bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitions of Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Settings: The Nexus Between Recommended and Actual Practice
Authors: Cumming Therese M. , Strnadová Iva , Danker Joanne
Published: March 2020

Students with autism and intellectual disabilities experience many transitions during their schooling, and a large body of literature is devoted to best practices in transition planning and support. The Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0 is a research-based model that provides best practice suggestions to guide the planning of various transitions and contexts. The researchers aimed to use the current qualitative study to discover the transition planning practices used to support students with autism and intellectual disabilities in inclusive school settings when transitioning from primary to secondary schools and from secondary school to postschool life in New South Wales (Australia). The practices that emerged were then examined for alignment with the Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0. The inductive content analysis of interviews with 8 parents and 13 teachers indicated that although most of the areas of the Taxonomy are represented in the planning processes, there is room for improvement, particularly in the areas of formal individual education program and transition planning, student involvement, information sharing, and program assessment. The results highlighted the importance of formal student- and family-centred planning processes to the success of both transitions. The results were used to make further recommendations for future research, policy, and practice.
Phase portraits of the quadratic polynomial Liénard differential systems
Authors: Gouveia Márcio R. A. , Llibre Jaume , Roberto Luci Any
Published: March 2020

We classify the global phase portraits in the Poincaré disc of the quadratic polynomial Liénard differential systems
\dot{x}=y, \quad \dot{y}=(ax+b)y+cx^2+dx+e,where (x, y) ∈ ℝ2 are the variables and a,b,c,d,e are real parameters.
Multiple bound states of higher topological type for semi-classical Choquard equations
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Ma Shiwang , Xia Jiankang
Published: March 2020

We are concerned with the semi-classical states for the Choquard equation$$-{\epsilon }^2\Delta v + Vv = {\epsilon }^{-\alpha }(I_\alpha *|v|^p)|v|^{p-2}v,\quad v\in H^1({\mathbb R}^N),$$whereN⩾ 2,Iαis the Riesz potential with order α ∈ (0,N− 1) and 2 ⩽p< (N+ α)/(N− 2). When the potentialVis assumed to be bounded and bounded away from zero, we construct a family of localized bound states of higher topological type that concentrate around the local minimum points of the potentialVas ε → 0. These solutions are obtained by combining the Byeon–Wang's penalization approach and the classical symmetric mountain pass theorem.
Homocysteine, the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T polymorphism and hypertension: effect modifiers by lifestyle factors and population subgroups
Authors: Ornosa-Martín Gemma , Fernandez-Ballart Joan D. , Ceruelo Santiago , Ríos Lídia , Ueland Per M. , Meyer Klaus , Murphy Michelle M.
Published: March 2020

Evidence linking fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T genotype with hypertension is inconsistent. Differences in B vitamin status, other lifestyle factors or their consideration in analyses might explain this. We investigated these associations in the absence of mandatory fortification with folic acid and B vitamin supplement use. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 788 adults, aged 18–75 years, randomly selected from three Catalonian town population registers. Fasting plasma folate, cobalamin, tHcy, erythrocyte folate, erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC, functional riboflavin status indicator; increasing EGRAC indicates worsening riboflavin status), MTHFR 677C>T and solute carrier family 1 (SLC19A1) 80 G>A genotypes were determined. Medical history and lifestyle habits were recorded. Principal tHcy determinants differed between women (age, plasma folate, plasma cobalamin, cigarettes/d) and men (MTHFR 677TT genotype, plasma folate, plasma cobalamin and CT genotype). The MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism–tHcy association (β standardised regression coefficients) was stronger in male smokers (0·52, P < 0·001) compared with non-smokers (0·21, P = 0·001) and weaker in participants aged >50 years (0·19, P = 0·007) compared with ≤50 years (0·31, P < 0·001). Hypertension was more probable in the third tHcy tertile compared with other tertiles (OR 1·9; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·0), and in participants aged ≤50 years, for the MTHFR 677TT genotype compared with the CC genotype (OR 4·1; 95 % CI 1·0, 16·9). EGRAC was associated with increased probability of hypertension in participants aged >50 years (OR 6·2; 95 % CI 1·0, 38·7). In conclusion, moderately elevated tHcy and the MTHFR 677CT genotype were associated with hypertension. The MTHFR 677C>T genotype–hypertension association was confined to adults aged ≤50 years.
The CMT Model of Free Will
Authors: Vervoort Louis , Blusiewicz Tomasz
Published: March 2020

We propose a compatibilist theory of free will in the tradition of naturalized philosophy that attempts to: 1) provide a synthesis of a variety of well-known theories, capable of addressing problems of the latter; 2) account for the fact that free will comes in degrees; and 3) interface with neurobiology. We argue that free will comes in degrees, and that these degrees vary with the agent's capacity to make assumptions and use theories. Our model, then, highlights that free-willed actions are consciously monitored by the agent, through beliefs, assumptions, and ultimately theories — hence, the CMT model (for Conscious-through-Monitoring-through-Theories).
“IT'S TOO MUCH!”: VICTIMS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ENCOUNTER THE MOROCCAN STATE
Authors: Žvan Elliott Katja
Published: March 2020

