bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Model of Initial Tension in Springs
Authors: Bassichis William H.
Published: August 2019

Most springs do not simply obey Hooke’s law because they are constructed to have an initial tension, which must be overcome before normal elongation occurs. This property, well known to engineers, is universally neglected in elementary physics courses. In particular, the standard simple harmonic motion experiment omits any discussion of this property while implicitly taking into account, to some extent, its consequences. A simple, linear model of initial tension could be used to justify the usual experimental procedure. The simplicity of the model renders its analysis accessible to introductory students.
Farmer’s almanacs in Introductory Astronomy II: Selecting an almanac
Authors: Heafner Joe
Published: August 2019

In a previous AstroNotes column, I proposed a list of approximately 100 questions and topics suitable for research and inquiry learning in introductory astronomy. I claimed that all of these questions and topics could be addressed using farmer’s almanacs, and in this month’s column, I will briefly describe five such almanacs and discuss their suitability for use in teaching.
Metal-insulator transition in a semiconductor nanocrystal network
Authors: Greenberg Benjamin L. , Robinson Zachary L. , Ayino Yilikal , Held Jacob T. , Peterson Timothy A. , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Pribiag Vlad S. , Aydil Eray S. , Kortshagen Uwe R.
Published: August 2019

Low-temperature conductivity measurements of ZnO nanocrystal networks illuminate a distinctive metal-insulator transition.
Organ-on-e-chip: Three-dimensional self-rolled biosensor array for electrical interrogations of human electrogenic spheroids
Authors: Kalmykov Anna , Huang Changjin , Bliley Jacqueline , Shiwarski Daniel , Tashman Joshua , Abdullah Arif , Rastogi Sahil K. , Shukla Shivani , Mataev Elnatan , Feinberg Adam W. , Hsia K. Jimmy , Cohen-Karni Tzahi
Published: August 2019

An organ-on-electronic chip (organ-on-e-chip)—a three-dimensional (3D) biosensor array to decipher tissue electrical activity.
Bringing HIV Self-Testing to Scale in the United States: a Review of Challenges, Potential Solutions, and Future Opportunities
Authors: Steehler Kevin , Siegler Aaron J.
Published: August 2019

HIV self-testing (HIVST) provides an at-home option to counter the barriers that patients face with testing performed in health care settings. HIVST has gradually increased in popularity in a time when social media and technology-based solutions are preferred. In this paper, we consider the aspects of self-testing that merit its integration into HIV testing and prevention systems in the United States.
Steps to better understanding resistant behaviours in hospitalised patients with dementia
Authors: Cook Rob , Lamont Tara , Martin Rosie
Published: August 2019

The study

Featherstone K, Northcott A, Harden J, et al. Refusal and resistance to care by people living with dementia being cared for within acute hospital wards: an ethnographic study. Health Serv Deliv Res 2019;7.

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research Programme (project number 13/10/80).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000779/understanding-dementia-care-in-hospitals
Optimising neonatal service provision for preterm babies born between 27 and 31 weeks gestation in England (OPTI-PREM), using national data, qualitative research and economic analysis: a study protocol
Authors: Pillay Thillagavathie , Modi Neena , Rivero-Arias Oliver , Manktelow Brad , Seaton Sarah E , Armstrong Natalie , Draper Elizabeth S , Dawson Kelvin , Paton Alexis , Ismail Abdul Qader Tahir , Yang Miaoqing , Boyle Elaine M
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In England, for babies born at 23–26 weeks gestation, care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as opposed to a local neonatal unit (LNU) improves survival to discharge. This evidence is shaping neonatal health services. In contrast, there is no evidence to guide location of care for the next most vulnerable group (born at 27–31 weeks gestation) whose care is currently spread between 45 NICU and 84 LNU in England. This group represents 12% of preterm births in England and over onr-third of all neonatal unit care days. Compared with those born at 23–26 weeks gestation, they account for four times more admissions and twice as many National Health Service bed days/year.

Methods

In this mixed-methods study, our primary objective is to assess, for babies born at 27–31 weeks gestation and admitted to a neonatal unit in England, whether care in an NICU vs an LNU impacts on survival and key morbidities (up to age 1 year), at each gestational age in weeks. Routinely recorded data extracted from real-time, point-of-care patient management systems held in the National Neonatal Research Database, Hospital Episode Statistics and Office for National Statistics, for January 2014 to December 2018, will be analysed. Secondary objectives are to assess (1) whether differences in care provided, rather than a focus on LNU/NICU designation, drives gestation-specific outcomes, (2) where care is most cost-effective and (3) what parents’ and clinicians' perspectives are on place of care, and how these could guide clinical decision-making. Our findings will be used to develop recommendations, in collaboration with national bodies, to inform clinical practice, commissioning and policy-making. The project is supported by a parent advisory panel and a study steering committee.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval has been obtained (IRAS 212304). Dissemination will be through publication of findings and development of recommendations for care.

