bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystatin C improves blood–brain barrier integrity after ischemic brain injury in mice
Authors: Yang Bo , Xu Junjie , Chang Liuhui , Miao Zhigang , Heang Dara , Pu Yuwei , Zhou Xun , Zhang Lingwei , Xie Hong
Published: October 2019

Cystatin C, a well‐established biomarker of renal function, has been associated with a protective effect against stroke. However, the potential neuroprotective mechanism of cystatin C in ischemic brain injury remains unclear. Our study hypothesized that cystatin C can ameliorate blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption by up‐regulating caveolin‐1 expression, thereby improving neurological outcomes in cerebral ischemic injury. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate target proteins. Evans Blue and gelatin zymography were used to examine the effect of cystatin C on BBB disruption. Plasmid and small interfering RNA transfection was used to observe alterations in caveolin‐1 and occludin expression induced by changes in cystatin C expression. Intriguingly, our study showed that the expression of both cystatin C and caveolin‐1 was increased in middle cerebral artery occlusion‐injured mice, and pretreatment with exogenous cystatin C significantly increased caveolin‐1 expression, reduced Evans Blue leakage in the injured brain region, and decreased the enzymatic activity of matrix metallopeptidase‐9. Meanwhile, our study also showed that the over‐expression of cystatin C greatly enhanced caveolin‐1 expression, which later increased occludin expression in oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐exposed brain microvascular endothelial cells. The knockdown of cystatin C induced the opposite outcomes. These experimental results indicate a positive role for cystatin C in the regulation of caveolin‐1 and occludin expression in cerebral ischemic injury. Taken together, these data unveil a new mechanism of the regulation of caveolin‐1 expression by cystatin C in the maintenance of BBB integrity after ischemic brain injury and provide new clues for the identification of potential therapeutic strategies for stroke.

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Comparative study of 15% trichloroacetic acid peel combined with 70% glycolic acid and 35% trichloroacetic acid peel for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin in aging women
Authors: Kubiak Marlena , Mucha Paulina , Rotsztejn Helena
Published: October 2019

Background

Photoaging (extrinsic aging) is caused by environmental exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Superficial and medium‐depth chemical peels with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are performed to reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and erythema caused by photoaging process.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 15% TCA peel against the combined 70% glycolic acid and 35% TCA for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin.

Patients/Methods

Forty female patients with types II and III of Glogau photoaging scale were divided into two groups of twenty subjects (GA/TCA and 35% TCA). The GA/TCA group was treated with combination peeling of 70% GA and 15% TCA, whereas the 35% TCA group was treated with monopeeling of 35% trichloroacetic acid. Each patient was submitted to five sessions of these peels, with an interval of 14 days between each session. The following skin aging parameters were examined before treatments, before each session, and 3 months after the last application: hydration, elasticity, melanin index, and erythema index (MPA‐5; Courage‐Khazaka, Germany); and depth and volume of wrinkles (PRIMOS; GFMesstechnik GmbH, Germany).

Results

Both peel methods achieved significant improvement in all skin parameters: elasticity, hydration, melanin index, and erythema index. Significant differences between the GA/TCA and 35% TCA groups were found only for hydration and melanin index. GA/TCA was characterized by significantly higher values of the hydration parameter and lower values of melanin index compared with 35% TCA. Combination peel GA/TCA did not cause dryness, edema, or intensive lysis of the epidermis, and the frequency of peel‐induced erythema did not increase with the addition of glycolic acid, but with higher concentration of the TCA solution. However, subject‐perceived improvements of the 35% TCA peel did not differ significantly from subject‐perceived improvements of combination peel treatment. Adverse events requiring intervention or discontinuing treatment were not observed in either group.

Conclusion

The addition of glycolic acid before 15% TCA chemical peel application significantly enhanced TCA‐induced improvement in photoaging parameters (increase in skin elasticity and hydration; reduction in melanin index and erythema index), and subject‐perceived improvements. However, 35% TCA peel is more effective in reducing wrinkles, despite a lower tolerability. Both medium‐depth chemical peels including 15% TCA in combination with 70% GA and 35% TCA alone proved to be useful for the removal of epidermal or superficial lesions and to improve the texture of photodamaged facial skin (grade II‐III Glogau photoaged skin).
Melasma: A critical analysis of clinical trials investigating treatment modalities published in the past 10 years
Authors: Spierings Natalia M. K.
Published: October 2019

Background

Melasma is an acquired disorder of facial pigmentation which is a treatment challenge.

Aims

The aim of this article is to critically appraise the clinical trial evidence for different treatment modalities for melasma, published in peer‐reviewed journals in the past 10 years.

Patients/Methods

The literature review was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE. The search was performed in July 2019, and search parameters were limited to all English language articles published in the past 10 years only.

Results

Eighty‐nine clinical trials were found. Four clinical trials investigated topical hydroquinone, supporting its safety and efficacy as first‐line treatment. Twelve studies showed tranexamic acid as very promising. Nineteen studies assessed various novel oral, injectable, and topical treatments and highlight some new potential future treatments. Forty‐two studies investigated laser and light treatment in melasma: LFQS laser is still one of the best options, especially in darker skin types. However, the picosecond laser has shown excellent results. Finally, 11 studies looked at peels. Overall, peels have not been shown to be superior to the use of topical therapy alone.

