the two test technologies.
Influence of Sampling Frequency in DCPD Crack Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xue He , Ni Chenqiang , Gou Siyu
Published: October 2019

Due to the particularity of autoclave environment, it is difficulty to real-time monitor the crack growth state in the autoclave, and Direct Current Potential Drop method (DCPD) is widely in the crack propagate monitor in this kind experiment. The signal characterized by DCPD method is usually submerged by strong noise. In this paper, the extraction and filtering methods of crack characteristics in high temperature and high pressure environment are studied. The SINC filter is used to obtain crack initial data information and filter out the pulse interference signal, and the FIR filter is used to filter out high frequency interference. Finally, crack monitoring experiments at different sampling frequencies were studied. The experimental results show that the sampling frequency has a great influence on the stability and anti-interference ability of the data.
Uniform boundedness for weak solutions of quasilinear parabolic equations
Authors: Adimurthi Karthik , Hwang Sukjung
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study the boundedness of weak solutions to quasilinear parabolic equations of the form
\[

u
t

−
div
⁡

A

(
x
,
t
,
∇
u
)
=
0
,

u_t - \operatorname {div} \mathcal {A}(x,t,\nabla u) = 0,

\]
where the nonlinearity

A

(
x
,
t
,
∇
u
)

\mathcal {A}(x,t,\nabla u)

is modelled after the well-studied

p
p

-Laplace operator. The question of boundedness has received a lot of attention over the past several decades with the existing literature showing that weak solutions in either

2
N

N
+
2

>
p
>
2

\frac {2N}{N+2}>p>2

,

p
=
2

p=2

, or

2
>
p

2>p

, are bounded. The proof is essentially split into three cases mainly because the estimates that have been obtained in the past always included an exponent of the form

1

p
−
2

\frac {1}{p-2}

or

1

2
−
p

\frac {1}{2-p}

, which blows up as

p
→
2

p \rightarrow 2

. In this note, we prove the boundedness of weak solutions in the full range

2
N

N
+
2

>
p
>
∞

\frac {2N}{N+2} > p > \infty

without having to consider the singular and degenerate cases separately. Subsequently, in a slightly smaller regime of

2
N

N
+
1

>
p
>
∞

\frac {2N}{N+1} > p > \infty

, we also prove an improved boundedness estimate.
A Liouville theorem for supersolutions of linear elliptic second-order partial differential equations
Authors: Kurta Vasilii
Published: October 2019

We study supersolutions of linear elliptic second-order partial differential equations of the form
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout 1st Row with Label left-parenthesis asterisk right-parenthesis EndLabel upper L u colon equals sigma-summation Underscript i comma j equals 1 Overscript n Endscripts left-parenthesis a Subscript i j Baseline left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis u Subscript x Sub Subscript i Subscript Baseline right-parenthesis Subscript x Sub Subscript j Subscript Baseline equals 0 comma EndLayout">

(

∗

)

L
u
:=

∑

i
,
j
=
1

n

(

a

i
j

(
x
)

u

x
i

)

x
j

=
0
,

\begin{equation*} Lu:=\sum \limits _{i,j=1}^n (a_{ij}(x)u_{x_i})_{x_j}=0,\tag *{($\ast $)} \end{equation*}

which are defined and measurable in the whole space

R

n

{\mathbb R}^n

, and which belong locally to a Sobolev-type function space associated with the operator

L
L

defined in

R

n

{\mathbb R}^n

,

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

. We assume that the coefficients

a

i
j

(
x
)

a_{ij}(x)

of the operator

L
L

are measurable, locally bounded and such that

a

i
j

(
x
)
=

a

j
i

(
x
)

a_{ij}(x)=a_{ji}(x)

, and that the quadratic form associated with the operator

L
L

is positive-definite. We prove a Liouville theorem for supersolutions of (

∗
\ast

) defined in

R

n

{{\mathbb R}^n}

, in terms of a capacity associated with the operator

L
L

. As well, we establish a sharp distance at infinity between any non-constant supersolution of (

∗
\ast

) in

R

n

{{\mathbb R}^n}

bounded below by a constant and this constant itself, also in terms of the capacity associated with the operator

L
L

.
Increased High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Viral Load Is Associated With Immunosuppressed Microenvironment and Predicts a Worse Long-Term Survival in Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Cao Meng , Wang Ying , Wang Depu , Duan Yixin , Hong Wei , Zhang Nana , Shah Walayat , Wang Yili , Chen Hongwei
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the correlation between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the viral load of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in cervical cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 62 cervical cancer patients were recruited during 1993-1994 and assigned into four groups treated with radiotherapy alone or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and/or thermotherapy. Ki67+ tumor cells, CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+, OX40+ and granzyme B+ TILs were detected by immunohistochemistry. The viral load of HR-HPV in biopsy tissues before therapy was detected by in situ hybridization.

