bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emplacement of Young Island Arc Crust Over Older Mantle Along a Cratonic Foreland: Constraints From Multiple Isotopes and Elemental Geochemistry
Authors: Jiang Ding‐sheng , Xu Xi‐sheng , Li Xiao‐ling , Xia Yan
Published: April 2020

Many studies have revealed that mantle‐derived mafic rocks can be more isotopically enriched than coexisting crustal felsic rocks. However, its origin remains to be elucidated. Here, we report on some Early Cretaceous (ca. 130 Ma) mafic rocks in Gan‐Hang Belt (South China) that are more isotopically enriched than the temporally and spatially associated granitoids. Relatively depleted Nd‐Hf isotopic signatures [εNd(t) = −0.4 to +0.6, εHf(t) = 3.4 to 4.8, εHf(t)zircon = −2.3 to +9.3], coupled with low zircon δ18OSMOW values (5.33–6.84 ‰) and geographical proximity to the exposed island arc rocks, indicate that the isotopically depleted Daixi alkali feldspar granites were dominantly derived from the relatively young Neoproterozoic accreted Shuangxiwu island arc sequences. Yet new and published whole‐rock Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐Pb‐O isotopic data [87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70788–0.70833; εNd(t) = −7.6 to −3.5; εHf(t) = −6.8 to −1.9; (206Pb/204Pb)i = 18.028–18.108, (207Pb/204Pb)i = 15.565–15.577, (208Pb/204Pb)i = 38.198–38.341; δ18OSMOW = 4.5–5.5 ‰] highlight that the isotopically enriched Siling hornblende gabbros were predominantly sourced from an older, metasomatically enriched SCLM of adjacent Yangtze cratonic affinity. The arc crustal allochthon is assumed to have been tectonically emplaced onto the southeast Yangtze cratonic foreland, resulting in isotope inversion with younger crust on top of the older lithospheric mantle. Our results reveal a juxtaposition geometry of continental material after collision and accretion of island arcs by using isotope methods, which is independently supported by tectonic geological and geophysical studies. It suggests that ancient lithospheres should exist at depth within certain orogens associated with island arc accretion.
Future Circular Colliders succeeding the LHC
Authors: Benedikt Michael , Blondel Alain , Janot Patrick , Mangano Michelangelo , Zimmermann Frank
Published: April 2020

Particle physics has arrived at an important moment of its history. The discovery of the Higgs boson has completed the Standard Model, the core theory behind the known set of elementary particles and fundamental interactions. However, the Standard Model leaves important questions unanswered, such as the nature of dark matter, the origin of the matter–antimatter asymmetry in the Universe, and the existence and hierarchy of neutrino masses. To address these questions and the origin of the newly discovered Higgs boson, high-energy colliders are required. Future generations of such machines must be versatile, as broad and powerful as possible with a capacity of unprecedented precision, sensitivity and energy reach. Here, we argue that the Future Circular Colliders offer unique opportunities, and discuss their physics motivation, key measurements, accelerator strategy, research and development status, and technical challenges. The Future Circular Collider integrated programme foresees operation in two stages: initially an electron–positron collider serving as a Higgs and electroweak factory running at different centre-of-mass energies, followed by a proton–proton collider at a collision energy of 100 TeV. The interplay between measurements at the two collider stages underscores the synergy of their physics potentials.
Hereditary Trichilemmal Cysts are Caused by Two Hits to the Same Copy of the Phospholipase C Delta 1 Gene (PLCD1)
Authors: Kolodney Michael S. , Coman Garrett C. , Smolkin Matthew B. , Hagen Rachael , Katzman Jacob A. , Katzman Steven N , Holliday Alex C. , Kolodney Joanna A.
Published: April 2020

The autosomal dominant presentation of trichilemmal cysts is one of the most common single gene familial diseases in humans. However, the genetic basis for the inheritance and genesis of these lesions has remained unknown. We first studied patients with multiple trichilemmal cysts using exome and Sanger sequencing. Remarkably, 21 of 21 trichilemmal cysts from 16 subjects all harbored a somatic p.S745L (c.2234 G > A) mutation in phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCD1), a proposed tumor suppressor gene. In addition to this specific somatic mutation in their tumors, 16 of the 17 subjects with multiple trichilemmal cysts were also heterozygous for a p.S460L (c.1379 G > A) germline variant in PLCD1 which is normally present in only about 6% of this population. The one patient of 17 that did not show the p.S460L germline variant had a germline p.E455K (c.1363 C > T) mutation in the same exon of PLCD1. Among 15 additional subjects, with a history suggesting a single sporadic trichilemmal cyst, six were likely familial due to the presence of the p.S460L germline variant. Of the remaining truly sporadic trichilemmal cysts that could be sequenced, only half showed the p.S745L somatic mutation in contrast to 100% of the familial cysts. Surprisingly, in contrast to Knudsen’s two hit hypothesis, the p.S745L somatic mutation was always on the same chromosome as the p.S460L germline variant. Our results indicate that familial trichilemmal cysts is an autosomal dominant tumor syndrome resulting from two hits to the same allele of PLCD1 tumor suppressor gene. The c.1379 G > A base change and neighboring bases are consistent with a mutation caused by ultraviolet radiation. Our findings also indicate that approximately one-third of apparently sporadic trichilemmal cysts are actually familial with incomplete penetrance. Sequencing data suggests that the remaining, apparently sporadic, trichilemmal cysts are genetically distinct from familial cysts due to a lack of the germline mutations that underlie familial cysts and a decreased prevalence of the p.S745L somatic mutation relative to familial trichilemmal cysts.
Propagation of active nematic–isotropic interfaces on substrates
Authors: Coelho Rodrigo C. V. , Araújo Nuno A. M. , Telo da Gama Margarida M.
Published: April 2020

