bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy of Endophthalmitis Mediated by Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Chen Hao , Yang Jie , Sun Lin , Zhang Hengrui , Guo Yishun , Qu Jia , Jiang Wenya , Chen Wei , Ji Jian , Yang Ying‐Wei , Wang Bailiang
Published: October 2019

Endophthalmitis, derived from the infections of pathogens, is a common complication during the use of ophthalmology‐related biomaterials and after ophthalmic surgery. Herein, aiming at efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) of bacterial infections and biofilm eradication of endophthalmitis, a pH‐responsive zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8‐polyacrylic acid (ZIF‐8‐PAA) material is constructed for bacterial infection–targeted delivery of ammonium methylbenzene blue (MB), a broad‐spectrum photosensitizer antibacterial agent. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) is incorporated into the system to achieve higher pH responsiveness and better drug loading capacity. MB‐loaded ZIF‐8‐PAA nanoparticles are modified with AgNO3/dopamine for in situ reduction of AgNO3 to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), followed by a secondary modification with vancomycin/NH2‐polyethylene glycol (Van/NH2‐PEG), leading to the formation of a composite nanomaterial, ZIF‐8‐PAA‐MB@AgNPs@Van‐PEG. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectral analysis are used to explore the nanoparticles synthesis, drug loading and release, and related material properties. In terms of biological performance, in vitro antibacterial studies against three kinds of bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, suggest an obvious superiority of PDT/AgNPs to any single strategy. Both in vitro retinal pigment epithelium cellular biocompatibility experiments and in vivo mice endophthalmitis models verify the biocompatibility and antibacterial function of the composite nanomaterials.
Unravelling H+/Zn2+ Synergistic Intercalation in a Novel Phase of Manganese Oxide for High‐Performance Aqueous Rechargeable Battery
Authors: Zhao Qinghe , Chen Xin , Wang Ziqi , Yang Luyi , Qin Runzhi , Yang Jinlong , Song Yongli , Ding Shouxiang , Weng Mouyi , Huang Weiyuan , Liu Jiajie , Zhao Wenguang , Qian Guoyu , Yang Kai , Cui Yanhui , Chen Haibiao , Pan Feng
Published: October 2019

Aqueous Zn‐MnO2 batteries using mild electrolyte show great potential in large‐scale energy storage (LSES) application, due to high safety and low cost. However, structure collapse of manganese oxides upon cycling caused by the conversion mechanism (e.g., from tunnel to layer structures for α‐, β‐, and γ‐phases) is one of the most urgent issues plaguing its practical applications. Herein, to avoid the phase conversion issue and enhance battery performance, a structurally robust novel phase of manganese oxide MnO2H0.16(H2O)0.27 (MON) nanosheet with thickness of ≈2.5 nm is designed and synthesized as a promising cathode material, in which a nanosheet structure combined with a novel H+/Zn2+ synergistic intercalation mechanism is demonstrated and evidenced. Accordingly, a high‐performance Zn/MON cell is achieved, showing a high energy density of ≈228.5 Wh kg−1, impressive cyclability with capacity retention of 96% at 0.5 C after 300 cycles, as well as exhibiting rate performance of 115.1 mAh g−1 at current rate of 10 C. To the best current knowledge, this H+/Zn2+ synergistic intercalation mechanism is first reported in an aqueous battery system, which opens a new opportunity for development of high‐performance aqueous Zn ion batteries for LSES.
Modeling and structuring design rationale to enable knowledge reuse
Authors: Siddharth L. , Chakrabarti Amaresh , Ranganath R.
Published: October 2019

We aim to lend insights into “what” constitutes design rationale and “how” to capture these. We restrict the scope of design rationale to the cases of failures observed while testing real engineered systems. We propose a model as an integration of a system hierarchy, a causal chain, and a causality model to cast multiple views of design rationale. The model is structured into databases using a newly introduced version of design structure matrices and supported using a web interface called CRIS4P, which is deployed at a space agency. We report a case example from the spacecraft domain and benchmark the proposed model against IBIS‐FAD model.
Human capital in the internationalization of family firms
Authors: Kidwell Roland E. , Fuentes‐Lombardo Guadalupe , Sanchez‐Famoso Valeriano , Cano‐Rubio Myriam , Kloepfer Kathryn E.
Published: October 2019

Research concerning the influence of human capital (HC) on internationalization strategies typically highlights skills displayed by business executives. This article is one of the few studies that examines the values, attitudes, and capabilities related to the HC of international companies. Our study attempts to understand the role that HC plays in the international commitment (IC) achieved by family and nonfamily firms and whether the HC of family firms (FFs) can be considered a source of competitive advantage in pursuing an international strategy. Partial Least Squares method is used for analyzing data collected from 270 Spanish firms. Results show HC differs between family and non‐FFs and plays a crucial role in the international strategy of FFs. Specifically, professional experience, training, and educational level, the degree of market and industry knowledge, specific skills to work in international markets, and concern for employees are superior in FFs, resulting in the achievement of higher levels of IC when compared to non‐FFs. The results should encourage managers and/or owners of these companies to exploit and effectively govern specific human resource strengths when they enter and experience growth in other markets.
Orthophosphoric acid solutions of sodium orthovanadate, sodium tungstate, and sodium molybdate as potential corrosion inhibitors of the Al2Cu intermetallic phase
Authors: Kwolek Przemysław , Dychtoń Kamil , Pytel Maciej
Published: October 2019

