bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kosovo's social policy during self‐management, UNMIK and independence: Persisting high inequality and social exclusion
Authors: Mustafa Artan
Published: October 2019

This study examined: (i) Kosovo's social policy's poverty and inequality outcomes in recent history, namely during Yugoslav self‐management socialism (1952–1989), the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (1999–2008) and independence (2008 onwards), and (ii) the impact of local politics in the more recent trajectory of social policy. The study shows that the poverty rate after the war (1999) is significantly lower than it was during socialism, but that there is persistent high and deepening Gini inequality and social exclusion. Transfers and taxes of the residual‐liberal policy have reduced more pretransfer–pretax inequality, and especially poverty, compared with self‐management's insurance‐dominated socialism, but their effectiveness is declining due to the policy's underlying long‐term, pro‐market logic and its increasing particularism with respect to short‐term transfers. The article argues that the main local political cleavages have originated from self‐management socialism's extensive stratification. These cleavages matter in distributive conflicts, and they mattered also during the UNMIK period by easing the pathway for the unprecedented influence international organisations have had on policy formation.
The interaction between microbiome and pig efficiency: A review
Authors: Maltecca Christian , Bergamaschi Matteo , Tiezzi Francesco
Published: October 2019

The existence of genetic control over the abundance of particular taxa and the link of these to energy balance and growth has been documented in model organisms and humans as well as several livestock species. Preliminary evidence of the same mechanisms is currently under investigation in pigs. Future research should expand these results and elicit the extent of genetic control of the gut microbiome population in swine and its relationship with growth efficiency. The quest for a more efficient pig at the interface between the host and its metagenome rests on the central hypothesis that the gut microbiome is an essential component of the variability of growth in all living organisms. Swine do not escape this general rule, and the identification of the significance of the interaction between host and its gut microbiota in the growth process could be a game‐changer in the achievement of sustainable and efficient lean meat production. Standard sampling protocols, sequencing techniques, bioinformatic pipelines and methods of analysis will be paramount for the portability of results across experiments and populations. Likewise, characterizing and accounting for temporal and spatial variability will be a necessary step if microbiome is to be utilized routinely as an aid to selection.
TLR5 is a new reporter for triple‐negative breast cancer indicated by radioimmunoimaging and fluorescent staining
Authors: Shi Dai , Liu Weiwei , Zhao Shanshan , Zhang Chao , Liang Ting , Hou Guihua
Published: October 2019

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive tumour that lacks marker for targeted diagnosis. Recently, it was reported that toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) was associated with some kind of tumours, especially in TNBC, but whether it could be used as a non‐invasive monitoring target is not fully understood. Here, we established TLR5− 4T1 cell line with lentivirus‐shRNA‐TLR5 knock‐down transfection (with tag GFP, green fluorescent protein, TLR5− 4T1) and control TLR5+ 4T1 cell line with negative control lentivirus transfection. The effect of TLR5 down‐regulation was detected with qPCR and Western blot. 125I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb and control isotype 125I‐IgG were prepared and injected to TLR5+/− 4T1‐bearing mice models, respectively. Whole‐body phosphor‐autoradiography, fluorescence imaging and biodistribution were performed. Furthermore, ex vivo tumour TLR5 expression was proved through immunohistochemistry staining. We found that 125I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb could bind to TLR5+ 4T1 with high affinity and specificity. Whole‐body phosphor‐autoradiography after 125I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb injection showed TLR5+ 4T1 tumour images in 24 hours, more clearly in 48 hours. Radioactivities in tumour tissues were positively related with TLR5 expression. Biodistribution assay showed that 125I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb was mainly metabolized through the liver and kidney, and 125I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb was much more accumulated in TLR5+ 4T1 tumour than TLR5− 4T1. In vivo fluorescence imaging successfully showed tumour tissues clearly both in TLR5+ and TLR5− 4T1 mice compared with lentivirus untreated 4T1 tumour. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that TLR5 expression in tumours was indeed down‐regulated in TLR5− 4T1 mice. Our results indicated that 125I‐antiTLR5 mAb was an ideal agent for non‐invasive imaging of TLR5+ tumours; TLR5 may be as a novel molecular target for TNBC non‐invasive diagnosis.
Screening of depression in overweight and obese pregnant women and its predictors
Authors: Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Dolatkhah Neda , Gassab‐Abdollahi Nafiseh , Farrin Nazila , Mojtahedi Mandana , Farshbaf‐Khalili Azizeh
Published: October 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the screening result of depression and its predictors in overweight and obese pregnant women in second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study was carried out on 232 overweight or obese pregnant women older than 18 years in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Food Record were used. Independent t‐test, Man–Whitney U, Pearson and Spearman correlation test, independent t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and, multivariate linear regression were applied for data analysis using spss 21.