Motivated by results for the propagation of active–passive interfaces of bacterialSerratia marcescensswarms, we used a hydrodynamic multiphase model to investigate the propagation of interfaces of active nematics on substrates.
Detachment work of prolate spheroidal particles from fluid droplets: role of viscous dissipation
Authors: Lishchuk Sergey V. , Ettelaie Rammile
Published: April 2020

The minimum possible work done upon removal of an elongated solid particle from the surface of a liquid droplet can be less than that for a sphere.
Effects of organic ammonium cations on the isolation of {Ti4} cyclic clusters from water: an 17O NMR study
Authors: Liu Weiming , Liu Caiyun , Wu Wenli , Zhang Guanyun , Zhang Jian , Tung Chen-Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: April 2020

The organic ammonium cations change the solution speciation of Ti4+ in acidic water and promote the formation of {Ti18O27}. However, the crystalline precipitates are {Ti4} cluster compounds.
Zinc and copper complexes with azacrown ethers and their comparative stability in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Aleshin Gleb Yu. , Egorova Bayirta V. , Priselkova Anna B. , Zamurueva Lyubov S. , Khabirova Sofia Yu. , Zubenko Anastasia D. , Karnoukhova Valentina A. , Fedorova Olga A. , Kalmykov Stepan N.
Published: April 2020

Radiolabeled macrocyclic zinc complexes are more stable in serum than analogous copper compounds; an azacrown-derived cycle with five heteroatoms coordinates zinc, providing fast complexation and high in vivo stability.
Peptoid-based siderophore mimics as dinuclear Fe3+ chelators
Authors: D'Amato Assunta , Ghosh Pritam , Costabile Chiara , Della Sala Giorgio , Izzo Irene , Maayan Galia , De Riccardis Francesco
Published: April 2020

A practical synthesis of preorganized tripodal enterobactin/corynebactin-type ligands (consisting of a C3-symmetric macrocyclic peptoid core, three catecholamide coordinating units, and C2, C4, and C6 spacers) and their unique Fe3+ complexes is reported.
Trinuclear Mn2+/Zn2+ based microporous coordination polymers as efficient catalysts for ipso-hydroxylation of boronic acids
Authors: Bora Sanchay J. , Paul Rima , Dutta Anurag , Goswami Shyam , Guha Ankur K. , Thakur Ashim J.
Published: April 2020

Two efficient catalysts based on trinuclear Mn(ii)/Zn(ii) clusters were synthesized and used for ipso-hydroxylation of phenylboronic acids into the corresponding phenols with excellent yields.
Microwave-assisted hydrometallurgical extraction of Li4Ti5O12and LiFePO4from ilmenite: effect of PPy-Br2derived C-coating with N, Br, and Nb5+Co-doping on electrodes for high-rate energy storage performance
Authors: Bonnisa Magdaline T. , Vadivel Murugan A.
Published: April 2020

Microwave-assisted hydrometallurgical extraction of Li4Ti5O12and LiFePO4from Ilmenite and investigation of the effect of PPy-Br2derived C-coating with N, Br, and Nb5+co-doping on electrodes for high-rate energy storage performance.
Ordering of binary colloidal crystals by random potentials
Authors: Nunes André S. , Velu Sabareesh K. P. , Kasianiuk Iryna , Kasyanyuk Denis , Callegari Agnese , Volpe Giorgio , Telo da Gama Margarida M. , Volpe Giovanni , Araújo Nuno A. M.
Published: April 2020

A random potential can control the number of defects in a binary colloidal crystal.
VLBI observations of the H2O gigamaser in TXS 2226-184
Authors: Surcis G. , Tarchi A. , Castangia P.
Published: April 2020

Context.Outside the Milky Way the most luminous H2O masers at 22 GHz, called megamasers because of their extreme luminosity with respect to the Galactic and extragalactic H2O masers associated with star formation, are mainly detected in active galactic nuclei. In the case of the H2O maser detected in the nuclear region of the galaxy TXS 2226-184, the term gigamaser was used for the first time. However, the origin of this very luminous H2O maser emission has never been investigated in detail.

Aims.We study the nature of the 22 GHz H2O gigamaser in TXS 2226-184 by measuring its absolute position for the first time at milliarcsecond resolution, by comparing the morphology and characteristics of the maser emission on very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) scales after about 20 years, and by trying to detect its polarized emission.

Methods.We observed the 22 GHz H2O maser emission toward TXS 2226-184 three times: the very first time with the NRAO Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA, epoch 2017.45) and the next two times with the European VLBI Network (EVN, epochs 2017.83 and 2018.44). The first two epochs (2017.45 and 2017.83) were observed in phase-reference mode, while the last epoch (2018.44) was observed in full-polarization mode, but not in phase-reference mode to increase the on-source integration time. We also retrieved and analyzed the VLBA archival data at 22 GHz of TXS 2226-184 observed in epoch 1998.40.

