bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete blood count with differential: An effective diagnostic for IBS subtype in the context of BMI?
Authors: Robinson JM , Boulineaux CM , Butler KR , Joseph PV , Murray MT , Pocock SN , Sherwin LB , Turkington SC , Weaver KR , Henderson WA
Published: April 2019

The Complete Blood Count with Differential hematological assay is a mainstay diagnostic for point-of-care clinical diagnoses for a spectrum of diseases including infection, inflammation, anemia, and leukemia, and CBC-D profiles are under investigation as early prognostic biomarkers for leukemias and other diseases. Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in the United States, with obesity among the most common comorbidities. Often, IBS-like gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms persist after resolution of known inflammation and/or enteropathogenic infection, and current literature contains significant discussion of the extent to which IBS is within the biological spectrum of inflammatory disease. Obesity is also associated with generalized signatures of inflammation and may confound accurate diagnoses. We performed ANOVA, multiple means comparisons, statistical analyses of CBC data from our "Brain-Gut Natural History" (BGNH) clinical cohort, with additional ELISA assays for lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), IL-10, cortisol, and ACTH, signatures of immune-inflammatory response and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis activity, respectively. BGNH cohort includes healthy and overweight individuals diagnosed with IBS diarrhea-(IBS-D) and constipation-predominant (IBS-C) subtypes. We identified several potentially significant markers for IBS-D and IBS-C, notably IL-10, mean platelet volume (MPV), with LBP and monocyte percent also showing some statistical significance. Weight also showed significant results for overweight vs. normal weight, regardless of IBS subtype, particularly for Cortisol. CBC-D predictive profiles for IBS subtype and weight were identified using discriminant functions analysis and show that predictivity of marker profiles have poor performance relative to their normal weight subsets. Further refinement of this analysis will be performed utilizing increased sample size, additional molecular profiles, and enhanced statistical analysis.
Differential gene expression analysis reveals novel genes and pathways in pediatric septic shock patients
Authors: Mohammed Akram , Cui Yan , Mas Valeria R. , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan
Published: April 2019

Septic shock is a severe health condition caused by uncontrolled sepsis. Advancements in the high-throughput sequencing techniques have risen the number of potential genetic biomarkers under review. Multiple genetic markers and functional pathways play a part in the development and progression of pediatric septic shock. Fifty-four differentially expressed pediatric septic shock gene biomarkers were identified using gene expression data from 181 pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients within the first 24 hours of admission. The gene expression signatures discovered showed discriminatory power between pediatric septic shock survivors and nonsurvivors types. Using functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the known genes and pathways in septic shock were validated, and unexplored septic shock-related genes and functional groups were identified. Septic shock survivors were distinguished from septic shock non-survivors by differential expression of genes involved in the immune response, chemokine-mediated signaling, neutrophil chemotaxis, and chemokine activity. The identification of the septic shock gene biomarkers may facilitate in septic shock diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Ablation of SUN2-containing LINC complexes drives cardiac hypertrophy without interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Stewart Rachel M. , Rodriguez Elisa C. , King Megan C.
Published: April 2019

The cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton, including the sarcomeric contractile apparatus, forms a cohesive network with cellular adhesions at the plasma membrane and nuclear-cytoskeletal linkages (LINC complexes) at the nuclear envelope. Human cardiomyopathies are genetically linked to the LINC complex and A-type lamins, but an full understanding of disease etiology in these patients is lacking. Here we show SUN2-null mice display cardiac hypertrophy coincident with enhanced AKT/MAPK signaling, as has been described previously for mice lacking A-type lamins. Surprisingly, in contrast to lamin A/C-null mice, SUN2-null mice fail to show coincident fibrosis or upregulation of pathological hypertrophy markers. Thus, cardiac hypertrophy is uncoupled from pro-fibrotic signaling in this mouse model, which we tie to a requirement for the LINC complex in productive TGFβ signaling. In the absence of SUN2, we detect elevated levels of the integral inner nuclear membrane protein MAN1, an established negative regulator of TGFβ signaling, at the nuclear envelope. We suggest that A-type lamins and SUN2 play antagonistic roles in the modulation of pro-fibrotic signaling through opposite effects on MAN1 levels at the nuclear lamina, suggesting a new perspective on disease etiology.
A model for estimating traction force magnitude reveals differential regulation of actomyosin activity and matrix adhesion number in response to smooth muscle cell spreading
Authors: Ahmed Sultan , Mabeza Panashe , Warren Derek T
Published: April 2019

