bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage-like THP-1 cells show effective uptake of silica nanoparticles carrying inactivated diphtheria toxoid for vaccination
Authors: Huang Xinyue , Cavalcante Danielle Paixão , Townley Helen E
Published: January 2020

Nanoparticles may be used in vaccinology as an antigen delivery and/or an immunostimulant to enhance immunity. Porous silica has been identified as an effective adjuvant for more than a decade, and we have therefore investigated the take up rate by an immortalized macrophage-like cell line of a number of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) with differing diameter and pore size. The MSNPs were synthesized using a sol-gel reaction and post-synthesis removal of the template. The MSNPs showed a clear distribution in take up rate peaking at 217 nm, whereas a comparison with solid spherical nanoparticles showed a similar distribution peaking at 377 nm. The MSNPs were investigated before and after loading with antigen. Diphtheria toxoid was used as a proof-of-concept antigen and showed a peak macrophage internalization of 53.42% for loaded LP3 particles which had a diameter of 217.75 ± 5.44 nm and large 16.5 nm pores. Optimal MSNP sizes appeared to be in the 200–400 nm range, and larger pores showed better antigen loading. The mesoporous silica particles were shown to be generally biocompatible, and cell viability was not altered by the loading of particles with or without antigen.
NMR resonance assignments for the active and inactive conformations of the small G protein RalA
Authors: Shafiq Arooj , Campbell Louise J. , Owen Darerca , Mott Helen R.
Published: January 2020

The Ral proteins (RalA and RalB) are small G proteins of the Ras family that have been implicated in exocytosis, endocytosis, transcriptional regulation and mitochondrial fission, as well as having a role in tumourigenesis. RalA and RalB are activated downstream of the master regulator, Ras, which causes the nucleotide exchange of GDP for GTP. Here we report the 1H, 15 N and 13C resonance assignments of RalA in its active form bound to the GTP analogue GMPPNP. We also report the backbone assignments of RalA in its inactive, GDP-bound form. The assignments give insight into the switch regions, which change conformation upon nucleotide exchange. These switch regions are invisible in the spectra of the active, GMPPNP bound form but the residues proximal to the switches can be monitored. RalA is also an important drug target due to its over activation in some cancers and these assignments will be extremely useful for NMR-based screening approaches.
Sexual Orientation and Job Satisfaction: Survey-Based Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Aldén Lina , Hammarstedt Mats , Swahnberg Hanna
Published: January 2020

We present results from a unique nationwide survey conducted in Sweden on sexual orientation and job satisfaction. Our results show that gay men are more likely to be very satisfied with their job than heterosexual men, both in general and with different aspects of the job. In contrast, lesbians appear less satisfied with their job in general and with promotion prospects than heterosexual women. Among women, we find no differences in the probability of being very satisfied with the job by sexual orientation. However, the issue of sexual orientation and job satisfaction is complex since gay men, despite that they more often are very satisfied with the job, like lesbians find their job more mentally straining than heterosexuals. We conclude that gay men and lesbians are facing other stressers at work than heterosexuals do. We also conclude that the worker’s own expectations about the job and possibilities to fulfill career plans may be possible driving forces to our results. Previous research has documented discrimination against gay males and lesbians in hiring. Our results underline that measures to prevent discrimination in hiring is not enough to create an equal working life for homosexuals and heterosexuals. Measures within the workplace are also needed.
The costs of icebreaking services: an estimation based on Swedish data
Authors: Lindborg Eva , Andersson Peter
Published: January 2020

In winter, the sea around Sweden and Finland as well as parts of the waters around Canada, Russia and the USA become ice covered, and ships may require assistance from icebreakers to proceed to their destinations. This paper accordingly analyses the cost structure and estimates the cost of icebreaking operations at sea, including the costs of external effects of the icebreakers’ emissions, and analyses the consequences of different pricing schemes for financing icebreaking services. A regression analysis was carried out based on data from icebreaking services in Sweden over 14 winters from 2001/2002 to 2015/2016. The social marginal cost of an average assistance operation (which may involve more than one ship) is estimated at EUR 6476 and for each assisted ship EUR 5304. The same cost is EUR 907 per running hour for the icebreakers and EUR 1990 per hour a ship is assisted. Each additional nautical mile sailed by an icebreaker costs society EUR 141 and each assisted nautical mile EUR 234. The marginal cost is found not to be related to winter severity. Despite the significant social marginal costs, not including large fixed costs, icebreaking in Sweden and Finland is free of charge. The advantages and disadvantages of four pricing models that can be applied to cover at least parts of the costs to society are discussed. All models could create new distortions, but a price per assisted hour may be worth applying in practice.
New therapeutic strategies in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a focus on promising drugs for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Pydyn Natalia , Miękus Katarzyna , Jura Jolanta , Kotlinowski Jerzy
Published: January 2020

