bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do food donation tax credits for farmers address food loss/waste and food insecurity? A case study from Ontario
Authors: Kinach Lesia , Parizeau Kate , Fraser Evan D. G.
Published: November 2019

To increase donations of nutritious food, Ontario introduced a tax credit for farmers who donate agricultural products to food banks in 2013. This research seeks to investigate the role of Ontario’s Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers in addressing both food loss and waste (FLW) and food insecurity through a case study of fresh produce rescue in Windsor-Essex, Ontario. This research also documents the challenges associated with rescuing fresh produce from farms, as well as alternatives to donating. Interviews with food banks, producers and key informants revealed that perceptions of the tax credit, and the credit’s ability to address FLW and food insecurity, contrasted greatly with the initial perceptions of the policymakers who created the tax credit. In particular, the legislators did not anticipate the logistical challenges associated with incentivizing this type of donation, nor the limitations of a donation-based intervention to provide food insecure Ontarians with access to fresh, nutritious food.
Addressing Application Latency Requirements through Edge Scheduling
Authors: Aral Atakan , Brandic Ivona , Uriarte Rafael Brundo , De Nicola Rocco , Scoca Vincenzo
Published: November 2019

Latency-sensitive and data-intensive applications, such as IoT or mobile services, are leveraged by Edge computing, which extends the cloud ecosystem with distributed computational resources in proximity to data providers and consumers. This brings significant benefits in terms of lower latency and higher bandwidth. However, by definition, edge computing has limited resources with respect to cloud counterparts; thus, there exists a trade-off between proximity to users and resource utilization. Moreover, service availability is a significant concern at the edge of the network, where extensive support systems as in cloud data centers are not usually present. To overcome these limitations, we propose a score-based edge service scheduling algorithm that evaluates network, compute, and reliability capabilities of edge nodes. The algorithm outputs the maximum scoring mapping between resources and services with regard to four critical aspects of service quality. Our simulation-based experiments on live video streaming services demonstrate significant improvements in both network delay and service time. Moreover, we compare edge computing with cloud computing and content delivery networks within the context of latency-sensitive and data-intensive applications. The results suggest that our edge-based scheduling algorithm is a viable solution for high service quality and responsiveness in deploying such applications.
Optimization along families of periodic and quasiperiodic orbits in dynamical systems with delay
Authors: Ahsan Zaid , Dankowicz Harry , Sieber Jan
Published: November 2019

This paper generalizes a previously conceived, continuation-based optimization technique for scalar objective functions on constraint manifolds to cases of periodic and quasiperiodic solutions of delay-differential equations. A Lagrange formalism is used to construct adjoint conditions that are linear and homogenous in the unknown Lagrange multipliers. As a consequence, it is shown how critical points on the constraint manifold can be found through several stages of continuation along a sequence of connected one-dimensional manifolds of solutions to increasing subsets of the necessary optimality conditions. Due to the presence of delayed and advanced arguments in the original and adjoint differential equations, care must be taken to determine the degree of smoothness of the Lagrange multipliers with respect to time. Such considerations naturally lead to a formulation in terms of multi-segment boundary-value problems (BVPs), including the possibility that the number of segments may change, or that their order may permute, during continuation. The methodology is illustrated using the software package coco on periodic orbits of both linear and nonlinear delay-differential equations, keeping in mind that closed-form solutions are not typically available even in the linear case. Finally, we demonstrate optimization on a family of quasiperiodic invariant tori in an example unfolding of a Hopf bifurcation with delay and parametric forcing. The quasiperiodic case is a further original contribution to the literature on optimization constrained by partial differential BVPs.
Another Look at the Hartman-Watson Distributions
Authors: Jakubowski Jacek , Wiśniewolski Maciej
Published: November 2019

The article deals with the Hartman-Watson distributions and presents a new approach to them by investigating a special function u. The function u is strictly related to the distribution of the exponential functional of Brownian motion appearing in the mathematical finance framework. The study of the latter leads to new explicit representations for the function u. One of them is through a new parabolic PDE. Integral relations of convolution type between Hartman-Watson distributions and modified Bessel functions are presented. It turns out that u can be represented as an integral convolution of itself and the modified Bessel function K0. Finally, excursion theory and a subordinator connected to the hyperbolic cosine of Brownian motion are involved in order to obtain yet another representation for u. Possible applications of the resulting explicit formulas are discussed, among others Monte Carlo evaluations of u.
Key methodological considerations for usability testing of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) systems
Authors: Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Recent advances in information technology and improved access to the internet have led to a rapid increase in the adoption and ownership of electronic devices such as touch screen smartphones and tablet computers. This has also led to a renewed interest in the field of digital health also referred to as telehealth or electronic health (eHealth). There is now a drive to collect these PROs electronically using ePRO systems.

