bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally oxidized CdS as a photoactive material
Authors: Trenczek-Zajac Anita
Published: April 2019

CdS oxidized in wide temperature range shows unique photocatalytic activity both in UV and visible light.
Development of ergosterol peroxide probes for cellular localisation studies
Authors: Ling Taotao , Lang Walter H. , Martinez-Montemayor Michelle M. , Rivas Fatima
Published: April 2019

Cell-permeable ergosterol peroxide probes were synthesized to advance their biological understanding and therapeutic potential.
Employment of α-nitroketones in organic synthesis
Authors: Gharui Chandan , Pan Subhas chandra
Published: April 2019

This review summarizes the recent developments of the reactions of α-nitroketones and the consequent formation of a variety of structural frameworks is discussed.
Explosive bouncing on heated silicon surfaces under low ambient pressure
Authors: Yu Xingjian , Hu Run , Zhang Xiaoyu , Xie Bin , Luo Xiaobing
Published: April 2019

A novel explosive bouncing behavior was observed at extremely low ambient pressure and a moderate surface temperature.
Mapping the metabolism of five amino acids in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei using U-13C-labelled substrates and LC–MS
Authors: Johnston Katharina , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Burchmore Richard , Barrett Michael P. , Achcar Fiona
Published: April 2019

The metabolism of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei has been the focus of numerous studies since the 1940s. Recently it was shown, using metabolomics coupled with heavy-atom isotope labelled glucose, that the metabolism of the bloodstream form parasite is more complex than previously thought. The present study also raised a number of questions regarding the origin of several metabolites, for example succinate, only a proportion of which derives from glucose. In order to answer some of these questions and explore the metabolism of bloodstream form T. brucei in more depth we followed the fate of five heavy labelled amino acids – glutamine, proline, methionine, cysteine and arginine – using an LC–MS based metabolomics approach. We found that some of these amino acids have roles beyond those previously thought and we have tentatively identified some unexpected metabolites which need to be confirmed and their function determined.
Cardamonin exerts anti-gastric cancer activity via inhibiting LncRNA-PVT1-STAT3 axis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Tang Xiaoli , Wu Xiaoqing , Yang Meiyuan , Wang Wei , Wang Liuhua , Tang Dong , Wang Daorong
Published: April 2019

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers each year, and it remains the third leading cause of cancer death in the world. The clinicopathologic characteristics differ among regions, so epigenetic changes play a key role in gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: In the present study, we first demonstrate that cardamonin, a natural production of chalcone, is an anti-gastric cancer agent in pre-clinical evaluation. Results: Cardamonin inhibited proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. It could reduce the expression of apoptosis-related and migration-related genes and proteins. The constant activation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signal is a major intrinsic signal for cancer inflammation. It regulates cellular proliferation, cell cycle, and migration that are critical for cancer procession. Cardamonin could effectively down-regulate p-STAT3 and abolish activation of STAT3 through inhibiting the expression of LncRNA-PVT1. Conclusion: The present study revealed that cardamonin is a potential natural source of anti-gastric cancer drugs via epigenetic mechanism to inhibit LncRNA-PVT1-STAT3 axis.
Effects of Aging on Perceptual and Electrophysiological Responses to Acoustic Pulse Trains as a Function of Rate
Authors: Gaskins Casey , Jaekel Brittany N. , Gordon-Salant Sandra , Goupell Matthew J. , Anderson Samira
Published: April 2019

Purpose

As pulse rate increases beyond a few hundred Hertz, younger normal-hearing (NH) participants' ability to encode temporal information in band-limited acoustic pulse trains decreases, demonstrating a rate limitation in processing rapid temporal information. Rate discrimination abilities, however, have yet to be investigated in older NH participants—a population that experiences age-related temporal processing deficits. It was hypothesized that age-related temporal processing deficits lead to decreased temporal rate discrimination abilities in older compared with younger NH participants, which could be observed in both perceptual and electrophysiological measurements.

Method

Fifteen younger and 15 older NH participants were presented acoustic pulse trains with a 4-kHz center frequency and 1-kHz bandwidth at 75 dB SPL monaurally. The pulse rate was 80, 200, or 400 Hz. Just noticeable differences were obtained using an adaptive procedure that instructed the participants to identify the pulse train with the highest pitch. Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) were recorded to the same pulse trains with 2 additional rates—20 and 40 Hz. The Digit Symbol Coding and Digit Symbol Search subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (
Wechsler, 1997
) were measured as correlates to domain-general cognitive processing speed.

Results

As rate increased from 80 to 400 Hz, performance on the perceptual rate discrimination task worsened in both groups. ASSR spectral energy also decreased, but only in the older group. Perceptual performance was equivalent between groups across rates. The older group had lower ASSR spectral energy (lower signal-to-noise ratios) at the 400-Hz rate than the younger group, but there were no group differences for the other rates. The overall strength of neural rate representation, along with speed of processing performance, predicted perceptual performance for the 400-Hz rate.