Results

The results of the study showed that the mean (standard deviation) score of depression was 10.1 (4.4), and it was similar in both overweight and obese women (P = 0.784). Median (quartile 25–75) of physical activity was 891.0 (495.0–1336.0) metabolic equivalent of task ‐min/week. The total physical activity in obese women was statistically higher than overweight ones (P = 0.032). In linear regression model, the variables of parity, body mass index, physical activity education, protein, fat, oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, and zinc were the strong predictors of depression, and along with the others explained the 80% of variances.

Conclusion

Considering the fact that nearly one‐third of overweight and obese women in the present study were positive for depression screening, it is important to pay attention to strong predictors of depression in these women.
Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease in children
Authors: Selvanathan Shoba N , Suhumaran Sharline , Sahu Vinay K , Chong Chia Yin , Tan Natalie Woon Hui , Thoon Koh Cheng
Published: October 2019

Aim

Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an important cause of lymphadenitis in children. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of children with KFD and to assess the recurrence of this disease.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients younger than 18 years old, who were diagnosed with KFD from January 2000 to September 2017 at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Records of children with a histological diagnosis of KFD from a lymph node biopsy were obtained from the Department of Pathology. Case notes and electronic medical records of the patients were reviewed. Data collected included patient characteristics, symptoms, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and follow‐up.

Results

A total of 98 patients were identified. There were 52 boys and 46 girls with a median age of 11.2 years old. Recurrence occurred in 12 (12.2%) patients. One patient developed systemic lupus erythematosus 10 years after diagnosis of KFD. Recurrent cases were more likely to be managed as an inpatient and have fever at presentation of their first episode of KFD.

Conclusion

In our study, KFD in children had a higher prevalence among boys, and had a recurrence rate of 12.2%, with 1% of patients developing systemic lupus erythematosus. We recommend that patients be followed up for recurrence and advised to monitor for symptoms of recurrence.
Determinants of age‐appropriate breastfeeding, dietary diversity, and consumption of animal source foods among Indonesian children
Authors: Sebayang Susy K. , Dibley Michael J. , Astutik Erni , Efendi Ferry , Kelly Patrick J. , Li Mu
Published: October 2019

Global child feeding practices remain suboptimal. In this study, we assess the determinants of age‐inappropriate breastfeeding, dietary diversity, and consumption of 3+ types of animal source foods (ASFs) using 11,687 observations from combined data from the Indonesian Demographic Health Survey of 2012 and 2017. We used linear and logistic regression after adjusting for the complex sampling design. Child's age and quality of antenatal care (ANC) were associated with all outcomes. Socio‐economic status and labour force participation were positively associated with higher dietary diversity score, ASF consumption, and age‐inappropriate breastfeeding. More ANC visits and having consultation at ANC were associated with more dietary diversity. Higher women's knowledge level was associated with more dietary diversity and consuming more ASF. Compared with western Indonesia, more children in eastern Indonesia were age‐inappropriately breastfed and had lower dietary diversity. The Indonesian government needs to develop programmes to improve child feeding particularly in eastern Indonesia, focusing on improving dietary diversity and ASF consumption in poorer households and on prolonging breastfeeding in richer households. Women's labour force participation should be encouraged, but programmes for working mothers are also needed to support continued breastfeeding and to express breast milk. ANC and postnatal programmes need improved consultation sessions for child feeding.
Extended cognition, the new mechanists' mutual manipulability criterion, and the challenge of trivial extendedness
Authors: Krickel Beate
Published: October 2019

Many authors have turned their attention to the notion of constitution to determine whether the hypothesis of extended cognition (EC) is true. One common strategy is to make sense of constitution in terms of the new mechanists' mutual manipulability (MM) account. In this paper, I will show that MM is insufficient. The Challenge of Trivial Extendedness arises due to the fact that mechanisms for cognitive behaviors are extended in a way that should not count as verifying EC. This challenge can be met by adding a necessary condition: cognitive constituents satisfy MM and they are what I call behavior unspecific.
Clinical, pathological characteristics and outcomes of immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients with different ages
Authors: Wen Qiong , Rong Rong , Zhou Qian , Tang Xueqing , Yang Qiongqiong , Chen Wei , Yu Xueqing
Published: October 2019

Aim

To determine the clinical and pathological differences in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) with different ages, and to determine whether age is a risk factor for progression of IgAN.

Methods

This was a single centre retrospective cohort study. Patients with biopsy‐diagnosed primary IgAN were stratified into three groups: young‐aged (14‐29 years), middle‐aged (30‐49 years) and older‐age (≥50 years). The primary outcome was end‐stage renal disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis or renal transplantation) or doubling of the baseline serum creatinine.

Results

A total of 981 patients were enrolled, including 65 (6.6%) patients in older‐age group, 517 (52.7%) in middle‐aged group and 399 (40.7%) in young‐aged group. The older‐age group had significantly higher levels of serum IgA, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine, and a reduced eGFR. In contrast to the young adults who had a higher percentage of crescent formation in glomeruli, the older‐aged patients had more severe chronic pathological changes including global glomerulosclerosis and vascular lesions (p < .01). The cumulative renal survival in the older‐age group was slightly shorter than that in the young adult or middle‐aged group, but not achieving significant (p > .05). The 3‐ and 5‐year renal survival rates were similar among the three groups. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age was not an independent predictor of an unfavourable prognosis.

