bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Output Performance of U.S.-Built Backpack Electrofishers
Authors: Dean Jan C. , Temple Alan J. , Smith Jeremiah W.
Published: September 2019

Eight backpack electrofishers were subjected to maximum power output load tests over a wide range of resistances that equate to water conductivity. An electrical load corresponds to the power demand that is placed on a unit, and it is a function of applied voltage and electrical resistance. Electrofisher resistance is a function of its electrodes and of water conductivity. The models that were tested included the Aqua Shock Solutions AP1; the ETS Electrofishing Systems ABP-3 and ABP-4; the Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems Infinity Xstream; and Smith-Root models LR-24, APEX, LR-20B, and Model 12. Power output was plotted versus resistance and versus equated water conductivity for multiple pulsed direct current duty cycles. According to our test results and working model, the units that can fish successfully in the lowest conductivity include the APEX and Xstream (14 μS/cm), closely followed by the LR-24 and LR-20B (16 μS/cm). The Xstream and the ABP-4 should fish successfully in the very highest water conductivity (2,800 μS/cm), followed by the AP1 (1,750 μS/cm) and the APEX and LR-24 (1,350 μS/cm). These conductivity estimates are based on fishing in normal depth with standard electrodes, using pulsed direct current with a 25% duty cycle. For standardized and quantitative fish sampling, we recommend backpack electrofishers with independent controls for voltage, frequency, and duty cycle (or pulse width), fine voltage control, and accurate peak metering for voltage and current.
Post‐Treatment Engineering of Vacuum‐Deposited Cs2NaBiI6 Double Perovskite Film for Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Li Peizhou , Gao Weiyin , Ran Chenxin , Dong Hua , Hou Xun , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: September 2019

Lead‐free double perovskite materials have recently shown promising in optoelectronic application. However, the poor solubility of these materials makes them difficult to form a high‐quality thin film via the solution‐processible technology, which leads to the poor photovoltaic performance of a solar cell device. Herein, the vacuum‐evaporated Cs2NaBiI6 double perovskite film with high quality achieved by the post‐treatment engineering is demonstrated. It is found that soaking in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) followed by annealing in dimethyl formamide (DMF) atmosphere can enlarge the size of grains, lower trap‐state density, and remove side product of the Cs2NaBiI6 film. The resulting solar cell devices show a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.21% (VOC = 0.70 V, JSC = 0.91 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) = 33%), which is tenfold higher than the control device without post‐treatment (PCE = 0.02%, VOC = 0.49 V, JSC = 0.19 mA cm−2, and FF = 24%). In addition, the device shows robust stability against moisture and oxygen in ambient condition. The vacuum deposition method accompanied with a post‐treatment strategy, in this work, provides an important research direction in improving the quality of a double perovskite film and the PCE of corresponding perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Sodium Tungstate Supported on a Three‐dimensional and Networked SBA‐15 for Knoevenagel Reaction
Authors: Yang Hongyuan , Zhang Wei , Liu Qing
Published: September 2019

Sodium tungstate (ST) supported on a three‐dimensional and networked SBA‐15 (3D‐SBA‐15) was utilized as a novel efficient catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of aldehydes with active methylene compounds such as malononitrile and ethyl cyanoacetate to afford substituted olefins through the conventional magnetic stirring or under ultrasound irradiation. ST/3D‐SBA‐15 catalyst was prepared using an incipient wetness impregnation method and confirmed by series of characterizations such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption‐desorption and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy. The reaction proceeded smoothly under the both stirring and ultrasound‐assisted conditions at room temperature. The 30ST/3D‐SBA‐15 catalyst with 30 wt% loading of Na2WO4 showed the highest catalytic performance with excellent yield within short time, and improvements were observed by carrying out the reactions under ultrasound irradiation. In addition, the solvent effect was significant in this work, and the optimum solvent was ethanol and water with volume ratio of 1 : 1.
A Tale of Two Programs: Access to High Quality Providers for Medicare Advantage and Affordable Care Act Beneficiaries in New York State
Authors: Haeder Simon F.
Published: September 2019

Medicare Advantage and the Affordable Care Act's insurance marketplaces provide coverage to millions of beneficiaries. This paper assesses network design and access to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI or angioplasty with stent) in New York for both programs. A specific focus is on access to higher quality providers. The findings indicate that both programs significantly restricted access and choice as compared to an unconstrained network. However, network design only rarely created areas devoid of any providers. In terms of access to quality, both programs tended to have slightly worse mean and median quality ratings than the overall physician supply. Findings with regard to access to above‐average providers were mixed. With respect to access to the highest quality providers, both ACA and Medicare Advantage plans generally fared slightly worse than unrestricted networks. In micropolitan and rural areas, access issues became apparent. Network regulation may do little to address these concerns. However, adding non‐emergency medical transportation benefits to insurance coverage may prove to be desirable going forward.
Messaging and Advocacy in U.S. Tobacco Control Policy, 2009–19
Authors: Ferraiolo Kathleen
Published: September 2019