Conclusion

These results suggest that neural representation at early levels of the auditory system and processing speed are factors in perceptual auditory temporal processing performance, especially in older adults.
The Circle of Care for Older Adults With Hearing Loss and Comorbidities: A Case Study of a Geriatric Audiology Clinic
Authors: Dupuis Kate , Reed Marilyn , Bachmann Florine , Lemke Ulrike , Pichora-Fuller M. Kathleen
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Older adults seeking audiologic rehabilitation often present with medical comorbidities, yet these realities of practice are poorly understood. Study aims were to examine (a) the frequency of identification of selected comorbidities in clients of a geriatric audiology clinic, (b) the influence of comorbidities on audiology practice, and (c) the effect of comorbidities on rehabilitation outcomes.

Method

The records of 135 clients (
M
age
= 86 years) were examined. Information about comorbidities came from audiology charts (physical paper files) and hospital electronic health records (EHRs). Data about rehabilitation recommendations and outcomes came from the charts. Focus groups with audiologists probed their views of how comorbidities influenced their practice.

Results

The frequency of identification was 68% for visual, 50% for cognitive, and 42% for manual dexterity issues; 84% had more than one comorbidity. Also noted were hypertension (43%), falls (33%), diabetes (13%), and depression (16%). Integrating information from the audiology chart and EHR provided a more complete understanding of comorbidities. Information about hearing in the EHR included logs of outpatient audiology visits (75% of 135 cases), audiologists' care notes for inpatients and long-term care residents (25%), and entries by other health professionals (60%). Modifications to audiology practice were common and varied depending on comorbidity. High rates of success were achieved regardless of comorbidities.

Conclusions

In this clinic, successful outcomes were achieved by modifying audiology practice for clients with comorbidities. Increased interprofessional communication among clinicians in the circle of care could improve care planning and outcomes for older adults with hearing loss.
Investigation of automotive testing in a reverberation chamber
Authors: Xue Wei , Chen Xiaoming , Zhang Anxue
Published: April 2019

Due to the increasing and urgent demands of automotive over‐the‐air (OTA) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of a reverberation chamber (RC) loaded by a vehicle under test. Previous works mainly focus on qualitative analyses on the RC performance for a static vehicle. This article realises the idea of using rotated vehicles to improve field uniformity. Two methods are adopted to estimate the number of independent samples and to predict the uncertainty. In addition, the uncertainty is also estimated from many independent simulations. The estimated uncertainties show good agreements. It is shown that the uncertainty can be significantly improved by rotating the vehicle under test using a large turn‐table platform. Authors’ results show that the bigger the volume of the vehicle is, the better the improvement is. Besides, the authors find that the restriction of the volume of the vehicle under test can be relaxed in automotive tests by utilising the vehicle as a rotating mode stirrer. In addition, it is found that the Weibull distribution provides the best fit to the field of RC working near the lowest usable frequency (LUF) for all the cases.
Observation-based modelling of magnetised coronal mass ejections with EUHFORIA
Authors: Scolini C. , Rodriguez L. , Mierla M. , Pomoell J. , Poedts S.
Published: April 2019

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are the primary source of strong space weather disturbances at Earth. Their geo-effectiveness is largely determined by their dynamic pressure and internal magnetic fields, for which reliable predictions at Earth are not possible with traditional cone CME models.

Aims. We study two well-observed Earth-directed CMEs using the EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset (EUHFORIA) model, testing for the first time the predictive capabilities of a linear force-free spheromak CME model initialised using parameters derived from remote-sensing observations.

Methods. Using observation-based CME input parameters, we performed magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the events with EUHFORIA, using the cone and spheromak CME models.

Results. Simulations show that spheromak CMEs propagate faster than cone CMEs when initialised with the same kinematic parameters. We interpret these differences as the result of different Lorentz forces acting within cone and spheromak CMEs, which lead to different CME expansions in the heliosphere. Such discrepancies can be mitigated by initialising spheromak CMEs with a reduced speed corresponding to the radial speed only. Results at Earth provide evidence that the spheromak model improves the predictions ofB(Bz) by up to 12–60 (22–40) percentage points compared to a cone model. Considering virtual spacecraft located within ±10° around Earth,B(Bz) predictions reach 45–70% (58–78%) of the observed peak values. The spheromak model shows inaccurate predictions of the magnetic field parameters at Earth for CMEs propagating away from the Sun-Earth line.