Results.We detected six H2O maser features in epoch 2017.45 (VLBA), one in epoch 2017.83 (EVN), and two in epoch 2018.44 (EVN). All but one are red-shifted with respect to the systemic velocity of TXS 2226-184; we detected only one blue-shifted maser feature and it is the weakest one. All the H2O maser features but the blue-shifted one are composed of two components with very different linewidths. For the first time we were able to measure the absolute position of the H2O maser features with errors below 1 milliarcsec. No linear and circular polarization was detected.

Conclusions.We were able to associate the H2O maser features in TXS 2226-184 with the most luminous radio continuum clump reported in the literature. The comparison between epochs 1998.40 and 2017.45 reveals a difference in the morphology and velocity of the maser features that can be justified accounting for maser variability.
Psychometrische Eigenschaften und Faktorstruktur der deutschen
Version der Beck-Suizidgedanken-Skala (BSS): Validierung an einer Stichprobe
psychiatrischer Patienten
Authors: Spangenberg Lena , Teismann Tobias , Forkmann Thomas , Rath Dajana , Schönfelder Antje , Paashaus Laura , Juckel Georg , Stengler Katarina , Glaesmer Heide
Published: April 2020

Ziel der Studie Dimensionalität, Reliabilität und
konvergente Validität der deutschsprachigen Beck Scale for Suicidal
Ideation (BSS) sollen erstmalig in einer klinischen Stichprobe untersucht
warden.

Methodik 308 stationäre Patienten nach Suizidversuch/mit
akuter Suizidalität wurden rekrutiert (53,6% weiblich); 224
füllten die vollständige BSS sowie weitere Fragebögen
für Depression (DESC), Hoffnungslosigkeit (BHS), interpersonale
Variablen (INQ) und Defeat (DS-d)/Entrapment (ES-d) aus. Neben
konfirmatorischen Faktoranalysen (CFA, Prüfung von Modellen mit 1, 2, 3
und 5 Faktoren) zur Dimensionalitätsprüfung wurden
Pearson-Korrelationen zur Bestimmung der konvergenten Validität
berechnet.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt erzielt das 5-Faktoren-Modell den besten Fit; ohne
Berücksichtigung des RMSEA-Wertes ist der Modell-Fit zwischen den
verschiedenen Modellen allerdings vergleichbar. Im Rahmen der mehrfaktoriellen
Modelle entstehen inhaltlich vergleichbare Subskalen. Akzeptable interne
Konsistenzen zeigen sich nur für die Subskalen, die passive
Todeswünsche (α>0,80), aktive Suizidgedanken
(α>0,73) und suizidhandlungsbezogene Items
(α>0,70) erfassen. Der BSS-Summenscore sowie die Subskalen, die
passive bzw. aktive Suizidgedanken abbilden, korrelieren moderat mit DESC, BHS,
INQ und DS-d/ ES-d (r zwischen 0,25 und 0,66), während die
handlungsbezogene Subskala keine (INQ, Thwarted Belongingness) bzw. geringe
Assoziationen zeigt (r zwischen 0,14 und 0,27).

Schlussfolgerung Die CFAs liefern keinen eindeutigen Hinweis für
eine ein- oder mehrdimensionale Struktur der BSS. So ist die Auswertung
über den BSS-Summenwert trotz Hinweisen auf dessen Reliabilität
und konvergente Validität aus empirischer Sicht kritisch zu
bewerten.
Quais fatores podem influenciar perdas sanguíneas extensas no tratamento cirúrgico da escoliose neuromuscular?
Authors: Maio Marta , Carvalho Alfredo , Pinho André , Serdoura Francisco , Veludo Vitorino
Published: April 2020

Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo é identificar a incidência, os fatores predisponentes e o impacto prognóstico da perda de sangue em pacientes com escoliose neuromuscular submetidos a cirurgia corretiva.

Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectiva, incluindo pacientes pediátricos com diagnóstico de escoliose neuromuscular submetidos a instrumentação e fusão vertebral posterior em um hospital universitário. As características dos pacientes foram coletadas no sistema de informações do hospital.

Resultados Um total de 39 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. As perdas sanguíneas intraoperatórias foram de 962 mL, representando uma perda de 35,63% do volume sanguíneo; a perda de sangue foi extensa em 20 casos (> 30%) e apenas 7 pacientes não necessitaram de transfusão. O grupo de pacientes com perda maciça de sangue apresentou idade um pouco maior (13,75 versus 13,53 anos) e menor percentil do índice de massa corporal (IMC) (25 versus 50); para cada diminuição de 0,38 no IMC, as perdas sanguíneas intraoperatórias aumentaram 1% (p < 0,05). A concentração pré-operatória de albumina influenciou o percentual de perda de sangue e, para cada diminuição de 0,4 de albumina, a perda de sangue aumentou 1% (p < 0,05).