Orthophosphoric acid solutions of sodium orthovanadate, sodium tungstate, and sodium molybdate are tested as potential corrosion inhibitors of the Al2Cu intermetallic phase. Corrosion inhibition is observed for 0.2 M solutions of Na3VO4and Na2WO4by increasing the pH to > 2. When the pH is < 2, the aforementioned salts increase the corrosion rate of the intermetallic phase. A 0.2 M solution of Na3VO4causes the precipitation of vanadium phosphate on the surface of the Al2Cu phase at pH = 1.
Time to Change Budgetary Priorities in the Eurozone
Authors: De Grauwe Paul , Ji Yuemei
Published: October 2019

With the spectre of a recession looming in the eurozone (and elsewhere), the policy question arises as to how much leeway do the fiscal authorities in the eurozone have to follow counter-cyclical fiscal policies aimed at providing some stimulus to the economy.
Skills combinations and firm performance
Authors: Siepel Josh , Camerani Roberto , Masucci Monica
Published: October 2019

Creative skills, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills and management skills have all been positively associated with firm performance as well as regional growth. But do firms that combine these types of skills in their workforce grow more quickly than those that do not? We compare the impact of STEM, creative and management skills on their own, and in various combinations, on turnover growth. We use a longitudinal dataset of UK firms over the period 2008–2014 with lagged turnover data to explore whether the combination of skills used by a firm impacts its future turnover growth. Using fixed-effect panel and pooled OLS models, we find that the performance benefits associated with both STEM and creative skills materialize when they are combined with each other or with management skills rather than when they are deployed on their own.
High-speed force spectroscopy: microsecond force measurements using ultrashort cantilevers
Authors: Valotteau Claire , Sumbul Fidan , Rico Felix
Published: October 2019

Complete understanding of the role of mechanical forces in biological processes requires knowledge of the mechanical properties of individual proteins and living cells. Moreover, the dynamic response of biological systems at the nano- and microscales span over several orders of magnitude in time, from sub-microseconds to several minutes. Thus, access to force measurements over a wide range of length and time scales is required. High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) using ultrashort cantilevers has emerged as a tool to study the dynamics of biomolecules and cells at video rates. The adaptation of HS-AFM to perform high-speed force spectroscopy (HS-FS) allows probing protein unfolding and receptor/ligand unbinding up to the velocity of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with sub-microsecond time resolution. Moreover, application of HS-FS on living cells allows probing the viscoelastic response at short time scales providing deep understanding of cytoskeleton dynamics. In this mini-review, we assess the principles and recent developments and applications of HS-FS using ultrashort cantilevers to probe molecular and cellular mechanics.
A multiple-trainee, multiple-level, multiple-competency (multi-TLC) simulation-based approach to training obstetrical emergencies
Authors: Mueller Valerie , Ellis Susan , Murray-Davis Beth , Sonnadara Ranil , Grierson Lawrence E. M.
Published: October 2019

Competency-based education requires that programs increase the breadth of direct observation and assessment to improve resident training. To achieve these goals, the authors developed and executed a multiple-trainee, multiple-level, multiple-competency (Multi-TLC) obstetrical emergencies simulation curriculum. Depending upon their training level (PGY1–PGY5), obstetrics and gynaecology residents participated in various roles (i.e., first responder, second responder, confederates, and evaluators) within four simulation scenarios designed to provide opportunities for education, direct observation, and assessment across a number of competencies (i.e., medical expert, communicator, collaborator, leader, advocate, and scholar). The curriculum was carried out over 8 h spread evenly across 2 days (i.e., 4 h/day) and involved periods of pre-briefing, live simulation, and debriefing. An evaluation of the Multi-TLC was operationalised via a context-input-process-product model. This report presents the outcomes of that evaluation derived from quasi-experimental comparisons of the new and previous curricula across four priorities for simulation-based education identified by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, Canada): increasing learning opportunities, maintaining or improving resident learning, maintaining or reducing program costs, and improving resident satisfaction. The evaluation revealed that the Multi-TLC curriculum permitted a greater breadth of direct observation and assessment across competencies, maintained the previous learning objectives while also addressing additional ones, and was done so in a way that reduced the overall financial and human resource costs associated with the department’s obstetrical emergency simulation curriculum. A Multi-TLC organisation of simulation curricula can facilitate efficient application of competency-based education principles.
Attachment security, early childhood intervention and the National Disability Insurance Scheme: a risk and rights analysis
Authors: Alexander Stacey Lynne , Frederico Margarita , Long Maureen
Published: October 2019

To promote the rights, well-being and development of the child, and for the benefit of families and the community, attachment should be a central focus of early childhood intervention (ECI) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). ECI Key Workers have the opportunity to positively influence parent–child relationships and are encouraged to do so by the ECI national guidelines. This article identifies how elements of the NDIS design and implementation may be counterproductive to fostering attachment security in children. These elements can lead to delayed intervention; increased parental stress; reduced expertise of service providers; and financial disincentives for best practice in working with disadvantaged families. The article highlights the implications for children with a disability and their families in Australian society and identifies lessons for the design and implementation of social policy.
Bounded complexity, mean equicontinuity and discrete spectrum
Authors: HUANG WEN , LI JIAN , THOUVENOT JEAN-PAUL , XU LEIYE , YE XIANGDONG
Published: October 2019

