bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repurposing of α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists: Impact in Renal Cancer
Authors: Mihalopoulos Meredith , Dovey Zachary , Archer Maddison , Korn Talia G. , Okhawere Kennedy E. , Nkemdirim William , Funchess Hassan , Rambhia Ami , Mohamed Nihal , Kaplan Steven A. , Mehrazin Reza , Lundon Dara , Tsao Che-Kai , Badani Ketan K. , Kyprianou Natasha
Published: August 2020

Renal cancer ranks twelfth in incidence among cancers worldwide. Despite improving outcomes due to better therapeutic options and strategies, prognosis for those with metastatic disease remains poor. Current systemic therapeutic approaches include inhibiting pathways of angiogenesis, immune checkpoint blockade, and mTOR inhibition, but inevitably resistance develops for those with metastatic disease, and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. Emerging molecular and epidemiological evidence suggests that quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor-antagonists may have both chemopreventive and direct therapeutic actions in the treatment of urological cancers, including renal cancer. In human renal cancer cell models, quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists were shown to significantly reduce the invasion and metastatic potential of renal tumors by targeting focal adhesion survival signaling to induce anoikis. Mechanistically these drugs overcome anoikis resistance in tumor cells by targeting cell survival regulators AKT and FAK, disrupting integrin adhesion (α5β1 and α2β1) and engaging extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated tumor suppressors. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for the use of quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists as novel therapies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and highlight their potential therapeutic action through overcoming anoikis resistance of tumor epithelial and endothelial cells in metastatic RCC. These findings provide a platform for future studies that will retrospectively and prospectively test repurposing of quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor-antagonists for the treatment of advanced RCC and the prevention of metastasis in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, salvage and metastatic settings.
The Regulatory Role of Mitochondrial MicroRNAs (MitomiRs) in Breast Cancer: Translational Implications Present and Future
Authors: Ortega Miguel A. , Fraile-Martínez Oscar , Guijarro Luis G. , Casanova Carlos , Coca Santiago , Álvarez-Mon Melchor , Buján Julia , García-Honduvilla Natalio , Asúnsolo Ángel
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is the most prevalent and incident female neoplasm worldwide. Although survival rates have considerably improved, it is still the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate the posttranscriptional expression of a wide variety of genes. Although it is usually located in the cytoplasm, several studies have detected a regulatory role of microRNAs in other cell compartments such as the nucleus or mitochondrion, known as “mitomiRs”. MitomiRs are essential modulators of mitochondrion tasks and their abnormal expression has been linked to the aetiology of several human diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including breast cancer. This review aims to examine basic knowledge of the role of mitomiRs in breast cancer and discusses their prospects as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Anti-Glucosylsphingosine Autoimmunity, JAK2V617F-Dependent Interleukin-1β and JAK2V617F-Independent Cytokines in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Allain-Maillet Sophie , Bosseboeuf Adrien , Mennesson Nicolas , Bostoën Mégane , Dufeu Laura , Choi Eun Ho , Cleyrat Cédric , Mansier Olivier , Lippert Eric , Le Bris Yannick , Gombert Jean-Marc , Girodon François , Pettazzoni Magali , Bigot-Corbel Edith , Hermouet Sylvie
Published: August 2020

Inflammatory cytokines play a major role in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) as regulators of the MPN clone and as mediators of clinical symptoms and complications. Firstly, we investigated the effect of JAK2V617F on 42 molecules linked to inflammation. For JAK2V617F-mutated patients, the JAK2V617F allele burden (%JAK2V617F) correlated with the levels of IL-1β, IL-1Rα, IP-10 and leptin in polycythemia vera (PV), and with IL-33 in ET; for all other molecules, no correlation was found. Cytokine production was also studied in the human megakaryocytic cell line UT-7. Wild-type UT-7 cells secreted 27/42 cytokines measured. UT-7 clones expressing 50% or 75% JAK2V617F were generated, in which the production of IL-1β, IP-10 and RANTES was increased; other cytokines were not affected. Secondly, we searched for causes of chronic inflammation in MPNs other than driver mutations. Since antigen-driven selection is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of blood malignancies, we investigated whether proinflammatory glucosylsphingosine (GlcSph) may play a role in MPNs. We report that 20% (15/75) of MPN patients presented with anti-GlcSph IgGs, distinguished by elevated levels of 11 cytokines. In summary, only IL-1β and IP-10 were linked to JAK2V617F both in patients and in UT-7 cells; other inflammation-linked cytokines in excess in MPNs were not. For subsets of MPN patients, a possible cause of inflammation may be auto-immunity against glucolipids.
Development of a Cationic Amphiphilic Helical Peptidomimetic (B18L) As A Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Lead
Authors: Lyu Yuan , Kopcho Steven , Alvarez Folnetti A. , Okeoma Bryson C. , Okeoma Chioma M.
Published: August 2020

