bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in throughfall reduces soil aggregate stability in two subtropical plantations
Authors: Yang Y. J. , Liu S. R. , Wang H. , Chen L. , Lu L. H. , Cai D. X.
Published: September 2018

Summary

Climate change has altered global precipitation regimes in terms of intensity and frequency of drought stress and, consequently, it is likely to affect soil moisture and soil aggregation. However, we know little about the effects of drought on soil aggregate size, distribution and stability, and how that affects carbon sequestration. A drought manipulation experiment was conducted by throughfall exclusion treatment (TET) of 50% in two planted forests (Pinus massoniana Lamb. and Castanopsis hystrix A.DC.) in subtropical China. The aim was to investigate the effects of a reduction in throughfall on aggregate size, distribution and stability. The results from the 4‐year experiment show that the TET affected soil moisture content significantly (with 14.5 and 20.4% decreases in the P. massoniana and C. hystrix plantations, respectively) compared with the control. Soil temperature at 0–5‐cm soil depth and soil texture were not affected significantly. Soil porosity in the TET plots was greater than that of the control, whereas soil bulk density and free Al oxide content were less. The mass fractions of macroaggregates (> 0.25 mm) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, an indicator of aggregate stability, decreased in the TET compared with the control. Variation in aggregate size, distribution and stability can be caused by Fe and Al oxides, soil texture, bulk density and porosity. Our results indicated that TET reduced soil aggregate stability in subtropical plantations because of a decrease in free Al oxide and an increase in porosity. Slaking effects from variation in soil moisture were also possible for the decreased MWD. This study suggests disturbance of forest soils should be minimized in the context of a decline in precipitation.

Highlights

Size, distribution and stability of forest soil aggregates were evaluated under throughfall exclusion.

TET reduced free Al oxide content but increased soil porosity, leading to breakdown of macroaggregates.

Soil aggregate stability was reduced by TET.

Fe and Al oxides and soil texture contributed more than SOC to aggregate size and stability.
Enhanced gross primary production and evapotranspiration in juniper‐encroached grasslands
Authors: Wang Jie , Xiao Xiangming , Zhang Yao , Qin Yuanwei , Doughty Russell B. , Wu Xiaocui , Bajgain Rajen , Du Ling
Published: September 2018

Woody plant encroachment (WPE) into grasslands has been occurring globally and may be accelerated by climate change in the future. This land cover change is expected to alter the carbon and water cycles, but it remains uncertain how and to what extent the carbon and water cycles may change with WPE into grasslands under current climate. In this study, we examined the difference of vegetation indices (VIs), evapotranspiration (ET), gross primary production (GPP), and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) during 2000–2010 between grasslands and juniper‐encroached grasslands. We also quantitatively assessed the changes of GPP and ET for grasslands with different proportions of juniper encroachment (JWPE). Our results suggested that JWPE increased the GPP, ET, greenness‐related VIs, and SIF of grasslands. Mean annual GPP and ET were, respectively, ~55% and ~45% higher when grasslands were completely converted into juniper forests under contemporary climate during 2000–2010. The enhancement of annual GPP and ET for grasslands with JWPE varied over years ranging from about +20% GPP (~+30% for ET) in the wettest year (2007) to about twice as much GPP (~+55% for ET) in the severe drought year (2006) relative to grasslands without encroachment. Additionally, the differences in GPP and ET showed significant seasonal dynamics. During the peak growing season (May–August), GPP and ET for grasslands with JWPE were ~30% and ~40% higher on average. This analysis provided insights into how and to what degree carbon and water cycles were impacted by JWPE, which is vital to understanding how JWPE and ecological succession will affect the regional and global carbon and water budgets in the future.
What drives youth unemployment in Europe? Economic vs non‐economic determinants
Authors: TOMIĆ Iva
Published: September 2018

This article explores the main determinants of youth unemployment in Europe in the period 2002 to 2014 by estimating panel data models for the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU). Heterogeneity is acknowledged by estimating models for subsamples of countries with “high” and “low” youth unemployment rates. The main results suggest that youth unemployment is more pronounced in countries with poor GDP growth, a low share of construction activity and high public debt. Reduced mobility (owing to homeownership), corruption, reception of a high level of remittances and a lack of possibilities for young people to live outside parental homes are also important factors.
The role of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 homolog of the circadian clock output regulator RpaA in day–night transitions
Authors: Köbler Christin , Schultz Siri‐Jasmin , Kopp Dominik , Voigt Karsten , Wilde Annegret
Published: September 2018