Trial registration number

NCT02994849andISRCTN74230187.
Effect of ‘lifestyle stigma’ on public support for NHS-provisioned pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and preventative interventions for HPV and type 2 diabetes: a nationwide UK survey
Authors: Hildebrandt Timothy , Bode Leticia , Ng Jessica S C
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study examines how the perceived role of poor lifestyle and irresponsible behaviour in contracting HIV, human papilloma virus (HPV) and diabetes affects public support for government-provisioned prevention efforts in Britain. It assesses whether public attitudes on healthcare spending are broadly sensitive to ‘lifestyle stigmas’.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of 738 respondents in Britain and embedded three separate survey experiments to measure support for government-provisioned interventions for HIV, HPV and type 2 diabetes. In each experiment, we manipulated language used to describe the extent to which the diseases are caused by lifestyle choices. Most respondents participated in all three experiments, but assignment was randomised within each condition. Analysis compared support among respondents exposed to ‘lifestyle’ treatment (information emphasising the disease’s lifestyle causes) versus control treatment. We estimated three separate t-tests in which support for government provision of interventions is the dependent variable.

Results

Support for government-provisioned prevention was high for all three diseases. There was no statistical difference between treatment and control conditions for HIV (treatment mean=3.73, control mean=3.86, p=0.38). But in both HPV (treatment mean=3.96, control mean=4.43, p<0.01) and type 2 diabetes (treatment mean=3.53, control mean=4.03, p<0.01) experiments, support for government-provisioned interventions was significantly lower under lifestyle treatment conditions.

Conclusions

Public opinion on healthcare expenditures in Britain is unexpected and uneven. Consistent participant support for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) shows public attitudes are not always sensitive to lifestyle stigmas—but for other diseases, perceived relationships between individual behaviour and poor health can still shape public opinion about health expenditures. Policymakers and practitioners should remain attentive to how health problems are framed and discussed to ensure broad public support, and take advantage of policy windows like with PrEP as they may close.
Influenza vaccination in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Rodrigues Bárbara Sucena , David Cláudio , Costa João , Ferreira Joaquim J , Pinto Fausto J , Caldeira Daniel
Published: August 2019

Objective

Despite the progression of treatments over decades, heart failure (HF) is a disease with high morbidity, mortality and economic burden. Influenza infection is an important trigger for cardiovascular (CV) events, including HF. Influenza vaccination has been seen to reduce the risk of CV mortality in patients with coronary disease, but the effect in patients with HF is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of influenza vaccination in the morbimortality of patients with HF.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Health Technology Assessment and PsycINFO databases (December 2018) were searched for longitudinal studies evaluating influenza vaccination compared with a non-vaccination control group in patients with HF. The risk of bias was assessed according to the ROBINS-I tool. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the pooled HRs with 95% CIs, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2statistics.

Results

Six cohort studies evaluating 179 158 patients with HF were included in the meta-analysis. Influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.83; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91; I2=75%). The effect of the influenza vaccination was not statistically significant in a pooled analysis of CV mortality (HR=0.92, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.15; 2 studies) and of all-cause hospitalisations (HR=1.01, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.11; 2 studies). The majority of outcomes in the included studies had a serious risk of bias and almost all evaluated outcomes had very low Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence.

Conclusions

Influenza vaccination was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause mortality risk in patients with HF.
Suspected bisphosphate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw in a cat being treated with alendronate for idiopathic hypercalcaemia
Authors: Rogers‐Smith Emma , Whitley Nat , Elwood Clive , Reese David , Wong Paula
Published: August 2019

An 8‐year‐old female neutered domestic shorthair diagnosed with idiopathic hypercalcaemia and undergoing weekly treatment with alendronate presented to Davies Veterinary Specialists for progressive facial swelling and discomfort 12 months after commencement of bisphosphonate treatment. Progression of the pathology was documented through clinical history from the referring practice when the patient underwent dental treatment with dental radiographs and then subsequently CT evaluation of the lesions. Proliferative and lytic, multifocal bony changes to the jaw, with a strikingly similar radiographic appearance to that seen in humans suffering from bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), were seen. BRONJ is a well‐recognised side effect of bisphosphonate therapy in people undergoing bisphosphonate therapy for the management of malignant hypercalcaemia. The cat was eventually euthanised due to the development of an abdominal mass and declining quality of life.
Perineal swelling secondary to a vaginal wall cyst in a bitch in dioestrus
Authors: Sanchez Jimenez Cesar , Furtado Ana Rita Ramalho , Café Marçal Valéria , Barnes Darren , Fauchon Emilie
Published: August 2019

