bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory motion‐tracking via self‐refocused rosette navigators
Authors: Rigie David , Vahle Thomas , Zhao Tiejun , Czekella Björn , Frohwein Lynn J. , Schäfers Klaus , Boada Fernando E.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To develop a flexible method for tracking respiratory and cardiac motions throughout MR and PET‐MR body examinations that requires no additional hardware and minimal sequence modification.

Methods

The incorporation of a contrast‐neutral rosette navigator module following the RF excitation allows for robust cardiorespiratory motion tracking with minimal impact on the host sequence. Spatial encoding gradients are applied to the FID signal and the desired motion signals are extracted with a blind source separation technique. This approach is validated with an anthropomorphic, PET‐MR‐compatible motion phantom as well as in 13 human subjects.

Results

Both respiratory and cardiac motions were reliably extracted from the proposed rosette navigator in phantom and patient studies. In the phantom study, the MR‐derived motion signals were additionally validated against the ground truth measurement of diaphragm displacement and left ventricle model triggering pulse.

Conclusion

The proposed method yields accurate respiratory and cardiac motion‐state tracking, requiring only a short (1.76 ms) additional navigator module, which is self‐refocusing and imposes minimal constraints on sequence design.
Association of bone mineral density and fat fraction with magnetic susceptibility in inflamed trabecular bone
Authors: Bray Timothy J.P. , Karsa Anita , Bainbridge Alan , Sakai Naomi , Punwani Shonit , Hall‐Craggs Margaret A. , Shmueli Karin
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and magnetic susceptibility, and between proton density fat fraction and susceptibility, in inflamed trabecular bone.

Methods

Two different phantoms modeling the fat fraction (FF) and BMD values of healthy bone marrow and disease states were scanned using a multiecho gradient echo acquisition at 3T. After correction for fat‐water chemical shift, susceptibility mapping was performed, and susceptibility measurements were compared with BMD and FF values using linear regression. Patients with spondyloarthritis were scanned using the same protocol, and susceptibility values were calculated in areas of inflamed bone (edema) and fat metaplasia, both before and after accounting for the contribution of fat to the total susceptibility.

Results

Susceptibility values in the phantoms were accurately described by a 2D linear function, with a negative correlation between BMD and susceptibility and a positive correlation between FF and susceptibility (adjusted R2 = 0.77; P = 3·10−5). In patients, significant differences in susceptibility were observed between fat metaplasia and normal marrow, but these differences were eliminated by removing the fat contribution to the total susceptibility.

Conclusions

BMD and proton density fat fraction both influence the total susceptibility of bone marrow and failure to account for the fat contribution could lead to errors in BMD quantification. We propose a method for removing the fat contribution from the total susceptibility, based on the observed linear relationship between susceptibility and FF. In inflamed bone, the overall increase in susceptibility in areas of fat metaplasia is at least partly due to increased fat content.
Applications of α, ω‐telechelic polydimethylsiloxane as cross‐linkers for preparing high‐temperature vulcanized silicone rubber
Authors: Dong Fuying , Wang Xianpeng , Li Shuaijie , Hao Jiawen , Tang Xinde , Kuang Rui , Wang Yanmin , Feng Shengyu
Published: January 2019

Multiamino‐terminated telechelic polydimethylsiloxane (MATTPS) was synthesized via aza‐Micheal reaction and amidation reaction and subsequently employed as cross‐linkers of polysiloxane containing γ‐chloropropyl groups (CPPS) for preparing a series of high‐temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (MCSR/MATTPS). The curing, mechanical, and thermal properties of MCSR/MATTPS were studied through rheometry, mechanical testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). MCSR/MATTPS exhibits optimal mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 9.52 MPa and tear strength of 45.4 kN/m when the molar ratio of [N–H]/[CH2CH2CH2Cl] is of 1, which is attributed to the formation of concentrative cross‐linking in the three‐dimensional polymer networks. The thermal behaviors of MCSR/MATTPS display a two‐step weight loss process by heating in nitrogen whereas more than two weight loss process in air. TGA results indicate that the introduction of aliphatic long chain and carbonyl groups in the structure of MATTPS has little negative effect on the thermal stability of MCSR/MATTPS.
Preclinical tissue distribution and metabolic correlations of vigabatrin, an antiepileptic drug associated with potential use‐limiting visual field defects
Authors: Walters Dana C. , Jansen Erwin E. W. , Ainslie Garrett R. , Salomons Gajja S. , Brown Madalyn N. , Schmidt Michelle A. , Roullet Jean‐Baptiste , Gibson K. M.
Published: January 2019