Method

However, the user interfaces of ePRO systems need to be adequately assessed to ensure they are not only fit for purpose but also acceptable to patients who are the end users. Usability testing is a technique that involves the testing of systems, products or websites with participants drawn from the target population. Usability testing can assist ePRO developers in the evaluation of ePRO user interface. The complexity of ePRO systems; stage of development; metrics to measure; and the use of scenarios, moderators and appropriate sample sizes are key methodological issues to consider when planning usability tests.

Conclusion

The findings from usability testing may facilitate the improvement of ePRO systems making them more usable and acceptable to end users. This may in turn improve the adoption of ePRO systems post-implementation. This article highlights the key methodological issues to consider and address when planning usability testing of ePRO systems.
D-dimer testing, with gender-specific cutoff levels, is of value to assess the individual risk of venous thromboembolic recurrence in non-elderly patients of both genders: a post hoc analysis of the DULCIS study
Authors:   for the DULCIS (D-dimer and ULtrasonography in Combination Italian Study) Investigators, Palareti Gualtiero , Legnani Cristina , Antonucci Emilia , Cosmi Benilde , Poli Daniela , Testa Sophie , Tosetto Alberto , Ageno Walter , Falanga Anna , Ferrini Piera Maria , Pengo Vittorio , Prandoni Paolo
Published: November 2019

Male patients, especially the young, are at a higher risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (RVTE) than females. Recent scientific reports show the use of D-dimer does not help predict RVTE risk in males. In the present report, we reviewed the data obtained in the DULCIS study (main report published in Blood 2014), focusing on D-dimer results recorded in non-elderly patients of both genders included in the study, and their relationship with RVTE events occurring during follow-up. Using specifically designed cutoff values for positive/negative interpretation, serial D-dimer measurements (performed during warfarin treatment and up to 3 months after discontinuation of anticoagulation) in 475 patients (males 57.3%) aged ≤ 65 years were obtained. D-dimer resulted positive in 46.3% and 30.5% of males and females, respectively (p = 0.001). Following management procedure, anticoagulation was stopped in 53.7% of males and 69.5% of females, who had persistently negative D-dimer results. The rate of subsequent recurrent events was 1.7% (95% CI 0.5–4.5%) and 0.4% (95% CI 0–2.5%) patient-years in males and females, respectively, with upper limits of confidence intervals always below the level of risk considered acceptable by international scientific societies for stopping anticoagulation (< 5%). In conclusion, using sensitive quantitative assays with specifically designed cutoff values and serial measurements during and after discontinuation of anticoagulation, D-dimer testing is useful to predict the risk of RVTE and is of help in deciding the duration of anticoagulation in both male and female adult patients aged up to 65 years.
Die heterosexuelle Familie als Norm
Authors: Nay Yv E.
Published: November 2019

Dieser Beitrag thematisiert am Beispiel der Schweiz, wie im Rahmen der politischen Forderungen nach rechtlicher Anerkennung queerer Familien einerseits eine Erweiterung der rechtlichen Auffassung von Familie erfolgt, während gleichzeitig andererseits die heterosexuelle Familie als die Norm bestärkt wird. Er formuliert Überlegungen, was diese politischen Prozesse für die Arbeit von Kinder- und Jugendschutzbehörden bedeuten, die die rechtlichen Neuerungen rund um Regenbogenfamilien umsetzen müssen.
Unexpected intercalation-dominated potassium storage in WS2 as a potassium-ion battery anode
Authors: Wu Yuhan , Xu Yang , Li Yueliang , Lyu Pengbo , Wen Jin , Zhang Chenglin , Zhou Min , Fang Yaoguo , Zhao Huaping , Kaiser Ute , Lei Yong
Published: November 2019

Unexpected intercalation-dominated process is observed during K+ insertion in WS2 in a voltage range of 0.01–3.0 V. This is different from the previously reported two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides that undergo a conversion reaction in a low voltage range when used as anodes in potassium-ion batteries. Charge/discharge processes in the K and Na cells are studied in parallel to demonstrate the different ion storage mechanisms. The Na+ storage proceeds through intercalation and conversion reactions while the K+ storage is governed by an intercalation reaction. Owing to the reversible K+ intercalation in the van der Waals gaps, the WS2 anode exhibits a low decay rate of 0.07% per cycle, delivering a capacity of 103 mAh·g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA·g-1. It maintains 57% capacity at 800 mA·g-1 and shows stable cyclability up to 400 cycles at 500 mA·g-1. Kinetics study proves the facilitation of K+ transport is derived from the intercalation-dominated mechanism. Furthermore, the mechanism is verified by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, showing that the progressive expansion of the interlayer space can account for the observed results.
The relevance of AMP-activated protein kinase in insulin-secreting β cells: a potential target for improving β cell function?
Authors: Szkudelski Tomasz , Szkudelska Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is present in different kinds of metabolically active cells. AMPK is an important intracellular energy sensor and plays a relevant role in whole-body energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated, among others, in response to glucose deprivation, caloric restriction and increased physical activity. Upon activation, AMPK affects metabolic pathways leading to increased formation of ATP and simultaneously reducing ATP-consuming processes. AMPK is also expressed in pancreatic β cells and is largely regulated by glucose, which is the main physiological stimulator of insulin secretion. Results of in vitro studies clearly show that glucose-induced insulin release is associated with a concomitant inhibition of AMPK in β cells. However, pharmacological activation of AMPK significantly potentiates the insulin-secretory response of β cells to glucose and to some other stimuli. This effect is primarily due to increased intracellular calcium concentrations. AMPK is also involved in the regulation of gene expression and may protect β cells against glucolipotoxic conditions. It was shown that in pancreatic islets of humans with type 2 diabetes, AMPK is downregulated. Moreover, studies with animal models demonstrated impaired link between glucose and AMPK activity in pancreatic islet cells. These data suggest that AMPK may be a target for compounds improving the functionality of β cells. However, more studies are required to better elucidate the relevance of AMPK in the (patho)physiology of the insulin-secreting cells.
Habitat-specific effects of interstitial space between stream substrate particles on the colonization of aquatic organisms
Authors: Natsumeda Takaharu , Iguchi Kei’ichiro
Published: November 2019