We study dynamical systems that have bounded complexity with respect to three kinds metrics: the Bowen metric $d_{n}$, the max-mean metric $\hat{d}_{n}$ and the mean metric $\bar{d}_{n}$, both in topological dynamics and ergodic theory. It is shown that a topological dynamical system $(X,T)$ has bounded complexity with respect to $d_{n}$ (respectively $\hat{d}_{n}$) if and only if it is equicontinuous (respectively equicontinuous in the mean). However, we construct minimal systems that have bounded complexity with respect to $\bar{d}_{n}$ but that are not equicontinuous in the mean. It turns out that an invariant measure $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ on $(X,T)$ has bounded complexity with respect to $d_{n}$ if and only if $(X,T)$ is $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-equicontinuous. Meanwhile, it is shown that $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ has bounded complexity with respect to $\hat{d}_{n}$ if and only if $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ has bounded complexity with respect to $\bar{d}_{n}$, if and only if $(X,T)$ is $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-mean equicontinuous and if and only if it has discrete spectrum.
Weak ergodic averages over dilated measures
Authors: SUN WENBO
Published: October 2019

Let$m\in \mathbb{N}$and$\mathbf{X}=(X,{\mathcal{X}},\unicode[STIX]{x1D707},(T_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}})_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in \mathbb{R}^{m}})$be a measure-preserving system with an$\mathbb{R}^{m}$-action. We say that a Borel measure$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$on$\mathbb{R}^{m}$is weakly equidistributed for$\mathbf{X}$if there exists$A\subseteq \mathbb{R}$of density 1 such that, for all$f\in L^{\infty }(\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$, we have$$\begin{eqnarray}\lim _{t\in A,t\rightarrow \infty }\int _{\mathbb{R}^{m}}f(T_{t\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}x)\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC})=\int _{X}f\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\end{eqnarray}$$for$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$-almost every$x\in X$. Let$W(\mathbf{X})$denote the collection of all$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in \mathbb{R}^{m}$such that the$\mathbb{R}$-action$(T_{t\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}})_{t\in \mathbb{R}}$is not ergodic. Under the assumption of the pointwise convergence of the double Birkhoff ergodic average, we show that a Borel measure$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$on$\mathbb{R}^{m}$is weakly equidistributed for an ergodic system$\mathbf{X}$if and only if$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}(W(\mathbf{X})+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD})=0$for every$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\in \mathbb{R}^{m}$. Under the same assumption, we also show that$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$is weakly equidistributed for all ergodic measure-preserving systems with$\mathbb{R}^{m}$-actions if and only if$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}(\ell )=0$for all hyperplanes$\ell$of $\mathbb{R}^{m}$. Unlike many equidistribution results in literature whose proofs use methods from harmonic analysis, our results adopt a purely ergodic-theoretic approach.
Equidistribution of Farey sequences on horospheres in covers of and applications
Authors: HEERSINK BYRON
Published: October 2019

We establish the limiting distribution of certain subsets of Farey sequences, i.e., sequences of primitive rational points, on expanding horospheres in covers $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}\backslash \text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{R})$ of $\text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{Z})\backslash \text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{R})$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$ is a finite-index subgroup of $\text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{Z})$. These subsets can be obtained by projecting to the hyperplane $\{(x_{1},\ldots ,x_{n+1})\in \mathbb{R}^{n+1}:x_{n+1}=1\}$ sets of the form $\mathbf{A}=\bigcup _{j=1}^{J}\mathbf{a}_{j}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$, where for all $j$, $\mathbf{a}_{j}$ is a primitive lattice point in $\mathbb{Z}^{n+1}$. Our method involves applying the equidistribution of expanding horospheres in quotients of $\text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{R})$ developed by Marklof and Strömbergsson, and more precisely understanding how the full Farey sequence distributes in $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}\backslash \text{SL}(n+1,\mathbb{R})$ when embedded on expanding horospheres as done in previous work by Marklof. For each of the Farey sequence subsets, we extend the statistical results by Marklof regarding the full multidimensional Farey sequences, and solutions by Athreya and Ghosh to Diophantine approximation problems of Erdős–Szüsz–Turán and Kesten. We also prove that Marklof’s result on the asymptotic distribution of Frobenius numbers holds for sets of primitive lattice points of the form $\mathbf{A}$.
Optimal lower bounds for multiple recurrence
Authors: DONOSO SEBASTIÁN , LE ANH NGOC , MOREIRA JOEL , SUN WENBO
Published: October 2019