Vigabatrin (VGB; (S)‐(+)/(R)‐(‐) 4‐aminohex‐5‐enoic acid), an antiepileptic irreversibly inactivating GABA transaminase (GABA‐T), manifests use‐limiting ocular toxicity. Hypothesizing that the active S enantiomer of VGB would preferentially accumulate in eye and visual cortex (VC) as one potential mechanism for ocular toxicity, we infused racemic VGB into mice via subcutaneous minipump at 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg/d (n = 6‐8 animals/dose) for 12 days. VGB enantiomers, total GABA and β‐alanine (BALA), 4‐guanidinobutyrate (4‐GBA), and creatine were quantified by mass spectrometry in eye, brain, liver, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and VC. Plasma VGB concentrations increased linearly by dose (3 ± 0.76 (35 mg/kg/d); 15.1 ± 1.4 (70 mg/kg/d); 34.6 ± 3.2 μmol/L (140 mg/kg/d); mean ± SEM) with an S/R ratio of 0.74 ± 0.02 (n = 14). Steady state S/R ratios (35, 70 mg/kg/d doses) were highest in eye (5.5 ± 0.2; P < 0.0001), followed by VC (3.9 ± 0.4), PFC (3.6 ± 0.3), liver (2.9 ± 0.1), and brain (1.5 ± 0.1; n = 13‐14 each). Total VGB content of eye exceeded that of brain, PFC and VC at all doses. High‐dose VGB diminished endogenous metabolite production, especially in PFC and VC. GABA significantly increased in all tissues (all doses) except brain; BALA increases were confined to liver and VC; and 4‐GBA was prominently increased in brain, PFC and VC (and eye at high dose). Linear correlations between enantiomers and GABA were observed in all tissues, but only in PFC/VC for BALA, 4‐GBA, and creatine. Preferential accumulation of the VGB S isomer in eye and VC may provide new insight into VGB ocular toxicity.
Importance of properly designing dust explosion protection systems: Case study – 2014 plywood manufacturing facility fire and explosion
Authors: Davis Scott G. , Pagliaro John L.
Published: January 2019

When designing handling and conveying equipment for combustible dusts, it is crucial to properly implement protective measures (e.g., deflagration venting, suppression, and isolation) capable of mitigating the potential consequences in the event the dust is ignited. Generally speaking, dust processing, storage, and collection equipment, such as cyclones, mills, baghouses, dryers, and silos are typically connected via pipes, pneumatic conveyors, and dust extraction or aspiration lines. If a fire or dust explosion occurs in one vessel, or the interconnecting piping, the flame front or pressure can quickly propagate through these conduits to other parts of the plant and potentially escalate to even worse consequences than the original event. Improper design of isolation devices can be costly, as illustrated by this case study on the fire and explosion in a baghouse that occurred on April 26, 2014 at a plywood manufacturing facility in Texas. More specifically, numerous deficiencies in the system design were identified, which included (1) required air stream flow rates; (2) proper isolation designs; (3) exclusion zones in the anticipated path of a vented deflagration; and (4) impeding deflagration vents. The root cause analysis identified that had a dust hazard analysis been properly performed, these deficiencies would have been identified and the explosion in the baghouse could have been avoided. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog: e12036 2019
Carbon Dots Dispersed on Graphene/SiO2/Si: A Morphological Study
Authors: Faggio Giuliana , Gnisci Andrea , Messina Giacomo , Lisi Nicola , Capasso Andrea , Lee Gwan Hyoung , Armano Angelo , Sciortino Alice , Messina Fabrizio , Cannas Marco , Gelardi Franco Mario , Schilirò Emanuela , Giannazzo Filippo , Agnello Simonpietro
Published: January 2019

Low‐dimensional carbon materials occupy a relevant role in the field of nanotechnology. Herein, the authors report a study conducted by atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy on the deposition of carbon dots onto graphene surfaces. The study aims at understanding if and how the morphology and the microstructure of chemical vapor deposited graphene on Si/SiO2 may change due to the interaction with the carbon dots. Potential alteration in the graphene's electrical properties might be detrimental for optoelectronic applications. The deposition of carbon dots dispersed in water and ethanol solvents are explored to investigate the effect of solvents with different fluidic properties. The obtained results indicate that the carbon dots do not alter the quality of graphene.
Improved assessment of mangrove forests in Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary using WorldView 2 and TanDEM‐X high resolution imagery
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Lagomasino David , Lee SeungKuk , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Ahmed Imran , Kanzaki Mamoru
Published: January 2019

Recent developments of remote sensing techniques which can capture both the structure and function of the ecosystem provide a more representative view of the landscape. These unique Earth observations were used to help improve traditional forestry surveys by providing species‐specific land cover classes for mangrove forests in the Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary. By combining optical data from WorldView2 (WV2; 2 m pixel) and a canopy height model derived using radar data from TanDEM‐X (TDX; 12 m pixel), we identified nine mangrove and five non‐mangrove classes by following an Iterative Self‐Organizing Data Analysis Algorithm. Three dominant mangrove species accounted for nearly 50% of the sanctuary. Heritieria fomes disproportionately covered the largest area at 43%, overturning previous field‐based estimates of Excoecaria agallocha dominance. E. agallocha and Sonneratia apetala, covered 3% and 1.47% of the sanctuary, respectively. Four mixed species classes were also identified with clear vegetation zonation patterns that trended toward species homogeneity with increasing distance from shore. The overall land cover accuracy (WV2: 89.33%; WV2‐TDX: 89.89%), the Kappa Coefficient (WV2: 0.88; WV2‐TDX: 0.89) and change statistics between WV2 and WV2‐TDX land cover classifications indicate that the WV2 imagery can separate mangrove community types without structural data. The combination of the land cover classifications and the canopy height model indicated that H. fomes were not only the most dominant forest but also, on average, the tallest (12.3 m) among the other eight mangrove types. Our large‐scale mapping with high resolution optical and radar platforms can capture subtle changes in mangrove vegetation and canopy structural gradients more accurately and be used to monitor biodiversity changes and Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Indicators, which would contribute to biodiversity policy updating.
K5PW11NiO39‐catalyzed oxidation of benzyl alcohol with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Coronel Nelson C. , da Silva Márcio J. , Ferreira Sukarno O. , da Silva Rene C. , Natalino Ricardo
Published: January 2019