Conclusões Os fatores que mais contribuíram para as diferenças na perda sanguínea foram idade, IMC e concentração pré-operatória de albumina. Não houve associação significativa entre ângulo de Cobb, número de níveis de fusão e duração da cirurgia. Podemos concluir que esses pacientes se beneficiariam do controle nutricional pré-operatório.
Consecutive Three-Component Synthesis of Donor-Substituted Merocyanines by a One-Pot Suzuki–Knoevenagel Condensation Sequence
Authors: Meyer Tim , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: April 2020

The consecutive three-component Suzuki-Knoevenagel condensation (SuKnoCon) synthesis is an efficient, modular one-pot synthetic approach to donor-substituted merocyanines with carboxylic acid functionality. A library of 19 dyes is readily accessible and their electronic properties can be assessed by cyclic voltammetry and absorption and emission spectroscopy. In addition, for illustration of the utility of this concise one-pot concept, several dyes from this library were identified to be well suited as DSSC dyes with relative efficiencies reaching up to 93% of Grätzel's dye N3.
Junctional Zone in Infertile Women: A Three-dimensional Ultrasound Study
Authors: Silva Vanessa , Ramos Flávia Fundora , Brás Ana Filipa Matos , Santos Ricardo Filipe Sousa , Xavier Maria Sofia Dantas Pinto Lobo , Miguelote Rui Filipe Oliveira
Published: April 2020

Objective To analyze the interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of the visualization and continuity of the juncional zone (JZ) by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in infertile women, and to evaluate the sociodemographic, hormonal, and structural factors that influence these assessments.

Methods A prospective study conducted at the Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit of Hospital Senhora da Oliveira, in the city of Guimarães, Portugal. Transvaginal 3D ultrasonography was performed, and 2 volumes were generated per case. Two observers who were blinded to each other's work analyzed these volumes, choosing the best coronal section. Four months later, one of the observers performed the same methodology. The JZ visualization was classified as optimal, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory, and the JZ continuity, as continuous and discontinuous. The interobserver and intraobserver agreements were analyzed. The influence of hormonal, structural, and sociodemographic factors on the JZ was evaluated.

Results In total, 65 women were included in the present study. The interobserver reproducibility was substantial for JZ visualization and continuity (k = 0.635 and 0.753 respectively), and the intraobserver reproducibility was very good for JZ visualization and continuity (k = 0.884 and 0.816 respectively). Trilaminar endometrial pattern was associated with optimal JZ visualization (p = 0.012). The increase of 1 unit in the level of serum estradiol represents a 9.9% decrease in the odds of unsatisfactory visualization of the JZ (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.814–0.996; p = 0.042). Endometriosis increases the odds of unsatisfactory visualization by 24 times (OR = 23.7; 95%CI = 1.262–437.057; p = 0.034). The prevalence of discontinuous JZs was of 60%. Myomas and endometriosis were associated with discontinuous JZs (p = 0.034 and 0.016 respectively).

Conclusion The assessment of JZ visualization and continuity by 3D ultrasound is reproducible enough to be used in the clinical practice.
Estudo biomecânico comparativo do desgaste do polietileno reticulado com cabeças femorais cerâmicas de 36 mm e com cabeças metálicas de 32 mm
Authors: Falotico Guilherme Guadagnini , Takata Pedro , Jacob Leonardo Salani , Roesler Carlos Rodrigo de Mello , Romero Valéria , Takata Edmilson Takehiro
Published: April 2020

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar, in vitro, a taxa de desgaste do polietileno de alto peso molecular reticulado acoplado a cabeças cerâmicas de 36 mm de diâmetro e acoplado a cabeças metálicas de 32 mm de diâmetro.

Métodos: Foram realizados ensaios biomecânicos em simulador de desgaste para os pares tribológicos cerâmica-poli (36 mm) e metal-poli (32 mm) a fim de verificar a taxa de desgaste após em 15 × 106 ciclos.

Resultados: Na comparação entre as medidas de taxa de desgaste dos conjuntos com cabeças metálicas (média:14,12 mg/MC) e cerâmicas (média:7,46 mg/MC) houve diferença estatitsticamente significativa (p = 0,0005).

Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstrou menor taxa de desgaste em conjuntos protéticos que utilizaram o par tribológico cerâmica-polietileno reticulado de 36 mm em comparação aos conjuntos com metal-polietileno reticulado de 32 mm. Tal achado demonstra a eficácia do par tribológico cerâmica-poli, mesmo com a utilização de cabeças de grande diâmetro.
High-Flow Vascular Malformations in Children
Authors: Morshed Ramin A. , Winkler Ethan A. , Kim Helen , Braunstein Steve , Cooke Daniel L. , Hetts Steven W. , Abla Adib A. , Fullerton Heather J. , Gupta Nalin
Published: April 2020

Children can have a variety of intracranial vascular anomalies ranging from small and incidental with no clinical consequences to complex lesions that can cause substantial neurologic deficits, heart failure, or profoundly affect development. In contrast to high-flow lesions with direct arterial-to-venous shunts, low-flow lesions such as cavernous malformations are associated with a lower likelihood of substantial hemorrhage, and a more benign course. Management of vascular anomalies in children has to incorporate an understanding of how treatment strategies may affect the normal development of the central nervous system. In this review, we discuss the etiologies, epidemiology, natural history, and genetic risk factors of three high-flow vascular malformations seen in children: brain arteriovenous malformations, intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas, and vein of Galen malformations.
What drove giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca expansion in the Qinling Mountains? An analysis comparing the influence of climate, bamboo, and various landscape variables in the past decade
Authors: Huang Qiongyu , Lothspeich Audrey , Hernández-Yáñez Haydée , Mertes Katherine , Liu Xuehua , Songer Melissa
Published: April 2020