Results

The patients with high HPV viral load showed a significantly lower 15-year survival rate and an advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and increased recurrence rate. The distribution of Ki67+ tumor cells, FoxP3+ TILs, and CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio was obviously different between low and high HPV viral load groups. A worse clinical outcome was also implicated with increased HPV viral load tested by Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with increased HR-HPV viral load tend to be resistant to therapy with decreased immune surveillance in the immune microenvironment. Thus, HR-HPV viral load would influence the local immune microenvironment, and then further affect the survival of cervical cancer patients.
A Note on Proposed Estimation Procedures for Claims-Based Frailty Indexes
Authors: R  Van Domelen Dane , Bandeen-Roche Karen
Published: October 2019

Two groups (Segal et al. Med Care. 2017;55(7):716–722; Segal et al. Am J Epidemiol. 2017;186(6):745–747; and Kim et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2018;73(7):980–987) recently proposed methods for modeling frailty in studies where a reference standard frailty measure is not directly observed, but Medicare claims data are available. The groups use competing frailty measures, but the premise is similar: In a validation data set, model the frailty measure versus claims variables; in the primary data set, impute frailty status from claims variables, and conduct inference with those imputed values in place of the unobserved frailty measure. Potential use cases include risk prediction, confounding control, and prevalence estimation. In this commentary, we describe validity issues underlying these approaches, focusing mainly on risk prediction. Our main concern is that these approaches do not permit valid estimation of associations between the reference standard frailty measure (i.e., “frailty”) and health outcomes. We argue that Segal’s approach is akin to multiple imputation but with the outcome variable omitted from the imputation model, while Kim’s is akin to regression calibration but with many variables improperly treated as surrogates. We discuss alternatives for risk prediction, including a secondary approach previously considered by Kim et al., and briefly comment on other use cases.
Molecular fingerprint of female bovine embryos produced in vitro with high competence to establish and maintain pregnancy†
Authors: Zolini A M , Block J , Rabaglino M B , Tríbulo P , Hoelker M , Rincon G , Bromfield J J , Hansen P J
Published: October 2019

The objective was to identify the transcriptomic profile of in vitro-derived embryos with high competence to establish and maintain gestation. Embryos produced with X-sorted sperm were cultured from day 5 to day 7 in serum-free medium containing 10 ng/ml recombinant bovine colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) or vehicle. The CSF2 was administered because this molecule can increase blastocyst competence for survival after embryo transfer. Blastocysts were harvested on day 7 of culture and manually bisected. One demi-embryo from a single blastocyst was transferred into a synchronized recipient and the other half was used for RNA-seq analysis. Using P < 0.01 and a fold change >2-fold or <0.5 fold as cutoffs, there were 617 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between embryos that survived to day 30 of gestation vs those that did not, 470 DEG between embryos that survived to day 60 and those that did not, 432 DEG between embryos that maintained pregnancy from day 30 to day 60 vs those where pregnancy failed after day 30, and 635 DEG regulated by CSF2. Pathways and ontologies in which DEG were overrepresented included many related to cellular responses to stress and cell survival. It was concluded that gene expression in the blastocyst is different between embryos that are competent to establish and maintain pregnancy vs those that are not. The relationship between expression of genes related to cell stress and subsequent embryonic survival probably reflects cellular perturbations caused by embryonic development taking place in the artificial environment associated with cell culture.
Analysis of the uterine lumen in fertility-classified heifers: I. Glucose, prostaglandins, and lipids†
Authors: Moraes Joao G N , Behura Susanta K , Geary Thomas W , Spencer Thomas E
Published: October 2019

Survival and growth of the bovine conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) are dependent on endometrial secretions or histotroph found in the uterine lumen. Previously, serial embryo transfer was used to classify heifers as high fertile (HF), subfertile (SF), or infertile (IF). Here, we investigated specific histotroph components [glucose, prostaglandins (PGs), and lipids] in the uterine lumen of day 17 pregnant and open fertility-classified heifers. Concentrations of glucose in the uterine lumen were increased by pregnancy but did not differ among fertility-classified heifers. Differences in expression of genes encoding glucose transporters and involved with glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were observed between conceptuses collected from HF and SF heifers. In the uterine lumen, PGE2 and PGF2α were increased by pregnancy, and HF heifers had higher concentrations of PGE2, PGF2α, and 6-keto-PFG1α than SF heifers. Differences were found in expression of genes regulating PG signaling, arachidonic acid metabolism, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling among conceptuses and endometrium from fertility-classified heifers. Lipidomics was conducted exclusively in samples from HF heifers, and phosphatidylcholine was the main lipid class that increased in the uterine lumen by pregnancy. Expression of several lipid metabolism genes differed between HF and SF conceptuses, and a number of fatty acids were differentially abundant in the uterine lumen of pregnant HF and SF heifers. These results support the ideas that uterine luminal histotroph impacts conceptus survival and programs its development and is a facet of dysregulated conceptus–endometrial interactions that result in loss of the conceptus in SF cattle during the implantation period of pregnancy establishment.
Ablation of conceptus PTGS2 expression does not alter early conceptus development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig†
Authors: Pfeiffer Caroline A , Meyer Ashley E , Brooks Kelsey E , Chen Paula R , Milano-Foster Jessica , Spate Lee D , Benne Joshua A , Cecil Raissa F , Samuel Melissa S , Ciernia Lauren A , Spinka Christine M , Smith Michael F , Wells Kevin D , Spencer Thomas E , Prather Randall S , Geisert Rodney D
Published: October 2019

