bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interval breast cancer risk associations with breast density, family history and breast tissue aging
Authors: Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai , Dite Gillian S. , Aung Ye K. , Evans Christopher F. , Trinh Ho N. , Baglietto Laura , Stone Jennifer , Song Yun‐Mi , Sung Joohon , English Dallas R. , Jenkins Mark A. , Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Milne Roger L. , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Pike Malcolm C. , Hopper John L.
Published: October 2019

Interval breast cancers (those diagnosed between recommended mammography screens) generally have poorer outcomes and are more common among women with dense breasts. We aimed to develop a risk model for interval breast cancer. We conducted a nested case–control study within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study involving 168 interval breast cancer patients and 498 matched control subjects. We measured breast density using the CUMULUS software. We recorded first‐degree family history by questionnaire, measured body mass index (BMI) and calculated age‐adjusted breast tissue aging, a novel measure of exposure to estrogen and progesterone based on the Pike model. We fitted conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratio (OR) or odds ratio per adjusted standard deviation (OPERA) and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The stronger risk associations were for unadjusted percent breast density (OPERA = 1.99; AUC = 0.66), more so after adjusting for age and BMI (OPERA = 2.26; AUC = 0.70), and for family history (OR = 2.70; AUC = 0.56). When the latter two factors and their multiplicative interactions with age‐adjusted breast tissue aging (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) were fitted, the AUC was 0.73 (95% CI 0.69–0.77), equivalent to a ninefold interquartile risk ratio. In summary, compared with using dense breasts alone, risk discrimination for interval breast cancers could be doubled by instead using breast density, BMI, family history and hormonal exposure. This would also give women with dense breasts, and their physicians, more information about the major consequence of having dense breasts—an increased risk of developing an interval breast cancer.
Evaluation of a “Meds‐to‐Beds” program on 30‐day hospital readmissions
Authors: Zillich Alan J. , Jaynes Heather A. , Davis Hannah B. , Lantaff Wendy M. , Myers Jaclyn , Perkins Susan M. , Shan Mu , Snyder Margie E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Effective programs for transitional care from hospital to home are needed to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose

To evaluate readmissions among patients who received a medication discharge program compared with control patients who did not receive the program.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study during a 1‐year period in a medium‐sized Midwestern health system. The “meds‐to‐beds” program consisted of a pharmacist and/or technician delivering patient's medications to bedside prior to discharge. When indicated, the pharmacist provided medication counseling, reviewed discharge medications, and provided an updated medication list to patients.

The intervention cohort was defined as all hospitalized patients eligible for and opting into the “meds‐to‐beds” program. The control cohort was defined as hospitalized patients eligible for the program who did not opt‐in to receive it. Data were collected through both a retrospective chart review and an administrative claims data warehouse. The primary outcome was defined as any 30‐day readmissions. Secondary outcomes were defined as any preventable 30‐day readmissions using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's potentially avoidable hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions classification. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the odds of 30‐day readmissions between the intervention and control groups.

Results

Data were collected for 500 intervention and 1591 control patients. Both groups were similar with respect to age, gender, race, co‐morbid conditions, and previous health care utilization. In the multivariable model, all‐cause readmissions within 30 days were not significantly different between the intervention and control groups (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42‐1.07, P = .09). The most common preventable readmissions were for pneumonia (43.2%), heart failure (18.9%), and dehydration (16.2%). In the multivariable model, patients in the intervention group were less likely to be readmitted for a preventable cause within 30‐days than patients in the control group (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28‐0.89, P = .02).

Conclusion

This “meds‐to‐beds” program was not associated with a significant reduction in 30‐day all‐cause readmissions but was associated with a reduction in 30‐day preventable hospital readmissions.
Past and future impact of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation in the Caspian Sea catchment area
Authors: Nandini‐Weiss Sri D. , Prange Matthias , Arpe Klaus , Merkel Ute , Schulz Michael
Published: October 2019

