bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple acute phase protein score to predict long‐term survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Heini Alexander D. , Hugo Rebecca , Berger Martin D. , Novak Urban , Bacher Ulrike , Pabst Thomas
Published: November 2019

High levels of acute phase reactants can be associated with adverse outcome in patients with various solid tumor types. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), this correlation is unknown. We retrospectively investigated the prognostic value of pretreatment acute phase protein levels in 282 consecutive newly diagnosed AML patients undergoing at least one cycle of intensive induction chemotherapy. We applied a new score integrating pre‐treatment C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and albumin levels termed the CFA ratio, and we stratified patients into two groups: Patients with a CFA ratio below 3.06 had decisively better progression‐free (26.2 vs 7.7 months; P < .001), disease‐free (56.4 vs 8.7 months; P < .001), and overall survival (61.2 vs 13.8 months; P < .001). Results remained significant when adjusting for confounders including European Leukemia Network risk group. Early mortality also tended to be lower in the low CFA ratio group. Finally, patients with lower modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) similarly had better outcome. In conclusion, our data suggest that an elevated CFA ratio as well as a high mGPS are associated with adverse outcome in patients with newly diagnosed AML undergoing intensive induction. These parameters should undergo prospective evaluation for their contribution to risk profiling in AML patients.
MiR‐885‐3p is down‐regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from T1D patients and regulates the inflammatory response via targeting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong , Gu Huimin , Wang Li , Huang Feng , Cai Jin
Published: November 2019

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the progressive destruction of insulin‐production pancreatic β cells. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in T1D. The present study aimed to determine miR‐885‐3p expression in T1D patients and to examine the effects of miR‐885‐3p on the inflammatory response in human monocytes.

Methods

Relevant gene expression levels were determined by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction; western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays determined the respective protein levels; and the interaction between miRNA and the downstream targets was evaluated using a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

MiR‐885‐3p is down‐regulated and the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines are increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from T1D patients compared to healthy controls. MiR‐885‐3p overexpression suppressed mRNA expression and secreted protein levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in THP‐1. A luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐885‐3p directly targeted the 3'‐untranslated region of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and miR‐885‐3p overexpression down‐regulated TLR4 expression in THP‐1 cells. The TLR4 mRNA expression level was increased in PBMCs isolated from T1D patients compared to heathy controls. TLR4 overexpression increased the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and enhanced the activity of NF‐κB signaling, and also attenuated the inhibitory effects of miR‐885‐3p overexpression on pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion and the activity of NF‐κB signaling in THP‐1 cells.

Conclusions

The present study identified the down‐regulation of miR‐885‐3p and up‐regulation of TLR4 in PBMCs isolated from T1D patients. Further mechanistic data demonstrated that miR‐885‐3p overexpression represses the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines via targeting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling in THP‐1 cells.
On a conjecture about the existence of isometric subgraphs
Authors: Khalifeh M. H. , Zahedi Emad
Published: November 2019

It has been conjectured that for an ‐vertex graph , if , then has at least one isometric subgraph of every possible order. On the other hand, it is known that , for any , does not guarantee that has this property. A graph having an isometric subgraph of every order will be called distance preserving graph. The best bound in the literature is , which guarantees that the graph is distance preserving. In this paper, using a combinatorial method, it is proved that for every there is an integer such that every graph with vertices and is distance preserving.
The future of legume genetic data resources: Challenges, opportunities, and priorities
Authors: Bauchet Guillaume J. , Bett Kirstin E. , Cameron Connor T. , Campbell Jacqueline D. , Cannon Ethalinda K.S. , Cannon Steven B. , Carlson Joseph W. , Chan Agnes , Cleary Alan , Close Timothy J. , Cook Douglas R. , Cooksey Amanda M. , Coyne Clarice , Dash Sudhansu , Dickstein Rebecca , Farmer Andrew D. , Fernández‐Baca David , Hokin Samuel , Jones Elizabeth S. , Kang Yun , Monteros Maria J. , Muñoz‐Amatriaín María , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Pislariu Catalina I. , Richards Chris , Shi Ainong , Town Christopher D. , Udvardi Michael , von Wettberg Eric Bishop , Young Nevin D. , Zhao Patrick X.
Published: November 2019

Legumes, comprising one of the largest, most diverse, and most economically important plant families, are the subject of vibrant research and development worldwide. Continued improvement of legume crops will benefit from the recent proliferation of genetic (including genomic) resources; but the diversity, scale, and complexity of these resources presents challenges to those managing and using them. A workshop held in March of 2019 addressed questions of data resources and priorities for the legumes. The workshop identified various needs and recommendations: (a) Develop strategies to effectively store, integrate, and relate genetic resources collected in different projects. (b) Leverage information collected across many legume species by standardizing data formats and ontologies, improving the state of metadata about datasets, and increasing use of the FAIR data principles. (c) Advocate for the critical role that curators exercise in integrating complex datasets into databases and adding high value metadata that enable downstream analytics and facilitate practical applications. (d) Implement standardized software and database development practices to best leverage limited developer time and expertise gained from the various legume (and other) species. (e) Develop tools and databases that can manage genetic information for the world's plant genetic resources, enabling efficient incorporation of important traits into breeding programs. (f) Centralize information on databases, tools, and training materials and establish funding streams to support training and outreach.
Transplant Outcomes of Donation After Circulatory Death Livers Recovered With Versus Without Premortem Heparin Administration
Authors: Narvaez J. Reinier F. , Nie Jing , Noyes Katia , Kayler Liise K.
Published: November 2019