BST-2 is a novel driver of cancer progression whose expression confers oncogenic properties to breast cancer cells. As such, targeting BST-2 in tumors may be an effective therapeutic approach against breast cancer. Here, we sought to develop potent cytotoxic anti-cancer agent using the second-generation BST-2-based anti-adhesion peptide, B18, as backbone. To this end, we designed a series of five B18-derived peptidomimetics. Among these, B18L, a cationic amphiphilic α-helical peptidomimetic, was selected as the drug lead because it displayed superior anti-cancer activity against both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive cancer cells, with minimal toxicity on normal cells. Probing mechanism of action using molecular dynamics simulations, biochemical and membrane biophysics studies, we observed that B18L binds BST-2 and possesses membranolytic characteristics. Furthermore, molecular biology studies show that B18L dysregulates cancer signaling pathways resulting in decreased Src and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bcl2 proteins, caspase 3 cleavage products, as well as processing of the caspase substrate, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), to the characteristic apoptotic fragment. These data indicate that through the coordinated regulation of membrane, mitochondrial and signaling events, B18L executes cancer cell death and thus has the potential to be developed into a potent and selective anti-cancer compound.
Deciphering the Immune Microenvironment on A Single Archival Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Section by An Immediately Implementable Multiplex Fluorescence Immunostaining Protocol
Authors: Guillot Adrien , Kohlhepp Marlene , Bruneau Alix , Heymann Felix , Tacke Frank
Published: August 2020

Technological breakthroughs have fundamentally changed our understanding on the complexity of the tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level. Characterizing the immune cell composition in relation to spatial distribution and histological changes may provide important diagnostic and therapeutic information. Immunostaining on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples represents a widespread and simple procedure, allowing the visualization of cellular distribution and processes, on preserved tissue structure. Recent advances in microscopy and molecular biology have made multiplexing accessible, yet technically challenging. We herein describe a novel, simple and cost-effective method for a reproducible and highly flexible multiplex immunostaining on archived FFPE tissue samples, which we optimized for solid organs (e.g., liver, intestine, lung, kidney) from mice and humans. Our protocol requires limited specific equipment and reagents, making multiplexing (>12 antibodies) immediately implementable to any histology laboratory routinely performing immunostaining. Using this method on single sections and combining it with automated whole-slide image analysis, we characterize the hepatic immune microenvironment in preclinical mouse models of liver fibrosis, steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and on human-patient samples with chronic liver diseases. The data provide useful insights into tissue organization and immune–parenchymal cell-to-cell interactions. It also highlights the profound macrophage heterogeneity in liver across premalignant conditions and HCC.
Sustained Inflammatory Signalling through Stat1/Stat2/IRF9 Is Associated with Amoeboid Phenotype of Melanoma Cells
Authors: Gandalovičová Aneta , Šůchová Anna-Marie , Čermák Vladimír , Merta Ladislav , Rösel Daniel , Brábek Jan
Published: August 2020

The invasive behaviour of cancer cells underlies metastatic dissemination; however, due to the large plasticity of invasion modes, it is challenging to target. It is now widely accepted that various secreted cytokines modulate the tumour microenvironment and pro-inflammatory signalling can promote tumour progression. Here, we report that cells after mesenchymal–amoeboid transition show the increased expression of genes associated with the type I interferon response. Moreover, the sustained activation of type I interferon signalling in response to IFNβ mediated by the Stat1/Stat2/IRF9 complex enhances the round amoeboid phenotype in melanoma cells, whereas its downregulation by various approaches promotes the mesenchymal invasive phenotype. Overall, we demonstrate that interferon signalling is associated with the amoeboid phenotype of cancer cells and suggest a novel role of IFNβ in promoting cancer invasion plasticity, aside from its known role as a tumour suppressor.
Nuclear Receptors as Autophagy-Based Antimicrobial Therapeutics
Authors: Silwal Prashanta , Paik Seungwha , Jeon Sang Min , Jo Eun-Kyeong
Published: August 2020

Autophagy is an intracellular process that targets intracellular pathogens for lysosomal degradation. Autophagy is tightly controlled at transcriptional and post-translational levels. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a family of transcriptional factors that regulate the expression of gene sets involved in, for example, metabolic and immune homeostasis. Several NRs show promise as host-directed anti-infectives through the modulation of autophagy activities by their natural ligands or small molecules (agonists/antagonists). Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of NRs (vitamin D receptors, estrogen receptors, estrogen-related receptors, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) in linking immunity and autophagy during infection. We also discuss the potential of emerging NRs (REV-ERBs, retinoic acid receptors, retinoic acid-related orphan receptors, liver X receptors, farnesoid X receptors, and thyroid hormone receptors) as candidate antimicrobials. The identification of novel roles and mechanisms for NRs will enable the development of autophagy-adjunctive therapeutics for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Role of Liver-Mediated Tolerance in Nanoparticle-Based Tumor Therapy
Authors: Cacicedo Maximiliano L. , Medina-Montano Carolina , Kaps Leonard , Kappel Cinja , Gehring Stephan , Bros Matthias
Published: August 2020