Conclusion

The IgAN patients with aged 50 years or older had different clinical pathological changes as compared with younger patients. However, aging was not found as an independently predictor of renal progression of IgAN. Prolonged follow up is necessary to confirm this trend.
Living with a well‐known stranger: Voices of family members to older persons with frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Tyrrell Marie , Fossum Bjöörn , Skovdahl Kirsti , Religa Dorota , Hillerås Pernilla
Published: October 2019

Aim

To describe family members' experiences of living with persons with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) related to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Background

The majority of persons with dementia during the disease trajectory develop NPS. Persons with FTD are likely to develop greater levels of NPS than persons with other types of dementias. Research‐based knowledge regarding family members' experiences of living with persons with FTD and NPS is limited.

Methods

Nine family members of persons with FTD were interviewed. Interviews commenced with completion of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Upon completion of the NPI, questions were posed from an interview guide where study participants provided in‐depth information about NPS identified. Interview data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Interviewed family members highlighted that persons with FTD had developed between four and eight co‐existing NPS. Irritability and disinhibition were the most common NPS, with variations in severity, frequency and distress. From the interview data, two themes emerged: Living with a well‐known stranger and Coping and overstepping social norms.

Conclusions

Living with a well‐known stranger depicted a new co‐existence with a loved one with changes in personality and behaviour, which were not inherent to the person or predictable any more. The presence of NPS can threaten the safety of the person with FTD and their family in real world and on social media. Support offered should focus on the person's physical and psychological needs, not on a diagnosis.

Implications for practice

From a health care perspective it is important to see the person with FTD and their family as unique individuals with specific needs.
Being of Two Minds (or of One in Two Ways): A New Puzzle for Constitution Views of Personal Identity
Authors: Tzinman Rina
Published: October 2019

According to constitution views of persons, we are constituted by spatially coinciding human animals. Constitution views face an ‘overpopulation' puzzle: if the animal has my brain, there is another thinker where I am. An influential solution to this problem distinguishes between derivative and non‐derivative property possession: persons non‐derivatively have their personal properties, while inheriting others from their constituters. I will show that this solution raises a new problem, by constructing a puzzle with the absurd result that we instantiate certain properties incompatibly. In setting up the puzzle, I demonstrate the relevance of the bodily awareness and self‐awareness literatures to overpopulation puzzles.
Atypical presentations of congenital hemangiomas: Extending the clinical phenotype
Authors: West Emily S. , Totoraitis Kristin , Yadav Bhupender , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine , Drolet Beth A. , Teng Joyce M. , Smidt Aimee C. , Sugarman Jeffrey L. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: October 2019

Background/Objectives

Congenital hemangiomas (CH) are a group of benign vascular tumors that are present at birth and exhibit variable involution during infancy. Congenital hemangiomas that do not involute are typically solitary patch or plaque‐type tumors that grow proportionally with somatic growth. We report a case series of 9 patients with persistent CH, which exhibited uncommon features including segmental involvement, recurrent or severe pain, or growth via volumetric increase in size or apparent increased extent of anatomic involvement over time.

Methods

Via retrospective chart review, we included patients with persistent CH and atypical presentations. Available data regarding clinical characteristics, natural history, histopathology, imaging, and genetic tests were collected.

Results

Data on 9 patients were collected, including 7 noninvoluting CH and 2 partially involuting CH. Three of the 9 cases had segmental distribution, 6 had apparent growth or clinical evolution, and 4 were symptomatic with pain. One also had marked localized intravascular coagulopathy.

Conclusions

Ongoing or recurrent pain and large extent of anatomic involvement can be features of CH, albeit uncommon ones, and can pose both diagnostic and management challenges. Tissue genomic studies can offer a novel tool for CH diagnosis.
Should we biopsy melanonychia striata in Asian children? A retrospective observational study
Authors: (Colin) Tan WeiXuan , Wang Ding Yuan , Seghers Amelie C. , Koh Mark J. A. , (Nicholas) Goh Seng Geok , (Joyce) Lee Siong See
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Melanonychia striata is common in children of darker‐skinned Asian races, while subungual melanoma is extremely rare and it is difficult to make a diagnosis clinically. However, performing nail unit biopsies in children is particularly challenging and can result in permanent nail dystrophy. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and histologic characteristics of melanonychia striata in pediatric patients of Asian descent to aid in the clinical decision regarding nail biopsy.