Decreased aortic compliance is associated with ageing and vascular disease, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. Ultimately, changes in aortic compliance are driven by altered ECM composition however, recent findings have identified a cellular component to decreased aortic compliance observed in ageing and hypertension. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) line the blood vessel wall and VSMC contraction regulates vascular tone and contributes to aortic compliance. Mechanical cues derived from the ECM influence VSMC function, yet whether ECM rigidity influences VSMC force generation remains unclear. In this study, we describe the relationship between VSMC spreading, traction force magnitude and matrix rigidity. Importantly, we show that spreading predicts integrated traction force (integrated-TF) magnitude independently of matrix rigidity. Using linear regression analysis, we have generated a model for calculating integrated-TF from VSMC area. This model closely predicts the integrated traction force measured by live VSMC traction force microscopy. Vinculin staining analysis revealed that spreading strongly correlated with adhesion number per VSMC, suggesting that increased VSMC integrated-TF was due to enhanced matrix anchor points. Further analysis revealed that calculated integrated-TF per adhesion was reduced by matrix rigidity, however, adhesion number/μm2increased, resulting in the average integrated-TF/μm2remaining unaltered. As a result, the integrated-TF/VSMC spreading relationship is independent of matrix rigidity. Therefore, our study has identified and validated a novel model to predict and understand the mechanisms influencing VSMC traction force magnitude.
Defective photosynthetic adaptation mechanism in winter restricts the introduction of overwintering plant to high latitudes
Authors: Li Yue-Nan , Li Yu-Ting , Ivanov Alexander G. , Jiang Wan-Li , Che Xing-Kai , Liang Ying , Zhang Zi-Shan , Zhao Shi-Jie , Gao Hui-Yuan
Published: April 2019

Because of the need for agriculture and landscaping, many overwintering evergreen and biennial species that maintain green leaves over winter were introduced to higher latitudes. The green leaves of introduced overwintering species have to withstand a harsher winter, especially lower temperature, than in their native region of origin. Although the responses and adaptability of photosynthetic apparatus to winter conditions in native overwintering species were widely studied, the experimental results on the introduced overwintering species are very limited. Here, the photosynthetic adaptability during winter was analyzed in two native overwintering species, pine (woody plants), winter wheat (herb), and two introduced overwintering species, bamboo (woody plants), lilyturf (herb). The native species exhibited higher capacity for photosynthetic CO2 fixation and lower susceptibility for photoinhibition than introduced species during winter. Photosynthesis related proteins, such as PsbA, PsaA, Rubisco and Lhcb1, were marginally affected in native species, but significantly degraded in introduced species during winter. More interestingly, the PSII photoinhibition was mainly caused by up-regulation of photoprotection mechanism, non-photochemical quenching, in native species, but by photodamage in introduced species. This study indicates that the growth and survival of introduced overwintering species is limited by their photosynthetic adaptability to the harsher winter conditions at high latitudes.
Modeling implicates inhibitory network bistability as an underpinning of seizure initiation
Authors: Rich Scott , Chameh Homeira Moradi , Rafiee Marjan , Ferguson Katie , Skinner Frances K. , Valiante Taufik A.
Published: April 2019

A plethora of recent experimental literature implicates the abrupt, synchronous activation of GABAergic interneurons in driving the sudden change in brain activity that heralds seizure initiation. However, the mechanisms predisposing an inhibitory network toward sudden coherence specifically during ictogenesis remain unknown. We address this question by comparing simulated inhibitory networks containing control interneurons and networks containing hyper-excitable interneurons modeled to mimic treatment with 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), an agent commonly used to model seizuresin vivoandin vitro. Ourin silicostudy demonstrates that model inhibitory networks with 4-AP interneurons are more prone than their control counterparts to exist in a bistable state in which asynchronously firing networks can abruptly transition into synchrony due to a brief perturbation. We further show that perturbations driving this transition could reasonably arisein vivobased on models of background excitatory synaptic activity in the cortex. Thus, these results propose a mechanism by which an inhibitory network can transition from incoherent to coherent dynamics in a fashion that may precipitate seizure as a downstream effect. Moreover, this mechanism specifically explains why inhibitory networks containing hyper-excitable interneurons are more vulnerable to this state change, and how such networks can undergo this transition without a permanent change in the drive to the system. This, in turn, potentially explains such networks’ increased vulnerability to seizure initiated by GABAergic activity.

Author summary

For decades, the study of epilepsy has focused on the hypothesis that over-excitation or dis-inhibition of pyramidal neurons underlies the transition from normal brain activity to seizure. However, a variety of recent experimental findings have implicated a sudden synchronous burst of activity amongst inhibitory interneurons in driving this transition. Given the counter-intuitive nature of these findings and the correspondingly novel hypothesis of seizure generation, the articulation of a feasible mechanism of action underlying this dynamic is of paramount importance for this theory’s viability. Here, we use computational techniques, particularly the concept of bistability in the context of dynamical systems, to propose a mechanism for the necessary first step in such a process: the sudden synchronization of a network of inhibitory interneurons. This is the first detailed proposal of a computational mechanism explaining any aspect of this hypothesis of which we are aware. By articulating a mechanism that not only underlies this transition, but does so in a fashion explaining why ictogenic networks might be more prone to this behavior, we provide critical support for this novel hypothesis of seizure generation and potential insight into the larger question of why individuals with epilepsy are particularly vulnerable to seizure.
A practical approach to the direct-derivation method for QPA: use of observed powder patterns of individual components without background subtraction in whole-powder-pattern fitting
Authors: Toraya Hideo
Published: April 2019

