bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate classification of epilepsy seizure types using wavelet packet decomposition and local detrended fluctuation analysis
Authors: Tang Lihan , Zhao Menglian , Wu Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are widely used in diagnosis of epilepsy. Accurate classification of seizure types based on EEG signals can provide vital information for diagnosis and treatment. Since visual inspection and interpretation of seizure types are time consuming and prone to errors, a novel classification method combining wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) and local detrended fluctuation analysis (L‐DFA) is proposed for the computer‐aided diagnostic system. The proposed method is able to classify a wide variety of seizures automatically and accurately. As the first step towards this goal, raw EEG signals are decomposed by WPD according to intrinsic frequency bands of human brain. Then L‐DFA is applied to characterise the dynamical fractal structure of sub‐band signals. Finally, EEG signals are classified by support vector machine based on the combined fractal spectrum features. The experimental results on Temple University Hospital database show that the proposed method achieves a total classification accuracy of 97.80%, outperforming existing methods based on the same database.
Efficient segmentation of lumbar intervertebral disc from MR images
Authors: Silvoster M Leena , Mathusoothana S. Kumar Retnaswami
Published: June 2020

Segmentation of spine Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs) has become an indispensable process in the diagnosis of lumbar disc degeneration, causing low back pain. Over the last decade of years, computer‐directed diagnosis of disease, as well as computer‐guided spine surgery, is based on the two‐dimensional (2D) analysis of mid‐sagittal slice of MRI. This work proposes an automatic strategy to extract the 3D segmentation of the normal disc as well as degenerated lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) from T2‐weighted Turbo Spin Echo MRI of the spine using Connected Component (CC) analysis algorithm and statistical shape analysis. The challenges faced by the IVD segmentation includes (i) partial volume effects (ii) intensity inhomogeneity (iii) grey level overlap of different soft tissues. The proposed method first pre‐processes the dataset and enables it for the application of the CC algorithm. The CC (subsets of pixels of the disc) of the spine MRI is extracted and apply statistical shape analysis for the refinement of the segmentation results to detect IVDs. Experimental results of the proposed method show a robust segmentation, accomplishing the dice similarity index of 92.4% and thus achieving a low error rate. Other performance measures such as Precision, Accuracy, JaccardIdx, JaccardDist, Global Consistency Error, Variation of Information, etc were also evaluated. The algorithm is evaluated quantitatively using adequate experiments on a dataset of 15 MRI scans, of different scenarios such as healthy and degenerate disc and this proposed method is verified as a promising accurate method for the automatic segmentation of IVD.
ARCHE IntensivKinder: Know-how mit Herz
Authors: Vaihinger Sabine , Miarka-Mauthe Christiane
Published: June 2020

Wenn intensivpflichtige Kinder oder Babys in eine Pflegeeinrichtung oder nach Hause verlegt werden sollen, scheitert dies oft an den komplexen Krankheitsbildern und dem intensiven medizinischen Setting. Die ARCHE IntensivKinder als Kompetenzzentrum für die außerklinische pädiatrische Intensivmedizin aus Kusterdingen im Kreis Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg hat sich der kleinen Patienten angenommen und setzt sich erfolgreich im interdisziplinären Behandlungsteam für sie ein.
Parental Perspectives on the Postpartum Bonding Experience after Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Transfer to a Referral Hospital
Authors: Yui Yvonne , October Tessie W.
Published: June 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to describe the postpartum bonding experience of parents whose newborns were transferred to a referral hospital while their mothers remained at the delivery hospital.

Study Design A total of 18 semi-structured interviews conducted with mothers within 2 weeks of birth were completed. Thematic analysis was performed.

Result In total, 72% of mothers were unable to hold their newborns, and mothers spent a median of 15 minutes with their newborn prior to transfer. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: three barriers to bonding (medical, hospital, and family barriers) and two themes of interventions that helped promote bonding (parent and hospital-initiated interventions). Using technology such as bedside cameras, recording of heart beats, and video chatting on rounds were extremely popular.

Conclusion Parents identified multiple barriers to maternal–infant bonding and suggested several parent-focused and hospital-focused interventions to enhance bonding. Strategies that address barriers should be used to help parents promote bonding during separation from their newborns.

Key Points
Research on the process of arc deionization under explosive high-speed airflow in semienclosed space
Authors: Yan Renbao , Wang Jufeng
Published: June 2020

To study the process by which an explosive high-speed airflow extinguishes an arc and the characteristics of arc dielectric recovery in a semienclosed space, this study investigates the principles and processes of the formation, development, and extinction of an arc under the action of a high-speed airflow. When the impact arc occurs in a semienclosed arc-extinguishing chamber, the high-speed air suppresses arc development. Due to the high-speed airflow, the arc cools at an accelerated rate; the arc energy weakens, breakpoints occur, and the continuity of the arc energy channel is broken, preventing the arc from forming in the arc-extinguishing chamber and extinguishing it. This article employs AUTODYN software to establish a model for high-speed airflow arc extinguishing in a semienclosed space and then reveals a process by which a high-speed airflow extinguishes an arc in such a space. To verify whether a high-speed airflow can extinguish an arc, we conduct experiments in which high-speed airflow extinguishes a large impact arc and a power frequency arc. We recorded the arc extinguishing process with high-speed and ordinary cameras. The time taken to extinguish the arc is approximately 7 ms, and the arc does not regenerate.
Methane emissions from sheep fed Eragrostis curvula hay substituted with Lespedeza cuneata
Authors: du Toit C. J. L. , van Niekerk W. A. , Meissner H. H. , Erasmus L. J. , Coertze R. J.
Published: June 2020