By using the narrative approach and linking it to feminist research ethics and critical race methodology, this article seeks to understand how non-literacy and poverty hinder low-income women's access to justice and how these women experience the Moroccan state. The state here acts as an oppressive and marginalizing entity in women's lives, but also offers the potential for empowerment. This ethnographic study tells the stories of three victims of gender-based violence to demonstrate that the state needs to (1) set up an efficient and responsive infrastructure for those lacking know-how and money; (2) institute proper training of state agents for implementation of laws and to prevent them from acting on personal opinions and attitudes with regard to women's rights; and (3) strengthen procedures so that state agents can respond expeditiously to the needs and grievances of citizens.
Families, Manumission, and Freed People in Urban Minas Gerais in the Era of Atlantic Abolitionism
Authors: Dantas Mariana L.R. , Libby Douglas C.
Published: March 2020

Late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Minas Gerais was heavily reliant on its slave labor force and invested in the social order shaped by slavery. The main systematic challenge to slavery was discrete negotiations of manumission that resulted in the freedom of a few individual slaves. This practice fueled the expansion of a free population of African descendants, who congregated most visibly in the captaincy's urban centers. Through an examination of manumission stories from two African-descendant families in the towns of Sabará and São José, this article underscores the relevance of family ties and social networks to the pursuit and experience of freedom in the region. As slavery remained entrenched in Brazil, despite Atlantic abolitionist efforts elsewhere, urban families’ pursuit and negotiation of manumissions shaped a historical process that naturalized the idea and possibility of black freedom.
Available energy of magnetically confined plasmas
Authors: Helander Per
Published: March 2020

The concept of the available energy of a collisionless plasma is discussed in the context of magnetic confinement. The available energy quantifies how much of the plasma energy can be converted into fluctuations (including nonlinear ones) and is thus a measure of plasma stability, which can be used to derive linear and nonlinear stability criteria without solving an eigenvalue problem. In a magnetically confined plasma, the available energy is determined by the density and temperature profiles as well as the magnetic geometry. It also depends on what constraints limit the possible forms of plasma motion, such as the conservation of adiabatic invariants and the requirement that the transport be ambipolar. A general method based on Lagrange multipliers is devised to incorporate such constraints in the calculation of the available energy, and several particular cases are discussed for which it can be calculated explicitly. In particular, it is shown that it is impossible to confine a plasma in a Maxwellian ground state relative to perturbations with frequencies exceeding the ion bounce frequency.
Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in Schistosoma mansoni and its role in decreased adult worm sensitivity to praziquantel
Authors: Abou-El-Naga Iman F.
Published: March 2020

Schistosoma mansoni is the most common species causing schistosomiasis. It has a complex life cycle involving a vertebrate definitive host and a snail intermediate host of the genus Biomphalaria. Each stage encounters a plethora of environmental stresses specially heat stress. Another sort of stress arises from repeated exposure of the parasite to praziquantel (PZQ), the only drug used for treatment, which leads to the development of resistance in the fields and the labs. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is found in different developmental stages of S. mansoni. It is immunogenic and regulate cercarial invasion besides its chaperone function. In the Biomphalaria/S. mansoni interaction, epigenetic modulations of the Hsp70 gene underscore the susceptibility phenotype of the snail. Hsp70 is up-regulated in adult S. mansoni with decreased sensitivity to PZQ. This could be due to the induction of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, induction of apoptosis, exposure to the stressful drug pressure and increase influx of calcium ions. Up-regulation of Hsp70 might help the worm to survive the schistosomicidal effect of the drug mainly by dealing with misfolded proteins, inhibition of apoptosis, induction of autophagy, up-regulation of the P-glycoprotein transporter and attenuation of the signalling from G protein coupled receptors.
Monorchis parvusandGymnophallus choledochus: two trematode species infecting cockles as first and second intermediate host
Authors: Magalhães Luísa , Daffe Guillemine , Freitas Rosa , de Montaudouin Xavier
Published: March 2020

The most deleterious stage of a trematode life cycle occurs in the first intermediate host where the parasite penetrates as a miracidium and asexually multiplicates in sporocysts or rediae. When infection advances, other organs can be occupied with severe effects on host individual health and population dynamics. Existing studies focused on these host/parasite systems are still scarce due to the usual low prevalence in ecosystems. Using cockles (Cerastodermaspp.) and two trematode species (Monorchis parvusandGymnophallus choledochus) infecting these bivalves as first and second intermediate host, the present work aimed to (1) summarize the most relevant literature and (2) provide new information regarding this host/parasite system, taking advantage of a 21-year monthly database from Banc d'Arguin (France). This long-term monitoring showed that different trematode species display varying host size range preference (6–38 and 31–36 mm forM. parvusandG. choledochus, respectively). The occurrence of coinfection was lower than expected, raising some questions related to parasite interspecific competition. This review improved our understanding of the processes shaping the prevalence and distribution of parasitism. This study highlighted that beyond constant trematode assemblage monitoring, there is a need to identify the main predictors of rediae/sporocysts infection, such as the definitive host dynamics and miracidium infection processes, for future better management of host severe disease and mortality episodes.
Moshpit Medicine: The Experience of an Australian Event Resuscitation Team
Authors: Wing Sean , Johnson Robert , Fowler Leigh
Published: March 2020

The authors reviewed case reports of patients presenting to an advanced medical assessment and resuscitation service at 15 music events over 22 days from June 2018 through March 2019 around Australia. Event size ranged from 4,000 to 57,500 participants. Events observed had a mean patient presentation rate (PPR) of 0.83% (SD = 0.59%) and mean transport to hospital rate (TTHR) of 1.89 (SD = 0.92) per 10,000. Two-hundred and twenty-one cases were reviewed and tabulated for descriptive analysis.