The direct-derivation (DD) method for quantitative phase analysis (QPA) can be used to derive weight fractions of individual phases in a mixture from the sums of observed intensities along with the chemical composition data [Toraya (2016). J. Appl. Cryst. 49, 1508–1516]. The whole-powder-pattern fitting (WPPF) technique can be used as one of the tools for deriving the observed intensities of individual phases. In WPPF, the observed powder pattern of a single-phase sample after background (BG) subtraction can be used as the fitting function in combination with the fitting functions widely used in Pawley and Rietveld refinements. The direct fitting of the observed pattern is a very useful technique when the target component is a low-crystallinity or amorphous material [Toraya (2018). J. Appl. Cryst. 51, 446–455]. Technical problems in utilizing the BG-subtracted pattern are the uncertainty associated with the determination of BG height and the parameter interaction between the BG function (BGF) and the BG-subtracted pattern in the least-squares fit. In this study, a practical approach in which single-phase observed patterns are used for the direct fitting without subtracting their BG intensities is proposed. In QPA, the contribution of BG intensities can be neutralized by converting the sum of BG-included intensities into the sum of BG-subtracted intensities by multiplying by a conversion factor. When the magnitudes of the conversion factors are almost identical for all components, they can be canceled out under the normalization condition in deriving weight fractions, and they are not required in QPA. The magnitude of the conversion factor for each component can be determined by one of two experimental techniques: using a single-phase powder of the target component or a mixture containing the target component in a known weight ratio. The theoretical basis of the present procedure is given, and the procedure is experimentally verified. In this procedure, the interaction between the BGF and the BG-included observed pattern is negligibly small. Least-squares fitting with a few adjustable parameters is very fast and stable. Accurate QPA could be conducted, as indicated by the average deviation of 0.05% from weighed values in QPA of α-Al2O3 + γ-Al2O3 mixtures with five different weight ratios and 0.4% in QPA of an α-SiO2 + SiO2 glass mixture
Crystal structure ofN,N′-[(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(azanediylcarbonothioyl)]bis(benzamide)
Authors: Samb Issa , Gaye Nango , Sylla-Gueye Rokhaya , Thiam Elhadj Ibrahima , Gaye Mohamed , Retailleau Pascal
Published: April 2019

The reaction of benzoyl chloride and ethylendiamine in the presence of potassium thiocyanate yielded a white solid, C18H18N4O2S2, which consists of two benzoylthioureido moieties connected by an ethylene chain. The asymmetric unit consists of one half of the molecule, the complete molecule being generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry. Both thiourea moieties are in atransconformation. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, C—H...S and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming layers parallel to theacplane.
Aquatris[1-(2,4-dioxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-ylidene)ethan-1-olato]ethanolgadolinium(III) ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Gasque Laura , Guzmán-Méndez Óscar , Bernès Sylvain
Published: April 2019

The title compound, [Gd(C11H7O4)3(C2H5OH)(H2O)]·C2H5OH, was crystallized from ethanol, affording a solvate. The main ligand in the complex results from deprotonation of the hydroxy group in 3-acetyl-4-hydroxycoumarin (C11H8O4) and the resulting anionic ligands chelate the GdIII centre. Three anions, one ethanol and one water molecule are bonded to the lanthanide, giving an eight-coordinate metal centre with a slightly distorted trigonal–prismatic square-face-bicapped coordination geometry. All water and ethanol molecules participate in an intricate three-dimensional framework of hydrogen bonds. The complex is isostructural to the Tb and Dy compounds reported previously [Guzmán-Méndez et al. (2018). Inorg. Chem.
57, 908–911].
Trait acclimation of the clonal fern Selliguea griffithiana to forest epiphytic and terrestrial habitats
Authors: Chen Quan , Sun Jing‐Qi , Song Liang , Liu Wen‐Yao , Yu Fei‐Hai , Li Su , Gong He‐De , Lu Hua‐Zheng
Published: April 2019