In this work, we synthesized a series of metal‐substituted potassium heteropolyacid salts and investigated its catalytic activity on oxidation of benzyl alcohol with H2O2 under homogeneous (CH3CN) and biphasic (toluene/water) conditions. The Keggin heteropolyacids were converted to lacunar salts (i. e., K7PW11O39; K7PMo11O39 and K8SiW11O39), which had their vacancies filled with metal cations (i. e., Al3+, Fe3+, Co2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+), generating the metal‐substituted salts. The K5PW11NiO39 proved to be the most efficient catalyst. The synergic effect raised between the PW11O397− anion and Ni2+ cation improved the redox properties and the activity of the catalyst. The K5PW11NiO39 catalyst was able to promote the benzyl alcohol oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in biphasic conditions in the absence of phase transfer catalyst. Benzaldehyde and benzoic acid were the main products. The effects of main reaction parameters were assessed. The K5PW11NiO39 catalyst was successfully recovered and reused without losing activity.
Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Fused Pyrazolo‐Pyridines: Characterization, Anticancer Activity, Protein Binding and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Naik Nirmala S. , Shastri Lokesh A. , Shastri Samundeeswari L. , Chougala Bahubali M. , Shaikh Farzanabi , Madar Jyoti M. , Kulkarni Rashmi C. , Dodamani Suneel , Jalalpure Sunil , Joshi Shrinivas D. , Sunagar Vinay
Published: January 2019

The reaction of a multi‐substituted pyrazole 1 with aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes and active methylene compounds afford unexpected pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives 4(a‐k). Mechanism for this unexpected reaction involving reactivity of the active methylene moiety with a neighboring endocyclic NH group is proposed and structure has been established by the NMR and single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Moreover, all the newly synthesized compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against sixty human cell lines at NCI. Among all the compounds, three scaffolds 4d, 4 h and 4k showed enhancement in anticancer activity in comparison with remaining synthesized compounds. Interestingly compound 4k was found to highly active even at a five dose concentration. The IC50 values were determined against two cell lines MCF‐7 and HepG2, the results obtained have shown promising effects against cancer cell lines. Further, the molecular docking studies revealed that substituted pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives are good candidates in the medicinal field.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Selective Synthesis of (Z)‐1,2‐Diarylthio‐1‐arylalkenes, (2‐Arylethene‐1,1,2‐triyl)tris(arylsulfane)s and Alkynyl Sulfides from Thiocyanates and Terminal Arylalkynes
Authors: Yang Lian , Tian Ze‐Yu , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: January 2019

A transition‐metal‐free strategy using organic thiocyanate as a source of ArS or RS moiety allowed a facile and efficient synthesis of bis(tris)‐vinyl sulfides and alkynyl thioethers under mild conditions. The types of thiocyanates and the choice of bases and solvents had significant effects on the outcomes of the reactions. Aryl thiocyanates reacted with terminal arylalkynes in DMF in the presence of t‐BuOK or MOH (M=Cs, K, Na) at room temperature to form (Z)‐1,2‐diarylthio‐1‐arylalkenes in 24–93% yields, while the same reactions with alkyl thiocyanates provided alkyl alkynyl sulfides in 40–96% yields. Using NaH instead of t‐BuOK or MOH as a base in the similar reactions of aryl thiocyanates and terminal arylalkynes led to the formation of (2‐arylethene‐1,1,2‐triyl)tris(arylsulfane)s in 33–85% yields. Varying the solvent from DMF to THF, the reactions of aryl thiocyanates with terminal arylalkynes at −78 °C to room temperature in the presence of t‐BuOK supplied aryl alkynyl sulfides in 34–96% yields. Aryl and alkyl selenocyanates were also suitable substrates in these reactions. This work is the first time transition‐metal‐free selective construction of (Z)‐1,2‐diarylthio‐1‐arylalkenes, (2‐arylethene‐1,1,2‐triyl)tris(arylsulfane), and alkynyl sulfides from organic thiocyanates and terminal arylalkynes in the presence of a certain base.
Experimental and analytical investigation on seismic behavior of Q690 circular high‐strength concrete‐filled thin‐walled steel tubular columns
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Sun Qing , Wu Xiaohong , Wu Yongcai
Published: January 2019

This paper proposed a new Q690 circular high‐strength concrete‐filled thin‐walled steel tubular (HCFTST) column comprising an ultrahigh‐strength steel tube (yield strength fy ≥ 690 MPa). A quasi‐static cyclic loading test was conducted to examine the seismic behavior, and the obtained lateral load‐displacement hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, and ductility were analyzed in detail. Then, a numerical model based on a nonlinear fiber beam‐column element incorporating the modified uniaxial cyclic constitutive laws for concrete and steel was developed mainly to predict the seismic behavior of the tested Q690 circular HCFTST columns. The effects of the concrete cylinder compressive strength (fc), steel yield strength (fy), axial compression ratio (n), and diameter‐to‐thickness (D/t) ratio on the seismic behavior were investigated through a parametric study. Finally, a simplified hysteretic model incorporating the moment‐resisting capacity and deterioration of the unloading stiffness in addition to a normalized skeleton curve and hysteretic criterion was established. The results indicate the following: the proposed Q690 circular HCFTST columns can display reasonable hysteretic behaviors to some extent; the use of high‐strength steel can lead to a significantly larger elasto‐plastic deformation capacity and delay the appearance of post‐peak behavior, even if a lower ductility capacity is provided; moderately loosening the limitations on the D/t ratio can also result in ideal hysteretic behaviors; and the established numerical model and simplified hysteretic model can satisfactorily predict the experimentally observed load‐displacement hysteretic curves, including the deterioration of the strength and stiffness and can, thus, offer design references for the elasto‐plastic analysis of circular HCFTST columns.
Correction to: Understanding Living Conditions and Deprivation in Informal Settlements of Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Simiyu Sheillah , Cairncross Sandy , Swilling Mark
Published: January 2019