Context
Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from livestock production systems is a global research priority. Forages that contain condensed tannins, such as the perennial legume Lespedeza cuneata, may help to reduce ruminant methane (CH4) emissions.

Aims
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of L. cuneata hay on feed intake and enteric CH4 emissions of sheep fed a basal diet of subtropical Eragrostis curvula hay.

Methods
Four adult ruminally cannulated Dohne Merino wethers with initial bodyweight of 65.5 ± 3.5 kg were used in the experiment in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four experimental treatments were E. curvula hay substituted with 0%, 30%, 60% and 90% L. cuneata hay. Each of four experimental periods lasted 27 days, which consisted of a 14-day adaptation period, a 7-day digestibility trial, and a 6-day CH4-measurement period. During the 6-day CH4-measurement period, CH4 emissions were measured continuously over a 24-h period by using an open circuit respiration system.

Key results
Dry matter intake (DMI, g/kg W0.75) was higher (P < 0.05) for sheep receiving 60% and 90% L. cuneata than 0% and 30% L. cuneata (77.33 and 84.67 g/kg W0.75 vs 62.96 and 62.71 g/kg W0.75). The increase in DMI corresponded with a linear increase in DM digestibility of the experimental treatments from 38% to 45% as the level of L. cuneata substitution increased. Methane yield was not influenced (P > 0.05) by 30% inclusion of L. cuneata (17.6 g CH4/kg DMI) but decreased (P < 0.05) as the inclusion level increased to 60% and 90% (13.8 and 14.3 g CH4/kg DMI).

Conclusions
Inclusion of L. cuneata hay in a diet based on E. curvula hay improved diet digestibility, and led to increased concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and non-fibre carbohydrates. Substituting E. curvula hay with 60% L. cuneata on a DM basis resulted in the greatest reduction in CH4 yield of 21.4% compared with a diet of 100% E. curvula.

Implications
The results suggest that L. cuneata has the potential to reduce CH4 yield and possibly increase production from sheep by improving diet DM digestibility and through improved DMI.
Repetitive bundles in Malaysian learner writing
Authors: Joharry Siti Aeisha
Published: June 2020

One way to investigate learner writing is by analyzing the most frequently recurring sequences of words, that is, lexical bundles. This paper presents results for lexical bundles analyses of a Malaysian corpus (MCSAW) against its reference language variety, LOCNESS (Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays). Key 4-word lexical bundles are firstly investigated in terms of their frequencies as well as distribution in both corpora. Following this, key lexical bundles are further categorized and analyzed according to their functions, including qualitative analysis of the most recurrent bundles by examination of concordance lines. Results show that learners use simple types of lexical bundles repeatedly compared to their native speaker counterparts. Evidence of tautology can also be found in learner writing. The findings highlight that using lexical bundles appropriately is important to achieve native-like fluency, while the absence of more varied lexical bundles in learners’ discourse may result in unidiomatic-sounding writing style.
Multilingualism in Mauritius
Authors: Auleear Owodally A Mooznah , Peeroo Swaleha
Published: June 2020

While the internet facilitates communication and interaction between businesses and customers, social media platforms afford both of them opportunities to co-construct information online. These meeting points between businesses and customers, which are then displayed online, constitute a virtual linguistic servicescape showcasing their language practices. This study focuses on the Facebook pages of three fast-food outlets in multilingual Mauritius – where Kreol and French are commonly spoken, and English and French are widely written – with the aim to investigate the language choices made and displayed in the virtual linguistic servicescape. Using non-participant online observation, data were collected over three months and analysed as ‘text’ (Androutsopoulos, 2014). The data reveal the co-occurrence of local languages in the actors’ language practices, with minimal use of Kreol. These practices reinforce existing local language and literacy ideologies, while also disturbing, if only but slightly, long-entrenched ideologies about written Kreol.
The sensitivity of the Fatigue and Fitness Test for Teams (FFITT) to measure the demands of a rugby match
Authors: Starling Lindsay T. , Nellemann Stacy , Parkes Andrew , Lambert Michael I.
Published: June 2020