In the last decades, the use of nanocarriers for immunotherapeutic purposes has gained a lot of attention, especially in the field of tumor therapy. However, most types of nanocarriers accumulate strongly in the liver after systemic application. Due to the default tolerance-promoting role of liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), Kupffer cells (KCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), their potential role on the immunological outcome of systemic nano-vaccination approaches for therapy of tumors in the liver and in other organs needs to be considered. Concerning immunological functions, KCs have been the focus until now, but recent studies have elucidated an important role of LSECs and HSCs as well. Therefore, this review aims to summarize current knowledge on the employment of nanocarriers for immunotherapeutic therapy of liver diseases and the overall role of liver NPCs in the context of nano-vaccination approaches. With regard to the latter, we discuss strategies on how to address liver NPCs, aiming to exploit and modulate their immunological properties, and alternatively how to avoid unwanted engagement of nano-vaccines by liver NPCs for tumor therapy.
Managing Congenital Lobar Overinflation Associated with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Kylat Ranjit I.
Published: August 2020

The incidence of congenital lobar overinflation (CLO) is reported at 1 in 20,000–30,000 live births and represents 10% of all congenital lung malformations. The occurrence of concomitant congenital heart disease (CHD) and CLO ranges from 12% to 20%. There are diverging views in the management as to whether early lobectomy or repair of the cardiac defect, with the assumption that respiratory symptomatology would gradually resolve, or a combined lung and cardiac repair would be the ideal first step in the management. In concomitant CLO and CHD, the surgical decision has to be individualized. Prior to surgical intervention a thorough evaluation may be needed with contrast computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bronchoscopy, and if needed cardiac catheterization. CLO improves with management of many left to right shunts and in those with anomalous vessels, but early lobectomy or combined approach may be considered in those symptomatic patients with more complex CHD.
Investigations in Anti-Impact Performance of TiN Coatings Prepared by Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc Method under Different Substrate Temperatures
Authors: Huang Da , He Weifeng , Cao Xin , Jiao Yang
Published: August 2020

In this study, the anti-impact performance of the TiN coatings prepared under various substrate temperatures (35, 200, 400, and 600 °C) were evaluated using a cyclic impact tester under 104 cycles. Moreover, the microstructure and anti-impact performance-related mechanical properties (adhesion strength and nano-hardness) were investigated to reveal the underlying mechanism of how the substrate temperature affects the anti-impact performance of the coatings. The results showed that the substrate temperature has a great influence on the internal stress, nano-hardness, and adhesion strength as well as the anti-impact performance of TiN coatings, and the coatings prepared under 400 °C exhibit the best impact resistance. The small internal stress, strong adhesion strength as well as high hardness and H3/E2 value for the 400 °C prepared coatings are the main contributes.
GDC Buffer Layer Synthesized by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering: Effect of Total Pressure and Thickness on SOFC Performances
Authors: Bouleau Lara , Coton Noelia , Coquoz Pierre , Ihringer Raphael , Billard Alain , Briois Pascal
Published: August 2020

Gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) buffer layers were synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering under different total pressures and different thickness. All as-deposited and after an annealing treatment during two hours under air at 1000 °C coating presents a face centered cubic (f.c.c) structure of ceria with dense and adhesive morphology. The cell synthesized under 0.1 Pa and 0.57 µm present the best performances. (open-circuit voltage (OCV): 1.133 eV and power density: 1650 mW·cm−2 @ 800 mA·cm−2 at 790 °C).
Effect of Processing Technique Factors on Structure and Photophysical Properties of Perovskite Absorption Layer by Using Two-Step Spin-Coating Method
Authors: Zhou Zixiao , Zou Xiaoping , Zhu Jialin , Cheng Jin , Ren Haiyan , Chang Chuangchuang , Yao Yujun , Chen Dan , Yu Xing , Li Guangdong , Wang Junqi , Liu Baoyu
Published: August 2020

The investigation of crystal growth is crucial for us to improve the film quality and photophysical properties of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3). In the two-step spin-coating process, the crystal structure could be modulated by controlling the growth conditions of PbI2 and CH3NH3I (MAI) layers. In this paper, the PbI2 layer was treated with annealing under different times. A liquid–liquid diffusion (LLD) mechanism is proposed to modify the deposition of MAI precursor solution and enhance the flatness of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite film. Furthermore, the perovskite films are prepared using different concentrations of MAI. The evolution process of perovskite structure is observed by modulating the concentration of MAI. The spin-coating of moderate MAI tends to form high quality MAPbI3 films with enhanced absorption and carrier extraction capabilities. The high concentration of MAI would cause the perovskite phase transition, which provides a novel perspective to modulate the structure of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite in the two-step spin-coating process, although it deteriorates the device performance.
Artifacts in Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography: From Physics to Clinics
Authors: Wu Wei-Ting , Chang Ke-Vin , Hsu Yu-Chun , Hsu Po-Cheng , Ricci Vincenzo , Özçakar Levent
Published: August 2020