Vaginal cysts are a rare pathology of the female reproductive tract and are usually asymptomatic and often incidental in human and veterinary medicine. A seven‐year and 11‐month‐old intact female bearded collie was referred for further investigations of a two‐and‐a‐half‐week history of a slow‐growing perineal swelling that was noticed three to four weeks following oestrus. Ultrasound and CT images were acquired, which revealed that an intravaginal cystic mass was the cause of the aforementioned swelling. Following removal of the mass, histopathology revealed a fully excised vaginal cyst lined by simple cuboidal periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive epithelium most consistent with paramesonephric (Müllerian) origin. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first reported case of an extra‐abdominal vaginal wall cyst in a bitch in dioestrus causing perineal swelling.
Western spruce budworm effects on throughfall N, P, and C fluxes and soil nutrient status in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Arango Clay , Ponette-González Alexandra , Neziri Izak , Bailey Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Western spruce budworm (Choristoneura freemani Razowski, 2008) is the most widely distributed insect herbivore in western North American coniferous forests. By partially or completely defoliating tree crowns, budworms influence fluxes of water, nutrients, and organic carbon from forest canopies to soils and, in turn, soil chemistry. To quantify these effects, throughfall water, inorganic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, as well as fluxes and soil N and P concentrations, were measured in coniferous forest sites with high and background levels of budworm herbivory. Throughfall N and P concentrations and fluxes increased at sites with high budworm levels during and (or) immediately after larval-stage budworm feeding, indicating reduced uptake and (or) greater leaching from canopies as a result of budworm activity. Annual throughfall N fluxes (<67–71 g N·ha−1·year−1) and soil N concentrations were low regardless of herbivory level. In contrast, throughfall P was considerably greater at sites with high herbivory levels (2174 g P·ha−1·year−1) compared with those with background levels (1357 g P·ha−1·year−1), and this was reflected in nearly threefold higher soil P concentrations at sites with high budworm levels. Our findings suggest that by altering throughfall chemistry and soil N:P, budworms could influence elemental export from watersheds.
Physical mechanisms in impacts of interaction factors on totally asymmetric simple exclusion processes
Authors: Wang Yu-Qing , Wang Jia-Wei , Wang Bing-Hong
Published: August 2019

Exclusion processes are hot study issues in statistical physics and corresponding complex systems. Among fruitful exclusion processes, totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (namely, TASEP) attracts much attention due to its insight physical mechanisms in understanding such nonequilibrium dynamical processes. However, interactions among isolated TASEP are the core of controlling the dynamics of multiple TASEPs that are composed of a certain amount of isolated one-dimensional TASEP. Different from previous researches, the interaction factor is focused on the critical characteristic parameter used to depict the interaction intensity of these components of TASEPs. In this paper, a much weaker constraint condition [Formula: see text] is derived as the analytical expression of interaction factor. Self-propelled particles in the subsystem [Formula: see text] of multiple TASEPs can perform hopping forward at [Formula: see text], moving into the target site of the (i − 1)th TASEP channel at [Formula: see text] or updating into the (i + 1)th TASEP channel at [Formula: see text]. The comparison of this proposed interaction factor and other previous factors is performed by investigating the computational efficiency of obtaining analytical solutions and simulation ones of order parameters of the proposed TASEP system. Obtained exact solutions are observed to match well with Monte Carlo simulations. This research attempts to have a more comprehensive interpretation of physical mechanisms in the impact of interaction factors on TASEPs, especially corresponding to stochastic dynamics of self-propelled particles in such complex statistical dynamical systems.
Structural parameters optimization of a comb-like structure using locally resonant phononic crystals
Authors: Zhai Hongfeng , Xiang Hang , Ma Xingfu , Xiang Jiawei
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a comb-like locally resonant phononic crystal (LRPC) with optimal structural parameters, which has good low frequency and broadband band gaps (BGs) between 20–250 Hz, is investigated numerically. With the intention of obtaining the optimal structural parameters, based on the structures with different number of the short elastic beams, 2-factor (the two key structural parameters, i.e. the width of the scatterer and the thickness of elastic beams) and 7-level numerical experiments are designed to obtain simulations data using finite element method (FEM). The functional relationships are further constructed using the response surface method (RSM) analysis, i.e. the relationship of the starting frequency of the first BG and the two factors, the terminating frequency of the second BG and the two factors, and the relationship of the total bandwidth of the first two BG and the two factors. After calculation using interior point method, the BGs of LRPC with optimal structural parameters are determined with lower and wider BGs below 250 Hz.
TWO-OPINIONS-DYNAMICS GENERATED BY INFLEXIBLES AND NON-CONTRARIAN AND CONTRARIAN FLOATERS
Authors: JACOBS F. , GALAM S.
Published: August 2019

We assume a community whose members adopt one of two opinions [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Each member appears as an inflexible, or as a non-contrarian or contrarian floater. An inflexible sticks to its opinion, whereas a floater may change into a floater of the alternative opinion. The occurrence of this change is governed by the local majority rule: members meet in groups of a fixed size, and a floater then changes its opinion provided it is a minority in the group. Subsequently, a non-contrarian floater keeps the opinion as adopted under the local majority rule, whereas a contrarian floater adopts the alternative opinion. Whereas the effects of on the one hand inflexibles and on the other hand non-contrarians and contrarians have previously been studied separately, the current approach allows us to gain insight in the effect of their combined presence in a community. Given fixed proportions of inflexibles [Formula: see text] for the two opinions, and fixed fractions of contrarians [Formula: see text] among the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] floaters, we derive the update equation [Formula: see text] for the overall support for opinion [Formula: see text] at time [Formula: see text], given [Formula: see text]. The update equation is derived respectively for local group sizes 1, 2 and 3. The associated dynamics generated by repeated local updates is then determined to identify its asymptotic steady configuration. The full opinion flow diagram is thus obtained, showing conditions in terms of the parameters for each opinion to eventually win the competing dynamics. Various dynamical scenarios are thus exhibited, and it is derived that relatively small densities of inflexibles allow for more variation in the qualitative outcome of the dynamics than higher densities of inflexibles.
On quantum theory
Authors: Haag Rudolf
Published: August 2019