The article Understanding Living Conditions and Deprivation in Informal Settlements of Kisumu, Kenya, written by Sheillah Simiyu, Sandy Cairncross and Mark Swilling, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink)
Using a Product’s Sustainability Space as a Design Exploration Tool
Authors: Mattson Christopher A. , Pack Andrew T. , Lofthouse Vicky , Bhamra Tracy
Published: January 2019

Sustainable design is often practiced and assessed through the consideration of three essential areas: economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability. For even the simplest of products, the complexities of these three areas and their tradeoffs cause decision-making transparency to be lost in most practical situations. The existing field of multiobjective optimization offers a natural framework to define and explore a given design space. In this paper, a method for defining a product’s sustainability space (defined by economic, environmental, and social sustainability objectives) is outlined and used to explore the tradeoffs within the space, thus offering both the design team and the decision makers a means of better understanding the sustainability tradeoffs. This paper concludes that sustainable product development can indeed benefit from tradeoff characterization using multiobjective optimization techniques – even when using only basic models of sustainability. Interestingly, the unique characteristics of the three essential sustainable development areas lead to an alternative view of some traditional multiobjective optimization concepts, such as weak-Pareto optimality. The sustainable redesign of a machine to drill boreholes for water wells is presented as a practical example for method demonstration and discussion.
Only Connect: Three Reflections on the Sociality of Secularism
Authors: Scott J. Barton
Published: January 2019

The three reflections joined together in this essay develop a notion of “the sociality of secularism”—a phrase that gestures to how secularism structures the social field, becoming an intimate part of the practice of self for subjects who are always inextricably intertwined with others in a network of connectedness that is central to what it means to be worldly. The first reflection, by following the English wordpriestcraftto colonial India, delineates a mode of Enlightenment focused on persons not ideas. The second asks how the secularist division between the public and the private relegated religion to the feminized domestic sphere. The third argues that postcolonial ethics has, from its inception, presented the self as inherently social. A substantial conclusion unites these threads by asking how religio-political writing from colonial India can reframe contemporary debates about the place of the “free” subject in the global political order.
Transcontinental Revolutionary Imagination: Literary Translation between China and Brazil (1952–1964)
Authors: Wang Siwei
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the literary translation between China and Brazil from 1952, when Jorge Amado visited China for the first time, to 1964, when the Brazilian military government detained and expelled Chinese diplomats after the coup d’état. It is mainly focused on Chinese and Brazilian writers who traveled between the two countries, and the role they played in literary translation as part of the hot battles in the cultural Cold War. I will show how important literary translation, assisted by writers’ lectures and travel writing, were in the construction of a revolutionary China and Brazil that were sympathetic with each other in their struggles, which aimed at creating viable alternatives to not only the existing bipolar world order but also the discursive practices of the dominant colonial/imperial powers.
Variations in δ13C values of sedimentary organic matter since late Miocene time in the Indus Fan (IODP Site 1457) of the eastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Khim Boo-Keun , Lee Jongmin , Ha Sanbeom , Park Jingu , Pandey Dhananjai K. , Clift Peter D. , Kulhanek Denise K. , Steinke Stephan , Griffith Elizabeth M. , Suzuki Kenta , Xu Zhaokai ,   IODP Expedition 355 Scientists
Published: January 2019

A 1108.6 m long core was recovered at Site U1457 located on the Indus Fan in the Laxmi Basin of the eastern Arabian Sea during IODP Expedition 355. Shipboard examinations defined five lithologic units (I to V) of the lower Paleocene to Holocene sedimentary sequence. In this study, δ13C values of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) confirm the differentiation of the lithologic units and further divide units III and IV into two subunits (1 and 2). Based on the underlying assumption that the SOM is decided primarily by a mixture of marine and terrestrial origins, δ13CSOM values at Site U1457 provide information on the terrestrial catchment conditions since late Miocene time. Low δ13CSOM values from late Miocene to late Pleistocene times are similar (c. −22.0 ‰) for the most part, reflecting a consistent contribution of terrestrial organic matter from the catchment areas characterized by dominant C3 land plants. Significantly lower δ13CSOM values (c. −24.0 ‰) in Unit III-2 (∼8 to ∼7 Ma) might be due to a greater input of C3 terrestrial organic matter. The increase in δ13CSOM values at ∼7 Ma and the appearance of high δ13CSOM values (c. −18.0 ‰) within Unit III-1 (∼7 to ∼2 Ma) indicate that C4 biomass overwhelmed the terrestrial catchment environment as a result of enhanced terrestrial aridity in the Himalayan foreland. The three-end-member simple mixing model, estimating the relative contributions of SOM from terrestrial C3 and C4 plants and marine phytoplankton, supports our interpretation of the distribution of C3 and C4 land plants in the terrestrial catchment environment.
Whiteness and Masculinity in Richard Lou'sReCovering Memphis: ReContexting Bodies
Authors: STOKES-CASEY JODY
Published: January 2019