Regular monitoring of players in a team can be a challenge because it is time consuming, expensive and impractical. The Fatigue and Fitness Test for Teams (FFITT) was developed to satisfy the demands of a practical monitoring protocol for frequent use in team sports. This study aimed to quantify the sensitivity of the FFITT and assess the practicality of implementing the FFITT in a rugby team. The FFITT was completed before and after three university 1st XV rugby union matches. The FFITT was sensitive to the demands of a rugby match in some individuals. Grouped results (n = 22 players) revealed a significant reduction in HRR60s of 7 beats post‐match 3 (P = 0.002; ES = 0.52), which is greater than the 5 beats which constitute a meaningful change in fatigue and fitness. A significant reduction in SLJ of 11 cm was also observed post‐match 3 (P = 0.04; ES = 0.69), which is less than the meaningful change (13 cm). On an individual level, meaningful changes occurred in SLJ distance in nine players, in HRR60s in 14 players and in both HRR60s and SLJ in three players. Descriptive analysis of the RTT‐Q revealed that players experienced increased muscle soreness and reduced readiness‐to‐train post‐match 1 and post‐match 2. The FFITT could be successfully completed by the squad in 8 min during their warm‐up. The FFITT satisfies both scientific principles and the coach's demands of a practical monitoring protocol for frequent use in the team sports setting.
Primary productivity of managed and pristine forests in Sweden
Authors: Ahlström Anders , Jong Geerte Fälthammar-de , Nijland Wiebe , Tagesson Torbern
Published: June 2020

Land use is affecting 70% of global ecosystems and their functioning. Forest management is a regionally dominant land use and affects forest ecosystems by changing both structure and functioning, but its impact on primary productivity is not well known. Here we investigated the effect of forest management on primary productivity by comparing managed secondary forests with relatively pristine unmanaged primary forests in Sweden. As proxy for primary productivity we used the satellite-based vegetation index NIRv which has been shown to be closely and linearly related to primary productivity. We produced a digital map of 390 primary forests across Sweden, and extracted NIRv over these and surrounding secondary forests forming spatially proximate pairs. By comparing the primary and secondary forests NIRv in the pairs we found that secondary forests on average show higher NIRv, but the highest values were found in primary forests. The difference in NIRv between pairs is related to their difference in mean stand age, and at equal stand age the NIRv of primary forests is higher than in their paired secondary forests. Overall, management leads to increased NIRv through regeneration of forests stands that reduce their mean age. However, primary forests show higher NIRv when controlling for age, despite being found on higher altitudes and on steeper slopes with lower soil moisture, which suggests that forest management other than regeneration is not increasing primary productivity of Swedish forests.
Soybean Phospholipids-Based Extender as an Alternative for Bull Sperm Cryopreservation
Authors: Gunawan M , Kaiin E M , Mudita G S , Chaidir R R A
Published: June 2020

This current work investigated the usage of soybean phospholipid (SP) in extenders for bull sperm cryopreservation. The sperm was obtained from Friesian Holstein (FH) bulls using an artificial vagina method. Furthermore, semen samples were pooled and diluted in a Tris egg yolk-based extender (control group; CG) or Tris extender supplemented with SP at different concentrations (G1 = 0.5%, G2 = 1%, G3 = 1.5%, G4 = 2%, G5 = 2.5%) for a final concentration of 25×106spermatozoa/0.25 mL. Subsequently, they were packed in straws (0.25 mL), cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 minutes, then stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). As a result, control group presented significantly higher values in motility, viability and membrane integrity at the stage of dilution, equilibration and post-thawing compared to treatment group (P<0.05). After thawing (37°C/30s), no significant difference was observed between G4 and control group for all parameters observed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) (P>0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 2% soybean phospholipid in Tris-based extender can be used for freezing bull semen, producing a satisfied fertility rate in post-thawing stage.
Strategy for Improving Production Performance and Preservation of Madura Cattle
Authors: Siswijono S B , Winarto P S , Prafitri R
Published: June 2020

Research on strategies to improve the production performance and preservation of Madura Cattle aims to formulate a strategy for Madura Cattle farming management. The study utilized survey method. Data were collected by interview, participatory observation and documentation.The survey results showed that farmers had a negative perception of production performance and they believed that cross-breeding was the best way to improve the appearance of Madura Cattle. Documentation of the study proofed that an important step had been taken by the government in the preservation of Madura Cattle with the establishment of institutional preservation of Madura Cattle. However, the institution for preservation of Madura Cattle only tends to regulate Madura cattle farmers’ obligations without regulating the rights of these farmers. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the institutional preservation of Madura cattle has developed significantly, especially on their efforts to preserve Madura cattle. The result of this study suggested that the establishment of a policy of regulating cross-breeding patterns and the determination of economic incentives were needed as an alternative to the institutional development of Madura Cattle preservation.
The discrepancy in the construction industry of Malaysia: one of the most contributing industries in Malaysia’s economy and the highest contributor of the fatal accidents
Authors: Zid Chaher , Kasim Narimah , Raza Soomro Ali , Laidoune Abdelbaki
Published: June 2020