A discussion of fundamental aspects of quantum theory is presented, stressing the essential role of “events.”
Evaluating the lifetime performance index with the inverted exponentiated Rayleigh distribution based on censored sample
Authors: Gao Shuo , Gui Wenhao
Published: August 2019

Lifetime performance index is a powerful and effective way to analyze whether a product achieves the specified standards. In this paper, we investigate the lifetime performance index for the inverted exponential Rayleigh distribution using progressive type II censored sample data. The censored sample is able to greatly save the cost of the experiment and speed up the experiment. We derive the estimation value of lifetime performance index using the maximum likelihood method, and conduct the hypothesis test. Based on extensive numerical simulation, the power function is utilized to assess effectiveness of hypothesis testing. The simulation results show that lifetime performance index is good for determining whether the lifetime of the product reaches the criterion. Finally, a practical dataset is provided to give a demonstration for the procedures of lifetime performance evaluation.
Asymmetric 6-Strand Flexor Tendon Repair – Biomechanical Analysis Using Barbed Suture
Authors: Lee Jasmin Shimin , Wong Yoke-Rung , Tay Shian-Chao
Published: August 2019

Background: This study investigates the biomechanical performance of the Asymmetric flexor tendon repair technique using barbed suture. The Asymmetric repair technique using monofilament nylon suture was previously reported to have a higher tensile strength than the modified Lim-Tsai repair technique, but its repair stiffness and load to gap force were significantly lower. There is hence an unmet need to improve this technique and the substitution of nylon suture with barbed sutures may be the solution.

Methods: Two groups consisting of 10 porcine tendons each were repaired with the six-strand Asymmetric repair technique using V-Loc® 3-0 and Supramid® 4-0 respectively. The repairs were subjected to a mechanical tester for static testing. The ultimate tensile strength, load to 2 mm gap force, repair stiffness, time taken to complete a repair and failure mechanism of the repairs were recorded and analyzed.

Results: All the repairs using V-Loc® 3-0 sutures had significantly higher median values of ultimate tensile strength (64.1 N; 56.9 N), load to 2 mm gap force (39.2 N; 19.7 N), repair stiffness (6.4 N/mm; 4.7 N/mm) and time taken to complete a repair (9.4 mins; 7.7 mins). All the repairs using V-Loc® sutures failed by suture breakage while 80% of repairs using Supramid® sutures failed by suture pullout.

Conclusions: The use of the barbed sutures in the Asymmetric repair technique, whilst more time consuming, has shown promising improvement to its biomechanical performance (i.e. better ultimate tensile strength, stiffness and resistance to gap formation).
A Comparison of Radiographic Outcomes between 3D Preoperative Planning and Conventional Planning in the Osteosynthesis of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Totoki Yasukazu , Tung Wen-lin , Akita Kenichi , Ishii Tomoo
Published: August 2019

Background: To assess the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) digital pre-operative planning, we compared the radiographic parameters of the distal radius from 3D planning and conventional planning after osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures. We hypothesized that the use of 3D digital planning may improve radiographic outcomes for reduction and decrease the risk of correction loss.

Methods: Sixty wrists of 60 distal radius fracture patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the order of hospital visits. Thirty wrists were treated with 3D preoperative planning as the plan group. Another thirty wrists were treated with conventional preoperative planning as the control group. Both groups were treated with volar locking plates. In the plan group, 3D digital preoperative planning and a surgical simulation were performed in order to determine the reduction and placement of the implants in addition to the plate/screw size prior to surgery. In the control group, conventional preoperative planning was performed. Ulnar variance, volar tilt, and radial inclination were measured at one week, three and six months after surgery. Difference of the measurement of radiographic parameters between operated and healthy side wrists were compared between plan and control groups at one week after surgery. Loss of corrections for radiographic parameters were compared between plan and control groups.

Results: The differences between the operated and healthy side wrists were significantly smaller in the plan group compared to the control group for the volar tilt and radial inclination (p < 0.05).The loss of corrections for ulnar variance and volar tilt were significantly smaller in the plan group compared to the control group at six months after surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: 3D preoperative planning offers better reduction accuracy and reduces correction loss in the osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures.
Post-Exertional MRI Is Useful as a Tool for Diagnosis and Treatment Evaluation for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of Forearms
Authors: Tominaga Akiko , Shimada Kozo , Temporin Ko , Noguchi Ryosuke
Published: August 2019

Background: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a rare condition, which generally occurs in athletes. Few tools are available for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. We examined pre- and post- exertional forearm magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after fasciotomy since 2013. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pre- and post-exertional MRI before and after fasciotomy.