Methods

Sixty‐two pediatric patients presenting with melanonychia striata involving single or multiple nails at two tertiary pediatric dermatology clinics in Singapore between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. Clinical and histopathological data were analyzed, including age at onset, age at presentation, location, color, width, presence of Hutchinson's sign, pseudo‐Hutchinson's sign, nail dystrophy, length of follow‐up, and clinical evolution. Histopathological assessment was performed by three senior dermatopathologists independently for cases that underwent a nail biopsy.

Results

No cases of subungual melanoma were detected in our series. Solitary melanonychia of the thumbnail with a single uniform color was the most common presentation. Pseudo‐Hutchinson's sign was commonly observed. Consensus in histological diagnosis emerged amongst all three dermatopathologists in only half of the cases biopsied.

Conclusion

The occurrence of melanoma in Asian children presenting with melanonychia is extremely rare. We recommend clinical follow‐up and anticipatory guidance for these patients and nail unit biopsy only in the presence of high‐risk clinical features.
Allergic contact dermatitis to phenylephrine eye drops in an infant
Authors: Lokhande Archana J. , Soni Rohini , D'souza Paschal , Yadav Yogender , Goel Rishi
Published: October 2019

Ophthalmic medications used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are common causes of allergic contact dermatitis around the eyes. We report a case of periocular allergic contact dermatitis due to tropicamide and phenylephrine eye drops in a 1‐year‐old infant.
Evaluation of the effect of aroma oil as a bath salt on cognitive function
Authors: Kouzuki Minoru , Kitao Satoshi , Kaju Takeshi , Urakami Katsuya
Published: October 2019

Background

Aromatherapy is a non‐pharmacological therapy for the improvement of dementia symptoms. This study aimed to assess the effects of aroma oil as a bath salt on cognitive function, olfactory function and sleep quality.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled trial. Overall, 49 patients were able to provide consent, and 35 were finally analysed (Alzheimer's disease: 10, mild cognitive impairment: 25). The patients were randomly assigned to use 0.1%, 0.5% or 1% aroma bath salt. During daily bathing, bath salt was added to the bath water, and the subjects remained in the bathroom for ≥10 min. The intervention period was 24 weeks, and the observation periods were 4 weeks before and after using the aroma bath salt. We performed the Touch Panel‐type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS), the Odour Stick Identification Test for Japanese (OSIT‐J) and the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI‐J) five times during the before and after observation periods and after the 12‐week intervention.

Results

There were no significant changes in the TDAS, OSIT‐J and PSQI‐J scores before and after the intervention in all groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the TDAS, OSIT‐J and PSQI‐J scores between the groups before and after the intervention. In the correlation analysis of changes in the TDAS and other tests during the intervention period, significant associations between TDAS and sleep latency and sleep disturbances, which are sub‐items of PSQI‐J, were observed in the use of 0.1% aroma bath salt group.

Conclusions

The use of aroma bath salt was not associated with improvement in cognitive function, olfactory function or sleep quality. However, sleep‐related aspects were associated with changes in cognitive function before and after use of aroma bath salt, which suggested that there is a link between improvements in sleep and that in cognitive function.
Recognition of the novel HLA‐A*11:01:01:25 allele in the tribal population of Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Sharma Akanksha , Gautam Shashi K. , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

One nucleotide change (G>A) at intron 1 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in the novel allele, HLA‐A*11:01:01:25.
A Short Reflection on City Branding and its Controversies
Authors: Hospers Gert‐Jan
Published: October 2019

Thanks to its conceptual character the paper ‘City Branding: An Effective Assertion of Identity or a Transitory Marketing Trick?' by Kavaratzis and Ashworth (2005) is a classic piece in the area of place branding. The paper has been much cited in the literature, but did it really steer the further development of the field? Nearly fifteen years later, there is still a lot of debate in place branding circles. Taking the paper as a starting point I briefly discuss four controversies in city branding: (1) branding versus marketing; (2) places versus products; (3) policy versus politics; and (4) theory versus practice. I conclude that the complexities surrounding places and their stakeholders asks for more realism, modesty and dialogue in the place branding community.
Life events and donor lapse among blood donors in Denmark
Authors: Piersma Tjeerd W. , Merz Eva‐Maria , Bekkers René , de Kort Wim , Andersen Steffen , Hjalgrim Henrik , Rostgaard Klaus , Nielsen Kaspar René , Ullum Henrik
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

The likelihood of donating blood changes over the life course, with life events shown to influence entry to and exit from the donor population. While these previous findings provide valuable insights for donor management, blood collection agencies need to be cautious about generalizing findings to other countries as blood donor behaviour is context‐specific. To examine cross‐country variations in donor behaviour, the repeatability of a previous Dutch study on life events and blood donor lapse is examined by using a sample of Danish donors.

Materials and methods

Register data from Statistics Denmark was linked to the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions database (n = 152 887). Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the association between life events in 2009–2012 and blood donor lapse in 2013–2014.