Conclusion

Topical therapy with a HQ and retinoid‐based product should be first line for a minimum of 3 months with the addition of oral tranexamic acid at 250 mg BD if no contraindication. Second‐line treatment with lasers includes the LFQS Nd:YAG, picosecond laser, and the pulsed dye laser in lighter skin types. Third‐line therapy would be the addition of chemical peels to the above treatments, with GA or TCA peels having the most evidence for effectiveness.
Tax‐Efficient Asset Management: Evidence from Equity Mutual Funds
Authors: SIALM CLEMENS , ZHANG HANJIANG
Published: October 2019

We investigate the relation between tax burdens and mutual fund performance from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective. The theoretical model introduces heterogeneous tax clienteles in an environment with decreasing returns to scale and shows that the equilibrium performance of mutual funds depends on the size of the tax clienteles. Our empirical results show that the performance of U.S. equity mutual funds is related to their tax burdens. We find that tax‐efficient funds exhibit not only superior after‐tax performance, but also superior before‐tax performance due to lower trading costs, favorable style exposures, and better selectivity.
Atrial fibrillation is frequent but does not affect risk stratification in pulmonary embolism
Authors: Ebner M. , Rogge N. I. J. , Parwani A. S. , Sentler C. , Lerchbaumer M. H. , Pieske B. , Konstantinides S. V. , Hasenfuß G. , Wachter R. , Lankeit M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Although prior studies indicate a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), the exact prevalence and prognostic impact are unknown.

Methods

We aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and prognostic impact of AF on risk stratification, in‐hospital adverse outcomes and mortality in 528 consecutive PE patients enrolled in a single‐centre registry between 09/2008 and 09/2017.

Results

Overall, 52 patients (9.8%) had known AF and 57 (10.8%) presented with AF on admission; of those, 34 (59.6%) were newly diagnosed with AF. Compared to patients with no AF, overt hyperthyroidism was associated with newly diagnosed AF (OR 7.89 [2.99–20.86]), whilst cardiovascular risk comorbidities were more frequently observed in patients with known AF. Patients with AF on admission had more comorbidities, presented more frequently with tachycardia and elevated cardiac biomarkers and were hence stratified to higher risk classes. However, AF on admission had no impact on in‐hospital adverse outcome (8.3%) and in‐hospital mortality (4.5%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses corrected for AF on admission, NT‐proBNP and troponin elevation as well as higher risk classes in risk assessment models remained independent predictors of an in‐hospital adverse outcome.

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation is a frequent finding in PE, affecting more than 10% of patients. However, AF was not associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital adverse outcomes and did not affect the prognostic performance of risk assessment strategies. Thus, our data support the use of risk stratification tools for patients with acute PE irrespective of the heart rhythm on admission.
An experimental assessment of the antipredatory function of green dorsal coloration in poisonous Neotropical red‐bellied toads
Authors: Dallagnol Vargas Natália , Guimarães Murilo , Caorsi Valentina , Wolff Bordignon Debora , Borges‐Martins Márcio
Published: October 2019

Crypsis and aposematism are important forms of antipredatory strategies. Through cryptic coloration, animals reduce their detectability by matching the coloration of backgrounds, while through aposematic coloration, prey species signal to potential predators their unprofitability by conspicuous coloration. The efficacy of aposematism depends on a predator’s ability to identify and avoid unprofitable prey. Among amphibians, both strategies are well known for many species. Most species of red‐bellied toads, Melanophryniscus spp., present conspicuous coloration with a likely aposematic function, both dorsally and ventrally, and display the behavior known as the unken reflex. However, there are a few species, like M. cambaraensis, that only present ventral conspicuous coloration. The dorsal coloration of this species is dull green, which is usually associated with camouflage. Although this species is diurnal and toxic, the exposition of red ventral coloration does not seem to serve as an aposematic signal. Here, we evaluated experimentally if the green dorsal color of M. cambaraensis functions as warning coloration for visually oriented natural predators. We conducted field predation experiments using clay models, representing M. cambaraensis (green models) and a generalized cryptic frog (brown models), to compare attack rates between treatments. The avian attacks were concentrated mainly on the anterior end, suggesting models were perceived as prey. However, attack rates were similar on green and brown frog models. Our results suggest that the green dorsal color of the species does not act as an aposematic signal, but functions as a cryptic color. Although crypsis in poisonous species remains a complex topic, under certain circumstances, the selection pressures imposed by predators may favor a cryptic coloration instead of a conspicuous coloration, even for diurnal species.
Isotopic compositions, nitrogen functional chemistry, and low‐loss electron spectroscopy of complex organic aggregates at the nanometer scale in the carbonaceous chondrite Renazzo
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Leitner Jan , Kepaptsoglou Demie , Ramasse Quentin M. , Busemann Henner , Hoppe Peter
Published: October 2019