Although epiphytic habitats are more stressful and heterogeneous than terrestrial habitats, how facultative epiphytes acclimate to such contrasting environments has been poorly understood. Our study focused on the variation of functional traits between epiphytic and terrestrial individuals of Selliguea griffithiana, and provided considerable functional acclimation of this species to such contrasting environments. We sampled ramets of S. griffithiana from epiphytic and terrestrial habitats of a subtropical montane moist forest, SW China. Morphological and anatomical traits, photosynthesis, biomass and ramet density of S. griffithiana were measured and it was found that these traits differed significantly between the two habitats. Frond length, stipe length, spacer length (interramet distance), stomatal density, vein density, maximal chlorophyll fluorescence and relative chlorophyll content of fronds, and biomass per ramet were all lower in epiphytic habitat than those in terrestrial habitat, whereas frond thickness and ramet density were higher in the former. Photosynthetic light–response curves revealed a higher carbon assimilation capability of individuals in terrestrial habitat than in epiphytic habitat, whereas cumulative water loss curves showed a lower water loss rate in the latter. The findings demonstrate acclimation of S. griffithiana to both habitats, that is, epiphytic ramets can mitigate water scarcity at some cost of a reduced photosynthetic capacity, whereas terrestrial ramets can afford to improve the light capture to a higher photosynthetic capacity without any water stresses.
EAEA16 Keynote Address: The Future of Globalization
Authors: Baldwin Richard
Published: April 2019

The ‘old’ globalization was about things we make. The future globalization will be quite different: it will also be about things we do. This future is coming incredibly fast and in ways few people expect. Digital technology is making it possible for ‘tele‐migrants’ sitting in one country to do things in another country, and for AI to become incredibly effective in certain kinds of tasks. We need to prepare ourselves for the future of globalization by building up skills that allow us to avoid direct competition with tele‐migrants and by realizing that humanity is an edge.
Assessing Alignment Between Functional Markers and Ordinal Outcomes Based on Broad Sense Agreement
Authors: Jang Jeong Hoon , Peng Limin , Manatunga Amita K.
Published: April 2019

Functional markers and their quantitative features (eg, maximum value, time to maximum, area under the curve [AUC], etc) are increasingly being used in clinical studies to diagnose diseases. It is thus of interest to assess the diagnostic utility of functional markers by assessing alignment between their quantitative features and an ordinal gold standard test that reflects the severity of disease. The concept of broad sense agreement (BSA) has recently been introduced for studying the relationship between continuous and ordinal measurements, and provides a promising tool to address such a question. Our strategy is to adopt a general class of summary functionals (SFs), each of which flexibly captures a different quantitative feature of a functional marker, and study its alignment according to an ordinal outcome via BSA. We further illustrate the proposed framework using three special classes of SFs (AUC-type, magnitude-specific, and time-specific) that are widely used in clinical settings. The proposed BSA estimator is proven to be consistent and asymptotically normal given a consistent estimator for the SF. We further provide an inferential framework for comparing a pair of candidate SFs in terms of their importance on the ordinal outcome. Our simulation results demonstrate satisfactory finite-sample performance of the proposed framework. We demonstrate the application of our methods using a renal study.
Learning ecologies through a lens: Ontological, methodological and applicative issues. A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sangrá Albert , Raffaghelli Juliana Elisa , Guitert‐Catasús Montse
Published: April 2019

The concept of learning ecologies emerged in a context of educational change. While the “learning ecologies” construct has offered a broad semantic space for characterizing innovative ways of learning, it is also true that its potential to promote innovative educational interventions may have been hindered by this same broadness. Based on this assumption, in this paper the authors carried out a systematic review of the literature on learning ecologies with the aim of analysing: (1) the varying definitions given to the concept, including the ontological perspective underlying the phenomena studied; (2) the methodological approaches adopted in studying the phenomenon; and (3) the applications of the research on this topic. Throughout this analysis, the authors attempt to describe the criticalities of the existing research, as well as the potential areas of development that align well with the theoretical/ontological issues, methodological approaches and educational applications. The authors selected and analysed 85 articles, which they then classified in a set of 20 categories defined by them on a theoretical basis. Moreover, in order to triangulate the manual coding, a bibliometric map was created showing the co‐citation activity of the 85 papers. The emerging picture showed significant variability in the ontological definitions and methodological approaches. In spite of this richness, few educational applications currently exist, particularly with regard to technology‐enhanced learning developments. Most research is observational, devoted to describing hybrid (digital and on‐site) learning activities that bridge the gap between the school and social spaces. Furthermore, many of the studies relate to the field of secondary education, with fewer studies exploring adult learning and higher education. The studies dealing with professional development relate mostly to teachers’ continuing education. The authors conclude that the concept of learning ecologies could be used to address further experimental and design‐based research leading to research applications if there is proper alignment between the ontological, methodological and applicative dimensions. The main potential of this strategy lies in the possibility of supporting learners by raising their awareness of their own learning ecologies, thereby empowering them and encouraging them to engage in agentic practices. This empowerment could help maintain and build new and better learning opportunities, which every learning ecology can incorporate, amidst the chaotic abundance that characterizes the digital society.
Prognostic relevance of tertiary lymphoid organs following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kuwabara Shota , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Nakamura Toru , Hatanaka Yutaka , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Sasaki Katsunori , Ono Masato , Umemoto Kazufumi , Suzuki Tomohiro , Sato Osamu , Hane Yuma , Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Asano Toshimichi , Ebihara Yuma , Kurashima Yo , Noji Takehiro , Murakami Soichi , Okamura Keisuke , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Hirano Satoshi
Published: April 2019

The efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NAC) in cases of pancreatic cancer with extremely poor prognoses has been reported. In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers that reflect prognoses following chemoradiotherapy using tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO) expressed in the tumor microenvironment. Resected tumor specimens were obtained from 140 pancreatic cancer patients. We retrospectively investigated the clinical relevance of TLO by categorizing patients into those who underwent upfront surgery (surgery first [SF]) and those who received NAC. The immunological elements within TLO were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In the IHC analysis, the proportions of CD8+ T lymphocytes, PNAd+ high endothelial venules, CD163+ macrophages and Ki‐67+ cells within the TLO were higher in the NAC group than in the SF group. In contrast, the proportion of programmed cell death‐1+ immunosuppressive lymphocytes within TLO was lower in the NAC group than in the SF group. The NAC group demonstrated favorable prognoses compared with the SF group. In the multivariate analysis, the TLO/tumor ratio was determined as an independent predictive prognostic factor. In conclusion, the administration of preoperative chemoradiotherapy may influence the immunological elements in the tumor microenvironment and result in favorable prognoses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.
Mainstreaming human and large carnivore coexistence through institutional collaboration
Authors: Hartel Tibor , Scheele Ben C. , Vanak Abi Tamim , Rozylowicz Laurențiu , Linnell John D. C. , Ritchie Euan G.
Published: April 2019

Achieving coexistence between large carnivores and humans in human‐dominated landscapes (HDLs) is a key challenge for societies globally. This challenge cannot be adequately met with the current sectoral approaches to HDL governance and an academic community largely dominated by disciplinary sectors. Academia (universities and other research institutions and organizations) should take a more active role in embracing societal challenges around conservation of large carnivores in HDLs by facilitating cross‐sectoral cooperation to mainstream coexistence of humans and large carnivores. Drawing on lessons from populated regions of Europe, Asia, and South America with substantial densities of large carnivores, we suggest academia should better embrace the principles and methods of sustainability sciences and create institutional spaces for the implementation of transdisciplinary curricula and projects; reflect on research approaches (i.e., disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary) they apply and how their outcomes could aid leveraging institutional transformations for mainstreaming; and engage with various institutions and stakeholder groups to create novel institutional structures that can respond to multiple challenges of HDL management and human–large carnivore coexistence. Success in mainstreaming this coexistence in HDL will rest on the ability to think and act cooperatively. Such a conservation achievement, if realized, stands to have far‐reaching benefits for people and biodiversity.
Limited Investment Capital and Credit Spreads
Authors: SIRIWARDANE EMIL N.
Published: April 2019

Using proprietary credit default swap (CDS) data, I investigate how capital shocks at protection sellers impact pricing in the CDS market. Seller capital shocks—measured as CDS portfolio margin payments—account for 12% of the time‐series variation in weekly spread changes, a significant amount given that standard credit factors account for 18% during my sample. In addition, seller shocks possess information for spreads that is independent of institution‐wide measures of constraints. These findings imply a high degree of market segmentation, and suggest that frictions within specialized financial institutions prevent capital from flowing into the market at shorter horizons.
Management of Biotechnical Complications Associated with a Full‐Arch Implant Restoration Using Digital and Conventional Workflows: A Clinical Report
Authors: Joshi Niranjan , Piermatti Jack , Nahon Max , Balshi Thomas
Published: April 2019

Full‐arch implant‐supported restorations using a metal‐acrylic resin design have had a high success rate but are also associated with frequent technical complications including framework misfit due to casting errors, debonding of denture teeth, and fracture of the acrylic from the metal framework. This clinical report describes a case of maxillary and mandibular full‐arch implant‐supported rehabilitation associated with technical and biological complications and use of digital technology for fabricating monolithic restorations. The use of a bio‐functional try‐in and its subsequent use as a conversion prosthesis for fabricating a master cast is described. The use of the patient's existing metal bar to fabricate a retread type prosthesis is also described along with using digital technology for fabricating a new metal bar and a monolithic type of restoration. The integration of digital and conventional workflows to obtain an increased level of accuracy and simplicity is also discussed.
The Interplay of Group Identifications and Friendships: Evidence from Longitudinal Social Network Studies
Authors: Leszczensky Lars , Jugert Philipp , Pink Sebastian
Published: April 2019

This article reviews empirical evidence on the reciprocal relation of ethnic minority group members’ national, ethnic, and dual identification on the one hand and their friendships with both minority and majority group members on the other. Emphasis is given to studies that apply longitudinal social network analysis in order to draw inferences about how these group identifications shape social relations and/or how social relations in turn shape individuals’ group identifications. After outlining theoretical mechanisms and showing the advantages of a social network approach, the article summarizes findings on how ethnic, national, and dual identification affect individual preferences for having same ethnic or interethnic friends. Evidence on how friends in turn influence group identifications is also reviewed. The article closes by discussing practical implications of the existing evidence and by pointing to open questions and next steps for further research on the nexus of group identifications and friendship.
How a ‘Global Pact for the Environment’ could add value to international environmental law
Authors: Voigt Christina
Published: April 2019