Conclusions. The spheromak model successfully predicts the CME properties and arrival time in the case of strictly Earth-directed events, while modelling CMEs propagating away from the Sun-Earth line requires extra care due to limitations related to the assumed spherical shape. The spatial variability of modelling results and the typical uncertainties in the reconstructed CME direction advocate the need to consider predictions at Earth and at virtual spacecraft located around it.
Analysis of the controllability from the exterior of strong damping nonlocal wave equations
Authors: Warma Mahamadi , Zamorano Sebastián
Published: April 2019

We make a complete analysis of the controllability properties from the exterior of the (possible) strong damping wave equation associated with the fractional Laplace operator subject to the non-homogeneous Dirichlet type exterior condition. In the first part, we show that if 0 <s< 1, Ω ⊂ ℝN(N≥ 1) is a bounded Lipschitz domain and the parameterδ> 0, then there is no control functiongsuch that the following system\begin{align} u_{1,n}+ u_{0,n}\widetilde{\lambda}_{n}^++ \delta u_{0,n}\lambda_{n}=\int_0^{T}\int_{\Omc}(g(x,t)+\delta g_t(x,t))e^{-\widetilde{\lambda}_{n}^+ t}\mathcal{N}_{s}\varphi_{n}(x)\d x\d t,\label{39}\\ u_{1,n}+ u_{0,n}\widetilde{\lambda}_{n}^- +\delta u_{0,n}\lambda_{n}=\int_0^{T}\int_{\Omc}(g(x,t)+\delta g_t(x,t))e^{-\widetilde{\lambda}_{n}^- t}\mathcal{N}_{s}\varphi_{n}(x)\d x\d t,\label{40} \end{align}

is exact or null controllable at timeT> 0. In the second part, we prove that for everyδ≥ 0 and 0 <s< 1, the system is indeed approximately controllable for anyT> 0 andg∈D(O× (0,T)), whereO⊂ ℝN\ Ω is any non-empty open set.
On Euler preconditioned SHSS iterative method for a class of complex symmetric linear systems
Authors: Li Cheng-Liang , Ma Chang-Feng
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose an Euler preconditioned single-step HSS (EP-SHSS) iterative method for solving a broad class of complex symmetric linear systems. The proposed method can be applied not only to the non-singular complex symmetric linear systems but also to the singular ones. The convergence (semi-convergence) properties of the proposed method are carefully discussed under suitable restrictions. Furthermore, we consider the acceleration of the EP-SHSS method by preconditioned Krylov subspace method and discuss the spectral properties of the corresponding preconditioned matrix. Numerical experiments verify the effectiveness of the EP-SHSS method either as a solver or as a preconditioner for solving both non-singular and singular complex symmetric linear systems.
Enrichment of a Nigerian chromite ore for metallurgical application by dense medium flotation and magnetic separation
Authors: Ayinla Kuranga Ibrahim , Baba Alafara Abdullahi , Tripathy Bankim Chandra , Ghosh Malay Kumar , Dwari Rajan Kumar , Padhy Subrat Kumar
Published: April 2019

This study, focused on the beneficiation of a Nigerian complex chromite ore sourced from Tunga-Kaduka, Anka Local Government of Zamfara State, Nigeria, assaying 45.85% Cr2O4 and 54.15% mineral impurities, was enriched concurrently through sink floatation and magnetic separation techniques. The chromite ore initially analyzed to contain silicate impurities was found not suitable for metallurgical purposes. Thus, enrichment was examined through gravity separation studies using organic liquid with different specific gravities at 2.8, 3.3, and 4.0. The separation of chromite ore with lowest particle size fraction was done using Mozley mineral separator followed by the magnetic separation of the sink product by magnetic separator. The results obtained revealed about 77% of the total material containing 300 μm particle size, 52% ˂ 212 μm and 17% below 75 μm. Subsequent analysis of the beneficiated ore was carried out by wet chemical analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that Cr2O4 content increased to 78.34% from initial 45.83% with maximum Cr:Fe ratio of 3.2:1, representing 84.27% of chromium metal present in the ore. The enrichment of Cr2O4 obtained in this study could be found metallurgically applicable in the electro-deposition and ferro-chromium alloy production practices.
Precipitation and growth of MnS inclusion in an austenitic hot-work die steel during ESR solidification process
Authors: Qi Yongfeng , Li Jing , Shi Chengbin , Wang Hao , Zheng Dingli
Published: April 2019

This study follows a previous presentation of metallurgical results and operating parameters about the comparison between conventional ESR and continuous unidirectional solidification of electroslag remelting (ESR-CDS) and more precisely the effect of cooling rate on the precipitation and growth of inclusions in an austenitic hot-work die steel [Y.F. Qi, J. Li, C.B. Shi, R.M. Geng, J. Zhang, Effect of directional solidification in electroslag remelting on the microstructure and cleanliness of an austenitic hot-work die steel, ISIJ Int.58, 1275–1284 (2018)]. A thermodynamic study, a classical solidification model and a growth model for MnS inclusions were used orderly to interpret the metallurgical results. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize microstructure and inclusions (i.e. number, size, morphology and distribution) in the as-cast ingots. The results showed that the as-cast microstructure was refined and the dendritic arm spacings were reduced through ESR-CDS process. The characteristics of inclusions showed that the number density and the size of inclusions in ingot were much more reduced through ESR-CDS process in comparison with ESR process. The starting time for the precipitation of MnS inclusion is retarded, which is due to the segregation of elements Mn and S lowered by higher cooling rate in ESR-CDS in comparison with that in ESR. The starting time for the precipitation of MnS inclusion in ESR wasfs = 0.92, while that in ESR-CDS wasfs = 0.95.
Aktuelle Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik der Riesenzellarteriitis
Authors: Bley Thorsten , Zänker Michael , Dechant Claudia , Venhoff Nils
Published: April 2019

In Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), a timely diagnosis is required to avoid severe complications such as blindness or structural vascular damage. The heterogeneous symptoms are mainly due to local and systemic inflammatory processes. Diagnostics are based on increased inflammation parameters in the laboratory, imaging, in which color-coded duplex sonography (FKDS), high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT) or CT angiography (CTA) and 18F fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography with CT (FDG-PET-CT) have become established, as well as histopathological findings in temporal artery biopsy.
Dupilumab-asssoziierte Abheilung einer Alopecia areata bei Atopischem Ekzem
Authors: Aszodi Nora , Pumnea Teodora , Wollenberg Andreas
Published: April 2019

Anamnese und klinischer Befund Eine 25-jährige Patientin wurde aufgrund eines schweren atopischen Ekzems (AE) mit dem anti IL-4/IL-13-Rezeptor-Antikörper Dupilumab behandelt. Zusätzlich litt die Patientin seit 5 Jahren an einer Alopecia areata (AA).

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Bei Erstvorstellung zeigte die körperliche Untersuchung ein schweres AE (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD] 76,0; Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI] 37,4) mit einem Gesamt-IgE von 1108 kU/l sowie eine Alopecia areata.

Therapie und Verlauf Vor einem Jahr wurde eine Behandlung mit dem anti IL-4/IL-13-Rezeptor-Antikörper Dupilumab eingeleitet. Nach 5 Monaten zeigte sich eine deutliche Besserung des AE (SCORAD 32,2; EASI 3,8), sowie ein zunehmender Haarwuchs. Nach 11 Monaten Therapiedauer blieb das AE stabil gebessert (SCORAD 27,0; EASI 2,7), zudem waren nahezu alle Haare nachgewachsen.

Folgerung Die Komorbidität zwischen AE und AA ist seit Jahren bekannt, die Beeinflussung der AA durch Dupilumab ist eine neue Erkenntnis. Der vorliegende Fallbericht unterstützt die Hypothese, dass eine Hemmung der IL-4- und IL-13-Signalwege tatsächlich und längerfristig Einfluss auf den Haarwuchs bei AA hat. Bei Patienten mit AE und begleitender AA ist ein positiver Effekt auch auf die Komorbidität AA zu erwarten.
Pharmacology for the Audiologist
Authors: Offerdahl Tracy , Mishra Vallabhi
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction and review regarding basic principles of pharmacology, including terminology and colloquialisms, as well as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of ototoxic agents. As an audiology practitioner, it is more important than ever to have a working knowledge regarding the known and proposed mechanisms of action for drugs and chemicals with known ototoxicity potential. Additionally, this article provides a discussion regarding the biochemistry behind distribution, which is a major step in determining ototoxic potential of known and potential ototoxins.
Otoprotectants: From Research to Clinical Application
Authors: Le Prell Colleen
Published: April 2019

There is an urgent need for otoprotective drug agents. Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss continues to be a major challenge for military personnel and workers in a variety of industries despite the requirements that at-risk individuals use hearing protection devices such as ear plugs or ear muffs. Drug-induced hearing loss is also a major quality-of-life issue with many patients experiencing clinically significant hearing loss as a side effect of treatment with life-saving drug agents such as cisplatin and aminoglycoside antibiotics. There are no pharmaceutical agents approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of protecting the inner ear against damage, and preventing associated hearing loss (otoprotection). However, a variety of preclinical studies have suggested promise, with some supporting data from clinical trials now being available as well. Additional research within this promising area is urgently needed.
Orbitocranial Approaches to the Skull Base
Authors: Vincent Aurora , Wang Weitao , Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Kadakia Sameep , Chan David , Ducic Yadranko
Published: April 2019

There are a myriad of approaches and surgical options for removal and treatment of skull base diseases. While, historically, large open approaches have been preferred, several endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques are now available that preserve intraoperative visualization and surgical success while minimizing morbidity and recovery times. Herein, the authors review common open, minimally invasive, and endoscopic approaches to the anterior skull base.
Hybrid plasmonic nanosystem with controlled position of nanoemitters
Authors: Broussier Aurélie , Issa Ali , Le Cunff Loïc O. , Nguyen Tien Hoa , Dinh Xuan Quyen , Blaize Sylvain , Plain Jérôme , Jradi Safi , Couteau Christophe , Bachelot Renaud
Published: April 2019