Cyanobacteria exhibit rhythmic gene expression with a period length of 24 hours to adapt to daily environmental changes. In the model organism Synechococcuselongatus PCC 7942, the central oscillator consists of the three proteins KaiA, KaiB and KaiC and utilizes the histidine kinase SasA and its response regulator RpaA as output‐signaling pathway. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 contains in addition to the canonical kaiAB1C1 gene cluster two further homologs of the kaiB and kaiC genes. Here, we demonstrate that the SasA‐RpaA system interacts with the KaiAB1C1 core oscillator only. Interaction with KaiC2 and KaiC3 proteins was not detected, suggesting different signal transduction components for the clock homologs. Inactivation of rpaA in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 leads to reduced viability of the mutant in light‐dark cycles, especially under mixotrophic growth conditions. Chemoheterotrophic growth of the ∆rpaA strain in the dark was abolished completely. Transcriptomic data revealed that RpaA is mainly involved in the regulation of genes related to CO2‐ acclimation in the light and to carbon metabolism in the dark. Further, our results indicate a link between the circadian clock and phototaxis.
Dynactin is involved in Lewy body pathology
Authors: Shen Chang , Honda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Satoshi O , Maeda Norihisa , Shijo Masahiro , Hamasaki Hideomi , Sasagasako Naokazu , Fujii Naoki , Iwaki Toru
Published: September 2018

Dynactin forms a protein complex with dynein that retrogradely transports cargo along microtubules. Dysfunction of this dynein‐dynactin complex causes several neurodegenerative diseases such as Perry syndrome, motor neuron diseases and progressive supranuclear palsy. Recently, we reported colocalization of phosphorylated α‐synuclein (p‐SNCA) and the largest subunit of dynactin (DCTN1) in Lewy body (LB)‐like structures in Perry syndrome. Previous reports have not focused on the relationship between dynactin and synucleinopathies. Thus, we examined autopsied human brains from patients with Parkinson's disease, dementia with LBs, and multiple system atrophy using immunohistochemistry for p‐SNCA, DCTN1, dynactin 2 (DCTN2, dynamitin) and dynein cytoplasmic 1 intermediate chain 1 (DYNC1I1). We also examined microtubule affinity‐regulating kinases (MARKs), which phosphorylate microtubule‐associated proteins and trigger microtubule disruption. Both brainstem‐type and cortical LBs were immunopositive for DCTN1, DCTN2, DYNC1I1 and p‐MARK and their staining often overlapped with p‐SNCA. Lewy neurites were also immunopositive for DCTN1, DCTN2 and DYNC1I1. However, p‐SNCA‐positive inclusions of multiple system atrophy, which included both glial and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, were immunonegative for DCTN1, DCTN2, DYNC1I1 and p‐MARK. Thus, immunohistochemistry for dynein‐dynactin complex molecules, especially DCTN1, can clearly distinguish LBs from neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions. Our results suggest that dynactin is closely associated with LB pathology.
Intergroup Toleration and Its Implications for Culturally Diverse Societies
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Yogeeswaran Kumar , Adelman Levi
Published: September 2018

In recent decades, tolerance has been proposed as a necessary response to the global rise in cultural and religious diversity. Tolerance is widely embraced in community, national, and international policies, in relation to many types of differences between people and groups. However, in both public and academic discourse, the notion of tolerance appears to have various meanings, which limits our ability to create, evaluate, and implement effective policies. To discuss various policy implications of toleration, we first consider the concept of toleration and its difference from prejudice. We then discuss existing research on intergroup tolerance, the importance of perspective taking, the asymmetry of tolerance, and the boundaries of toleration. Subsequently, we discuss research that indicates that the discourse of tolerance can function as a dimension of intergroup comparison that leads to acceptance or rejection of cultural and religious minority groups. Furthermore, we consider the depoliticized effects that tolerance discourse might have and the possible negative psychological consequences for groups that are tolerated in society. Gaps in existing knowledge are considered and policy implications are explored throughout.
Is it agency? An integrative interpretation of female adolescents’ sexual behaviour in three remote Australian Aboriginal communities
Authors: Burbank Victoria , Senior Kate , McMullen Susan
Published: September 2018

In this paper we attempt to understand at least some of the complex and interacting forces – cultural, biological, developmental and historical – that influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour in three remote Australian Aboriginal communities. We use the concept of ‘agency’ only as a foil for our interpretation. Drawing upon ethnographic material, we focus on: ‘walkin’ around at night’, avoidance of arranged marriages and the exchange of sexual favours for drugs and money. Cognitive, evolutionary, and neuroscience enable us to illustrate the interpenetration of sociocultural and psychobiological factors in adolescent girls’ behaviour: expectations about marriage, a desire for love, sexual urges, a brain that is highly responsive to peers and rewards, a disadvantaged and uncertain environment, and challenges to effective adult control.
Exploring Off-Season Content and Interaction on Facebook: A Comparison of U.S. Professional Sport Leagues
Authors: Achen Rebecca M. , Kaczorowski John , Horsmann Trisha , Ketzler Alanda
Published: September 2018

Research on social-media use in sport should be expanded to include analyses of content popularity and comparisons across leagues. This study used content analysis and a multivariate multilevel model to compare content type and interaction across U.S. professional sport leagues. Results indicated that teams in the National Football League had the most comments, teams in the Major League Baseball had the most shares, and teams in the National Basketball Association had the most likes. Content coded as player and personnel promotion, which included behind-the-scenes content and human-interest stories, received the most interaction. Sport marketers can use this information to drive content strategy. However, content designed to encourage interaction is still posted less often than most other types of content. These results suggest that marketers in sport may be using Facebook to build relationships by connecting fans personally with players, but not by encouraging interaction or 2-way conversation.
Management of oesophageal intramucosal carcinoma
Authors: Ashrafi Darius , Memon Breda , Memon Muhammed Ashraf
Published: September 2018