We examined the effects of interstitial space between stream substrate particles on the colonization of aquatic organisms using three types of substrates (gravel, a cobble, and a cobble on gravel) in a riffle and pool of a temperate stream. Significantly greater abundance, wet weight, diversity (H′), taxonomic richness, and evenness of aquatic organisms were found in the riffle than in the pool, and the interstitial space substrate (i.e., a cobble on gravel) had significantly greater abundance, wet weight, and taxonomic richness of aquatic organisms than did the cobble substrate. Of the 13 families observed in the experiments, larval net-spinning caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) dominated the riffle in terms of the abundance and wet weight; chironomid larvae dominated both the riffle and the pool in terms of abundance. Simple main effect tests indicated significant effects of substrate on the abundance and wet weight of larval caddisfly in the riffle, and post hoc tests on substrate in each habitat indicated that the abundance and wet weight of larval caddisfly on interstitial space substrate were significantly greater than those on cobble substrate in the riffle. Our results suggest the importance of interstitial space between stream substrates in riffles to ensure higher colonization rates of aquatic organisms such as larval net-spinning caddisflies characterized as filter feeders.
Women fishers in Norway: few, but significant
Authors: Gerrard Siri , Kleiber Danika
Published: November 2019

Professional fishing and fisheries quota systems can affect women and men differently, yet gender analysis of quota systems is rare. In this article, we use a feminist framing and a mixed methods approach to examine the long-term gendered effects of the introduction of the 1990 quota system in Norway. Using statistics from the National Fishery Registry and the Directorate of Fisheries, we found that the number of women and men registered as fishers has declined since 1990 (an overall decline of 59%). Over this period, men have consistently outnumbered women among registered fishers (2.7–3.2% women), among boat owners (2.23% women in 2017) and particularly among owners of larger boats (> 11 m), which can have multiple quotas (0.35% women in 2017). However, changes in the age and geographic location among women fishers reflect changes to fisheries overall, as well as highlighting the gender-blind entry barriers that disproportionately impact women. In addition, contextualising statistical data with participant interviews conducted in North Norway, especially in Finnmark, enables us to examine more closely why the gender gap remains. This mixed method approach also identifies changes women and men working in fisheries have undergone, while also addressing women fishers’ political efforts to improve gender equity in Norwegian fisheries. Our study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Norwegian coastal fishing, and particularly women’s small but significant presence.
Characteristics of coexisting patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis and tibiofemoral joint osteoarthritis in an Indonesian population: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Pontoh Ludwig AP. , Putra Anggaditya , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Efar Toto Suryo
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Historically, the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis has been focused on the tibiofemoral joint solely. For the last two decades, the role of patellofemoral joint and its involvement on the degenerative joint disease has been investigated. To date, no data existed regarding patellofemoral osteoarthritis in our country, Indonesia.

Methods:

We performed a cross sectional study comprising of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in Fatmawati General Hospital, a tertiary teaching hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. The subjects underwent knee radiograph from anteroposterior, lateral and skyline views.

Results:

A total of 66 subjects were included, 80% of the subjects were diagnosed with combined patellofemoral and tibiofibular joint osteoarthritis Kellgren-Lawrence grade III-IV. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score was measured 69.3 points, as this might be correlated with the advancement of the disease.

Conclusions:

Combined patellofemoral and tibiofemoral osteoarthritis constitutes a large portion of patients with knee osteoarthitis.