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Globally, it is currently the most common liver disease and is estimated to affect up to 25% of the population. In the first stage, NAFLD is characterized by simple hepatic steatosis (NAFL, nonalcoholic fatty liver) that might progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the global burden of NAFLD, together with future perspectives on how this epidemic could be restrained. There is also an urgent need for the development of new medical strategies for NAFLD patients. We aim to present the beneficial effects of life-style modifications that should be advised to both non-obese and obese NAFLD patients. Since there are currently no medications directly used for the treatment of more advanced NAFLD stages, the central part of this review summarizes ongoing and recently completed clinical trials testing promising drugs for NASH resolution. The marketing of new therapeutic agents would greatly increase the odds of reducing the global burden of NAFLD.
“Not Tonight, Honey:” Reasons Couples Do Not Engage in Sex and Their Impact on Satisfaction and Desire
Authors: Mark Kristen P. , Vowels Laura M. , Leistner Christine E.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Sexual activity is an important aspect of most romantic relationships. However, many couples report declines in sexual activity over time and report many reasons for not engaging in sexual activity on a daily basis.

Aim

To investigate the reasons for not engaging in sexual activity in couples over a month and whether these reasons are associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual desire.

Methods

We collected 30-day daily electronic report data from 174 individuals (87 mixed-sex couples). The responses between men and women were analyzed using chi-squared tests, and we used multilevel modeling to examine the association between the reasons and satisfaction and desire.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure includes daily sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and sexual desire. Daily reported reasons for not engaging in sexual activity are categorized into joint reason, self-based reason, partner-based reason, and other reasons.

Results

Men and women were equally likely to endorse joint reasons for not engaging in sexual activity (eg, “It just didn't happen”), whereas women were more likely to endorse self-based reasons (eg “I wasn't in the mood”) and men partner–based reasons (eg “My partner was tired”). The reasons for not engaging in sexual activity were associated with daily sexual and relationship satisfaction and daily sexual desire. Higher baseline sexual desire was associated with a greater likelihood of endorsing partner-related reasons and smaller likelihood of endorsing self-related reasons. Higher baseline sexual satisfaction was associated with a decreased likelihood of reporting partner-based reasons, and higher baseline relationship satisfaction was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting joint reasons. Some of the other associations were significant only for men or women.

Clinical Implications

Results inform couples' therapy and other clinical interventions and highlight the importance of addressing the reasons for not engaging in sexual activity to find ways of mitigating some of these reasons.

Strength & Limitations

The study was the first to date to address reasons for not engaging in sexual activity in a sample of couples in an experience-sampling study. However, our scope was limited to mixed-sex couples who were primarily white and heterosexual, and we only addressed reasons for not engaging in partnered sex (not solitary sex).

Conclusion

The reasons for not engaging in sexual activity seem different for men and women and are associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction and sexual desire, and this link appears to be bidirectional.
Indigenous higher education sector: the evolution of recognised Indigenous Leaders within Australian Universities
Authors: Coates Stacey Kim , Trudgett Michelle , Page Susan
Published: January 2020

Abstract
There is clear evidence that Indigenous education has changed considerably over time. Indigenous Australians' early experiences of ‘colonialised education’ included missionary schools, segregated and mixed public schooling, total exclusion and ‘modified curriculum’ specifically for Indigenous students which focused on teaching manual labour skills (as opposed to literacy and numeracy skills). The historical inequalities left a legacy of educational disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Following activist movements in the 1960s, the Commonwealth Government initiated a number of reviews and forged new policy directions with the aim of achieving parity of participation and outcomes in higher education between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Further reviews in the 1980s through to the new millennium produced recommendations specifically calling for Indigenous Australians to be given equality of access to higher education; for Indigenous Australians to be employed in higher education settings; and to be included in decisions regarding higher education. This paper aims to examine the evolution of Indigenous leaders in higher education from the period when we entered the space through to now. In doing so, it will examine the key documents to explore how the landscape has changed over time, eventually leading to a number of formal reviews, culminating in the Universities Australia 2017–2020 Indigenous Strategy (Universities Australia, 2017).
The New Place of Corporate Law Firms in the Structuring of Elite Legal Careers
Authors: Dinovitzer Ronit , Garth Bryant
Published: January 2020

For more than a century, a partnership position in a large corporate law firm has almost universally been held out as the singular mark of success for those with a law degree. We find that despite significant transformations in the profession, including dramatic expansion in size and the opening of corporate law positions to women, minorities, and the graduates of lower-ranked schools, the powerful and prestigious positions of corporate law partners remain largely reserved for those with the most elite credentials and other characteristics—male, white, wife at home—that defined law firm partners before the great period of change. By examining the continuity and change in the sorting of legal elites, we find evidence that the experience of a position in a corporate law firm now bestows advantages even for those who do not make partner. What was once deemed a failure—not making partner—is now a source of valued capital that leads to careers in in-house positions, boutique firms, the federal government, and a host of nonequity partner positions. We draw on thirteen years of lawyers’ career histories from the After the JD study, using the techniques of sequence analysis and qualitative interviews.
Using Carbon Isotopes to Fight the Rise in Fraudulent Whisky
Authors: Cook Gordon T , Dunbar Elaine , Tripney Brian G , Fabel Derek
Published: January 2020