Pig conceptuses secrete estrogens (E2), interleukin 1 beta 2 (IL1B2), and prostaglandins (PGs) during the period of rapid trophoblast elongation and establishment of pregnancy. Previous studies established that IL1B2 is essential for rapid conceptus elongation, whereas E2 is not essential for conceptus elongation or early maintenance of the corpora lutea. The objective of the present study was to determine if conceptus expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and release of PG are important for early development and establishment of pregnancy. To understand the role of PTGS2 in conceptus elongation and pregnancy establishment, a loss-of-function study was conducted by editing PTGS2 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Wild-type (PTGS2+/+) and null (PTGS2−/−) fibroblast cells were used to create embryos through somatic cell nuclear transfer. Immunolocalization of PTGS2 and PG production was absent in cultured PTGS2−/− blastocysts on day 7. PTGS2+/+ and PTGS2−/− blastocysts were transferred into surrogate gilts, and the reproductive tracts were collected on either days 14, 17, or 35 of pregnancy. After flushing the uterus on days 14 and 17, filamentous conceptuses were cultured for 3 h to determine PG production. Conceptus release of total PG, prostaglandin F2⍺ (PGF2α), and PGE in culture media was lower with PTGS2−/− conceptuses compared to PTGS2+/+ conceptuses. However, the total PG, PGF2α, and PGE content in the uterine flushings was not different. PTGS2−/− conceptus surrogates allowed to continue pregnancy were maintained beyond 30 days of gestation. These results indicate that pig conceptus PTGS2 is not essential for early development and establishment of pregnancy in the pig.
Estrogen degrades Scribble in endometrial epithelial cells through E3 ubiquitin ligase HECW1 in the development of diffuse adenomyosis
Authors: Jin Zhixing , Liu Haiou , Xu Congjian
Published: October 2019

Despite its prevalence and the severity of symptoms, little is known about the pathogenesis and etiology of adenomyosis. In previous studies, the protein expression level of the polarity protein Scribble in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis was found to be significantly decreased; however, little is known about its regulatory mechanism. In consideration of the important role of supraphysiologic estrogen production in the endometrium in the development of adenomyosis, we analyzed the effect and mechanism of estrogen on the expression of Scribble in vivo and in vitro. Firstly, we found Scribble was down-regulated in eutopic endometrium and negatively related with aromatase P450 in Tamoxifen-induced adenomyosis. Then, we established a 3D culture of primary endometrial epithelial cells and used found that estrogen could disrupt apical-basal polarity of endometrial glandular epithelial cells. Based on the following experiments and GEO datasets screening, we found estrogen regulates the expression level of Scribble by HECW1 through ubiquitination of Scribble protein. At last, we verified the expression of Scribble, HECW1 and aromatase P450 in eutopic endometrium of human and mouse specimens and found the expression of HECW1 and aromatase P450 was significantly increased, while the expression of Scribble was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between HECW1 and aromatase P450, while a negative correlation was found between HECW1 and Scribble in human clinical tissue specimens. Therefore, our research may provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
A positive feedback self-regulatory loop between miR-210 and HIF-1α mediated by CPEB2 is involved in trophoblast syncytiolization: implication of trophoblast malfunction in preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhao Yangyu , Luo Rongcan , Bian Xiaotao , Wang Yongqing , Shao Xuan , Li Yu-xia , Liu Ming , Wang Yan-Ling
Published: October 2019

The pregnancy complication preeclampsia is directly associated with hypoxic stress and insufficient trophoblast cell differentiation. The hypoxia-inducible microRNA (miRNA), miR-210, has been identified as a significantly up-regulated miRNA in preeclamptic placenta, and evidence in other cell types has indicated a feedback regulation between miR-210 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) under hypoxic condition. It remains unclear whether and how the feedback loop between miR-210 and HIF-1α may contribute to trophoblast dysfunction in preeclampsia. Here we proved that cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding 2 (CPEB2) was a direct target of miR-210 in human trophoblast. CPEB2 could inhibit the translation of hypoxia-induced HIF-1α via directly binding the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) site in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of HIF-1α mRNA. The increase in the HIF-1α level upon hypoxia treatment could be efficiently reversed by miR-210 inhibitor. In addition, CPEB2 was primarily expressed in villous syncytiotrophoblasts, and the suppression of trophoblast cell syncytialization by miR-210 could be significantly rescued by CPEB2 overexpression. In preeclamptic placenta, the expression of CPEB2 was evidently lower than normal pregnant control, and the miR-210 level was aberrantly higher and trophoblast syncytialization was limited. The findings revealed a positive feedback loop between miR-210 and HIF-1α that is mediated by CPEB2 in human trophoblasts, and demonstrated a mechanism underlying the insufficient trophoblast syncytialization in preeclampsia under hypoxic stress.
Analysis of the uterine lumen in fertility-classified heifers: II. Proteins and metabolites†
Authors: Moraes Joao G N , Behura Susanta K , Bishop Jeanette V , Hansen Thomas R , Geary Thomas W , Spencer Thomas E
Published: October 2019