Quantum dots optically excited in close proximity to a silver nanowire can launch surface plasmons. The challenge related to this promising hybrid system is to control the position of nanoemitters on the nanowire. We report on the use of a two-photon photopolymerization process to strategically position quantum dots on nanowires at controlled sites. A parametric study of the distance between the quantum dots and the nanowire extremity shows that precise control of the position of the launching sites enables command of light intensity at the wire end through surface plasmon propagation.
Radiative thermal diode driven by nonreciprocal surface waves
Authors: Ott Annika , Messina Riccardo , Ben-Abdallah Philippe , Biehs Svend-Age
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate the possibility to rectify the nanoscale radiative heat flux between two nanoparticles by coupling them with the nonreciprocal surface modes of a magneto-optical substrate in a Voigt configuration. When the nonreciprocal medium supports a surface wave in the spectral window where heat exchanges take place, the rectification coefficient can reach large values opening so the way to the design of true thermal diodes.
Photosynthetic response in wheat plants caused by the phototoxicity of fluoranthene
Authors: Tomar Rupal S. , Jajoo Anjana
Published: April 2019

Environmental organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) affect photosynthetic performance in plants. The photooxidation of PAHs in natural sunlight, especially UV radiation, enhances the toxicity of PAHs. However, it is unclear as how these compounds and their photoproducts affect the photosynthetic apparatus. In this study, measurements of PSI and PSII were simultaneously performed in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants treated with fluoranthene (FLT) and photomodified fluoranthene (PFLT). The study aimed to investigate whether the phototoxicity of FLT has a different mechanism of toxicity on the two photosystems. With regard to PSII, FLT and PFLT produced a significant decrease in the quantum yield of PSII and a pronounced increase in the yield of nonregulated energy dissipation. A significant reduction was observed in the yield of nonphotochemical quenching. The toxic effects of the PFLT treatment on PSII’s performance were more pronounced. Likewise, we noted severe disruption in the electron transport rate in PSII and a decline in Fm caused by FLT phototoxicity. A decline in the quantum yield of PSI and an increase in donor and acceptor side limitation were observed concomitantly. The impact of PFLT was more evident than that of FLT. The data demonstrated that PSI is more tolerant of FLT but for PFLT, particularly at higher concentrations, a pronounced inhibition was observed in the oxidation–reduction kinetics of P700. All these data suggest that increased cyclic electron flow can confer greater protection from FLT toxicity but not from toxicity induced by higher concentrations of PFLT.
ANS-deficient Arabidopsis is sensitive to high light due to impaired anthocyanin photoprotection
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Ting , Chen Yi-Lin , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Cai Min-Ling , Yu Zheng-Chao , Peng Chang-Lian
Published: April 2019

Light attenuation and antioxidation are the main mechanisms of photoprotection by anthocyanin under high light (HL) stress. Anthocyanin synthase (ANS) is the key enzyme in the downstream portion of anthocyanin synthetic pathways. To explore the role of ANS in photoprotection by anthocyanin under HL stress, homozygous ANS-deficient Arabidopsis mutants were screened from SALK_073183 and SALK_028793. Here, we obtained two deficient mutants, ans-1 and ans-2, which had ANS gene expression levels equal to 5.9 and 32.9% of that of Col respectively. By analysing their physiological and biochemical responses to HL stress, we found that there were positive correlations among ANS expression level, anthocyanin content and resistance to HL. The line with the lowest ANS expression level, ans-1, was also the most sensitive to HL, showing the lowest anthocyanin content, chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm ratio, and Rubisco content and the highest O2•− accumulation and membrane leakage rate, although it also had the highest antioxidant capacity. Experimental evidence suggests that ANS mainly regulated the light-attenuating function of anthocyanin in photoprotection under HL. Blocking excess light is an important function of anthocyanin that protects plants from HL stress, and a high antioxidant capacity cannot compensate for the absence of the light-shielding function of anthocyanin.
Family quarrels in seeds and rapid adaptive evolution inArabidopsis
Authors: Geist Katherine S. , Strassmann Joan E. , Queller David C.
Published: April 2019

Evolutionary conflict can drive rapid adaptive evolution, sometimes called an arms race, because each party needs to respond continually to the adaptations of the other. Evidence for such arms races can sometimes be seen in morphology, in behavior, or in the genes underlying sexual interactions of host−pathogen interactions, but is rarely predicted a priori. Kin selection theory predicts that conflicts of interest should usually be reduced but not eliminated among genetic relatives, but there is little evidence as to whether conflict within families can drive rapid adaptation. Here we test multiple predictions about how conflict over the amount of resources an offspring receives from its parent would drive rapid molecular evolution in seed tissues of the flowering plantArabidopsis. As predicted, there is more adaptive evolution in genes expressed inArabidopsisseeds than in other specialized organs, more in endosperms and maternal tissues than in embryos, and more in the specific subtissues involved in nutrient transfer. In the absence of credible alternative hypotheses, these results suggest that kin selection and conflict are important in plants, that the conflict includes not just the mother and offspring but also the triploid endosperm, and that, despite the conflict-reducing role of kinship, family members can engage in slow but steady tortoise-like arms races.
Roles of action research in the professional development of Chinese language teachers
Authors: Yuan Fangyuan
Published: April 2019

