bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of long‐term silver supply shortage for c‐Si PV under different technological scenarios
Authors: Li Wenhua , Adachi Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2018

This study focuses on quantifying supply shortage of silver for c‐Si PV over the long term (2015–2050), and measures the effects of technological uncertainties in the industry by scenario. Wherein, Hubbert theory, Weibull distribution, and intensity of demand are used to estimate silver mining supply, recycling supply, and manufacturing demand, respectively. The results show that silver supply shortage for manufacturing demand will occur from 2030. Technology improvements in the PV industry could delay when the shortage begins, but they will not prevent it, while silver supply shortage for c‐Si PV could be eliminated under the total effects scenario. Reducing dependency on silver as a raw material for c‐Si PV industry through technological progress and recycling retired panels is recommended. This study highlights the balance between natural resources and renewable energy sustainability. It benefits the PV industry's long‐term strategizing and helps policy making for long‐term silver resource sustainability.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Technological improvements in the PV industry are critical to relieve silver supply shortage in the long term and ensure sustainable installation of c‐Si PV.

Recycling of end‐of‐life c‐Si PV is of great importance to secure silver supply for PV manufacturers in the long term.

Improving silver old scrap recycling is necessary for long‐term availability of silver.

It is indispensable to balance natural resources and renewable energy sustainability.
Effects of inflammation on social processes and implications for health
Authors: Moieni Mona , Eisenberger Naomi I.
Published: May 2018

Although at first glance inflammation and social behavior may appear unrelated, research points to an important role for inflammation in shaping social processes. This review summarizes findings in this field, specifically highlighting work that provides support for the idea that inflammation can lead to (1) increases in sensitivity to negative, threatening social experiences and (2) increases in sensitivity to positive, socially rewarding experiences. These diverging sensitivities in response to inflammation may depend on context and be adaptive for recuperation and recovery from illness. This review also discusses the implications of these findings for health and future research, including implications for depression, loneliness, and inflammatory disorders.
Syncretic translation
Authors: Saussy Haun
Published: May 2018

In the 1930s and 1940s Chen Yinque offered an account of a transitional phase which he called “geyi” or “matching meanings”: Buddhist preachers would have used phrases and concepts familiar to practitioners of Daoism to transmit their new doctrines. This account has persuaded many scholars in East Asia and the European‐influenced world, to the point of being included in most manuals and histories. Though somewhat speculative and requiring a closer examination, the concept may also be extended to cover other types of referential ambiguity, often enabling cultural innovation. And when we look carefully at the examples of “geyi” offered by Chen Yinque, we find that they do not present actual syncretism, or a fusion on the level of ideology; rather, they consist of momentary coincidences or intellectual “puns” between details of different, indeed often quite unrelated, structures of argument. Thus the idea of “geyi” needs to be reformulated, both in terms of definition and in view of its longer‐term consequences of translation of terms and meanings that show changes over a longer period of history.
Religious naturalism: The current debate
Authors: Leidenhag Mikael
Published: May 2018

This paper provides a survey of contemporary religious naturalism. It presents reductive and non‐reductive versions of religious naturalism, and some arguments in favour of this naturalistic perspective. Finally, it discusses three crucial demarcation issues that contemporary religious naturalism faces.
Consequences of diapause on post‐diapause development, reproductive physiology and population growth of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)
Authors: Dhillon Mukesh K. , Hasan Fazil
Published: May 2018

We investigate the effects of diapause on post‐diapause development, reproductive physiology and population growth of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera). Aestivating and hibernating larvae of C. partellus are exposed to diapause terminating conditions (consisting of an LD 12 : 12 h photocycle at 27 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity with a fresh diet) to terminate the diapause and observations are made on percentage pupation, pupal duration and weight, adult reproductive performance and population growth parameters. We find that the diapause in C. partellus significantly reduces the percentage pupation and weights of pupae, ultimately lowering the weight and reproductive performance of adults. Reduced weights of adult females are found to be directly associated with a lower number of egg cells in ovaries. Nevertheless, the reproductive performance of C. partellus males is also found to be greatly affected in the diapause (hibernation and aestivation) experiencing population in terms of the deposition of a lower number of spermatophores and eupyrene sperm in the reproductive tracts of females compared with the nondiapausing population. The results of the present study clearly indicate that a reduction in longevity, fecundity and egg viability, as well as a reduced rate of deposition of spermatophores and eupyrene sperm, in a diapause experiencing population of C. partellus ultimately leads to a reduction in population growth parameters, thus having implications for bio‐ecology and population dynamics under a changing climatic scenario.
A Bayesian Approach to Modelling Subnational Spatial Dynamics of Worldwide Non-State Terrorism, 2010–2016
Authors: Python André , Illian Janine B. , Jones-Todd Charlotte M. , Blangiardo Marta
Published: May 2018