Lower rates of traumatic injuries were seen compared to other case reports, and minor procedures represented a minor but important part of the team’s workload. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use was reported by 33.0% of patients on the day of presentation; almost one-half of these reported a co-ingestion. Patients presenting after using MDMA were more likely to have an elevated temperature. Eight percent of patients presented with temperature above 38°C. Patients with an initial temperature above 38°C were more likely to require hospitalization. On-site electrocardiograph (ECG), blood gas, ultrasound, and urinalysis were found to be useful in decision support. In total, 29.8% of patients required sedation during their encounter; 2.7% required rapid sequence induction at the event. Mean observation time was 44 minutes, with longer observation required in MDMA and hallucinogen-related presentations.
The Political Economy of Restructuring in Science and Technology in Turkey
Authors: Ozer-Imer Itir , Imer S. Tugrul
Published: March 2020

This study aims to analyse the policies with respect to, and structuring of, science and technology in Turkey from a historical perspective, and to evaluate the restructuring currently going on, from the viewpoint of institutions on science and technology. Such restructuring has undergone many transformations throughout Turkish history, and has been influenced directly by both internal and external dynamics. From the examples of other countries, we learn that success in high technology production results from well-established and sound industrial and scientific infrastructures. It would be useful to set forth such a vision for Turkey as well.
From Artificial to Extended Intelligence in Music Composition
Authors: Gioti Artemi-Maria
Published: March 2020

This article explores the relationship and disparities between human and computational creativity by addressing the following questions: How well are computational creativity systems currently performing at creative tasks? Could computers outperform human composers? And, if not, is computational creativity a utopia? Automatic composition systems are examined with respect to Boden’s three criteria of creativity (novelty, surpriseandvalue), as well as their assumptions about the nature of creativity. As an alternative to a competitive relationship between human and computational creativity, the article proposes the concept of a distributed human–computer co-creativity, in which computational creativity extends – rather than replaces – human creativity, by expanding the space of creative possibilities.
Design Considerations for Real-Time Collaboration with Creative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: McCormack Jon , Hutchings Patrick , Gifford Toby , Yee-King Matthew , Llano Maria Teresa , D’inverno Mark
Published: March 2020

Machines incorporating techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning can work with human users on a moment-to-moment, real-time basis to generate creative outcomes, performances and artefacts. We define such systems collaborative, creative AI systems, and in this article, consider the theoretical and practical considerations needed for their design so as to support improvisation, performance and co-creation through real-time, sustained, moment-to-moment interaction. We begin by providing an overview of creative AI systems, examining strengths, opportunities and criticisms in order to draw out the key considerations when designing AI for human creative collaboration. We argue that the artistic goals and creative process should be first and foremost in any design. We then draw from a range of research that looks at human collaboration and teamwork, to examine features that support trust, cooperation, shared awareness and a shared information space. We highlight the importance of understanding the scope and perception of two-way communication between human and machine agents in order to support reflection on conflict, error, evaluation and flow. We conclude with a summary of the range of design challenges for building such systems in provoking, challenging and enhancing human creative activity through their creative agency.
Patients’ quality of life: Validation of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) instrument for the Mexican population
Authors: Rivera-Fong Liliana , Benjet Corina , Robles García Rebeca , Traeger Lara , Aguilar Ponce José Luis , Valero Saldaña Luis Manuel , Acosta Maldonado Brenda Lizeth , Rivas Vera Silvia , Galindo Vázquez Oscar , Riveros Rosas Angélica
Published: March 2020

Objective

The functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) is a widely used instrument to assess quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, but there is little evidence of its validity in Latin American populations. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish language version of the FACT-BMT in Mexican patients.

Method

First, the original version was piloted with 15 HSCT patients to obtain an adequate cultural version, resulting in the adaptation of one item. After that, the new version was completed by 139 HSCT patients.

Results

The results showed a FACT factor structure that explains 70.84% of the total variance, a factor structure similar to the original FACT structure, and with a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.867). For the BMT subscale, the best factor structure included 17 items which explain 61.65% of the total variance with an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.696).