Premortem heparin administration during donation after circulatory death (DCD) organ recovery is thought to optimize liver perfusion. However, premortem heparinization is not universally practiced in the United States and limited data exist regarding its utility. US registry data were accessed between January 1, 2003, and March 10, 2017, and 2 cohorts were ascertained: (1) DCD donor livers recovered for transplantation (n = 5495) and (2) liver‐only adult transplant recipients of DCD livers (n = 3754). Exclusions were donor unknown heparin status (n = 40), positive donor hepatitis B surface antigen (n = 4) and hepatitis C virus (n = 120) serologies, and for the outcomes analysis, livers placed outside the United States (n = 10). Discard rates and graft outcomes were examined from cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Of 5495 DCD livers recovered for transplant, 589 (10.7%) donors did not receive premortem heparin (no heparin) and the remaining 4906 (89.3%) received heparin (heparin). Liver discard was similar between the no heparin (30.6%) and heparin groups (30.8%; P = 0.90). Heparin status was not associated with liver discard on multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80‐1.18 P = 0.76). The cumulative probability of overall graft survival was lower in the no heparin group relative to the heparin group (P < 0.05), and this finding persisted on multivariate analysis. No heparin group transplants had an 18% higher hazard of overall graft failure compared with those that received heparin (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.38; P < 0.05). In conclusion, organ recovery heparin administration status was not associated with liver discard. Failure to pretreat organ donors with premortem heparin correlates with worse liver transplant graft survival compared with heparin‐treated livers.
Jacobi‐Picard iteration method for the numerical solution of nonlinear initial value problems
Authors: Tafakkori‐Bafghi Mohammad , Barid Loghmani Ghasem , Heydari Mohammad , Bai Xiaoli
Published: November 2019

In this paper, an effective numerical iterative method for solving nonlinear initial value problems (IVPs) is presented. The proposed iterative scheme, called the Jacobi‐Picard iteration (JPI) method, is based on the Picard iteration technique, orthogonal shifted Jacobi polynomials, and shifted Jacobi‐Gauss quadrature formula. In comparison with traditional methods, the JPI method uses an iterative formula for updating next step approximations and calculating integrals of the shifted Jacobi polynomials are performed via an exact relation. Also, a vector‐matrix form of the JPI method is provided in details which reduce the CPU time. The performance of the presented method has been investigated by solving several nonlinear IVPs. Numerical results show the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed iterative method.
Influence of Maternally-Transferred Nitrogen and Carbon on Stable Isotope Ratios in Juvenile Chinook Salmon
Authors: Fraley Kevin M. , McHugh Peter A. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: November 2019

In freshwater fishes, the nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes ratios in tissues commonly reflect the environment in which a fish is feeding, assimilated through its diet. For many species, small-bodied or younger individuals generally feed lower in the food chain, while large-bodied mature individuals feed at higher trophic levels. This is reflected in the stable isotope (SI) ratios within fish tissue, with large-bodied fish typically exhibiting more enriched isotope signatures. However, an inverse relationship has been seen in recently-hatched, premigratory juvenile fishes of anadromous maternal stock. This has been documented previously in some salmonids, and it is due to the maternal contribution of marine-derived nitrogen to juvenile fish, which fades with isotopic turnover as they grow and assimilate energy from freshwater food webs. However, this phenomenon has not been previously documented for wild Pacific salmonids, as we present here. We found that the isotope ratios of premigratory juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were elevated at posthatch, declined with increased body size, and converged with those of sympatric freshwater resident Brown Trout at 3.39 g body mass or 79 mm TL (at approximately 48–84 d posthatch). Given our findings, researchers should account for the lingering maternal isotopic enrichment of premigratory juvenile salmon to avoid introducing bias into SI-based freshwater food web studies. Additionally, the maternal life history (sea-run or resident) for the progeny of partially anadromous Pacific salmonids can likely be classified by examining SI information, which is supported by our results and by previous research on other anadromous salmonids. Therefore, SI analysis could be a useful tool for characterizing the relative contribution of anadromous females in partially migratory populations of other Pacific salmonids (e.g., steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss) to help with the management and conservation of these sensitive fish species.
Waist Circumference Change is Associated with Blood Pressure Change Independent of BMI Change
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Howard Annie Green , Adair Linda S. , Wang Huijun , Avery Christy L. , Gordon‐Larsen Penny
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to understand how an increase in abdominal adiposity relative to overall adiposity is associated with blood pressure (BP) change.

Methods

A sex‐stratified mixed linear model was used to examine the association (95% CI) between annual changes in waist circumference (WC) and systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, estimated from two to eight repeated measures across the 1993‐2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey, among 5,742 men and 5,972 women (18‐66 years) with no history of antihypertension medication use.