Terrorism persists as a worldwide threat, as exemplified by the on-going lethal attacks perpetrated by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Al Qaeda in Yemen and Boko Haram in Nigeria. In response, states deploy various counterterrorism policies, the costs of which could be reduced through efficient preventive measures. Statistical models that can account for complex spatiotemporal dependences have not yet been applied, despite their potential for providing guidance to explain and prevent terrorism. To address this shortcoming, we employ hierarchical models in a Bayesian context, where the spatial random field is represented by a stochastic partial differential equation. Our main findings suggest that lethal terrorist attacks tend to generate more deaths in ethnically polarized areas and in locations within democratic countries. Furthermore, the number of lethal attacks increases close to large cities and in locations with higher levels of population density and human activity.
Efficient estimation in partially linear single‐index models for longitudinal data
Authors: Cai Quan , Wang Suojin
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we consider the estimation of both the parameters and the nonparametric link function in partially linear single‐index models for longitudinal data that may be unbalanced. In particular, a new three‐stage approach is proposed to estimate the nonparametric link function using marginal kernel regression and the parametric components with generalized estimating equations. The resulting estimators properly account for the within‐subject correlation. We show that the parameter estimators are asymptotically semiparametrically efficient. We also show that the asymptotic variance of the link function estimator is minimized when the working error covariance matrices are correctly specified. The new estimators are more efficient than estimators in the existing literature. These asymptotic results are obtained without assuming normality. The finite‐sample performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation studies. In addition, two real‐data examples are analyzed to illustrate the methodology.
Validation of the Korean Version Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire
Authors: Park Yeonsoo , Kim Hyang Sook
Published: May 2018

Objective

The Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide posits thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness as the constructs of suicidal desire. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), which measures thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, in Korean university students.

Method

A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to identify the latent structure of the 15‐item INQ. Then, its psychometric properties were examined through a correlation analysis and a hierarchical regression analysis. The study included 313 Korean students of which 113 were male and 200 were female. The mean age was 21.51 years.

Results

The factor analyses supported a two‐factor model. However, item 12 cross‐loaded on both thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. While the correlation analysis supported convergent validity, discriminant validity was observed only through a more elaborative measure. Furthermore, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed perceived burdensomeness and the interaction between the two constructs as significant predictors of current suicide ideation.

Conclusion

The difference in the structure of the INQ may be due to cultural influences. Nevertheless, the high predictability of suicide ideation that it produces even when controlling for depression implies its clinical usefulness when assessing suicidal risk in Koreans.
Institutional corruption in psychiatry: Case analyses and solutions for reform
Authors: Cosgrove Lisa , Peters Shannon M. , Vaswani Akansha , Karter Justin M.
Published: May 2018

Researchers have documented psychiatry's crisis of credibility and called for transparency and reform, yet current solutions do not go beyond timid acceptance. The conceptual and normative framework of institutional corruption highlights the various economies of influence (e.g., industry's capture of regulatory bodies and medical journals) that need to be mitigated. Case analyses of (a) the process by which the latest antidepressant, vortioxetine, came to market, and (b) the promotion of a heavily conflicted guideline for “mixed depression” illustrate how industry is shaping the scientific evidence base and practice in psychiatry, and why systemic, policy‐oriented solutions are needed. We offer solutions for reform that intend to go beyond simple transparency and address the root causes and systemic nature of the problems in the field. These include developing rating systems for clinical practice guidelines and medical journals, a stepped‐care, contextual approach to diagnosis and treatment, addressing perverse incentive structures within universities, and a shift towards a rights‐based paradigm of care with genuine stakeholder involvement.
Student budgets and widening participation: Comparative experiences of finance in low and higher income undergraduates at a northern red brick university
Authors: Hordósy Rita , Clark Tom
Published: May 2018

Drawing on a thematic analysis of longitudinal qualitative data (ntotal = 118), this article takes a “whole student lifecycle” approach to examine how lower and higher income students at an English northern red brick university variously attempted to manage their individual budgets. It explores how students reconcile their income—in the form of loans, grants, and bursaries—with the cost of living. Four arenas of interest are described: planning, budgeting, and managing “the student loan”; disruptions to financial planning; the role of familial support; and strategies of augmenting the budget. In detailing the micro‐level constraints on the individual budgets of lower and higher income undergraduates, the article highlights the importance of non‐repayable grants and bursaries in helping to sustain meaningful participation in higher tariff, more selective, higher education institutions. It also supports an emerging body of literature that suggests that the continuing amendments to the system of funding higher education in England are unlikely to address inequality of access, participation, and outcome.
Outcome and prognostic factors in medically treated canine prostatic carcinomas: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Ravicini S. , Baines S. J. , Taylor A. , Amores‐Fuster I. , Mason S. L. , Treggiari E.
Published: May 2018