Organic matter (OM) was widespread in the early solar nebula and might have played an important role for the delivery of prebiotic molecules to the early Earth. We investigated the textures, isotopic compositions, and functional chemistries of organic grains in the Renazzo carbonaceous chondrite by combined high spatial resolution techniques (electron microscopy–secondary ion mass spectrometry). Morphologies are complex on a submicrometer scale, and some organics exhibit a distinct texture with alternating layers of OM and minerals. These layered organics are also characterized by heterogeneous 15N isotopic abundances. Functional chemistry investigations of five focused ion beam‐extracted lamellae by electron energy loss spectroscopy reveal a chemical complexity on a nanometer scale. Grains show absorption at the C‐K edge at 285, 286.6, 287, and 288.6 eV due to polyaromatic hydrocarbons, different carbon‐oxygen, and aliphatic bonding environments with varying intensity. The nitrogen K‐edge functional chemistry of three grains is shown to be highly complex, and we see indications of amine (C‐NHx) or amide (CO‐NR2) chemistry as well as possible N‐heterocycles and nitro groups. We also performed low‐loss vibrational spectroscopy with high energy resolution and identified possible D‐ and G‐bands known from Raman spectroscopy and/or absorption from C=C and C‐O stretch modes known from infrared spectroscopy at around 0.17 and 0.2 eV energy loss. The observation of multiglobular layered organic aggregates, heterogeneous 15N‐anomalous compositions, and indication of NHx‐(amine) functional chemistry lends support to recent ideas that 15N‐enriched ammonia (NH3) was a powerful agent to synthesize more complex organics in aqueous asteroidal environments.
Effector mining from the Erysiphe pisi haustorial transcriptome identifies novel candidates involved in pea powdery mildew pathogenesis
Authors: Sharma Gunjan , Aminedi Raghavendra , Saxena Divya , Gupta Arunima , Banerjee Priyajit , Jain Deepti , Chandran Divya
Published: October 2019

Pea powdery mildew (PM) is an important fungal disease caused by an obligate biotroph, Erysiphe pisi (Ep), which significantly impacts pea production worldwide. The phytopathogen secretes a plethora of effectors, primarily through specialized infection structures termed haustoria, to establish a dynamic relationship with its host. To identify Ep effector candidates, a cDNA library of enriched haustoria from Ep‐infected pea leaves was sequenced. The Ep transcriptome encodes 622 Ep candidate secreted proteins (CSPs), of which 167 were predicted to be candidate secreted effector proteins (CSEPs). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Ep CSEPs are highly diverse, but, unlike cereal PM CSEPs, exhibit extensive sequence similarity with effectors from other PMs. Quantitative real‐time PCR of a subset of EpCSEP/CSPs revealed that the majority are preferentially expressed in haustoria and exhibit infection stage–specific expression patterns. The functional roles of EpCSEP001, EpCSEP009 and EpCSP083 were probed by host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) via a double‐stranded (ds) RNA‐mediated RNAi approach. Foliar application of individual EpCSEP/CSP dsRNAs resulted in a marked reduction in PM disease symptoms. These findings were consistent with microscopic and molecular studies, suggesting that these Ep CSEP/CSPs play important roles in pea PM pathogenesis. Homology modelling revealed that EpCSEP001 and EpCSEP009 are analogous to fungal ribonucleases and belong to the RALPH family of effectors. This is the first study to identify and functionally validate candidate effectors from the agriculturally relevant pea PM, and highlights the utility of transcriptomics and HIGS to elucidate the key proteins associated with Ep pathogenesis.
The Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, exendin‐4, ameliorated gastrointestinal dysfunction in the Wistar Kyoto rat model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: O’Brien Rebecca , O’Malley Dervla
Published: October 2019

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is beneficial in relieving pain‐related symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prevalent, multi‐factorial functional bowel disorder characterized by diarrhea and/or constipation, abdominal bloating, and pain. Activation of myenteric neurons has been implicated in the inhibitory effects of GLP‐1 on gastrointestinal motility; however, the mechanisms of action underlying this are not clear.

Methods

A rat model of IBS was used to examine physiological changes evoked by intraperitoneal administration of a GLP‐1 receptor agonist, exendin‐4. Behavioral and physiological analysis of stress‐sensitive Wister Kyoto (WKY) rats was used to determine if administration of exendin‐4, in the presence or absence of neutralizing interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibodies, modified IBS‐like symptoms. Immunofluorescence, calcium imaging, and Western blotting techniques were used to investigate the potential role of enteric neural plexi and tight junction protein expression in this effect.

Key Results

Consistent with the expression of GLP‐1 and interleukin‐6 receptors in both submucosal and myenteric ganglia, exendin‐4 and interleukin‐6 stimulated calcium responses in these neurons. In vivo administration of exendin‐4 normalized stress‐induced defecation and visceral pain sensitivity in WKY rats. No additional changes were noted in rats co‐treated with exendin‐4 and anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor antibodies. Mucosal expression of occludin, a tight junction protein, was decreased by exendin‐4. Centrally regulated anxiety‐like behaviors were not modified.