Social science and public health researchers have spent decades investigating the effectiveness of various interventions designed to lower smoking rates and educate the U.S. public about the damages of tobacco consumption. This manuscript addresses two deficiencies in the existing literature. First, it examines important changes in tobacco control policy since the passage of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the most significant antismoking legislation in decades. Second, it analyzes the ways in which governmental and nongovernmental anti‐tobacco advocates have framed their arguments. Using a seminal article by Donley Studlar (2008) as its point of departure, this paper employs data from annual reports, press releases, and advertising campaigns to explore the similarities and differences in the antismoking strategies and messaging of two government agencies (the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and two advocacy groups (the Truth Initiative and the Campaign for Tobacco‐Free Kids) from 2009 to 2019. The analysis reveals an ongoing tension between themes of industry denormalization (which generates arguments grounded in morality) and harm reduction (which generates a more regulatory approach to policymaking) in modern tobacco control policy.
Reducing Harm Through Evidence‐Based Alcohol Policies: Challenges and Options
Authors: Giesbrecht Norman , Bosma Linda M. , Reisdorfer Emilene
Published: September 2019

This article examines challenges in implementing and sustaining effective alcohol policies and proposes several strategies to counter them. A narrative review was undertaken of recent publications that document challenges in implementing alcohol policies in various contexts. MEDLINE/PubMed were searched for publications in English between 2011 and 2018. Twenty‐five keywords and 25 scholar names were used in the search. From 1,169 hits, 168 full research papers and commentaries were examined. Eight main groups of challenges were identified: interventions of inadequate dose, support, scope, or fidelity; confounding impacts from alcohol industries and other sectors; uneven implementation or inadequate enforcement; popular policies are largely ineffective and effective policies unpopular; policy decision‐making focusing on short‐range perspectives and skewed to favor commercial interests; low awareness of alcohol as a health risk; challenges in getting information on relevant interventions, local data, and insider information; and insufficient capacity or training to implement a policy. Several strategies are offered to counter these challenges: provide evidence to policymakers: conduct assessment and pilot studies; provide enhanced training on alcohol issues and policy implementation; develop allies; promote strong leadership; use media advocacy; engage voices of those impacted by flawed policies; and promote a comprehensive approach.
The SAPPHIRE criteria, history of myocardial infarction and diabetes predict adverse outcomes following carotid endarterectomy similar to stenting
Authors: Macharzina Roland Richard , Müller Carolin , Vogt Matthias , Messé Steven R. , Vach Werner , Winker Thomas , Weinbeck Michael , Siepe Matthias , Czerny Martin , Neumann Franz-Josef , Zeller Thomas
Published: September 2019

Aims

Identifying factors associated with worse outcome following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is important to improve prevention of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), yet rarely used for registries. We intended to identify predictors of MACCE following CEA as recently analysed for stenting.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing CEA at 2 centers over 13 years were entered into a database. Baseline clinical characteristics, procedural factors and a panel of clinical and lesion-related high-risk features (SHR) and exclusion criteria (SE), empirically compiled for stratification in the SAPPHIRE trial, were differentially analysed using Cox regressions. The analysis included 748 operations; 262 (35%) asymptomatic, 208 (28%) with previous strokes, and 278 (37%) with transient ischemic attacks (TIA). The overall 30-day MACCE rate was 6.7%, 5.0% in asymptomatic and 7.6% in symptomatic patients. Previous MI (HR 2.045, p = 0.022), diabetes (HR 2.111, p = 0.011) and symptomatic patients (HR 2.045, p = 0.044) were independently associated with MACCE. SE patients (n = 81) had a MACCE rate of 13.6%; the MACCE rate of the remainder dropped to 5.8% (4.7% in asymptomatic and 6.5% in symptomatic patients). Hazard ratio for SHR patients was 2.069 (CI 1.087–3.941) and 2.389 for SE (CI 1.223–4.666), each compared to all patients with lower risk and adjusted for symptomatic status. Among SHR and SE criteria NYHA 3–4, contralateral occlusions and intraluminal thrombus were significant determinants and MI < 4 weeks before CEA showed a strong trend (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients identified by SHR and SE criteria, prior MI and diabetes warrant increased attention to prevent MACCE following CEA.

Graphic abstract
Role of monoamine-oxidase-A-gene variation in the development of glioblastoma in males: a case control study
Authors:   The Gliogene Group, Sjöberg Rickard L. , Wu Wendy Yi-Ying , Dahlin Anna M. , Tsavachidis Spiridon , Bondy Melissa L. , Melin Beatrice
Published: September 2019

Background

The Mono-amine oxidase-A (MAO-A) enzyme is involved in the degradation and regulation of catecholamines such as serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Preclinical studies suggest that this enzyme may contribute to an environment favorable for growth of malignant glioma. The MAO-A gene is located on the X-chromosome and has at least one functional genetic polymorphism. The aim of the present study was to explore possible effects of MAO-A genotype on development of glioblastoma in males.