The Caspian Sea level (CSL) has undergone variations of more than 3 m during the past century with important implications for the life of coastal people, economy and the ecosystem. The origin of these variations as well as future changes in the Caspian water budget are still a matter of debate. Here, the major modes of North Atlantic winter climate variability and atmospheric teleconnections that have a potential effect on the hydroclimate of the Caspian catchment region are examined. The skill of the Community Earth System Model (CESM1.2.2) regarding the simulation of the modern climatology in the Caspian region and the major North Atlantic modes are analysed using different atmospheric grid resolutions and setups of the atmospheric component, the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4 and CAM5). CESM1.2.2 with CAM5 atmosphere physics and 1° atmospheric grid resolution shows reasonable skill in simulating the regional Caspian basin climatology and the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Using this model version, a weakly positive (r = .2) statistically significant (p < .05) correlation between the catchment winter water budget (precipitation minus evaporation, P‐E, integrated over the catchment area) and the NAO is found for the historical period 1850–2000. Climate projections of the 21st century under the Representative Concentration Pathways RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 show that the NAO remains the leading mode of winter variability with a dominant influence on the climate in the Caspian catchment region. Under the RCP4.5 scenario the correlation between the winter NAO and winter P‐E over the Caspian catchment region increases (r = .5, p < .05). For RCP8.5, however, this correlation disappears due to a north–south dipole pattern with a positive P‐E anomaly over the northern and a negative anomaly over the southern parts of the Caspian catchment region, cancelling out an effect on the total Caspian water budget. Nevertheless, due to increasing annual evaporation over the Caspian Sea in the warming climate, the model predicts an additional CSL decrease of about 9 and 18 m between 2020 and 2100 for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Even though the model tends to overestimate the total evaporation due to a too large Caspian Sea surface area, these values are larger than previous projections of CSL decline.
Fabrication of Thymoquinone‐Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles by Microfluidic Particle Synthesis and Their Effect on Planarian Regeneration
Authors: Kazan Aslihan , Yesil‐Celiktas Ozlem , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: October 2019

Thymoquinone is the main bioactive component of the plant Nigella sativa, which is commonly known as black seeds and has several therapeutic effects. However, clinical applications of thymoquinone are limited due to its hydrophobic nature. In this study, thymoquinone is encapsulated in albumin nanoparticles by using a microfluidic platform to overcome this limitation. The mean particle sizes of empty and thymoquinone‐loaded nanoparticles are determined as 271.3 and 315.6 nm, respectively, with polydispersity index values both lower than 0.25. In addition to particle size distribution measurements, characterizations of the prepared nanoparticles such as zeta potential measurements, in vitro release studies, as well as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses are also carried out. To determine the effect of thymoquinone on neural regeneration, planarians are used as the model organism. After application of free and encapsulated thymoquinone, planarians are amputated and the fragments are observed in terms of head and tail regeneration, swimming pattern, and behavior. The results indicate that thymoquinone affects their behavior and primarily enhances head regeneration of planarians. In addition, it is shown that encapsulation of thymoquinone not only enhances the thermal stability of the molecule but also decreases its toxicity.
California pilots report inroads in care coordination under Medicaid
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2019

Pilot programs established under California's Section 1115 Medicaid waiver have made progress in care coordination for beneficiaries with complex needs, including persons with mental illness. With just over a year remaining for the pilot efforts, however, some barriers to optimal effectiveness remain, including some jurisdictions' difficulties in securing the technology needed for information sharing.
A mussel‐inspired strategy toward antimicrobial and bacterially anti‐adhesive soy protein surface
Authors: Jin Shicun , Song Xiangshuo , Li Kuang , Xia Changlei , Li Jianzhang
Published: October 2019

Biopolymer products are widely used in our everyday life, however, the poor antimicrobial nature dramatically limits their applications. Therefore, it is essential to improve the antibiotic performance of these biopolymer products. In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI)‐based films with antimicrobial and antifouling function were fabricated through a dip‐coating method. Briefly, mussel‐inspired polydopamine was coated onto the surface of SPI film, followed by depositing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the film for yielding an antimicrobial film, named S‐DA‐Ag. Subsequently, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) molecular was attached on the S‐DA‐Ag film. Elemental and morphological surface analyses verified the successful coating for each step. The S‐DA film decorated only with AgNPs exhibited an effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus but failed to prevent bacterial attachment. However, the number of attached bacterial cells significantly decreased for the OTS‐coated S‐DA‐Ag film. Additionally, the resultant SPI‐based films displayed excellent mechanical performance and remarkably improved water resistance, dramatically benefiting their practical applications. This novel design can endow the antimicrobial and antifouling properties to the SPI‐based films and enhance their mechanical properties and water resistance, which might expand their potential applications in the healthcare and biomedical fields.
Allosteric discrimination at the NADH/ADP regulatory site of glutamate dehydrogenase
Authors: Nassar Omneya M. , Wong Ka‐Yiu , Lynch Gillian C. , Smith Thomas J. , Pettitt B. Montgomery
Published: October 2019

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a target for treating insulin‐related disorders, such as hyperinsulinism hyperammonemia syndrome. Modeling native ligand binding has shown promise in designing GDH inhibitors and activators. Our computational investigation of the nicotinamide adenine diphosphate hydride (NADH)/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) site presented in this paper provides insight into the opposite allosteric effects induced at a single site of binding inhibitor NADH versus activator ADP to GDH. The computed binding free‐energy difference between NADH and ADP using thermodynamic integration is −0.3 kcal/mol, which is within the −0.275 and −1.7 kcal/mol experimental binding free‐energy difference range. Our simulations show an interesting model of ADP with dissimilar binding conformations at each NADH/ADP site in the GDH trimer, which explains the poorly understood strong binding but weak activation shown in experimental studies. In contrast, NADH showed similar inhibitory binding conformations at each NADH/ADP site. The structural analysis of the important residues in the NADH/ADP binding site presented in this paper may provide potential targets for mutation studies for allosteric drug design.
Modeling phaeopigment concentrations in water from a shallow mesotrophic lagoon
Authors: Stoichev Teodor , Duran Robert , de Diego Alberto , Vasconcelos Vitor M.
Published: October 2019