A major threat to the Scotch whisky industry is the sale of counterfeit single malt whiskies with purported distillation years in the 19th and early- to mid-20th centuries. However, these are often much more recent spirits, distilled in the latter part of the 20th or first part of the 21st centuries. These sales impinge upon the reputation of auction houses, retailers, brand owners and distillers. The atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the 1950s and early 1960s has enabled a precise calibration curve to be created, however, there are several reasons why this may not be appropriate for establishing the year of whisky distillation. We have created a 14C calibration curve derived from known-age, single malt whiskies for the period 1950–2015 that enables whisky distilled during the period from 1955 onwards to have the distillation year determined to within 1–3 years for certain periods. However, because of the shape of the curve, two possible age ranges are often possible. The correct range can often be determined from a further plot of δ13C values against distillation year, which shows a trend of decreasing values through time. Several examples are given of the determination of both genuine and fake products.
THE FLOOR OF THE ARITHMETIC MEAN OF THE CUBE ROOTS OF THE FIRST INTEGERS
Authors: SRIPONPAEW BOONYONG , INTEP SOMKID
Published: January 2020

Zacharias [‘Proof of a conjecture of Merca on an average of square roots’, College Math. J.49 (2018), 342–345] proved Merca’s conjecture that the arithmetic means $(1/n)\sum _{k=1}^{n}\sqrt{k}$ of the square roots of the first $n$ integers have the same floor values as a simple approximating sequence. We prove a similar result for the arithmetic means $(1/n)\sum _{k=1}^{n}\sqrt[3]{k}$ of the cube roots of the first $n$ integers.
REGULARITY OF THE WEIGHTED BERGMAN PROJECTION ON THE FOCK–BARGMANN–HARTOGS DOMAIN
Authors: HE LE , TANG YANYAN , TU ZHENHAN
Published: January 2020

The Fock–Bargmann–Hartogs domain $D_{n,m}(\,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}):=\{(z,w)\in \mathbb{C}^{n}\times \mathbb{C}^{m}:\Vert w\Vert ^{2}0$, is an unbounded strongly pseudoconvex domain with smooth real-analytic boundary. We compute the weighted Bergman kernel of $D_{n,m}(\,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$ with respect to the weight $(-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C})^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}(z,w):=\Vert w\Vert ^{2}-e^{-\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\Vert z\Vert ^{2}}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}>-1$. Then, for $p\in [1,\infty ),$ we show that the corresponding weighted Bergman projection $P_{D_{n,m}(\,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}),(-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C})^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}}$ is unbounded on $L^{p}(D_{n,m}(\,\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}),(-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C})^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}})$, except for the trivial case $p=2$. This gives an example of an unbounded strongly pseudoconvex domain whose ordinary Bergman projection is $L^{p}$ irregular when $p\in [1,\infty )\setminus \{2\}$, in contrast to the well-known positive $L^{p}$ regularity result on a bounded strongly pseudoconvex domain.
Disentangling trait, occasion-specific, and accumulated situational effects of psychological distress in adulthood: evidence from the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts
Authors: Scarpato B. S. , Swardfager W. , Eid M. , Ploubidis G.B. , Cogo-Moreira H.
Published: January 2020

Background

The trajectories of psychological distress differ between individuals, but these differences can be difficult to understand because the measures contain both consistent and situational features; however, in longitudinal studies these sources of information can be disentangled. In addition to occasion-specific features, interindividual differences can be decomposed into two sources of information: trait and carry-over effects between neighboring occasions that are not related to the trait (i.e. accumulated situational effects).

Methods

To disentangle these three sources of variance throughout adulthood, the consistency (trait and accumulated situational effects) and occasion specificity of nine indicators of psychological distress from the Malaise Inventory were examined in two birth cohorts, the 1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS58), and the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70).

Results

The scale was administered at ages 23, 33, 42, and 50 in NCDS58 (n= 7147), and at ages 26, 30, 34, and 42 in BCS70 (n= 6859). For each psychological symptom, more variance was consistent than occasion-specific. The majority of the consistency was due to trait variance as opposed to accumulated situational effects, indicating that an individual predisposed to be distressed at the beginning of the study remained more likely to be distressed over the whole period. Symptoms of rage were notably more consistent among males than females in both cohorts (78.1% and 81.3% variance explained by trait in NCDS58 and BCS70, respectively), and among females in the NCDS58 (69%).

Conclusions

Symptoms of psychological distress exhibited high stability throughout adulthood, especially among men, due mostly to interindividual trait differences.
The War on Waste: using urban history to inspire behavioural change
Authors: Irving Henry
Published: January 2020

This article reflects on the role that urban history can play in contemporary efforts to reduce waste. It is focused on a public history project that uses the history of waste management in World War II as a critical vantage point from which to consider current debates over reduction, reuse and recycling. Placing this project within a broader discussion of public history in the United Kingdom, the article argues that urban history is well placed to encourage a critical understanding of the present.
Economics of decriminalizing mental illness: when doing the right thing costs less
Authors: Delgado Darci , Breth Ashley , Hill Shelley , Warburton Katherine , Stahl Stephen M.
Published: January 2020