Survival and growth of the bovine conceptus is dependent on endometrial secretions or histotroph. Previously, serial blastocyst transfer was used to classify heifers as high fertile (HF), subfertile (SF), or infertile (IF). Here, we investigated specific histotroph components (proteins and metabolites) in the uterine lumen of day 17 fertility-classified heifers. Interferon tau (IFNT) was more abundant in uterine lumenal fluid (ULF) of pregnant HF than SF animals as the conceptus was longer in HF heifers. However, no differences in endometrial expression of selected classical and nonclassical interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were observed, suggesting that IFNT signaling in the endometrium of pregnant HF and SF heifers was similar. Pregnancy significantly increased the abundance of several proteins in ULF. Based on functional annotation, the abundance of a number of proteins involved in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism, and cell proliferation and differentiation were greater in the ULF of pregnant HF than SF heifers. Metabolomics analysis found that pregnancy only changed the metabolome composition of ULF from HF heifers. The majority of the metabolites that increased in the ULF of pregnant HF as compared to SF heifers were associated with energy and amino acid metabolism. The observed differences in ULF proteome and metabolome are hypothesized to influence uterine receptivity with consequences on conceptus development and survival in fertility-classified heifers.
Imaging markers of disability in aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G seropositive neuromyelitis optica: a graph theory study
Authors: Chien Claudia , Oertel Frederike Cosima , Siebert Nadja , Zimmermann Hanna , Asseyer Susanna , Kuchling Joseph , Scheel Michael , Ruprecht Klemens , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U
Published: October 2019

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders lack imaging biomarkers associated with disease course and supporting prognosis. This complex and heterogeneous set of disorders affects many regions of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and visual pathway. Here, we use graph theory-based multimodal network analysis to investigate hypothesis-free mixed networks and associations between clinical disease with neuroimaging markers in 40 aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G antibody seropositive patients (age = 48.16 ± 14.3 years, female:male = 36:4) and 31 healthy controls (age = 45.92 ± 13.3 years, female:male = 24:7). Magnetic resonance imaging measures included total brain and deep grey matter volumes, cortical thickness and spinal cord atrophy. Optical coherence tomography measures of the retina and clinical measures comprised of clinical attack types and expanded disability status scale were also utilized. For multimodal network analysis, all measures were introduced as nodes and tested for directed connectivity from clinical attack types and disease duration to systematic imaging and clinical disability measures. Analysis of variance, with group interactions, gave weights and significance for each nodal association (hyperedges). Connectivity matrices from 80% and 95% F-distribution networks were analyzed and revealed the number of combined attack types and disease duration as the most connected nodes, directly affecting changes in several regions of the central nervous system. Subsequent multivariable regression models, including interaction effects with clinical parameters, identified associations between decreased nucleus accumbens (β = −0.85, P = 0.021) and caudate nucleus (β = −0.61, P = 0.011) volumes with higher combined attack type count and longer disease duration, respectively. We also confirmed previously reported associations between spinal cord atrophy with increased number of clinical myelitis attacks. Age was the most important factor associated with normalized brain volume, pallidum volume, cortical thickness and the expanded disability status scale score. The identified imaging biomarker candidates warrant further investigation in larger-scale studies. Graph theory-based multimodal networks allow for connectivity and interaction analysis, where this method may be applied in other complex heterogeneous disease investigations with different outcome measures.
Charting the Path Forward: Development, Goals and Initiatives of the 2019 Infectious Diseases Society of America Strategic Plan
Authors: Sears Cynthia L , File Thomas M , Alexander Barbara D , McQuillen Daniel P , MacIntyre Ann T , Allen Upton D , Colasanti Jonathan A , Siddiqui Javeed , Reveles Kelly R , Busky Chris ,   Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Board of Directors
Published: October 2019