This study examined the roles of action research in the professional development of Chinese language teachers.
Participants were a group of Chinese teachers enrolled in a teacher training course. In light of theories and research,
participants were guided to reflect on their own teaching beliefs and practice and design a research project about their own
teaching. Using a descriptive-explorative design, this study elicited data from multiple sources, including students’ pre-course
survey, professional journals, reflective essays, project reports, group interviews, email exchanges with the instructor, and
instructor’s field notes. Three categories emerged from the data analysis that reflected students’ gains from the process: a
broader conception of research on language teaching and learning, a more sophisticated understanding of foreign language teaching
in general and their own teaching in particular, and a learning process of how to be a teacher-researcher. Contributing and
impeding factors are discussed and values of teacher research are suggested.
Register in historical linguistics
Authors: Kytö Merja
Published: April 2019

Merja Kytö is Professor of English Language at Uppsala University. In this article, she provides a detailed accounting of the role of register in research on the historical development of language. Her substantial body of work has focused on both the historical development of specific registers, as well as how historical change has been mediated by register. Her research has encompassed a range of time periods (from Early Modern English to the 19th century) and registers (for example, depositions, Salem witchcraft records, and dialogues). Her many edited collections have brought historical linguists together into comprehensive and rigorous volumes, including theCambridge Handbook of English Historical Linguistics(Kytö & Pahta 2016, Cambridge University Press),English in Transition: Corpus-Based Studies in Linguistic Variation and Genre Styles(Rissanen, Kytö, & Heikkonen 1997, De Gruyter), andDevelopments in English: Expanding Electronic Evidence(Taavitsainen, Kytö, Claridge, & Smith 2014, Cambridge University Press). She has been a key contributor to the development of principled historical corpora, such as theHelsinki Corpus of English Textsproject, which represents a range of registers from Old and Middle English to Early Modern English. Merja Kytö has long been a leader in demonstrating how systematic attention to register can result in rich profiles of historical development, and in addressing the inherent challenges involved in utilizing historical documents for linguistic research.
Abies Mill.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber and uses; yield and timber; and place of the following fir species in British forestry: Abies alba, A. grandis, and A. procera. The chapter also provides details on some species of silver fir that might be useful in a changing climate, including A. borisii-regis, A. cephalonica, A. cilicica, A. nordmanniana, and A. pinsapo. Finally, the chapter explores the likely silvicultural and utilization potential of Southern European Silver Firs in the UK.
Alnus Mill.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; taxonomy and distribution; timber and uses; yield and timber; and place of the following alder species in British forestry: Alnus cordata, A. glutinosa, A. incana, A. rubra, and A. viridis.
Aria (Pers.) host.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; genetics; timber; and place of whitebeam (Aria nivea syn. Sorbus aria) in British forestry.
Eucalyptus L'Hérit.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; provenance; yield; timber and uses; and place of Eucalyptus in British forestry.
Fagus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; area, yield and rotation; timber and uses; and place of beech (Fagus sylvatica) in British forestry.
Populus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; yield, timber and uses; and place of poplars (Populus nigra, P. tremula, P. × canadensis and P. × euramericana) in British forestry.
Sequoiadendron Buchholz.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; yield; timber and uses; and place of Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in British forestry.
Conformal tilings II: Local isomorphism, hierarchy, and conformal type
Authors: Bowers Philip , Stephenson Kenneth
Published: April 2019

This is the second in a series of papers on conformal tilings. The overriding themes here are local isomorphisms, hierarchical structures, and the conformal “type” problem. Conformal tilings were introduced by the authors in 1997 with a conformally regular pentagonal tiling of the plane. This and even more intricate hierarchical patterns arise when tilings are repeatedly subdivided. Deploying a notion of expansion complexes, we build two-way infinite combinatorial hierarchies and then study the associated conformal tilings. For certain subdivision rules the combinatorial hierarchical properties are faithfully mirrored in their concrete conformal realizations. Examples illustrate the theory throughout the paper. In particular, we study parabolic conformal hierarchies that display periodicities realized by Möbius transformations, motivating higher level hierarchies that will emerge in the next paper of this series.
American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists 2018 Focused Update of Breast Cancer HER2 FISH Testing GuidelinesResults From a National Reference Laboratory
Authors: Lin Leo , Sirohi Deepika , Coleman Joshua F , Gulbahce H Evin
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To review impact of the ASCO/CAP 2018 update on HER2 testing.