Malaysian construction industry is considered as substantial power for the economy of the country. The value of construction work is increasing year per year. Malaysia’s economy experienced a commendable growth the recent years; basically, the construction industry is statistically significant with economic development and has strong linkages with other industry sectors. However, the Malaysian construction industry is facing many challenges especially the fatal accidents. These last came first on top of the construction sector compared all other industries. This article describes the importance of the construction sector for Malaysia’s economy and its efficient contribution across all states of Malaysia. Furthermore, detailed statistics and analysis were carried out to describe the severity of fatal accidents occurred in construction industry of Malaysia. Besides, recommendations were listed in order to better manage the construction industry without involving in fatal accidents. By taking into account the significant influence of the construction industry on Malaysian economy, full attention should be given to the construction field by the Malaysian government and improve further the construction management in general and the construction safety in particular.
Experimental investigation on pineapple leaf fiber as biomass source for renewable energy application
Authors: Abdullah N , Jamiluddin J , Hagos F Y , Azmi N S N
Published: June 2020

Depletion of fossil fuel reserves along with major environmental impacts needs the government and authorities to emphasis on renewable energy resources. Biomass from plantation waste is among the significant resource for renewable energy. Hence, this research was carried out with the primary objective is to evaluate the potential of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) as an alternative for current biomass resources which are oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and rice husk (RH). The PALF was obtained from pineapple leaf waste by using hand scrapping technique. Then the characterization process was conducted on the PALF used in the present study to investigate its cellulose contents. Five samples were tested for calorimetric value by using the calorimetric thermometer and bomb cylinder. The calorimetric value test shows that the PALF has a calorimetric average value of 16.93 MJ/Kg. Therefore, the finding reveals that the PALF has high potential as an alternative for current biomass resources for renewable energy application. The utilization of PALF with higher cellulose content compared with the present study expected capable of providing higher calorimetric value result in the future.
Experimental performance analysis of single slope single basin solar still with extended pin fins basin liner in summer and winter climatic conditions
Authors: Agrawal Abhay , Rana R S
Published: June 2020

In this work, the conventional single slope, single basin solar still and modified single slope, single basin solar still with extended pin fins basin liner was fabricated and experimentally investigated in summer and winter climate at Rewa (Lat. 24°33′ 20.81″ N). The modified basin liner was prepared by 2.5 cm long and 0.18 cm diameter mild steel pins which were vertically inserted in the basin liner sheet of mild steel. Each pin was kept at a distance of 1.5 cm from the adjacent pin. The basin liner with pin fins was painted black so that more and more solar energy could be absorbed. The daily productivity values of modified pin fins basin liner solar still during summer and winter were obtained as 4.375 Kg/m2 and 2.565 Kg/m2 respectively. It has been observed that in the modified solar still, 13.2 % more distillate output is obtained than conventional solar still in both summer and winter climate. The increase in the productivity of modified solar still is due to increase in the surface area of basin liner.
Functional objective parameters which may discriminate patients with mild cognitive impairment from cognitively healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis using an instrumented kinematic assessment
Authors: Fuentes-Abolafio Iván José , Stubbs Brendon , Pérez-Belmonte Luis Miguel , Bernal-López María Rosa , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio
Published: June 2020

Background

a systematic review in 2015 showed kinematic gait and balance parameters which can discriminate patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from cognitively healthy individuals.

Objective

this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise and synthesise the evidence published after the previous review about the functional objective parameters obtained by an instrumented kinematic assessment which could discriminate patients with MCI from cognitively healthy individuals, as well as to assess the level of evidence per outcome.

Methods

major electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2019 for cross-sectional studies published after 2015 examining kinematic gait and balance parameters, which may discriminate patients with MCI from cognitively healthy individuals. Meta-analysis was carried out for each parameter reported in two or more studies.

Results

Ten cross-sectional studies with a total of 1,405 patients with MCI and 2,277 cognitively healthy individuals were included. Eight of the included studies reported a low risk of bias. Patients with MCI showed a slower gait speed than cognitively healthy individuals. Thus, single-task gait speed (d = −0.44, 95%CI [−0.60 to −0.28]; P < 0.001), gait speed at fast pace (d = −0.48, 95%CI [−0.72 to −0.24]; P < 0.001) and arithmetic dual-task gait speed (d = −1.20, 95%CI [−2.12 to −0.28]; P = 0.01) were the functional objective parameters which best discriminated both groups.

Conclusion

the present review shows kinematic gait parameters which may discriminate patients with MCI from cognitively healthy individuals. Most of the included studies reported a low risk of bias, but the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation criteria showed a low level of evidence per outcome.
Systematic relevance of the pollen morphology for theRondeletiacomplex (Cinchonoideae, Rubiaceae)
Authors: Torres-Montúfar Alejandro , Ramírez-Arriaga Elia , Martínez-Hernández Enrique , Ochoterena Helga
Published: June 2020