Methods

Genotypes for 437 glioma cases and 876 population-based controls from the Swedish Glioma International Case–Control study (GICC) were compared. We analyzed the germline DNA using the Illumina Oncoarray. We selected seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the MAO-A gene, and imputed genotypes based on data from the 1000 genomes project. We used 1579 male glioblastoma cases and 1875 controls comprising the whole GICC cohort for subsequent validation of findings.

Results

The rs144551722 SNP was a significant predictor of development of glioblastoma in males (p-value = 0.0056) but not in females even after correction for multiple testing. We conducted haplotype analysis to confirm an association between MAO-A gene and risk of glioblastoma (p-value = 0.016). We found similar results in the validation sample.

Conclusions

These results suggest the possibility of a role for the MAO-A enzyme and the MAO-A gene in the development of glioblastoma in males.
An experimental investigation of asphaltene stability in heavy crude oil during carbon dioxide injection
Authors: Fakher Sherif , Ahdaya Mohamed , Elturki Mukhtar , Imqam Abdulmohsin
Published: September 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection is one of the most applied enhanced oil recovery methods in the hydrocarbon industry, since it has the potential to increase oil recovery significantly and can help reduce greenhouse gases through carbon storage in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Carbon dioxide injection has a severe drawback, however, since it induces asphaltene precipitation by disrupting the asphaltene stability in crude oil that bears even the slightest asphaltene concentration. This can result in severe operational problems, such as reservoir pore plugging and wellbore plugging. This research investigates some of the main factors that impact asphaltene stability in crude oil during CO2injection. Initially, asphaltene precipitation, flocculation, and deposition were tested using visual tests without CO2in order to evaluate the effect of oil viscosity and temperature on asphaltene stability and content in the crude oil. The results obtained from the visualization experiments were correlated to the Yen–Mullins asphaltene model and were used to select the proper chemical to alter the oil’s viscosity without strongly affecting asphaltene stability. After performing the visual asphaltene tests, a specially designed filtration vessel was used to perform the oil filtration experiments using filter membranes with a micron and nanometer pore size. The effect of varying CO2injection pressure, oil viscosity, filter membrane pore size, and filter membrane thickness on asphaltene stability in crude oil was investigated. The results were then correlated with the Yen–Mullins asphaltene model to characterize the asphaltene size within the oil as well. Results showed that as the oil viscosity increased, the asphaltene concentration in the oil also increased. Also, the asphaltene concentration and filter cake thickness increased with the decrease in filter membrane pore size, since the asphaltene particles either plugged up the smaller pores, or the asphaltene nanoaggregates were larger than the pore sizes, and thus the majority of them could not pass. This research studies asphaltene instability in crude oil during CO2injection in different pore sizes, and correlates the results to the principle of the Yen–Mullins model for asphaltenes. The results from this research can help emphasize the factors that will impact asphaltene stability during CO2injection in different pore sizes in order to help reduce asphaltene-related problems that arise during CO2injection in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Time-Dependent Graphs: Definitions, Applications, and Algorithms
Authors: Wang Yishu , Yuan Ye , Ma Yuliang , Wang Guoren
Published: September 2019

A time-dependent graph is, informally speaking, a graph structure dynamically changes with time. In such graphs, the weights associated with edges dynamically change over time, that is, the edges in such graphs are activated by sequences of time-dependent elements. Many real-life scenarios can be better modeled by time-dependent graphs, such as bioinformatics networks, transportation networks, and social networks. In particular, the time-dependent graph is a very broad concept, which is reflected in the related research with many names, including temporal graphs, evolving graphs, time-varying graphs, historical graphs, and so on. Though static graphs have been extensively studied, for their time-dependent generalizations, we are still far from a complete and mature theory of models and algorithms. In this paper, we discuss the definition and topological structure of time-dependent graphs, as well as models for their relationship to dynamic systems. In addition, we review some classic problems on time-dependent graphs, e.g., route planning, social analysis, and subgraph problem (including matching and mining). We also introduce existing time-dependent systems and summarize their advantages and limitations. We try to keep the descriptions consistent as much as possible and we hope the survey can help practitioners to understand existing time-dependent techniques.
Correlation between cognitive impairment and retinal neural loss assessed by swept‐source optical coherence tomography in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Almeida Ana L.M. , Pires Leopoldo A. , Figueiredo Evelyn A. , Costa‐Cunha Luciana V.F. , Zacharias Leandro C. , Preti Rony C. , Monteiro Mário L.R. , Cunha Leonardo P.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

We compared peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness measurements in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and control subjects using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT). We also assessed the relationship between SS‐OCT measurements and the severity of cognitive impairment.

Methods

Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness were measured in 23 patients and 24 control subjects using SS‐OCT. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Pfeffer Questionnaire.