The United States’ criminal justice system has seen exponential growth in costs related to the incarceration of persons with mental illness. Jails, prisons, and state hospitals’ resources are insufficient to adequately treat the sheer number of individuals cycling through their system. Reversing the cycle of criminalization of mental illness is a complicated process, but mental health diversion programs across the nation are uniquely positioned to do just that. Not only are these programs providing humane treatment to individuals within the community and breaking the cycle of recidivism, the potential fiscal savings are over 1 billion dollars.
Anaemia, iron deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and their associations with obesity among schoolchildren in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zheng Hao , Long Weiqing , Tan Weiqing , Yang Chen , Cao Muqing , Zhu Yanna
Published: January 2020

Objective:

The association of Fe metabolism with obesity in children remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the status of Fe metabolism parameters, the prevalence of anaemia, Fe deficiency (ID) and Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA), and the associations of these variables with obesity in Chinese schoolchildren.

Design:

A cross-sectional study conducted in 5295 schoolchildren aged 7–11 years in Guangzhou, China, 2014–2015. Full data of anthropometric and Fe metabolic parameters were collected to assess obesity, anaemia, ID and IDA. Logistic regression models were established to determine the possible associations of anaemia, ID and IDA with obesity. Two-tailed P values of <0·05 was considered statistically significant.

Setting:

Guangzhou City, China.

Participants:

Schoolchildren aged 7–11 years (n 5295).

Results:

In this sample, mean Hb concentration was 128·1 g/l and the prevalence of anaemia, ID and IDA was 6·6, 6·2 and 0·6 %, respectively. Of the participants, 14·0 % were overweight and 8·8 % were obese. Importantly, obesity was associated with lower anaemia risk (adjusted OR = 0·553; 95 % CI 0·316, 0·968) but higher ID risk (adjusted OR = 1·808; 95 % CI 1·146, 2·853) after adjustment for confounders. No significant relationship was found between obesity and IDA.

Conclusions:

Our results confirmed that anaemia and ID remain public health concerns among schoolchildren in Guangzhou, while IDA is remarkably less prevalent. Furthermore, obesity was associated with lower anaemia risk, but higher ID risk. More efforts should be made to prevent the onset of ID and obesity in the same individual, thus improving the health and fitness of children.
Does climate change adaptation lead to increased productivity of rice production? Lessons from Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu
Published: January 2020

Climate change negatively impacts rice productivity in different parts of Africa. As a matter of necessity, farmers must respond to changing the climate by choosing adaptation strategies that increase their productivities. Incidentally, studies that documented the impact of climate change adaptation actions of farmers on rice productivity are few. This study therefore analyzed the impact of climate change adaptation decisions of farmers on the profitability of rice production using cross-sectional data gathered from 240 rice farmers selected from Ebonyi State, an important rice-producing State in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country. Using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit regression, instrumental variable regression and endogenous treatment effect model, the study revealed that the common adaptation actions of rice farmers involved adoption of minimum tillage, bond and drainage, fertilizer, crop diversification, livelihood diversification, improved rice varieties, pesticide, nursery, and adjusting planting and harvesting dates. The study found several significant interactions between the choice of climate change adaptation actions and socio-economic, farm, institutional and location characteristics of rice farmers. The result further revealed that multiple adaptation decisions of farmers significantly increased returns to scale and profit of rice production. The study concludes that adaptation decisions are effective in increasing the profitability and returns to scale of rice production in the area and other regions with similar geographical, meteorological and socio-economic contexts.
The Role of Women's Movements in the Implementation of Gender-Based Violence Laws
Authors: Anyidoho Nana Akua , Crawford Gordon , Medie Peace A.
Published: January 2020

The question of whether social movements can catalyze change has preoccupied researchers but an understanding ofhowsuch change can be created is equally important. Specifically, there has been little investigation of how women's movements engage in the process ofimplementationof women's rights laws. We use a case study of Ghana's Domestic Violence Coalition to examine the challenges that movements face in the policy implementation process. The Domestic Violence Coalition, a collective of women's rights organizations, was instrumental to the passage of Ghana's Domestic Violence Act in 2007. Our study investigates the coalition's subsequent attempts to influence the act's implementation. Drawing from the social movement literature, we apply an analytical framework consisting of three internal factors (strategies, movement infrastructure, and framing) and two external factors (political context and support of allies) that have mediated the coalition's impact on implementation. We find that changes in movement infrastructure are most significant in explaining the coalition's relative ineffectiveness, as these changes adversely affect its ability to employ effective strategies and take advantage of a conducive political context and the presence of allies. This article advances the literature on rights advocacy by women's movements by analyzing the challenge of translating success in policy adoption to implementation and explaining why women's movements may have less impact on implementation processes.
Update on Osaka University Twin Registry: An Overview of Multidisciplinary Research Resources and Biobank at Osaka University Center for Twin Research
Authors: Honda Chika , Watanabe Mikio , Tomizawa Rie ,   Osaka Twin Research Group, Sakai Norio
Published: January 2020