Results

The association between annual WC change and BP change remained statistically significant but was attenuated after controlling for annual BMI change, regardless of baseline abdominal obesity or overweight status. Each 10‐cm annual WC gain in men and women was associated with a 0.98‐mm Hg (95% CI: 0.61‐1.35) and a 0.97‐mm Hg (95% CI: 0.62‐1.32) annual increase in systolic blood pressure and a 1.13‐mm Hg (95% CI: 0.87‐1.38) and a 0.74‐mm Hg (95% CI: 0.51‐0.97) annual increase in diastolic blood pressure, respectively, independent of annual BMI change.

Conclusions

WC gain may elevate BP even in the absence of BMI gain. BP management that addresses only BMI gain could overlook individuals at risk of elevated BP who have increased WC but not BMI.
Reliability modelling with redundancy—A case study of power generation engines in a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Gorjian Jolfaei Neda , Jin Bo , van der Linden Leon , Gunawan Indra , Gorjian Nima
Published: November 2019

Power generators are critical assets in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Australia and many countries. Better managing the lifetime, minimising failures, improving reliability and availability, and reducing operating and maintenance costs of the power generation assets are still challenging topics for water utilities. This case study aims to develop power generation system reliability and availability modelling considering redundancy to minimise operation and maintenance costs. The two‐parameter Weibull model was used to assess system reliability and availability to power generation engines in WWTPs. The Kaplan‐Meier method (a time‐driven estimation technique) and the log beta‐Weibull model (which is suitable for modelling censored and uncensored data) were used to analyse and validate the modelling results. Shape and scale parameters of the Weibull models were estimated by maximising the log‐likelihood function using non‐linear optimisation. Hazard and reliability functions were calculated using the Weibull model. Results using two‐parameter Weibull, Kaplan‐Meier, and log beta‐Weibull models display low reliability and high hazard rate over time, which was associated with spark plug failure due to a suboptimal start and stop operation strategy.
Force calibration for an endovascular robotic system with proximal force measurement
Authors: Sankaran Naveen Kumar , Chembrammel Pramod , Kesavadas Thenkurussi
Published: November 2019

Surgeons, while performing manual endovascular procedures with conventional surgical tools (catheters and guidewires), experience forces on the tool outside the patient's body that are proximal to the point of actuation. Currently, most of the robotic systems for endovascular procedures use active catheters to navigate vasculature and to measure the contact forces at the distal end (tool tip). These tools are more expensive than the conventional surgical tools used in endovascular procedures. To avoid dependence on specialized devices like active catheters, we have developed a novel endovascular robotic system (ERS) that uses conventional surgical tools. Our robot can indirectly measure proximal forces and provide haptic feedback to surgeons. This paper discusses the theory, methodology, and calibration of indirect proximal force measurement. This new calibration technique is presented as a nested optimization problem that is solved using bi‐level optimization. The results of experimental validation of the new force calibration methodology are also discussed. The results show that unbiasing of the indirect force measurement by means of force calibration will allow the use of conventional tools in robotic endovascular procedures.
Corrosion of Al85Ni9Ce6 amorphous alloy in the first hours of immersion in 3.5‐wt% NaCl solution: The role of surface chemistry
Authors: de Oliveira Leandro Antônio , de Oliveira Mara Cristina Lopes , Ríos Carlos Triveño , Antunes Renato Altobelli
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe surface chemistry and corrosion behavior of Al85Ni9Ce6 melt‐spun ribbons were studied after the first hours of immersion in 3.5‐wt% NaCl solution at room temperature. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to assess the chemical states of Al, Ce, Ni, and O. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to assess the corrosion resistance of the Al85Ni9Ce6 ribbons. The alloy remained immersed for up to 48 hours. The results showed that hydroxide species in the passive film play a central role in the corrosion behavior of the Al85Ni9Ce6 alloy.
Automated industrial IoT‐device integration using the OpenPnP reference architecture
Authors: Koziolek Heiko , Burger Andreas , Platenius‐Mohr Marie , Rückert Julius , Mendoza Francisco , Braun Roland
Published: November 2019

Distributed control systems are currently evolving towards industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems communicating fully using Internet protocols. This creates opportunities for streamlining costly commissioning processes, which today require substantial manual work for installing, configuring, and integrating thousands of actuators and sensors. The vision of “plug‐and‐produce” control systems has been pursued for more than 15 years, but existing approaches fell short regarding configuration tasks and vendor neutrality. This paper introduces the standards‐based IoT reference architecture OpenPnP, which allows largely automating the configuration and integration tasks of industrial commissioning processes. The architecture includes a number of design and technology decisions and the required implementation can be scaled down to resource‐constrained industrial devices. This paper demonstrates how OpenPnP can reduce configuration and integration efforts up to 90% in typical settings, while potentially scaling well up to tens of thousands of communicated signals. Practitioners can orient their implementations towards OpenPnP, therefore potentially enabling “plug‐and‐produce” in many thousands of control systems.
Netzwerktheorie(n) – Ein Überblick
Authors: Gamper Markus
Published: November 2019