Let $(X,{\mathcal{B}},\unicode[STIX]{x1D707},T)$ be an ergodic measure-preserving system, let $A\in {\mathcal{B}}$ and let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}>0$. We study the largeness of sets of the form $$\begin{eqnarray}S=\{n\in \mathbb{N}:\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(A\cap T^{-f_{1}(n)}A\cap T^{-f_{2}(n)}A\cap \cdots \cap T^{-f_{k}(n)}A)>\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}(A)^{k+1}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}\}\end{eqnarray}$$ for various families $\{f_{1},\ldots ,f_{k}\}$ of sequences $f_{i}:\mathbb{N}\rightarrow \mathbb{N}$. For $k\leq 3$ and $f_{i}(n)=if(n)$, we show that $S$ has positive density if $f(n)=q(p_{n})$, where $q\in \mathbb{Z}[x]$ satisfies $q(1)$ or $q(-1)=0$ and $p_{n}$ denotes the $n$th prime; or when $f$ is a certain Hardy field sequence. If $T^{q}$ is ergodic for some $q\in \mathbb{N}$, then, for all $r\in \mathbb{Z}$, $S$ is syndetic if $f(n)=qn+r$. For $f_{i}(n)=a_{i}n$, where $a_{i}$ are distinct integers, we show that $S$ can be empty for $k\geq 4$, and, for $k=3$, we found an interesting relation between the largeness of $S$ and the abundance of solutions to certain linear equations in sparse sets of integers. We also provide some partial results when the $f_{i}$ are distinct polynomials.
Contrasts between momentum and scalar transport over very rough surfaces
Authors: Li Qi , Bou-Zeid Elie
Published: October 2019

Large-eddy simulations are conducted to contrast momentum and passive scalar transport over large, three-dimensional roughness elements in a turbulent channel flow. Special attention is given to the dispersive fluxes, which are shown to be a significant fraction of the total flux within the roughness sublayer. Based on pointwise quadrant analysis, the turbulent components of the transport of momentum and scalars are found to be similar in general, albeit with increasing dissimilarity for roughnesses with low frontal blockage. However, strong dissimilarity is noted between the dispersive momentum and scalar fluxes, especially below the top of the roughness elements. In general, turbulence is found to transport momentum more efficiently than scalars, while the reverse applies to the dispersive contributions. The effects of varying surface geometries, measured by the frontal density, are pronounced on turbulent fluxes and even more so on dispersive fluxes. Increasing frontal density induces a general transition in the flow from a wall bounded type to a mixing layer type. This transition results in an increase in the efficiency of turbulent momentum transport, but the reverse occurs for scalars due to reduced contributions from large-scale motions in the roughness sublayer. This study highlights the need for distinct parameterizations of the turbulent and dispersive fluxes, as well as the importance of considering the contrasts between momentum and scalar transport for flows over very rough surfaces.
Pressure–strain terms in Langmuir turbulence
Authors: Pearson Brodie C. , Grant Alan L. M. , Polton Jeff A.
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the pressure–strain tensor ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D72B}$) in Langmuir turbulence. The pressure–strain tensor is determined from large-eddy simulations (LES), and is partitioned into components associated with the mean current shear (rapid), the Stokes shear and the turbulent–turbulent (slow) interactions. The rapid component can be parameterized using existing closure models, although the coefficients in the closure models are particular to Langmuir turbulence. A closure model for the Stokes component is proposed, and it is shown to agree with results from the LES. The slow component of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D72B}$ does not agree with existing ‘return-to-isotropy’ closure models for five of the six components of the Reynolds stress tensor, and a new closure model is proposed that accounts for these deviations which vary systematically with Langmuir number, $La_{t}$, and depth. The implications of these results for second- and first-order closures of Langmuir turbulence are discussed.
Reattachment streaks in hypersonic compression ramp flow: an input–output analysis
Authors: Dwivedi Anubhav , Sidharth G. S. , Nichols Joseph W. , Candler Graham V. , Jovanović Mihailo R.
Published: October 2019

We employ global input–output analysis to quantify amplification of exogenous disturbances in compressible boundary layer flows. Using the spatial structure of the dominant response to time-periodic inputs, we explain the origin of steady reattachment streaks in a hypersonic flow over a compression ramp. Our analysis of the laminar shock–boundary layer interaction reveals that the streaks arise from a preferential amplification of upstream counter-rotating vortical perturbations with a specific spanwise wavelength. These streaks are associated with heat-flux striations at the wall near flow reattachment and they can trigger transition to turbulence. The streak wavelength predicted by our analysis compares favourably with observations from two different hypersonic compression ramp experiments. Furthermore, our analysis of inviscid transport equations demonstrates that base-flow deceleration contributes to the amplification of streamwise velocity and that the baroclinic effects are responsible for the production of streamwise vorticity. Finally, the appearance of the temperature streaks near reattachment is triggered by the growth of streamwise velocity and streamwise vorticity perturbations as well as by the amplification of upstream temperature perturbations by the reattachment shock.
Light-absorbing impurities in snow cover across Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhong Xinyue , Kang Shichang , Zhang Wei , Yang Junhua , Li Xiaofei , Zhang Yulan , Liu Yajun , Chen Pengfei
Published: October 2019