Concentrations of phaeopigments (Pha) and chlorophyll a (Chl) were determined in surface waters from a temperate lagoon during six sampling campaigns at high and at low tide. In order to develop models for phaeopigment concentration in water, it was necessary to replace Chl with photosynthetic pigment concentration (Pt = Pha+Chl) as one of the explanatory variables. Under first approximation, food availability and water temperature (T) could be considered as independent variables. The concentrations of Pha were then determined following seasonal change of response curves of the consumer community on T. However, multiple regression models with Pt, T and, eventually, salinity as explanatory variables were better able to depict Pha. All equations, developed with Pt, were also solved using Chl as an input variable. Although part of the performance was lost, such back‐transformed models can be used at low/medium T and moderate to high concentrations of Chl. The developed equations about middle to long‐term variations of Pha could be applied to study the biogeochemistry of contaminants related to Pha and to evaluate the dependence on temperature of phytoplankton utilization by consumers.

Practitioner points

Phaeopigment concentration depicted by chlorophyll (Chl), temperature (T), and salinity.

Better results obtained at low to medium T and moderate to high Chl concentration.

Multiple regression (MR) better for extrapolation than model (S) with variable separation.

Thermal response of consumer community in mesotrophic lagoon studied using model S.
Allometric relationships between primary size measures and sapwood area for six common tree species in snow-dependent ecosystems in the Southwest United States
Authors: Mitra Bhaskar , Papuga Shirley A. , Alexander M. Ross , Swetnam Tyson Lee , Abramson Nate
Published: October 2019

High-elevation, snow-dependent, semiarid ecosystems across southwestern United States are expected to be vulnerable to climate change, including drought and fire, with implications for various aspects of the water cycle. To that end, much less is known about the dynamics of transpiration, an important component of the water cycle across this region. At the individual-tree scale, transpiration is estimated by scaling mean sap flux density by the hydroactive sapwood area (SA). SA also remains a key factor in effectively scaling individual tree water-use to stand level. SA across large spatial scales is normally established by relating SA of a few trees to primary size measures, e.g., diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (H), or canopy diameter (CD). Considering the importance of SA in scaling transpiration, the primary objective of this study was therefore to establish six species-specific (aspen, maple, white fir, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Englemann spruce) allometric relationships between SA and three primary size measures (DBH, CD, or H) across two high-elevation, snow-dependent, semiarid ecosystems in New Mexico and Arizona. Based on multiple statistical criteria (coefficient of determination, index of agreement, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency) and ease of measurement in the forest, we identified DBH as the primary independent variable for estimating SA across all sites. Based on group regression analysis, we found allometric relationships to be significantly (p < 0.05) different for the same species (ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir) across different sites. Overall, our allometric relationships provide a valuable database for estimating transpiration at different spatial scales from sap flow data in some of our most vulnerable ecosystems.
Adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic studies of As(III) removal from aqueous solutions using used cigarette filter ash
Authors: Zein Al-Salehin Pezhman , Moeinpour Farid , Mohseni-Shahri Fatemeh S.
Published: October 2019

In the present paper, used cigarette filter ash was prepared and used as an active adsorbent to remove As(III) ions from aqueous solutions. The prepared adsorbent structure was identified by scanning electron microscopy analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The influence of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial concentration of As(III) on the removal of As(III) was assessed. Several isotherm models were checked to illustrate the adsorption equilibrium. The adsorption equilibrium data adapted well with the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of 33.33 mg/g was acquired from the Langmuir isotherm. The calculated thermodynamic variables verified that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic.
Controlling Lyngbya wollei in three Alabama, USA reservoirs: summary of a long-term management program
Authors: Anderson Wesley T. , Yerby Josh N. , Carlee Jason , Bishop West M. , Willis Ben E. , Horton C. Todd
Published: October 2019

