bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Assessment of the Eye of the African Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Peter-Ajuzıe Iheanyi Kemdirim , Nwaogu Innocent Chima , Igwebuike Udensi Maduabuchi
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To determine the macroscopic and microscopic ocular morphological characteristics of the African grass-cutter

Materials and Methods: Ten male grasscutters of mean age 4.05 ± 1.44 months and mean weight 1.04 ± 0.56 kg were used for this study. Gross morphologic and light microscopic techniques were employed in the study of the eyes.

Results: Grossly, the eye exhibited typical characteristics of the mammalian eye with a mean eye weight and mean corneal diameter of 0.47 ± 0.14 g and 0.73 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. The horizontal corneal diameter was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the vertical corneal diameter, and the ratio of mean corneal diameter to mean eye diameter (MCD:MED) was 0.80. The sclera and corneal stroma were dense fibrous connective tissues and had thicknesses of 105.3 ± 25.8 µm and 201.4 ± 91.3µm, respectively, while the corneal epithelium was stratified squamous epithelium and measured 50.1 ± 15.1µm. The choroid, ciliary stroma, and iridal stroma were pigmented connective tissues, while the retina was a multi-layered neuro-epithelial tissue with scanty ganglion cells and a retinal pigment epithelium that was pigmented throughout its length.

Conclusion: The high MCD:MED and scanty retinal ganglion cells observed are associated with nocturnal visual capability. However, the complete pigmentation of the retinal pigment epitheliumsuggest the absence of tapetum lucidum in this species. This could considerably lower its nocturnal visual capability and indicate a low reliance on vision for environmental perception. The biometrical measurements obtained have made data available for use in future ocular studies of the rodent.
Different trends of neighboring populations of Lesser Kestrel: Effects of climate and other environmental conditions
Authors: Morganti Michelangelo , Ambrosini Roberto , Sarà Maurizio
Published: March 2019

The sensitivity of population trends to the climate and environment is generally considered a species‐specific trait. However, evidence that populations may show different responses to the climate and environmental conditions is growing. Whether this differential sensitivity may arise even among neighboring populations remains elusive. We compared the trends of two neighboring populations of the Lesser KestrelFalco naumanni, using data from a 12‐year survey of 158 colonies in Sicily, Italy; the two populations inhabiting a lowland and an highland area, respectively. Population trends were modeled through the TRIM algorithms implemented in R (packagertrim). A reversed U‐shaped population trend was observed in the lowland, while the highland population showed oscillations around a stable trend. Sahel rainfall 2 years before each annual survey significantly affected population variation in the lowland, while rainfall in March and an index of primary productivity in the breeding areas affected population variation in the highland. This suggests that the population in the lowland may be limited mainly by winter survival in Sahel, because the lowland may be an optimal breeding area for this species. In contrast, the highland population, which occupies a different part of the climatic niche of the species, may be limited mainly by reproductive output, because rainfall in March and the primary productivity in May could represent prey availability immediately before and during the breeding months. Overall, our findings suggest that population‐specific environmental sensitivity might occur even over small (<100 km) geographical scales, highlighting the need for population‐specific conservation strategies.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Authors: Gaskin‐Reyes Camille
Published: March 2019

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies are integral parts of the analysis of the performance of organizations and the design and implementation phases of plans and projects in many fields. Monitoring can be defined as a systematic procedure for checking for the effectiveness (outcomes and impacts) and the efficiency (outputs) of interventions during implementation. The main purpose is to identify the progress and shortcomings and to recommend corrective measures to optimize desired results. Performance indicators are a key aspect of monitoring. M&E delivers valuable lessons to improve future planning and budgeting, and to demonstrate outcomes. Tangible evidence on outcomes reduces subjectivity, and makes it easier for managers to distinguish failure from success.
Geographies of Death
Authors: Maddrell Avril
Published: March 2019

Geographical studies of death have traditionally addressed patterns of epidemiology and mortality within population and development geographies. Building on work on spaces and forms of memorialization in the 1990s, burgeoning scholarship has now led to an emerging subdiscipline addressing the universal issues of death, mourning, and remembrance which variously draws on and threads through epidemiology and cultural, socioeconomic, political, and environmental geographies to address such issues as the necropolitics of war and capital punishment; the emotional‐affective geographies of mourning, remembrance, and consolation; majority/minority population death‐related cultural practices in the Global North and Global South; the politics and planning of inclusive cemetery and crematoria provision in multicultural societies; and habitat loss, nonhuman death, and extinction in the Anthropocene.
Cultural Economy
Authors: Pratt Andy C.
Published: March 2019