In 2016, racist, patriarchal rhetoric dominated the political landscape of the United States. As a response, activist artist Richard Lou of Memphis, Tennessee created a video piece as part of his series ReCovering Memphis titledReContexting Bodies. In the artwork, Lou performs whiteness by re-creating photographs and reciting words of historic Civil War leaders Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest and President of the Confederate States of America Jefferson Davis. With his racialized body, Lou confronts the foundations of white supremacy in the United States American South.ReContexting Bodiesexamines how two historic identities of southern masculinity shape contemporary biases.
Using Forest Cover Maps and Local People’s Perceptions to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Community-based Ecotourism for Forest Conservation in Chambok (Cambodia)
Authors: Lonn Pichdara , Mizoue Nobuya , Ota Tetsuji , Kajisa Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Shigejiro
Published: January 2019

Increasing attention has been given to evaluating the effectiveness of forest conservation projects, but it is not well known whether different methods yield similar results when evaluating changes in forest resources. The present study compares forest cover maps and local people’s perceptions for evaluating the effectiveness of the Chambok community-based ecotourism (CBET) programme in Cambodia. We assessed forest cover changes from 2000 to 2012 using published global maps and used a covariate matching method to compare forest sites in CBET and non-CBET areas. We also analysed local people’s perceptions of forest resource changes by interviewing 174 households. The forest cover maps showed that the Chambok CBET was effective at reducing deforestation, although the outcome was not completely robust to unobserved heterogeneity. Local people’s perceptions concurred with the effectiveness observed in the forest cover maps, in that 64% of the people perceived that forest resources increased and 75% thought that the local community could protect its own forest resources. We conclude that the Chambok CBET performed effectively for forest conservation and suggest that mixed-method approaches are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of conservation programmes.
Effects of a comprehensive nutrition education programme to change grade 4 primary-school students’ eating behaviours in China
Authors: Qian Ling , Newman Ian M , Yuen Lok-Wa , Du Weijing , Shell Duane F
Published: January 2019

Objective

As part of a national initiative to reduce child obesity, a comprehensive school-based nutrition education intervention to change eating behaviours among grade 4 primary-school students was developed, implemented and evaluated.

Design

The intervention was developed by school staff, with technical assistance from outside health education specialists. The programme included school facility upgrades, school teacher/staff training, curriculum changes and activities for parents. Student scores on nine key eating behaviours were assessed prior to and after the programme. The quality of programme implementation in the schools was monitored by technical assistance teams.

Setting

Shandong Province (high household income) and Qinghai Province (low household income), China. Three programme schools and three control schools in each province.

Participants

Students in grade 4 (age 8–9 years).

Results

There were significant positive changes in self-reported eating behaviour scores from pre- to post-assessment in programme schools. At post-test students in programme schools had significantly higher scores than students in control schools after controlling for other variables. The programme was more effective in the high-income province. Observations by the technical assistance teams suggested the programme was implemented more completely in Shandong. The teams noted the challenges for implementing and evaluating programmes like these.

Conclusions

This intervention increased healthy eating behaviours among 4th graders in both provinces and had more effect in the more affluent province. Results suggest that a scaled-up initiative using existing school and public health resources could change eating practices in a large population over time. The intervention also provided lessons for implementing and evaluating similar nutrition programmes.
Assessing human and environmental pressures of global land-use change 2000–2010
Authors: Creutzig Felix , Bren d'Amour Christopher , Weddige Ulf , Fuss Sabine , Beringer Tim , Gläser Anne , Kalkuhl Matthias , Steckel Jan Christoph , Radebach Alexander , Edenhofer Ottmar
Published: January 2019

Non-technical summary

Global land is turning into an increasingly scarce resource. We here present a comprehensive assessment of co-occuring land-use change from 2000 until 2010, compiling existing spatially explicit data sources for different land uses, and building on a rich literature addressing specific land-use changes in all world regions. This review systematically categorizes patterns of land use, including regional urbanization and agricultural expansion but also globally telecoupled land-use change for all world regions. Managing land-use change patterns across the globe requires global governance.
Constraining Recent Ice Flow History at Korff Ice Rise, West Antarctica, Using Radar and Seismic Measurements of Ice Fabric
Authors: Brisbourne A. M. , Martín C. , Smith A. M. , Baird A. F. , Kendall J. M. , Kingslake J.
Published: January 2019

The crystal orientation fabric of ice reflects its flow history, information which is required to better constrain projections of future ice sheet behavior. Here we present a novel combination of polarimetric phase‐sensitive radar and seismic anisotropy measurements to provide independent and consistent constraints on ice fabric at Korff Ice Rise, within the Weddell Sea sector of West Antarctica. The nature and depth distribution of fabric in the ice column is constrained using the azimuthal variation in (1) the received power anomaly and phase difference of polarimetric vertical radar soundings and (2) seismic velocities and shear wave splitting measurements. Radar and seismic observations are modeled separately to determine the nature and strength of fabric within the ice column. Both methods indicate ice fabric above 200‐m depth which is consistent with present‐day ice‐divide flow. However, both measurements also indicate an oblique girdle fabric below 230‐m depth within the ice column, inconsistent with steady state divide flow. Our interpretation is that this deeper fabric is a remnant fabric from a previous episode of flow, which is currently being overwritten by ongoing fabric development associated with the present‐day flow regime. The preexisting fabric is consistent with ice flow from the south prior to ice‐divide formation, in agreement with models of Holocene ice sheet evolution. These findings apply new constraints to the flow history at Korff Ice Rise prior to divide formation and demonstrate the capacity of radar and seismic measurements to map fabric and thus constrain past ice flow.
The effect of different sources of fish and camelina sativa oil on immune cell and adipose tissue mRNA expression in subjects with abnormal fasting glucose metabolism: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Mello Vanessa D. , Dahlman Ingrid , Lankinen Maria , Kurl Sudhir , Pitkänen Leena , Laaksonen David E. , Schwab Ursula S. , Erkkilä Arja T.
Published: January 2019