Significance of the results

The FACT-BMT was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate QOL in Mexican patients. Our results constitute new FACT-BMT empirical evidence that supports its clinical and research uses.
What is a career politician? Theories, concepts, and measures
Authors: Allen Nicholas , Magni Gabriele , Searing Donald , Warncke Philip
Published: March 2020

This paper examines the concept “career politician.” It seeks to clarify, systematize, and measure this ambiguous multidimensional concept in order to facilitate testing theories and hypotheses associated with it. We argue that career politicians are full-time politicians who lack significant experience in the wider world and have other distinguishing attributes for which they are both appreciated and criticized. From claims and critiques put forward by political scientists, journalists, publics, and politicians, we extract four principal dimensions: Strong Commitment, Narrow Occupational Background, Narrow Life Experience, and Strong Ambition. These dimensions and their indicators fit Wittgenstein’s family-resemblance conceptual structure, which is how we analyze, measure and validate them with data from a longitudinal study of British MPs spanning 1971–2016.
Dust Devils on Titan
Authors: Jackson Brian , Lorenz Ralph D. , Barnes Jason W. , Szurgot Michelle
Published: March 2020

Conditions on Saturn's moon Titan suggest that dust devils, which are convective, dust‐laden plumes, may be active. Although the exact nature of dust on Titan is unclear, previous observations confirm an active aeolian cycle, and dust devils may play an important role in Titan's aeolian cycle, possibly contributing to regional transport of dust and even production of sand grains. The Dragonfly mission to Titan will document dust devil and convective vortex activity and thereby provide a new window into these features, and our analysis shows that associated winds are likely to be modest and pose no hazard to the mission.
Modeling the Shape and Evolution of Normal‐Fault Facets
Authors: Tucker Gregory E. , Hobley Daniel E. J. , McCoy Scott W. , Struble Will T.
Published: March 2020

Facets formed along the footwalls of active normal‐fault blocks display a variety of longitudinal profile forms, with variations in gradient, shape, degree of soil cover, and presence or absence of a slope break at the fault trace. We show that a two‐dimensional, process‐oriented cellular automaton model of facet profile evolution can account for the observed morphologic diversity. The model uses two dimensionless parameters to represent fault slip, progressive rock weathering, and downslope colluvial‐soil transport driven by gravity and stochastic disturbance events. The parameters represent rock weathering and soil disturbance rates, respectively, scaled by fault slip rate; both can be derived from field‐estimated rate coefficients. In the model's transport‐limited regime, slope gradient depends on the ratio of disturbance to slip rate, with a maximum that represents the angle of repose for colluvium. In this regime, facet evolution is consistent with nonlinear diffusion models of soil‐mantled hillslope evolution. Under the weathering‐limited regime, bedrock becomes partly exposed but microtopography helps trap some colluvium even when facet gradient exceeds the threshold angle. Whereas the model predicts a continuous gradient from footwall to colluvial wedge under transport‐limited behavior, fully weathering‐limited facets tend to develop a slope break between footwall and basal colluvium as a result of reduced transport efficiency on the rocky footwall slope. To the extent that the model provides a reasonable analogy for natural facets, its behavior suggests that facet profile morphology can provide useful constraints on relative potential rates of rock weathering, soil disturbance, and fault slip.
Brain and blood biomarkers of tauopathy and neuronal injury in humans and rats with neurobehavioral syndromes following blast exposure
Authors: Dickstein Dara L. , De Gasperi Rita , Gama Sosa Miguel A. , Perez-Garcia Georgina , Short Jennifer A. , Sosa Heidi , Perez Gissel M. , Tschiffely Anna E. , Dams-O’Connor Kristen , Pullman Mariel Y. , Knesaurek Karin , Knutsen Andrew , Pham Dzung L. , Soleimani Lale , Jordan Barry D. , Gordon Wayne A. , Delman Bradley N. , Shumyatsky Gleb , Shahim Pashtun-Poh , DeKosky Steven T. , Stone James R. , Peskind Elaine , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Chance Steven A. , Torso Mario , Kostakoglu Lale , Sano Mary , Hof Patrick R. , Ahlers Stephen T. , Gandy Sam , Elder Gregory A.
Published: March 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for the later development of neurodegenerative diseases that may have various underlying pathologies. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in particular is associated with repetitive mild TBI (mTBI) and is characterized pathologically by aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau into neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). CTE may be suspected when behavior, cognition, and/or memory deteriorate following repetitive mTBI. Exposure to blast overpressure from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been implicated as a potential antecedent for CTE amongst Iraq and Afghanistan Warfighters. In this study, we identified biomarker signatures in rats exposed to repetitive low-level blast that develop chronic anxiety-related traits and in human veterans exposed to IED blasts in theater with behavioral, cognitive, and/or memory complaints. Rats exposed to repetitive low-level blasts accumulated abnormal hyperphosphorylated tau in neuronal perikarya and perivascular astroglial processes. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and the [18F]AV1451 (flortaucipir) tau ligand, we found that five of 10 veterans exhibited excessive retention of [18F]AV1451 at the white/gray matter junction in frontal, parietal, and temporal brain regions, a typical localization of CTE tauopathy. We also observed elevated levels of neurofilament light (NfL) chain protein in the plasma of veterans displaying excess [18F]AV1451 retention. These findings suggest an association linking blast injury, tauopathy, and neuronal injury. Further study is required to determine whether clinical, neuroimaging, and/or fluid biomarker signatures can improve the diagnosis of long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae of mTBI.
Disordered protein-graphene oxide co-assembly and supramolecular biofabrication of functional fluidic devices
Authors: Wu Yuanhao , Okesola Babatunde O. , Xu Jing , Korotkin Ivan , Berardo Alice , Corridori Ilaria , di Brocchetti Francesco Luigi Pellerej , Kanczler Janos , Feng Jingyu , Li Weiqi , Shi Yejiao , Farafonov Vladimir , Wang Yiqiang , Thompson Rebecca F. , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Nerukh Dmitry , Karabasov Sergey , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Carlos Rodriguez-Cabello Jose , Vozzi Giovanni , Azevedo Helena S. , Pugno Nicola M. , Wang Wen , Mata Alvaro
Published: March 2020