Conclusions and Inferences

These data suggest that intraperitoneal injection of exendin‐4 improves bowel dysfunction in WKY rats without impacting on centrally regulated anxiety‐like behaviors. Modulation of enteric neuronal function and tight junction expression appear to underlie the functional benefits of this intervention.
Intrauterine big toenail imprints: A new cause of congenital skin dimples
Authors: Restano Lucia , Zussino Martina , Cambiaghi Stefano , Gelmetti Carlo
Published: October 2019

Congenital skin dimples (SD) are small cutaneous depressions that can be noted on any part of the body and may be caused by traumatic, mechanical, metabolic, and genetic factors as well as by exposure to infections or drugs. We describe 3 cases of unrelated healthy newborns displaying SD and discuss as a possible explanation the persistent friction of the big toenail onto the immature skin of the fetus during intrauterine life causing as depression in the skin.
The effect of interval sprinting exercise on vascular function and aerobic fitness of post‐menopausal women
Authors: Ho Tze Y. , Redmayne Georgia P. , Tran Aengus , Liu Diana , Butlin Mark , Avolio Alberto , Boutcher Stephen H. , Boutcher Yati N.
Published: October 2019

Menopausal transition accelerates an age‐associated decrease in vascular function and a decline in aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of interval sprinting cycle ergometer exercise on arterial stiffness, basal forearm blood flow, and aerobic fitness of post‐menopausal women. Sixty overweight post‐menopausal women were randomized into either exercise (Ex, n = 30) or control (C, n = 30) groups. Ex participants completed 24 interval sprinting exercise (ISE) sessions over 8 weeks. Each 20‐minute ISE session comprised of alternating 8 seconds sprints and 12 seconds of light pedaling. Arterial stiffness assessed through ankle‐brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and augmentation index (AIx), basal forearm blood flow (FBF) assessed using venous occlusion, and aerobic fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. baPWV was significantly decreased in the Ex group by 7.2%, P = .03, whereas AIx demonstrated a 10% decrease, P = .002. No changes were found in basal FBF. Aerobic fitness was significantly increased, P = .002, in the Ex group (14%) with no change occurring in the control group.ISE training, despite minimal exercise commitment time (8 hours over 8 weeks), significantly lowered the arterial stiffness and increased the aerobic fitness of post‐menopausal women. These results suggest that ISE positively influences the negative change in arterial stiffness and aerobic fitness that typically accompanies menopause.
School Sector and Climate: An Analysis of K–12 Safety Policies and School Climates in Indiana
Authors: DeAngelis Corey A. , Lueken Martin F.
Published: October 2019

Objective

We evaluate differences in school‐safety‐related practices and problems between school sectors (private, public charter, and traditional public) in Indiana in 2018.

Methods

Using survey data collected from 618 school leaders in the state, we empirically examine the relationship between school sector and the reported presence of school‐safety‐related practices and problems occurring at school. Subgroup analyses based on voucher program participation status, school level, and location are also performed.

Results

After controlling for factors such as school type, enrollment, number of students eligible for the federal free and reduced‐price lunch, the number of minority students and teachers, and urbanicity, we find evidence to suggest that private and charter schools tend to report fewer discipline problems while employing fewer disciplinary practices than traditional public schools.

Conclusion

Our descriptive results suggest that school sector may play a role in producing positive school environments. Further research is needed to better understand short‐ and long‐run consequences of school safety problems and how school safety and school sector might affect students’ academic and life trajectories.
HLA‐A*11:01:01:16, ‐B*15:548, ‐DPA1*02:02:02:06Q, ‐DPA1*02:02:08, and ‐DPA1*02:25, identified in Chinese Mongolians
Authors: Wang Yanpeng , Liu Shuyuan , Li Chuanying , Sun Mingbo , Yao Yufeng , Shi Li
Published: October 2019

The new HLA‐A*11:01:01:16, ‐B*15:548, ‐DPA1*02:02:02:06Q, ‐DPA1*02:02:08, and ‐DPA1*02:25 alleles in Chinese Mongolians.
A porous collagen‐GAG scaffold promotes muscle regeneration following volumetric muscle loss injury
Authors: Panayi Adriana C. , Smit Lucindi , Hays Nicole , Udeh Kodi , Endo Yori , Li Bin , Sakthivel Dharaniya , Tamayol Ali , Neppl Ronald L. , Orgill Dennis P. , Nuutila Kristo , Sinha Indranil
Published: October 2019

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a segmental loss of skeletal muscle which commonly heals with fibrosis, minimal muscle regeneration, and loss of muscle strength. Treatment options for these wounds which promote functional recovery are currently lacking. This study was designed to investigate whether the collagen‐GAG scaffold (CGS) promotes functional muscle recovery following VML. A total of 66 C57/Bl6 mice were used in a three‐stage experiment. First, 24 animals were split into three groups which underwent sham injury or unilateral quadriceps VML injury with or without CGS implantation. Two weeks post‐surgery, muscle was harvested for histological and gene expression analysis. In the second stage, 18 mice underwent bilateral quadriceps VML injury, followed by weekly functional testing using a treadmill. In the third stage, 24 mice underwent sham or bilateral quadriceps VML injury with or without CGS implantation, with tissue harvested six weeks post‐surgery for histological and gene expression analysis. VML mice treated with CGS demonstrated increased remnant fiber hypertrophy versus both the VML with no CGS and uninjured groups. Both VML groups showed greater muscle fiber hypertrophy than non‐injured muscle. This phenomenon was still evident in the longer‐term experiment. The gene array indicated that the CGS promoted upregulation of factors involved in promoting wound healing and regeneration. In terms of functional improvement, the VML mice treated with CGS ran at higher maximum speeds than VML without CGS. A CGS was shown to enhance muscle hypertrophy in response to VML injury with a resultant improvement in functional performance. A gene array highlighted increased gene expression of multiple growth factors following CGS implantation. This suggests that implantation of a CGS could be a promising treatment for VML wounds.
Bounding the covolume of lattices in products
Authors: Caprace Pierre-Emmanuel , Le Boudec Adrien
Published: October 2019