The Osaka University Twin Registry was originally established as a registry of older twins but was subsequently expanded to include twins of all ages. The Center for Twin Research at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine has been managing this registry, as well as collecting research information and bioresources from twin participants. Based on the resources, multidisciplinary research projects have been conducted in collaboration with researchers from institutions both inside and outside Japan. One of the main aims of the center is to collect research information as well as biological resources from registered twins, and to establish a biobank and databases of these data and bioresources. Although data availability may vary, the following data have been collected: physical data (e.g., height, body weight, blood pressure, theoretical visceral fat, pulse wave velocity and bone density); epidemiological data (e.g., medical history, lifestyle, quality of life, mood status, cognitive function and nutritional status); electrocardiography, ultrasonography (carotid artery and thyroid); dentistry, dermatological assessment; positron emission tomography; magnetoencephalographam; brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and functional MRI. In addition to these in-person survey data, microbiome data have been collected from some participants. As for bioresources, peripheral blood is obtained from the participants for isolation of serum and extraction of DNA and RNA, then stored in deep freezers for further analyses. A variety of research projects are in progress and more are on the way both in Japan and internationally using these data.
Pathologie von Infektionskrankheiten
Authors: Turek Daniel , Graber Anne , Nienhold Ronny , Cathomas Gieri
Published: January 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die gewebebasierte histopathologische und molekularpathologische Diagnostik von Infektionskrankheiten ist ein sehr spannendes interdisziplinäres Feld, das in der Wahrnehmung nicht nur der fachfremden Kolleginnen und Kollegen manchmal etwas im Schatten der Tumordiagnostik steht. Die Stärke der Pathologie im Bereich der Infektionsdiagnostik liegt jedoch in der Korrelation von Entzündungsmustern und dem direkten Erregernachweis. Zudem erlauben entsprechende Untersuchungen am Gewebe häufig eine rasche Diagnose, und Zusatzuntersuchungen, wie Immunhistochemie oder molekulare Pathologie, ermöglichen einen schnellen Erregernachweis mit einer hohen Sensitivität und Spezifität. Des Weiteren erlaubt die molekulare Untersuchung den Nachweis von Erregern, welche schwierig, gefährlich oder überhaupt nicht zu züchten sind. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass komplexe Infektionskrankheiten durch iatrogene Interventionen, Migration, Antibiotikaresistenz und Klimaveränderungen zunehmen werden und die Pathologie in enger Zusammenarbeit mit den behandelnden Kolleginnen und Kollegen hier weiterhin und zunehmend eine wichtige Aufgabe in der Betreuung der Patientinnen und Patienten wahrnehmen wird.
CME: Hyperkalzämie
Authors: Bohlen Lisa , Jeker Raphael , Fehr Thomas
Published: January 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Hyperkalzämie ist definiert als Albumin-korrigierter Kalziumwert >2,6 mmol/l. Symptome der Hyperkalzämie sind hauptsächlich kardiovaskulärer und neurologisch-psychiatrischer Art. Eine schwere symptomatische Hyperkalzämie ist ein Notfall und erfordert eine sofortige Therapie. Gleichzeitig muss die Ursache der Hyperkalzämie gesucht und behandelt werden. Pathophysiologisch lässt sich die Hyperkalzämie in vier Gruppen einteilen: Störung der Parathormonfunktion/-regulation, des Vitamin-D-Metabolismus, des Knochenstoffwechsels und der renalen Kalziumausscheidung. Durch Anamnese und gezielte Labordiagnostik kann die Zuordnung in eine dieser Gruppen erfolgen und die Diagnose gestellt werden.
PneumoLaus: Prévalence de troubles respiratoires fonctionnels dans un échantillon de la population lausannoise
Authors: Lenoir Alexandra , Fitting Jean-William , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Nicod Laurent P.
Published: January 2020

Résumé. Une fonction pulmonaire réduite s’associe à une mortalité accrue. La prévalence de troubles respiratoires fonctionnels dépend de sa définition, des références employées et de l’utilisation ou non de bronchodilatateur. Dans l’étude PneumoLaus, conduite entre 2014 et 2017 dans un échantillon de la population de Lausanne, la prévalence d’obstruction chronique était de 3,8 %, d’obstruction réversible de 2,5 % et de possible restriction de 2,2 %, proportions plus basses que dans d’autres études populationnelles. Les hommes présentaient plus souvent des anomalies spirométriques comparé aux femmes et les fumeurs plus souvent que les non-fumeurs. Deux tiers des sujets avec obstruction chronique, pour la plupart sans symptômes respiratoires, ne se connaissaient pas de maladie pulmonaire.
Air/Sea Transfer of Highly Soluble Gases Over Coastal Waters
Authors: Porter J. G. , de Bruyn W. J. , Miller S. D. , Saltzman E. S.
Published: January 2020