Supramolecular chemistry offers an exciting opportunity to assemble materials with molecular precision. However, there remains an unmet need to turn molecular self-assembly into functional materials and devices. Harnessing the inherent properties of both disordered proteins and graphene oxide (GO), we report a disordered protein-GO co-assembling system that through a diffusion-reaction process and disorder-to-order transitions generates hierarchically organized materials that exhibit high stability and access to non-equilibrium on demand. We use experimental approaches and molecular dynamics simulations to describe the underlying molecular mechanism of formation and establish key rules for its design and regulation. Through rapid prototyping techniques, we demonstrate the system’s capacity to be controlled with spatio-temporal precision into well-defined capillary-like fluidic microstructures with a high level of biocompatibility and, importantly, the capacity to withstand flow. Our study presents an innovative approach to transform rational supramolecular design into functional engineering with potential widespread use in microfluidic systems and organ-on-a-chip platforms.
Multi-functional anodes boost the transient power and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Shen Gurong , Liu Jing , Wu Hao Bin , Xu Pengcheng , Liu Fang , Tongsh Chasen , Jiao Kui , Li Jinlai , Liu Meilin , Cai Mei , Lemmon John P. , Soloveichik Grigorii , Li Hexing , Zhu Jian , Lu Yunfeng
Published: March 2020

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been regarded as the most promising candidate for fuel cell vehicles and tools. Their broader adaption, however, has been impeded by cost and lifetime. By integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which serves as a rapid-response hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, sensor for power demand, and regulator for hydrogen-disassociation reaction, we herein report proton exchange membrane fuel cells with significantly enhanced power performance for transient operation and low humidified conditions, as well as improved durability against adverse operating conditions. Meanwhile, the enhanced power performance minimizes the use of auxiliary energy-storage systems and reduces costs. Scale fabrication of such devices can be readily achieved based on the current fabrication techniques with negligible extra expense. This work provides proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced power performance, improved durability, prolonged lifetime, and reduced cost for automotive and other applications.
Therapeutic potential of KLF2-induced exosomal microRNAs in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sindi Hebah A. , Russomanno Giusy , Satta Sandro , Abdul-Salam Vahitha B. , Jo Kyeong Beom , Qazi-Chaudhry Basma , Ainscough Alexander J. , Szulcek Robert , Jan Bogaard Harm , Morgan Claire C. , Pullamsetti Soni S. , Alzaydi Mai M. , Rhodes Christopher J. , Piva Roberto , Eichstaedt Christina A. , Grünig Ekkehard , Wilkins Martin R. , Wojciak-Stothard Beata
Published: March 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disorder of lung vasculature that causes right heart failure. Homoeostatic effects of flow-activated transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) are compromised in PAH. Here, we show that KLF2-induced exosomal microRNAs, miR-181a-5p and miR-324-5p act together to attenuate pulmonary vascular remodelling and that their actions are mediated by Notch4 and ETS1 and other key regulators of vascular homoeostasis. Expressions of KLF2, miR-181a-5p and miR-324-5p are reduced, while levels of their target genes are elevated in pre-clinical PAH, idiopathic PAH and heritable PAH with missense p.H288YKLF2mutation. Therapeutic supplementation of miR-181a-5p and miR-324-5p reduces proliferative and angiogenic responses in patient-derived cells and attenuates disease progression in PAH mice. This study shows that reduced KLF2 signalling is a common feature of human PAH and highlights the potential therapeutic role of KLF2-regulated exosomal miRNAs in PAH and other diseases associated with vascular remodelling.
Trade-offs between multifunctionality and profit in tropical smallholder landscapes
Authors: Grass Ingo , Kubitza Christoph , Krishna Vijesh V. , Corre Marife D. , Mußhoff Oliver , Pütz Peter , Drescher Jochen , Rembold Katja , Ariyanti Eka Sulpin , Barnes Andrew D. , Brinkmann Nicole , Brose Ulrich , Brümmer Bernhard , Buchori Damayanti , Daniel Rolf , Darras Kevin F. A. , Faust Heiko , Fehrmann Lutz , Hein Jonas , Hennings Nina , Hidayat Purnama , Hölscher Dirk , Jochum Malte , Knohl Alexander , Kotowska Martyna M. , Krashevska Valentyna , Kreft Holger , Leuschner Christoph , Lobite Neil Jun S. , Panjaitan Rawati , Polle Andrea , Potapov Anton M. , Purnama Edwine , Qaim Matin , Röll Alexander , Scheu Stefan , Schneider Dominik , Tjoa Aiyen , Tscharntke Teja , Veldkamp Edzo , Wollni Meike
Published: March 2020