Light-absorbing impurities (LAIs, e.g. black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), mineral dust (MD)) deposited on snow cover reduce albedo and accelerate its melting. Northern Xinjiang (NX) is an arid and semi-arid inland region, where snowmelt leads to frequent floods that have been a serious threat to local ecological security. There is still a lack of quantitative assessments of the effects of LAIs on snowmelt in the region. This study investigates spatial variations of LAIs in snow and its effect on snow albedo, radiative forcing (RF) and snowmelt across NX. Results showed that concentrations of BC, OC (only water-insoluble OC), MD ranged from 32 to 8841 ng g−1, 77 to 8568 ng g−1and 0.46 to 236 µg g−1, respectively. Weather Research and Forecasting Chemistry model suggested that residential emission was the largest source of BC. Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative modelling showed that the average contribution of BC and MD to snow albedo reduction was 17 and 3%, respectively. RF caused by BC significantly exceeded RF caused by MD. In different scenarios, changes in snow cover duration (SCD) caused by BC and MD decreased by 1.36 ± 0.61 to 6.12 ± 3.38 d. Compared with MD, BC was the main dominant factor in reducing snow albedo and SCD across NX.
The Benefits of Marginality: The Great Famine around the Aral Sea, 1930–1934
Authors: Pianciola Niccolò
Published: October 2019

Based on research in Kazakhstani and Russian archives, this article is a regional study of the 1931–1933 Soviet famine. It compares Soviet policies in the southern and northern “halves” of the Aral Sea region. While the Kazaks in the northern part of the region suffered from the famine, the Karakalpaks in the south did not. The article explains this difference by underscoring the role of the main transportation infrastructure connecting Central Asia to Russia, the Orenburg-Tashkent railway. The railway crossed the northern, Kazak, part of the Aral Sea region and made massive livestock and grain procurements possible, while the absence of any reliable transportation route connecting Karakalpakstan to Soviet industrial centers contributed to shielding the Karakalpaks from the famine. The article also investigates the consequences of the famine for the Aral Sea fishing economy. The famine led to the inversion of the relative economic importance of the northern and southern parts of the sea: if before the famine fishing was concentrated in the former, after the famine it had shifted to the latter. Finally, the article situates the administrative detachment of Karakalpakstan from Kazakstan in 1930 within the context of Stalinist economic policies in Central Asia.
Trading in Fragmented Markets
Authors: Baldauf Markus , Mollner Joshua
Published: October 2019

We study fragmentation of equity trading using a model of imperfect competition among exchanges. In the model, increased competition drives down trading fees. However, additional arbitrage opportunities arise in fragmented markets, intensifying adverse selection. Due to these opposing forces, the effects of fragmentation are context dependent. To empirically investigate the ambiguity in a single context, we estimate key parameters of the model with order-level data for an Australian security. According to the estimates, the benefits of increased competition are outweighed by the costs of multi-venue arbitrage. Compared with the prevailing duopoly, we predict the counterfactual monopoly spread to be 23% lower.
Stance-taking viaya′ani/ya′anu: A discourse marker in a Hebrew-Arabic language contact situation
Authors: Marmorstein Michal , Maschler Yael
Published: October 2019

We explore two stance-taking patterns in casual Hebrew conversation involvingya′ani/ya′anu, a discourse marker originating in colloquial Arabic. In the first,ya′ani/ya′anu, the same as Arabicyaʕni(lit. ‘it means’), frames reformulations of prior discourse serving to enhance interpersonal involvement and mutuality regarding the interlocutor's stance toward what has been said, thereby constructing intersubjectivity. The second pattern consists of a prosodic variant,ya′ani/ya′anu, functioning as a double-voiced ironic hedge. The latter is an innovation of Hebrew, brought about by its functional association with Hebrewke′ilu‘like’. The two uses ofya′ani/ya′anuelucidate two different processes that discourse markers in language contact situations may undergo: persistence of lexically motivated metalingual meaning, and extension of lexically unmotivated meaning. The considerably low frequency ofya′ani/ya′anuvis-à-viske′iluis explained by its devaluated social meaning in current Israeli discourse, as an index of nonhegemonic religious and ethnic groups such as Arabs and Mizrahi Jews. (Discourse markers, language contact, stance-taking, (re)formulations, irony, metalanguaging, indexicality, intersubjectivity)*
Regeneration ofQuercusspp. along interactive forest boundaries in a fragmented peri-urban landscape of Mexico City
Authors: Cázares Yilotl , Vergara Pablo M , García-Romero Arturo
Published: October 2019

Biodiversity conservation in forest fragments surrounded by a low-quality matrix requires an understanding of how ecological conditions prevailing in the matrix enter the fragments and interact with local habitat conditions. We assessed the regeneration of oak species along edge–interior gradients in forest fragments at the periphery of Mexico City. The abundance of oak saplings was sampled along transects to the forest, while the edge effect was analysed using segmented zero-inflated Poisson models for abundance data. Three oak species were dominant in terms of their relative abundances:Quercus laeta,Quercus castaneaandQuercus obtusata. Regeneration of nine oak species responded nonlinearly to the edge distance, with greater sapling abundance from the edge up to 10 m into the fragment. Canopy cover and tree height decreased from edge to fragment interior, while saplings increased in open areas within the fragments (i.e., independent of edge distance). A posterior analysis indicated thatQ. obtusatareacted positively to edges. These results indicate that oak regeneration is promoted by suitable habitat conditions near the boundaries. Therefore, we suggest that forest management should focus on promoting seed production and oak establishment in forest interior habitats.
Clustering of hepatitis C virus antibody positivity within households and communities in Punjab, India
Authors: Trickey A. , Sood A. , Midha V. , Thompson W. , Vellozzi C. , Shadaker S. , Surlikar V. , Kanchi S. , Vickerman P. , May M. T. , Averhoff F.
Published: October 2019