Netzwerktheorien fokussieren auf die Einbettung von Akteuren in ihr soziales Umfeld. Sie gehen davon aus, dass Akteure durch Beziehungen miteinander verbunden sind und in Wechselwirkung zueinander stehen. Hierbei bilden die geknüpften Relationen bestimmte Strukturen aus, die wiederum auf die eingebundenen Akteure wirken. Hinsichtlich ihres Erklärungsanspruches kann zwischen „Grand Theories“, die einen universellen Erklärungsanspruch verfolgen, und „Theorien der mittleren Reichweite“, die auf ein spezifisches Forschungsfeld beschränkt sind, unterschieden werden.
Organischer Kohlenstoff in Bächen – Auswirkungen ackerbaulicher Bewirtschaftungspraktiken
Authors: Weigelhofer Gabriele , Tiefenbacher Alexandra , Brandl Martin , Strauss Peter
Published: November 2019

Mit über 45 % Flächenanteil stellt die Landwirtschaft die dominante Landnutzungsform in Niederösterreich dar. Durch landwirtschaftliche Nutzung werden große Mengen an gelöstem organischem Material in Bäche eingebracht. Dieses organische Material führt zu einer Veränderung von Gewässerprozessen und beeinträchtigt den ökologischen Zustand der Gewässer. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Auswirkungen verschiedener Bewirtschaftungspraktiken auf die Menge und die Qualität des gelösten organischen Materials in Fließgewässern zu untersuchen und die Folgen dieser Einträge auf den aquatischen Kohlenstoffumsatz und den Sauerstoffverbrauch abzuklären.

Im Sommer 2017 und 2018 wurden Wasserproben aus Bächen mit unterschiedlicher Umlandnutzung, Kläranlagenabflüssen und der Donau in Niederösterreich entnommen und die Konzentrationen an gelöstem organischem Kohlenstoff (DOC) und Nährstoffen analysiert. Weiters wurde in kontrollierten Laborversuchen untersucht, wie sich Extrakte aus unterschiedlichen organischen Quellen, wie Wald- und Ackerboden, Blättern und Gülle, auf die mikrobielle Atmung in Bachsedimenten auswirken. Im Rahmen von Perkolationsversuchen analysierten wir die Auswirkungen von Düngung auf die Konzentrationen von organischem Material im Porenwasser unterschiedlicher Bodentypen.

Die Freilanderhebungen zeigen, dass die Konzentrationen an gelöstem organischen Kohlenstoff und Nährstoffen mit zunehmender Nutzung des Umlands durch Landwirtschaft oder Siedlungen ansteigen. Zudem kam es zu einer Anreicherung an labilen organischen Stoffen, was auf eine Belastung durch Mikroorganismen und auf erhöhte mikrobielle Umsatzraten in den Gewässern hindeutet. In den Laborversuchen führten manche DOC-Quellen, wie z. B. Gülle- oder Kuhfladenextrakt, zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung des bakteriellen Sauerstoffverbrauchs. Leicht verfügbare Kohlenstoffquellen haben somit das Potenzial, den Sauerstoffverbrauch in Gewässern zu stimulieren, wobei deren Wirkung sowohl von der Menge und Art der Kohlenstoffquelle als auch von der Beschaffenheit und der stofflichen Vorbelastung der Sedimente abhängt. In den Perkolationsversuchen führte eine nitratbasierende Düngung, unabhängig von der Art des Düngers (mineralisch oder organisch) zu einer Reduktion der DOC-Konzentrationen im Sickerwasser. Der Grund für diese Reduktion könnte in einer Stimulation der Mineralisierung von organischem Material im Boden durch das eingebrachte Nitrat liegen. Unsere Studie weist auf die Bedeutung einer ausreichend langen Bodenpassage hin, um Fließgewässer in landwirtschaftlichen Regionen vor dem Eintrag von labilem organischen Kohlenstoff zu schützen. Das ist gerade im Hinblick auf eine prognostizierte Anhäufung von Trockenheit und Starkregenereignissen in der Zukunft wichtig, die zu einem verstärkten Eintrag von Bodenmaterial in Oberflächengewässer führen kann.
An analysis on the slaking and disintegration extent of weak rock mass of the water tunnels for hydropower project using modified slake durability test
Authors: Selen Lena , Panthi Krishna Kanta , Vistnes Gunnar
Published: November 2019

Water tunnels built for hydropower passing through weak and heterogeneous rock mass pose challenges associated to slaking and disintegration, as they are first exposed to dry condition during excavation and are then filled with water to produce hydropower energy. Over the period of operational life, these tunnels are drained periodically for inspections and repair leading to drainage and filling cycles. The weakening of rock mass caused by cycles of drying, saturation and drainage may lead to the propagation of instabilities in the tunnels. Therefore, it is important to study the slaking and disintegration behavior of the weak rock mass consisting of clay and clay-like minerals. This paper assesses the mineralogical composition of flysch and serpentinite from the headrace tunnel of Moglicë Hydropower Project in Albania. Further, to determine the slaking and disintegration behavior of these rocks, extensive testing using both the ISRM, Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 16(2):143-151, (1979) suggested test method and a modified variant of this test are performed. Finally, comprehensive assessments, discussions and comparisons are made. It is found that the modified slake durability test better suits for the tunnels built as water conveying systems such as hydropower tunnels.
Interoperability and Considerations for Standards-Based Exchange of Medical Images: HIMSS-SIIM Collaborative White Paper
Authors: Persons Kenneth R. , Nagels Jason , Carr Chris , Mendelson David S. , Primo Henri “Rik” , Fischer Bernd , Doyle Matthew
Published: November 2019