Large-scale Lyngbya wollei (Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoriales) infestations are increasing throughout the USA and globally and causing significant obstruction of water resource uses. Decision makers and stakeholders encountering this nuisance organism often seek management options. Many approaches to L. wollei management may be ineffective or not applicable to specific field sites. Chemical control with United States Environmental Protection Agency registered algaecides has shown to be effective, although the specific formulation, concentration, and application frequency can all govern efficacy. This study summarizes results from a long-term and adaptive management program on extensive L. wollei infestations in three central Alabama, USA reservoirs (Lay Lake, Jordan Lake and Lake Mitchell) managed by Alabama Power Company. Multiple treatment strategies including numerous algaecides, combinations and addition of surfactants were used in attempts to control the nuisance cyanobacterium and preserve multiple beneficial functions of the resource. Ultimately, operational shift toward one technology, a double-chelated copper algaecide with surfactants and emulsifiers (Captain® XTR) resulted in more efficient and economical control. There were significant (P < 0.05) decreases in historic L. wollei acres requiring treatment through time on each reservoir. Throughout this study period, a 51.4, 88.1 and 94.7% percent decrease in total nuisance acres treated was realized on Lay Lake, Jordan Lake and Lake Mitchell, respectively. The large-scale and long-term dataset presented herein, covering multiple candidate treatment programs, provides valuable information to guide management decisions on other water resources impacted by L. wollei infestations.
A case of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies that was successfully treated with mizoribine as a safe and effective remission maintenance therapy with prednisolone and plasma exchange
Authors: Ikeda Yuki , Fukunari Kenichi , Uchiumi Saori , Awanami Yuki , Kanaya Akiko , Matsumoto Keiichiro , Fukuda Makoto , Takashima Tsuyoshi , Miyazono Motoaki , Ikeda Yuji
Published: October 2019

We herein report the case of myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibody positivity that successfully treated with mizoribine (MZR) as an immunosuppressive drug for remission maintenance therapy after the initiation of dialysis in addition to plasma exchange (PE) and glucocorticoid treatment to control the disease condition. A 79-year-old woman developed serious renal dysfunction and pulmonary alveolar hemorrhaging due to MPO–ANCA and anti-GBM antibody double-positive vasculitis. She was started on hemodialysis and was treated with methylprednisolone (m-PSL) pulse therapy with PE, followed by oral prednisolone (PSL). The pulmonary alveolar hemorrhaging disappeared, and both antibody titers immediately decreased but then rose again. Thus, m-PSL pulse therapy performed again in combination with combined with MZR treatment. Her poor renal function was irreversible; however, this therapy decreased both antibody titers, and they did not increase again. The patient developed pancytopenia and hyperuricemia. It was considered likely that these conditions developed in association with MZR treatment. We, therefore, measured the patient’s blood concentration of MZR, and the maintenance dose was finally set at 50 mg after each dialysis session. The patient’s pancytopenia and hyperuricemia improved and PSL could be smoothly tapered. This is the first case report of the use of MZR for remission maintenance therapy in a patient on hemodialysis who was positive for both ANCA and anti-GBM antibodies. The findings suggest that MZR can be used safely and effectively in such cases.
Acoustic effects of the coolant mass flow of an electric machine of a hybrid drive train
Authors: Schnell Michael , Gauterin Frank
Published: October 2019

In this application paper, the influence of the coolant mantle on the acoustic radiation behaviour of a hybrid drive train is investigated. This was done on an electric machine on an acoustic component test bench. The coolant mass flow around the electric machine stator was varied and then completely drained. The electrical machine remained mechanically unchanged; any variations were made to the feed pumps on the test bench side. Triaxial acceleration sensors are glued to the machine housing and reviewed as evaluation criteria. For the evaluation, the square mean value of all three spatial directions of the glued acceleration sensors was calculated. The evaluation shows that there is no significant acoustic difference between an active stator cooling jacket and a stationary stator cooling jacket. If the stator cooling jacket is pumped out empty so that air remains in it, there is a strong reduction in surface acceleration. The observations are confirmed by analytical literature values. The results presented serve as a basis for further work and developments.
Language and perception: Introduction to the Special Issue “Speakers and Listeners in the Visual World”
Authors: Vulchanova Mila , Vulchanov Valentin , Fritz Isabella , Milburn Evelyn A.
Published: October 2019

Language and perception are two central cognitive systems. Until relatively recently, however, the interaction between them has been examined only partially and not from an over-arching theoretical perspective. Yet it has become clear that linguistic and perceptual interactions are essential to understanding both typical and atypical human behaviour. In this editorial, we examine the link between language and perception across three domains. First, we present a brief review of work investigating the importance of perceptual features, particularly shape bias, when learning names for novel objects—a critical skill acquired during language development. Second, we describe the Visual World Paradigm, an experimental method uniquely suited to investigate the language-perception relationship. Studies using the Visual World Paradigm demonstrate that the relationship between linguistic and perceptual information during processing is both intricate and bi-directional: linguistic cues guide interpretation of visual scenes, while perceptual information shapes interpretation of linguistic input. Finally, we turn to a discussion of co-speech gesture focusing on iconic gestures which depict aspects of the visual world (e.g., motion, shape). The relationship between language and these semantically-meaningful gestures is likewise complex and bi-directional. However, more research is needed to illuminate the exact circumstances under which iconic gestures shape language production and comprehension. In conclusion, although strong evidence exists supporting a critical relationship between linguistic and perceptual systems, the exact levels at which these two systems interact, the time-course of the interaction, and what is driving the interaction, remain largely open questions in need of future research.
Soil quality and microbiology in response to fertilizations in a paddy-upland rotation with multiple crops and frequent tillage
Authors: Chen Danmei , Duan Yuqi , Jin Yan , Yang Yuhong , Yuan Ling
Published: October 2019