The initiative for a ‘Global Pact for the Environment’ has over the course of the last year evolved into a global discourse. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the UN Secretary‐General, UN Environment Programme, UN member States and a vast variety of nongovernmental organizations and academics are considering the need for and possible content of a Pact. It appears that to gather necessary political support, a Pact needs to add value to already existing international environmental law. This article offers input into the debate as to whether and how a Global Pact could achieve this. It argues that a Global Pact needs not be limited to a legally binding treaty instrument that codifies environmental principles. Rather, it could be and do many things and should be guided by what is needed to increase the effectiveness of environmental protection. In a plurality of ways, a Pact could address challenges in the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), help overcome coordination deficits between MEAs and between MEAs and other international treaties, or bring together actors from the public and private sector. It could provide a common vision for global environmental action and/or a framework for bringing the different pieces, for instance sectoral and spatial agreements, together. Moreover, it could advance the development of international environmental law into areas that thus far have not been covered. The article gives a brief history of the initiative for the Global Pact, placing it against the nature and structure of international environmental law. It analyses the proposals made so far as to the possible scope, nature and content of such instrument, and provides suggestions for how it could contribute to the increased effectiveness, scope or scale of international environmental law.
Pilot evaluation of the circadian rhythm of tear production in a population of healthy adult cats
Authors: Faghihi Houman , Rajaei Seyed Mehdi , Ansari mood Manely , Williams David L.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine if a circadian rhythm exists in Schirmer's tear test (STT‐1) values in a group of healthy adult cats.

Animals studied

Twenty adult neutered Domestic Short‐haired cats (DSH) were used in the study.

Procedures

Tear production was measured with the Schirmer tear test (STT‐1) at 12 different time points over a 48‐hour period.

Results

A significant difference (approximately 4.3 mm/min) was noted between STT‐1 values measured between 4 pm (lowest) and 12 am (highest) on both day 1 (P = 0.02) and day 2 (P = 0.01), and substantial variation in STT‐1 values was observed at different times during the 48‐hour period.

Conclusions

Significant variation in mean STT‐1 values demonstrates that there is a circadian rhythm in tear production in cats and thus shows the importance of taking the time of day into account when measuring STT‐1 in cats.
Up with the Sun: Empirically and mathematically
Authors: Absher Mikayla L. , Piephoff Caroline C. , Sitar David J.
Published: April 2019

Throughout time people have been measuring the rising and setting positions of celestial objects with respect to the horizon. The motivation for this paper is to provide a link between mathematical and observational approximations for the Sun’s declination (angular distance from the celestial equator). One source had students do an experiment with an apparatus to measure the altitude of the Sun each day and graph data. Another paper provided an equation where students could solve for the declination on any given day. Here we show two approaches to computing the declination, the latter of which accounts for the elliptical nature of Earth’s orbit and reveals, perhaps counterintuitively for many students, that this inclusion has very little effect on the declination results. The sequence can be used as both a practical laboratory experience and mathematical exercise accessible to teachers. It can also be an elementary introduction to computer modeling.
Isolation of Phage Lysins That Effectively Kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Mouse Models of Lung and Skin Infection
Authors: Raz Assaf , Serrano Anna , Hernandez Anaise , Euler Chad W. , Fischetti Vincent A.
Published: April 2019

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is rapidly increasing in prevalence among isolates of the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, leaving few treatment options. Phage lysins are cell wall hydrolases that have a demonstrated therapeutic potential against Gram-positive pathogens; however, the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria prevents most lysins from reaching the peptidoglycan, making them less effective as therapeutics.
Mycobacterium abscessus Cells Have Altered Antibiotic Tolerance and Surface Glycolipids in Artificial Cystic Fibrosis Sputum Medium
Authors: Hunt-Serracin Augusto Cesar , Parks Brian J. , Boll Joseph , Boutte Cara C.
Published: April 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus
is a biofilm-forming, multidrug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pathogen increasingly found in cystic fibrosis patients. Antibiotic treatment for these infections is often unsuccessful, partly due to
M. abscessus
’s high intrinsic antibiotic resistance.
Restricted fluid bolus volume in early septic shock: results of the Fluids in Shock pilot trial
Authors: Inwald David Philip , Canter Ruth , Woolfall Kerry , Mouncey Paul , Zenasni Zohra , O’Hara Caitlin , Carter Anjali , Jones Nicola , Lyttle Mark D , Nadel Simon , Peters Mark J , Harrison David A , Rowan Kathryn M
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine the feasibility of Fluids in Shock, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of restricted fluid bolus volume (10 mL/kg) versus recommended practice (20 mL/kg).

Design

Nine-month pilot RCT with embedded mixed-method perspectives study.