This white paper explores the considerations of standards-based interoperability of medical images between organizations, patients, and providers. In this paper, we will look at three different standards-based image exchange implementations that have been deployed to facilitate exchange of images between provider organizations. The paper will describe how each implementation uses applicable technology and standards; the image types that are included; and the governance policies that define participation, access, and trust. Limitations of the solution or non-standard approaches to solve challenges will also be identified. Much can be learned from successes elsewhere, and those learnings will point to recommendations of best practices to facilitate the adoption of image exchange.
Factors modulating the effects of waking rest on memory
Authors: Martini Markus , Sachse Pierre
Published: November 2019

Study results indicate that moments of unoccupied rest immediately after learning serve an essential cognitive function: memory consolidation. However, there also are findings suggesting that waking rest after learning has similar effects on delayed memory performance as an active wake condition, where participants work on a cognitive distractor task. Based on these studies, we highlight several potentially modulating factors of the so-called resting effect.
The Formation and Evolution of Turbulent Swirling Vortex Rings Generated by Axial Swirlers
Authors: He Chuangxin , Gan Lian , Liu Yingzheng
Published: November 2019

The present work investigates the formation process and early stage evolution of turbulent swirling vortex rings, by using planar Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES). Vortex rings are produced in a piston-nozzle arrangement with swirl generated by 3D-printed axial swirlers in experiments. Idealised solid-body rotation is applied in LES to evaluate the effect of nozzle exit velocity profile in experiments. The Reynolds number (Re) based on the nozzle diameter D and the slug velocity U0 in the nozzle is 20,000. The swirl number S generated ranges from 0 (zero-swirl vortex ring) and 1.1, covering the two critical swirl numbers previously identified in a swirling jet. Both PIV and LES results show that the formation number F decreases linearly as S increases, with the maximum F ≈ 2.6 at S = 0 (produced by the swirler with straight vanes) and minimum F = 1.9 at S = 1.1. The corresponding maximum attainable circulation in the nozzle axis parallel plane also diminishes with increasing S. Evolution of compact rings produced by a stroke ratio L/D = 1.5 reveals that circulation decay rate is largely proportional to S. The trajectory of the vortex core in the axial direction, hence the ring axial propagation velocity, decreases as S, while that in the radial direction and the radial propagation velocity, increase with S. An empirical scaling function is proposed to scale these variables.
External radiation exposure of the Angolan population living in adobe houses
Authors: Salupeto-Dembo Judith , Szabó-Krausz Zsuzsanna , Völgyesi Péter , Kis Zoltán , Szabό Csaba
Published: November 2019

This study aims to investigate the radioactivity of adobe in Angola, where it is a widely used building material. Sixty samples have been collected from three remote areas of the country with different geological backgrounds (Cabinda, Huambo, Menongue). Activity concentrations of226Ra,232Th and40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation hazard indices were also calculated. The area Huambo shows elevated226Ra and232Th values which can be explained by its older geological formations.40K concentrations are low in general. Regarding external radiation risk, adobe from Angola is safe to use as building material.
The Argument of Rightness as an Element of the Discretionary Power of the Administrative Judge
Authors: Wojciechowski Bartosz , Zirk-Sadowski Marek
Published: November 2019

The article concerns the situation of the judicial application of the law where the entity applying the law refers in a decision-making process to moral principles. The decision should be based on the directives of interpretation, which indicate the need for such a determination of the meaning of the applicable norms so that it remains in harmony with commonly accepted moral rules of the society. The equity (understood as rightness) has one more purpose; namely, it allows for the process of decision-making—and not just for the process of unifying the decisions—since the mere rule does not specify the algorithm of undertaking them. This rule thus assumes that it will be further specified byphronesisjudge who in a given situation will determine—for the purposes of a particular decision—a hierarchy between the criteria of substantive justice “embedded” in this rule. The reference to equity (rightness) stands for the concretization of an unspecified general rule. We deal here with an indefinite general rule, the application of which is facilitated by a reference to rightness.
Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems
Authors: Tian Li , Qian Weibin , Qian Qiuhai , Zhang Wei , Cai Xinrui
Published: November 2019