Ultrasound appears to be the most useful imaging tool in the diagnosis and guided treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, ultrasonography has been criticized for being user dependent. Therefore, medical professionals should be familiar with the basic principles of ultrasound imaging (e.g., physics and technical skills) to diminish artifacts and avoid misinterpretation. In this review, we focused on the physics of common artifacts, their clinical significance, and the ways to tackle them in daily practice during musculoskeletal imaging. In particular, artifacts pertaining to the focal zone, beam attenuation, path and side lobe of the beam, speed of the sound, and range ambiguity were described.
Spatial Distribution of Noise Reduction in Four Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms in CT—A Technical Evaluation
Authors: Guleng Anette , Bolstad Kirsten , Dalehaug Ingvild , Flatabø Silje , Aadnevik Daniel , Pettersen Helge E. S.
Published: August 2020

Iterative reconstruction (IR) is a computed tomgraphy (CT) reconstruction algorithm aiming at improving image quality by reducing noise in the image. During this process, IR also changes the noise properties in the images. To assess how IR algorithms from four vendors affect the noise properties in CT images, an anthropomorphic phantom was scanned and images reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), and a medium and high level of IR. Each image acquisition was performed 30 times at the same slice position, to create noise maps showing the inter-image pixel standard deviation through the 30 images. We observed that IR changed the noise properties in the CT images by reducing noise more in homogeneous areas than at anatomical edges between structures of different densities. This difference increased with increasing IR level, and with increasing difference in density between two adjacent structures. Each vendor’s IR algorithm showed slightly different noise reduction properties in how much noise was reduced at different positions in the phantom. Users need to be aware of these differences when working with optimization of protocols using IR across scanners from different vendors.
Dynamics of Phase Synchronization between Solar Polar Magnetic Fields Assessed with Van Der Pol and Kuramoto Models
Authors: Savostianov Anton , Shapoval Alexander , Shnirman Mikhail
Published: August 2020

We establish the similarity in two model-based reconstructions of the coupling between the polar magnetic fields of the Sun represented by the solar faculae time series. The reconstructions are inferred from the pair of the coupled oscillators modelled with the Van der Pol and Kuramoto equations. They are associated with the substantial simplification of solar dynamo models and, respectively, a simple ad hoc model reproducing the phenomenon of synchronization. While the polar fields are synchronized, both of the reconstruction procedures restore couplings, which attain moderate values and follow each other rather accurately as the functions of time. We also estimate the evolution of the phase difference between the polar fields and claim that they tend to move apart more quickly than approach each other.
Nonlinear Image Registration and Pixel Classification Pipeline for the Study of Tumor Heterogeneity Maps
Authors: Nicolás-Sáenz Laura , Guerrero-Aspizua Sara , Pascau Javier , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate
Published: August 2020

We present a novel method to assess the variations in protein expression and spatial heterogeneity of tumor biopsies with application in computational pathology. This was done using different antigen stains for each tissue section and proceeding with a complex image registration followed by a final step of color segmentation to detect the exact location of the proteins of interest. For proper assessment, the registration needs to be highly accurate for the careful study of the antigen patterns. However, accurate registration of histopathological images comes with three main problems: the high amount of artifacts due to the complex biopsy preparation, the size of the images, and the complexity of the local morphology. Our method manages to achieve an accurate registration of the tissue cuts and segmentation of the positive antigen areas.
Spectral Convolution Feature-Based SPD Matrix Representation for Signal Detection Using a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jiangyi , Liu Min , Zeng Xinwu , Hua Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2020

Convolutional neural networks have powerful performances in many visual tasks because of their hierarchical structures and powerful feature extraction capabilities. SPD (symmetric positive definition) matrix is paid attention to in visual classification, because it has excellent ability to learn proper statistical representation and distinguish samples with different information. In this paper, a deep neural network signal detection method based on spectral convolution features is proposed. In this method, local features extracted from convolutional neural network are used to construct the SPD matrix, and a deep learning algorithm for the SPD matrix is used to detect target signals. Feature maps extracted by two kinds of convolutional neural network models are applied in this study. Based on this method, signal detection has become a binary classification problem of signals in samples. In order to prove the availability and superiority of this method, simulated and semi-physical simulated data sets are used. The results show that, under low SCR (signal-to-clutter ratio), compared with the spectral signal detection method based on the deep neural network, this method can obtain a gain of 0.5–2 dB on simulated data sets and semi-physical simulated data sets.
Multiple Feature Dependency Detection for Deep Learning Technology—Smart Pet Surveillance System Implementation
Authors: Tsai Ming-Fong , Lin Pei-Ching , Huang Zi-Hao , Lin Cheng-Hsun
Published: August 2020