Both short- and long-term effects of fertilizers on crops and soils are often studied only in arid or paddy soils, whereas less is known about the long-term effects in paddy-upland rotations, particularly with multiple crops and frequent tillage in subtropical areas. Therefore, an 18-year field experiment was initialized to assess the effects of different types of fertilization (no fertilizer; chemical fertilizer (CF); and manure in combination with CF (MCF)) on yield and soil chemical and microbial properties in a crop rotation involving rice (Oryza sativaL., summer), rapeseed (Brassica campestrisL., winter), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL., the following summer), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth, the following winter). MCF caused higher yields of rapeseed grains and tobacco leaves than CF after 3 or 4 years of implementing the experiment, while rice yields varied little between MCF and CF, with one exception in 2011. Compared with the initial soil properties, providing soil with MCF increased organic matter (OM), while the opposite trend was found with CF. Higher microbial biomasses, enzyme activities, bacterial operational taxonomic units, and richness and diversity indexes of bacterial communities were found in soils receiving MCF, implying the improvement of soil microbial properties in the paddy-upland rotation system with multiple crops and frequent tillage. The experimental soils under varying fertilization were dominated by four bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria,Acidobacteria,Actinobacteria, and unclassified groups), which accounted for approximately 70% of the 16S rDNA sequences. Among the top 20 predominant bacteria, 14 were commonly found in all soil samples irrespective of which fertilizer treatment was implemented. Thus, the presence of those bacteria was stable in the soil and to some extent was influenced by fertilization. Most of them were facultative anaerobic bacteria, which can adapt to both anaerobic paddy soil and aerobic drylands. The dominant bacteria at various taxonomic levels found in soils might reflect multiple soil processes such as OM turnover, nutrient cycling, physical structure formation, and xenobiotic detoxification.
Response of shallow-sea benthic foraminifera to environmental changes off the coast of Goa, eastern Arabian Sea, during the last ∼6100 cal yr BP
Authors: Saravanan Ponnusamy , Gupta Anil K. , Zheng Hongbo , Panigrahi Mruganka K. , Tiwari Sameer K. , Rai Santosh K. , Prakasam Muthusamy
Published: October 2019

We have analysed a 6100-year record of benthic and planktonic foraminifera from inner neritic sediments from Core SK291/GC13, off the Goa coast, eastern Arabian Sea, to understand the response of benthic foraminifera to shallow-marine processes. The benthic foraminiferal assemblage is dominated by Nonion cf. asterizans, Ammonia beccarii, A. gaimardii and Virgulinella fragilis, which have been selected on the basis of a population of 10% or more in any three samples analysed. The planktonic foraminiferal population is sporadic and rare, with Globigerinoides ruber as the predominant species showing a variable trend. The foraminiferal proxies combined with total organic carbon (wt%) and δ13C and δ18O values of Ammonia gaimardii suggest distinct variations, indicating changes in productivity and salinity in the shallow eastern Arabian Sea. The coastal waters off Goa were relatively warmer and less saline between 6100 and 4600, or perhaps to 4200, calibrated years before the present (cal yr BP), corresponding to a stronger monsoon in South and East Asia. The shallow sea was cooler from ~4200 to 2600 cal yr BP in the study area, coinciding with a lower sea surface temperature in the northeastern Arabian Sea and an arid phase in the Indian subcontinent. From 2900 to 2600 cal yr BP the study core exhibits the impacts of short-term cold events, which have earlier been observed in the northeastern Arabian Sea, off Pakistan. During the Little Ice Age, the shallow sea off Goa was less productive.
Volumetric measurement of the synchronization and desynchronization of the dust acoustic wave with an external modulation
Authors: Williams Jeremiah D.
Published: October 2019

A spatio-temporal measurement showing the volumetric nature of the phase synchronization of a naturally occurring dust acoustic wave to an external modulation and the relaxation from the driven wave mode back to the naturally occurring wave mode (phase desynchronization) is presented. It is shown that the phase synchronization and desynchronization occur behind a propagating synchronization/desynchronization front that travels at a slower speed than the phase velocity of the wave and that the speed of this synchronization/desynchronization front decreases with increasing neutral gas pressure. It is also observed that volume of the wave that is synchronous depends on the frequency of the external modulation and the neutral gas pressure.
Big cat in well: an unconventional threat to leopards in southern India
Authors: Gubbi Sanjay , Kolekar Aparna , Chakraborty Pallabi , Kumara Vijaya
Published: October 2019