Gingerol, a biologically active component in ginger, has shown antiemetic properties. Our study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of gingerol on protecting rats and minks from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The preventive impact of gingerol was evaluated in the pica model of rats and the vomiting model of minks induced by cisplatin at every 6 h continuously for a duration of 72 h. Animals were arbitrarily separated into blank control group, simple gingerol control group, cisplatin control group, cisplatin + metoclopramide group, cisplatin + three different doses gingerol group (low-dose; middle-dose; high-dose). The area postrema as well as ileum damage were assessed using H&E stain. The levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SERT, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, NEP, DA, D2R, TH, and DAT were determined using immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR in rats and minks. All indicators were measured in the area postrema along with ileum. The kaolin intake by rats and the incidence of CINV of minks were significantly decreased after pretreatment with gingerol in a dosage-dependent way for the duration of 0–24-h and 24–72-h. Gingerol markedly decreased the levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, DA, D2R, TH, alleviated area postrema as well as ileum damage, and increased the accumulation of SERT, NEP, DAT in the area postrema along with ileum of rats and minks. Gingerol alleviates cisplatin-induced kaolin intake of rats and emesis of minks possibly by regulating central and peripheral 5-HT system, SP system and DA system.

Graphic abstract
Effects of magnetic ionic liquid as a lubricant on the friction and wear behavior of a steel-steel sliding contact under elevated temperatures
Authors: Jia Jiajia , Yang Guangbin , Zhang Chunli , Zhang Shengmao , Zhang Yujuan , Zhang Pingyu
Published: November 2019

A magnetic ionic liquid (abridged as MIL) [C6mim]5[Dy(SCN)8] was prepared and used as the magnetic lubricant of a steel-steel sliding pair. The tribological properties of the as-prepared MIL were evaluated with a commercially obtained magnetic fluid lubricant (abridged as MF; the mixture of dioctyl sebacate and Fe3O4, denoted as DIOS-Fe3O4) as a control. The lubrication mechanisms of the two types of magnetic lubricants were discussed in relation to worn surface analyses by SEM-EDS, XPS, and profilometry, as well as measurement of the electric contact resistance of the rubbed steel surfaces. The results revealed that the MIL exhibits better friction-reducing and antiwear performances than the as-received MF under varying test temperatures and loads. This is because the MIL participates in tribochemical reactions during the sliding process, and forms a boundary lubrication film composed of Dy2O3, FeS, FeSO4, nitrogen-containing organics, and thioether on the rubbed disk surface, thereby reducing the friction and wear of the frictional pair. However, the MF is unable to form a lubricating film on the surface of the rubbed steel at 25 °C, though it can form a boundary film consisting of Fe3O4 and a small amount of organics under high temperature. Furthermore, the excessive Fe3O4 particulates that accumulate in the sliding zone may lead to enhanced abrasive wear of the sliding pair.
Our recent progress in epigenetic research using the model ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Cheng Ting , Wang Yuanyuan , Huang Jie , Chen Xiao , Zhao Xiaolu , Gao Shan , Song Weibo
Published: November 2019

Epigenetic research focuses on heritable changes beyond the DNA sequence, which has led to a revolution in biological studies and benefits in many other fields. The well-known model ciliate, Tetrahymena thermophila offers a unique system for epigenetic studies due to its nuclear dimorphism and special mode of sexual reproduction (conjugation), as well as abundant genomic resources and genetic tools. In this paper, we summarize recent progress made by our research team and collaborators in understanding epigenetic mechanisms using Tetrahymena. This includes: (1) providing the first genome-wide base pair-resolution map of DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) and revealed it as an integral part of the chromatin landscape; (2) dissecting the relative contribution of cis- and trans- elements to nucleosome distribution by exploring the unique nuclear dimorphism of Tetrahymena; (3) demonstrating the epigenetic controls of RNAi-dependent Polycomb repression pathways on transposable elements, and (4) identifying a new histone monomethyltransferase, TXR1 (Tetrahymena Trithorax 1), that facilitates replication elongation through its substrate histone H3 lysine 27 monomethylation (H3K27me1).
Comparison of cholinesterase inhibitor safety in real‐world practice
Authors: Carney Greg , Bassett Ken , Wright James M. , Maclure Malcolm , McGuire Nicolette , Dormuth Colin R.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are widely used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Clinical trials have focused on placebo comparisons, inadequately addressing within‐class comparative safety.

Methods

New users of ChEIs in British Columbia were categorized into five study cohorts: low‐dose donepezil, high‐dose donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine patch, and oral rivastigmine. Comparative safety of ChEIs assessed hazard ratios using propensity score adjusted Cox regression.

Results

Compared with low‐dose donepezil, galantamine use was associated with a lower risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.60–1.18), cardiovascular serious adverse events (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.98), and entry into a residential care facility (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.89).