We present an interesting case of an intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in the setting of Barrett’s oesophagus in a 66-year-old woman. Her clinical course highlights the shifting paradigm in the approach to management of Barrett’s oesophagus and IMC. With innovation in imaging and endoscopic treatment modalities, patients are detected earlier and managed prior to development of malignancy. The patient was treated with endoscopic modalities, and after 3 years’ follow-up, she remains recurrence free.
Coronary artery ectasia: a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Kulkarni Suraj Kumar , Bhairappa Shivakumar , Mujeer Abdul , Surhonne Prakash Sadashivappa
Published: September 2018

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as a localised or diffuse dilatation of coronary artery lumen more than 1.5 times that of an adjacent normal segment. CAE may present with or without functionally significant stenosis. Such patients may manifest with stable angina or with acute coronary syndrome. Ectasia may serve as a nidus for thrombus formation with likelihood of distal embolisation or it may lead to dissection or spasm. This condition presents a challenge for an interventionist. Should we intervene or manage it medically. We describe a case of CAE where all the vessels were diffusely ectatic with variable degree of stenosis. In brief we discuss the causes and management issues in ectasia.
Patella incarceration with associated patella fracture: a rare case of a paediatric patient with no associated femoral fracture
Authors: Morley Hannah Louise , Sharma Aadhar , Whittingham-Jones Paul
Published: September 2018

We describe the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented to the Accident and Emergency Department with right knee pain and a tense effusion following a twist and fall directly onto her right knee. An MRI scan demonstrated that she had an incarcerated dislocated patella with an associated patella avulsion fracture. This required open reduction. Open reduction and fixation was performed using suture anchors. We feel that this case is particularly pertinent since nearly all previous case reports describe an incarcerated patella with an associated femur fracture. Furthermore, no previous case reports have been published in a child.
Qualitative study investigating the perceptions of parents of children who failed vision screening at the age of 4–5 years
Authors: Bruce Alison , Sanders Tom , Sheldon Trevor A
Published: September 2018

Objective

To explore in depth parents’ experiences and understanding of their children’s eye care in order to better comprehend why there is relatively low uptake of services and variable adherence to treatment.

Design

Semistructured interviews, informed by the Health Belief framework, were conducted with parents of children who had failed vision screening at age 4–5 years. Four were parents of children who never attended follow-up, 11 had children who attended but did not adhere to spectacle wear and 5 parents of children who had attended and adhered. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim; thematic analysis based on the constant comparative method was undertaken.

Results

Parents’ beliefs led to uncertainty about the benefit of treatment, with parents testing their children to confirm the presence of a vision deficit and seeking advice from other family and community members. The stigma of spectacle wear explained the resistance of some to their child’s treatment with the maintenance of ‘normality’ often more important than clinical advice. The combination of parents’ own health beliefs, stigma and the practicalities of attending appointments together influenced parental decisions. Attendance following vision screening and the decision to adhere to spectacle wear were primarily based on the perceived severity of the visual reduction with the perceived benefit of spectacle wear outweighing any negative consequences.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals require a greater understanding of parents’ decision-making processes in order to provide personalised information. Knowledge of the cues to attendance and adherence provides policy makers a framework with which to review the barriers, develop strategies and redesign children’s eye care pathways.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-hospital diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Wilson Caitlin , Harley Clare , Steels Stephanie
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Paramedics are involved in examining, treating and diagnosing patients. The accuracy of these diagnoses is evaluated using diagnostic accuracy studies. We undertook a systematic review of published literature to provide an overview of how accurately paramedics diagnose patients compared with hospital doctors. A bivariate meta-analysis was incorporated to examine the range of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, AMED and the Cochrane Database from 1946 to 7 May 2016 for studies where patients had been given a diagnosis by paramedics and hospital doctors. Keywords focused on study type (‘diagnostic accuracy’), outcomes (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio?, predictive value?) and setting (paramedic*, pre-hospital, ambulance, ‘emergency service?’, ‘emergency medical service?’, ‘emergency technician?’).

Results

2941 references were screened by title and/or abstract. Eleven studies encompassing 384 985 patients were included after full-text review. The types of diagnoses in one of the studies encompassed all possible diagnoses and in the other studies focused on sepsis, stroke and myocardial infarction. Sensitivity estimates ranged from 32% to 100% and specificity estimates from 14% to 100%. Eight of the studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias and were incorporated into a meta-analysis which showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 (0.62 to 0.82) and a pooled specificity of 0.94 (0.87 to 0.97).