Background/Objectives

Molecular mechanisms linking fish and vegetable oil intakes to their healthy metabolic effects may involve attenuation of inflammation. Our primary aim was to examine in a randomized controlled setting whether diets enriched in fatty fish (FF), lean fish (LF) or ALA-rich camelina sativa oil (CSO) differ in their effects on the mRNA expression response of selected inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in subjects with impaired fasting glucose.

Subjects/Methods

Samples from 72 participants randomized to one of the following 12-week intervention groups, FF (n = 19), LF (n = 19), CSO (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17), were available for the PBMC study. For SAT, 39 samples (n = 8, n = 10, n = 9, n = 12, respectively) were available. The mRNA expression was measured at baseline and 12 weeks by TaqMan® Low Density Array.

Results

In PBMCs, LF decreased ICAM1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), which was different (P = 0.06, Bonferroni correction) from the observed increase in the FF group (P < 0.05). Also, compared to the control group, LF decreased ICAM1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, the change in ICAM1 mRNA expression correlated positively with the intake of FF (P < 0.05) and negatively with the intake of LF (P < 0.05), independently of study group. A diet enriched in CSO, a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), decreased PBMC IFNG mRNA expression (P < 0.01). The intake of CSO in the CSO group, but not the increase in plasma ALA proportions, correlated inversely with the IFNG mRNA expression in PBMCs (P = 0.08). In SAT, when compared with the control group, the effect of FF on decreasing IL1RN mRNA expression was significant (P < 0.03).

Conclusion

We propose that CSO intake may partly exert its benefits through immuno-inflammatory molecular regulation in PBMCs, while modulation of ICAM1 expression, an endothelial/vascular-related gene, may be more dependent on the type of fish consumed.
Estrogen receptor-α regulation of microRNA-590 targets FAM171A1—a modifier of breast cancer invasiveness
Authors: Sanawar Rahul , Mohan Dan Vipin , Santhoshkumar Thankayyan R. , Kumar Rakesh , Pillai M. Radhakrishna
Published: January 2019

The pathobiology and aggressiveness of the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are influenced by genes that are preferentially expressed in TNBC cells. However, the nature of such genes with the role in invasiveness of TNBC cells is not fully understood. Here, we identified FAM171A1, member (A1) of the family with sequence similarity 171, as an overexpressed candidate gene in TNBC cells and tumors as compared to estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) positive breast cancer. We found that the expression of FAM171A1 correlates well with the loss of ERα as well as its newly identified target miR590-5p in TNBC but not in ERα-positive cells. In addition, we report that ERα regulates FAM171A1 expression through a mechanism which involves ERα stimulation of miR590-5p expression via binding to its promoter, and in-turn, miR590-5p suppression of FAM171A1 expression. Further, we found that the levels of FAM171A1 correlate well with cancer cell aggressiveness as depletion or overexpression of FAM171A1 confers reduced or increased ability of TNBC cells to form mammospheres, respectively in accordance with the previous report of increased mammosphere formation potential of metastatic cells. In brief, results presented here have demonstrated that ERα regulation of FAM171A1 expression via miR590-5p explains the molecular basis of the noticed reduced levels of FAM171A1 in ER-positive breast cancer cells and that FAM171A1 is a preferably TNBC- overexpressed gene. Further, the noted loss of ERα–miR590-5p axis may upregulate the expression of FAM171A1 and consequently, resulting aggressiveness of TNBC cells. These findings suggest that FAM171A1 might represent a potentially novel therapeutic target for TNBC tumors.
Blockade of CTLA-4 and Tim-3 pathways induces fetal loss with altered cytokine profiles by decidual CD4+T cells
Authors: Wang Songcun , Chen Chunqin , Li Mengdie , Qian Jinfeng , Sun Fengyun , Li Yunyun , Yu Min , Wang Mingyan , Zang Xingxing , Zhu Rui , Li Dajin , Du Meirong
Published: January 2019

The single and/or combination use of immune checkpoint blockade therapies in human infectious diseases and cancer are rapidly expanding. Despite early efforts, substantial uncertainty remains about the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade in some populations. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) are the major targetable co-inhibitory receptors on T cells. Here we showed that in animal studies, treatment with either CTLA-4- or Tim-3-blocking antibody caused greater susceptibility to fetal loss with altered cytokine profiles by decidual CD4+T (dCD4+T) cells. CTLA-4 and Tim-3 pathways appeared to play key roles in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance by regulating the function of dCD4+T cells. In addition, the abnormality in number and functionality of dCTLA-4+Tim-3+CD4+T cells was associated with miscarriage. These findings underscored the important roles of the CTLA-4 and Tim-3 pathways in regulating dCD4+T cells function and maintaining normal pregnancy. Our study also emphasized the importance of careful consideration of reproductive safety when choosing immune checkpoint blockade therapies in real world clinical care.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Role of the P2X7 receptor in inflammation-mediated changes in the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Xu Xin-Yue , He Xiao-Tao , Wang Jia , Li Xuan , Xia Yu , Tan Yi-Zhou , Chen Fa-Ming
Published: January 2019