Highlights:
Presumed Copperhead Snakebite and Antivenom Administration in the Third Trimester
Authors: Yano Jessica , Zerden Matthew , German Benjamin
Published: November 2019

Snake envenomation during pregnancy is an uncommon emergency with several potential complications associated with the poisoning and its treatment. This case discusses a 27-y-old gravida 3, para 1102 (3 total pregnancies, 1 term birth, 1 premature birth, 0 abortions, 2 living births, twins) at 36 wk gestation who was bitten by a presumed Agkistrodon contortrix (copperhead snake). She had worsening pain and swelling in the right lower limb. Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab was administered. The patient felt significantly better with improvement in swelling. She had a reactive nonstress test and reassuring coagulation studies. She gave birth to a healthy female infant 12 d later. This case supports the use of Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab for venomous snakebites in pregnant patients to prevent possible maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
Commutativity, Normativity, and Holism: Lange Revisited
Authors: Cassell Lisa
Published: November 2019

Lange (2000) famously argues that although Jeffrey Conditionalization is non-commutative over evidence, it’s not defective in virtue of this feature. Since reversing the order of the evidence in a sequence of updates that don’t commute does not reverse the order of the experiences that underwrite these revisions, the conditions required to generate commutativity failure at the level of experience will fail to hold in cases where we get commutativity failure at the level of evidence. If our interest in commutativity is, fundamentally, an interest in the order-invariance of information, an updating sequence that does not violate such a principle at the more fundamental level of experiential information should not be deemed defective. This paper claims that Lange’s argument fails as a general defense of the Jeffrey framework. Lange’s argument entails that the inputs to the Jeffrey framework differ from those of classical Bayesian Conditionalization in a way that makes them defective. Therefore, either the Jeffrey framework is defective in virtue of not commuting its inputs, or else it is defective in virtue of commuting the wrong kinds of ones.
An electronic health record-based strategy to recruit for a Patient Advisory Council for Research: Implications for inclusion
Authors: Bougrab Nassira , Li Dadong , Trachtman Howard , Sherman Scott , Thornton Rachel , Langford Aisha T.
Published: November 2019

In 2017, the NYU Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Recruitment and Retention Unit created a Patient Advisory Council for Research (PACR) to provide feedback on clinical trials and health research studies. We collaborated with our clinical research informatics team to generate a random sample of patients, based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and demographic factors, for invitation via the patient portal. This approach yielded in a group that was diverse with regard to age, race/ethnicity, sex, and health conditions. This report highlights the benefits and limitations of using an electronic health record-based strategy to identify and recruit members for a PACR.
BOREL DENSITY FOR APPROXIMATE LATTICES
Authors: BJÖRKLUND MICHAEL , HARTNICK TOBIAS , STULEMEIJER THIERRY
Published: November 2019

We extend classical density theorems of Borel and Dani–Shalom on lattices in semisimple, respectively solvable algebraic groups over local fields to approximate lattices. Our proofs are based on the observation that Zariski closures of approximate subgroups are close to algebraic subgroups. Our main tools are stationary joinings between the hull dynamical systems of discrete approximate subgroups and their Zariski closures.
Isotopic variations of meltwater from ice by isotopic exchange between liquid water and ice
Authors: Ham Ji-Young , Hur Soon Do , Lee Won Sang , Han Yeongcheol , Jung Hyejung , Lee Jeonghoon
Published: November 2019

Predicting the isotopic modification of ice by melting processes is important for improving the accuracy in paleoclimate reconstruction. To this end, we present results from cold room laboratory observations of changes in the isotopic ratio (D/H and 18O/16O) of ice cubes by isotopic exchange between liquid water and ice in nearly isothermal conditions. A 1-D model was fit to the isotopic results by adjusting the values of two parameters, the isotopic exchange rate constant (kr) and the fraction of ice participating in the exchange (f). We found that the rate constant for hydrogen isotopic exchange between liquid water and ice may be greater (up to 40%) than that for the oxygen isotopic exchange. The range of the rate constant obtained from four melt experiments is from 0.21 to 0.82 h–1. The model results also suggest that f decreases with the increasing wetness of the ice. This is because with increasing water saturation in ice, water may be present only in the small pores or some of the water that was exchanged with ice may be bypassed, decreasing the effective surface area over which the isotopic exchange can occur. The relationship between the two water isotopes (δ18O vs δD) was observed and modeled and the slope was <8, which is significantly different from the slope of the meteoric waterline. We note that these slopes were obtained without considering the sublimation process.
RESTRICTED MAD FAMILIES
Authors: GUZMÁN OSVALDO , HRUŠÁK MICHAEL , TÉLLEZ OSVALDO
Published: November 2019