Discussion

Current published research suggests that diagnoses made by paramedics have high sensitivity and even higher specificity. However, the paucity and varying quality of studies indicates that further prehospital diagnostic accuracy studies are warranted especially in the field of non-life-threatening conditions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016039306.
Orthogonalization of coherent state and generation of continuous-variable qubit state via a coherent superposition of photon addition and subtraction
Authors: Wang Jian-Ming , Xu Xue-Xiang
Published: September 2018

Based on the coherent state (S1) and the operator [Formula: see text], we induce other three quantum states (here we abbreviate them as S2, S3 and S4). S2 is obtained by operating the operator on S1 directly. S3 is an orthogonal state of S1 constructed from the orthogonalizer relevant with that operator. S4 is a continuous-variable (CV) qubit state superposed from S1 and S3. We study and compare the mathematical and physical properties of such four quantum states. We demonstrate some statistical properties for S1–S4, including the mean photon number (MPN), anti-bunching effect, quadrate squeezing, photon number distribution, Husimi Q-function and Wigner function. The numerical results show some interesting non-classical characters for such states. It is worthy to note that the photon-added coherent state introduced by Agarwal and Tara is only a special case of our considered states.
The 〈A2〉 asymmetry and longitudinal propagator in lattice SU(2) gluodynamics at T ≃ Tc
Authors: Bornyakov V. G. , Bryzgalov V. V. , Mitrjushkin V. K. , Rogalyov R. N.
Published: September 2018

We study numerically the chromoelectric–chromomagnetic asymmetry of the dimension two gluon condensate and the longitudinal gluon propagator at [Formula: see text] in the Landau-gauge [Formula: see text] lattice gauge theory. We show that substantial correlation between the asymmetry and the Polyakov loop as well as the correlation between the longitudinal propagator and the Polyakov loop pave the way to studies of the critical behavior of the asymmetry and the longitudinal propagator. The respective values of critical exponents and amplitudes are evaluated.
PAIRS TRADING UNDER DRIFT UNCERTAINTY AND RISK PENALIZATION
Authors: ALTAY SÜHAN , COLANERI KATIA , EKSI ZEHRA
Published: September 2018

In this work, we study a dynamic portfolio optimization problem related to pairs trading, which is an investment strategy that matches a long position in one security with a short position in another security with similar characteristics. The relationship between pairs, called a spread, is modeled by a Gaussian mean-reverting process whose drift rate is modulated by an unobservable continuous-time, finite-state Markov chain. Using the classical stochastic filtering theory, we reduce this problem with partial information to an equivalent one with full information and solve it for the logarithmic utility function, where the terminal wealth is penalized by the riskiness of the portfolio according to the realized volatility of the wealth process. We characterize optimal dollar-neutral strategies as well as optimal value functions under full and partial information and show that the certainty equivalence principle holds for the optimal portfolio strategy. Finally, we provide a numerical analysis for a toy example with a two-state Markov chain.
Vibration of Hemispherical-Cylindrical-Hemispherical Shells and Complete Hollow Spherical Shells with Variable Thickness
Authors: Ko Soo-Min , Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: September 2018

The natural frequencies and mode shapes of enclosed shell typed structures with variable thickness (hemispherical-cylindrical-hemispherical shells and complete hollow spherical shells) are determined by the Ritz method using a three-dimensional (3D) analysis. However, in the conventional shell analysis, mathematically two-dimensional (2D) thin shell theories or higher order thick shell theories are often employed, which adopt limiting assumptions about the displacement variation through the shell thickness. While most researchers have adopted the 3D shell coordinates that are normal and tangential to the shell mid-surface, the present analysis is based upon the circular cylindrical coordinates. By the Ritz method, the Legendre polynomials, which are mathematically orthonormal and minimal, are used as the admissible functions, instead of the ordinary algebraic polynomials. The strain and kinetic energies of the combined shell structures are formulated, and upper bound solutions of the frequencies are obtained by minimizing the solution for frequencies. As the degree of the Legendre polynomials is increased, frequencies converge to the exact values. Convergence to four-digit exactitude is demonstrated for the first five frequencies. The frequencies from the present 3D method are compared with those from other 3D approach and 2D thin and thick shell theories existing in the literature. The present 3D analysis is applicable to both very thick shells and very thin shells.
Regular morphisms in abelian categories
Authors: Crivei Septimiu , Tamer Koşan M. , Yildirim Tülay
Published: September 2018

We establish some properties involving regular morphisms in abelian categories. We show a decomposition theorem on the image of a regular sum of morphisms, a characterization of regular morphisms in terms of consecutive pairs of morphisms, and a description of certain equivalent morphisms. We also generalize Ehrlich’s Theorem on one-sided unit regular morphisms by showing that if [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-regular object, then a morphism [Formula: see text] is left (right) unit regular if and only if there exists a split monomorphism (epimorphism) [Formula: see text]. We also study regular morphisms determined by generalized inverses in additive categories.
A Reflection on the Dialectic Synthesis
Authors: Trillas Enric , García-Honrado Itziar
Published: September 2018

This paper contains a reflection on the Hegelian Dialectic Synthesis, shortened by the triplet Thesis–Antithesis–Synthesis, from a formal and naive points of view inscribed in the field of ordinary or commonsense reasoning. The Dialectic Synthesis is analyzed thanks to the methodology of Fuzzy Logic, and limiting the antithesis to either negation or opposite. It is shown, through very simple examples, the necessity for arriving at a synthesis, of a common ground (either crisp or possibilistic) between the thesis and its antithesis.
Strategies in Mixed Budget: A Bitopological Approach
Authors: Acharjee Santanu , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: September 2018