Setting

13 hospitals in England.

Patients

Children presenting to emergency departments with suspected infection and shock after 20 mL/kg fluid.

Interventions

Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to further 10 or 20 mL/kg fluid boluses every 15 min for up to 4 hours if still in shock.

Main outcome measures

These were based on progression criteria, including recruitment and retention, protocol adherence, separation, potential trial outcome measures, and parent and staff perspectives.

Results

Seventy-five participants were randomised; two were withdrawn. 23 (59%) of 39 in the 10 mL/kg arm and 25 (74%) of 34 in the 20 mL/kg arm required a single trial bolus before the shock resolved. 79% of boluses were delivered per protocol in the 10 mL/kg arm and 55% in the 20 mL/kg arm. The volume of study bolus fluid after 4 hours was 44% lower in the 10 mL/kg group (mean 14.5 vs 27.5 mL/kg). The Paediatric Index of Mortality-2 score was 2.1 (IQR 1.6–2.7) in the 10 mL/kg group and 2.0 (IQR 1.6–2.5) in the 20 mL/kg group. There were no deaths. Length of hospital stay, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions and PICU-free days at 30 days did not differ significantly between the groups. In the perspectives study, the trial was generally supported, although some problems with protocol adherence were described.

Conclusions

Participants were not as unwell as expected. A larger trial is not feasible in its current design in the UK.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15244462.
Dynamic assessment of the tear film muco-aqueous and lipid layers using a novel tear film imager (TFI)
Authors: Segev Fani , Geffen Noa , Galor Anat , Cohen Yoel , Gefen Raanan , Belkin Avner , Arieli Yoel , Epshtein Shlomi , Oren Anat , Harris Alon
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The objective of the study was to assess a new technology, the tear film imager (TFI), which can dynamically image the muco-aqueous and lipid layers.

Methods

Prospective pilot case series of individuals with and without dry eye (DE). Two sequential images were obtained with the TFI. Measurements were assessed for reproducibility and compared with clinically derived DE metrics. Individuals were grouped into DE categories based on signs of DE.

Results

49 patients participated in the study with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD 15.9) and a female majority (69%). Reproducibility of the muco-aqueous layer thickness (MALT) was excellent (r=0.88). MALT measurements significantly correlated with the Schirmer score (r=0.31). Lipid break up time (LBUT) as measured by the TFI significantly correlated with the clinical measure of tear break up time (TBUT) (r=0.73). MALT and LBUT were significantly thinner and shorter, respectively, in the DE groups (mild–moderate and severe) compared with the control group. When comparing TFI parameters to clinically assessed signs, sensitivity of the device was 87% and specificity was 88%.

Conclusion

The TFI is the first machine capable of reproducibly measuring muco-aqueous thickness in human subjects which correlates with Schirmer score. In parallel, it assesses other important aspects of tear film function which correlate with clinician assessed DE metrics.
Combined subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone for the management of acute primary angle closure: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huang Wenbin , Li Xingyi , Gao Kai , Zhang Xiulan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To investigate whether the combined subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone can accelerate the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) in acute primary angle closure (APAC)-affected eyes.

Methods

42 patients with APAC were recruited for a randomised controlled trial. These patients were separated into two groups: the injection group (21 patients) and the control group (21 patients). The injection group was subjected to a subconjunctival injection with 2.5 mg dexamethasone. Other drug treatments were the same with the control group. The follow-up was at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours after injection. The outcome measures include IOP and intraocular inflammation variables.

Results

The IOP was significantly decreased in both groups after treatment. However, 24 hours after the initial treatment, the IOP of the injection group was significantly lower compared with the control group (p = 0.017). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the total success rate of the injection group and the control group were 79.7% and 54.9% at 24 hours after treatment (p = 0.027), respectively. For the comparison of anterior chamber inflammation, the severity of conjunctival erythema, ciliary flush and pain in the injection group was also lower than that in the control group at 24 hours after treatment(p = 0.012, p = 0.048 and p = 0.013, respectively). No statistical significance was found between the two groups regarding the anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare and photophobia.

Conclusion

The combined subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone for the management of APAC eyes can significantly accelerate the relief of high IOP, and therefore, improve the success rate of treatment.
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline treatment protects heart against excessive myocardial injury and heart failure in mice
Authors: Peng Hongmei , Xu Jiang , Yang Xiao-Ping , Kassem Kamal M. , Rhaleb Imane A. , Peterson Ed , Rhaleb Nour-Eddine
Published: April 2019