Accumulating evidence indicates that the pluripotency of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) is compromised under inflammatory conditions; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we hypothesize that the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a key molecule linked to inflammation-associated impairment of PDLSCs. We first investigated P2X7R expression in PDLSCs under normal and inflammatory conditions and then determined the effect of a P2X7R agonist (BzATP) or antagonist (BBG) on PDLSC osteogenesis under various conditions. Gene-modified PDLSCs were used to further examine the role of P2X7R and the signaling pathway underlying P2X7R-enhanced osteogenesis. We found that inflammatory conditions decreased P2X7R expression in PDLSCs and reduced osteogenesis in these cells. In addition, activation of P2X7R by BzATP or overexpression of P2X7R via gene transduction reversed the inflammation-mediated decrease in PDLSC osteogenic differentiation. When selected osteogenesis-related signaling molecules were screened, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway was identified as potentially involved in P2X7R-enhanced PDLSC osteogenesis. Our data reveal a crucial role for P2X7R in PDLSC osteogenesis under inflammatory conditions, suggesting a new therapeutic target to reverse or rescue inflammation-mediated changes in PDLSCs for future mainstream therapeutic uses.
Argonaute 2 drives miR-145-5p-dependent gene expression program in breast cancer cells
Authors: Bellissimo Teresa , Tito Claudia , Ganci Federica , Sacconi Andrea , Masciarelli Silvia , Di Martino Giuseppe , Porta Natale , Cirenza Mirko , Sorci Melissa , De Angelis Luciana , Rosa Paolo , Calogero Antonella , Fatica Alessandro , Petrozza Vincenzo , Fontemaggi Giulia , Blandino Giovanni , Fazi Francesco
Published: January 2019

To perform their regulatory functions, microRNAs (miRNAs) must assemble with any of the four mammalian Argonaute (Ago) family of proteins, Ago1–4, into an effector complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). While the mature miRNA guides the RISC complex to its target mRNA, the Ago protein represses mRNA translation. The specific roles of the various Ago members in mediating miRNAs activity, however, haven’t been clearly established. In this study, we investigated the contribution of Ago2, the only human Ago protein endowed with nuclease activity, to the function of tumor-suppressor miR-145-5p in breast cancer (BC). We show that miR-145-5p and Ago2 protein are concomitantly downregulated in BC tissues and that restoration of miR-145-5p expression in BC cells leads to Ago2 protein induction through the loosening of Ago2 mRNA translational repression. Functionally, miR-145-5p exerts its inhibitory activity on cell migration only in presence of Ago2, while, upon Ago2 depletion, we observed increased miR-145/Ago1 complex and enhanced cell motility. Profiling by microarray of miR-145-5p target mRNAs, in BC cells depleted or not of Ago2, revealed that miR-145-5p drives Ago2-dependent and -independent activities. Our results highlight that the Ago2 protein in cancer cells strictly dictates miR-145-5p tumor suppressor activity.
Erythropoietin inhibits chemotherapy-induced cell death and promotes a senescence-like state in leukemia cells
Authors: Pham Thuc-Nghi Duc , Ma Weili , Miller David , Kazakova Lidia , Benchimol Samuel
Published: January 2019

There are conflicting reports on the adverse effects of erythropoietin (EPO) for the management of cancer-associated anemia. The recognition that erythropoietin receptors (EPORs) are expressed outside the erythroid lineage and concerns that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) may cause tumors to grow and increase the risk of venous thromboembolism have resulted in substantially fewer cancer patients receiving ESA therapy to manage myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In this study, we found that EPO suppresses p53-dependent apoptosis induced by genotoxic (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and γ-radiation) and non-genotoxic (nutlin-3a) agents and induces a senescence-like state in myeloid leukemia cells. EPO interferes with stress-dependent Mdm2 downregulation and leads to the destabilization of p53 protein. EPO selectively modulates the expression of p53 target genes in response to DNA damage preventing the induction of a number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) previously associated with p53-dependent apoptosis. EPO also enhances the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1 and promotes recruitment of p53 to the p21 promoter. In addition, EPO antagonizes Mcl-1 protein degradation in daunorubicin-treated cells. Hence, EPO signaling targets Mcl-1 expression and the p53-Mdm2 network to promote tumor cell survival.
Novel mutations in the RS1 gene in Japanese patients with X-linked congenital retinoschisis
Authors: Kondo Hiroyuki , Oku Kazuma , Katagiri Satoshi , Hayashi Takaaki , Nakano Tadashi , Iwata Akiko , Kuniyoshi Kazuki , Kusaka Shunji , Hiyoshi Atsushi , Uchio Eiichi , Kondo Mineo , Oishi Noriko , Kameya Shuhei , Mizota Atsushi , Naoi Nobuhisa , Ueno Shinji , Terasaki Hiroko , Morimoto Takeshi , Iwaki Masayoshi , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Iejima Daisuke , Fujinami Kaoru , Tsunoda Kazushige , Shinoda Kei , Iwata Takeshi
Published: January 2019