The forecasting graphs of World Bank, Reserve Bank of India, etc. are mostly line graphs or time series graphs. Any forecasting contains “standard error” as an error with complicated statistical formulae. A keen observation shows that mathematical patterns are available in nature, but in most of the cases, it is difficult for us to recognize these patterns. Similarly, it is most important for us to know the least upper bounds of these line graphs or time series graphs so that peaks of the prices with respect to time will not exceed these least upper bounds. It is hard to find any statistical or mathematical tool to determine these least upper bounds. Thus we give methodology to obtain these least upper bounds. We show existence of an equilibrium between the expected price and the original price of a commodity with the help of local functions and expansion operators of a bitopological space. These methods are based on choice of a consumer. Examples are provided to show that price of a commodity cannot exceed the interval of expected price. Moreover, we try to provide possible answers to the problem of “Control of Economic Variable” of Morgenstern [O. Morgenstern, Thirteen critical points in contemporary economic theory: An interpretation, Journal of Economic Literature 10(4) 1972 1163–1189] by determining least upper bounds.
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Pseudo-Normed Linear Spaces
Authors: Dinda Bivas , Ghosh Santanu Kumar , Samanta T. K.
Published: September 2018

We introduce the definition of intuitionistic fuzzy pseudo-norm and study some properties of convergence and [Formula: see text]-convergence in intuitionistic fuzzy pseudo-normed linear spaces.
Contribution to Soft Graph and Soft Tree
Authors: Thenge J. D. , Surendranath Reddy B. , Jain Rupali S.
Published: September 2018

Soft set theory introduced by D. Molodstov is a new theory which deals with uncertainty. Connected graphs can be represented by using soft sets called soft graphs. In the present paper, we introduce the tabular representation of soft graph and define radius, diameter, center and degree of soft graph. We also define union, product of soft graphs and soft trees. We then derive some properties of radius, degree of vertex in soft graph and soft trees.
Wallrock alteration categories and their geochemical signatures in gold-bearing Neoproterozoic granitoids, Batouri gold district, southeastern Cameroon
Authors: Tata Enerst , Suh Cheo Emmanuel , Vishiti Akumbom , Shemang Elisha Mutum , Fon Albert Nih , Ateh Kevin Ijunghi , Chombong Nelson Ndimeh
Published: September 2018

Hydrothermally altered granitoids in the Batouri district host gold mineralization. Gold and associated metals occur as disseminated, stockwork and veins. The granitoids range from quartz-alkali granitoids
sensu stricto
to diorite with various types of wallrock alterations including K-feldspar alteration, sericitization, silicification, and sulphidation/ferruginization. Most gold-bearing samples are extensively brecciated. Gold mineralization is accompanied with sericitization, silicification, and sulphidation/ferruginization alterations. Gold concentrations reach a high of 103.7 ppm. The granitic rocks are sub-alkaline. They show enrichment in the LREE, a negative Eu anomaly and a depletion in the HREE reflecting the breakdown and mobility of the initial plagioclase feldspar bearing HREE during fluid-rock interaction. On multielement variation diagrams, spikes at K, Ba, Pb, and Th are depicted resulting from selective enrichment during alteration. Mass gains/losses during alteration calculated using the immobile element method indicate, amongst others, gains in SiO
2
(silicification), K
2
O (K-feldspar alteration), SO
3
and Fe
2
O
3
(sulphidation/ferruginization) with losses in Na
2
O linked to sericitization. The samples show Pd and Pt as high as 2 ppm. Gold mineralization is associated with wallrock alteration zones with elevated contents of As-Ba-Cu-Pb-Rb-Sr-Zn and Zr due to the neominerals developed during hydrothermal alteration. Au-Ag-Zn defines a potential pathfinder element cluster in the Batouri district.
Research of reclamation of polluted mine soils by native metallophytes: some cases
Authors: Drozdova Irina , Alekseeva-Popova Natalya , Kalimova Irina , Bech Jaume , Roca Núria
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to estimate the phytoremediation potential of Brassicaceae plant species growing on mineralized and contaminated soils. The concentrations of six potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils and plants collected from four mining areas of the Karachay-Cherkesia and the Dagestan (the North Caucasus, Russia) were determined. Mine soils showed high acid-soluble and extractable concentrations of: Cu, Zn, at Urup copper ore mining area; Ni, in the Beden serpentine quarry; and Zn and Pb around Kurush-Mazin polymetallic ores. Results demonstrated that metal concentrations in soils were in general above the Russian maximum permissible values. In all studied areas, Brassicaceae were pioneer species, and revealed a high tolerance to soils with high concentrations of potentially toxic metals. Different degrees of accumulating capacity were found in the studied Brassicacaeae species: hyperaccumulation of Ni in
Alyssum murale
, and significant accumulation of several metals in
Arabis sagittata
. These species can be used in a cost-effective process of phytoextraction. They are promising species for rehabilitation of degraded and/or contaminated soils of the North Caucasus.
The validity of Ti-in-zircon thermometry in low temperature eclogites
Authors: Lin Meng , Zhang Guibin , Song Shuguang , Li Huijuan , Zhang Lijuan
Published: September 2018