The Vulnerable leopard Panthera pardus is declining as a result of poaching, habitat loss, retaliatory killing and collisions with vehicles. In the southern Indian state of Karnataka there is also an unconventional threat that has received little attention: leopards accidentally falling into unsecured open wells. During 2008–2017 there were 70 incidents of leopards falling into wells, in 10 of 30 districts, with the greatest number recorded in Udupi district (46%). Leopards were released at the site (40%, n = 28), or assisted to escape on their own or were translocated after rescue (41%, n = 29). Eleven per cent (n = 8) of the leopards died as a result of the fall, and 7% (n = 5) were sent to zoos, with serious injuries. The highest number of falls occurred during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons in districts with high rainfall, which may curtail visibility. Open wells are an emerging threat to the leopard and other animal species, and require covers and the security of a parapet.
‘A lonely old man’: empirical investigations of older men and loneliness, and the ramifications for policy and practice
Authors: Ratcliffe John , Wigfield Andrea , Alden Sarah
Published: October 2019

Loneliness has become an issue of significant academic, public and policy focus. There has been much research on experiences of loneliness in later life and many accompanying interventions targeting lonely older people. However, there has been a dearth of research on the impact that loneliness can have on older men and the resulting implications for policy and practice. This paper aims to redress this by developing a theoretical framework to improve understanding of older men's constructions and experiences of loneliness. It draws on two qualitative empirical studies: the first explores older men's perceptions of masculinity and loneliness; and the second looks at the effectiveness of a service for older men which was designed to alleviate loneliness among older people more generally. The paper outlines the way in which older men often construct masculinity as an oppressive (hegemonic) requirement, but which can be reformed into ‘positive’ traits of ‘strength of mind’, ‘responsibility’, ‘caring’, ‘helping out’, ‘doing a favour’ and ‘giving something back’, with a consistent yet implicit assumption that enactment of these denotes a ‘proud’ masculine identity. Loneliness, on the other hand, is represented as a subordinate social role, both non-masculine and related to marginalising stereotypes of age. This results in the identification of two important implications for the way in which services can assist in the alleviation of loneliness in older men: that men are more likely to engage with a service that can facilitate the construction of a ‘proud’ masculine identity; and that services which deconstruct hegemonic masculinities, particularly by providing a space where men feel comfortable being emotionally tactile, are likely to be most effective at both alleviating loneliness and promoting overall wellbeing.
Trypillia Megasites in Context: Independent Urban Development in Chalcolithic Eastern Europe
Authors: Gaydarska Bisserka , Nebbia Marco , Chapman John
Published: October 2019

The Trypillia megasites of the Ukrainian forest steppe formed the largest fourth-millenniumbcsites in Eurasia and possibly the world. Discovered in the 1960s, the megasites have so far resisted all attempts at an understanding of their social structure and dynamics. Multi-disciplinary investigations of the Nebelivka megasite by an Anglo-Ukrainian research project brought a focus on three research questions: (1) what was the essence of megasite lifeways? (2) can we call the megasites early cities? and (3) what were their origins? The first question is approached through a summary of Project findings on Nebelivka and the subsequent modelling of three different scenarios for what transpired to be a different kind of site from our expectations. The second question uses a relational approach to urbanism to show that megasites were so different from other coeval settlements that they could justifiably be termed ‘cities'. The third question turns to the origins of sites that were indeed larger and earlier than the supposed first cities of Mesopotamia and whose development indicates that there were at least two pathways to early urbanism in Eurasia.
A low-profile wideband circularly polarized MIMO antenna with pattern and polarization diversity
Authors: Chaudhary Prashant , Kumar Ashwani , Kanaujia B. K.
Published: October 2019

The present work describes a unique planar low-profile wideband circularly polarized Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna operating in the X-band, with pattern and polarization diversity over the entire axial-ratio bandwidth (ARBW). The design is unique in the sense that a simple grounded stub introduced between two linearly polarized monopole antennas has been used to realize wideband circular polarization, pattern diversity, and high isolation between antennas. The ARBW of the MIMO antenna is 2.45 GHz (8.11–10.56) 3 dB and its impedance matching bandwidth is 3.52 GHz (8.07–11.59). The isolation is better than 20 dB. The antenna can be easily adapted to operate other frequency bands by simple frequency scaling. It has been fabricated on an FR-4 substrate and its performance has been compared against several existing available antennas.
The Rare Sides of Twin Research: Important to Remember/Twin Research Reviews: Representation of Self-Image; Twins With Kleine–Levin Syndrome; Heteropaternal Lemur Twins; Risk of Dental Caries/In the Media: High-Society Models; ‘Winkelevii’ Super Bowl Twins; Multiple Birth × Three; Twin Sister Surrogate; A Presidential Twin?
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: October 2019