X-linked congenital retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited retinal disorder characterized by reduced central vision and schisis of the macula and peripheral retina. XLRS is caused by mutations in the RS1 gene. We have identified 37 different mutations in the RS1 gene, including 12 novel mutations, in 67 Japanese patients from 56 XLRS families. We present clinical features of these patients in relation to the associated mutations.
Publisher Correction: Interplay between hypoxia and androgen controls a metabolic switch conferring resistance to androgen/AR-targeted therapy
Authors: Geng Hao , Xue Changhui , Mendonca Janet , Sun Xiao-Xin , Liu Qiong , Reardon Patrick N. , Chen Yingxiao , Qian Kendrick , Hua Vivian , Chen Alice , Pan Freddy , Yuan Julia , Dang Sang , Beer Tomasz M. , Dai Mu-Shui , Kachhap Sushant K. , Qian David Z.
Published: January 2019

The original version of this Article contained errors in Fig. 7. In panels e and f, the graph titles incorrectly read ‘LNCaP-AdtNs’ and ‘LAPC4-AdtNs’, respectively. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Expression of novel long noncoding RNAs defines virus-specific effector and memory CD8+ T cells
Authors: Hudson William H. , Prokhnevska Nataliya , Gensheimer Julia , Akondy Rama , McGuire Donald J. , Ahmed Rafi , Kissick Haydn T.
Published: January 2019

In response to viral infection, CD8+ T cells undergo expansion and differentiate into distinct classes of effector cells. After clearance of the virus, a small population of long-lived memory cells persists. Comprehensive studies have defined the protein-coding transcriptional changes associated with this process. Here we expand on this prior work by performing RNA-sequencing to identify changes in long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression in human and mouse CD8+ T cells responding to viral infection. We identify hundreds of unannotated lncRNAs and show that expression profiles of both known and novel lncRNAs are sufficient to define naive, effector, and memory CD8+ T cell subsets, implying that they may be involved in fate decisions during antigen-driven differentiation. Additionally, in comparing mouse and human lncRNA expression, we find that lncRNAs with conserved sequence undergo similar changes in expression in the two species, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role for lncRNAs during CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Genome-wide association analyses of invasive pneumococcal isolates identify a missense bacterial mutation associated with meningitis
Authors: Li Yuan , Metcalf Benjamin J. , Chochua Sopio , Li Zhongya , Walker Hollis , Tran Theresa , Hawkins Paulina A. , Gierke Ryan , Pilishvili Tamara , McGee Lesley , Beall Bernard W.
Published: January 2019

Bacterial mutations predisposing pneumococcus to causing meningitis, a more severe form of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), are largely unknown. Knowledge of such mutations may improve our understanding of pathogenesis and inform preventive strategies. Here we report a pneumococcal pbp1b gene mutation (pbp1bA641C causing N214T change in PBP1b transglycosylase domain) that is associated with meningitis in an exploratory cohort of IPD patients (n = 2054, p = 6.8 × 10−6), in an independent confirmatory cohort (n = 2518, p = 2.3 × 10−6), and in a combined analysis (n = 4572, p = 3.0 × 10−10). Patients infected by the pbp1b641C genotype pneumococci show 2.8-fold odds (95% CI 1.7 to 4.8) of meningitis compared to those infected by non-pbp1b641C pneumococci, after controlling for pneumococcal serotype, antibiotic resistance, and patient age. The pbp1bA641C change results in longer time needed for bacterial killing by antibiotic treatment and shows evidence of being under positive selection. Thus, a pneumococcal mutation conferring increased antibiotic tolerance is associated with meningitis among IPD patients.
The evolution of sex determination associated with a chromosomal inversion
Authors: Natri Heini M. , Merilä Juha , Shikano Takahito
Published: January 2019

Sex determination is a fundamentally important and highly diversified biological process, yet the mechanisms behind the origin of this diversity are mostly unknown. Here we suggest that the evolution of sex determination systems can be driven by a chromosomal inversion. We show that an XY system evolved recently in particular nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations, which arose from ancient hybridization between two divergent lineages. Our phylogenetic and genetic mapping analyses indicate that the XY system is formed in a large inversion that is associated with hybrid sterility between the divergent lineages. We suggest that a new male-determining gene evolved in the inversion in response to selection against impaired male fertility in a hybridized population. Given that inversions are often associated with hybrid incompatibility in animals and plants, they might frequently contribute to the diversification of sex determination systems.
Publisher Correction: Serotonin signals through a gut-liver axis to regulate hepatic steatosis
Authors: Choi Wonsuk , Namkung Jun , Hwang Inseon , Kim Hyeongseok , Lim Ajin , Park Hye Jung , Lee Hye Won , Han Kwang-Hyub , Park Seongyeol , Jeong Ji-Seon , Bang Geul , Kim Young Hwan , Yadav Vijay K. , Karsenty Gerard , Ju Young Seok , Choi Chan , Suh Jae Myoung , Park Jun Yong , Park Sangkyu , Kim Hail
Published: January 2019

The originally published version of this Article contained an error in Figure 2. In panel g, the image of brown adipose tissue from SCD-fed Tph1 GKO mice (top-right) was inadvertently replaced with the equivalent image of SCD-fed WT mice (top-left) during assembly of the figure. This error has now corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.