Methods: We treated 8 forearms of 5 patients diagnosed with CECS of the forearms since 2013, including 6 forearms of 3 motocross racers, 1 forearm of 1 baseball pitcher, 1 forearm of 1 manual laborer with a history of muscle contusion. We obtained pre- and post-exertional MRI before and after fasciotomy in all cases. Pre-exertional MRI was obtained when the patient was at rest without any symptom. Post-exertional MRI was obtained after the patients repeated “grip and release” using a hand gripper with maximum effort for approximately 10 minutes until symptoms occurred. We compared MRI findings before and after fasciotomy and evaluated the correlation with clinical outcome.

Results: Symptoms disappeared completely in all 3 motocross racers after fasciotomy. MRI at rest showed no abnormal high signals in all cases both before and after fasciotomy. On post-exertional MRI, T2 high area presented mainly in flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and brachioradialis (BR) and disappeared completely after surgery. Symptoms persisted in the pitcher and the laborer after fasciotomy. T2 high area presented mainly in FDP on post-exertional MRI before fasciotomy and remained on post-exertional MRI after fasciotomy in these two patients. These intensity changes correlated strongly with their symptoms.

Conclusions: We performed pre- and post-exertional MRI before and after fasciotomy. The intensity change in T2-weighted images on post-exertional MRI correlated strongly with their symptoms. Post-exertional MRI is useful for diagnosis and treatment evaluation in CECS.
Ulnar Nerve Strain in Functional Elbow and Shoulder Motions
Authors: Vinitpairot Chaiyos , Jianmongkol Surut , Thammaroj Tala , Wattanakamolchai Settapon
Published: August 2019

Background: Shoulder and elbow motions can affect ulnar nerve strain. However, there is no evidence that links this kind of strain to specific activities. The purpose of this study was to examine ulnar nerve strain at the elbow resulting from normal daily activities.

Methods: This study was conducted using thirty fresh frozen cadaveric elbows from subjects who had no deformities or history of previous upper extremity surgery. Strain was calculated based on nerve elongation. Ulnar nerve strain at the elbow from motion related to common daily activities was measured in both normal nerves and nerves in which gliding motion was restricted. The results of these measurement were then compared.

Results: Activities related to extreme elbow and shoulder motions, such as cellular phone use, yielded an average strain of 6.3%. In addition, we found that nerve strain increased significantly in conditions in which gliding motion was restricted. Nerve strain due to motion associated with cellular phone use, for example, rose by 69.1%.

Conclusions: Elbow flexion and shoulder abduction in daily activities are associated with increases in ulnar nerve strain, but this may not cause permanent damage to the nerve. After nerve gliding motion had been restricted, nerves that normally exhibited less strain often had even increased higher levels of strain than those nerves that normally exhibited high strain.
Cenozoic tectonic evolution of southeastern Thailand derived from low-temperature thermochronology
Authors: Nachtergaele Simon , Glorie Stijn , Morley Christopher , Charusiri Punya , Kanjanapayont Pitsanupong , Vermeesch Pieter , Carter Andrew , Van Ranst Gerben , De Grave Johan
Published: August 2019

Low-temperature thermochronological techniques, specifically apatite (U–Th)/He and apatite fission-track dating, were used to reconstruct the thermal history of southeastern Thailand. This area is intersected by vast and complex fault networks related to the Cenozoic Mae Ping and Three Pagodas Faults. These were identified from satellite imagery and confirmed by field observations. New apatite fission-track and apatite (U–Th)/He data were collected from crystalline basement blocks within these fault networks. Ages obtained range from 48 to 24 Ma, with most of the samples clustering between 36 and 24 Ma. Thermal history modelling indicates late Eocene–Oligocene exhumation of the exposed granitic and metamorphic basement rocks in southeastern Thailand. Exhumation was regional and was contemporaneous with sinistral fault activity during the late Eocene–early Oligocene along the Mae Ping Fault and Three Pagodas Fault. Moreover, this exhumation occurred coevally with a synrift phase of intracontinental offshore rift basin and half-graben basin development in the eastern Gulf of Thailand. The phase of exhumation ended in the early Miocene, as a result of the changing plate-tectonic forces along the complex plate boundaries of Sundaland.