This article explores some rare sides of twin research. The focus of this article is the sad plight of the Dionne quintuplets, born in Canada in 1934. However, several other studies belong in this category, such as Dr Josef Mengele’s horrifying twin research conducted at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Dr John Money’s misguided attempt to turn an accidentally castrated male twin into a female, Russian scientists’ cruel medical study of conjoined female twins and Dr Peter Neubauer’s secret project that tracked the development of separated twins. Reviews of current twin research span twins’ representation of self-image, twins with Kleine–Levin Syndrome, heteropaternal twinning in lemurs and factors affecting risk of dental caries. Media coverage includes a pair of high-society models, a book about the ‘Winkelevii’ twins, Super Bowl twin teammates, a family with three sets of fraternal twins, a twin sister surrogate and a near presidential twin.
The Politics of Religious Pluralism in Indonesia: The Shi'a Response to the Sampang Incidents of 2011–12
Authors: Miichi Ken , Kayane Yuka
Published: October 2019

An increasing number of reports and studies on offenses against religious minorities has been published in Indonesia since the country's democratic transition in 1998. While the literature on intolerance unveils the young democracy's institutional problems which have undermined and eroded minority rights, such as direct elections and the lack of judicial independence, it leaves many critical questions to address. Although the number of victims of religious intolerance increased, in the same institutional settings, a large number of religious minorities has managed to prevent escalating violence and avoid being targeted by intolerant groups. Under what circumstances and how do minorities deter attacks in a time of heightened tension against them under a democratic system that has afforded them little protection? This article sheds light on the case of the Shi'a who suffered a series of attacks in Sampang, Madura in the East Java province, but have since gradually developed resilience. A series of attacks in Sampang in 2011–12 was one of the most destructive events against religious minorities in Indonesia. Examining the Sampang incidents, this article argues that if the religious minority can develop a cohesive network with elements of the majority capable of mobilising state power, it would build a safety net preventing attacks by intolerant groups. Thus, this article aims to develop our understanding of how religious minorities address violence caused by hostile socio-political forces and adapt to Indonesia's democracy.
Tidal Forcing of Interplate Earthquakes Along the Tonga‐Kermadec Trench
Authors: Hirose Fuyuki , Maeda Kenji , Kamigaichi Osamu
Published: October 2019

We investigated the spatiotemporal variations of the relation between the levels and phase angles of Earth tidal indices and the occurrence of interplate earthquake events along the Tonga‐Kermadec trench. As tidal indices, we used volumetric strain (ΔV), shear stress (Δτ), normal stress (Δσ), and the Coulomb failure function (ΔCFF; calculated assuming values of 0.1, 0.4, and 0.7 for the apparent friction coefficient, μ′). We found that seismicity correlated with Δσ rather than Δτ and that earthquakes tended to occur when the tidal force promoted fault slip. Earthquakes tend to occur when the tidal stress levels have large positive values and tend to be suppressed when large negative values. We inferred that μ′ is relatively large on the plate boundary along the Tonga‐Kermadec trench, which implies that the response of pore pressure to Δσ is weak. Seismicity at around 20–22°S and 27–29°S was particularly sensitive to Δσ. The b value of the Gutenberg‐Richter relation decreased when the difference between the maximum and minimum tidal principal stresses was high, consistent with the results of rock deformation experiments.
Characteristics and Transformation of Pacific Winter Water on the Chukchi Sea Shelf in Late Spring
Authors: Pacini Astrid , Moore G. W. K. , Pickart Robert S. , Nobre Carolina , Bahr Frank , Våge Kjetil , Arrigo Kevin R.
Published: October 2019

Data from a late spring survey of the northeast Chukchi Sea are used to investigate various aspects of newly ventilated winter water (NVWW). More than 96% of the water sampled on the shelf was NVWW, the saltiest (densest) of which tended to be in the main flow pathways on the shelf. Nearly all of the hydrographic profiles on the shelf displayed a two‐layer structure, with a surface mixed layer and bottom boundary layer separated by a weak density interface (on the order of 0.02 kg/m3). Using a polynya model to drive a one‐dimensional mixing model, it was demonstrated that, on average, the profiles would become completely homogenized within 14–25 hr when subjected to the March and April heat fluxes. A subset of the profiles would become homogenized when subjected to the May heat fluxes. Since the study domain contained numerous leads within the pack ice—many of them refreezing—and since some of the measured profiles were vertically uniform in density, this suggests that NVWW is formed throughout the Chukchi shelf via convection within small openings in the ice. This is consistent with the result that the salinity signals of the NVWW along the central shelf pathway cannot be explained solely by advection from Bering Strait or via modification within large polynyas. The local convection would be expected to stir nutrients into the water column from the sediments, which explains the high nitrate concentrations observed throughout the shelf. This provides a favorable initial condition for phytoplankton growth on the Chukchi shelf.
Gpr17 deficiency in POMC neurons ameliorates the metabolic derangements caused by long-term high-fat diet feeding
Authors: Reilly Austin M. , Zhou Shudi , Panigrahi Sunil K. , Yan Shijun , Conley Jason M. , Sheets Patrick L. , Wardlaw Sharon L. , Ren Hongxia
Published: October 2019

Background

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) control energy homeostasis by sensing hormonal and nutrient cues and activating secondary melanocortin sensing neurons. We identified the expression of a G protein-coupled receptor, Gpr17, in the ARH and hypothesized that it contributes to the regulatory function of POMC neurons on metabolism.