Results

Of the total sample, 69 079 (45·2%) donors lapsed. Childbirth and losing a job increased the lapsing risk by 11% and 16%, respectively, while health‐related events in the family (i.e. blood transfusion, disease and death) decreased the lapsing risk by 5%, 7% and 9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Life events are associated with donor lapse of Danish donors. These results are comparable to previous findings from the Netherlands (i.e. childbirth and labour market transitions increased lapsing risk; health‐related events decreased lapsing risk), with two thirds of the associations being in the same direction. Differences between study results were mainly related to effect sizes and demographic compositions of the donor pools. We argue contextual factors to be of importance in blood donor studies.
La asombrosa marioneta del Extranjero Ateniense: de la imagen a la filosofía en las Leyes de Platón
Authors: García Rincón Diego Alejandro
Published: October 2019

Este ensayo sostiene que la estructura general de las Leyes de Platón obedece al principio de acceso indirecto al conocimiento del alma humana, que consiste en la comprensión de que la aproximación filosófica al alma solo es posible inicialmente a través de una imagen de ella. El decurso de las Leyes puede interpretarse como un movimiento hacia la interioridad del alma a partir de la famosa imagen de la marioneta, de acuerdo con la cual se comienza por analizar los elementos no-racionales del alma, capaces de conformarse en armonía con el elemento racional, y se avanza poco a poco hacia el elemento racional o epistémico. Solo al final del diálogo, con la fundación del Consejo Divino, aparece la necesidad política de emprender la investigación dialéctica para alcanzar un conocimiento filosófico del alma humana y de su excelencia específica. De este modo, el diálogo dramatiza el progresivo nacimiento de la filosofía, entendida como investigación dialéctica de la unidad de la virtud, a partir de la comprensión inicial del alma humana contenida en el mito de la marioneta.
Lo trágico en Marx: un diagnóstico de la condición humana en el capitalismo
Authors: Otavo Jaime Andrés
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo se enfoca en la idea de lo trágico en Marx. Efectúa una comparación entre El Capital y los Manuscritos de economía y filosofía para concluir que la comprensión de lo que sucede con el ser humano bajo el capitalismo pasa por entender su condición trágica. Se sostiene que la tragedia es el conflicto entre el ser humano y las condiciones materiales de vida que él produce; conflicto en cuyo desarrollo el ser humano sacrifica sus fuerzas esenciales con la intención de producir nuevos contenidos de vida para él.
A standardized method of classifying pulsed sounds and its application to pulse rate measurement of blue whale southeast Pacific song units
Authors: Patris Julie , Malige Franck , Glotin Hervé , Asch Mark , Buchan Susannah J.
Published: October 2019

Pulsed sounds are an interesting example of complex biological sounds, frequent in cetaceans' vocalizations. A two-group classification of these sounds is proposed: tonal or non-tonal. Through two simple mathematical models, it is shown that this classification can lead to better techniques for measuring the pulse rate. This classification is thus useful for improving measurement accuracy, but can also help in formulating hypotheses regarding mechanisms of sound production. This method of classification is applied to south Pacific blue whale vocalizations and it is found that the pulse rate corresponds to the fundamental frequency (not expressed in the spectrum) of the song. Thus, the hypothesis that the sound is produced by only one organ and then filtered by the body of the giant is reinforced.
Resolvin-g Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Dakin Stephanie G.
Published: October 2019

Resolvin D1 attenuates neuroinflammation in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease.
Epigenetic Regulation of Myeloid Cells
Authors: Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Park Sung Ho
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic regulation in myeloid cells is crucial for cell differentiation and activation in response to developmental and environmental cues. Epigenetic control involves posttranslational modification of DNA or chromatin, and is also coupled to upstream signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we summarize key epigenetic events and how dynamics in the epigenetic landscape of myeloid cells shape the development, immune activation, and innate immune memory.
Symbiont arrangement and metabolism can explain high δ13C in Eocene planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Gaskell Daniel E. , Hull Pincelli M.
Published: October 2019

An important question in climate modeling is whether carbon cycling is fundamentally different in warm versus cold climate states. A key line of evidence regarding this question comes from the unusually large difference in carbon-isotope values (δ13C) between shallow-dwelling muricate foraminifera and foraminifera living deeper in the water column in the Paleogene. This has been interpreted as evidence that warmer temperatures elevated the metabolic rates of carbon-recycling bacteria, resulting in a steeper gradient in the δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) and reduced carbon export. However, this interpretation depends on the assumption that vital effects—biological processes that bias foraminiferal δ13C—are constant throughout time. We test this assumption using a chemical model of the foraminiferal microenvironment and find that the hypothesized increase in metabolic rates should also increase vital effects, meaning that both Paleogene δ13CDIC gradients and the temperature dependence of metabolism must have been significantly lower than previously estimated. We further propose that muricate foraminifera may have evolved a novel “mat” strategy for photosymbiosis wherein symbionts rested on the muricae in a thin layer surrounding the shell. This hypothesis can explain both the function of muricae and the observed isotopic data without the need for any change in metabolism. Our work thus challenges existing interpretations of δ13C and provides a path forward to empirically test the magnitude of temperature-dependent metabolic change in the deep past.
Differential bank migration and the maintenance of channel width in meandering river bends
Authors: Mason Jasmine , Mohrig David
Published: October 2019