Discussion

Given the absence of randomized trial data showing clinically meaningful benefit of ChEI therapy in Alzheimer's disease, our study suggests preferential use of galantamine may at least be associated with fewer adverse events than treatment with donepezil or rivastigmine.
Fluid Borders of National-Cultural Autonomy: The Legal Status of National Minority Councils in Serbia
Authors: Beretka Katinka
Published: November 2019

This article gives an overview of the current position of minority self-governance within the Serbian legal order and its multilevel governance structure, with a particular focus on issues deriving from the missing legal determination of national minority councils. Although Serbia’s 2009 Law on National Minority Councils was welcomed by the international community, both national minority councils and public agencies have from the very beginning of its operation expressed serious concerns relating inter alia to the unspecified legal status of the councils. This has resulted in frequent misunderstandings in practice and, rather than being real self-governments of national minorities under public law, the councils are usually treated as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or organizations under the influence of political parties. Instead of presenting (international) political and social scientific approaches to the legal character of non-territorial autonomy in general, the article focuses on concrete legislative solutions and Constitutional Court practice regarding issues relevant to the de jure status of national minority councils in Serbia, such as election rules, competences, and funding.
The impact of a higher eating frequency on the diet quality and nutritional status of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Lima Mariana Tavares Miranda , Maruyama Taynara Cruvinel , Custódio Isis Danyelle Dias , Marinho Eduarda da Costa , Ferreira Isabela Borges , Crispim Cibele Aparecida , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Maia Yara Cristina de Paiva
Published: November 2019

The present study investigated the association between eating frequency (EF), diet quality and nutritional status of fifty-five women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT), with three follow-ups, before the first cycle (T0), after the intermediate cycle (T1) and after the last cycle of CT (T2). Dietary data were obtained by nine 24-h dietary recalls (24HR), and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R) was used for qualitative analysis of diet. The average EF was established by adding the number of daily eating episodes in the three 24HR of each time. Anthropometric variables were obtained at three times. Women who reported higher EF (equal to or above median value (T0 and T1: 4·67; T2: 4·33 eating episodes)) presented better anthropometric parameters, in T0 and T1, as well as higher scores for BHEI-R specific groups and BHEI-R Total score in T1 and T2. In generalised linear models, the continuous variable EF was negatively associated with all the anthropometric variables in T0 and with the waist:height ratio in T1. There were positive associations for the BHEI-R groups at the three times: Total Fruit; Whole Fruit; Total Vegetables; Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes. At T1 and T2 the EF was positively associated with the BHEI-R Total score, and also with Whole Grains in T1. The results suggest that a higher EF was associated with a better diet quality during CT in women with BC. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between EF and anthropometric parameters before the first cycle of treatment.
Atom Probe Tomography Characterization of Dopant Distributions in Si FinFET: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Hu Rong , Xue Jing , Wu Xingping , Zhang Yanbo , Zhu Huilong , Sha Gang
Published: November 2019

Atom probe tomography (APT) has emerged as an important tool in characterizing three-dimensional semiconductor devices. However, the complex structure and hybrid nature of a semiconductor device can pose serious challenges to the accurate measurement of dopants. In particular, local magnification and trajectory aberration observed when analyzing hybrid materials with different evaporation fields can cause severe distortions in reconstructed geometry and uncertainty in local chemistry measurement. To address these challenges, this study systematically investigates the effect of APT sampling directions on the measurement of n-type dopants P and As in an Si fin field-effect transistor (FinFET). We demonstrate that the APT samples made with their Z-axis perpendicular to the center axis of the fin are effective to minimize the negative effects that result from evaporation field differences between the Si fin and SiO2 on reconstruction and achieve improved measurement of dopant distributions. In addition, new insights have been gained regarding the distribution of ion-implanted P and As in the Si FinFET.
Cellular Evidence of CD63-Enriched Exosomes and Multivesicular Bodies within the Seminiferous Tubule during the Spermatogenesis of Turtles
Authors: Tarique Imran , Haseeb Abdul , Bai Xuebing , Li Wenqian , Yang Ping , Huang Yufei , Yang Sheng , Xu Mengdi , Zhang Yue , Vistro Waseem Ali , Fazlani Surfaraz Ali , Chen Qiusheng
Published: November 2019

The seminiferous tubule (ST) is the location of spermatogenesis, where mature spermatozoa are produced with the assistance of Sertoli cells. The role of extracellular vesicles in the direct communication between Sertoli-germ cells in the ST is still not fully understood. In this study, we reported multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and their source of CD63-enriched exosomes by light and ultrastructure microscopy during the reproductive phases of turtles. Strong CD63 immunopositivity was detected at the basal region in the early and luminal regions of the ST during late spermatogenesis by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blot (WB) analysis. Labeling of CD63 was detected in the Sertoli cell cytoplasmic processes that surround the developing germ cells during early spermatogenesis and in the lumen of the ST with elongated spermatids during late spermatogenesis. Furthermore, ultrastructure analysis confirmed the existence of numerous MVBs in the Sertoli cell prolongations that surround the round and primary spermatogonia during acrosome biogenesis and with the embedded heads of spermatids in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Additionally, in spermatids, Chrysanthemum flower centers (CFCs) generated isolated membranes involved in MVBs and autophagosome formation, and their fusion to form amphiosomes was also observed. Additionally, autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine (after 24 h) increased CD63 protein signals during late spermatogenesis, as detected by IF and WB. Collectively, our study found MVBs and CD63 rich exosomes within the Sertoli cells and their response to autophagy inhibition in the ST during the spermatogenesis in the turtle.
Systematic longevity risk: to bear or to insure?
Authors: Boon Ling-Ni , Brière Marie , Werker Bas J. M.
Published: November 2019