Methods

HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test requests from primary and metastatic breast cancers between August 2018 and January 2019 were included. FISH results requiring a changed algorithm under the new guidelines (groups 2, 3, and 4) were identified and HER2:CEN17 ratios, average HER2, CEN17 signals/cell, and HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) results were recorded.

Results

Of the HER2 FISH cases 176/812(21.7%) fell within groups 2, 3, or 4; 0/12, 1/12, and 2/152 cases were positive (3+) by IHC, and 1/12, 2/12, and 6/152 cases were positive after targeted scoring from groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Following 2018 updates, 8.3%, 25%, and 5.3% of the groups 2, 3, and 4 were positive, respectively.

Conclusions

Groups 2, 3, and 4 constituted over 20% of HER2 FISH tests in a reference laboratory. The 2018 ASCO/CAP update significantly decreased the HER2 positivity rate.
Racial Discrimination, Disease Activity, and Organ Damage: The Black Women’s Experiences Living With Lupus (BeWELL) Study
Authors: Chae David H , Martz Connor D , Fuller-Rowell Thomas E , Spears Erica C , Smith Tianqi Tenchi Gao , Hunter Evelyn A , Drenkard Cristina , Lim S Sam
Published: April 2019

Black women are disproportionately affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic, potentially debilitating autoimmune disease, and they also experience more rapid progression and worse outcomes compared with other groups. We examined if racial discrimination is associated with disease outcomes among 427 black women with a validated diagnosis of SLE, who live in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area, and were recruited to the Black Women’s Experiences Living with Lupus Study (2015–2017). Frequency of self-reported experiences of racial discrimination in domains such as employment, housing, and medical settings was assessed using the Experiences of Discrimination measure. SLE activity in the previous 3 months, including symptoms of fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and ulcers, was measured using the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire; irreversible damage to an organ or system was measured using the Brief Index of Lupus Damage. Results of multivariable linear regression analyses examining the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire and log-transformed Brief Index of Lupus Damage scores indicated that increasing frequency of racial discrimination was associated with greater SLE activity (b = 2.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.32, 2.68) and organ damage (b = 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.02, 0.13). Comprehensive efforts to address disparities in SLE severity should include policies that address issues of racial discrimination.
Playback of predator calls inhibits and delays dawn singing in a songbird community
Authors: Santema Peter , Valcu Mihai , Clinchy Michael , Zanette Liana , Kempenaers Bart
Published: April 2019

Songbirds sing less and start singing later when faced with an increase in perceived predation risk. Perceived predation risk can have substantial behavioral effects on prey species, but whether or not it affects dawn singing – an important sexual signal - remains unknown. We played back predator calls in a songbird community throughout the breeding season to simulate increased predation risk and found that the majority of species inhibited or delayed their dawn song.
Altered frequency and function of spleen CTLA-4+Tim-3+ T cells are associated with miscarriage†
Authors: Wang Songcun , Li Mengdie , Sun Fengrun , Chen Chunqin , Ye JiangFeng , Li Dajin , Qian Jinfeng , Du Meirong
Published: April 2019

Normal pregnancy is associated with several immune adaptations in both systemic and local maternal–fetal interface to allow the growth of semi-allogeneic conceptus. A failure in maternal immune tolerance to the fetus may result in abnormal pregnancies, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion. The regulation of T-cell homeostasis during pregnancy has important implications for maternal tolerance and immunity. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) are important negative immune regulatory molecules involved in viral persistence and tumor metastasis. Here we described the lower frequency of splenic T cells co-expressing CTLA-4 and Tim-3 accompanied by higher levels of proinflammatory but lower anti-inflammatory cytokines production in abortion-prone mouse model. Blockade of CTLA-4 and Tim-3 pathways leaded to the dysfunction of splenic T cells. By the higher expression during normal pregnancy, CTLA-4 and Tim-3 co-expression on splenic T cells linked to immunosuppressive phenotype. As the spleen is an important site for peripheral immune activation, our data suggest potential noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for miscarriage.
Resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastasis from metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer: a nationwide study
Authors: Seesing M F J , van der Veen A , Brenkman H J F , Stockmann H B A C , Nieuwenhuijzen G A P , Rosman C , van den Wildenberg F J H , van Berge Henegouwen M I , van Duijvendijk P , Wijnhoven B P L , Stoot J H M B , Lacle M , Ruurda J P , van Hillegersberg R ,   Gastroesophageal Metastasectomy Group
Published: April 2019