Let ${\cal I}$ be an ideal on ω. By cov${}_{}^{\rm{*}}({\cal I})$ we denote the least size of a family ${\cal B} \subseteq {\cal I}$ such that for every infinite $X \in {\cal I}$ there is $B \in {\cal B}$ for which $B\mathop \cap \nolimits X$ is infinite. We say that an AD family ${\cal A} \subseteq {\cal I}$ is a MAD family restricted to${\cal I}$ if for every infinite $X \in {\cal I}$ there is $A \in {\cal A}$ such that $|X\mathop \cap \nolimits A| = \omega$. Let a$\left( {\cal I} \right)$ be the least size of an infinite MAD family restricted to ${\cal I}$. We prove that If $max${a,cov${}_{}^{\rm{*}}({\cal I})\}$ then a$\left( {\cal I} \right) = {\omega _1}$, and consequently, if ${\cal I}$ is tall and $\le {\omega _2}$ then a$\left( {\cal I} \right) = max$ {a,cov${}_{}^{\rm{*}}({\cal I})\}$. We use these results to prove that if c$\le {\omega _2}$ then o$= \overline o$ and that as$= max${a,non$({\cal M})\}$. We also analyze the problem whether it is consistent with the negation of CH that every AD family of size ω1 can be extended to a MAD family of size ω1.
(Re)inventing development: China, infrastructure, sustainability and special economic zones in Nigeria
Authors: Adunbi Omolade
Published: November 2019

This article interrogates the introduction of special economic zones (SEZs) in Nigeria with an emphasis on the establishment of the Lekki free trade zone (FTZ) in May 2006 by the Lagos State government in partnership with a Chinese consortium, and of the Ogun-Guandong FTZ in Igbesa, Ogun State by the Ogun State government. The aim of the Lekki FTZ, Ogun-Guandong FTZ and other SEZs is to transform Lagos and Ogun states into the manufacturing hub of West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. These economic zones in Nigeria encompass oil and gas, manufacturing, retail, real estate, and other ancillary companies. Based on interviews and participant observations, this article investigates how differing notions of land ownership circulate within communities affected by the FTZs. I ask how it is that indigenous populations, who fear displacement from their living spaces and socio-economic livelihoods, have begun to utilize claims to ancestral land ownership as symbolic expressions of cultural meanings and belonging that run counter to the property regimes associated with the FTZ project. How does the production of such cultural meanings intersect with the claims and counter-claims of indigeneity, communal ownership, and belonging to a space with a rich history that predates the postcolonial state and the inheritors of state power in Lagos? How is it that FTZs, framed as infrastructure projects designed to make life better for the people, end up displacing populations? In drawing out the connections between large-scale development and displacement, this article examines how communities employ both the tangible and intangible past to show how contestations over land ownership are reshaping new forms of community history and culture.
Direct construction of optimized stellarator shapes. Part 3. Omnigenity near the magnetic axis
Authors: Plunk Gabriel G. , Landreman Matt , Helander Per
Published: November 2019

The condition of omnigenity is investigated, and applied to the near-axis expansion of Garren & Boozer (Phys. Fluids B, vol. 3 (10), 1991a, pp. 2805–2821). Due in part to the particular analyticity requirements of the near-axis expansion, we find that, excluding quasi-symmetric solutions, only one type of omnigenity, namely quasi-isodynamicity, can be satisfied at first order in the distance from the magnetic axis. Our construction provides a parameterization of the space of such solutions, and the cylindrical reformulation and numerical method of Landreman & Sengupta (J. Plasma Phys., vol. 84 (6), 2018, 905840616); Landreman et al. (J. Plasma Phys., vol. 85 (1), 2019, 905850103), enables their efficient numerical construction.
Wave dispersion in pulsar plasma. Part 3. Beam-driven instabilities
Authors: Rafat M. Z. , Melrose D. B. , Mastrano A.
Published: November 2019

Beam-driven instabilities are considered in a pulsar plasma assuming that both the background plasma and the beam are relativistic Jüttner distributions. In the rest frame of the background, the only waves that can satisfy the resonance condition are in a tiny range of slightly subluminal phase speeds. The growth rate for the kinetic (or maser) version of the weak-beam instability is much smaller than has been estimated for a relativistically streaming Gaussian distribution, and the reasons for this are discussed. The growth rate for the reactive version of the weak-beam instability is treated in a conventional way. We compare the results with exact calculations, and find that the approximate solutions are not consistent with the exact results. We conclude that, for plausible parameters, there is no reactive version of the instability. The growth rate in the pulsar frame is smaller than that in the rest frame of the background plasma by a factor

$2\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}_{\text{s}}$

, where

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}_{\text{s}}=10^{2}{-}10^{3}$

is the Lorentz factor of the bulk motion of the background plasma, placing a further constraint on effective wave growth. Based on these results, we argue that beam-driven wave growth probably plays no role in pulsar radio emission.
Shotgun metagenomics reveals both taxonomic and tryptophan pathway differences of gut microbiota in major depressive disorder patients
Authors: Lai Wen-tao , Deng Wen-feng , Xu Shu-xian , Zhao Jie , Xu Dan , Liu Yang-hui , Guo Yuan-yuan , Wang Ming-bang , He Fu-sheng , Ye Shu-wei , Yang Qi-fan , Liu Tie-bang , Zhang Ying-li , Wang Sheng , Li Min-zhi , Yang Ying-jia , Xie Xin-hui , Rong Han
Published: November 2019

Background

The microbiota–gut–brain axis, especially the microbial tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis and metabolism pathway (MiTBamp), may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, studies on the MiTBamp in MDD are lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyze the gut microbiota composition and the MiTBamp in MDD patients.