Seventeen morphologically related genera have been considered as the Rondeletia complex, traditionally in Rondeletieae. Molecular studies agree that this is a polyphyletic group and some genera have been transferred to Guettardeae. Nevertheless, no solid morphological characters support this hypothesis. Our aim is to explore pollen morphology to see if this source of characters has systematic value. Our study uses light and scanning electron microscopy for 30 species of both tribes representing 14 genera. The most important characters are polar outline, endoaperture type and nexine discontinuities. Our results do not permit diagnosis of tribes, but they show that the genera formerly included in the Rondeletia complex, but now placed in Guettardeae, have nexine discontinuities in polar areas: endofissures (Rogiera) or endocracks (Arachnothryx complex: Arachnothryx-Gonzalagunia-Javorkaea-Renistipula). Palynological data also confirm a close relationship of Rondeletia with Stevensia, corroborating their synonymy, and of Arachnothryx with Gonzalagunia-Javorkaea-Renistipula, providing evidence of their close relationship. We conclude that pollen is a useful source of characters for supporting main lineages, but further research is still necessary for other genera, including Blepharidium, Machaonia, Mazaea and additional Rondeletia spp.
Gene Similarity Networks Unveil a Potential Novel Unicellular Group Closely Related to Animals from the Tara Oceans Expedition
Authors: Arroyo Alicia S , Lannes Romain , Bapteste Eric , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki
Published: June 2020

The Holozoa clade comprises animals and several unicellular lineages (choanoflagellates, filastereans, and teretosporeans). Understanding their full diversity is essential to address the origins of animals and other evolutionary questions. However, they are poorly known. To provide more insights into the real diversity of holozoans and check for undiscovered diversity, we here analyzed 18S rDNA metabarcoding data from the global Tara Oceans expedition. To overcome the low phylogenetic information contained in the metabarcoding data set (composed of sequences from the short V9 region of the gene), we used similarity networks by combining two data sets: unknown environmental sequences from Tara Oceans and known reference sequences from GenBank. We then calculated network metrics to compare environmental sequences with reference sequences. These metrics reflected the divergence between both types of sequences and provided an effective way to search for evolutionary relevant diversity, further validated by phylogenetic placements. Our results showed that the percentage of unicellular holozoan diversity remains hidden. We found novelties in several lineages, especially in Acanthoecida choanoflagellates. We also identified a potential new holozoan group that could not be assigned to any of the described extant clades. Data on geographical distribution showed that, although ubiquitous, each unicellular holozoan lineage exhibits a different distribution pattern. We also identified a positive association between new animal hosts and the ichthyosporean symbiont Creolimax fragrantissima, as well as for other holozoans previously reported as free-living. Overall, our analyses provide a fresh perspective into the diversity and ecology of unicellular holozoans, highlighting the amount of undescribed diversity.
Giant Island Mice Exhibit Widespread Gene Expression Changes in Key Metabolic Organs
Authors: Nolte Mark J , Jing Peicheng , Dewey Colin N , Payseur Bret A
Published: June 2020

Island populations repeatedly evolve extreme body sizes, but the genomic basis of this pattern remains largely unknown. To understand how organisms on islands evolve gigantism, we compared genome-wide patterns of gene expression in Gough Island mice, the largest wild house mice in the world, and mainland mice from the WSB/EiJ wild-derived inbred strain. We used RNA-seq to quantify differential gene expression in three key metabolic organs: gonadal adipose depot, hypothalamus, and liver. Between 4,000 and 8,800 genes were significantly differentially expressed across the evaluated organs, representing between 20% and 50% of detected transcripts, with 20% or more of differentially expressed transcripts in each organ exhibiting expression fold changes of at least 2×. A minimum of 73 candidate genes for extreme size evolution, including Irs1 and Lrp1, were identified by considering differential expression jointly with other data sets: 1) genomic positions of published quantitative trait loci for body weight and growth rate, 2) whole-genome sequencing of 16 wild-caught Gough Island mice that revealed fixed single-nucleotide differences between the strains, and 3) publicly available tissue-specific regulatory elements. Additionally, patterns of differential expression across three time points in the liver revealed that Arid5b potentially regulates hundreds of genes. Functional enrichment analyses pointed to cell cycling, mitochondrial function, signaling pathways, inflammatory response, and nutrient metabolism as potential causes of weight accumulation in Gough Island mice. Collectively, our results indicate that extensive gene regulatory evolution in metabolic organs accompanied the rapid evolution of gigantism during the short time house mice have inhabited Gough Island.
Mast Cell Tryptase Promotes Inflammatory Bowel Disease–Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Bin , Yang Mu-Qing , Yu Tian-Yu , Yin Yang-Yang , Liu Ying , Wang Xiao-Dong , He Zhi-Gang , Yin Lu , Chen Chun-Qiu , Li Ji-Yu
Published: June 2020

Background

Intestinal fibrosis is the final pathological outcome of chronic intestinal inflammation without specific therapeutic drugs, which leads to ileus and surgical intervention. Intestinal fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The role of mast cells (MCs), which are members of the sentinel immune cell population, is unknown in intestinal fibrosis.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed changes in MCs, tryptase proteins, and ECM components in human fibrotic and control patient intestines. We constructed dextran sodium sulfate–induced intestinal fibrosis models using wild-type mice, MC-reconstituted mice, and MC-deficient mice to explore the role of MCs and tryptase in intestinal fibrosis. The roles and mechanisms of MCs and tryptase on fibroblasts were evaluated using human MCs (HMC-1 and LAD-2), commercial tryptase proteins, human colon fibroblasts (CCD-18Co fibroblasts), the tryptase inhibitor APC366, and the protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) antagonist ENMD-1068.