Land-use transitions can enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers but potential economic-ecological trade-offs remain poorly understood. Here, we present an interdisciplinary study of the environmental, social and economic consequences of land-use transitions in a tropical smallholder landscape on Sumatra, Indonesia. We find widespread biodiversity-profit trade-offs resulting from land-use transitions from forest and agroforestry systems to rubber and oil palm monocultures, for 26,894 aboveground and belowground species and whole-ecosystem multidiversity. Despite variation between ecosystem functions, profit gains come at the expense of ecosystem multifunctionality, indicating far-reaching ecosystem deterioration. We identify landscape compositions that can mitigate trade-offs under optimal land-use allocation but also show that intensive monocultures always lead to higher profits. These findings suggest that, to reduce losses in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, changes in economic incentive structures through well-designed policies are urgently needed.
Water-resistant perovskite nanodots enable robust two-photon lasing in aqueous environment
Authors: Li Siqi , Lei Dangyuan , Ren Wei , Guo Xuyun , Wu Shengfan , Zhu Ye , Rogach Andrey L. , Chhowalla Manish , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: March 2020

Owing to their large absorption cross-sections and high photoluminescence quantum yields, lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are regarded as a promising candidate for various optoelectronics applications. However, easy degradation of PQDs in water and in a humid environment is a critical hindrance for applications. Here we develop a Pb-S bonding approach to synthesize water-resistant perovskite@silica nanodots keeping their emission in water for over six weeks. A two-photon whispering-gallery mode laser device made of these ultra-stable nanodots retain 80% of its initial emission quantum yield when immersed in water for 13 h, and a two-photon random laser based on the perovskite@silica nanodots powder could still operate after the nanodots were dispersed in water for up to 15 days. Our synthetic approach opens up an entirely new avenue for utilizing PQDs in aqueous environment, which will significantly broaden their applications not only in optoelectronics but also in bioimaging and biosensing.
Inducible cell-to-cell signaling for tunable dynamics in microbial communities
Authors: Miano Arianna , Liao Michael J. , Hasty Jeff
Published: March 2020

The last decade has seen bacteria at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, with applications including biomolecular computing, living therapeutics, microbiome engineering and microbial factories. These emerging applications are all united by the need to precisely control complex microbial dynamics in spatially extended environments, requiring tools that can bridge the gap between intracellular and population-level coordination. To address this need, we engineer an inducible quorum sensing system which enables precise tunability of bacterial dynamics both at the population and community level. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate the advantages of this system when genetically equipped for cargo delivery. In addition, we exploit the absence of cross-talk with respect to the majority of well-characterized quorum sensing systems to demonstrate inducibility of multi-strain communities. More broadly, this work highlights the unexplored potential of remotely inducible quorum sensing systems which, coupled to any gene of interest, may facilitate the translation of circuit designs into applications.
Publisher Correction: The HIV protease inhibitor darunavir prevents kidney injury via HIV-independent mechanisms
Authors: Gao Xiaobo , Rosales Alan , Karttunen Heidi , Bommana Geetha M. , Tandoh Buadi , Yi Zhengzi , Habib Zainab , D’Agati Vivette , Zhang Weijia , Ross Michael J.
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Green gravel: a novel restoration tool to combat kelp forest decline
Authors: Fredriksen Stein , Filbee-Dexter Karen , Norderhaug Kjell Magnus , Steen Henning , Bodvin Torjan , Coleman Melinda A. , Moy Frithjof , Wernberg Thomas
Published: March 2020

Kelp forests are in decline globally and large-scale intervention could be required to halt the loss of these valuable ecosystems. To date kelp forest restoration has had limited success and been expensive and unable to address the increasing scale of ecosystem deterioration. Here we developed and tested a new approach: “green gravel”. Small rocks were seeded with kelp and reared in the laboratory until 2–3 cm, before out-planting to the field. The out-planted kelp had high survival and growth over 9 months, even when dropped from the surface. This technique is cheap, simple, and does not require scuba diving or highly trained field workers. It can be up-scaled to treat large areas or even used to introduce genes from more resilient kelp populations onto vulnerable reefs. Green gravel thus overcomes some of the current major limitations of kelp restoration and provides a promising new defense against kelp forest decline.
Error-related negativity and error awareness in a Go/No-go task
Authors: Wang Lijun , Gu Yan , Zhao Guoxiang , Chen Antao
Published: March 2020