The Ti-in-zircon thermometer has been widely applied to different high-grade metamorphism rocks owing to its simplicity. Based on the calibration of Ferry & Watson (2007; New thermodynamic models and revised calibrations for the Ti-in-zircon and Zr-in-rutile thermometers.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology
,
154
, 429–437), we used the Ti-in-zircon thermometer to estimate the metamorphic temperatures for low-temperature eclogites of North Qilian and Western Tianshan, China, and compiled HP/UHP eclogites from the literature. The Ti-in-zircon temperatures are generally higher than the estimations by other thermometers, especially when metamorphic temperatures are lower than 650°C. Although temperature exerts the dominant control on Ti content in zircon, other factors (e.g. lattice defect, other trace element substitutions in zircon, disequilibrium zircon growth, and precipitation from metamorphic fluids) may have contributed to the overestimated Ti-in-zircon temperatures.
Real-time High-accuracy Three-Dimensional Reconstruction with Consumer RGB-D Cameras
Authors: Cao Yan-Pei , Kobbelt Leif , Hu Shi-Min
Published: September 2018

We present an integrated approach for reconstructing high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) models using consumer RGB-D cameras. RGB-D registration and reconstruction algorithms are prone to errors from scanning noise, making it hard to perform 3D reconstruction accurately. The key idea of our method is to assign a probabilistic uncertainty model to each depth measurement, which then guides the scan alignment and depth fusion. This allows us to effectively handle inherent noise and distortion in depth maps while keeping the overall scan registration procedure under the iterative closest point framework for simplicity and efficiency. We further introduce a local-to-global, submap-based, and uncertainty-aware global pose optimization scheme to improve scalability and guarantee global model consistency. Finally, we have implemented the proposed algorithm on the GPU, achieving real-time 3D scanning frame rates and updating the reconstructed model on-the-fly. Experimental results on simulated and real-world data demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art systems in terms of the accuracy of both recovered camera trajectories and reconstructed models.
Human fetal hearts with tetralogy of Fallot have altered fluid dynamics and forces
Authors: Wiputra Hadi , Chen Ching Kit , Talbi Elias , Lim Guat Ling , Soomar Sanah Merchant , Biswas Arijit , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Bark David , Leo Hwa Liang , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: September 2018

Studies have suggested the effect of blood flow forces in pathogenesis and progression of some congenital heart malformations. It is therefore of interest to study the fluid mechanic environment of the malformed prenatal heart, such as the tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), especially when little is known about fetal TOF. In this study, we performed patient-specific ultrasound-based flow simulations of three TOF and seven normal human fetal hearts. TOF right ventricles (RVs) had smaller end-diastolic volumes (EDVs) but similar stroke volumes (SVs), whereas TOF left ventricles (LVs) had similar EDVs but slightly increased SVs compared with normal ventricles. Simulations showed that TOF ventricles had elevated systolic intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) and required additional energy for ejection but IVPG elevations were considered to be mild relative to arterial pressure. TOF RVs and LVs had similar pressures because of equalization via ventricular septal defect (VSD). Furthermore, relative to normal, TOF RVs had increased diastolic wall shear stresses (WSS) but TOF LVs were not. This was caused by high tricuspid inflow that exceeded RV SV, leading to right-to-left shunting and chaotic flow with enhanced vorticity interaction with the wall to elevate WSS. Two of the three TOF RVs but none of the LVs had increased thickness. As pressure elevations were mild, we hypothesized that pressure and WSS elevation could play a role in the RV thickening, among other causative factors. Finally, the endocardium surrounding the VSD consistently experienced high WSS because of RV-to-LV flow shunt and high flow rate through the over-riding aorta.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Blood flow forces are thought to cause congenital heart malformations and influence disease progression. We performed novel investigations of intracardiac fluid mechanics of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) human fetal hearts and found essential differences from normal hearts. The TOF right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle had similar and elevated pressure but only the TOF RV had elevated wall shear stress because of elevated tricuspid inflow, and this may contribute to the observed RV thickening. TOF hearts also expended more energy for ejection.
Chemerin receptor blockade improves vascular function in diabetic obese mice via redox-sensitive and Akt-dependent pathways
Authors: Neves Karla Bianca , Nguyen Dinh Cat Aurelie , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Harvey Katie Yates , Costa Rafael Menezes da , Lobato Nubia Souza , Montezano Augusto Cesar , Oliveira Ana Maria de , Touyz Rhian M. , Tostes Rita C.
Published: September 2018