We study lattices in a product$G=G_{1}\times \cdots \times G_{n}$of non-discrete, compactly generated, totally disconnected locally compact (tdlc) groups. We assume that each factor isquasi just-non-compact, meaning that$G_{i}$is non-compact and every closed normal subgroup of$G_{i}$is discrete or cocompact (e.g. $G_{i}$is topologically simple). We show that the set of discrete subgroups of$G$containing a fixed cocompact lattice$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$with dense projections is finite. The same result holds if$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$is non-uniform, provided$G$has Kazhdan’s property (T). We show that for any compact subset$K\subset G$, the collection of discrete subgroups$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}\leqslant G$with$G=\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}K$and dense projections is uniformly discrete and hence of covolume bounded away from $0$. When the ambient group$G$is compactly presented, we show in addition that the collection of those lattices falls into finitely many$\operatorname{Aut}(G)$-orbits. As an application, we establish finiteness results for discrete groups acting on products of locally finite graphs with semiprimitive local action on each factor. We also present several intermediate results of independent interest. Notably it is shown that if a non-discrete, compactly generated quasi just-non-compact tdlc group$G$is a Chabauty limit of discrete subgroups, then some compact open subgroup of$G$is an infinitely generated pro-$p$group for some prime$p$. It is also shown that in any Kazhdan group with discrete amenable radical, the lattices form an open subset of the Chabauty space of closed subgroups.
Numerical Characterization of Viscous Heat Dissipation Rate in Oscillatory Air Flow
Authors: Jalil S. M.
Published: October 2019

The effect of viscous heat dissipation (VHD) in raising the temperature field of incompressible oscillatory air flow is studied numerically. A threshold is established for when the viscous heat dissipation term in the thermal energy equation changes or does not change the temperature field for the case of oscillatory air flow in a tube connecting two reservoirs. This new criterion has not been specified clearly in earlier oscillatory flow research. According to the defined threshold and when VHD is important, the effect of dissipative bulk heating can be described by a proposed correlation in terms of Womersley number (Wo) and axial tidal displacement (ΔZ) of the oscillatory fluid. These results are determined using two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulations of laminar oscillatory air flow (Pr = 0.7) for different adiabatic unconductive tube-reservoirs' systems configurations over a wide range of oscillatory frequencies and tidal displacements. It is found that the low amount of fluid kinetic energy, which is converted into internal energy, is not sufficient to significantly heat up the fluid at a low rate of the viscous work. Therefore, the effect of viscous heat dissipation in oscillatory air flow can be ignored only below a specific limit of unsteadiness depending on Womersley number and axial tidal displacement. Also, the results showed that the VHD becomes more significant with increasing (Wo) and (ΔZ).
It’s Just Not Cricket: A Case of Ethics, Integrity, and Organizational Culture Within a National Sport Governing Body
Authors: Ingerson Lynley , Naraine Michael L.
Published: October 2019

In early 2018, Cricket Australia, the national governing body for cricket in Australia, experienced a critical incident when men’s national test athletes were caught in a ball tampering scandal known as “Sandpaper-gate.” As the “custodians of the game,” integrity and culture are extremely important, and the incident was the catalyst for the organization to hire a new Integrity Manager. This case study concentrates on the story of Patrick Murphy, the new, fictitious hire at Cricket Australia tasked with helping to rebuild the organization’s ethical culture. After learning of Patrick’s past sport experiences, the narrative reveals additional non-fictitious elements that have emanated over the course of the past few years, which are affecting the organization’s present culture. After learning about the doping, human resource management, sex and diversity, and athlete management issues, Patrick is tasked with performing a culture audit and reporting back to his superiors. This case study offers a contemporary context in which to discuss ethics and culture in sport, notably from a large, non-North American sport organization.
Finding a Healthy Balance: Managerial Considerations Regarding the Work–Life Interface of Interns and Graduate Assistants Working in Collegiate Sport
Authors: Graham Jeffrey , Smith Allison , Trendafilova Sylvia
Published: October 2019