Literature describing medical treatment of canine prostatic carcinoma (PC) is sparse. The aims of this study were to assess outcomes, including time to progression (TTP) and median survival time (MST), of canine PC treated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or chemotherapy, and to identify prognostic factors. Records from 8 institutions were searched for dogs with cytologically or histologically confirmed PC without bladder involvement: 67 dogs were included. Presenting signs were urinary (25), gastrointestinal ([GI], 11) and systemic (3); 16 dogs had GI and urinary signs, 7 dogs had systemic signs with concurrent GI or urinary signs and in 5 dogs the tumour was an incidental finding. Out of 27 dogs, 9 (33%) had positive urine culture. Metastases were identified in 26 dogs to lymph nodes (19), lungs (10), bone (2) and liver (1). Treatment included NSAIDs and chemotherapy (32), NSAIDs alone (31) and chemotherapy alone (4). The overall MST was 82 days (range 9‐752) and median TTP was 63 days (range 9‐752). Dogs receiving NSAIDs combined with chemotherapy experienced a significantly longer MST (106 vs 51 days;P = .035) and TTP (76 vs 44 days;P = .02) compared to dogs receiving NSAIDs alone. Intact dogs and those with metastatic disease had significantly shorter MST (31 vs 90 days,P = .018 and 49 vs 109 days,P = .037, respectively); intact dogs also had significantly shorter TTP (25 vs 63 days,P = .0003). This study suggests that a combination of NSAIDs and chemotherapy may improve outcomes in canine PC. Metastatic disease and being entire negatively influenced prognosis.
The Economics of Climate – Resilient Development – A Book Review
Authors: Buheji Mohamad
Published: May 2018

The “Economics of Climate-Resilient Development” present a comprehensive mitigation plan to avoid future socio-economic crisis. The authors foresight that unless strategies are adapt effectively and efficiently today by the different communities and specially in the developing low income countries, the world would be vulnerable to economic shocks that never been experienced before.The book can be considered unique since it linked the economic development with the techniques of adaptation. It coincides with work the reviewer published about resilience economy where approaches for enhancing people and communities are explained in order to reach the minimum expected adaptability and flexibility. Buheji (2018a, 2018b).However, the work of Fankhauser and McDermott (2016) greatly focus on climate change, as the main challenge of economic development. The work would be greater if the editors ensure more inclusion and details on the nature of human being journeys.The issue of poverty covered in the book is a good example of foresighted socio-economic risk that needs to be mitigated to avoid deterioration due to many conditions that mostly would be uncontrollable due external unforeseen factors. In an earlier work, these factors were seen the cause for more complexity of the business models, which required proactive resilient practices, Buheji (2017).
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: May 2018

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 6 Abdul Azim Akhtar, Independent Academic & Researcher, Delhi, IndiaAmir Hossain, IBAIS University, BangladeshAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAslan,Yasin, Sinop University, TurkeyAyşegül Sili Kalem, Necmettin Erbakan Universitesi, TurkeyChris Gilleard, University College London, UKEnzo Loner, University of Trento, ItalyFroilan Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAHyejin Lee, Tufts University, MA, USA and Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, USAImran Ali Sandano, Zhejiang University, ChinaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II, Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJohn Boulard Forkuor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), GhanaMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRemigiusz Kijak, "University of Warsaw", PolandYaghoob Foroutan, The University of Waikato, New Zealand
Sur les -blocs de niveau zéro des groupes -adiques
Authors: Lanard Thomas
Published: May 2018

Let $G$ be a $p$-adic group that splits over an unramified extension. We decompose $\text{Rep}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}}^{0}(G)$, the abelian category of smooth level $0$ representations of $G$ with coefficients in $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}=\overline{\mathbb{Q}}_{\ell }$ or $\overline{\mathbb{Z}}_{\ell }$, into a product of subcategories indexed by inertial Langlands parameters. We construct these categories via systems of idempotents on the Bruhat–Tits building and Deligne–Lusztig theory. Then, we prove compatibilities with parabolic induction and restriction functors and the local Langlands correspondence.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the wild orchid Cattleya maxima Lindl
Authors: Cueva-Agila Augusta Yadira , Cella Rino
Published: May 2018

Protocorms are unique anatomical structures; they are akin to rhizoids and are formed by young orchid seedlings under physiological conditions. Explanted orchid tissues produce similar structures called protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) when exposed to appropriate in vitro growing conditions. Both the propagative nature of PLBs and the easiness by which they can be generated, make these structures an attractive alternative to seed-mediated production for growing large numbers of plants. To increase somatic embryogenesis and optimize the procedure, PLBs of Cattleya maxima were transformed using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens method. The T-DNA carried a Hygromycin-resistance gene, a visible marker (GFP5-GUSA) and a rice gene encoding the Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase, deemed to be important for somatic embryogenesis. Treated PLBs generated somatic embryos developing Hygromycin-resistant plantlets. The insertion of T-DNA was confirmed by PCR, and GFP expression was observed using a fluorescent stereomicroscope. Transformed Cattleya maxima PLBs were more efficient in forming somatic embryos (60-80%) than untransformed controls (45-57%), and this contrast was maximized in hormone-free, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (80% of the transformed plants compared to 57% of the untransformed ones). This finding supports the notion that SERK plays an important role in Orchid embryogenesis.
Analysis of the Tunicamycin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of Streptomyces chartreusis Reveals New Insights into Tunicamycin Production and Immunity
Authors: Widdick David , Royer Sylvain F. , Wang Hua , Vior Natalia M. , Gomez-Escribano Juan Pablo , Davis Benjamin G. , Bibb Mervyn J.
Published: May 2018