The role of climate and aclimatic factors on species distribution has been debated widely among ecologists and conservationists. It is often difficult to attribute empirically observed changes in species distribution to climatic or aclimatic factors. Giant pandas (A. melanoleuca) provide a rare opportunity to study the impact of climatic and aclimatic factors, particularly the food sources on predicting the distribution changes in the recent decade, as well-documented information on both giant panda and bamboos exist. Here, we ask how the climate metrics compare to the bamboo suitability metric in predicting the giant panda occurrences outside the central areas in the Qinling Mountains during the past decade. We also seek to understand the relative importance of different landscape-level variables in predicting giant panda emigration outside areas of high giant panda densities. We utilize data from the 3rd and 4th National Giant Panda Surveys (NGPSs) for our analysis. We evaluate the performance of the species distribution models trained by climate, bamboo suitability, and the combination of the two. We then at 4 spatial scales identify the optimal models for predicting giant panda emigration between the 3rd and the 4th NGPSs using a list of landscape-level environmental variables. Our results show that the models utilizing the bamboo suitability alone consistently outperform the bioclimatic and the combined models; the distance to high giant panda density core area and bamboo suitability show high importance in predicting expansion probability across all four scales. Our results also suggest that the extrapolated bamboo distribution using bamboo occurrence data can provide a practical and more reliable alternative to predict potential expansion and emigration of giant panda along the range edge. It suggests that restoring bamboo forests within the vicinity of high giant panda density areas is likely a more reliable strategy for supporting shifting giant panda populations.
Game of Thrones, Tourism, and the Ethics of Adaptation
Authors: Peaslee Robert Moses , Vasquez Rosalynn
Published: April 2020

This article examines ‘adaptation-induced tourism’, a form of media-induced tourism understood to be distinct from ‘screen tourism’ or ‘literary tourism’ and marked by tourist activity related to an adaptation from one media format to another. Such adaptation-induced tourism activates an existing fan base and as a result provides considerably more upside in terms of the potential long-tail impact of tourism, but also faces particularly acute challenges in terms of fidelity and potential negative fan reactions. Moreover, this article suggests an ethical dimension to adaptation. Examining Game of Thrones tourism in and around Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK), this research shows that the choice to adapt popular works through extensive location shooting invites significant increases in visitation, thereby bringing sustainability issues to the fore and forcing communities to ‘adapt’ to new realities. The changes that occur on the local level, while often positive in the short-term, may have deleterious impacts upon the physical and cultural ecosystem, particularly in the context of climate change and a larger trend in tourism towards ‘adapting’ to new geoatmospheric and political realities. The article suggests that stakeholders involved in location scouting, providing incentives to film and television producers, and the marketing of place might remain mindful of and proactive concerning unintended consequences to seemingly obvious production and development decisions, particularly where adaptations are concerned. Finally, the article suggests that adaptation-induced tourism spaces and their reproduction by visitors are further examples of adaptation that have the potential to induce further visitation, creating a productive circle with ambivalent outcomes.
Local NO2 concentrations and asthma among over-50s in Ireland: A microdata analysis
Authors: Carthy Philip , Ó Domhnaill Aonghus , O’Mahony Margaret , Nolan Anne , Moriarty Frank , Broderick Brian , Hennessy Martina , Donnelly Aoife , Naughton Owen , Lyons Sean
Published: April 2020

Background

Links between air pollution and asthma are less well established for older adults than some younger groups. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations are widely used as an indicator of transport-related air pollution, and some literature suggests NO2 may directly affect asthma.

Methods

This study used data on 8162 adults >50 years old in the Republic of Ireland to model associations between estimated annual outdoor concentration of NO2 and the probability of having asthma. Individual-level geo-coded survey data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) were linked to model-based estimates of annual average NO2 at 50 m resolution. Asthma was identified using two methods: self-reported diagnoses and respondents’ use of medications related to obstructive airway diseases. Logistic regressions were used to model the relationships.

Results

NO2 concentrations were positively associated with the probability of asthma [marginal effect (ME) per 1 ppb of airborne NO2 = 0.24 percentage points asthma self-report, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.42, mean asthma prevalence 0.09; for use of relevant medications ME = 0.21 percentage points, 95% CI 0.049–0.37, mean prevalence 0.069]. Results were robust to varying model specification and time period. Respondents in the top fifth percentile of NO2 exposure had a larger effect size but also greater standard error (ME = 2.4 percentage points asthma self-report, 95% CI −0. 49 to 5.3).