Methods

We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples from 26 MDD patients and 29 healthy controls (HCs). In addition to the microbiota community and the MiTBamp analyses, we also built a classification based on the Random Forests (RF) and Boruta algorithm to identify the gut microbiota as biomarkers for MDD.

Results

TheBacteroidetesabundance was strongly reduced whereas that ofActinobacteriawas significantly increased in the MDD patients compared with the abundance in the HCs. Most noteworthy, the MDD patients had increased levels ofBifidobacterium, which is commonly used as a probiotic. Four Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthologies (KOs) (K01817, K11358, K01626, K01667) abundances in the MiTBamp were significantly lower in the MDD group. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between the K01626 abundance and the HAMD scores in the MDD group. Finally, RF classification at the genus level can achieve an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.890.

Conclusions

The present findings enabled a better understanding of the changes in gut microbiota and the related Trp pathway in MDD. Alterations of the gut microbiota may have the potential as biomarkers for distinguishing MDD patients form HCs.
On evolutionary religion (in interaction with Rottschaefer, Elliott, Dumsday, and Palmqvist)
Authors: SCHELLENBERG J. L.
Published: November 2019

Here I explain the concept of evolutionary religion and consider its relations to what in previous work I have called sceptical religion. I also interact with five articles recently published in Religious Studies that respond to my work and address related themes – articles by William A. Rottschaefer, James Elliott, Travis Dumsday, and Carl-Johan Palmqvist.
Vinogradov’s three primes theorem with primes having given primitive roots
Authors: FREI C. , KOYMANS P. , SOFOS E.
Published: November 2019

The first purpose of our paper is to show how Hooley’s celebrated method leading to his conditional proof of the Artin conjecture on primitive roots can be combined with the Hardy–Littlewood circle method. We do so by studying the number of representations of an odd integer as a sum of three primes, all of which have prescribed primitive roots. The second purpose is to analyse the singular series. In particular, using results of Lenstra, Stevenhagen and Moree, we provide a partial factorisation as an Euler product and prove that this does not extend to a complete factorisation.
An incubating northern giant petrel actively feeds on a Salvin's prion
Authors: Jones Christopher W. , Risi Michelle M. , Cooper John
Published: November 2019

Pelagic seabirds often nest on islands that are far from productive foraging areas. The Procellariiformes (petrels, shearwaters and albatrosses) are among the longest-ranging seabirds; they have several adaptations that permit them to efficiently utilize distant foraging areas and fast for long periods during incubation (Phillips & Hamer 1999). Giant petrels (Macronectes spp.) are large surface-nesting procellariiforms. They feed both by direct predation and by scavenging carrion, and they are the largest avian predator-scavengers in the Southern Ocean. Among procellariiform seabirds, one partner forages while their mate remains on the nest to incubate their single egg (Warham 1990). Northern giant petrels (Macronectes halli) have incubation shifts lasting up to 17 days (Cooper et al. 2001). In general, incubating procellariiform seabirds do not feed during their shift (Warham 1990). We report the first case to our knowledge of a procellariiform seabird, a northern giant petrel, actively feeding at its nest whilst incubating.
An unusual presentation of a large cardiac mass
Authors: Cohen Mitchell I. , Collazo Lucas R. , Firan Alexandru , Dangol Amir , Atkins Melany B.
Published: November 2019

We present a case of a large left ventricular capillary haemangioma incidentally discovered in a pre-adolescent patient.
Roosevelt's Populism: The Kansas Oil War of 1905 and the Making of Corporate Capitalism
Authors: Williams Kyle
Published: November 2019

The map of the American petroleum industry shifted rapidly from the Northeast to the Southwest at the turn of the twentieth century when spectacular gushers were struck first in Texas and soon in California, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The flood of small and mid-size oil producers broke the hold that the Standard Oil Company had for decades held on the industry. Competition defeated monopoly. Or so the conventional story goes. This article offers a more complicated narrative by focusing on conflicts between Standard Oil and independent producers in the booming towns of southeast Kansas in 1904 and 1905. In those years, John D. Rockefeller's firm established a monopoly through technologies of distribution and distillation and the production of scientific knowledge and opaque classifications of commodities. Oil producers revolted. A reform movement turned to the rhetoric and policy ideas of Populism as it sought to use state power to challenge the stranglehold of the “octopus.” This article explores the previously unrecognized significance of this movement by showing how the Kansas oil war contributed to the breakup of Standard Oil by the Supreme Court in 1911 and constituted one of the bottom-up sources for the reconstruction of American capitalism.
GREEK LOAN-WORDS IN THE VULGATE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE LATIN APOSTOLIC FATHERS
Authors: BERGREN THEODORE A.
Published: November 2019