Results

Most inner retinal layer thickness parameters were significantly smaller in patients with MCI, especially macular ganglion cell complex thickness measurements. Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment findings were significantly correlated with most macular thickness parameters.

Discussion

The SS‐OCT–measured inner retinal layers of patients with MCI displayed thinning, especially in the central macular area. SS‐OCT technology can provide useful information on ocular involvement patterns and holds promise as an ocular biomarker in this patient population.
The Effects of Political Institutions on the Extensive and Intensive Margins of Trade
Authors: Kim In Song , Londregan John , Ratkovic Marc
Published: September 2019

We present a model of political networks that integrates both the choice of trade partners (the extensive margin) and trade volumes (the intensive margin). Our model predicts that regimes secure in their survival, including democracies as well as some consolidated authoritarian regimes, will trade more on the extensive margin than vulnerable autocracies, which will block trade in products that would expand interpersonal contact among their citizens. We apply a two-stage Bayesian LASSO estimator to detailed measures of institutional features and highly disaggregated product-level trade data encompassing 131 countries over a half century. Consistent with our model, we find that (a) political institutions matter for the extensive margin of trade but not for the intensive margin and (b) the effects of political institutions on the extensive margin of trade vary across products, falling most heavily on those goods that involve extensive interpersonal contact.
Holocaust survivors’ perspectives on using community aged care and support services
Authors: Teshuva Karen , Borowski Allan , Wells Yvonne
Published: September 2019

The extant literature on Jewish Holocaust survivors’ experiences of receiving aged care services typically focuses on the risk that formal care settings may reactivate traumatic memories. Absent from previous research have been the viewpoints of older survivors themselves regarding their aged care experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to investigate Jewish Holocaust survivors’ lived experience of using community aged care services. Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. The credibility of the findings was ensured by methodological triangulation and peer debriefing. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: wanting carers to do their job well; being supported to maintain autonomy; having a good relationship with the carer; and being understood as an individual. Although Holocaust survivors described the lived experience of using community aged care services in terms of universal themes similar to those identified with other groups of care recipients, the data revealed that this experience is intertwined with individual earlier-life traumatic experiences. This study has implications for training age care staff who work with Holocaust survivors and older trauma survivors from other refugee backgrounds.
Resisting the ‘populist hype’: a feminist critique of a globalising concept
Authors: Maiguashca Bice
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this article is to offer a feminist critique of populism, not as a distinct mode of politics, but as an analytical and political concept. As such, it seeks to redirect our attention away from populism, understood as a politics ‘out there’, towards the academictheoretical debatesthat have given this analytical term a new lease of life and propelled it beyond academic circles into the wider public discourse. In this context, the article develops two broad arguments. The first is that the two prevailing conceptions of populism are marred by anaemic conceptions of power, collective agency and subjectivity and, as such, are unable to present us with a convincing account of why this form of radical politics emerges in the first place, who its protagonists are, and how they come together in collective struggle. The second is that our current frenetic deployment of the term as a blanket descriptor for radical politics of all persuasions does not bode well for feminismpolitically. For both reasons, I conclude that feminists need to resist the current ‘populist hype’.
Moving the field of vocabulary assessment forward: The need for more rigorous test development and validation
Authors: Schmitt Norbert , Nation Paul , Kremmel Benjamin
Published: September 2019

Recently, a large number of vocabulary tests have been made available to language teachers, testers, and researchers. Unfortunately, most of them have been launched with inadequate validation evidence. The field of language testing has become increasingly more rigorous in the area of test validation, but developers of vocabulary tests have generally not given validation sufficient attention in the past. This paper argues for more rigorous and systematic procedures for test development, starting from a more precise specification of the test's purpose, intended testees and educational context, the particular aspects of vocabulary knowledge which are being measured, and the way in which the test scores should be interpreted. It also calls for greater assessment literacy among vocabulary test developers, and greater support for the end users of the tests, for instance, with the provision of detailed users' manuals. Overall, the authors present what they feel are the minimum requirements for vocabulary test development and validation. They argue that the field should self-police itself more rigorously to ensure that these requirements are met or exceeded, and made explicit for those using vocabulary tests.
“The Line Must Be Drawn Somewhere”: The Rise of Legal Status Restrictions in State Welfare Policy in the 1970s
Authors: Fox Cybelle
Published: September 2019