Image identification, machine learning and deep learning technologies have been applied in various fields. However, the application of image identification currently focuses on object detection and identification in order to determine a single momentary picture. This paper not only proposes multiple feature dependency detection to identify key parts of pets (mouth and tail) but also combines the meaning of the pet’s bark (growl and cry) to identify the pet’s mood and state. Therefore, it is necessary to consider changes of pet hair and ages. To this end, we add an automatic optimization identification module subsystem to respond to changes of pet hair and ages in real time. After successfully identifying images of featured parts each time, our system captures images of the identified featured parts and stores them as effective samples for subsequent training and improving the identification ability of the system. When the identification result is transmitted to the owner each time, the owner can get the current mood and state of the pet in real time. According to the experimental results, our system can use a faster R-CNN model to improve 27.47%, 68.17% and 26.23% accuracy of traditional image identification in the mood of happy, angry and sad respectively.
Overview of Architectural Alternatives for the Integration of ETSI MEC Environments from Different Administrative Domains
Authors: Contreras Luis M. , Bernardos Carlos J.
Published: August 2020

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is proposed as a standard framework for the provision and consumption of applications and services in proximity to the end-users of network operators. Proximity has been identified as one of the enablers of the forthcoming 5G, where extreme low latency and large bandwidth will be necessary for some services. However, the need of proximity imposes to network operators the necessity of huge investments in order to distribute computing capabilities towards the access. A less investment intensive approach would consist on sharing infrastructures by integrating MEC environments from different operators or providers. This could open the door to new business models on the one hand, as well as to avoid restrictions in terms of space, energy of regulation, on the other. This paper overviews different integration options by analyzing the MEC framework defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and identifying different architectural alternatives as well as the business and technical aspects that need to be taken into consideration for realizing such integration.
Review of Solid State Transfer Switch on Requirements, Standards, Topologies, Control, and Switching Mechanisms: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Faisal Mohammad , Hannan Mahammad Abdul , Ker Pin Jern , Rahman Muhamad Safwan Bin Abd , Mollik Mohammad Sazib , Mansur Muhamad Bin
Published: August 2020

Large-scale industrial loads, sensitive loads, and electrical power distribution systems suffer from power quality issues such as voltage interruptions, flickering, and sags which can cause a significant financial loss. The semiconductor based solid-state transfer switch (SSTS) can utilize the dual power feeders to protect the loads against these power disturbance issues. Conventional SSTS often requires more than quarter cycles to complete the transfer process because of load dependent commutation. Numerous researchers proposed the improved SSTS with impulse commutated circuit, which can reduce the transfer time and provide better ride-through capability against voltage sags. However, the SSTS specification depends on the application types and design procedure. Recently, hybrid SSTS has been introduced by the researchers to overcome all these issues. It has been investigated that not much papers are available in literature so far to aggregate all these issues. Therefore, towards the novel contribution of research, this review critically described the requirements, standards, and specifications of SSTS; control and switching mechanisms; and application of SSTS as single or hybrid topology, to give a comprehensive idea to the future researchers about the design of SSTS for a specific application. This paper also contributes to analyzing the key issues related to the SSTS applications, which can provide an easy control strategy and reduce the transfer time significantly. Overall, this research will strengthen the efforts of the researchers and industrialists to select, develop, and design the appropriate SSTS for a particular application.
Biomass Allocation to Resource Acquisition Compartments Is Affected by Tree Density Manipulation in European Beech after Three Decades
Authors: Konôpka Bohdan , Barna Milan , Bosela Michal , Lukac Martin
Published: August 2020

This study reports on an investigation of fine root and foliage productivity in forest stands dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and exposed to contrasting intensities of mature forest harvesting. The main aim of this study was to consider the long-term effects of canopy manipulation on resource acquisition biomass compartments in beech. We made use of an experiment established in 1989, when five different light availability treatments were started in plots within a uniform forest stand, ranging from no reduction in tree density to full mature forest removal. We measured fine root standing stock in the 0–30 cm soil layer by coring in 2013 and then followed annual fine root production (in-growth cores) and foliage production (litter baskets) in 2013–2015. We found that the plot where the tree density was reduced by 30% had the lowest foliage and the highest fine root production. In 2013, this plot had the highest fine root turnover rate (0.8 year−1), while this indicator of fine root dynamics was much lower in the other four treatments (around 0.3 year−1). We also found that the annual fine root production represented around two thirds of annual foliage growth on the mass basis in all treatments. While our findings support the maintenance of source and sink balance in woody plants, we also found a long-lasting effect of tree density manipulation on investment into resource acquisition compartments in beech forests.
Divergent Hydraulic Strategies Explain the Interspecific Associations of Co-Occurring Trees in Forest–Steppe Ecotone
Authors: Dai Jingyu , Liu Hongyan , Xu Chongyang , Qi Yang , Zhu Xinrong , Zhou Mei , Liu Bingbing , Wu Yiheng
Published: August 2020