Comparison of three bare-earth lidar data sets along 30 consecutive river bends on the Trinity River in Texas, USA, shows that differential migration of river banks in a channel bend counterbalances past bank migrations so that a statistically steady-state channel width is maintained. Two difference maps created from lidar flown in 2011, 2015, and 2017 capture this temporal variability in the relative amounts of inner versus outer bank migration. In 20 of the studied river bends, channel narrowing during 2011–2015 was counterbalanced by widening during the second interval, or vice versa. Only four bends recorded significant (>1%) progressive change in channel width during both measurement periods. Each of these four bends recorded progressive channel narrowing that was connected to floodplain complexity associated with past bend cutoffs or tributaries. Subaerial volumes of sediment deposited on inner banks of bends were smaller for 2015–2017 than for 2011–2015, while erosional volumes associated with the outer banks were similar despite 2015–2017 having had almost twice the number of days under flood conditions. Over time, channel width for the river appears roughly constant because differences in outer and inner bank migration at one time are counterbalanced by compensating differences at a later time. For the Trinity River, this compensation happened over time spans as short as 2–3 yr and would lead to the appearance of invariant channel width at the decadal scale. Tighter river bends with relatively smaller radii of curvature have smaller magnitudes of width change compared to broader bends with larger radii of curvature.
Plant trichomes and the biomechanics of defense in various systems, with Solanaceae as a model
Authors: Bar Maya , Shtein Ilana
Published: October 2019

Plant trichomes are epidermal outgrowths of varying size and form. While the chemical defensive function of the secretory trichomes is well established, the biomechanical function of the non-glandular trichomes emerges as another major defensive strategy of plants. In particular, trichomes impede the locomotion of insect herbivores both by serving as a physical barrier and by wounding them. Solanaceous trichomes are often viewed as a model for the trichome development and defensive function. In particular, trichomes in tomato and relative species have been extensively examined, with different trichome types being precisely described. This review attempts to summarize the knowledge on trichomal defense and biomechanics, with a special emphasis on Solanaceae species, and suggests several avenues for future research.
Structural optimization of two-girder composite cable-stayed bridges under dead and live loads
Authors: Santos C.A.N. , El Damatty A.A. , Pfeil M.S. , Battista R.C.
Published: October 2019

A large number of variables are involved in the optimization of cable-stayed bridges, which makes the optimization impractical when many load cases are considered. To reduce the number of variables to be optimized, a discrete phases approach for structural optimization is developed in this study. The approach couples the finite element method with the genetic algorithm optimization approach. The design variables are divided into two categories: (i) main variables: number of stay cables, I-girder inertia, concrete slab thickness, and tower dimensions; and (ii) secondary variables: I-girder dimensions, stay-cable areas, and pre-tensioning forces. Two design objectives are tested: (i) lightest deck mass; and (ii) lowest material cost. Three load cases are considered: (i) dead and truck plus lane live loads; (ii) dead and lane live loads; and (iii) dead load. The results show the importance of considering the truck loads in structural optimization and the efficacy of the phases approach for different objectives.
Dynamics of the diameter distribution after selection cutting in uneven- and even-aged northern hardwood stands: a long-term evaluation
Authors: Bassil Sarita , Nyland Ralph D. , Kern Christel C. , Kenefic Laura S.
Published: October 2019

Selection cutting is defined as a tool for uneven-aged silviculture. Dependence on diameter distribution by forestry practitioners for identifying stand conditions has led to misuse of selection-like cuttings in even-aged northern hardwood stands. Our study used several long-term data sets to investigate the temporal stability in numbers of trees per diameter class in uneven-aged northern hardwood stands treated with single-tree selection and in 45-year-old second-growth stands treated with selection-like cuttings. We analyzed data from New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin to determine changes through time in number of trees across 2.5 cm diameter classes, shifts in the shape and scale of the three-parameter Weibull function used to describe the diameter distributions, and dynamics of associated stand attributes. Findings showed that single-tree selection cutting created and sustained stable diameter distributions and uniformity of conditions through consecutive entries in uneven-aged stands. By contrast, these characteristics varied through time in the second-growth stands that had been treated with selection-like cuttings. Analysis also showed that the Weibull shape and scale parameters for stands under selection system migrated towards those of the recommended target diameter distribution in the uneven-aged stands. These parameters diverged from the target with repeated use of selection-like cuttings in the second-growth even-aged stands.
A class of generalized special Weingarten surfaces
Authors: Corro Armando M. V. , Dias Diogo G. , Riveros Carlos M. C.
Published: October 2019