The deposition of soluble trace gases to the sea surface is not well studied due to a lack of flux measurements over the ocean. Here we report simultaneous air/sea eddy covariance flux measurements of water vapor, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and momentum from a coastal North Atlantic pier. Gas transfer velocities were on average about 20% lower for SO2 than for H2O. This difference is attributed to the difference in molecular diffusivity between the two molecules (DSO2/DH2O = 0.5), in reasonable agreement with bulk parameterizations in air/sea gas models. This study demonstrates that it is possible to observe the effect of molecular diffusivity on air‐side resistance to gas transfer. The slope of observed relationship between gas transfer velocity and friction velocity is slightly smaller than predicted by gas transfer models, possibly due to wind/wave interactions that are unaccounted for in current models.
Influence of Synoptic‐Dynamic Meteorology on the Long‐Range Transport of Indochina Biomass Burning Aerosols
Authors: Huang Hsiang‐Yu , Wang Sheng‐Hsiang , Huang Wei‐Xun , Lin Neng‐Huei , Chuang Ming‐Tung , da Silva Arlindo M. , Peng Chi‐Ming
Published: January 2020

Impacts of long‐range transported biomass burning aerosols from northern Indochina on regional air quality, atmospheric visibility, and climate effects have been discussed extensively in the literature over the past decade. However, the mechanism between aerosol transport and the low‐level jet (LLJ) in synoptic meteorology dynamics (e.g., the frontal system) is still not fully understood. In this study, we present results of aerosol‐LLJ interaction based on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Modern Era Retrospective‐analysis for Research and Application version 2 (NASA/MERRA‐2) dataset simultaneous to field campaigns in spring 2013–2015 over Southeast Asia. For linking the atmospheric circulation to aerosol transport, a general meteorological condition favorable for aerosol transport is demonstrated. Biomass burning aerosol accumulation over the source region (i.e., northern Indochina) coincided with weak westerly system over the northern South China Sea, and as the synoptic weather system evolved, the aerosols were transported to downwind regions (i.e., Taiwan and West Pacific) by a cold front and LLJ dynamics. The MERRA‐2 reanalysis data show the postcold front accompanied a LLJ stream at approximately 700 hPa (3 km) and accelerated the haze plume transport eastward with a life cycle of approximately 3–5 days, an event that reoccurred multiple times from March to April. Our results indicate that coexistence of LLJ and a South China Sea anticyclone at 700 hPa, which primarily could drive the mechanism behind these transport events. Furthermore, more observational data from Southeast Asia would greatly benefit studies of aerosol‐meteorology interactions in the region.
The Rapid Intensification of East Asian Cyclones Around the Korean Peninsula and Their Surface Impacts
Authors: Kang Joonsuk M. , Lee Jaeyeon , Son Seok‐Woo , Kim Joowan , Chen Deliang
Published: January 2020

The rapid intensification of extratropical cyclones (ETCs) around the Korean peninsula and their surface impacts are investigated by detecting and tracking ETCs in East Asia using ERA‐Interim data over the period of 1979–2017. The ETCs approaching the Korean peninsula, identified on the 850‐hPa relative vorticity field, are mainly initiated in the leeward side of the Altai‐Sayan Mountains and southern Tibetan Plateau, featuring northern and southern cyclone tracks, respectively. The northern‐track ETCs are typically accompanied by a developing upper‐level trough. In particular, those that intensify rapidly are characterized by a strong upper‐level potential vorticity (PV) anomaly related to the enhanced trough, with a rather weak influence of diabatic heating. This is in contrast with the southern‐track ETCs, which are primarily organized by a lower‐level PV anomaly produced by diabatic heating. The southern‐track ETCs rapidly intensify in the presence of a migrating upper‐level trough through the interaction of upper‐ and lower‐level PV anomalies. Although their intensification processes differ, surface winds reaching 10 m s−1 are observed with the rapid intensification of both northern‐ and southern‐track ETCs. The southern‐track ETCs, traveling across the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea, also result in substantial precipitation in Korea and Japan.
A comprehensive global perspective on phylogenomics and evolutionary dynamics of Small ruminant morbillivirus
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Rahman Aziz-ul , Munir Muhammad
Published: January 2020

A string of complete genome sequences of Small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV) have been reported from different parts of the globe including Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Despite individual genome sequence-based analysis, there is a paucity of comparative genomic and evolutionary analysis to provide overarching and comprehensive evolutionary insights. Therefore, we first enriched the existing database of complete genome sequences of SRMVs with Pakistan-originated strains and then explored overall nucleotide diversity, genomic and residue characteristics, and deduced an evolutionary relationship among strains representing a diverse geographical region worldwide. The average number of pairwise nucleotide differences among the whole genomes was found to be 788.690 with a diversity in nucleotide sequences (0.04889 ± S.D. 0.00468) and haplotype variance (0.00001). The RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase (L) gene revealed phylogenetic relationship among SRMVs in a pattern similar to those of complete genome and the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Therefore, we propose another useful molecular marker that may be employed for future epidemiological investigations. Based on evolutionary analysis, the mean evolution rate for the complete genome, N, P, M, F, H and L genes of SRMV was estimated to be 9.953 × 10–4, 1.1 × 10–3, 1.23 × 10–3, 2.56 × 10–3, 2.01 × 10–3, 1.47 × 10–3 and 9.75 × 10–4 substitutions per site per year, respectively. A recombinant event was observed in a Pakistan-originated strain (KY967608) revealing Indian strains as major (98.1%, KR140086) and minor parents (99.8%, KT860064). Taken together, outcomes of the study augment our knowledge and current understanding towards ongoing phylogenomic and evolutionary dynamics for better comprehensions of SRMVs and effective disease control interventions.
Predicting calvarial morphology in sagittal craniosynostosis
Authors: Malde Oyvind , Cross Connor , Lim Chien L. , Marghoub Arsalan , Cunningham Michael L. , Hopper Richard A. , Moazen Mehran
Published: January 2020