Results

Regardless of whether the colon was a human colon or a mouse colon, the fibrotic intestinal tissue had increased MC infiltration and a higher expression of ECM proteins or genes than that of the control group. The dextran sodium sulfate–induced intestinal fibrosis in MC-deficient mice was alleviated compared with that in wild-type mice. After MC reconstruction in MC-deficient mice, the alleviating effect disappeared. Tryptase, as a content stored in MC granules, was released into fibrotic intestinal tissues in the form of degranulation, resulting in an increased expression of tryptase. Compared with the control group, the tryptase inhibition group (the APC366 group) had reduced intestinal fibrosis. The CCD-18Co fibroblasts, when cocultured with MCs or treated with tryptase proteins, were activated to differentiate into myofibroblasts and secrete more ECM proteins (such as collagen and fibronectin). The underlying mechanism of fibroblast activation by tryptase was the activation of the PAR-2/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

We found that MC tryptase promotes inflammatory bowel disease–induced intestinal fibrosis. The underlying mechanism is that tryptase promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into fibrotic-phenotype myofibroblasts by activating the PAR-2/Akt/ mTOR pathway of fibroblasts.
The Role of Amici Curiae in Light of Recent Developments in Investment Treaty Arbitration: Legitimizing the System?
Authors: Baltag Crina
Published: June 2020

Abstarct

Recent developments in investment arbitration and international investment law, in general, are prompting the review of the role of amici curiae in investment arbitration proceedings. The latest initiatives addressing the challenges to the investor-State dispute settlement (‘ISDS’) system, including under the auspices of the UNCITRAL Working Group III, alluded to the participation of the amici in ISDS proceedings. The new generation of international investment agreements (‘IIAs’) is also tackling an enhanced role of amicus curiae, whereas the proposal for the amendment of the ICSID Arbitration Rules includes sizeable amendments to Rule 37(2), to reflect these developments and other concerns raised so far in the practice. This paper addresses the role of amici curiae in these turbulent times for ISDS, emphasizing that, before anything, the role of these non-disputing parties is to assist arbitral tribunals.
Exploitative abuses in digital markets: between competition law and data protection law
Authors: Buiten Miriam Caroline
Published: June 2020

Online platforms increasingly offer consumers services ‘for free’, in exchange for collecting consumers’ personal data. This business model is highly successful, leading some online platforms to gain substantial market power. This market power can cause consumer harm—not through higher prices, but in the form of privacy harm. This article considers what role competition law and data protection law can play in mitigating this harm to privacy. The article considers how we can conceptualize exploitative abuse of dominance cases in zero-price markets. The article calls into question if data protection laws should play a role in antitrust abuse assessments, against the background of the Bundeskartellamt antitrust investigation into Facebook’s data collection practices. The article argues that, even in digital markets that unequivocally link market power with data privacy concerns, competition law and data protection law have complementary but distinct roles to play.
Privacy, Personalization, and Price Discrimination
Authors: Hidir Sinem , Vellodi Nikhil
Published: June 2020

We study a bilateral trade setting in which a buyer has private valuations over a multi-product seller’s inventory. We introduce the notion of an incentive-compatible market segmentation (IC-MS)—a market segmentation compatible with the buyer’s incentives to voluntarily reveal their preferences. Our main result is a characterization of the buyer-optimal IC-MS. It is partially revealing, comprised primarily of pooling segments wide enough to keep prices low but narrow enough to ensure trade over relevant products. We use our results to study a novel design problem in which a retail platform seeks to attract consumers by calibrating the coarseness of its search interface. Our analysis speaks directly to consumer privacy and the debate regarding product steering versus price discrimination in online retail.
Can the scaling of plant nitrogen to phosphorus be altered by global change? An empirical test
Authors: Long Min , Zhang Juanjuan , Liu Zhengyi , Zhou Luyao , Su Fanglong , Xiao Rui , Wang Yi , Guo Hui , Hu Shuijin
Published: June 2020

Aims

Global change may cause unparalleled supplies of soil nutrients and further lead to stoichiometric imbalance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in terrestrial plants. While previous studies had reported the effects of global change factors on plant N, P contents and their ratios, few had examined whether or how these factors may influence the scaling of these two elements.

Methods

Taking advantage of a manipulative experiment with altered precipitation, warming and N addition, and using the general scaling function N = βPα, we examined how the scaling of plant N to P may respond to global change factors in a Loess grassland in northwestern China.