Supplementary material:
AFT data, radial plots and the detailed procedure of thermal history modelling are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4633064
Computational sustainability
Authors: Gomes Carla , Dietterich Thomas , Barrett Christopher , Conrad Jon , Dilkina Bistra , Ermon Stefano , Fang Fei , Farnsworth Andrew , Fern Alan , Fern Xiaoli , Fink Daniel , Fisher Douglas , Flecker Alexander , Freund Daniel , Fuller Angela , Gregoire John , Hopcroft John , Kelling Steve , Kolter Zico , Powell Warren , Sintov Nicole , Selker John , Selman Bart , Sheldon Daniel , Shmoys David , Tambe Milind , Wong Weng-Keen , Wood Christopher , Wu Xiaojian , Xue Yexiang , Yadav Amulya , Yakubu Abdul-Aziz , Zeeman Mary Lou
Published: August 2019

Computer and information scientists join forces with other fields to help solve societal and environmental challenges facing humanity, in pursuit of a sustainable future.
Can you locate your location data?
Authors: Underwood Sarah
Published: August 2019

Smartphone apps offering location data services may be desirable, but their ability to collect personal data that can be sold to third parties is less attractive.
Inspired by the home of the future
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: August 2019

2018 ACM Prize in Computing recipient Shwetak Patel pushes old tools to new heights.
Culture eats UX strategy for breakfast
Authors: Friedland Liam
Published: August 2019

This forum is dedicated to maximizing the success of HCI practitioners within the frenetic world of product and service design. It focuses on UX strategy approaches, leadership, management techniques, and above all the challenge of bringing HCI to peer-level status with longstanding business disciplines such as marketing and engineering. ---
Daniel Rosenberg, Editor
Online voting
Authors: Orman Hilarie
Published: August 2019

Seeking to make online voting more secure than today's flawed paper systems.
Absence of gravin-mediated signaling inhibits development of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
Authors: Fan Qiying , Yin Xing , Rababa’h Abeer , Diaz Diaz Andrea , Wijaya Cori S. , Singh Sonal , Suryavanshi Santosh V. , Vo Henry Hiep , Saeed Moawiz , Zhang Yang , McConnell Bradley K.
Published: August 2019

Gravin, an A-kinase anchoring protein, is known to play a role in regulating key processes that lead to inflammation and atherosclerosis development, namely, cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. We investigated the role of gravin in the development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. Five-week-old male wild-type (WT) and gravin-t/t mice were fed a normal diet or an HFD for 16 wk. Gravin-t/t mice showed significantly lower liver-to-body-weight ratio, cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein levels in serum as compared with WT mice on HFD. Furthermore, there was less aortic plaque formation coupled with decreased lipid accumulation and liver damage, as the gravin-t/t mice had lower levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Additionally, gravin-t/t HFD-fed mice had decreased expression of liver 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, an essential enzyme for cholesterol synthesis and lower fatty acid synthase expression. Gravin-t/t HFD-fed mice also exhibited inhibition of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) expression, a liver transcription factor associated with the regulation of lipid transportation. In response to platelet-derived growth factor receptor treatment, gravin-t/t vascular smooth muscle cells exhibited lower intracellular calcium transients and decreased protein kinase A- and protein kinase C-dependent substrate phosphorylation, notably involving the Erk1/2 signaling pathway. Collectively, these results suggest the involvement of gravin-dependent regulation of lipid metabolism via the reduction of SREBP-2 expression. The absence of gravin-mediated signaling lowers blood pressure, reduces plaque formation in the aorta, and decreases lipid accumulation and damage in the liver of HFD mice. Through these processes, the absence of gravin-mediated signaling complex delays the HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The gravin scaffolding protein plays a key role in the multiple enzymatic pathways of lipid metabolism. We have shown for the first time the novel role of gravin in regulating the pathways related to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Specifically, an absence of gravin-mediated signaling decreases the lipid levels (cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL) that are associated with sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 downregulation.
Inflammation in nonischemic heart disease: initiation by cardiomyocyte CaMKII and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling
Authors: Suetomi Takeshi , Miyamoto Shigeki , Brown Joan Heller
Published: August 2019

There is substantial evidence that chronic heart failure in humans and in animal models is associated with inflammation. Ischemic interventions such as myocardial infarction lead to necrotic cell death and release of damage associated molecular patterns, factors that signal cell damage and induce expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines. It has recently become evident that nonischemic interventions are also associated with increases in inflammatory genes and immune cell accumulation in the heart and that these contribute to fibrosis and ventricular dysfunction. How proinflammatory responses are elicited in nonischemic heart disease which is not, at least initially, associated with cell death is a critical unanswered question. In this review we provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that cardiomyocytes are an initiating site of inflammatory gene expression in response to nonischemic stress. Furthermore we discuss the role of the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-regulated kinase, CaMKIIδ, as a transducer of stress signals to nuclear factor-κB activation, expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and priming and activation of the NOD-like pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in cardiomyocytes. We summarize recent evidence that subsequent macrophage recruitment, fibrosis and contractile dysfunction induced by angiotensin II infusion or transverse aortic constriction are ameliorated by blockade of CaMKII, of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 signaling, or of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
ZBTB7A Mediates the Transcriptional Repression Activity of the Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Han Dong , Chen Sujun , Han Wanting , Gao Shuai , Owiredu Jude N. , Li Muqing , Balk Steven P. , He Housheng Hansen , Cai Changmeng
Published: August 2019