Craig Johnson is an associate athletic director for marketing and promotions in an athletic department at the collegiate level. Through conversation, he has recently realized that the graduate students working in his department as interns and graduate assistants feel that balancing work, school, and a personal life is impossible. As a mentor for working in sport, as well as their direct manager, he feels something must be done to assist these graduate students in managing the work–life interface, but is unsure where to start. Drawing from research in sport management and from the general management literature, the case gives insight into the issues, outcomes, and theories that inform the work–life interface. Undergraduate and graduate students in human resource management or organizational behavior courses who work through this case will have an opportunity to contemplate, discuss, and develop strategies for managing the issues surrounding balancing work and a personal life.
The Physiological Characteristics of an 83-Year-Old Champion Female Master Runner
Authors: Cattagni Thomas , Gremeaux Vincent , Lepers Romuald
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To examine the cardiorespiratory, muscular, and skeletal characteristics of an 83-year-old champion female master athlete (called DL in this study) who had set multiple world running records in the 80-to-84-year-old age group. Methods: Measures of maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate, maximal isometric torque for knee extensor muscles, thigh and triceps surae muscle volumes, and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femur region were evaluated. Based on previously published equations, physiological age was determined for maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate, and maximal isometric torque. Muscle volumes for the dominant leg were compared with previously published sex- and age-matched data using z scores. For BMD, T score and z score were calculated. Results: DL had the highest maximal oxygen uptake (42.3 mL·min−1·kg−1) ever observed for a female older than 80 years of age, which gave her a remarkable physiological age (27 y). By contrast, she had a physiological age closer to her biological age for maximal isometric torque (90 y) and maximal heart rate (74 y). The z scores for thigh (0.4) and triceps surae (1.1) muscle volumes revealed that DL’s leg muscles were affected almost as much as her sex- and age-matched peers. The T score (−1.7) for BMD showed that DL had osteopenia but no osteoporosis, and the z score (0.7) showed that DL’s BMD was similar to that of females of the same age. Conclusion: This single case study shows that the remarkable cardiorespiratory fitness coupled with intensive endurance training observed in a female master athlete was not associated with specific preservation of her muscular and skeletal characteristics.
The Effects of Different Forms of Caffeine Supplement on 5-km Running Performance
Authors: Whalley Peter J. , Dearing Chey G. , Paton Carl D.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Caffeine is frequently used by athletes as an ergogenic aid. Various alternate forms of caffeine administration are available, which may produce different effects. This investigation compares the effects of different forms of caffeine supplementation on 5-km running performance, and the relationship between athlete ability and degree of enhancement attained. Methods: Fourteen amateur runners completed a series of self-paced outdoor time trials following unknown ingestion of a placebo (P) or one of 3 alternate forms of caffeine supplement. Trials were randomized in a crossover design with caffeine (approximately 3–4.5 mg·kg−1) administered 15 minutes before each trial via chewing gum (CG), dissolvable mouth strips (CS), or tablet (CT). Results: Compared with P, all caffeine supplements led to worthwhile enhancements in running performance with a mean (±95% confidence limit) overall effect across all supplements of 1.4% ± 0.9%. Individual caffeine treatment effects (CG = 0.9% ± 1.4%, CS = 1.2% ± 1.0%, and CT = 2.0% ± 1.1%) were not significantly different (P > .05) from each other; however, CT trials produced the largest gain and was significantly different (P = .02) compared with P. There was no significant difference in heart rate or rate of perceived exertion across the performance trials. The magnitude of caffeine enhancement was also strongly correlated (r = .87) with no-treatment performance time. Conclusions: The findings showed that irrespective of delivery form, moderate dose of caffeine supplementation produces worthwhile gains in 5-km running performance compared with a P. Furthermore, the magnitude of caffeine enhancement is highly individualized, but it appears related to athlete performance ability.
Lifting the veil on macrophage diversity in tissue regeneration and fibrosis
Authors: Perciani Catia T. , MacParland Sonya A.
Published: October 2019

Sommerfeld
et al
. have used single-cell RNA sequencing to unravel the role of macrophages in driving tissue repair and fibrosis.
AidB, a Novel Thermostable
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactonase from the Bacterium
Bosea
sp
Authors: Zhang Jun-Wei , Xuan Chen-Guang , Lu Can-Hua , Guo Song , Yu Jin-Feng , Asif Muhammad , Jiang Wen-Jun , Zhou Zhi-Gang , Luo Zhao-Qing , Zhang Li-Qun
Published: October 2019

A quorum-sensing system using AHLs as the signal in many bacterial pathogens is a critical virulence regulator and an attractive target for anti-infective drugs. In this work, we identified a novel AHL lactonase, AidB, from a soil bacterial strain,
Bosea
sp. F3-2. The expression of
aidB
reduced the production of AHL signals and QS-dependent virulence factors in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Pectobacterium carotovorum
. The homologs of AidB with AHL-degrading activities were found only in several genera belonging to the
Alphaproteobacteria
. Remarkably, AidB is a thermostable enzyme that retained its catalytic activity after treatment at 80°C for 30 min and exhibits reliable storage stability at both 4°C and room temperature. These properties might make it more suitable for practical application.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Uses PbgA/YejM To Regulate Lipopolysaccharide Assembly during Bacteremia
Authors: Cian Melina B. , Giordano Nicole P. , Masilamani Revathi , Minor Keaton E. , Dalebroux Zachary D.
Published: October 2019