Important Findings

We found that precipitation reduction (PR) and warming decreased plant P concentrations, while N addition increased plant N concentrations, resulting in increased N:P ratios. The slopes of the linear regressions between plant N and P (i.e. log-transformed N versus P) did not change significantly, whereas the intercepts increased significantly under PR, warming and N addition. These results indicate that global change factors may not affect the synergistic variation of plant N and P, showing a closely coupled relationship between them. Our findings may help to better understand plant nutrient dynamics and element balance in a changing world.
Commitments
Authors: Koppenfels Ulrich von , Christ Flavien
Published: June 2020

This chapter addresses the procedure for adopting commitment decisions and discusses the legal effects of such decisions. Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003 empowers the European Commission to conclude antitrust cases by means of a decision rendering binding commitments offered by the undertakings concerned to remove the Commission’s competition concerns. Similar to a prohibition decision adopted pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation 1/2003, a commitment decision is an enforcement tool intended to ensure that the competition rules laid down in the TFEU are applied effectively. The key feature of Article 9 is that commitments proposed by the undertakings concerned are made binding on them through a directly enforceable Commission decision. In case of a breach of commitments, Article 9(2) provides that the Commission may reopen the proceedings with a view to adopting a decision under Article 7 of Regulation 1/2003.
Publication of Antitrust Decisions and Other Documents
Authors: Heegde Annemarie ter , Todorova-Milanova Kristina
Published: June 2020

This chapter describes the legal basis for and the scope of the publication of Commission antitrust decisions as well as the procedure for preparing a public version of a decision. Publishing the Commission’s antitrust decisions is particularly important. In addition to informing the public of the Commission’s work, it has the specific purpose of deterring antitrust violations by exposing the wrongdoing of the infringers to the public, informing economic operators of what type of behaviour may be considered violation of antitrust rules and enabling victims of antitrust infringements to seek compensation for the damages suffered. Regulation 1/2003 lists the antitrust decisions the main content of which the Commission is obliged to publish. Beyond this, however, and within the limits of the duty of professional secrecy, the Commission enjoys broad discretion to make available to the public as much information as possible. The preparation of a public version of a decision, similarly to preparing access to the file and to granting access to documents pursuant to Regulation 1049/2001, requires determination of what information is confidential.
Judicial Review of Commission Decisions and Judicial Protection
Authors: Kornezov Alexander
Published: June 2020

This chapter focuses on the judicial review of different types of Commission decisions. It considers the developments in case law reflecting the need to ensure compliance with the principle of effective judicial protection and give legitimacy to the EU antitrust procedure. The institutional design of EU antitrust law reveals a significant concentration of power in one institution: the European Commission. Such concentration of power in a quasi-criminal area of EU law may create a structural risk of a prosecutorial bias. It is therefore critical to ensure effective judicial protection through in-depth judicial oversight of the Commission’s actions and inactions. The chapter then considers the action for annulment, which is the main procedural vehicle for reviewing the legality of Commission decisions.
The Purposes of Recognition of Belligerency
Authors: McLaughlin Robert
Published: June 2020

This chapter explores the purposes of the doctrine on recognition of belligerency. Whilst these purposes range from the evidently humanitarian to the explicitly political, they were nevertheless primarily expressed via the language and application of law. The means by which humanity was to be encouraged, for example, was to invoke de jure application of the Law of War as to means and methods, treatment of prisoners of war, and conduct vis-à-vis neutral third states. The means by which political ends were served included the application of the law of neutrality to characterize maritime interactions between third states on the one hand, and the conflict state and belligerent non-state armed groups (NSAGs) on the other, and employing recognition of belligerency as a middle path between assuaging public agitation in support of insurgents and the counter-veiling diplomatic imperative to maintain the veneer of non-intervention against fellow states. However, the doctrine also evinced a level of legal novelty and progressive development in response to perceived needs, such as the limited status and attributes afforded a recognized belligerent NSAG in terms of raising funds, taxing activity, and taking responsibility for treatment of and consequences for third state nationals.
Pulsar polarimetry with the Parkes ultra-wideband receiver
Authors: Oswald Lucy , Karastergiou Aris , Johnston Simon
Published: June 2020

Pulsar radio emission and its polarization are observed to evolve with frequency. This frequency dependence is key to the emission mechanism and the structure of the radio beam. With the new ultra-wideband receiver (UWL) on the Parkes radio telescope we are able, for the first time, to observe how pulsar profiles evolve over a broad continuous bandwidth of 700–4000 MHz. We describe here a technique for processing broad-band polarimetric observations to establish a meaningful alignment and visualize the data across the band. We apply this to observations of PSRs J1056–6258 and J1359–6038, chosen due to previously unresolved questions about the frequency evolution of their emission. Application of our technique reveals that it is possible to align the polarization position angle (PA) across a broad frequency range when constrained to applying only corrections for dispersion and Faraday rotation to do so. However, this does not correspond to aligned intensity profiles for these two sources. We find that it is possible to convert these misalignments into emission height range estimates that are consistent with published and simulated values, suggesting that they can be attributed to relativistic effects in the magnetosphere. We discuss this work in the context of the radio beam structure and prepare the ground for a wider study of pulsar emission using broad-band polarimetric data.
A NICER look at the state transitions of the black hole candidate MAXI J1535−571 during its reflares
Authors: Cúneo V A , Alabarta K , Zhang L , Altamirano D , Méndez M , Armas Padilla M , Remillard R , Homan J , Steiner J F , Combi J A , Muñoz-Darias T , Gendreau K C , Arzoumanian Z , Stevens A L , Loewenstein M , Tombesi F , Bult P , Fabian A C , Buisson D J K , Neilsen J , Basak A
Published: June 2020