In 1971, Governor Ronald Reagan signed into law a measure barring unauthorized immigrants from public assistance. The following year, New York State legislators passed a bill to do the same, although that bill was vetoed by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. This article examines these cases to better understand why states that had long provided welfare to unauthorized immigrants each sought to bar them from public assistance. Common explanations for the curtailment of immigrant social rights often center on partisan politics, popular nativism, demographic context, or issue entrepreneurs. But these studies often wrongly assume that efforts to limit immigrant social rights began in the 1990s. Therefore, they miss how such efforts first emerged in the 1970s, and how these restrictive measures were initially closely bound up in broader debates over race and welfare that followed in the wake of the War on Poverty and the civil rights movement. Where scholars often argue that immigration undermines support for welfare, I show how the turn against welfare helped to undermine immigrant social rights. I also show how differing interpretations of the scope and reach of Supreme Court decisions traditionally seen as victories for welfare and immigrant rights help explain initial variation in policy outcomes in each state.
Epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of Candida albicans vs. non-albicans candidaemia in adult patients in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Song Xingpeng , Wu Hao , Zheng Rui
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of adult patients with candidaemia caused by C. albicans vs. non-albicans Candida spp. (NAC). All adult hospitalised cases of candidaemia (2012–2017) at a tertiary hospital in Shenyang were included in the retrospective study, and a total of 180 episodes were analysed. C. parapsilosis was the most frequently isolated species (38.3%), followed by C. albicans (35.6%), C. glabrata (13.9%), C. tropicalis (10%) and others (2.2%). As initial antifungal therapy, 75.0%, 3.9%, 5.6% and 2.2% of patients received fluconazole, caspofungin, micafungin and voriconazole, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that total parenteral nutrition was associated with an increased risk of NAC bloodstream infections (BSI) (OR 2.535, 95% CI (1.066–6.026)) vs. C. albicans BSI. Additionally, the presence of a urinary catheter was associated with an increased risk of C. albicans BSI (OR 2.295 (1.129–4.666)) vs. NAC BSI. Moreover, ICU stay (OR 4.013 (1.476–10.906)), renal failure (OR 3.24 (1.084–9.683)), thrombocytopaenia (OR 7.171 (2.152–23.892)) and C. albicans (OR 3.629 (1.352–9.743)) were independent risk factors for candidaemia-related 30-day mortality, while recent cancer surgery was associated with reduced mortality risk (OR 26.479 (2.550–274.918)). All these factors may provide useful information to select initial empirical antifungal agents.
Vegetable intake in Australian children and adolescents: the importance of consumption frequency, eating occasion and its association with dietary and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Fayet-Moore Flavia , McConnell Andrew , Cassettari Tim , Tuck Kate , Petocz Peter , Kim Jean
Published: September 2019

Objective:

We aimed to profile vegetable consumption and its association with dietary and sociodemographic factors.

Design:

Secondary analysis of a nationally representative nutrition survey. ‘Vegetables’ refers to non-discretionary ‘vegetables and legumes/beans’ as defined by the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG). Prevalence of vegetable consumption, frequency of intake, proportion meeting ADG recommendations, most popular food groups, intake at each reported eating occasion, and the profile of high and low vegetable consumers (based on the median servings) were determined.

Setting:

Australian 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

Participants:

Children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years (n2812).

Results:

Vegetables were consumed by 83·0% (95% CI 81·6, 84·4%) of participants, but the median vegetable servings was less than a third of the ADG recommendations. ‘Leaf and stalk vegetables’ and ‘potatoes’ were the most popular vegetable-dense food groups at lunch and dinner, respectively. Sixty-four percent had vegetables once a day, and predominantly at dinner. Vegetable frequency was positively associated with daily vegetable servings and variety. Participants who consumed vegetables twice a day generally had vegetables at both lunch and dinner and had nearly double the servings (2·6,sd1·9) of those who consumed them once (1·5,sd1·5). High vegetable consumers were older, had higher total energy, but lower discretionary energy intake and were less likely to be at risk of metabolic complications.

Conclusion:

Increasing the frequency of vegetable consumption may assist with increasing daily vegetable servings. A focus on consuming vegetables at lunch may assist with increasing both total servings and variety.
Catholic Intellectuals and the Invention of Pluralism in France
Authors: Jones H. S.
Published: September 2019

This article traces the invention of pluralist political language in France to a very specific ideological source: Jacques Maritain, Emmanuel Mounier, and the progressive Catholic circles that gathered around the journalEspritin the 1930s. It shows that the dialogue with the émigré Russian Jewish sociologist Georges Gurvitch was an important influence on theEspritcircle, but also that it was Maritain rather than Gurvitch who did most to disseminate the language of pluralism. The paper thus builds on recent work according Maritain and Christian democracy a central place in the intellectual history of twentieth-century politics. It also contests the Anglo-American bias that has dominated histories of pluralism, and instead places France at the centre.
The Dynamics of Racial Resentment across the 50 US States
Authors: Smith Candis Watts , Kreitzer Rebecca J. , Suo Feiya
Published: September 2019