Conclusions

Associations between local air pollution and asthma among older adults were found at relatively low concentrations. To illustrate this, the marginal effect of an increase in annual average NO2 concentration from sample minimum to median (2.5 ppb) represented about 7–8% of the sample average prevalence of asthma.
Influences of starter NDF level on growth performance and rumen development in lambs fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets
Authors: Xie Biao , Huang WenQin , Zhang ChunXiang , Diao QiYu , Cui Kai , Chai JianMin , Wang ShiQin , Lv XiaoKang , Zhang NaiFeng
Published: April 2020

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as the main component of structural carbohydrate in forage, is a vital factor impacting the performance of young ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of starter NDF level on the rumen fermentation and morphometrics of lambs fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. One hundred Hu sheep lambs (18 days of age and 6.1 ± 0.1 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly assigned to one of the four starter diets differing in their NDF levels on a dry matter (DM) basis: 1) diet with 14% NDF (NDF14), 2) diet with 18% NDF (NDF18), 3) diet with 22% NDF (NDF22), and 4) diet with 26% NDF (NDF26). Lambs were fed milk replacer with designed starters from 21 to 60 d of age and then transitioned to the same starter feed until 90 d of age. Six lambs from each treatment (close to the average BW of the corresponding treatment) were selected and slaughtered at 90 d of age for measuring rumen fermentation, anatomical development, and morphometric characteristics. Lambs receiving NDF22 and NDF26 starter diets had greater (P < 0.05) intake of starter and total DM, and average daily gain during the overall period, thereby heavier (P < 0.05) final weights at 90 d of age compared with those fed NDF14 starter diet. At 90 d of age, lambs fed NDF22 and NDF26 starters had higher rumen pH, followed by lower propionate, higher acetate concentrations (P < 0.05), and a higher acetate-to-propionate ratio compared with those fed NDF14 and NDF18 starters (P < 0.05). No significant differences of the full and empty weight of reticulorumen were observed among treatments; however, the reticulorumen weight expressed as a percentage of the complex stomach weight was lower (P < 0.05) in lambs fed NDF22 and NDF26 starters compared with those fed NDF14 starter. Furthermore, NDF14 lambs had the thickest keratin layer and epithelium compared with those in the other treatments but showed the thinnest muscle layer (P < 0.05). These results suggest that increasing starter NDF levels can ameliorate the rumen fermentation environment and alleviate hyperkeratosis and plaque formation in the rumen epithelium. In summary, including 22% and 26% NDF in the pelleted starter can improve the performance of lambs.
Generation of an enteric smooth muscle cell line from the pig ileum
Authors: Ji Xu , Lyu Pengcheng , Hu Rui , Yao Wen , Jiang Honglin
Published: April 2020

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play an important role in physiology and production in farm animals such as pigs. Here, we report the generation of a pig SMC line. Our original objective was to establish an enteroendocrine cell line from the pig ileum epithelium through lentiviral transduction of the Simian Virus (SV) 40 large T antigen. However, an initial expression analysis of marker genes in nine cell clones revealed that none of them were enteroendocrine cells or absorptive enterocytes, goblet cells, or Paneth cells, some of the major cell types existing in the ileum epithelium. A more detailed characterization of one clone named PIC7 by RNA-seq showed that these cells expressed many of the known smooth muscle-specific or -enriched genes, including smooth muscle actin alpha 2, calponin 1, calponin 3, myosin heavy chain 11, myosin light chain kinase, smoothelin, tenascin C, transgelin, tropomyosin 1, and tropomyosin 2. Both quantitative PCR and RNA-seq analyses showed that the PIC7 cells had a high expression of mRNA for smooth muscle actin gamma 2, also known as enteric smooth muscle actin. A Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of SV40 T antigen in the PIC7 cells. An immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the expression of smooth muscle actin alpha 2 filaments in the PIC7 cells. A collagen gel contraction assay showed that the PIC7 cells were capable of both spontaneous contraction and contraction in response to serotonin stimulation. We conclude that the PIC7 cells are derived from an enteric SMC from the pig ileum. These cells may be a useful model for studying the cellular and molecular physiology of pig enteric SMCs. Because pigs are similar to humans in anatomy and physiology, the PIC7 cells may be also used as a model for human intestinal SMCs.
Measuring the baryon acoustic oscillation peak position with different galaxy selections
Authors: Hernández-Aguayo César , Cautun Marius , Smith Alex , Baugh Carlton M , Li Baojiu
Published: April 2020

We investigate if, for a fixed number density of targets and redshift, there is an optimal way to select a galaxy sample in order to measure the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) scale, which is used as a standard ruler to constrain the cosmic expansion. Using the mock galaxy catalogue built by Smith et al. in the Millennium-XXL N-body simulation with a technique to assign galaxies to dark matter haloes based on halo occupation distribution modelling, we consider the clustering of galaxies selected by luminosity, colour and local density. We assess how well the BAO scale can be extracted by fitting a template to the power spectrum measured for each sample. We find that the BAO peak position is recovered equally well for samples defined by luminosity or colour, while there is a bias in the BAO scale recovered for samples defined by density. The BAO position is contracted to smaller scales for the densest galaxy quartile and expanded to large scales for the two least dense galaxy quartiles. For fixed galaxy number density, density-selected samples have higher uncertainties in the recovered BAO scale than luminosity- or colour-selected samples.
Combination Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alam Muhammad U. , Jazayeri Seyed B. , Gautam Shiva , Norez Daniel , Kumar Jatinder , Tanneru Karthik , Nguyen Sabine , Costa Joseph , Bandyk Mark , Ganapathi Hariharan P. , Koochekpour Shahriar , Balaji K.C.
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Randomized clinical trials have shown combination therapy to be superior in progression-free survival (PFS) rates when compared with sunitinib alone. However, there have been no direct comparisons among the combination strategies making it unclear as to which may be the preferred option. We performed a network meta-analysis of the combination therapy (immune checkpoint inhibitor plus axitinib or bevacizumab) used in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and provided a rank order preference based on PFS, and adverse events (AEs).