In October 2018, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Board of Directors (BOD) decided to develop a 2019 IDSA Strategic Plan. The IDSA BOD has invested in strategic planning at regular intervals as part of an ongoing process to review and to renew the vision and direction of IDSA. Herein, the 2018–2019 strategic planning process and outcomes are described. The 2019 IDSA Strategic Plan presents 4 key initiatives: (1) optimize the development, dissemination, and adoption of timely and relevant ID guidance and guidelines that improve the outcomes of clinical care; (2) quantify, communicate, and advocate for the value of ID physicians to increase professional fulfillment and compensation; (3) facilitate the growth and development of the ID workforce to meet emerging scientific, clinical, and leadership needs; and (4) develop and position a new tool to serve as the leading US benchmark to measure and drive national progress on antimicrobial resistance. The BOD looks forward to developing, implementing, assessing, and advancing the 2019 IDSA Strategic Plan working with member volunteers, Society partners, and IDSA staff.
The risk of venous thromboembolism after surgery for esophagogastric malignancy and the impact of chemotherapy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Adiamah Alfred , Ban Lu , West Joe , Humes David J
Published: October 2019

To define the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) and effects of chemotherapy in a population undergoing surgery for esophagogastric cancer. This population-based cohort study used linked primary (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) and secondary (Hospital Episode Statistics) care data from England to identify subjects undergoing esophageal or gastric cancer surgery between 1997 and 2014. Exposures included age, comorbidity, smoking, body mass index, and chemotherapy. Crude rates and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for rate of first postoperative VTE using Cox regression models. The cumulative incidence of VTE at 1 and 6 months was estimated accounting for the competing risk of death from any cause. Of the 2,452 patients identified, 1,012 underwent gastrectomy (41.3%) and 1,440 esophagectomy (58.7%). Risk of VTE was highest in the first month, with absolute VTE rates of 114 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 59.32–219.10) following gastrectomy and 172.73 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI 111.44–267.74) following esophagectomy. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a six-fold increased risk of VTE following gastrectomy, HR 6.19 (95% CI 2.49–15.38). Cumulative incidence estimates of VTE at 6 months following gastrectomy in patients receiving no chemotherapy was 1.90% and esophagectomy 2.21%. However, in those receiving both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, cumulative incidence following gastrectomy was 10.47% and esophagectomy, 3.9%. VTE rates are especially high in the first month following surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer. The cumulative incidence of VTE at 6 months is highest in patients treated with chemotherapy. In this category of patients, targeted VTE prophylaxis may prove beneficial during chemotherapy treatment.
A Natural High-Sugar Diet Has Different Effects on the Prokaryotic Community Structures of Lower and Higher Termites (Blattaria)
Authors: Zeng Wenhui , Liu Bingrong , Zhong Junhong , Li Qiujian , Li Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

The lignocellulosic digestive symbiosis in termites is a dynamic survival adaptation system. While the contribution of hereditary and habitat factors to the development of the symbiotic bacterial community of termites had been confirmed, the manner in which these factors affect functional synergism among different bacterial lineages has still not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the 16S rRNA gene libraries of Odontotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Termitidae) and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) sampled from sugarcane fields (high sugar) or pine tree forests (no free sugar) were sequenced. The results verify that the prokaryotic community structures of termites could be significantly reshaped by native dietary isolation within a species. Although the most dominant phyla are convergent in all samples, their relative abundances in these two termite species exhibited a reverse variation pattern when the termite hosts were fed on the high-sugar diet. Furthermore, we showed that the taxonomic composition of the dominant phyla at the family or genus level differentiate depending on the diet and the host phylogeny. We hypothesize that the flexible bacterial assemblages at low taxonomic level might exert variable functional collaboration to accommodate to high-sugar diet. In addition, the functional predictions of Tax4Fun suggest a stable metabolic functional structure of the microbial communities of the termites in both different diet habitats and taxonomy. We propose that the symbiotic bacterial community in different host termites developed a different functional synergistic pattern, which may be essential to maintain the stability of the overall metabolic function for the survival of termites.
Nudge Versus Boost: Agency Dynamics Under Libertarian Paternalism
Authors: Hertwig Ralph , Ryall Michael D
Published: October 2019

Thaler and Sunstein (2008) advance the concept of ‘nudge’ policies—non-regulatory and non-fiscal mechanisms designed to enlist people's cognitive biases or motivational deficits so as to guide their behaviour in a desired direction. A core assumption of this approach is that policymakers make artful use of people's cognitive biases and motivational deficits in ways that serve the ultimate interests of the nudged individual. We analyse a model of dynamic policymaking in which the policymaker's preferences are not always aligned with those of the individual. One novelty of our set-up is that the policymaker has the option to implement a ‘boost’ policy, equipping the individual with the competence to overcome the nudge-enabling bias once and for all. Our main result identifies conditions under which the policymaker chooses not to boost in order to preserve the option of using the nudge (and its associated bias) in the future—even though boosting is in the immediate best interests of both the policymaker and the individual. We extend our analysis to situations in which the policymaker can be removed (e.g., through an election) and in which the policymaker is similarly prone to bias. We conclude with a discussion of some policy implications of these findings.
Comparison of skeletal anchorage and tooth-borne maxillary protraction followed by fixed appliance in Class III malocclusion
Authors: Lee Sang-Hoon , Koh Sang-Duck , Chung Dong-Hwa , Lee Jin-Woo , Lee Sang-Min
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of skeletal anchorage (SAMP) and tooth- borne (TBMP) maxillary protraction followed by fixed appliance in growing skeletal Class III patients.