Methods

In order to test this hypothesis, we generated POMC neuron-specific Gpr17 knockout (PGKO) mice and determined their energy and glucose metabolic phenotypes on normal chow diet (NCD) and high-fat diet (HFD).

Results

Adult PGKO mice on NCD displayed comparable body composition and metabolic features measured by indirect calorimetry. By contrast, PGKO mice on HFD demonstrated a sexually dimorphic phenotype with female PGKO mice displaying better metabolic homeostasis. Notably, female PGKO mice gained significantly less body weight and adiposity (p < 0.01), which was associated with increased energy expenditure, locomotor activity, and respiratory quotient, while males did not have an overt change in energy homeostasis. Though PGKO mice of both sexes had comparable glucose and insulin tolerance, detailed analyses of liver gene expression and serum metabolites indicate that PGKO mice could have reduced gluconeogenesis and increased lipid utilization on HFD. To elucidate the central-based mechanism(s) underlying the better-preserved energy and glucose homeostasis in PGKO mice on HFD, we examined the electrophysiological properties of POMC neurons and found Gpr17 deficiency led to increased spontaneous action potentials. Moreover, PGKO mice, especially female knockouts, had increased POMC-derived alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin despite a comparable level of prohormone POMC in their hypothalamic extracts.

Conclusions

Gpr17 deficiency in POMC neurons protects metabolic homeostasis in a sex-dependent manner during dietary and aging challenges, suggesting that Gpr17 could be an effective anti-obesity target in specific populations with poor metabolic control.
Depletion of mitochondrial protease OMA1 alters proliferative properties and promotes metastatic growth of breast cancer cells
Authors: Daverey Amita , Levytskyy Roman M. , Stanke Kimberly M. , Viana Martonio Ponte , Swenson Samantha , Hayward Stephen L. , Narasimhan Madhusudhanan , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Kidambi Srivatsan
Published: October 2019

Metastatic competence of cancer cells is influenced by many factors including metabolic alterations and changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and protein homeostasis. While it is generally accepted that mitochondria play important roles in tumorigenesis, the respective molecular events that regulate aberrant cancer cell proliferation remain to be clarified. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the role of mitochondria in cancer progression has potential implications in the development of new therapeutic strategies. We show that low expression of mitochondrial quality control protease OMA1 correlates with poor overall survival in breast cancer patients. Silencing OMA1 in vitro in patient-derived metastatic breast cancer cells isolated from the metastatic pleural effusion and atypical ductal hyperplasia mammary tumor specimens (21MT-1 and 21PT) enhances the formation of filopodia, increases cell proliferation (Ki67 expression), and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, loss of OMA1 results in alterations in the mitochondrial protein homeostasis, as reflected by enhanced expression of canonic mitochondrial unfolded protein response genes. These changes significantly increase migratory properties in metastatic breast cancer cells, indicating that OMA1 plays a critical role in suppressing metastatic competence of breast tumors. Interestingly, these results were not observed in OMA1-depleted non-tumorigenic MCF10A mammary epithelial cells. This newly identified reduced activity/levels of OMA1 provides insights into the mechanisms leading to breast cancer development, promoting malignant progression of cancer cells and unfavorable clinical outcomes, which may represent possible prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
Predicting the affective tone of everyday dreams: A prospective study of state and trait variables
Authors: Samson-Daoust Eugénie , Julien Sarah-Hélène , Beaulieu-Prévost Dominic , Zadra Antonio
Published: October 2019

Although emotions are reported in a large majority of dreams, little is known about the factors that account for night-to-night and person-to-person variations in people’s experience of dream affect. We investigated the relationship between waking trait and state variables and dream affect by testing multilevel models intended to predict the affective valence of people’s everyday dreams. Participants from the general population completed measures of personality and trauma history followed by a three-week daily journal in which they noted dream recall, valence of dreamed emotions and level of perceived stress for the day as well as prior to sleep onset. Within-subject effects accounted for most of the explained variance in the reported valence of dream affect. Trait anxiety was the only variable that significantly predicted dream emotional valence at the between-subjects level. In addition to highlighting the need for more fine-grained measures in this area of research, our results point to methodological limitations and biases associated with retrospective estimates of general dream affect and bring into focus state variables that may best explain observed within-subject variance in emotions experienced in everyday dreams.