Early Latin Christian documents translated from Greek (e.g., Latin translations of the Greek New Testament) contain a large number of Greek loan-words. This article attempts to collect and catalogue the Greek loan-words found in the Vulgate New Testament and the early Latin versions of the Apostolic Fathers. In this literature I have identified some 420 loan-words. The purpose of this article is to systematically categorize, analyze, and comment on these loan-words. In the main section of the article the loan-words are divided into discrete content groups based on their origin and/or meaning. These groups include: (1.) words that originated in Hebrew or Aramaic Vorlagen and that were then transliterated into Greek and then Latin; (2.) words with biblical or ecclesiological orientation that are found exclusively or predominantly in early Christian Latin writings; (3.) words that fall into distinct categories of items, persons or places (e.g., “animals,” “items of clothing,” “gems and minerals,” “human occupations”); and (4.) words of a general character that do not fit in any of the above categories. In this section of the article are listed, for each loan-word: first, the Latin word; second, the Greek Vorlage; third, the meaning(s) of the Latin word; and fourth, one example of a passage in the Vulgate New Testament or the Latin Apostolic Fathers in which the Latin word may be found. Loan-words with special characteristics (e.g., Latin hapax legomena) are commented on individually.
Integration of residual herbicides with cover crop termination in soybean
Authors: Whalen Derek M. , Shergill Lovreet S. , Kinne Lyle P. , Bish Mandy D. , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: November 2019

Cover crops have increased in popularity in midwestern U.S. corn and soybean systems in recent years. However, little research has been conducted to evaluate how cover crops and residual herbicides are effectively integrated together for weed control in a soybean production system. Field studies were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to evaluate summer annual weed control and to determine the effect of cover crop biomass on residual herbicide reaching the soil. The herbicide treatments consisted of preplant (PP) applications of glyphosate plus 2,4-D with or without sulfentrazone plus chlorimuron at two different timings, 21 and 7 d prior to soybean planting (DPP). Cover crops evaluated included winter vetch, cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, oat, Austrian winter pea, winter wheat, and a winter vetch plus cereal rye mixture. Herbicide treatments were applied to tilled and nontilled soil without cover crop for comparison. The tillage treatment resulted in low weed biomass at all collection intervals after both application timings, which corresponded to tilled soil having the highest sulfentrazone concentration (171 ng g−1) compared with all cover crop treatments. When applied PP, herbicide treatments applied 21 DPP with sulfentrazone had greater weed (93%) and waterhemp (89%) control than when applied 7 DPP (60% and 69%, respectively). When applied POST, herbicide treatments with a residual herbicide resulted in greater weed and waterhemp control at 7 DPP (83% and 77%, respectively) than at 21 DPP (74% and 61%, respectively). Herbicide programs that included a residual herbicide had the highest soybean yields (≥3,403 kg ha−1). Results from this study indicate that residual herbicides can be effectively integrated either PP or POST in conjunction with cover crop termination applications, but termination timing and biomass accumulation will affect the amount of sulfentrazone reaching the soil.
The Role of Crustal Buoyancy in the Generation and Emplacement of Magmatism During Continental Collision
Authors: Schliffke Nicholas , van Hunen Jeroen , Magni Valentina , Allen Mark B.
Published: November 2019

During continental collision, considerable amounts of buoyant continental crust subduct to depth and subsequently exhume. Whether various exhumation paths contribute to contrasting styles of magmatism across modern collision zones is unclear. Here we present 2D thermomechanical models of continental collision combined with petrological databases to investigate the effect of the main contrasting buoyancy forces, in the form of continental crustal buoyancy versus oceanic slab age (i.e., its thickness). We specifically focus on the consequences for crustal exhumation mechanisms and magmatism. Results indicate that it is mainly crustal density that determines the degree of steepening of the subducting continent and separates the models' parameter space into two regimes. In the first regime, high buoyancy values (∆ρ > 500 kg/m3) steepen the slab most rapidly (to 45–58°), leading to opening of a gap in the subduction channel through which the subducted crust exhumes (“subduction channel crustal exhumation”). A shift to a second regime (“underplating”) occurs when the density contrast is reduced by 50 kg/m3. In this scenario, the slab steepens less (to 37–50°), forcing subducted crust to be placed below the overriding plate. Importantly, the magmatism changes in the two cases: Crustal exhumation through the subduction channel is mainly accompanied by a narrow band of mantle melts, while underplating leads to widespread melting of mixed sources. Finally, we suggest that the amount (or density) of subducted continental crust, and the resulting buoyancy forces, could contribute to contrasting collision styles and magmatism in the Alps and Himalayas/Tibet.
The cytokine network involved in the host immune response to periodontitis
Authors: Pan Weiyi , Wang Qingxuan , Chen Qianming
Published: November 2019