Although many scholars who study the role of racial animus in Americans’ political attitudes and policy preferences do so to help us understand national-level politics, (racialized) policy is largely shaped at the state level. States are laboratories of policy innovation whose experiments can exacerbate or ameliorate racial inequality. In this article, we develop state-level scores of racial resentment. By using linear multilevel regression and poststratification weighting techniques and by linking nationally representative survey data with US Census data, we create time-varying, dynamic state-level estimates of racial resentment from 1988 to 2016. These measures enable us to explore the extent to which subnational levels of racial attitudes fluctuate over time and to provide a comparative analysis of state-level racial resentment scores across space and time. We find that states’ levels of racial animus change slowly, with some exhibiting increases over time while others do just the opposite. Southern states’ reputation for having the highest levels of racial resentment has been challenged by states across various regions of the United States. Many states had their lowest levels of symbolic racism decades ago, contrary to the traditional American narrative of racial progress.
Investigation into interactions of environmental and application time effects on 2,4-D and dicamba-induced phytotoxicity and hydrogen peroxide formation
Authors: Johnston Christopher R. , Vencill William K. , Grey Timothy L. , Stanley Culpepper A. , Henry Gerald M. , Czarnota Mark A.
Published: September 2019

Application timing and environmental factors reportedly influence the efficacy of auxinic herbicides. In resistance-prone weed species such as Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson), efficacy of auxinic herbicides recently adopted for use in resistant crops is of utmost importance to reduce selection pressure for herbicide-resistance traits. Growth chamber experiments were conducted comparing the interaction of different environmental effects with application time to determine the influence of these factors on visible phytotoxicity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation in A. palmeri. Temperature displayed a high degree of influence on 2,4-D and dicamba efficacy in general, with applications at the low-temperature treatment (31/20 C day/night) resulting in an increase in phytotoxicity compared with high-temperature treatments (41/30 C day/night). Application time across temperature treatments significantly affected 2,4-D–induced phytotoxicity, resulting in a ≥30% increase across rates with treatments at 4:00 PM compared with 8:00 AM. Temperature differential had a significant influence on dicamba efficacy based on visible phytotoxicity data, with a ≥46% increase with a high (37/20 C day/night) compared with a low differential (41/30 C day/night). Concentration of H2O2 in herbicide-treated plants was 34% higher under a high temperature differential compared with the low differential. Humidity treatments and application time interactions displayed undetected or inconsistent effects on visible phytotoxicity and H2O2 production. Overall, temperature-related influences seem to have the largest environmental effect on auxinic herbicides within conditions evaluated in this study. Leaf concentration of H2O2 appears to be generally correlated with phytotoxicity, providing a potentially useful tool in determining efficacy of auxinic herbicides in field settings.
Targeting the IL-1β/IL-1Ra pathways for the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide in an ex vivo organ culture system of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Wu Xinghuo , Liao Zhiwei , Wang Kun , Hua Wenbin , Liu Xianzhe , Song Yu , Zhang Yukun , Yang Shuhua , Yang Cao
Published: September 2019

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is characterized by excessive apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and hyperactive extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism. Our previous studies revealed the relationship between human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) and NP cell apoptosis. However, the role of hIAPP aggregates in IDD has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to determine whether the accumulation of hIAPP aggregates promotes IDD progression. The aggregation of hIAPP increased in human NP tissues during IDD. The deposition of hIAPP aggravated the compression-induced IDD that promoted NP cell apoptosis and ECM degradation via IL-1β/IL-1Ra signaling in an ex vivo rat disc model. Moreover, neutralizing IL-1β augmented the protective effects of hIAPP overexpression by decreasing hIAPP aggregation in human NP cells. These results suggest that the aggregation of hIAPP promotes NP cell apoptosis and ECM degradation ex vivo and in vitro by disrupting the balance of IL-1β/IL-1Ra signaling.
Dynamical properties of elemental metabolism distinguish attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Austin Christine , Curtin Paul , Curtin Austen , Gennings Chris , Arora Manish , Tammimies Kristiina , Isaksson Johan , Willfors Charlotte , Bölte Sven
Published: September 2019

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions of overlapping etiologies and phenotypes. For ASD, we recently reported altered elemental metabolic patterns in the form of short and irregular zinc and copper cycles. Here, we extend the application of these biomarkers of prenatal and early postnatal elemental metabolism to distinguish between individuals diagnosed with ADHD and/or ASD and neurotypical controls. We recruited twins discordant for ADHD, ASD and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses from national twin studies in Sweden (N = 74) diagnosed according to DSM-5 clinical consensus and standardized psychiatric instruments. Detailed temporal profiles of exposure to 10 metals over the prenatal and early childhood periods were measured using tooth biomarkers. We used recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) to characterize properties of cyclical metabolic patterns of these metals. Regularity (determinism) and complexity (entropy) of elemental cycles was consistently reduced in ADHD for cobalt, lead, and vanadium (determinism: cobalt, β = −0.03, P = 0.017; lead, β = −0.03, P = 0.016; and vanadium, β = −0.03, P = 0.01. Entropy: cobalt, β = −0.13, P = 0.017; lead, β = −0.18, P = 0.016; and vanadium, β = −0.15, P = 0.008). Further, we found elemental pathways and dynamical features specific to ADHD vs ASD, and unique characteristics associated with ADHD/ASD combined presentation. Dysregulation of cyclical processes in elemental metabolism during prenatal and early postnatal development not only encompasses pathways shared by ADHD and ASD, but also comprise features specific to either condition.
c-Met activation leads to the establishment of a TGFβ-receptor regulatory network in bladder cancer progression
Authors: Sim Wen Jing , Iyengar Prasanna Vasudevan , Lama Dilraj , Lui Sarah Kit Leng , Ng Hsien Chun , Haviv-Shapira Lior , Domany Eytan , Kappei Dennis , Tan Tuan Zea , Saei Azad , Jaynes Patrick William , Verma Chandra Shekhar , Kumar Alan Prem , Rouanne Mathieu , Ha Hong Koo , Radulescu Camelia , ten Dijke Peter , Eichhorn Pieter Johan Adam , Thiery Jean Paul
Published: September 2019

Treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer remains a major clinical challenge. Aberrant HGF/c-MET upregulation and activation is frequently observed in bladder cancer correlating with cancer progression and invasion. However, the mechanisms underlying HGF/c-MET-mediated invasion in bladder cancer remains unknown. As part of a negative feedback loop SMAD7 binds to SMURF2 targeting the TGFβ receptor for degradation. Under these conditions, SMAD7 acts as a SMURF2 agonist by disrupting the intramolecular interactions within SMURF2. We demonstrate that HGF stimulates TGFβ signalling through c-SRC-mediated phosphorylation of SMURF2 resulting in loss of SMAD7 binding and enhanced SMURF2 C2-HECT interaction, inhibiting SMURF2 and enhancing TGFβ receptor stabilisation. This upregulation of the TGFβ pathway by HGF leads to TGFβ-mediated EMT and invasion. In vivo we show that TGFβ receptor inhibition prevents bladder cancer invasion. Furthermore, we make a rationale for the use of combinatorial TGFβ and MEK inhibitors for treatment of high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers.
Gigantic jet discharges evolve stepwise through the middle atmosphere
Authors: van der Velde Oscar A. , Montanyà Joan , López Jesús A. , Cummer Steven A.
Published: September 2019

In 2002 it was discovered that a lightning discharge can rise out of the top of tropical thunderstorms and branch out spectacularly to the base of the ionosphere at 90 km altitude. Several dozens of such gigantic jets have been recorded or photographed since, but eluded capture by high-speed video cameras. Here we report on 4 gigantic jets recorded in Colombia at a temporal resolution of 200 µs to 1 ms. During the rising stage, one or more luminous steps are revealed at 32-40 km, before a continuous final jump of negative streamers to the ionosphere, starting in a bidirectional (bipolar) fashion. The subsequent trailing jet extends upward from the jump onset, with a current density well below that of lightning leaders. Magnetic field signals tracking the charge transfer and optical Geostationary Lightning Mapper data are now matched unambiguously to the precisely timed final jump process in a gigantic jet.
High-fat diet fuels prostate cancer progression by rewiring the metabolome and amplifying the MYC program
Authors: Labbé David P. , Zadra Giorgia , Yang Meng , Reyes Jaime M. , Lin Charles Y. , Cacciatore Stefano , Ebot Ericka M. , Creech Amanda L. , Giunchi Francesca , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Elfandy Habiba , Syamala Sudeepa , Karoly Edward D. , Alshalalfa Mohammed , Erho Nicholas , Ross Ashley , Schaeffer Edward M. , Gibb Ewan A. , Takhar Mandeep , Den Robert B. , Lehrer Jonathan , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Freedland Stephen J. , Davicioni Elai , Spratt Daniel E. , Ellis Leigh , Jaffe Jacob D. , DʼAmico Anthony V. , Kantoff Philip W. , Bradner James E. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Chavarro Jorge E. , Loda Massimo , Brown Myles
Published: September 2019

Systemic metabolic alterations associated with increased consumption of saturated fat and obesity are linked with increased risk of prostate cancer progression and mortality, but the molecular underpinnings of this association are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate in a murine prostate cancer model, that high-fat diet (HFD) enhances the MYC transcriptional program through metabolic alterations that favour histone H4K20 hypomethylation at the promoter regions of MYC regulated genes, leading to increased cellular proliferation and tumour burden. Saturated fat intake (SFI) is also associated with an enhanced MYC transcriptional signature in prostate cancer patients. The SFI-induced MYC signature independently predicts prostate cancer progression and death. Finally, switching from a high-fat to a low-fat diet, attenuates the MYC transcriptional program in mice. Our findings suggest that in primary prostate cancer, dietary SFI contributes to tumour progression by mimicking MYC over expression, setting the stage for therapeutic approaches involving changes to the diet.
Soliton superlattices in twisted hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Ni G. X. , Wang H. , Jiang B.-Y. , Chen L. X. , Du Y. , Sun Z. Y. , Goldflam M. D. , Frenzel A. J. , Xie X. M. , Fogler M. M. , Basov D. N.
Published: September 2019