Materials and methods

Patients treated with maxillary protraction were selected and classified into two groups (SAMP: n = 19, mean age = 11.19 years; TBMP: n = 27, mean age = 11.21 years). Lateral cephalograms taken before treatment (T0), after the maxillary protraction (T1), and after the fixed appliance treatment (T2) were analysed and all variables were statistically tested to find difference between the two groups.

Results

Compared to the TBMP, the SAMP showed significant forward growth of maxilla (Co-A point and SN-Orbitale) and improvement in intermaxillary relationship (ANB, AB to mandible plane, and APDI) after the overall treatment (T0–T2), with no significant sagittal changes in maxilla or mandible throughout the fixed appliance treatment (T1–T2).

Limitations

In maxillary protraction, effects of skeletal anchorage were retrospectively compared with those of dental anchorage, not with Class I or III control.

Conclusions and implications

After maxillary protraction, skeletal and tooth-borne anchorage did not cause significant differences in the residual growth of maxilla throughout the phase II treatment. Orthopaedic effects with skeletal anchorage showed appropriate stability in maxilla and intermaxillary relationship even after fixed appliance treatment.
Patterns, local grammars, and the design of English teaching materials1
Authors: Su Hang
Published: October 2019

This paper explores the applications of pattern grammar and local grammar in English language teaching, focusing specifically on the design of teaching materials. It shows that grammar patterns can be systematically analysed from a local grammar perspective, and further argues that the practice of local grammar analyses helps to raise language learners’ awareness of the patterned nature of language in use and the close association between patterns and meanings. These in turn offer insights into materials writing. A sample coursebook unit is then offered to exemplify how pattern grammar and local grammar can be applied to derive pedagogical materials for English language teaching.
The fall of the Constitution’s political insurance: How the Morales regime eliminated the insurance of the 2009 Bolivian Constitution
Authors: Verdugo Sergio
Published: October 2019

Some scholars argue that constitutions may include an insurance that aims to protect the political rights of prospective electoral losers and prevents a dominant ruling coalition from undermining the competitiveness of the political system. Although some insurance scholars have recently paid more attention to the conditions that make an insurance more likely to be effective, the scholarship seeking to identify the limits of the insurance is still scarce. The literature on courts and democratization may help us to understand those limits by exploring successful and failed experiences. In this article, I argue that after constitution-makers agree to including an insurance, the incumbent regime may delay its implementation or, if the insurance is implemented, the regime may employ different political and legal strategies to eliminate it. I identify some of these strategies using examples from the Bolivian constitutional system. I argue that the Bolivian 2009 Constitution included an insurance and that the Evo Morales regime eliminated it with the help of the Constitutional Court. Although insurance theory expects constitutional courts to guarantee key institutional arrangements, the Bolivian experience shows that constitutional courts may in fact execute the opposite task, and that after constitution makers negotiate and approve an insurance, the challenge is to secure its implementation and survival.
In Lieu of a Travaux Préparatoires: A Commentary on the Kampala Convention for IDPs
Authors: Okello J O Moses
Published: October 2019

The Kampala Convention was adopted on 23 October 2009 and came into force on 4 January 2013. The first binding international instrument for the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons, it occupies an important space among the body of African regional humanitarian and human rights law. The Convention addresses all stages of internal displacement and provides a framework for coordinating activities by governments and humanitarian actors aimed at preventing and addressing internal displacement. The Kampala Convention is the result of many years of work, although no formal records of its drafting and negotiation were kept. This article contributes towards addressing this gap. Based on the author’s personal involvement in the Convention’s drafting, and supplementing earlier research, this article shares information previously unavailable in the public domain and provides a commentary on some of the Convention’s provisions.
Spread of Antigenically Drifted Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses and Vaccine Effectiveness in the United States During the 2018–2019 Season
Authors: Flannery Brendan , Kondor Rebecca J Garten , Chung Jessie R , Gaglani Manjusha , Reis Michael , Zimmerman Richard K , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Jackson Michael L , Jackson Lisa A , Monto Arnold S , Martin Emily T , Belongia Edward A , McLean Huong Q , Kim Sara S , Blanton Lenee , Kniss Krista , Budd Alicia P , Brammer Lynnette , Stark Thomas J , Barnes John R , Wentworth David E , Fry Alicia M , Patel Manish
Published: October 2019

Background

Increased illness due to antigenically drifted A(H3N2) clade 3C.3a influenza viruses prompted concerns about vaccine effectiveness (VE) and vaccine strain selection. We used US virologic surveillance and US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (Flu VE) Network data to evaluate consequences of this clade.

Methods

Distribution of influenza viruses was described using virologic surveillance data. The Flu VE Network enrolled ambulatory care patients aged ≥6 months with acute respiratory illness at 5 sites. Respiratory specimens were tested for influenza by means of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and were sequenced. Using a test-negative design, we estimated VE, comparing the odds of influenza among vaccinated versus unvaccinated participants.