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (
S
. Typhimurium) relies upon the inner membrane protein PbgA to enhance outer membrane (OM) integrity and promote virulence in mice. The PbgA transmembrane domain (residues 1 to 190) is essential for viability, while the periplasmic domain (residues 191 to 586) is dispensable. Residues within the basic region (residues 191 to 245) bind acidic phosphates on polar phospholipids, like for cardiolipins, and are necessary for salmonella OM integrity.
S
.
Evaluation of OMNIgene Sputum and Ethanol Reagent for Preservation of Sputum Prior to Xpert and Culture Testing in Uganda
Authors: Ardizzoni Elisa , Orikiriza Patrick , Ssuuna Charles , Nyehangane Dan , Gumsboga Mourad , Taremwa Ivan Mugisha , Turyashemererwa Esther , Mwanga-Amumpaire Juliet , Langendorf Céline , Bonnet Maryline
Published: October 2019

Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and culture are the most reliable methods for tuberculosis diagnosis but are still poorly accessible in many low-resource countries. We aimed to assess the effects of OMNIgene Sputum (OM-S) and ethanol in preserving sputum for Xpert and OM-S for mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) testing over periods of 15 and 8 days, respectively. Sputum samples were collected from newly diagnosed smear-positive patients.
Geochemical evolution of Keanakāko‘i Tephra, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Garcia Michael O. , Mucek* Adonara E. , Lynn† Kendra J. , Swanson Don A. , Norman Marc D.
Published: October 2019

The Keanakāko‘i Tephra was deposited from 1500 to ca. 1820 CE, when Kīlauea’s magmatic output was ~2% of the average output during historical times (post–1823 CE). The tephra consists of deposits from numerous phreatomagmatic and phreatic eruptions, three episodes of high lava fountains, and one lava. Fresh glass is available from most tephra units. Major elements and trace elements were determined for glass from 49 tephra units and three pretephra lavas. Olivine crystals from 11 high-MgO tephra glasses were also analyzed. These results were compared to compositions from Kīlauea’s historical period to evaluate ~500 yr of Kīlauea geochemical evolution. Keanakāko‘i Tephra glass composition ranged widely (e.g., 3.4–11.2 wt% MgO). The observed large variations in FeO, CaO, TiO2, and K2O at a given MgO indicate numerous compositionally distinct parental magmas, with the two early nineteenth-century pumice eruptions showing the most diverse compositions. These two magmas were erupted on opposite sides of the caldera and probably tapped different magma bodies. The common occurrence of high-MgO olivine compositions (forsterite [Fo] 88%–89%) in MgO-rich tephra glasses indicates that primitive magma (Mg# 73–74) was routinely supplied to Kīlauea’s summit. Wide ranges and reverse zoning in olivine core compositions from some units show that magma mixing occurred before some eruptions. Modeling of compositional variations within Keanakāko‘i Tephra units using alphaMELTS showed that the most consistent trends for crystal fractionation involved shallow magma (1–2 km), with low water content (0.2 wt% in parental magma) and oxygen fugacity just below the quartz-fayalite-magnetite (QFM) buffer (–0.5 log units). Keanakāko‘i Tephra glasses have lower La/Yb and Nb/Y ratios than historical Kīlauea lavas. Low ratios have been observed during periods of high magma output for historical lava, which is inconsistent with the low magma output at Kīlauea’s summit during 1500–1820 CE. The most likely explanation for this inconsistency is endogenous growth within Kīlauea during this period, following formation of the modern summit caldera. No correlation was found between glass chemistry and eruption style for Keanakāko‘i Tephra deposits. Glass samples from many explosive units have lower Nb/Y and La/Yb ratios compared to glass from high lava-fountain units and historical effusive eruptions. The explosive character of Keanakāko‘i Tephra eruptions was probably caused by interaction of magma with shallow or surface water.
Communication strategy of the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory during the lava-flow crisis of 2014–2015, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Brantley Steven R. , Kauahikaua James P. , Babb Janet L. , Orr Tim R. , Patrick Matthew R. , Poland Michael P. , Trusdell Frank A. , Oliveira Darryl
Published: October 2019

In 2014–2015, a slow-moving pāhoehoe lava flow from the remote Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent on Kīlauea Volcano advanced 20 km into populated areas of the Puna District on the Island of Hawai‘i. The staff of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) mobilized their resources to closely monitor the flow and provide up-to-date information to the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense (HCCD) agency, the public, and the news media. Scientists issued formal USGS notifications about the flow and Kīlauea’s two eruptions, prepared maps and annotated photographs, infrared images, and videos for dissemination online, and wrote weekly “Volcano Watch” articles for local newspapers. They also provided regular briefings for federal, state, and county agency representatives, answered questions during near-daily briefings with local and national media, and offered information through an established lecture series and participation in community emergency preparedness fairs. Noteworthy among the communication activities was a series of public meetings organized by the Hawai‘i County mayor’s office and led by the HCCD administrator. The meetings were a regular forum for many HVO scientists to talk directly and frequently with residents, business owners, elected officials, and other stakeholders about their concerns, the evolving status of the eruptions, and the uncertain prognosis of the flow’s advance and extent. The dialogue was essential for HVO staff to describe their observations and insights about the lava flow’s behavior and to gain credibility with the community during the crisis. This experience suggests that personal engagement with people at risk from future lava flows in Hawai‘i and elsewhere in the world will remain a crucial part of an eruption response, even with greater capability to disseminate warnings and information digitally via the Internet.
San Antonio Pool of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer
Authors: Green R.T. , Bertetti F.P. , Fratesi B. , Schindel G.M.
Published: October 2019