The contemporary cultural industries comprise publishing, film, TV, music, and theater, in both their recorded and their live forms. Historically, culture was restricted to immaterial and material cultural heritage and the fine arts. The notion of the cultural economy encompasses both usages. The terminology “cultural economy” is new but derives from terms like “culture industry,” “cultural industries,” “creative industries,” “cultural and creative industries,” and “creative economy.” This field of activity spans the economic and social/cultural, for‐profit/not‐for‐profit, and formal/informal. Academics and policymakers have struggled to conceptualize and operationalize definitions; however, in the first decade of the twenty‐first century, agreement has been reached. The cultural economy has an unusual organizational structure related to a fluid, fast‐changing, and high‐risk environment. Novel organizational forms have developed; a characteristic one is temporary, project‐based working. This organizational form has distinct implications for the nature of work, and for the spatialities and governance of the cultural economy.
Dissecting the effect of workplace exposures on workers’ rating of psychological health and safety
Authors: Ramkissoon Avinash , Smith Peter , Oudyk John
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To validate the factor structure of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) in a North American population and dissect the associations between psychosocial factors and workplace psychological health and safety.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate linear regression were used to determine the associations between COPSOQ dimensions and a global rating of workplace psychological health and safety. Models were stratified by sex, gender roles, and age.

Results

The COPSOQ factor structure was verified among Canadian workers. Three factors were found to significantly contribute to the global rating of the psychological health and safety for all workers. Few differences were observed across sex, gender roles, and age.

Conclusions

This study identified dimensions of the psychosocial work environment that are strongly associated with the global rating of workplace psychological health and safety. Using a standardized questionnaire like the COPSOQ allows for comparisons over time, between different industries, and worker populations.
Asbestos in commercial indian talc
Authors: Fitzgerald Sean , Harty Elizabeth , Joshi Tushar Kant , Frank Arthur L.
Published: March 2019

Background

Easily available commercial Indian talc products widely used in Southeast Asia were examined for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos in talc products carry all risks of asbestos‐related disease.

Methods

Using polarizing light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and X‐ray analysis, multiple over‐the‐counter Indian talc products were examined for the presence of asbestos.

Results

Results In an initial group of five Indian talc products, one was found to contain tremolite asbestos. The second group of eight products was tested and six of eight contained tremolite asbestos as well. No other regulated amphibole was found.

Conclusion

Large quantities of body talc products containing asbestos are used throughout Southeast Asia and are likely to pose a public health risk for asbestos‐related diseases, especially for the cancers related to asbestos exposure. The country of origin in which the talc examined was sourced for production is unknown to the authors, and further investigation to measure associated public health risk is needed.
DNAzyme‐Loaded Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Self‐Sufficient Gene Therapy
Authors: Wang Huimin , Chen Yuqi , Wang Hong , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhou Xiang , Wang Fuan
Published: March 2019

DNAzymes have been recognized as potent therapeutic agents for gene therapy, while their inefficient intracellular delivery and insufficient cofactor supply precludes their practical biological applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising drug carriers without in‐depth consideration of their disassembled ingredients. Herein, we report a self‐sufficient MOF‐based chlorin e6‐modified DNAzyme (Ce6‐DNAzyme) therapeutic nanosystem for combined gene therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The ZIF‐8 nanoparticles (NPs) could efficiently deliver the therapeutic DNAzyme without degradation into cancer cells. The pH‐responsive ZIF‐8 NPs disassemble with the concomitant release of the guest DNAzyme payloads and the host Zn2+ ions that serve, respectively, as messenger RNA‐targeting agent and required DNAzyme cofactors for activating gene therapy. The auxiliary photosensitizer Ce6 could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and provide a fluorescence signal for the imaging‐guided gene therapy/PDT.
An Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for Nonylphenol Leachate from Instant Noodle Containers in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lu Meiru , Wu Xiaoling , Hao Changlong , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua
Published: March 2019

Nonylphenols (NPNs) are persistent endocrine disruptors and their release into the environment is causing increasing concern about their impact on human health. Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of NPNs in the leachates from 61 instant noodle containers (INCs) from 8 countries across Southeast Asia. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) were self‐assembled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO; polyethylenimine–rGO) and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), which showed excellent electrical conductivity. An anti‐NPN antibody was then immobilized on the AuNCs and, if it specifically bound NPN, the reduction in conductivity of the GCE was remarkable. The designed immunosensor has a low detection limit (5.25 ng L−1) and high sensitivity for NPNs in the leachates of INCs. Remarkably, the leaching of estrogen‐like compounds from different plastics of INCs and the correlation between NPN content and total estrogenic activity were thoroughly investigated. High temperatures caused polyethylene and polystyrene INCs to release more estrogen‐like compounds than that of polypropylene INCs; this increased release of NPNs was associated with higher estrogen activity in living cells. These data fill the gap in human and environmental exposure to estrogen‐like compounds through INCs.
Seeded Polymerization of an Amide‐Functionalized Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dye in Aqueous Media
Authors: Ogi Soichiro , Fukaya Natsumi , Arifin  , Skjelstad Bastian Bjerkem , Hijikata Yuh , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: March 2019