Early fusion of the sagittal suture is a clinical condition called, sagittal craniosynostosis. Calvarial reconstruction is the most common treatment option for this condition with a range of techniques being developed by different groups. Computer simulations have a huge potential to predict the calvarial growth and optimise the management of this condition. However, these models need to be validated. The aim of this study was to develop a validated patient-specific finite element model of a sagittal craniosynostosis. Here, the finite element method was used to predict the calvarial morphology of a patient based on its preoperative morphology and the planned surgical techniques. A series of sensitivity tests and hypothetical models were carried out and developed to understand the effect of various input parameters on the result. Sensitivity tests highlighted that the models are sensitive to the choice of input parameter. The hypothetical models highlighted the potential of the approach in testing different reconstruction techniques. The patient-specific model highlighted that a comparable pattern of calvarial morphology to the follow up CT data could be obtained. This study forms the foundation for further studies to use the approach described here to optimise the management of sagittal craniosynostosis.
Author Correction: A Geodetic Strain Rate Model for the East African Rift System
Authors: Stamps D. S. , Saria E. , Kreemer C.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The development of My Care Hub Mobile-Phone App to Support Self-Management in Australians with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Adu Mary D. , Malabu Usman H. , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S.
Published: January 2020

Non-adherence to self-management poses a serious risk to diabetes complications. Digital behavioural change interventions have the potential to provide education and motivate users to regularly engage with self-management of diabetes. This paper describes the development of My Care Hub mobile phone application (app) aimed at supporting self-management in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The development of My Care Hub involved a comprehensive process of healthy behavioural change identification, end users’ needs, expert consensus, data security and privacy considerations. The app translation was a highly iterative process accompanied by usability testing and design modification. The app development process included: (1) behaviour change strategy selection; (2) users’ involvement; (3) expert advisory involvement; (4) data security and privacy considerations; (5) design creation and output translation into a smartphone app and (6) two usability testings of the app prototype version. The app features include self-management activities documentation, analytics, personalized and generalized messages for diabetes self-management as well as carbohydrate components of common foods in Australia. Twelve respondents provided feedback on the usability of the app. Initially, a simplification of the documentation features of the app was identified as a need to improve usability. Overall, results indicated good user satisfaction rate.
Reformation of the Electron Internal Transport Barrier with the Appearance of a Magnetic Island
Authors: Kenmochi N. , Minami T. , Mizuuchi T. , Takahashi C. , Weir G. M. , Nishioka K. , Kobayashi S. , Nakamura Y. , Okada H. , Kado S. , Yamamoto S. , Ohshima S. , Konoshima S. , Ohtani Y. , Nagasaki K.
Published: January 2020

When realising future fusion reactors, their stationary burning must be maintained and the heat flux to the divertor must be reduced. This essentially requires a stationary internal transport barrier (ITB) plasma with a fast control system. However, the time scale for determining the position of the foot point of an ITB is not clearly understood even though its understanding is indispensable for fast profile control. In this study, the foot point of the electron ITB (eITB) was observed to be reformed at the vicinity of a magnetic island when the island started to form. In addition, the enhanced confinement region was observed to expand during the eITB formation according to the radial movement of the magnetic island toward the outer region. Compared to the time scales of the local heat transport, the faster time scales of the movement of the eITB foot point immediately after island formation (~0.5 ms) suggest the importance of the magnetic island for plasma profile control to maintain stationary burning.
MMP-10 is Increased in Early Stage Diabetic Kidney Disease and can be Reduced by Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade
Authors: Mora-Gutiérrez José María , Rodríguez José Antonio , Fernández-Seara María A. , Orbe Josune , Escalada Francisco Javier , Soler María José , Slon Roblero María Fernanda , Riera Marta , Páramo José Antonio , Garcia-Fernandez Nuria
Published: January 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in diabetic microvascular complications. However, little is known about the pathophysiological links between MMP-10 and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We tested the hypothesis that MMP-10 may be up-regulated in early stage DKD, and could be down-regulated by angiotensin II receptor blockade (telmisartan). Serum MMP-10 and TIMP-1 levels were measured in 268 type 2 diabetic subjects and 111 controls. Furthermore, histological and molecular analyses were performed to evaluate the renal expression of Mmp10 and Timp1 in a murine model of early type 2 DKD (db/db) after telmisartan treatment. MMP-10 (473 ± 274 pg/ml vs. 332 ± 151; p = 0.02) and TIMP-1 (573 ± 296 ng/ml vs. 375 ± 317; p < 0.001) levels were significantly increased in diabetic patients as compared to controls. An early increase in MMP-10 and TIMP-1 was observed and a further progressive elevation was found as DKD progressed to end-stage renal disease. Diabetic mice had 4-fold greater glomerular Mmp10 expression and significant albuminuria compared to wild-type, which was prevented by telmisartan. MMP-10 and TIMP-1 are increased from the early stages of type 2 diabetes. Prevention of MMP-10 upregulation observed in diabetic mice could be another protective mechanism of RAS blockade in DKD.
Concordance of copy number abnormality detection using SNP arrays and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Bashton Matthew , Hollis Robin , Ryan Sarra , Schwab Claire J. , Moppett John , Harrison Christine J. , Moorman Anthony V. , Enshaei Amir
Published: January 2020

In acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, MLPA has been used in research studies to identify clinically relevant copy number abnormality (CNA) profiles. However, in diagnostic settings other techniques are often employed. We assess whether equivalent CNA profiles are called using SNP arrays, ensuring platform independence. We demonstrate concordance between SNP6.0 and MLPA CNA calling on 143 leukaemia samples from two UK trials; comparing 1,287 calls within eight genes and a region. The techniques are 99% concordant using manually augmented calling, and 98% concordant using an automated pipeline. We classify these discordant calls and examine reasons for discordance. In nine cases the circular binary segmentation (CBS) algorithm failed to detect focal abnormalities or those flanking gaps in IKZF1 probe coverage. Eight cases were discordant due to probe design differences, with focal abnormalities detectable using one technique not observable by the other. Risk classification using manually augmented array calling resulted in four out of 143 patients being assigned to a different CNA risk group and eight patients using the automated pipeline. We conclude that MLPA defined CNA profiles can be accurately mirrored by SNP6.0 or similar array platforms. Automated calling using the CBS algorithm proved successful, except for IKZF1 which should be manually inspected.
QTL Mapping of Kernel Traits and Validation of a Major QTL for Kernel Length-Width Ratio Using SNP and Bulked Segregant Analysis in Wheat
Authors: Xin Fang , Zhu Ting , Wei Shuwei , Han Yucui , Zhao Yue , Zhang Dazhong , Ma Lingjian , Ding Qin
Published: January 2020

One RIL population derived from the cross between Dalibao and BYL8 was used to examine the phenotypes of kernel-related traits in four different environments. Six important kernel traits, kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), kernel perimeter (KP), kernel area (KA), kernel length/width ratio (KLW), and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) were evaluated in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China (2016 and 2017), Nanyang, Henan Province, China (2017) and Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China (2017). A genetic linkage map was constructed using 205 SSR markers, and a total of 21 significant QTLs for KL, KW, KP, KA, KLW and TKW were located on 10 of the 21 wheat chromosomes, including 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3D, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 7D, with a single QTL in different environments explaining 3.495–30.130% of the phenotypic variation. There were four loci for KLW, five for KA, five for KL, three for KP, two for KW, and two for TKW among the detected QTLs. We used BSA + 660 K gene chip technology to reveal the positions of major novel QTLs for KLW. A total of 670 out of 5285 polymorphic SNPs were detected on chromosome 2A. The SNPs in 2A are most likely related to the major QTL, and there may be minor QTLs on 5B, 7A, 3A and 4B. SSR markers were developed to verify the chromosome region associated with KLW. A linkage map was constructed with 7 SSR markers, and a major effect QTL was identified within a 21.55 cM interval, corresponding to a physical interval of 10.8 Mb in the Chinese Spring RefSeq v1.0 sequence. This study can provide useful information for subsequent construction of fine mapping and marker-assisted selection breeding.
Publisher Correction: Synthesis of Saccharumoside-B analogue with potential of antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities
Authors: Rayavarapu Srinuvasarao , Yarla Nagendra Sastry , Kadiri Sunanda Kumari , Bishayee Anupam , Vidavalur Siddaiah , Tadikonda Ramu , Basha Mahaboob , Pidugu Vijaya Rao , Dowluru Kaladhar S. V. G. K. , Lakappa Dhananjaya Bhadrapura , Kamal Mohammad A. , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Tarasov Vadim V. , Chubarev Vladimir N. , Klochkov Sergey G. , Barreto George E. , Bachurin Sergey O. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
pH stimulus-disaggregated BODIPY: an activated photodynamic/photothermal sensitizer applicable to tumor ablation
Authors: Liu Yongchao , Xu Chengyan , Teng Lili , Liu Hong-Wen , Ren Tian-Bing , Xu Shuai , Lou Xiaofeng , Guo Haowei , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: January 2020

A pH activated photodynamic/photothermal sensitizer applicable to tumor ablation.
Octahedrally coordinated single layered CaF2: robust insulating behaviour
Authors: Baskurt Mehmet , Kang Jun , Sahin Hasan
Published: January 2020

Using first-principles calculations, the structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of single-layered calcium fluoride (CaF2) are investigated.
An IRMPD spectroscopic and computational study of protonated guanine-containing mismatched base pairs in the gas phase
Authors: Cheng Ruodi , Loire Estelle , Martens Jonathan , Fridgen Travis D.
Published: January 2020

Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy has been used to probe the structures of the three protonated base-pair mismatches containing 9-ethylguanine (9eG) in the gas phase. Some of these protonated base-pairs have been identified in RNA.