The tunicamycin biosynthetic gene cluster of
Streptomyces chartreusis
consists of 14 genes (
tunA
to
tunN
) with a high degree of apparent translational coupling. Transcriptional analysis revealed that all of these genes are likely to be transcribed as a single operon from two promoters,
tun
p1 and
tun
p2. In-frame deletion analysis revealed that just six of these genes (
tunABCDEH
) are essential for tunicamycin production in the heterologous host
Streptomyces coelicolor
, while five (
tunFGKLN
) with likely counterparts in primary metabolism are not necessary, but presumably ensure efficient production of the antibiotic at the onset of tunicamycin biosynthesis. Three genes are implicated in immunity, namely,
tunI
and
tunJ
, which encode a two-component ABC transporter presumably required for export of the antibiotic, and
tunM
, which encodes a putative
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase. Expression of
tunIJ
or
tunM
in
S. coelicolor
conferred resistance to exogenous tunicamycin. The results presented here provide new insights into tunicamycin biosynthesis and immunity.
Iron Restriction to Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans by the Novel Chelator DIBI Inhibits Growth and Increases Sensitivity to AzolesIn VitroandIn Vivoin a Murine Model of Experimental Vaginitis
Authors: Savage Kimberley A. , Parquet Maria del Carmen , Allan David S. , Davidson Ross J. , Holbein Bruce E. , Lilly Elizabeth A. , Fidel Paul L.
Published: May 2018

Candida albicansis an important opportunistic pathogen causing various human infections that are often treated with azole antifungals. The U.S. CDC now regards developing candidal antifungal resistance as a threat, creating a need for new and more effective antifungal treatments. Iron is an essential nutrient for all living cells, and there is growing evidence that interference with iron homeostasis ofC. albicanscan improve its response to antifungals. This study was aimed at establishing whether withholding iron by currently used medical iron chelators and the novel chelator DIBI could restrict growth and also enhance the activity of azoles against clinical isolates ofC. albicans. DIBI, but not deferoxamine or deferiprone, inhibited the growth ofC. albicansat relatively low concentrationsin vitro, and this inhibition was reversed by iron addition. DIBI in combination with various azoles demonstrated stronger growth inhibition than the azoles alone and greatly prolonged the inhibition of cell multiplication. In addition, the administration of DIBI along with fluconazole (FLC) to mice inoculated with an FLC-sensitive isolate in a model of experimentalC. albicansvaginitis showed a markedly improved clearance of infection. These results suggest that iron chelation by DIBI has the potential to enhance azole efficacy for the treatment of candidiasis.
Phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-Trisphosphate Induces Phagocytosis of Nonmotile Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Demirdjian Sally , Hopkins Daniel , Sanchez Hector , Libre Michael , Gerber Scott A. , Berwin Brent
Published: May 2018

Pathogenic bacteria that establish chronic infections in immunocompromised patients frequently undergo adaptation or selection for traits that are advantageous for their growth and survival. Clinical isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, a Gram-negative, opportunistic bacterial pathogen, exhibit a temporal transition from a motile to a nonmotile phenotype through loss of flagellar motility during the course of chronic infection.
Intestinal Lamina Propria CD4
+
T Cells Promote Bactericidal Activity of Macrophages via Galectin-9 and Tim-3 Interaction during Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection
Authors: Yu Xin , Zhang Hongru , Yu Linyan , Liu Meifang , Zuo Zengyan , Han Qiuju , Zhang Jian , Tian Zhigang , Zhang Cai
Published: May 2018

The intestinal immune system is crucial for protection from pathogenic infection and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis. We studied the intestinal immune microenvironment in a
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium intestinal infection mouse model.
A New Family of Capsule Polymerases Generates Teichoic Acid-Like Capsule Polymers in Gram-Negative Pathogens
Authors: Litschko Christa , Oldrini Davide , Budde Insa , Berger Monika , Meens Jochen , Gerardy-Schahn Rita , Berti Francesco , Schubert Mario , Fiebig Timm
Published: May 2018