Results

During the 2018–2019 influenza season, A(H3N2) clade 3C.3a viruses caused an increasing proportion of influenza cases. Among 2763 Flu VE Network case patients, 1325 (48%) were infected with A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1350 (49%) with A(H3N2); clade 3C.3a accounted for 977 (93%) of 1054 sequenced A(H3N2) viruses. VE was 44% (95% confidence interval, 37%–51%) against A(H1N1)pdm09 and 9% (−4% to 20%) against A(H3N2); VE was 5% (−10% to 19%) against A(H3N2) clade 3C.3a viruses.

Conclusions

The predominance of A(H3N2) clade 3C.3a viruses during the latter part of the 2018–2019 season was associated with decreased VE, supporting the A(H3N2) vaccine component update for 2019–2020 northern hemisphere influenza vaccines.
Facebook Live: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Explore Individual Live Streaming Practices and Motivations on Facebook
Authors: Skjuve Marita , Brandtzaeg Petter Bae
Published: October 2019

In April 2016, Facebook launched Facebook Live. Yet, how and why people stream on Facebook Live is poorly understood. Guided by the uses and gratifications theory, we analyzed public, individual live stream videos on Facebook Live (N = 1118) from the USA, Europe and Asia and applied a questionnaire to Facebook Live users (N = 246) in the USA. We found 14 different live streaming practices, the two most common of which were chatting with random people (seen in 48% of the videos) and demonstrations of skills (seen in 10% of the videos). We also identified live streaming sessions that were problematic and challenged Facebook guidelines. From the questionnaire, we revealed that the most important motivations are (i) socializing with family and friends (reported by 38%), (ii) sharing opinions and experiences (reported by 16%) and (iii) entertainment/fun (reported by 15%). Our findings offer insight into the various personal incentives that drive people to stream on Facebook Live and thus contribute to an understanding of the social implications of a new mode of mediated interaction.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Our findings contribute novel insights into how social media usage among individual streamers is moving towards more immediate forms of interaction in a live streaming environment. Some streaming practices challenge both the Facebook community guidelines and users’ privacy. The basic motivations for streaming on Facebook Live are consistent with previous research on the uses and gratifications relating to Facebook in general. However, Facebook Live streaming practices differ with respect to how user-generated content is presented and experienced. Live streaming gives users a greater sense of presence than more traditional social media; however, Facebook Live is used by relatively few and might not represent a major shift in how we communicate.
The relative rate of kill of the MMV Malaria Box compounds provides links to the mode of antimalarial action and highlights scaffolds of medicinal chemistry interest
Authors: Ullah Imran , Sharma Raman , Mete Antonio , Biagini Giancarlo A , Wetzel Dawn M , Horrocks Paul D
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Rapid rate-of-kill (RoK) is a key parameter in the target candidate profile 1 (TCP1) for the next-generation antimalarial drugs for uncomplicated malaria, termed Single Encounter Radical Cure and Prophylaxis (SERCaP). TCP1 aims to rapidly eliminate the initial parasite burden, ideally as fast as artesunate, but minimally as fast as chloroquine. Here we explore whether the relative RoK of the Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV) Malaria Box compounds is linked to their mode of action (MoA) and identify scaffolds of medicinal chemistry interest.

Methods

We used a bioluminescence relative RoK (BRRoK) assay over 6 and 48 h, with exposure to equipotent IC50 concentrations, to compare the cytocidal effects of Malaria Box compounds with those of benchmark antimalarials.

Results

BRRoK assay data demonstrate the following relative RoKs, from fast to slow: inhibitors of PfATP4>parasite haemoglobin catabolism>dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS)>dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH)>bc1 complex. Core-scaffold clustering analyses revealed intrinsic rapid cytocidal action for diamino-glycerols and 2-(aminomethyl)phenol, but slow action for 2-phenylbenz-imidazoles, 8-hydroxyquinolines and triazolopyrimidines.

Conclusions

This study provides proof of principle that a compound’s RoK is related to its MoA and that the target’s intrinsic RoK is also modified by factors affecting a drug’s access to it. Our findings highlight that as we use medicinal chemistry to improve potency, we can also improve the RoK for some scaffolds. Our BRRoK assay provides the necessary throughput for drug discovery and a critical decision-making tool to support development campaigns. Finally, two scaffolds, diamino-glycerols and 2-phenylbenzimidazoles, exhibit fast cytocidal action, inviting medicinal chemistry improvements towards TCP1 candidates.
At the Vanishing Point of Law: Rebalancing, Non-Violation Claims, and the Role of the Multilateral Trade Regime in the Trade Wars
Authors: Lamp Nicolas
Published: October 2019