To better understand hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology in Punjab state, India, we estimated the distribution of HCV antibody positivity (anti-HCV+) using a 2013–2014 HCV household seroprevalence survey. Household anti-HCV+ clustering was investigated (a) by individual-level multivariable logistic regression, and (b) comparing the observed frequency of households with multiple anti-HCV+ persons against the expected, simulated frequency assuming anti-HCV+ persons are randomly distributed. Village/ward-level clustering was investigated similarly. We estimated household-level associations between exposures and the number of anti-HCV+ members in a household (N= 1593 households) using multivariable ordered logistic regression. Anti-HCV+ prevalence was 3.6% (95% confidence interval 3.0–4.2%). Individual-level regression (N= 5543 participants) found an odds ratio of 3.19 (2.25–4.50) for someone being anti-HCV+ if another household member was anti-HCV+. Thirty households surveyed had ⩾2 anti-HCV+ members, whereas 0/1000 (P< 0.001) simulations had ⩾30 such households. Excess village-level clustering was evident: 10 villages had ⩾6 anti-HCV+ members, occurring in 31/1000 simulations (P= 0.031). The household-level model indicated the number of household members, living in southern Punjab, lower socio-economic score, and a higher proportion having ever used opium/bhuki were associated with a household's number of anti-HCV+ members. Anti-HCV+ clusters within households and villages in Punjab, India. These data should be used to inform screening efforts.
Density and habitat associations of the Altamira YellowthroatGeothlypis flavovelatain Veracruz, Mexico: an endemic vulnerable species
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-SÁNCHEZ MAURICIO , GONZÁLEZ-GARCÍA FERNANDO , ROJAS-SOTO OCTAVIO R. , MACGREGOR-FORS IAN
Published: October 2019

The Altamira YellowthroatGeothlypis flavovelatais endemic to north-eastern Mexico, with a restricted distribution due to the spatial arrangement of its major habitat: wetlands. Given the lack of information regarding this vulnerable and endemic landbird, here we describe and analyse the sites where we recorded it in Northern Veracruz, as well as its population density, and natural history information. Our results show that the average density of this endemic yellowthroat is 1.006 ind/ha, with more individuals recorded in Tecolutla when compared to Tuxpan. We found a strong association between the Altamira Yellowthroat and southern cat-tailTypha domingensis, although we found scenarios under which the presence of the cat-tail was not a determinant of Altamira Yellowthroat presence. In light of the strong anthropogenic pressures on wetlands in the region, the Altamira Yellowthroat has become highly vulnerable. Thus, if we aim to preserve this endemic species, together with other wetland-dependent species, it is crucial to moderate –and even stop– human pressures on these ecosystems and mitigate past damages.
From periphery to centre and back again: elite transformations in Mechelen (fourteenth to sixteenth centuries)
Authors: Buylaert Frederik
Published: October 2019

This article explores the social history of the political elites of Mechelen, a town that evolved from a seigneurial enclave within the duchy of Brabant to thede factocapital of the Burgundian–Habsburg Low Countries between the 1470s and 1530. Proceeding from a quantitative analysis of lists of aldermen, fiscal registers and epitaphs, the article argues that the short-lived functioning of Mechelen as a capital city had great impact on its ruling classes. Mechelen was traditionally ruled by a coalition of craft guilds and prominent citizens, but the latter reoriented their social networks to the court elite, as the latter's presence supercharged pre-existing trends towards ennoblement among the urban elite.
Development and validation of the Dental Nutrition Knowledge Competency Scale for low-income women
Authors: Sachdev Prageet K , Freeland-Graves Jeanne , Babaei Mahsa
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To develop and validate a Dental Nutrition Knowledge Competency Scale to assess dental health-related nutrition knowledge of low-income women.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study. A literature search for foods/dietary practices related to dental caries was conducted and the items were incorporated into an initial questionnaire. A panel of ten nutrition experts evaluated it for its content, readability and relevance, and a focus group of six low-income women determined its readability and comprehension. Then the questionnaire was administered to 150 low-income women. Construct validity was evaluated by item difficulty, item discrimination and factor analysis. Internal consistency reliability was tested via Cronbach’s α. In a sub-sample of forty women, test–retest reliability was established. Paired-sample t tests were conducted to examine differences between test scores at the two time points, 2 weeks apart.

Settings:

Community centres in low-income housing in Central Texas, USA.

Participants:

A total of 150 low-income women, aged 18–50 years; annual household income <250 % of the federal poverty level.

Results:

Item difficulty and discrimination analysis resulted in elimination of eight questions. Factor analysis identified twenty-four items that loaded on three factors related to knowledge. These included foods/dietary practices that affect dental caries, added sugars in foods and on food labels, and recommended frequency of oral hygiene practices. The subscales and the completed scale exhibited good internal consistency (mean 0·7 (sd 0·97)) and test–retest reliability (mean 0·8 (sd 0·013)).

Conclusions:

The Dental Nutrition Knowledge Competency Scale is a validated and reliable instrument to assess nutrition knowledge related to dental health in low-income women.
Fabrication of anthropomorphic phantoms for use in total body irradiations studies
Authors: Monzari Shaghayegh F. , Geraily Ghazale , Hadisi nia Tahereh , Salmanian Soraya , Toolee Heydar , Farzin Mostafa
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to produce a low-cost anatomical model of adult male including lower limbs to evaluate the three-dimensional dose distribution for dosimetry measurements, especially in total body irradiation (TBI) and total skin electron therapy (TSET).