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search on the treatment of mRCC using combination therapy till July 2019 was done. Studies reporting on combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitor plus axitinib or bevacizumab for mRCC were selected. Frequentist method was used for rank order generation.

Results:

A total of 3 studies consisting of 2672 patients were selected. All combination therapies demonstrated improved PFS when compared with sunitinib alone. The rank order for PFS showed combination of pembrolizumab plus axitinib had the highest probability of favorability followed by avelumab plus axitinib and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (surface under the cumulative ranking 0.9, 0.7, and 0.4, respectively). For AEs, pembrolizumab plus axitinib had the least AEs ≥grade 3, followed by avelumab plus axitinib and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (surface under the cumulative ranking 0, 0.5, 1.0).

Conclusions:

This network meta-analysis demonstrates that combination of pembrolizumab plus axitinib may be the preferred option based on efficacy and side effect profile compared with avelumab plus axitinib or atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. However, all the 3 combination strategies were superior to sunitinib alone in improving PFS in patients with mRCC.
Maternal Fetal Surgery: Intervention and Management
Authors: TEEFEY CHRISTINA PAIDAS , SONI SHELLY , KHALEK NAHLA
Published: April 2020

Congenital malformations occur in about 3% of all live births and are a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. An evolving understanding of the developing human fetus, advances in imaging, availability of cutting-edge instrumentation, and enhanced understanding of fetal pathophysiology, have allowed for prenatal surgical interventions to improve fetal diseases and neonatal outcomes. Fetal surgical therapy is no longer restricted to life-threatening prenatal diagnoses and can be categorized into either open surgical techniques or minimally invasive endoscopic/ultrasound-guided techniques. Patient selection requires a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation and shared decision-making process.
Bronchoscopic Treatment of Airway Obstructions With a Novel Electrosurgical Device
Authors: Benn Bryan S. , Lum Mendy , Krishna Ganesh
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Airway obstructions (AOs) in the central airway or lobar bronchi develop due to malignant or benign disease. Because of the morbidity and mortality associated with AO, it is important to develop additional therapeutic ablative techniques. CoreCath2.7S is a novel monopolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device approved to treat obstructions of the upper airway and tracheobronchial tree by both cutting soft tissue and providing electrosurgical hemostasis. We present a large case series describing its use.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with AO undergoing airway recanalization with CoreCath2.7S at 2 interventional pulmonology practices from October 2017 to May 2019. Demographic information, AO etiology, location, and degree, and therapeutic modalities used were recorded.

Results:

Fifty-three patients underwent 64 procedures for AO due to malignant (n=30, 57%) or benign (n=23, 43%) disease. AOs were treated in the trachea (n=28), mainstem bronchi (n=23), and lobar bronchi (n=17). All AO occluded the airway at least 50%. Adjunctive therapeutic modalities were commonly used (n=60, 94%), including flexible cryoprobe (n=33), balloon dilation (n=23), rigid bronchoscopy (n=19), spray cryotherapy (n=19), argon plasma coagulation (n=14), and stenting (n=5). Restoration of airway patency was achieved in all cases without any periprocedural or immediate postprocedural complications.

Conclusion:

CoreCath2.7S was successfully used to treat patients with AO due to malignant or benign disease. Airway patency was restored with no periprocedural or immediate postprocedural complications. It should be considered as another therapeutic modality in the growing field of ablative techniques for the treatment of AO.
Case Control Study on Radioactive Stents Versus Conventional Stents for Inoperable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Li-Feng , Lv Lu-Lu , Xu Yuan-Shun , Cao Chi , Fu Yu-Fei
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative clinical efficacy of radioactive and normal stent insertion for the treatment of inoperable obstructive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OESCC).

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2014 and December 2018, consecutive OESCC patients were treated via either radioactive or normal stent insertion.

Results:

A total of 42 and 39 OESCC patients were treated via radioactive and normal stent insertion, respectively. These procedures were both technically and clinically successful in all patients. Massive hemorrhage was observed in 7 (16.7%) and 1 (2.6%) patients in radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.080). Median stent patency durations were 175 and 136 days in radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.004). Median overall survival were 187 and 145 days in the radioactive and normal stent groups, respectively (P=0.011).