Research Highlights: Answering how tree hydraulic strategies explain the interspecific associations of co-occurring trees in forest–steppe ecotone is an approach to link plant physiology to forest dynamics, and is helpful to predict forest composition and function changes with climate change. Background and Objectives: The forest–steppe ecotone—the driest edges of forest distribution—is continuously threatened by climate change. To predict the forest dynamics here, it is crucial to document the interspecific associations among existing trees and their potential physiological drivers. Materials and Methods: Forest–steppe ecotone is composed of forest and grassland patches in a mosaic pattern. We executed two years of complete quadrat surveys in a permanent forest plot in the ecotone in northern China, calculated the interspecific association among five main tree species and analyzed their hydraulic strategies, which are presented by combining leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (Kl) and important thresholds on the stem-vulnerability curves. Results: No intensive competition was suggested among the co-occurring species, which can be explained by their divergent hydraulic strategies. The negative associations among Populus davidiana Dode and Betula platyphylla Suk., and P. davidiana and Betula dahurica Pall. can be explained as the result of their similar hydraulic strategies. Tilia mongolica Maxim. got a strong population development with its effective and safe hydraulic strategy. Generally, hydraulic-strategy differences can explain about 40% variations in interspecific association of species pairs. Oppositely, species sensitivity to early stages of drought is convergent in the forest. Conclusions: The divergent hydraulic strategies can partly explain the interspecific associations among tree species in forest–steppe ecotone and may be an important key for semiarid forests to keep stable. The convergent sensitivity to early stages of drought and the suckering regeneration strategy are also important for trees to survival. Our work revealing the physiological mechanism of forest compositions is a timely supplement to forest–steppe ecotone vegetation prediction.
Growth Responses of Boreal Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Silver Birch Seedlings to Simulated Climate Warming over Three Growing Seasons in a Controlled Field Experiment
Authors: Nissinen Katri , Virjamo Virpi , Kilpeläinen Antti , Ikonen Veli-Pekka , Pikkarainen Laura , Ärväs Iida-Liina , Kirsikka-aho Sara , Peltonen Anna , Sobuj Norul , Sivadasan Unnikrishnan , Zhou Xiao , Ge Zhen-Ming , Salminen Timo , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta , Peltola Heli
Published: August 2020

We studied the growth responses of boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) seedlings to simulated climate warming of an average of 1.3 °C over the growing season in a controlled field experiment in central Finland. We had six replicate plots for elevated and ambient temperature for each tree species. The warming treatment lasted for the conifers for three growing seasons and for the birch two growing seasons. We measured the height and diameter growth of all the seedlings weekly during the growing season. The shoot and root biomass and their ratios were measured annually in one-third of seedlings harvested from each plot in autumn. After two growing seasons, the height, diameter and shoot biomass were 45%, 19% and 41% larger in silver birch seedlings under the warming treatment, but the root biomass was clearly less affected. After three growing seasons, the height, diameter, shoot and root biomass were under a warming treatment 39, 47, 189 and 113% greater in Scots pine, but the root:shoot ratio 29% lower, respectively. The corresponding responses of Norway spruce to warming were clearly smaller (e.g., shoot biomass 46% higher under a warming treatment). As a comparison, the relative response of height growth in silver birch was after two growing seasons equal to that measured in Scots pine after three growing seasons. Based on our findings, especially silver birch seedlings, but also Scots pine seedlings benefitted from warming, which should be taken into account in forest regeneration in the future.
The PING Project: Using Ecological Momentary Assessments to Better Understand When and How Woodland Owner Group Members Engage with Their Woodlands
Authors: Huff Emily S. , Kittredge David B.
Published: August 2020

Research Highlights: Ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) are a fresh approach to measuring behavior by querying the subject in real time. Typical studies of FFO behavior use self-reported survey data. FFOs across the United States collectively own more forested land than any other ownership category, and their actions will impact the public goods these forests provide. Thus, better measures of FFO actions are critical to understanding how these public goods may be affected. Background and Objectives: In this pilot study, we evaluated the potential of ecological momentary assessments to understand family forest owner (FFO) engagement with their woods. We sought to test recruitment, attrition, and participant reaction to the method. Materials and Methods: FFOs belong to woodland owner associations were sent the same questions weekly for a month, asking about woodland engagement. Results: Nearly 90% of participants completed all four surveys and the majority found the method reasonable. Most participants thought about their woods weekly, but a longer time period is needed to measure temporal management trends. Conclusions: This approach may yield real-time and useful information about natural resource engagement to inform conservation-based programming and outreach.
Pre-Fermentation Water Addition to High-Sugar Shiraz Must: Effects on Wine Composition and Sensory Properties
Authors: Teng Bo , Petrie Paul R. , Espinase Nandorfy Damian , Smith Paul , Bindon Keren
Published: August 2020