Materials and methods:

Computed tomography (CT) scan images of the atomic energy organisation RANDO phantom and lower limb CT scan images of 20 healthy persons were averaged. Selections of different body tissues substitute materials and phantom validation were performed according to previous studies worked on construction of radiation therapy phantoms.

Results:

The dosimetry aspect of the selected substitute materials from all considered methods showed that they were in good agreement with real human tissue, especially bone, with a percentage error of 0·5%. The results show that the electron densities obtained from the linear attenuation coefficient (reDLAC) for the tissue equivalent material used in the phantom is a better option for validation.

Conclusions:

This validated phantom has numerous advantages over the origin type of RANDO phantom. Therefore, using it in TBI and TSET dosimetry is recommendable.
The political economy of (de)regulation: theory and evidence from the US electricity industry
Authors: Guerriero Carmine
Published: October 2019

The choice of whether to regulate firms or to allow them to compete is key. If demand is sufficiently inelastic, competition entails narrower allocative inefficiencies, but also smaller expected profits, and thus weaker incentives to invest in cost reduction. Hence, deregulation should be found where cost reduction is less socially relevant and consumers are more politically powerful, and it should produce lower expected costs only when investment is not sufficiently effective. These predictions hold true under several alternative assumptions and are consistent with data on the deregulation initiatives implemented in 43 US state electricity markets between 1981 and 1999 and on the operating costs of the plants that served these markets. Crucially, these empirical results help rationalize the slowdown of the deregulation wave and are robust to considering the other determinants of deregulation emphasized by the extant literature, i.e. costly long-term wholesale contracts and excessive capacity accumulation.
Support for Refugee Integration in West and East	Germany
Authors: Hellmann Jens H. , Forthmann Boris , Knausenberger Judith , Hellmann Deborah F. , Rees Jonas H. , Gansel Eva , Back Mitja D. , Echterhoff Gerald
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Prior research has reported less favorable attitudes toward and more violent crimes against ethnic out-group members in East (vs. West) Germany. We conducted two pre-registered lost letter studies in West versus East German cities (Study 1, N = 400) and in West versus East German rural areas (Study 2, N = 400). To investigate supportive behavior regarding refugee integration, we manipulated the addressee (refugee-integration vs. immigration-stop projects). Contrary to predictions, letter return rates did not differ between West and East Germany. Across western and eastern German regions, return rates were higher for the refugee-integration project in urban areas while no differences emerged in rural areas. A pooled analysis found greater support for the refugee-integration (vs. immigration-stop) project.
Targeting chemoresistant colorectal cancer via systemic administration of a BMP7 variant
Authors: Veschi Veronica , Mangiapane Laura R. , Nicotra Annalisa , Di Franco Simone , Scavo Emanuela , Apuzzo Tiziana , Sardina Davide S. , Fiori Micol , Benfante Antonina , Colorito Maria L. , Cocorullo Gianfranco , Giuliante Felice , Cipolla Calogero , Pistone Giuseppe , Bongiorno Maria Rita , Rizzo Aroldo , Tate Courtney M. , Wu Xiaohua , Rowlinson Scott , Stancato Louis F. , Todaro Matilde , De Maria Ruggero , Stassi Giorgio
Published: October 2019

Despite intense research and clinical efforts, patients affected by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) have still a poor prognosis. The discovery of colorectal (CR) cancer stem cell (CSC) as the cell compartment responsible for tumor initiation and propagation may provide new opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Given the reduced sensitivity of CR-CSCs to chemotherapy and the ability of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) to promote colonic stem cell differentiation, we aimed to investigate whether an enhanced variant of BMP7 (BMP7v) could sensitize to chemotherapy-resistant CRC cells and tumors. Thirty-five primary human cultures enriched in CR-CSCs, including four from chemoresistant metastatic lesions, were used for in vitro studies and to generate CR-CSC-based mouse avatars to evaluate tumor growth and progression upon treatment with BMP7v alone or in combination with standard therapy or PI3K inhibitors. BMP7v treatment promotes CR-CSC differentiation and recapitulates the cell differentiation-related gene expression profile by suppressing Wnt pathway activity and reducing mesenchymal traits and survival of CR-CSCs. Moreover, in CR-CSC-based mouse avatars, BMP7v exerts an antiangiogenic effect and sensitizes tumor cells to standard chemotherapy regardless of the mutational, MSI, and CMS profiles. Of note, tumor harboring PIK3CA mutations were affected to a lower extent by the combination of BMP7v and chemotherapy. However, the addition of a PI3K inhibitor to the BMP7v-based combination potentiates PIK3CA-mutant tumor drug response and reduces the metastatic lesion size. These data suggest that BMP7v treatment may represent a useful antiangiogenic and prodifferentiation agent, which renders CSCs sensitive to both standard and targeted therapies.
A combined miRNA–piRNA signature to detect Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jain Gaurav , Stuendl Anne , Rao Pooja , Berulava Tea , Pena Centeno Tonatiuh , Kaurani Lalit , Burkhardt Susanne , Delalle Ivana , Kornhuber Johannes , Hüll Michael , Maier Wolfgang , Peters Oliver , Esselmann Hermann , Schulte Claudia , Deuschle Christian , Synofzik Mathis , Wiltfang Jens , Mollenhauer Brit , Maetzler Walter , Schneider Anja , Fischer Andre
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder causing huge emotional and economic burden to our societies. An effective therapy has not been implicated yet, which is in part also due to the fact that pathological changes occur years before clinical symptoms manifest. Thus, there is a great need for the development of a translatable biomarker. Recent evidence highlights microRNAs as candidate biomarkers. In this study, we use next-generation sequencing to study the small noncoding RNAome (sncRNAome) in exosomes derived from human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We show that the sncRNAome from CSF-derived exosomes is dominated not only by microRNAs (miRNAs) but also by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). We define a combined signature consisting of three miRNAs and three piRNAs that are suitable to detect AD with an AUC of 0.83 in a replication cohort and furthermore predict the conversion of mild–cognitive impaired (MCI) patients to AD dementia with an AUC of 0.86 for the piRNA signature. When combining the smallRNA signature with pTau and Aβ 42/40 ratio the AUC reaches 0.98. Our study reports a novel exosomal small noncoding RNA signature to detect AD pathology and provides the first evidence that in addition to miRNAs, piRNAs should also be considered as a candidate biomarker for AD.
Impaired adult neurogenesis is an early event in Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration, mediated by intracellular Aβ oligomers
Authors: Scopa Chiara , Marrocco Francesco , Latina Valentina , Ruggeri Federica , Corvaglia Valerio , La Regina Federico , Ammassari-Teule Martine , Middei Silvia , Amadoro Giuseppina , Meli Giovanni , Scardigli Raffaella , Cattaneo Antonino
Published: October 2019