Chemerin and its G protein-coupled receptor [chemerin receptor 23 (ChemR23)] have been associated with endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the role of chemerin on insulin signaling in the vasculature is still unknown. We aimed to determine whether chemerin reduces vascular insulin signaling and whether there is interplay between chemerin/ChemR23, insulin resistance, and vascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Molecular and vascular mechanisms were probed in mesenteric arteries and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from C57BL/6J, nondiabetic lean db/m, and diabetic obese db/db mice as well as in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Chemerin decreased insulin-induced vasodilatation in C57BL/6J mice, an effect prevented by CCX832 (ChemR23 antagonist) treatment. In VSMCs, chemerin, via oxidative stress- and ChemR23-dependent mechanisms, decreased insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, glucose transporter 4 translocation to the membrane, and glucose uptake. In HMECs, chemerin decreased insulin-activated nitric oxide signaling. AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation was reduced by chemerin in both HMECs and VSMCs. CCX832 treatment of db/db mice decreased body weight, insulin, and glucose levels as well as vascular oxidative stress. CCX832 also partially restored vascular insulin responses in db/db and high-fat diet-fed mice. Our novel in vivo findings highlight chemerin/ChemR23 as a promising therapeutic target to limit insulin resistance and vascular complications associated with obesity-related diabetes.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our novel findings show that the chemerin/chemerin receptor 23 axis plays a critical role in diabetes-associated vascular oxidative stress and altered insulin signaling. Targeting chemerin/chemerin receptor 23 may be an attractive strategy to improve insulin signaling and vascular function in obesity-associated diabetes.
Exercise-induced shift in right ventricular contraction pattern: novel marker of athlete’s heart?
Authors: Lakatos Bálint Károly , Kiss Orsolya , Tokodi Márton , Tősér Zoltán , Sydó Nóra , Merkely Gergő , Babity Máté , Szilágyi Mónika , Komócsin Zsuzsanna , Bognár Csaba , Kovács Attila , Merkely Béla
Published: September 2018

Data about the functional adaptation of the right ventricle (RV) to intense exercise are limited. Our aim was to characterize the RV mechanical pattern in top-level athletes using three-dimensional echocardiography. A total of 60 elite water polo athletes (19 ± 4 yr, 17 ± 6 h of training/wk, 50% women and 50% men) and 40 healthy sedentary control subjects were enrolled. We measured the RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVi) and ejection fraction (RVEF) using dedicated software. Furthermore, we determined RV global longitudinal (RV GLS) and circumferential strain (RV GCS) and the relative contribution of longitudinal ejection fraction (LEF) and radial ejection fraction (REF) to RVEF using the ReVISION method. Athletes also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing [O2 consumption (V̇o2)/kg]. Athletes had significantly higher RVEDVi compared with control subjects (athletes vs. control subjects, 88 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 10 ml/m2, P < 0.001); however, they also demonstrated lower RVEF (56 ± 4% vs. 61 ± 5%, P < 0.001). RV GLS was comparable between the two groups (−22 ± 5% vs. −23 ± 5%, P = 0.24), whereas RV GCS was significantly lower in athletes (−21 ± 4% vs. −26 ± 7%, P < 0.001). Athletes had higher LEF and lower REF contribution to RVEF (LEF/RVEF: 0.50 ± 0.07 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07, P < 0.001; REF/RVEF: 0.33 ± 0.08 vs. 0.45 ± 0.08, P < 0.001). Moreover, the pattern of RV functional shift correlated with V̇o2/kg (LEF/RVEF: r = 0.30, P < 0.05; REF/RVEF: r = −0.27, P < 0.05). RV mechanical adaptation to long-term intense exercise implies a functional shift; the relative contribution of longitudinal motion to global function was increased, whereas the radial shortening was significantly decreased, in athletes. Moreover, this functional pattern correlates with aerobic exercise performance, representing a potential new resting marker of an athlete’s heart.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intensive regular physical exercise results in significant changes of right ventricular morphology and function. By separate quantification of the right ventricular longitudinal and radial function, a relative dominance of longitudinal motion and a decrease in radial motion can be observed compared with sedentary controls. Moreover, this contraction pattern correlates with cardiopulmonary fitness. According to these results, this functional shift of the right ventricle may represent a novel marker of an athlete’s heart.
Progression of myocardial ischemia leads to unique changes in immediate-early gene expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn
Authors: Saddic Louis A. , Howard-Quijano Kimberly , Kipke Jasmine , Kubo Yukiko , Dale Erica A. , Hoover Donald , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Eghbali Mansoureh , Mahajan Aman
Published: September 2018