Group 2 capsule polymers represent crucial virulence factors of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. They are synthesized by enzymes called capsule polymerases. In this report, we describe a new family of polymerases that combine glycosyltransferase and hexose- and polyol-phosphate transferase activity to generate complex poly(oligosaccharide phosphate) and poly(glycosylpolyol phosphate) polymers, the latter of which display similarity to wall teichoic acid (WTA), a cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria. Using modeling and multiple-sequence alignment, we showed homology between the predicted polymerase domains and WTA type I biosynthesis enzymes, creating a link between Gram-negative and Gram-positive cell wall biosynthesis processes. The polymerases of the new family are highly abundant and found in a variety of capsule-expressing pathogens such as
Neisseria meningitidis
,
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
,
Haemophilus influenzae
,
Bibersteinia trehalosi
, and
Escherichia coli
with both human and animal hosts. Five representative candidates were purified, their activities were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and their predicted folds were validated by site-directed mutagenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Bacterial capsules play an important role in the interaction between a pathogen and the immune system of its host. During the last decade, capsule polymerases have become attractive tools for the production of capsule polymers applied as antigens in glycoconjugate vaccine formulations. Conventional production of glycoconjugate vaccines requires the cultivation of the pathogen and thus the highest biosafety standards, leading to tremendous costs. With regard to animal husbandry, where vaccines could avoid the extensive use of antibiotics, conventional production is not sufficiently cost-effective. In contrast, enzymatic synthesis of capsule polymers is pathogen-free and fast, offers high stereo- and regioselectivity, and works with high efficacy. The new capsule polymerase family described here vastly increases the toolbox of enzymes available for biotechnology purposes. Representatives are abundantly found in human pathogens but also in animal pathogens, paving the way for the exploitation of polymerases for the development of a new generation of vaccines for animal husbandry.
Rational Design of Biosafety Level 2-Approved, Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through Nutrient Auxotrophy
Authors: Vilchèze Catherine , Copeland Jacqueline , Keiser Tracy L. , Weisbrod Torin , Washington Jacqueline , Jain Paras , Malek Adel , Weinrick Brian , Jacobs William R.
Published: May 2018

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, defined as tuberculosis resistant to the two first-line drugs isoniazid and rifampin, poses a serious problem for global tuberculosis control strategies. Lack of a safe and convenient model organism hampers progress in combating the spread of MDR strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. We reasoned that auxotrophic MDR mutants of
M. tuberculosis
would provide a safe means for studying MDR
M. tuberculosis
without the need for a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory. Two different sets of triple auxotrophic mutants of
M. tuberculosis
were generated, which were auxotrophic for the nutrients leucine, pantothenate, and arginine or for leucine, pantothenate, and methionine. These triple auxotrophic strains retained their acid-fastness, their ability to generate both a drug persistence phenotype and drug-resistant mutants, and their susceptibility to plaque-forming mycobacterial phages. MDR triple auxotrophic mutants were obtained in a two-step fashion, selecting first for solely isoniazid-resistant or rifampin-resistant mutants. Interestingly, selection for isoniazid-resistant mutants of the methionine auxotroph generated isolates with single point mutations in
katG
, which encodes an isoniazid-activating enzyme, whereas similar selection using the arginine auxotroph yielded isoniazid-resistant mutants with large deletions in the chromosomal region containing
katG
. These
M. tuberculosis
MDR strains were readily sterilized by second-line tuberculosis drugs and failed to kill immunocompromised mice. These strains provide attractive candidates for
M. tuberculosis
biology studies and drug screening outside the BSL3 facility.

IMPORTANCE
Elimination of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the bacterium causing tuberculosis, requires enhanced understanding of its biology in order to identify new drugs against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
as well as uncovering novel pathways that lead to
M. tuberculosis
death. To circumvent the need for a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory when conducting research on
M. tuberculosis
, we have generated drug-susceptible and drug-resistant triple auxotrophic strains of
M. tuberculosis
suitable for use in a BSL2 laboratory. These strains originate from a double auxotrophic
M. tuberculosis
strain, H37Rv Δ
panCD
Δ
leuCD
, which was reclassified as a BSL2 strain based on its lack of lethality in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice. A third auxotrophy (methionine or arginine) was introduced via deletion of
metA
or
argB
, respectively, since
M. tuberculosis
Δ
metA
and
M. tuberculosis
Δ
argB
are unable to survive amino acid auxotrophy and infect their host. The resulting triple auxotrophic
M. tuberculosis
strains retained characteristics of
M. tuberculosis
relevant for most types of investigations.
Thrombectomy 24 hours after stroke: beyond DAWN
Authors: Desai Shashvat M , Haussen Diogo C , Aghaebrahim Amin , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Santos Roberta , Nogueira Raul G , Jovin Tudor G , Jadhav Ashutosh P
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

The results of the DAWN trial support the benefit of thrombectomy in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute stroke presenting within 6–24 hours from time last known well (TLKW). We sought to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients who met DAWN criteria but underwent thrombectomy beyond 24 hours of TLKW.