Myocardial infarction (MI) in mice results in cardiac rupture at 4–7 days after MI, whereas cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction occur later. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic properties. We hypothesized that Ac-SDKP reduces cardiac rupture and adverse cardiac remodeling, and improves function by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting detrimental reactive fibrosis and inflammation after MI. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to MI and treated with Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg per day) for 1 or 5 weeks. We analyzed (1) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression; (2) inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis; (3) gelatinolytic activity; (4) incidence of cardiac rupture; (5) p53, the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homology protein (CHOP), and cardiomyocyte apoptosis; (6) sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase (SERCA2) expression; (7) interstitial collagen fraction and capillary density; and (8) cardiac remodeling and function. Acutely, Ac-SDKP reduced cardiac rupture, decreased ICAM-1 expression and the number of infiltrating macrophages, decreased gelatinolytic activity, p53 expression, and myocyte apoptosis, but increased capillary density in the infarction border. Chronically, Ac-SDKP improved cardiac structures and function, reduced CHOP expression and interstitial collagen fraction, and preserved myocardium SERCA2 expression. Thus, Ac-SDKP decreased cardiac rupture, ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling, and improved cardiac function after MI, likely through preserved SERCA2 expression and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
The construction of the mKdV cyclic symmetric N-soliton solution by the Bäcklund transformation
Authors: Hayashi Masahito , Shigemoto Kazuyasu , Tsukioka Takuya
Published: April 2019

We study group theoretical structures of the mKdV equation. The Schwarzian-type mKdV equation has the global Möbius group symmetry. The Miura transformation makes a connection between the mKdV equation and the KdV equation. We find the special local Möbius transformation on the mKdV one-soliton solution which can be regarded as the commutative KdV Bäcklund transformation and can generate the mKdV cyclic symmetric N-soliton solution. In this algebraic construction to obtain multi-soliton solutions, we could observe the addition formula.
Comparing the PYTHIA Monte Carlo to a two-component (soft + hard) model of hadron production in high-energy p–p collisions
Authors: Trainor Thomas A.
Published: April 2019

The PYTHIA Monte Carlo (PMC), first introduced more than 30 years ago, remains a popular simulation tool both for analysis of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] collision dynamics and for detector design and calibration. The PMC assumes that almost all hadron production results from parton–parton scatterings described by pQCD and that multiple parton interactions (MPIs) per collision event are a common occurrence. In contrast, a two-component (soft + hard) model (TCM) of high-energy collisions, inferred inductively from a variety of data formats, attributes a majority of final-state hadrons to projectile-nucleon dissociation and a minority to minimum-bias (MB) dijet production (corresponding to measured jet spectra and fragmentation functions (FF)). The observed jet-related hadron yield is precisely proportional to the square of the nonjet yield over an interval corresponding to 100-fold increase in dijet production. The two data descriptions appear to be in conflict. This study presents a detailed comparison of the two models and their relations to a broad array of collision data. The PMC appears to disagree with some data, whereas the TCM provides an accurate and comprehensive data description.
Partial transmit sequence to improve OFDM using BFO & PSO algorithm
Authors: Ravi Kumar P. , Naganjaneyulu P. V. , Satya Prasad K.
Published: April 2019

The Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system can be decreased effectively through Partial Transmit Sequence (PTS) scheme. In optimum phase factors searches of the PTM scheme, there is a very high computational cost involved and this restricts its ability to be applied in practical applications, more so in the case of high speed data transmissions. A combination of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) with the PTS scheme in the OFDM system has been proposed in this work which is a PAPR reduction technique with lesser computational complexity. By performing a set of simulations with different PTS schemes, the performance of the PSO–PTS, BFO–PTS and GA–PTS scheme is comparatively investigated in terms of PAPR and computational cost reductions.
Preview control for continuous-time singular stochastic systems
Authors: Wu Jiang , Liao Fucheng , Xu Zhengguang , Tang Yuan Yan , Xu Yujie
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the problem of preview control for continuous-time singular stochastic systems is studied by the augmented error system approach. First, a static output feedback is introduced to make the closed-loop system impulse-free. And through the second restricted equivalent transformation, the continuous-time singular stochastic system is transformed into a normal stochastic system and some algebra equations. Then, an assistant system is designed to overcome the difficulty of trying to make derivation to a stochastic system like in deterministic system condition. And the stochastic system after the transformation is translated to the assistant system. In order to make the output of the singular system track the reference signal as accurately as possible without static error, an integrator is introduced. Based on the system after the translation and the error equation, an augmented error system is constructed with the state vector, the error vector and the reference signal. Finally, the tracking problem for the singular stochastic system is transformed into the optimal regulating problem for the augmented error system. By the dynamic programming method, the optimal preview controller for the original singular stochastic system is obtained. The existence and uniqueness solution of the Riccati equation is discussed and the numerical analysis shows the effectiveness for the preview controller designed in this paper.
Molecular pathways in cancer response to photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rapozzi Valentina , D’Este Francesca , Xodo Luigi E.
Published: April 2019

This minireview describes the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in the tumor response to photodynamic treatment (PDT). Different aspects of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) induced by PDT will be examined. In particular, we will discuss the effect of ROS and RNS on cell compartments and the main mechanisms of cell death induced by the treatment. Moreover, we will also examine host defense mechanisms as well as resistance to PDT.