Loss of expression of context-specific tumor suppressors is a critical event that facilitates the development of prostate cancer. Zinc finger and BTB domain containing transcriptional repressors, such as ZBTB7A and ZBTB16, have been recently identified as tumor suppressors that play important roles in preventing prostate cancer progression. In this study, we used combined ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analyses of prostate cancer cells to identify direct ZBTB7A-repressed genes, which are enriched for transcriptional targets of E2F, and identified that the androgen receptor (AR) played a critical role in the transcriptional suppression of these E2F targets. AR recruitment of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) was required to strengthen the E2F–Rb transcriptional repression complex. In addition, ZBTB7A was rapidly recruited to the E2F–Rb binding sites by AR and negatively regulated the transcriptional activity of E2F1 on DNA replication genes. Finally, ZBTB7A suppressed the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in vitro and in vivo, and overexpression of ZBTB7A acted in synergy with high-dose testosterone treatment to effectively prevent the recurrence of CRPC. Overall, this study provides novel molecular insights of the role of ZBTB7A in CRPC cells and demonstrates globally its critical role in mediating the transcriptional repression activity of AR.

Significance:

ZBTB7A is recruited to the E2F–Rb binding sites by AR and negatively regulates the transcriptional activity of E2F1 on DNA replication genes.
GPR56 Drives Colorectal Tumor Growth and Promotes Drug Resistance through Upregulation of MDR1 Expression via a RhoA-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Chatterjee Treena , Godoy Carla , Wu Ling , Liu Qingyun J. , Carmon Kendra S.
Published: August 2019

Drug resistance continues to be a major obstacle of effective therapy for colorectal cancer, leading to tumor relapse or treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells are a subpopulation of tumor cells which retain the capacity for self-renewal and are suggested to be implicated in drug resistance. LGR5 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and marks CSCs that drive tumor growth and metastasis. LGR5(+) CSCs cells were shown to interconvert with more drug-resistant LGR5(−) cancer cells, and treatment with LGR5-targeted antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) eliminated LGR5(+) tumors, yet a fraction of LGR5(−) tumors eventually recurred. Therefore, it is important to identify mechanisms associated with CSC plasticity and drug resistance in order to develop curative therapies. Here, we show that loss of LGR5 in colon cancer cells enhanced resistance to irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil and increased expression of adhesion G-protein–coupled receptor, GPR56. GPR56 expression was significantly higher in primary colon tumors versus matched normal tissues and correlated with poor survival outcome. GPR56 enhanced drug resistance through upregulation of MDR1 levels via a RhoA-mediated signaling mechanism. Loss of GPR56 led to suppression of tumor growth and increased sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and monomethyl auristatin E–linked anti–LGR5 ADCs, by reducing MDR1 levels. These findings suggest that upregulation of GPR56 may be a mechanism associated with CSC plasticity by which LGR5(−) cancer cells acquire a more drug-resistant phenotype.

Implications:

Our findings suggest that targeting GPR56 may provide a new strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer and combatting drug resistance.
Thermally Processed Oil Exaggerates Colonic Inflammation and Colitis-Associated Colon Tumorigenesis in Mice
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Chen Xijing , Yang Ran , Ma Qin , Qi Weipeng , Sanidad Katherine Z. , Park Yeonhwa , Kim Daeyoung , Decker Eric A. , Zhang Guodong
Published: August 2019

Frying in vegetable oil is a popular cooking and food processing method worldwide; as a result, the oils used for frying are widely consumed by the general public and it is of practical importance to better understand their health impacts. To date, the effects of frying oil consumption on human health are inconclusive, making it difficult to establish dietary recommendations or guidelines. Here we show that dietary administration of frying oil, which was prepared under the conditions of good commercial practice, exaggerated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis in mice. In addition, dietary administration of frying oil impaired intestinal barrier function, enhanced translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacteria from the gut into the systemic circulation, and increased tissue inflammation. Finally, to explore the potential compounds involved in the actions of the frying oil, we isolated polar compounds from the frying oil and found that administration of the polar compounds exacerbated DSS-induced colitis in mice. Together, our results showed that dietary administration of frying oil exaggerated development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD-associated colon tumorigenesis in mice, and these effects could be mediated by the polar compounds in the frying oil.
Le langage tropical de Sony Labou Tansi
Authors: Vilar Fernanda Salomão
Published: August 2019

L’écriture de Sony Labou Tansi engage une réflexion historique, politico-sociale et idéologique par l’emploi d’un mode de langage qui bouleverse les normes. Par l’analyse de deux de ses romans, La vie et demie et Les sept solitudes de Lorsa Lopez nous voulons montrer comment il s’approprie de la langue française pour faire de l’hybridation un troisième espace habité et habitable par la différence, une différence créatrice de nouvelles possibilités de comprendre le divers.
J’accuse como fato literário: uma leitura da carta aberta de Émile Zola
Authors: Almeida Milene Suzano de
Published: August 2019