Methods

A retrospective review of endovascular thrombectomy databases at three comprehensive stroke centers was performed to identify all patients who received thrombectomy beyond 24 hours of TLKW and otherwise met the DAWN criteria. Baseline characteristics, efficacy, and safety outcomes were compared with patients in the DAWN trial intervention arm.

Results

Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Rates of successful reperfusion (mTICI2b–3: 81% vs 84%, P=0.72), 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2, 43% vs 48%, P=0.68), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (5% vs 6%, P=0.87) were comparable across the two groups.

Conclusion

Thrombectomy appears to be safe and feasible in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to LVO meeting all DAWN trial criteria but treated beyond 24 hours of TLKW with outcomes comparable to patients in the DAWN trial intervention arm. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Should flavours be banned in cigarettes and e-cigarettes? Evidence on adult smokers and recent quitters from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Buckell John , Marti Joachim , Sindelar Jody L
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To provide the policy-relevant estimates of impacts of alternative flavour bans on preferences and demand for cigarettes and e-cigarettes in adult smokers and recent quitters.

Methods

A best–best discrete choice experiment (DCE) is used to elicit smokers’ and recent quitters’ preferences for flavours, price, health impact and nicotine level in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Choice of tobacco products and an opt-out option were examined. An efficient design yielded 36 choice sets. Exploded logit choice models were estimated. Flavour bans are modelled by restricting flavour coefficients in the estimated model.

Setting and participants

A sample of 2031 adult smokers and recent quitters was recruited to complete an online survey and DCE.

Results

Current smokers and recent quitters, on average, prefer cigarettes and menthol cigarettes over flavoured e-cigarettes. However, there is substantial preference heterogeneity by younger adults (ages 18–25), race/ethnicity and respondents with higher education. Our predictions suggest that a ban on menthol cigarettes would produce the greatest reduction in the choice of cigarettes (−5.2%), but with an accompanying increase in e-cigarettes use (3.8%). In contrast, banning flavours in e-cigarettes, while allowing menthol in cigarettes would result in the greatest increase in the selection of cigarettes (8.3%), and a decline in the use of e-cigarettes (−11.1%). A ban on all flavours, but tobacco in both products would increase ‘opting-out’ the most (5.2%) but would also increase choice of cigarettes (2.7%) and decrease choice of e-cigarettes (−7.9%).

Conclusions

A ban on flavoured e-cigarettes alone would likely increase the choice of cigarettes in smokers, arguably the more harmful way of obtaining nicotine, whereas a ban on menthol cigarettes alone would likely be more effective in reducing the choice of cigarettes. A ban on all flavours in both products would likely reduce the smoking/vaping rates, but the use of cigarettes would be higher than in the status quo. Policy-makers should use these results to guide the choice of flavour bans in light of their stance on the potential health impacts both products.
The polarity sensitivity factor of some fluorescent probe molecules used for studying supramolecular systems and other heterogeneous environments
Authors: Wagner Brian D. , Arnold Amy E. , Gallant Spencer T. , Grinton Carmen R. , Locke Julia K. , Mills Natasha D. , Snow Carrie A. , Uhlig Timara B. , Vessey Christen N.
Published: May 2018

Fluorescence spectroscopy provides an excellent technique for investigating heterogeneous systems, due to its high sensitivity and the large effect of the local environment on molecular emission. In addition, the use of polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes as guests in supramolecular host–guest inclusion complexes can be exploited in fluorescent sensors. This paper identifies, tabulates, and quantifies a series of useful polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes, with a wide range of polarity-dependent fluorescence responses. The degree of polarity sensitivity is quantified using the polarity sensitivity factor (PSF), developed in our laboratory. In most cases, such polarity-sensitive probes show increased emission as the local polarity is decreased (PSF > 1); 10 such probes are described. However, less commonly, “reverse polarity dependence” can occur in which probe emission decreases with decreasing polarity (PSF < 1); four such probes are described. The mechanism for the observed polarity-induced fluorescence changes will also be discussed in selected representative cases. The purpose of this paper is to present details on a broad arsenal of polarity-sensitive fluorescence probes with varying properties, with potentially useful applications in the study of heterogeneous systems, including inclusion phenomena, and in practical applications such as fluorescent sensors, which will be useful to researchers studying supramolecular and other heterogeneous systems using fluorescence spectroscopy.
Diverse culturable bacterial communities with cellulolytic potential revealed from pristine habitat in Indian trans-Himalaya
Authors: Thakur Vikas , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Sanjay , Singh Dharam
Published: May 2018