Conclusion:

Relative to normal stent, radioactive stents showed a higher patency and overall survival in OESCC patients.
Redundant and specific roles of cohesin STAG subunits in chromatin looping and transcriptional control
Authors: Casa Valentina , Moronta Gines Macarena , Gade Gusmao Eduardo , Slotman Johan A. , Zirkel Anne , Josipovic Natasa , Oole Edwin , van IJcken Wilfred F.J. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , Papantonis Argyris , Wendt Kerstin S.
Published: April 2020

Cohesin is a ring-shaped multiprotein complex that is crucial for 3D genome organization and transcriptional regulation during differentiation and development. It also confers sister chromatid cohesion and facilitates DNA damage repair. Besides its core subunits SMC3, SMC1A, and RAD21, cohesin in somatic cells contains one of two orthologous STAG subunits, STAG1 or STAG2. How these variable subunits affect the function of the cohesin complex is still unclear. STAG1- and STAG2-cohesin were initially proposed to organize cohesion at telomeres and centromeres, respectively. Here, we uncover redundant and specific roles of STAG1 and STAG2 in gene regulation and chromatin looping using HCT116 cells with an auxin-inducible degron (AID) tag fused to either STAG1 or STAG2. Following rapid depletion of either subunit, we perform high-resolution Hi-C, gene expression, and sequential ChIP studies to show that STAG1 and STAG2 do not co-occupy individual binding sites and have distinct ways by which they affect looping and gene expression. These findings are further supported by single-molecule localizations via direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) super-resolution imaging. Since somatic and congenital mutations of the STAG subunits are associated with cancer (STAG2) and intellectual disability syndromes with congenital abnormalities (STAG1 and STAG2), we verified STAG1-/STAG2-dependencies using human neural stem cells, hence highlighting their importance in particular disease contexts.
Developing a fail-safe culture in a cyber environment using MySQL replication technique
Authors: Isiaka Fatima M. , Audu Salihu Abdullahi , Umar Mustafa Ahmed
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The dependence on the use of information systems for nearly every activity and functions in the internet is increasingly high. This form of interconnectedness has bolstered national economies, enhanced how governments interact with their citizens and how ordinary people connect with friends and family. However, this dependence has equally resulted to a high rise in vulnerability, threat and risk associated with more use of information and communication technology. Cyber-attacks that have the potential to disrupt or damage information system infrastructure are getting more complex with some level of sophistication. Traditional protection of information system infrastructure is no longer sufficient; systems have proven to be immune to failure or incidents. This paper aims to ensure that there is a continuous availability of services through a fail-safe proof.

Design/methodology/approach

MYSQL replication technique was used to develop a model based on three-tier layers using the principle of network interdependency and the replication techniques. Tier 1 depicts a Telecom organization serving as service provider that provides internet service to Tier 2 organization – a Bank; Tier 3 is the financial App that can be used by bank staff and customers. The fail-safe mode integrated mechanism enables Tier 3 to continue to render its services in the event of an attack on Tier 1 such as DDoS without disruption.

Findings

This technique succeeded in mitigating the loss of data if cyber incident occurred or reception of uninterrupted services is countered, which give rise to future master-to-master architecture.

Research limitations/implications

The study conducted is limited to the design and development of a fail-safe system for interdependent networks or systems using MYSQL replication technique.

Originality/value

In an interdependent environment such as the cyberspace, the sectors are interdependent for optimal results. The originality of the work ensures that there is availability of services which is sustained and that data integrity is assured using the fail-safe technique based on MySQL replication method.
School principals' managerial behaviours and students' achievement
Authors: Agasisti Tommaso , Falzetti Patrizia , Soncin Mara
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of managerial practices implemented by Italian school principals on students' outcomes, using micro-data provided by the National Evaluation Committee for Education (INVALSI) for 2013/14 school year.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an educational production function, the authors regress a set of student and school's characteristics, enriched by information from a questionnaire filled by school principals to estimate student's score at grade 8 (last year of junior secondary school), also taking into account student's prior achievement (at grade 6 – first year of junior secondary school).

Findings

Indicators about managerial practices have positive coefficients, but low statistical significance. Stronger associations between management variables and test scores are detected for low-SES schools.

Originality/value

The research presented here is particularly innovative in the Italian context, where little evidence exists about the impact of managerial skills in education, though institutional reforms are leading towards a strengthening of school principal's leadership role. In this paper, the authors move a first step by describing managerial practices and their diffusion in different schools and geographical areas within the country. The authors focus the attention on the role of managerial practices (what principals do) and not on the managerial skills (what principals are able to do).
Women in public relations (1982–2019)
Authors: Topić Martina , Cunha Maria Joäo , Reigstad Amelia , Jelen-Sanchez Alenka , Moreno Ángeles
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the current literature on women in public relations to establish trends and areas of inquiry in the literature and identify research gaps for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 223 articles have been empirically analysed using thematic analysis to identify trends in the existing literature. The data has been coded and analysed per decade (1982–1989, 1990–1999, 2000–2009, 2010–2019). The articles have been identified by searching major journals in the field of public relations and communications, as well as snowballing from identified articles.

Findings

The results show that the majority of academic articles have been produced by using lived experiences of women working in the public relations industry and thus reflect the professional situation of female public relations employees. The results show that the position of women has reached a full circle in four decades of research and returned to the discriminatory work environment. Finally, the results show that a liberal feminist perspective has an advantage in the literature since the majority of works have been produced in the United States; however, there is an increase in authors calling for the use of socialist and radical feminism.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive literature review of works published in the field. The paper takes an empirical approach to the analysis rather than the descriptive one, which helped in identifying major trends in the research and identified a research gap for future inquiries.