What role can the multilateral trade regime play in the trade wars triggered by the USA under the Trump administration? This article argues that the traditional goal of dispute settlement in the WTO—the positive resolution of disputes—has become largely unattainable in the circumstances of the trade wars, but that the regime can still play a valuable role by providing a framework for the rebalancing of obligations among the participants. Using the regime in this way would defuse tensions among the participants, would ensure that any new equilibrium that they achieve is integrated into the legal structure of the trade regime, and would provide the participants the opportunity to use the trade regime’s tools for solving disagreements at the margins, thereby lowering the risk that trade retaliation will spiral out of control. The article uses the example of non-violation claims in the context of national security measures to illustrate the potential for and benefits of re-integrating the trade wars into the multilateral trade regime. The article provides a detailed discussion of the legal justification for non-violation complaints in response to national security measures and argues that such claims provide an alternative course of action that is less confrontational than unilateral retaliation or violation claims, and faster to adjudicate than violation claims.
Minimal abductive solutions with explicit justification
Authors: Medina-Vega Rodrigo , Hernández-Quiroz Francisco , Velázquez-Quesada Fernando R
Published: October 2019

Abductive problems and their solutions are presented by means of justification logic. We introduce additional meta-constructions in order to generate and compare different solutions to the same abductive problem. Our approach has three advantages: (i) it makes structurally explicit the solution to an abductive problem (as it has a syntactic nature); (ii) it gives a precise meaning to the notion of evidence; (iii) it provides clear definitions and procedures for the comparison of solutions that can be adapted to different needs.
Bootstrap Confidence Intervals and Hypothesis Testing for Market Information Shares
Authors: Schweikert Karsten
Published: October 2019

Market information shares are widely used in empirical finance to measure one market’s contributions to price discovery. In contrast to common factor components, the literature on market information shares only provides rudimentary tools to test general hypotheses. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that bootstrap confidence bands proposed by Sapp (2002) perform well if markets have similar information shares but are too narrow if one market dominates price discovery. We design a new bootstrap-based method to test the “one-central-market” hypothesis and show that our tests have correct size and substantial power against the null hypothesis. Empirical results in the context of CDS and bonds markets complement the theoretical analysis.
Passive and Active Surveillance for Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Chilton Neil B , Curry Philip S , Lindsay L Robbin , Rochon Kateryn , Lysyk Timothy J , Dergousoff Shaun J
Published: October 2019

Passive and active surveillance for the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan was conducted over a 9-yr period (2009–2017). More than 26,000 ixodid ticks, representing 10 species, were submitted through passive surveillance. Most (97%) of these were the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). Of the 65 I. scapularis adults submitted, 75% were collected from dogs. Infection rates of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in I. scapularis were 12%, 8%, and 0%, respectively. Although the I. scapularis submitted by passive surveillance were collected from five of seven ecoregions in central and southern Saskatchewan, they were most frequent in the Moist Mixed Grassland and Aspen Parklands. In contrast, no I. scapularis were collected from the extensive field sampling conducted at multiple sites in different ecoregions across the province. Hence, there is no evidence of I. scapularis having established a breeding population in Saskatchewan. Nonetheless, continued surveillance for blacklegged ticks is warranted given their important role as a vector of medically and veterinary important pathogens, and because they have recently become established across much of the southern portions of the neighboring province of Manitoba.
Unilateral permanent sudden sensorineural hearing loss after spina-epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section: a case report
Authors: Alwan Mostafa , Hurtado Guillermo
Published: October 2019

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after spinal-epidural anaesthesia is a very rare complication. The patient is a 25-year-old female who developed right-sided hearing loss, unbalance, a sensation of aural fullness and tinnitus 2 days post uncomplicated spinal-epidural anaesthesia for an emergency caesarean section. Initial management by her primary care physician for suspected eustachian tube dysfunction did not relieve symptoms, and 2 weeks subsequently, audiological assessment demonstrated right Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Specialist consultation was sought, and the patient was commenced on systemic corticosteroids. Microscope otoscopy and posterior fossa magnetic resonance imaging were normal. High-resolution computed tomography scan demonstrated an enlarged right cochlear aqueduct. Repeat audiology after 2 weeks revealed unchanged hearing levels and improved speech discrimination scores in the right ear (from 53 to 90%). Repeat audiogram at 4 months and at 10 months showed no further improvement. Possible physiopathology of this complication, diagnostic dilemma and review of treatment options are discussed.
Choosing Sperm
Authors: Klitzman Robert L.
Published: October 2019

Many prospective parents need to seek sperm from others but face complex choices as well. Both sperm and egg recipients wrestle with what to seek in a donor—from medical history to physical appearance or other, behavioral traits that are not necessarily fully inherited. Many heterosexual men resist using another man’s sperm, feeling that doing so impinges on their masculinity. Future parents confront dilemmas, too, of whether to disclose the donation to others, including to their eventual offspring. Many heterosexual couples decide to keep the donation secret and never to reveal it to their offspring. Yet psychological studies show that it is better for offspring to be told in an appropriate manner to avoid later feelings of being betrayed and deceived.