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving the destruction of both soft and hard tissue in the periodontal region. Although dysbiosis of the local microbial community initiates local inflammation, over-activation of the host immune response directly activates osteoclastic activity and alveolar bone loss. Many studies have reported on the cytokine network involved in periodontitis and its crucial and pleiotropic effect on the recruitment of specific immunocytes, control of pathobionts and induction or suppression of osteoclastic activity. Nonetheless, particularities in the stimulation of pathogens in the oral cavity that lead to the specific and complex periodontal cytokine network are far from clarified. Thus, in this review, we begin with an up-to-date aetiological hypothesis of periodontal disease and summarize the roles of cytokines in the host immune response. In addition, we also summarize the latest cytokine-related therapeutic measures for periodontal disease.
β-Arrestin 1 (ARRB1) serves as a molecular marker of the peripheral circadian rhythm
Authors: Tomita Tatsunosuke , Mori Taisuke , Onishi Yoshiaki
Published: November 2019

The control of the circadian rhythm is important for health because it regulates physiological functions and is associated with health hazards. We aimed to identify a circadian biomarker of health status in human saliva, since collecting saliva is non-invasive, straightforward, and cost-effective. Among 500 genes potentially controlled by the salivary clock identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, 22 of them showed reasonable transcriptional responses according to a DNA array in a salivary model system. Among these 22 genes, ARRB1, which is expressed in human salivary glands, was also expressed in model HSG cells at the transcriptional and translational levels. The profile of ARRB1 expression in human saliva was circadian, suggesting that ARRB1 could serve as a candidate circadian biomarker in saliva. We compared ARRB1 with other biomarkers in salivary samples from jet-lagged individuals. The circadian profile of ARRB1 reflected the time lag more than the profile of melatonin, whereas the profiles of cortisol and α-amylase did not reflect the time lag. Overall, these findings suggest that salivary ARRB1 could serve as a candidate biomarker that could be used to monitor the internal body clock.
Ablation of RIP3 protects from dopaminergic neurodegeneration in experimental Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Dionísio Pedro A. , Oliveira Sara R. , Gaspar Maria M. , Gama Maria J. , Castro-Caldas Margarida , Amaral Joana D. , Rodrigues Cecilia M. P.
Published: November 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is driven by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN) and striatum. Although apoptosis is considered the main neurodegenerative mechanism, other cell death pathways may be involved. In this regard, necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death dependent on receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3), a protein also implicated in apoptosis and inflammation independently of its pro-necroptotic activity. Here, we explored the role of RIP3 genetic deletion in in vivo and in vitro PD models. Firstly, wild-type (Wt) and RIP3 knockout (RIP3ko) mice were injected intraperitoneally with MPTP (40 mg/kg, i.p.), and sacrificed after either 6 or 30 days. RIP3ko protected from dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the SN of MPTP-injected mice, but this effect was independent of necroptosis. In keeping with this, necrostatin-1s (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) did not afford full neuroprotection. Moreover, MPTP led to DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, lipid peroxidation and BAX expression in Wt mice, in the absence of caspase-8 cleavage, suggesting intrinsic apoptosis. This was mimicked in primary cortical neuronal cultures exposed to the active MPTP metabolite. RIP3 deficiency in cultured cells and in mouse brain abrogated all phenotypes. Curiously, astrogliosis was increased in the striatum of MPTP-injected Wt mice and further exacerbated in RIP3ko mice. This was accompanied by absence of microgliosis and reposition of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in the striata of MPTP-injected RIP3ko mice when compared to MPTP-injected Wt mice, which in turn showed a massive GDNF decrease. RIP3ko primary mixed glial cultures also presented decreased expression of inflammation-related genes upon inflammatory stimulation. These findings hint at possible undescribed non-necroptotic roles for RIP3 in inflammation and MPTP-driven cell death, which can contribute to PD progression.
Pitfalls in transboundary Indus Water Treaty: a perspective to prevent unattended threats to the global security
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Uzair , Azmat Muhammad , Claps Pierluigi
Published: November 2019

Water treaties have played an important role in peaceful resolution of water-related conflicts. Although the mode of negotiation to resolve water-related conflicts may vary from treaty to treaty, a number of structural falls make them unprepared for the future needs. The Indus water treaty is perhaps quoted as the most successful water-sharing mechanism in the recent times. Against all odds, the treaty has fulfilled its job descriptions of being a mechanism providing a moderately reliable framework for the peaceful resolution of water-related conflicts. However, the climate change is quickly eroding that trust. The water-sharing mechanism lacks guidelines to cater the issues related to climate change and basin sustainability which require integrated approach for their addressal. But the structural inflexibility does not encourage the riparian to collaborate and build mutual trust for common good. The riparian countries, within the framework of treaty, attempt to elevate their national interests by deliberately refusing to comply with the treaty clauses in letter and spirit, and even manipulate data to deprive the competing riparian of water. We propose and argue on the need of adopting structurally sound forum for solving water conflicts which will assist in comprehensive policy-making to ensure the sustainability of transboundary water resources. The forum will also provide an opportunity for the riparian to work together towards confidence-building through sharing of real-time hydrological data and further scientific analysis based on that. Conclusively, the shortcomings of the present conflict-resolution method are addressed by encouraging riparian to collaborate at various levels.