We compare two contracts for managing systematic longevity risk in retirement: a collective arrangement that distributes the risk among participants, and a market-provided annuity contract. We evaluate the contracts’ appeal with respect to the retiree's welfare, and the viability of the market solution through the financial reward to the annuity provider's equityholders. We find that individuals prefer to bear the risk under a collective arrangement than to insure it with a life insurers' annuity contract subject to insolvency risk (albeit small). Under realistic capital provision hypotheses, the annuity provider is incapable of adequately compensating its equityholders for bearing systematic longevity risk.
Satellite‐Derived Global Surface Water Extent and Dynamics Over the Last 25 Years (GIEMS‐2)
Authors: Prigent C. , Jimenez C. , Bousquet P.
Published: November 2019

A method has been developed to extend the Global Inundation Estimate from Multiple Satellites (GIEMS). The method presented here is based on retrieval principals similar to GIEMS but with an updated estimation of microwave emissivity in order to be less dependent on ancillary data and with some changes to the final surface water estimation to correct a known overestimation over low vegetation areas. The new methodology, GIEMS‐2, provides monthly estimates of surface water extent, including open water, wetlands, or rice paddies, and it has been applied to the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder intercalibrated observations to produce a global data record of surface water extent from 1992 to 2015, on an equal area grid of 0.25° × 0.25° at the equator (∼25 km). The time series have been thoroughly evaluated: they are seamless and do not show any obvious artifact related to changes in satellite instrumentation over the ∼25 years. Comparisons with precipitation estimates show good agreement, displaying expected patterns related to surface conditions and precipitation regimes. The temporal variability of basin‐averaged estimates has also been compared with altimeter river height, showing a reasonable agreement. Production will be continued up to current time as soon as the observations become available, with efforts to improve the spatial and temporal resolutions of the estimates currently underway.
High‐Temperature HCl Evolutions From Mixtures of Perchlorates and Chlorides With Water‐Bearing Phases: Implications for the SAM Instrument in Gale Crater, Mars
Authors: Clark J. V. , Sutter B. , McAdam A. C. , Rampe E. B. , Archer P. D. , Ming D. W. , Navarro‐Gonzalez R. , Mahaffy P. , Lapen T. J.
Published: November 2019

Evolved hydrogen chloride (HCl) detected by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument's evolved gas analysis (EGA) mode on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover has been attributed to oxychlorines (i.e., perchlorates and chlorates) or chlorides in Gale crater samples. Previous laboratory EGA studies of oxychlorines have been unable to reproduce the high‐temperature (>600 °C) HCl evolutions observed in most Gale crater samples. The objective of this work was to reproduce these high‐temperature HCl releases from laboratory mixtures of perchlorates and chlorides with phases that evolve water upon heating. Magnesium and sodium perchlorate and chloride were mixed with saponite, nontronite, and a basaltic glass and analyzed in a laboratory thermal evolved gas analyzer configured to operate similarly to the SAM instrument. Na perchlorate and chloride evolved HCl only when mixed with all three water‐producing phases. Mg perchlorate and chloride evolved a mid ‐temperature HCl release (~450–550 °C) and evolved an additional high‐temperature HCl release (~810–820 °C) when mixed with saponite. This work demonstrated that chlorides, either originally present or from perchlorate decomposition, evolved high‐temperature HCl when reacting with water from water‐producing phases. The HCl release temperature was dependent on the mixture's mineralogy and chemical composition. HCl releases detected by SAM were consistent with oxychlorines and/or chlorides in the presence of water‐producing phases. Additionally, this work provided constraints on the presence of oxychlorines or chlorides and their cation types, which has implications for past aqueous and diagenetic processes, the potential for past life, and detection of organics by EGA.
Air pollution-derived particulate matter dysregulates hepatic Krebs cycle, glucose and lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Reyes-Caballero Hermes , Rao Xiaoquan , Sun Qiushi , Warmoes Marc O. , Lin Penghui , Sussan Tom E. , Park Bongsoo , Fan Teresa W.-M. , Maiseyeu Andrei , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Girnun Geoffrey D. , Biswal Shyam
Published: November 2019

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM2.5) is well established as a risk factor for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Both epidemiologic and controlled exposure studies in humans and animals have demonstrated an association between air pollution exposure and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Given the central role of the liver in peripheral glucose homeostasis, we exposed mice to filtered air or PM2.5 for 16 weeks and examined its effect on hepatic metabolic pathways using stable isotope resolved metabolomics (SIRM) following a bolus of 13C6-glucose. Livers were analyzed for the incorporation of 13C into different metabolic pools by IC-FTMS or GC-MS. The relative abundance of 13C-glycolytic intermediates was reduced, suggesting attenuated glycolysis, a feature found in diabetes. Decreased 13C-Krebs cycle intermediates suggested that PM2.5 exposure led to a reduction in the Krebs cycle capacity. In contrast to decreased glycolysis, we observed an increase in the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway and 13C incorporations suggestive of enhanced capacity for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine 13C6-glucose utilization in the liver following PM2.5 exposure, prior to the onset of insulin resistance (IR).