Changes to Australian regulations now allow the limited addition of water to high-sugar musts pre-fermentation. In light of these changes, this study explored how water addition affects Shiraz wine composition and sensory properties. Wines were made from grapes at ≈13.5, 14.5 and 15.5° Baume. Water was added to musts from the ripest fruit by direct addition, or by using a juice substitution (run-off and replace) approach. To compare the effect of juice run-off independently, saigneé treatments were included. Wines made from the fruit that was harvested earlier generally had a lower “opacity” and higher “red fruit” aroma as the defining sensory attributes. Undiluted wines made from riper fruit had higher phenolics, and were characterised by “dark fruit” and “dried fruit” attributes, and “spice”, a “brown colour” and “opacity”. These attributes were accentuated in wines from the same fruit which received saigneé treatments and reduced in all of the water addition treatments. In particular, higher levels of water addition without juice substitution increased the “cooked vegetable” and “drain” attributes in the wines. This indicates possible negative effects of larger water additions, such that a low to moderate adjustment in Shiraz winemaking is suggested.
Petrography and Tectonic Provenance of the Cretaceous Sandstones of the Bredasdorp Basin, off the South Coast of South Africa: Evidence from Framework Grain Modes
Authors: Baiyegunhi Temitope Love , Liu Kuiwu , Gwavava Oswald , Baiyegunhi Christopher
Published: August 2020

The Cretaceous sandstones of the Bredasdorp Basin were investigated to recognize their composition, provenance, and tectonic setting. Ninety-two samples of sandstones from exploration wells E-AH1, E-AJ1, E-BA1, E-BB1, and E-D3 were investigated using both petrographic and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. Petrographic studies based on quantitative investigation of the detrital framework grain shows that the Bredasdorp sandstones chiefly consist of quartz (52.2–68.0%), feldspar (10.0–18.0%), and lithic fragments (5.0–10.2%). These sandstones are mostly fine grained, moderately well-sorted, and subrounded to rounded. The modal composition data shows that the sandstones could be classified as subarkosic arenite and lithic arkose. Such a composition of the sandstones perhaps indicates the interplay of pulses of fast uplift of the source area and rapid subsidence of the Bredasdorp Basin, with subsequent periods of calmness within the transgressive-regressive sequence in a rift tectonic regime. The provenance ternary diagrams revealed that the sandstones are mainly of continental block provenances (stable shields and basement uplifted areas) and complemented by recycled sands from an associated platform. The tectonic provenance studies of Bredasdorp Basin revealed that the sandstones are typically rift sandstones and have undergone long-distance transport from the source area along the rift. In the regional context of the evolution of the Bredasdorp Basin, the results presented in this study inferred that the basin developed on a rift passive setting (trailing edge) of the stable continental margins.
A Post-Colonial Ontology? Tim Winton’s The Riders and the Challenge to White-Settler Identity
Authors: McCredden Lyn
Published: August 2020

Through a reading of Australian non-Indigenous author Tim Winton and his novel The Riders, this essay seeks to shake to the very roots white-settler understandings of identity and belonging. The essay treads respectfully into the field of Australian identity, recognizing that Indigenous people’s ancient and sacred relationship with country and the formation of treaties with the nation, are now rightfully central on national agendas. However, this essay asks the following question: what are the ontological grounds upon which respectful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians might occur, after such violent and traumatic history? The essay explores the possible grounds for an evolving dialogue, one which will be necessarily intersectional: (post)colonial, spiritual/ontological and material. Further, the essay identifies “spirituality” and “ontology” as broad denominators for religion, speculating on a (post)colonial ontology which centers on home and (un)belonging. White-settler Australians, this essay argues, must confront deep ontological issues of brokenness if they are to take part meaningfully in future dialogues. Scully, the protagonist of The Riders, finds himself far from home and stripped of almost all the markers of his former identity: as Australian, as husband, and as a man in control of his life. The novel probes (un)belonging for this individual descendent of colonial Australia, as trauma engulfs him. Further, it will be argued that The Riders prefigures the wider, potentially positive aspects of a post-colonial ontology of (un)belonging, as white-settler Australians come to enunciate a broken history, and ontological instability. Such recognition, this essay argues, is a preliminary step towards a fuller post-colonial dialogue in Australia.
“At Home with Zoe”: Becoming Animal in Charlotte Wood’s The Natural Way of Things
Authors: Arizti Bárbara
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on Charlotte Wood’s 2015 dystopian novel The Natural Way of Things. Set in an unnamed place in the Australian outback, it recounts the story of 10 girls in their late teens and early twenties who are kept prisoners by a mysterious corporate organisation for their sexual involvement with an array of powerful men. The novel’s title invites two main readings: the first, and perhaps more obvious, along gender lines; and the second, which will provide the backbone to my analysis, within the framework of the natural world, the animal kingdom in particular. The Natural Way of Things has been described as a study in contemporary misogyny and the workings of patriarchy. The ingrained sexism of society—the insidious, normalised violence against females, often blamed on them, glossing over male responsibility—is undoubtedly the central topic of Wood’s work. Without losing sight of gender issues, my approach to Wood’s novel is inspired by Rosi Braidotti’s posthuman theories on the continuum nature–culture and the primacy of zoe—“the non-human, vital force of life”—over bios, or life as “the prerogative of Anthropos” (Rosi Braidotti). According to Braidotti, the current challenges to anthropocentrism question the distinction between these two forms of life, highlighting instead the seamless connection between the natural world and culture and favouring a consideration of the subject as embodied, nomadic and relational. My reading of The Natural Way of Things in light of Braidotti’s insights will be supplemented by an analysis of the novel in the context of transmodernity, both a period term and a distinct way of being in the world theorised by critics such as Rosa M. Rodríguez Magda and Marc Luyckx, who emphasise the relational, interdependent nature of contemporary times from a more human-centred perspective. The Natural Way of Things is also a story of female empowerment. This is especially the case with Yolanda Kovacs and Verla Learmont, the two protagonist women, who step out of their roles as victims and stand up to their guards. My analysis of the novel will revolve around these two characters and their different reactions to confinement and degradation. I conclude that although a more zoe-centred conception of the human subject that acknowledges the human–animal continuum should definitely be welcomed, literally “becoming animal”, as Yolanda does, deprives one of meaningful human relationality, embodied in the novel in Verla’s memories of her caring, empathic relationship with her father.
Half-Remembering and Half-Forgetting? On Turning the Past of Old Norse Studies into a Future of Old Norse Studies
Authors: van Nahl Jan Alexander
Published: August 2020