The Pangi–Chamba Himalaya (PCH) region is very pristine, unique, and virgin niche for bioresource exploration. In the current study, for the first time, the bacterial diversity of this region was investigated for potential cellulose degraders. A total of 454 pure bacterial isolates were obtained from diverse sites in the PCH region, and 111 isolates were further selected for 16S rDNA characterization based on ARDRA grouping. The identified bacteria belonged to 28 genera representing four phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Pseudomonas was most abundant genus, followed by Bacillus, Geobacillus, Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus, and Flavobacterium. In addition, six putative novel bacteria (based on 16S rDNA sequence similarity) and thermophiles from non-thermogenic sites were also reported for the first time. Screening for cellulose degradation ability on carboxymethyl cellulose plates revealed that 70.92% of bacteria were cellulolytic. The current study reports diverse bacterial genera (Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus, Chryseobacterium, Pedobacter, Streptomyces, Agromyces, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas) with high capacity for cellulose hydrolysis and cellulolytic functionality at wide pH and temperature not previously reported in the literature. Diverse bacterial genera with high cellulolytic activity in broad pH and temperature range provide opportunity to develop a bioprocess for efficient pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, which is currently being investigated.
Deferiprone increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and nitric oxide production
Authors: Sriwantana Thanaporn , Vivithanaporn Pornpun , Paiboonsukwong Kittiphong , Rattanawonsakul Krit , Srihirun Sirada , Sibmooh Nathawut
Published: May 2018

Iron chelation can improve endothelial function. However, effect on endothelial function of deferiprone has not been reported. We hypothesized deferiprone could promote nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells. We studied effects of deferiprone on blood nitrite and blood pressure after single oral dose (25 mg/kg) in healthy subjects and hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia patients. Further, effects of deferiprone on NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in primary human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) were investigated in vitro. Blood nitrite levels were higher in patients with deferiprone therapy than those without deferiprone (P = 0.023, n = 16 each). Deferiprone increased nitrite in plasma and whole blood of healthy subjects (P = 0.002 and 0.044) and thalassemia patients (P = 0.003 and 0.046) at time 180 min (n = 20 each). Asymptomatic reduction in diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.005) and increase in heart rate (P = 0.009) were observed in healthy subjects, but not in thalassemia patients. In HPAEC, deferiprone increased cellular nitrite and phospho-eNOS (Ser1177) (P = 0.012 and 0.035, n = 6) without alteration in total eNOS protein and mRNA. We conclude that deferiprone can induce NO production by enhancing eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells.
Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channel inhibitor 9-phenanthrol inhibits K+ but not Ca2+ currents in canine ventricular myocytes
Authors: Veress Roland , Baranyai Dóra , Hegyi Bence , Kistamás Kornél , Dienes Csaba , Magyar János , Bányász Tamás , Nánási Péter P. , Szentandrássy Norbert , Horváth Balázs
Published: May 2018

The role of transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channels has been frequently tested using their inhibitor 9-phenanthrol in various cardiac preparations; however, the selectivity of the compound is uncertain. Therefore, in the present study, the concentration-dependent effects of 9-phenanthrol on major ionic currents were studied in canine isolated ventricular cells using whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique and 10 mM BAPTA-containing pipette solution to prevent the Ca2+-dependent activation of TRPM4 channels. Transient outward (Ito1), rapid delayed rectifier (IKr), and inward rectifier (IK1) K+ currents were suppressed by 10 and 30 μM 9-phenanthrol with the blocking potency for IK1 < IKr < Ito1 and partial reversibility. L-type Ca2+ current was not affected up to the concentration of 30 μM. In addition, a steady outward current was detected at voltages positive to –40 mV in 9-phenanthrol, which was larger at more positive voltages and larger 9-phenanthrol concentrations. Action potentials were recorded using microelectrodes. Maximal rate of depolarization, phase-1 repolarization, and terminal repolarization were decreased and the plateau potential was depressed by 9-phenanthrol (3–30 μM), congruently with the observed alterations of ionic currents. Significant action potential prolongation was observed by 9-phenanthrol in the majority of the studied cells, but only at 30 μM concentration. In conclusion, 9-phenanthrol is not selective to TRPM4 channels in canine ventricular myocardium; therefore, its application as a TRPM4 blocker can be appropriate only in expression systems but not in native cardiac cells.
The beneficial effect of natural antioxidants from olive oil with fig and date palm fruit extracts on biochemical and hematological parameters in rats during diethylnitrosamine-induced carcinogenesis
Authors: Fathy Abdallah H. , Bashandy Mohamed A. , Bashandy Samir A. , Mansour Ahmed M.
Published: May 2018

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a well-known carcinogen. The aim of our study was to determine the role of olive oil (7 g/kg) with fig (1 g/kg) (OF) and (or) date palm (1 g/kg) (D) fruit extracts during DEN treatment of male Wistar rats. The OF–DEN and (or) D–DEN groups were given oral antioxidants daily for two weeks before and during DEN treatment (21 weeks).