The pathological consequences of ischemic heart disease involve signaling through the autonomic nervous system. Although early activation may serve to maintain hemodynamic stability, persistent aberrant sympathoexcitation contributes to the development of lethal arrhythmias and heart failure. We hypothesized that as the myocardium reacts and remodels to ischemic injury over time, there is an analogous sequence of gene expression changes in the thoracic spinal cord dorsal horn, the processing center for incoming afferent fibers from the heart to the central nervous system. Acute and chronic myocardial ischemia (MI) was induced in a large animal model of Yorkshire pigs, and the thoracic dorsal horn of treated pigs, along with control nonischemic pigs, was harvested for transcriptome analysis. We identified 32 differentially expressed genes between healthy and acute ischemia cohorts and 46 differentially expressed genes between healthy and chronic ischemia cohorts. The canonical immediate-early gene c-fos was upregulated after acute MI, along with fosB, dual specificity phosphatase 1 and 2 ( dusp1 and dusp2), and early growth response 2 (egr2). After chronic MI, there was a persistent yet unique activation of immediate-early genes, including fosB, nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A members 1−3 ( nr4a1, nr4a2, and nr4a3), egr3, and TNF-α-induced protein 3 ( tnfaip3). In addition, differentially expressed genes from the chronic MI signature were enriched in pathways linked to apoptosis, immune regulation, and the stress response. These findings support a dynamic progression of gene expression changes in the dorsal horn with maturation of myocardial injury, and they may explain how early adaptive autonomic nervous system responses can maintain hemodynamic stability, whereas prolonged maladaptive signals can predispose patients to arrhythmias and heart failure.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Activation of the autonomic nervous system after myocardial injury can provide early cardiovascular support or prolonged aberrant sympathoexcitation. The later response can lead to lethal arrhythmias and heart failure. This study provides evidence of ongoing changes in the gene expression signature of the spinal cord dorsal horn as myocardial injury progresses over time. These changes could help explain how an adaptive nervous system response can become maladaptive over time.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Elevated Tumor Mutational Burden and Initiating Driver Mutations in African Men with Treatment-Naïve, High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jaratlerdsiri Weerachai , Chan Eva K.F. , Gong Tingting , Petersen Desiree C. , Kalsbeek Anton M.F. , Venter Philip A. , Stricker Phillip D. , Bornman M.S. Riana , Hayes Vanessa M.
Published: September 2018

African-American men are more likely than any other racial group to die from prostate cancer. The contribution of acquired genomic variation to this racial disparity is largely unknown, as genomic from Africa is lacking. Here, we performed the first tumor-normal paired deep whole-genome sequencing for Africa. A direct study-matched comparison between African- and European-derived, treatment-naïve, high-risk prostate tumors for 15 cases allowed for further comparative analyses of existing data. Excluding a single hypermutated tumor with 55 mutations per megabase, we observed a 1.8-fold increase in small somatic variants in African- versus European-derived tumors (P = 1.02e–04), rising to 4-fold when compared with published tumor-matched data. Furthermore, we observed an increase in oncogenic driver mutations in African tumors (P = 2.92e–03); roughly 30% of impacted genes were novel to prostate cancer, and 79% of recurrent driver mutations appeared early in tumorigenesis. Although complex genomic rearrangements were less frequent in African tumors, we describe a uniquely hyperduplicated tumor affecting 149 transposable elements. Comparable with African Americans, ERG fusions and PIK3CA mutations were absent and PTEN loss less frequent. CCND1 and MYC were frequently gained, with somatic copy-number changes more likely to occur late in tumorigenesis. In addition to traditional prostate cancer gene pathways, genes regulating calcium ion-ATPase signal transduction were disrupted in African tumors. Although preliminary, our results suggest that further validation and investigation into the potential implications for elevated tumor mutational burden and tumor-initiating mutations in clinically unfavorable prostate cancer can improve patient outcomes in Africa.

Significance:

The first whole-genome sequencing study for high-risk prostate cancer in African men allows a simultaneous comparison of ethnic differences relative to European populations and of the influences of the environment relative to African-American men.
PLK1 Inhibition Targets Myc-Activated Malignant Glioma Cells Irrespective of Mismatch Repair Deficiency–Mediated Acquired Resistance to Temozolomide
Authors: Higuchi Fumi , Fink Alexandria L. , Kiyokawa Juri , Miller Julie J. , Koerner Mara V.A. , Cahill Daniel P. , Wakimoto Hiroaki
Published: September 2018

Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency through MSH6 inactivation has been identified in up to 30% of recurrent high-grade gliomas, and represents a key molecular mechanism underlying the acquired resistance to the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ). To develop a therapeutic strategy that could be effective in these TMZ-refractory gliomas, we first screened 13 DNA damage response modulators for their ability to suppress viability of MSH6-inactivated, TMZ-resistant glioma cells. We identified a PLK1 selective inhibitor, Volasertib, as the most potent in inhibiting proliferation of glioblastoma cells. PLK1 inhibition induced mitotic catastrophe, G2–M cell-cycle arrest, and DNA damage, leading to caspase-mediated apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Importantly, therapeutic effects of PLK1 inhibitors were not influenced by MSH6 knockdown, indicating that their action is independent of MMR status of the cells. Systemic treatment with Volasertib potently inhibited tumor growth in an MMR-deficient, TMZ-resistant glioblastoma xenograft model. Further in vitro testing in established and patient-derived cell line panels revealed an association of PLK1 inhibitor efficacy with cellular Myc expression status. We found that cells with deregulated Myc are vulnerable to PLK1 inhibition, as Myc overexpression sensitizes, whereas its silencing desensitizes, glioblastoma cells to PLK1 inhibitors. This discovery is clinically relevant as glioma progression post-TMZ treatment is frequently accompanied by MYC genomic amplification and/or pathway activation. In conclusion, PLK inhibitor represents a novel therapeutic option for recurrent gliomas, including those TMZ-resistant from MMR deficiency. Genomic MYC alteration may serve as a biomarker for PLK inhibitor sensitivity, as Myc-driven tumors demonstrated pronounced responses.