Many Humanities scholars seem to have become increasingly pessimistic due to a lack of success in their efforts to be recognized as a serious player next to their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) colleagues. This appears to be the result of a profound uncertainty in the self-perception of individual disciplines within the Humanities regarding their role both in academia and society. This ambiguity, not least, has its roots in their own history, which often appears as an interwoven texture of conflicting opinions. Taking a stance on the current and future role of the Humanities in general, and individual disciplines in particular thus asks for increased engagement with their own past, i.e., histories of scholarship, which are contingent on societal and political contexts. This article’s focus is on a case study from the field of Old Norse Studies. In the face of the rise of populism and nationalism in our days, Old Norse Studies, with their focus on a ‘Germanic’ past, have a special obligation to address societal challenges. The article argues for the public engagement with the histories of individual disciplines to strengthen scholarly credibility in the face of public opinion and to overcome trenches which hamper attempts at uniting Humanities experts and regaining distinct social relevance.
Health Information Technology and Doctor Shopping: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Kindred Brady , Brar Shaneel , Gutierrez Guillermo , Cormier Kaleigh
Published: August 2020

Doctor shopping is the practice of visiting multiple physicians to obtain multiple prescriptions. Health information technology (HIT) allows healthcare providers and patients to leverage records or shared information to improve effective care. Our research objective was to determine how HIT is being leveraged to control for doctor shopping. We analyzed articles that covered a 10-year time period from four databases and reported using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). We compared intervention, study design, and bias, in addition to showing intervention interactions with facilitators, barriers, and medical outcomes. From 42 articles published from six countries, we identified seven interventions, five facilitator themes with two individual observations, three barrier themes with six individual observations, and two medical outcome themes with four individual observations. Multiple HIT mechanisms exist to control for doctor shopping. Some are associated with a decrease in overdose mortality, but access is not universal or compulsory, and data sharing is sporadic. Because shoppers travel hundreds of miles in pursuit of prescription drugs, data sharing should be an imperative. Research supports leveraging HIT to control doctor shopping, yet without robust data sharing agreements, the efforts of the system are limited to the efforts of the entity with the least number of barriers to their goal. Shoppers will seek out and exploit that organization that does not require participation or checking of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP), and the research shows that they will drive great distances to exploit this weakest link.
Change in Housing Status among Homeless and Formerly Homeless Individuals in Quebec, Canada: A Profile Study
Authors: Kaltsidis Gesthika , Grenier Guy , Cao Zhirong , Fleury Marie-Josée
Published: August 2020

Housing stability is a key outcome in studies evaluating housing services for the homeless population. Housing stability has typically been defined dichotomously and based on a fixed duration of maintenance in housing accommodations, which does not fully capture change in housing status among homeless individuals. Moreover, few typologies have examined housing trajectories across different housing types. Cluster analysis was used to develop a typology of housing status change for 270 currently or formerly homeless individuals in Quebec (Canada) residing in shelters and temporary and permanent housing. Participants were interviewed at baseline (T0) and 12 months later (T1). The Gelberg–Andersen Model was used to organize housing-related variables into predisposing, needs and enabling factors. Comparison analyses were conducted to assess group differences. Three groups (Groups 1, 3 and 4) had more favorable and two (Groups 2 and 5) less favorable, housing status at T1. Findings suggest that maintenance or improvement of housing status requires suitable types and frequencies of service use (enabling factors) that are well adapted to the nature and complexity of health problems (needs factors) among homeless individuals. Specific interventions, such as outreach programs and case management, should be prioritized for individuals at higher risk for returning to homelessness.