In [Classes of generalized Weingarten surfaces in the Euclidean 3-space, Adv. Geom. 16(1) (2016) 45–55], the authors study a class of generalized special Weingarten surfaces, where coefficients are functions that depend on the support function and the distance function from a fixed point (in short EDSGW-surfaces), this class of surfaces has the geometric property that all the middle spheres pass through a fixed point. In this paper, we present a Weierstrass type representation for EDSGW-surfaces with prescribed Gauss map which depends on two holomorphic functions. Also, we classify isothermic EDSGW-surfaces with respect to the third fundamental form parametrized by planar lines of curvature. Moreover, we give explicit examples of EDSGW-surfaces and isothermic EDSGW-surfaces.
3-Methylindole-substituted zinc phthalocyanines for photodynamic cancer therapy
Authors: Ayari Sami , Saglam Mehmet F. , Şenkuytu Elif , Erçin Pelin B. , Zorlu Yunus , Sengul Ibrahim F. , Jamoussi Bassem , Atilla Devrim
Published: October 2019

Novel peripherally and non-peripherally 3-methylindole-substituted zinc phthalocyanine derivatives were synthesized as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy in cancer treatment. The photophysical, photochemical and photobiological properties of targeted phthalocyanines were also investigated. For this purpose, the fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetime values of the final compounds were determined in DMF solutions. The phototoxicity and cytotoxicity of the phthalocyanine complexes were tested against the invasive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) for determination of their photosensitizing ability in the area of photodynamic therapy. It was revealed that while peripherally 3-methylindole-substituted phthalocyanine was found to be toxic for cells in both dark and light conditions, its non-peripherally substituted phthalocyanine analogue significantly caused cell death following light irradiation. A preliminary assay suggested that the non-peripherally linked phthalocyanine could be a suitable candidate for cancer treatment via photodynamic therapy techniques.
Functional Graphene Derivatives for Chemotherapy-Based Synergistic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Cui Xinyu , Cheng Wenlong , Xu Weili , Mu Wei , Han Xiaojun
Published: October 2019

Starting from simplex drug delivery system, the graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO) materials have been developed to be “combo” nanoplatforms containing multiple therapeutic modalities, such as the targeted drug delivery, imaging, as well as photothermal therapy (PTT) due to their distinctive physical/chemical and optical properties including excellent biocompatibility, modifiable active groups, ultra-large surface area, and intense photothermal effect. The graphene-based nanoplatforms were used for the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, showing excellent therapeutic effects activated by endogenous stimuli including low pH, overexpressed enzymes, biomolecules, elevated glutathione, and exogenous stimuli including light, magnetic/electric field, and ultrasound. More importantly, for multimodal synergistic therapy originated from the enhanced collaborative interactions among several monotherapy types, the obtained remarkable super-additive effects were not the results just through single therapy or their theoretical combination. In this review, the recent progresses of smart graphene-based nanoplatforms for integrated cancer therapy and bio-imaging are presented. Current challenges and future perspectives of graphene-based nanoplatforms in the biomedical field are also discussed.
East Asian Regionalism: A New Momentum for Multilateralism?
Authors: MOON Don
Published: October 2019

East Asian countries continue to sign mega-Free Trade Agreements, indicating certain momentum for promoting cooperative economic relationships, despite protectionism fears. This paper examines East Asian regionalism after the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 and discusses the dynamics of institution building among the United States, China and Japan. It also explores what ASEAN countries, South Korea and Australia should do to mitigate the tension in the region and facilitate progress in the open economic order.
Japan’s Deflation, Monetary Policy and Issues Ahead
Authors: PARK Gene
Published: October 2019

Japan suffered from mild but persistent deflation from the 1990s through 2012 that eroded its economic vitality. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) took a cautious approach to confronting deflation until Shinzo Abe came to power in 2012. Abe appointed new leadership to the BOJ that implemented bold “unconventional” measures to pull Japan out of deflation. These policies may be ineffective in a future downturn, thus requiring consideration of other options.
Legal Treatment of Foreign Drug Offenders Who Face Capital Punishment in China
Authors: LIANG Bin
Published: October 2019

Between 2009 and 2015, China executed at least 19 foreigners for drug trafficking. This study examines some notable cases in which foreign drug offenders were death sentenced and executed in China and discusses issues exposed. It further contrasts international due process protection requirements for foreigners who face criminal charges based on China’s laws and shows that China’s laws largely comply with international standards, though there is the question on compliance in actions.
Mobile Sensor Networks and Control: Adaptive Sampling of Spatiotemporal Processes
Authors: Paley Derek A. , Wolek Artur
Published: October 2019