Properties of atomic van der Waals heterostructures are profoundly influenced by interlayer coupling, which critically depends on stacking of the proximal layers. Rotational misalignment or lattice mismatch of the layers gives rise to a periodic modulation of the stacking, the moiré superlattice. Provided the superlattice period extends over many unit cells, the coupled layers undergo lattice relaxation, leading to the concentration of strain at line defects – solitons - separating large area commensurate domains. We visualize such long-range periodic superstructures in thin crystals of hexagonal boron nitride using atomic-force microscopy and nano-infrared spectroscopy. The solitons form sub-surface hexagonal networks with periods of a few hundred nanometers. We analyze the topography and infrared contrast of these networks to obtain spatial distribution of local strain and its effect on the infrared-active phonons of hBN.
BORDER proteins protect expression of neighboring genes by promoting 3′ Pol II pausing in plants
Authors: Yu Xuhong , Martin Pascal G. P. , Michaels Scott D.
Published: September 2019

Ensuring that one gene’s transcription does not inappropriately affect the expression of its neighbors is a fundamental challenge to gene regulation in a genomic context. In plants, which lack homologs of animal insulator proteins, the mechanisms that prevent transcriptional interference are not well understood. Here we show that BORDER proteins are enriched in intergenic regions and prevent interference between closely spaced genes on the same strand by promoting the 3′ pausing of RNA polymerase II at the upstream gene. In the absence of BORDER proteins, 3′ pausing associated with the upstream gene is reduced and shifts into the promoter region of the downstream gene. This is consistent with a model in which BORDER proteins inhibit transcriptional interference by preventing RNA polymerase from intruding into the promoters of downstream genes.
Metabolomic adaptations and correlates of survival to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Li Haoxin , Bullock Kevin , Gurjao Carino , Braun David , Shukla Sachet A. , Bossé Dominick , Lalani Aly-Khan A. , Gopal Shuba , Jin Chelsea , Horak Christine , Wind-Rotolo Megan , Signoretti Sabina , McDermott David F. , Freeman Gordon J. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Schreiber Stuart L. , Stephen Hodi F. , Sellers William R. , Garraway Levi A. , Clish Clary B. , Choueiri Toni K. , Giannakis Marios
Published: September 2019

Despite remarkable success of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the majority of cancer patients have yet to receive durable benefits. Here, in order to investigate the metabolic alterations in response to immune checkpoint blockade, we comprehensively profile serum metabolites in advanced melanoma and renal cell carcinoma patients treated with nivolumab, an antibody against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1). We identify serum kynurenine/tryptophan ratio increases as an adaptive resistance mechanism associated with worse overall survival. This advocates for patient stratification and metabolic monitoring in immunotherapy clinical trials including those combining PD1 blockade with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase/tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase   (IDO/TDO) inhibitors.
Photoredox-catalyzed oxo-amination of aryl cyclopropanes
Authors: Ge Liang , Wang Ding-Xing , Xing Renyi , Ma Di , Walsh Patrick J. , Feng Chao
Published: September 2019

Cyclopropanes represent a class of versatile building blocks in modern organic synthesis. While the release of ring strain offers a thermodynamic driving force, the control of selectivity for C–C bond cleavage and the subsequent regiochemistry of the functionalization remains difficult, especially for unactivated cyclopropanes. Here we report a photoredox-coupled ring-opening oxo-amination of electronically unbiased cyclopropanes, which enables the expedient construction of a host of structurally diverse β-amino ketone derivatives. Through one electron oxidation, the relatively inert aryl cyclopropanes are readily converted into reactive radical cation intermediates, which in turn participate in the ensuing ring-opening functionalizations. Based on mechanistic studies, the present oxo-amination is proposed to proceed through an SN2-like nucleophilic attack/ring-opening manifold. This protocol features wide substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, and use of dioxygen as an oxidant both for catalyst regeneration and oxygen-incorporation. Moreover, a one-pot formal aminoacylation of olefins is described through a sequential cyclopropanation/oxo-amination.
A fiber-deprived diet disturbs the fine-scale spatial architecture of the murine colon microbiome
Authors: Riva Alessandra , Kuzyk Orest , Forsberg Erica , Siuzdak Gary , Pfann Carina , Herbold Craig , Daims Holger , Loy Alexander , Warth Benedikt , Berry David
Published: September 2019

Compartmentalization of the gut microbiota is thought to be important to system function, but the extent of spatial organization in the gut ecosystem remains poorly understood. Here, we profile the murine colonic microbiota along longitudinal and lateral axes using laser capture microdissection. We found fine-scale spatial structuring of the microbiota marked by gradients in composition and diversity along the length of the colon. Privation of fiber reduces the diversity of the microbiota and disrupts longitudinal and lateral gradients in microbiota composition. Both mucus-adjacent and luminal communities are influenced by the absence of dietary fiber, with the loss of a characteristic distal colon microbiota and a reduction in the mucosa-adjacent community, concomitant with depletion of the mucus layer. These results indicate that diet has not only global but also local effects on the composition of the gut microbiota, which may affect function and resilience differently depending on location.