The DEN-treated group showed dramatic results for all investigated parameters as compared with the control rats. All OF–DEN and D–DEN groups showed significant improvement in hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide concentration in the liver tissue, in addition to improvement in serum vascular endothelial growth factor level, alpha-fetoprotein, lipid profile, lipid risk ratios, and the hematological parameters as compared with the DEN-treated group.

In conclusion, the administration of OF and (or) D fruit extracts to DEN-treated rats resulted in a considerable improvement in the investigated biochemical and hematological parameters. In addition, the combined OFD treatments showed greater improvements revealing the synergistic effect of the combination.
Wave equations in conformal gravity
Authors: Du Juan-Juan , Wang Xue-Jing , He You-Biao , Yang Si-Jiang , Li Zhong-Heng
Published: May 2018

We study the wave equation governing massless fields of all spins (s = 0, [Formula: see text], 1, [Formula: see text] and 2) in the most general spherical symmetric metric of conformal gravity. The equation is separable, the solution of the angular part is a spin-weighted spherical harmonic, and the radial wave function may be expressed in terms of solutions of the Heun equation which has four regular singular points. We also consider various special cases of the metric and find that the angular wave functions are the same for all cases, the actual shape of the metric functions affects only the radial wave function. It is interesting to note that each radial equation can be transformed into a known ordinary differential equation (i.e. Heun equation, or confluent Heun equation, or hypergeometric equation). The results show that there are analytic solutions for all the wave equations of massless spin fields in the spacetimes of conformal gravity. This is amazing because exact solutions are few and far between for other spacetimes.
A model with isospin doublet U(1)D gauge symmetry
Authors: Nomura Takaaki , Okada Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

We propose a model with an extra isospin doublet [Formula: see text] gauge symmetry, in which we introduce several extra fermions with odd parity under a discrete [Formula: see text] symmetry in order to cancel the gauge anomalies out. A remarkable issue is that we impose nonzero [Formula: see text] charge to the Standard Model Higgs, and it gives the most stringent constraint to the vacuum expectation value of a scalar field breaking the [Formula: see text] symmetry that is severer than the LEP bound. We then explore relic density of a Majorana dark matter candidate without conflict of constraints from lepton flavor violating processes. A global analysis is carried out to search for parameters which can accommodate with the observed data.
A coupled nonlinear Schrödinger-type equation and its Darboux transformation
Authors: Geng Xianguo , Wei Jiao , Xue Bo
Published: May 2018

A new coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS)-type equation is proposed by means of the negative power flow of a spectral problem. Resorting to the gauge transformation of the spectral problem and the reduction technique, Darboux transformations for the coupled NLS-type equation and its reduction are constructed, by which explicit solutions of the two coupled NLS-type equations can be engendered from their known solutions. This process can be done continually and will usually yield a series of solutions including multi-soliton solutions. As an illustrate example, one- and two-soliton solutions of the latter coupled NLS-type equation are obtained from a trivial solution.
Pressureless Euler alignment system with control
Authors: Albi Giacomo , Choi Young-Pil , Häck Axel-Stefan
Published: May 2018

We study a non-local hydrodynamic system with control. First, we characterize the control dynamics as a sub-optimal approximation to the optimal control problem constrained to the evolution of the pressureless Euler alignment system. We then discuss the critical thresholds that lead to global regularity or finite-time blow-up of strong solutions in one and two dimensions. Finally, we use a finite volume scheme, coupled with an implicit–explicit time integrator to solve numerically the stiff scale of the controlled system. Several numerical simulations are shown to validate the theoretical and computational results of the paper.
Allee optimal control of a system in ecology
Authors: Trélat Emmanuel , Zhu Jiamin , Zuazua Enrique
Published: May 2018

The Allee threshold of an ecological system distinguishes the sign of population growth either towards extinction or to carrying capacity. In practice, human interventions can tune the Allee threshold for instance thanks to the sterile male technique and the mating disruption. In this paper, we address various control problems for a system described by a diffusion–reaction equation regulating the Allee threshold, viewed as a real parameter determining the unstable equilibrium of the bistable nonlinear reaction term. We prove that this system is the mean field limit of an interacting system of particles in which the individual behaviour is driven by stochastic laws. Numerical simulations of the stochastic process show that the propagation of population is governed by travelling wave solutions of the macroscopic reaction–diffusion system, which model the fact that solutions, in bounded space domains, reach asymptotically an equilibrium configuration.

An optimal control problem for the macroscopic model is then introduced with the objective of steering the system to a target travelling wave. Using well-known analytical results and stability properties of travelling waves, we show that well-chosen piecewise constant controls allow to reach the target approximately in sufficiently long time. We then develop a direct computational method and show its efficiency for computing such controls in various numerical simulations. Finally, we show the effectiveness of the obtained macroscopic optimal controls in the microscopic system of interacting particles and we discuss their advantage when addressing situations that are out of reach for the analytical methods. We conclude the paper with some open problems and directions for future research.