The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer in central Texas is typically defined as having three segments: the San Antonio, the Barton Springs, and the Northern segment, which are separated by groundwater divides or points of discharge. The San Antonio segment of the Edwards Aquifer is defined as extending from east of Brackettville in the west to Hays County in the east. The San Antonio segment has been further delineated into two pools, the San Antonio Pool and the Uvalde Pool, for water management purposes. The San Antonio Pool is the larger of the two pools and is recharged by the Dry Frio, Frio, Sabinal, Medina, Cibolo, Guadalupe, and Blanco River watersheds, in addition to direct recharge and flow from the Uvalde Pool via the Knippa Gap. To a lesser extent, interformational flow between units stratigraphically above and below the Edwards Formation limestone also occurs. The most prominent points of discharge from the San Antonio Pool are Comal, San Marcos, and Hueco Springs. San Pedro and San Antonio Springs in Bexar County discharge during periods of high stage in the aquifer. There are limited numbers of additional springs in the Frio River watershed with limited discharge. Significant water is discharged from the Medina Lake and Diversion Lake (downstream from Medina Lake dam) system via conduits and surface flow to recharge paleo-alluvial deposits (Leona Gravel) in the Medina River floodplain. This discharge had previously been assumed to recharge the Edwards Aquifer, but it continues downgradient in the Leona Gravel and is lost to the aquifer.
Kinney Pool: Defining the western boundary of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, Texas
Authors: Green R.T. , Bertetti F.P. , McGinnis R.N.
Published: October 2019

The western boundary of the San Antonio segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer has been historically mapped to extend to a groundwater divide thought to be near Brackettville in Kinney County, Texas. A revised conceptualization is developed here that contends the Edwards Aquifer forms a separate pool in Kinney County, referred to as the Kinney Pool, which extends from a groundwater divide located between Mud Spring and Pinto Spring on the west to an effective structural, hydraulic barrier near the Kinney-Uvalde County line. The barrier is a result of dewatering of the permeable portion of the Edwards Aquifer in eastern Kinney County. No groundwater flow in the Edwards Aquifer from Kinney County to Uvalde County is expected during periods of low to average groundwater elevation, but limited flow from west to east could be possible during periods when groundwater elevations are high. Natural discharge from the Kinney Pool occurs as spring discharge and underflow through floodplains at the southern (downdip) boundary of the segment.
Texas groundwater law and the Edwards Aquifer
Authors: Hardberger Amy
Published: October 2019

In Texas, groundwater and surface water are managed differently. Surface water is state-owned and governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation. Groundwater law is evolving and based upon a combination of court cases and legislative actions. Like soil, groundwater is property of the surface landowner. The 1904 East case confirmed the absolute ownership of water or the “rule of capture” for beneficial use, limited only in that malicious use or willful waste and, later, subsidence of adjoining properties were not permitted. The Texas Supreme Court later indicated that rule of capture might not be appropriate doctrine, but it declined to replace it with an alternative management doctrine. In the 1990s, there were two major legal changes to the existing legal regime. First, groundwater conservation districts were designated as the preferred method for groundwater management, further emphasizing local control. Second, protection of endangered species in Edwards Aquifer springs necessitated pumping restrictions. More recently, the Day case determined that landowners had a vested property right in water below their land prior to its capture, and the Bragg case determined that, in the facts of that case, the restricting of pumping of groundwater was a taking requiring compensation. Legal constraints will be an important factor in determining the future development of the Edwards Aquifer and associated water resources.
Evolution of Edwards-Trinity Aquifer biodiversity: Insights from phylogeography
Authors: Devitt Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

The exceptional groundwater community inhabiting the karstic Edwards-Trinity Aquifer system in central Texas has inspired generations of biologists seeking to understand diversification in an extreme environment. Since the late 1990s, molecular genetic tools have increasingly been used to uncover hidden diversity and infer the evolutionary history of groundwater species inhabiting the Edwards-Trinity system. The field of phylogeography—the study of the spatial distribution of genealogical lineages within and among intraspecific populations and closely related species—has provided unparalleled insight into patterns of Edwards-Trinity groundwater biodiversity. Similar to other global groundwater biodiversity hotspots, phylogeographic studies in the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer system have documented exceptionally high levels of endemism and strong population structure due to isolation across naturally fragmented habitat. Cryptic species (two or more morphologically similar but genetically distinct species) have been discovered in a number of phylogeographic investigations, including Eurycea salamanders, Dionda minnows, and Stygobromus amphipods. A number of these species are threatened or endangered with extinction due to habitat loss and degradation resulting from urbanization. Accurately delimiting species boundaries has had significant implications for biodiversity and groundwater conservation in the Edwards-Trinity region because the Endangered Species Act has been used to regulate unrestricted groundwater withdrawal in the eastern Edwards Aquifer where listed species are found. New developments in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing technology coupled with advancements in model-based inference will provide powerful tools for furthering our understanding of Edwards-Trinity biodiversity and predicting its response to a rapidly changing environment.