Alterations of adult neurogenesis have been reported in several Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal models and human brains, while defects in this process at presymptomatic/early stages of AD have not been explored yet. To address this, we investigated potential neurogenesis defects in Tg2576 transgenic mice at 1.5 months of age, a prodromal asymptomatic age in terms of Aβ accumulation and neurodegeneration. We observe that Tg2576 resident and SVZ-derived adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) proliferate significantly less. Further, they fail to terminally differentiate into mature neurons due to pathological, tau-mediated, and microtubule hyperstabilization. Olfactory bulb neurogenesis is also strongly reduced, confirming the neurogenic defect in vivo. We find that this phenotype depends on the formation and accumulation of intracellular A-beta oligomers (AβOs) in aNSCs. Indeed, impaired neurogenesis of Tg2576 progenitors is remarkably rescued both in vitro and in vivo by the expression of a conformation-specific anti-AβOs intrabody (scFvA13-KDEL), which selectively interferes with the intracellular generation of AβOs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Altogether, our results demonstrate that SVZ neurogenesis is impaired already at a presymptomatic stage of AD and is caused by endogenously generated intracellular AβOs in the ER of aNSCs. From a translational point of view, impaired SVZ neurogenesis may represent a novel biomarker for AD early diagnosis, in association to other biomarkers. Further, this study validates intracellular Aβ oligomers as a promising therapeutic target and prospects anti-AβOs scFvA13-KDEL intrabody as an effective tool for AD treatment.
Retraction Note: Interactions between Th1 cells and Tregs affect regulation of hepatic fibrosis in biliary atresia through the IFN-γ/STAT1 pathway
Authors: Wen Jie , Zhou Ying , Wang Jun , Chen Jie , Yan Wenbo , Wu Jin , Yan Junkai , Zhou Kejun , Xiao Yongtao , Wang Yang , Xia Qiang , Cai Wei
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Intermittent compressive force promotes osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells by regulating the transforming growth factor-β pathway
Authors: Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Pavasant Prasit , Sawangmake Chenphop , Limjeerajarus Nuttapol , Limjeerajarus Chalida N. , Egusa Hiroshi , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: October 2019

Mechanical force regulates periodontal ligament cell (PDL) behavior. However, different force types lead to distinct PDL responses. Here, we report that pretreatment with an intermittent compressive force (ICF), but not a continuous compressive force (CCF), promoted human PDL (hPDL) osteogenic differentiation as determined by osteogenic marker gene expression and mineral deposition in vitro. ICF-induced osterix (OSX) expression was inhibited by cycloheximide and monensin. Although CCF and ICF significantly increased extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, pretreatment with exogenous ATP did not affect hPDL osteogenic differentiation. Gene-expression profiling of hPDLs subjected to CCF or ICF revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway genes were commonly upregulated, while calcium signaling pathway genes were downregulated in both CCF- and ICF-treated hPDLs. The TGFB1 mRNA level was significantly increased, while those of TGFB2 and TGFB3 were decreased by ICF treatment. In contrast, CCF did not modify TGFB1 expression. Inhibiting TGF-β receptor type I or adding a TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody attenuated the ICF-induced OSX expression. Exogenous TGF-β1 pretreatment promoted hPDL osteogenic marker gene expression and mineral deposition. Additionally, pretreatment with ICF in the presence of TGF-β receptor type I inhibitor attenuated the ICF-induced mineralization. In conclusion, this study reveals the effects of ICF on osteogenic differentiation in hPDLs and implicates TGF-β signaling as one of its regulatory mechanisms.