The control of mobile sensor networks uses sensor measurements to update a model of an unknown or estimated process, which in turn guides the collection of subsequent measurements—a feedback control framework called adaptive sampling. Applications for adaptive sampling exist in a wide range of settings, especially for unmanned or autonomous vehicles that can be deployed cheaply and in cooperative groups. The dynamics of mobile sensor platforms are often simplified to planar self-propelled particles subject to the ambient flow of the surrounding fluid. Sensor measurements are assimilated into continuous or discrete models of the process of interest, which in general can vary in space and time. The variability of the estimated process is one metric to score future candidate sampling trajectories, along with information- and uncertainty-based metrics. Sampling tasks are allocated to the network using centralized or decentralized optimization, in order to avoid redundant measurements and observational gaps.
Organization of Chromosomal DNA by SMC Complexes
Authors: Yatskevich Stanislau , Rhodes James , Nasmyth Kim
Published: October 2019

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes are key organizers of chromosome architecture in all kingdoms of life. Despite seemingly divergent functions, such as chromosome segregation, chromosome maintenance, sister chromatid cohesion, and mitotic chromosome compaction, it appears that these complexes function via highly conserved mechanisms and that they represent a novel class of DNA translocases.
Machine Learning in Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research
Authors: Wiemken Timothy L. , Kelley Robert R.
Published: October 2019

Machine learning approaches to modeling of epidemiologic data are becoming increasingly more prevalent in the literature. These methods have the potential to improve our understanding of health and opportunities for intervention, far beyond our past capabilities. This article provides a walkthrough for creating supervised machine learning models with current examples from the literature. From identifying an appropriate sample and selecting features through training, testing, and assessing performance, the end-to-end approach to machine learning can be a daunting task. We take the reader through each step in the process and discuss novel concepts in the area of machine learning, including identifying treatment effects and explaining the output from machine learning models.
Peroxisome turnover and diurnal modulation of antioxidant activity in retinal pigment epithelia utilizes microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B)
Authors: Daniele Lauren L. , Caughey Jennifer , Volland Stefanie , Sharp Rachel C. , Dhingra Anuradha , Williams David S. , Philp Nancy J. , Boesze-Battaglia Kathleen
Published: October 2019

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) supports the outer retina through essential roles in the retinoid cycle, nutrient supply, ion exchange, and waste removal. Each day the RPE removes the oldest ~10% of photoreceptor outer segment (OS) disk membranes through phagocytic uptake, which peaks following light onset. Impaired degradation of phagocytosed OS material by the RPE can lead to toxic accumulation of lipids, oxidative tissue damage, inflammation, and cell death. OSs are rich in very long chain fatty acids, which are preferentially catabolized in peroxisomes. Despite the importance of lipid degradation in RPE function, the regulation of peroxisome number and activity relative to diurnal OS ingestion is relatively unexplored. Using immunohistochemistry, immunoblot analysis, and catalase activity assays, we investigated peroxisome abundance and activity at 6 AM, 7 AM (light onset), 8 AM, and 3 PM, in wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B ( Lc3b), which have impaired phagosome degradation. We found that catalase activity, but not the amount of catalase protein, is 50% higher in the morning compared with 3 PM, in RPE of WT, but not Lc3b−/−, mice. Surprisingly, we found that peroxisome abundance was stable during the day in RPE of WT mice; however, numbers were elevated overall in Lc3b−/− mice, implicating LC3B in autophagic organelle turnover in RPE. Our data suggest that RPE peroxisome function is regulated in coordination with phagocytosis, possibly through direct enzyme regulation, and may serve to prepare RPE peroxisomes for daily surges in ingested lipid-rich OS.
Extracellular pH and intracellular phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate control Cl− currents in guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yarotskyy Viktor , Malysz John , Petkov Georgi V.
Published: October 2019

Cl− channels serve as key regulators of excitability and contractility in vascular, intestinal, and airway smooth muscle cells. We recently reported a Cl− conductance in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) cells. Here, we used the whole cell patch-clamp technique to further characterize biophysical properties and physiological regulators of the Cl− current in freshly isolated guinea pig DSM cells. The Cl− current demonstrated outward rectification arising from voltage-dependent gating of Cl− channels rather than the Cl− transmembrane gradient. An exposure of DSM cells to hypotonic extracellular solution (Δ 165 mOsm challenge) did not increase the Cl− current providing strong evidence that volume-regulated anion channels do not contribute to the Cl− current in DSM cells. The Cl− current was monotonically dependent on extracellular pH, larger and lower in magnitude at acidic (5.0) and basic pH (8.5) values, respectively. Additionally, intracellularly applied phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] analog [PI(4,5)P2-diC8] increased the average Cl− current density by approximately threefold in a voltage-independent manner. The magnitude of the DSM whole cell Cl− current did not depend on the cell surface area (cell capacitance) regardless of the presence or absence of PI(4,5)P2-diC8, an intriguing finding that underscores the complex nature of Cl− channel expression and function in DSM cells. Removal of both extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ did not affect the DSM whole cell Cl− current, whereas Gd3+ (1 mM) potentiated the current. Collectively, our recent and present findings strongly suggest that Cl− channels are critical regulators of DSM excitability and are regulated by extracellular pH, Gd3+, and PI(4,5)P2.