A partir da metodologia de análise de Leo Spitzer, o presente texto busca colocar em movimento os elementos literários da carta J’accuse, escrita por Émile Zola, em janeiro de 1898. A enorme repercussão da carta na época tem sido constantemente associada à influência da imprensa de massa e aos recursos retóricos tão habilmente utilizados por Zola. Mas, além dos elementos persuasivos e do fator imprensa, a personificação das figuras reais e a adjetivação polarizante dos personagens reais são, em grande medida, frutos de construções literárias. A partir destes dois elementos (adjetivação e personificação), o objetivo do texto é propor uma análise de trechos da carta, dos textos de polêmica de Zola e de seus romances nos quais se manifesta semelhante procedimento.
Association of Diabetes Mellitus With Health Status Outcomes in Young Women and Men After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From the VIRGO Study
Authors: Ding Qinglan , Funk Marjorie , Spatz Erica S. , Whittemore Robin , Lin Haiqun , Lipska Kasia J. , Dreyer Rachel P. , Spertus John A. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of mortality after acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
). However, little is known about the association of diabetes mellitus with post‐
AMI
health status outcomes (symptoms, functioning, and quality of life) in younger adults.

Methods and Results

We investigated the association between diabetes mellitus and health status during the first 12 months after
AMI
, using data from 3501 adults with
AMI
(42.6% with diabetes mellitus) aged 18 to 55 years enrolled in the
VIRGO
(Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients) study. Health status was measured with Seattle Angina Questionnaire (
SAQ
), 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, and EuroQol‐Visual Analogue Scale at baseline hospitalization, 1‐month, and 12‐months post‐
AMI
. At baseline, patients with diabetes mellitus had significantly worse
SAQ
‐angina frequency (81±22 versus 86±19),
SAQ
‐physical limitations (77±28 versus 85±23),
SAQ
‐quality of life (55±25 versus 57±23), 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey mental (44±13 versus 46±12)/physical functioning (41±12 versus 46±12), and EuroQol‐Visual Analogue Scale (61±22 versus 66±21) than those without diabetes mellitus. Over time, both groups (with and without diabetes mellitus) improved considerably and the differences in health status scores progressively narrowed (except for 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey physical functioning). In the linear‐mixed effects models, adjusted for sociodemographics, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, psychosocial factors, healthcare use, and
AMI
treatment, diabetes mellitus was associated with worse health status at baseline but not after discharge, and the association did not vary by sex.

Conclusions

At baseline, young adults with diabetes mellitus had poorer health status than those without diabetes mellitus. After
AMI
, however, they experienced significant improvements and diabetes mellitus was not associated with worse angina,
SAQ
‐physical limitations, mental functioning, and quality of life, after adjustment for baseline covariates.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00597922.
Aquatic Hyphomycetes of Kumaun Himalaya: Tricladium

Authors: PANT PRABHA , KORANGA ANJALI , SATI SURESH CHANDRA
Published: August 2019

Aquatic hyphomycetes are ecologically important, polyphyletic group of aquatic fungi with distinctly shaped conidia. Various running fresh water bodies of Kumaun Himalaya were surveyed and different submerged leaf litter, foam as well as roots of riparian plants were collected. Collected samples were processed, incubated and examined for the presence of aquatic hyphomycetes. Overall, eight species of aquatic hyphomycetes belonging to the genus Tricladium (T. aciculum, T. angulatum, T. anomalum, T. indicum, T. marylandicum, T. chaetocladium, T. splendens and T. terrestre) were recorded from submerged leaf litter and live roots of various riparian plants. Of these, T. marylandicum was new addition to the Indian mycoflora while two species T. indicum and T. marylandicum were recovered as root endophyte for the first time. A detailed taxonomic description including occurrence and distribution of each Kumaun Himalayan species of Tricladium is described and discussed here under.
Nylanderia of the World Part III: Nylanderia in the West Indies
Authors: LaPOLLA JOHN S. , KALLAL ROBERT J.
Published: August 2019

The diversity of the formicine ant genus Nylanderia is currently underestimated and largely undescribed. This includes the faunas of tropical regions where species richness is typically high. Here, the taxonomy of the West Indian Nylanderia fauna is revised for the first time. Fourteen new species are described, bringing the total number of species known from the region to 22. The new species are: N. bibadia, sp. nov., N. caerula, sp. nov., N. coveri, sp. nov., N. disatra, sp. nov., N. esperanza, sp. nov., N. fuscaspecula, sp. nov., N. lucayana, sp. nov., N. metacista, sp. nov., N. pini, sp. nov., N. semitincta, sp. nov., N. sierra, sp. nov., N. wardi, sp. nov., N. xestonota, sp. nov., and N. zaminyops, sp. nov. There are several introduced species in the region including the globally widespread Old World species N. bourbonica. Other introduced species are N. fulva, N. pubens, N. guatemalensis, and N. steinheili. The following new synonyms are proposed: fulva Mayr 1862 (= fulva cubana Santschi 1930); steinheili Forel 1893 (= steinheili minuta Forel 1893). An identification key is provided for the workers of Nylanderia found in the West Indies. Photomontage images are provided for the worker of each species and when available photomontage and SEM images are provided for males. This work represents another step forward in understanding the diversity of this widespread and commonly encountered ant genus.