Error monitoring is crucial for the conscious error perception, however, the role of early error monitoring in error awareness remains unclear. Here, we investigated the relation between the ERN and error-related theta oscillations and the emergence of error awareness by conducting time- and phase-locked averaging analysis based on 4–8 Hz filtered data and phase-locked time frequency analysis. Results showed that while the ERN did not differ significantly between aware and unaware errors, theta power was stronger for aware errors than for unaware errors. Further, when continuous EEG was filtered outside the theta band, the ERN results confirmed this pattern. Additionally, when the non-phase-locked component was removed from continuous EEG, stronger theta power was still observed in aware errors compared to unaware errors. Collectively, these findings may suggest that (1) the ERN emerges from phase-locked component of theta band EEG activities; (2) the ERN engages in conscious error perception and serves the emerging error awareness through the activity of theta oscillations. Thus, early error monitoring is a precursor to error awareness, but this relationship is masked by high-frequency activity in aware errors when the ERN is not filtered outside the theta band in the Go/No-go task.
Nitrogen fertilization compensation the weak photosynthesis of Oilseed rape (Brassca napus L.) under haze weather
Authors: Cong Rihuan , Liu Tao , Lu Piaopiao , Ren Tao , Li Xiaokun , Lu Jianwei
Published: March 2020

Haze and cloudy weather reduce photo-synthetically active radiation (PAR), which affects the formation of crop yield and nitrogen (N) fertilizer utilization.. We conducted field trails in normal year and severe winter haze year, aiming to compare the difference of photosynthesis and N uptake in winter rapeseed under different N levels. Daily sunshine hours and averaged radiation intensity in winter haze year decreased by 54.1% and 33.3% respectively as compared with the past 30 years. Diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate in winter haze day was 16.2% lower than that of sunny day. Leaf area and photosynthetic capacity decreased significantly during winter haze year. The shoot biomass and N uptake at the rosette stage accounted for only 9.6% and 26.6% of the total growth period in winter haze year, while 24.4% and 70.5% in normal year, respectively. However, in winter haze year, as the top dressing of N application increasing after the rosette stage, shoot biomass increased gradually. In order to achieve the target yield of 2.5 t ha−1, after suffering winter haze, it is necessary to apply additional 73.1 kg N ha−1. In conclusion, the haze climate reduced the radiation intensity and stability, leading to a decline in photosynthetic productivity in winter oilseed rape. Applying higher N fertilizer after winter haze can compensate the negative influence and ensure rapeseed yield.
Etiologic features of diarrheagenic microbes in stool specimens from patients with acute diarrhea in Thailand
Authors: Okada Kazuhisa , Wongboot Warawan , Kamjumphol Watcharaporn , Suebwongsa Namfon , Wangroongsarb Piyada , Kluabwang Pipat , Chuenchom Nuttagarn , Swaddiwudhipong Witaya , Wongchai Thanee , Manosuthi Weerawat , Assawapatchara Norrathep , Khum-on Patchanee , Udompat Patpong , Thanee Chareeya , Kitsaran Suwatthiya , Jirapong Lakkana , Jaiwong Charoen , Nedsuwan Supalert , Siripipattanamongkol Chotipong , Okada Pilailuk Akkapaiboon , Chantaroj Siriporn , Komukai Sho , Hamada Shigeyuki
Published: March 2020

Many microbial species have been recognized as enteropathogens for humans. Here, we predicted the causative agents of acute diarrhea using data from multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting 19 enteropathogens. For this, a case-control study was conducted at eight hospitals in Thailand. Stool samples and clinical data were collected from 370 hospitalized patients with acute diarrhea and 370 non-diarrheal controls. Multiple enteropathogens were detected in 75.7% and 13.0% of diarrheal stool samples using multiplex qPCR and bacterial culture methods, respectively. Asymptomatic carriers of enteropathogens were found among 87.8% and 45.7% of individuals by qPCR and culture methods, respectively. These results suggested the complexity of identifying causative agents of diarrhea. An analysis using the quantification cut-off values for clinical relevance drastically reduced pathogen-positive stool samples in control subjects from 87.8% to 0.5%, whereas 48.9% of the diarrheal stool samples were positive for any of the 11 pathogens. Among others, rotavirus, norovirus GII, Shigella/EIEC, and Campylobacter were strongly associated with acute diarrhea (P-value < 0.001). Characteristic clinical symptoms, epidemic periods, and age-related susceptibility to infection were observed for some enteropathogens. Investigations based on qPCR approaches covering a broad array of enteropathogens might thus improve our understanding of diarrheal disease etiology and epidemiological trends.
Elevated CO2 concentration affects the defense of tobacco and melon against lepidopteran larvae through the jasmonic acid signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Dai Wenting , Wang Xuhui , Li Jinxin
Published: March 2020