The standard of care for gastroesophageal cancer patients with hepatic or pulmonary metastases is best supportive care or palliative chemotherapy. Occasionally, patients can be selected for curative treatment instead. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent a resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastasis with curative intent. The Dutch national registry for histo- and cytopathology was used to identify these patients. Data were retrieved from the individual patient files. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Between 1991 and 2016, 32,057 patients received a gastrectomy or esophagectomy for gastroesophageal cancer in the Netherlands. Of these patients, 34 selected patients received a resection of hepatic metastasis (n = 19) or pulmonary metastasis (n = 15) in 21 different hospitals. Only 4 patients received neoadjuvant therapy before metastasectomy. The majority of patients had solitary, metachronous metastases. After metastasectomy, grade 3 (Clavien–Dindo) complications occurred in 7 patients and mortality in 1 patient. After resection of hepatic metastases, the median potential follow-up time was 54 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 28 months and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 84%, 41%, and 31%, respectively. After pulmonary metastases resection, the median potential follow-up time was 80 months. The median OS was not reached and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 67%, 53%, and 53%, respectively. In selected patients with gastroesophageal cancer with hepatic or pulmonary metastases, metastasectomy was performed with limited morbidity and mortality and offered a 5-year OS of 31–53%. Further prospective studies are required.
Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture in a patient with large secundum atrial septal defect: a case report
Authors: Shah Shabir Hussain , Shah Muhammad Azam
Published: April 2019

Background

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The management of VSR is challenging, and its surgical correction is associated with the highest mortality among all cardiac surgery procedures.

Case summary

A 57-year-old man with a history of smoking presented with AMI with a large apical VSR in addition to a large secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). His left ventricular ejection fraction was 30%, and the right ventricle was moderately dilated with normal systolic function. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the left anterior descending artery was diffusely diseased with total mid occlusion, whereas other coronary arteries had non-obstructive disease. This unique combination resulted in distinctive presentation with paradoxically better outcomes. After stabilization, the patient’s interventricular septum was reconstructed, and the ASD was closed with a pericardial patch. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 1 week after surgery. A follow-up echocardiography revealed no residual shunt.

Discussion

Post-myocardial infarction VSR presents differently in patients with pre-existing right ventricular volume overload. In such cases, the absence of significant cardiogenic shock at presentation may result in better surgical outcomes.
Common Heritage of Mankind as a Limit to Exploitation of the Global Commons
Authors: Mickelson Karin
Published: April 2019

This contribution to the symposium on the economic exploitation of the commons focuses on the question of whether and to what extent the principle of the common heritage of mankind (CHM) imposes environmental limits on economic exploitation of the global commons. Focusing on the need to go beyond a unidimensional assessment of the principle, it considers how CHM was originally envisaged, the form it took in the deep seabed regime, in particular, how its role in that regime has developed over time and how it has been utilized as a basis for advocacy. It concludes with an assessment of CHM’s limitations and strategic advantages.
MgrA Governs Adherence, Host Cell Interaction, and Virulence in a Murine Model of Bacteremia Due to Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Liang , Wang Genzhu , Cheung Ambrose , Abdelhady Wessam , Seidl Kati , Xiong Yan Q
Published: April 2019

Background

MgrA is an important global virulence gene regulator in Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study, the role of mgrA in host-pathogen interactions related to virulence was explored in both methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains.

Methods

In vitro susceptibilities to human defense peptides (HDPs), adherence to fibronectin (Fn) and endothelial cells (ECs), EC damage, α-toxin production, expression of global regulator (eg, agr RNAIII) and its downstream effectors (eg, α-toxin [hla] and Fn binding protein A [fnbA]), MgrA binding to fnbA promoter, and the effect on HDP-induced mprF and dltA expression were analyzed. The impact of mgrA on virulence was evaluated using a mouse bacteremia model.

Results

mgrA mutants displayed significantly higher susceptibility to HDPs, which might be related to the decreased HDP-induced mprF and dltA expression but decreased Fn and EC adherence, EC damage, α-toxin production, agr RNAIII, hla and fnbA expression, and attenuated virulence in the bacteremia model as compared to their respective parental and mgrA-complemented strains. Importantly, direct binding of MgrA to the fnbA promoter was observed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that mgrA mediates host-pathogen interactions and virulence and may provide a novel therapeutic target for invasive S. aureus infections.
Investing with Cryptocurrencies—a Liquidity Constrained Investment Approach*
Authors: Trimborn Simon , Li Mingyang , Härdle Wolfgang Karl
Published: April 2019

Cryptocurrencies have left the dark side of the finance universe and become an object of study for asset and portfolio management. Since they have low liquidity compared to traditional assets, one needs to take into account liquidity issues when adding them to a portfolio. We propose a Liquidity Bounded Risk-return Optimization (LIBRO) approach, which is a combination of risk-return portfolio optimization under liquidity constraints. Cryptocurrencies are included in portfolios formed with stocks of the S&P 100, US Bonds, and commodities. We illustrate the importance of the liquidity constraints in an in-sample and out-of-sample study. LIBRO improves the weight optimization in the sense that it only adds cryptocurrencies in tradable amounts depending on the intended investment amount. The returns greatly increase compared to portfolios consisting only of traditional assets. We show that including cryptocurrencies in a portfolio can indeed improve its risk–return trade-off.