The black hole candidate and X-ray binary MAXI J1535−571 was discovered in 2017 September. During the decay of its discovery outburst, and before returning to quiescence, the source underwent at least four reflaring events, with peak luminosities of ∼1035–36 erg s−1 (d/4.1 kpc)2. To investigate the nature of these flares, we analysed a sample of NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) observations taken with almost daily cadence. In this work, we present the detailed spectral and timing analysis of the evolution of the four reflares. The higher sensitivity of NICER at lower energies, in comparison with other X-ray detectors, allowed us to constrain the disc component of the spectrum at ∼0.5 keV. We found that during each reflare the source appears to trace out a q-shaped track in the hardness–intensity diagram similar to those observed in black hole binaries during full outbursts. MAXI J1535−571 transits between the hard state (valleys) and softer states (peaks) during these flares. Moreover, the Comptonized component is undetected at the peak of the first reflare, while the disc component is undetected during the valleys. Assuming the most likely distance of 4.1 kpc, we find that the hard-to-soft transitions take place at the lowest luminosities ever observed in a black hole transient, while the soft-to-hard transitions occur at some of the lowest luminosities ever reported for such systems.
Testing viscous disc theory using the balance between stellar accretion and external photoevaporation of protoplanetary discs
Authors: Winter Andrew J , Ansdell Megan , Haworth Thomas J , Kruijssen J M Diederik
Published: June 2020

The nature and rate of (viscous) angular momentum transport in protoplanetary discs (PPDs) have important consequences for the formation process of planetary systems. While accretion rates on to the central star yield constraints on such transport in the inner regions of a PPD, empirical constraints on viscous spreading in the outer regions remain challenging to obtain. Here, we demonstrate a novel method to probe the angular momentum transport at the outer edge of the disc. This method applies to PPDs that have lost a significant fraction of their mass due to thermal winds driven by UV irradiation from a neighbouring OB star. We demonstrate that this external photoevaporation can explain the observed depletion of discs in the 3–5 Myr old σ Orionis region, and use our model to make predictions motivating future empirical investigations of disc winds. For populations of intermediate-age PPDs, in viscous models we show that the mass flux outwards due to angular momentum redistribution is balanced by the mass-loss in the photoevaporative wind. A comparison between wind mass-loss and stellar accretion rates therefore offers an independent constraint on viscous models in the outer regions of PPDs.
SO025DCR2 ACCELERATES RENAL FIBROSIS AND TUBULAR CELL SENESCENCE BY PHOSPHORYLATING TYR 194 OF PRDX1 IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Chen Jia , He Yani
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Cell senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), which is involved in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF), is a key event in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of decoy receptor 2 (DcR2) in TIF and cell senescence of RTECs.

Method

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN mice model and high glucose (HG)-induced cell senescent model were constructed. The expression of DcR2 were regulated by ultrasound-mediated gene transfer of DcR2-siRNA or DcR2-overexpression plasmid in vivo. The co-expression of DcR2 with senescent markers (p16, p21 and SA-β-gal) and fibrotic markers (FN, collagen I and α-SMA). The interaction of DcR2 and its ligand TRAIL and antagonistic receptor DR5 were detected by laser confocal and Co-IP. The DcR2-interaction proteins were screened in renal tissue of DN patients and HG-induced cells by Co-IP combining with LC-MS/MS. The interaction of DcR2 and PRDX1 was validated by Co-IP, pull down assay and immunofluorescence co-staining. Peroxidase activity of PRDX1 was assessed by the kits of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specific 2-cys peroxidase activity. The level of PRDX1 phosphorylation was measured through WB and the phosphorylated site were studied by wild-type PRDX1 and mutant Tyr194 PRDX1.

Results

DcR2 was co-expressed with senescent markers and co-localization with fibrotic markers in DN patients and STZ-DN mice. Knockdown of DcR2 effectively decreased renal fibrosis and tubular cell senescence in STZ-induced DN mice. However, DcR2 overexpression showed the opposite effects. DcR2 didn’t interacted with TRAIL or DR5 in vivo and vitro. The following study indicated that PRDX1 is a novel DcR2-interacting protein using quantitative proteomics, which have peroxidase and antioxidant activity in cytoplasm. The interaction of DcR2-PRDX1 mediated RTEC senescence in vitro. Knockdown of DcR2 inhibited the level of ROS and promoted the peroxidase activity of PRDX1, resulting in oxidative stress and cell senescence, and DcR2 overexpression presented the contrary results. DcR2 regulated the level of PRDX1 phosphorylation by interacting Tyr194 of PRDX1, and the mutant Tyr194 of PRDX1 can’t be phosphorylated by DcR2.

Conclusion

DcR2 mediates renal fibrosis and RTEC senescence by phosphorylating with PRDX1, suggesting DcR2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the amelioration of DN progression.