The massive use of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution has led to a rapid increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. What effects elevated CO2 concentrations (ECO2) have on the defense mechanisms plants employ against insects remains poorly understood. This study showed that ECO2 of 750 ± 20 mmol/mol, increased the photosynthetic rate and biomass gain of tobacco and melon plants. However, while mass gain of Spodoptera litura, a nocturnal moth in the Noctuidae family, was higher when feeding on tobacco plants under ECO2, mass gain of Diaphania indica was reduced when feeding on melon plant at ECO2 compared to ambient CO2. Plants have many mechanisms to defend themselves against insects. Jasmonic acid (JA) is a crucial element of plant defense against lepidopteran insects. Our study showed that JA levels increased in tobacco plants under ECO2 but decreased in melon plants. It is speculated that ECO2 changes plant resistance to insects mainly by affecting the JA signaling pathway. Nutrient analysis suggested defensive metabolites rather than changes in the total nitrogen or protein content of the plants led to the changes in plant defense levels under ECO2. In summary, ECO2 affects the interaction between plants and insects. The results may provide a theoretical basis for studying the changes in crop resistance to pests under ECO2 and predicting the impact of ECO2 on future agro-ecosystems.
One- and two-dimensional electromagnetically induced gratings in an Er3+ - doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal
Authors: Shui Tao , Li Ling , Wang Xin , Yang Wen-Xing
Published: March 2020

A coherently prepared Er3+-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystal with a four-level ionic configuration is exploited for realizing one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) electromagnetically induced gratings (EIGs). Owing to the probe gain induced by the incoherent pump, the diffraction efficiency of the crystal grating, especially the first-order diffraction, can be significantly improved via increasing the incoherent pumping rate or decreasing the probe detuning. The enhancement of the grating diffraction efficiency originates from the interference between the gain and phase gratings. It is also demonstrated that the diffraction of the crystal grating can be dynamically controlled via tuning the intensity and detuning of the standing-wave driving field or the concentration of Er3+ ion. More importantly, the probe energy of the diffraction side lobes around the central principle maximum is comparable to that of the first-order diffraction field for small driving intensity or large driving detuning. Our scheme may provide a possibility for the active all-optical control of optical switching, routing and storage in fiber communication wavelengths.
A novel α-fetoprotein-derived helper T-lymphocyte epitope with strong immunogenicity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tamai Toshikatsu , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Kumagai Masashi , Terashima Takeshi , Iida Noriho , Kitahara Masaaki , Shimakami Tetsuro , Kitamura Kazuya , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Yamashita Tatsuya , Honda Masao , Fushimi Kazumi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: March 2020

α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is considered a good target for immunotherapy strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, no immunodominant AFP-derived MHC class II-restricted helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitope has been reported. Therefore, we identified novel AFP-derived HTL epitopes possessing high immunogenicity. HTL epitopes were predicted using the online service, and peptides were subsequently synthesized. Four newly synthesized peptides showed positive reactivity in >20% patients on ELISPOT using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Among these, the highest rate was shown by AFP1 (MKWVESIFLIFLLNFTESRT), which also showed the highest positive rate in cell proliferation assays. Binding assays demonstrated that AFP1 had strong binding properties toward MHC molecules. Further, blocking assays performed using an anti-HLA-DR antibody showed that immune response decreased, confirming the binding of AFP1 to HLA-DR molecules. Furthermore, the survival rates of patients with stages II–IV HCC indicated that T cell response against AFP1 led to significantly greater survival that of patients without T cell response. When evaluating immune response against AFP1 before and after HCC treatment, an increase in the frequency of peptide-specific T cells was observed after treatment in patients with HLA-DRB1*1502, *0405, and *0901 alleles. In conclusion, the identified epitopes may be useful for immunotherapy strategies against HCC.
Optimal endoscopy timing in patients with acute variceal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jung Da Hyun , Huh Cheal Wung , Kim Na Jin , Kim Byung-Wook
Published: March 2020

Although current guidelines recommend performing endoscopy within 12 hours for acute variceal bleeding (AVB), the optimal timing remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect of endoscopy timing on the mortality and rebleeding rates in AVB through a systematic review and meta-analysis of all eligible studies. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for relevant publications up to January 2019. Overall mortality, rebleeding rate, and other clinical outcomes were determined. For the non-randomized studies, the risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included publications. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model of the RevMan software (Cochrane) and the inverse variance method were used to analyse binary end points and continuous outcomes, respectively. This meta-analysis included five studies with 854 and 453 participants who underwent urgent (≤12 hours) and non-urgent endoscopies (>12 hours), respectively. All the included studies were retrospective in nature, because of obvious ethical issues. No significant differences in the severity indexes were found between the urgent and non-urgent groups. Three studies showed 6-week mortality and the others in-hospital mortality as main outcomes. No significant difference in overall mortality rate was found between the groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36–1.45, p = 0.36). The rebleeding rate was similar between the two groups (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.76–1.93, p = 0.41). Other outcomes such as successful haemostasis, need for salvage therapy, length of hospital stay, and number of blood transfusions were also similar between the groups. We demonstrated that endoscopy timing does not affect the mortality or rebleeding rate of patients with AVB. Therefore, an appropriate timing of endoscopy would be more important than an urgent endoscopy depending on each patient’s condition.
Publisher Correction: Enabling precision medicine by unravelling disease pathophysiology: quantifying signal transduction pathway activity across cell and tissue types
Authors: van de Stolpe Anja , Holtzer Laurent , van Ooijen Henk , Inda Marcia Alves de , Verhaegh Wim
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.