The self‐assembly of an amide‐functionalized dithienyldiketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dye in aqueous media was achieved through seed‐initiated supramolecular polymerization. Temperature‐ and time‐dependent studies showed that the spontaneous polymerization of the DPP derivative was temporally delayed upon cooling the monomer solution in a methanol/water mixture. Theoretical calculations revealed that an amide‐functionalized DPP derivative adopts an energetically favorable folded conformation in the presence of water molecules due to hydration. This conformational change is most likely responsible for the trapping of monomers in the initial stage of the cooperative supramolecular polymerization in aqueous media. However, the monomeric species can selectively interact with externally added fragmented aggregates as seeds through concerted π‐stacking and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Consequently, the time course of the supramolecular polymerization and the morphology of the aggregated state can be controlled, and one‐dimensional fibers that exhibit a J‐aggregate‐like bathochromically shifted absorption band can be obtained.
Elevated serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 in recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Baccaglini Lorena , Shuster Jonathan J. , Theriaque Douglas W. , Naveed Zaeema
Published: March 2019

Over 100 million Americans experience recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) at some point in life. To develop targeted drugs for RAS treatment, it is critical to identify its etiology. We determined if serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) and related factors are associated with RAS, because both RAS prevalence and IGF‐1 are highest during puberty. We analyzed data from 1,480 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants aged 20–40 years. Participants with a history of diabetes or lupus, cotinine levels 6 ng/ml or higher or glycemia 110 mg/dl or higher were excluded. We compared levels of IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3, leptin, and insulin in participants with a positive vs. negative RAS history in the prior 12 months. We used logistic regression in SAS/SUDAAN to account for the complex sampling design. The odds of a positive RAS history were 1.31 times higher for every 100 ng/ml increase in serum IGF‐1. This association persisted after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, medication intake, body mass index, insulin, leptin, glycemia, and income (adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.06, 1.60]; p = 0.013). The odds of a positive RAS history were also higher among non‐Hispanic white compared with non‐Hispanic black participants (adjusted OR = 4.37, 95% CI [3.00, 6.38]). Leptin, IGFBP‐3, and insulin levels did not differ by RAS status. The significantly higher IGF‐1 levels in participants with a positive RAS history compared with controls suggest a possible role of the IGF‐1 pathway in RAS etiology.
Nanotherapeutics as promising approaches to combat fungal infections
Authors: Kamel Rabab
Published: March 2019

Fungal infections are a serious and growing public health problem. Invasive fungal infections can increase the rate of morbidity and mortality of immune‐compromised patients. Nowadays, there are a great number of antifungal agents; however, the control of fungal diseases is unsatisfactory due to lack of treatment efficiency, low drug biovailability, high drug toxicity, and emergence of fungal resistance. The use of advanced drug delivery systems can hopefully revolutionize the treatment of fungal diseases. This article comprises an overview on antifungal drugs, plant‐derived moieties with antifungal activity, together with the encountered problems. The nanoencapsulation of antifungal agents is proposed as a potential successful therapeutic approach by enhancing the solubility and stability of the active constituents, extending the biological effect, improving the absorption, and adjusting the degree of hydrophilicity/lipophilicity. In addition, some antifungal market products based on the nanotechnology are displayed.
Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Mammals (and Humans): The Death of a Central Dogma in Neuroscience and its Replacement by a New Dogma
Authors: Oppenheim Ronald W.
Published: March 2019

The review is a critical appraisal of the history and present status of the phenomenon of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in the mammalian and human brain. Previous as well as most current studies of AHN have focused on highly inbred domestic mice and rats that are examined in rigorously controlled laboratory environments using psychology‐based behavioral tests. However, this approach cannot reveal the adaptive significance of AHN, a key unresolved question in the field. After the publication of several thousand articles in the field over the last 20 years, little progress has been made in our understanding of the biological utility of AHN in the real world. To accomplish this will require comparative studies employing a greater diversity of species and species‐specific behaviors that are investigated in a more naturalistic, evolutionary context. Although efforts along these lines are on the rise, they remain “voices in the wilderness.” This review is an attempt to hasten and increase those efforts.
Dynamic Alterations of Retinal EphA5 Expression in Retinocollicular Map Plasticity
Authors: Cheng Qi , Graves Mark D. , Pallas Sarah L.
Published: March 2019

The topographically ordered retinocollicular projection is an excellent system for studying the mechanism of axon guidance. Gradients of EphA receptors in the retina and ephrin‐As in the superior colliculus (SC) pattern the anteroposterior axis of the retinocollicular map, but whether they are involved in map plasticity after injury is unknown. Partial damage to the caudal SC at birth creates a compressed, complete retinotopic map in the remaining SC without affecting visual response properties. Previously, we found that the gradient of ephrin‐A expression in compressed maps is steeper than normal, suggesting an instructive role in compression. Here we measured EphA5 mRNA and protein levels after caudal SC damage in order to test the hypothesis that changes in retinal EphA5 expression occur that are complementary to the changes in collicular ephrin‐A expression. We find that the nasotemporal gradient of EphA5 receptor expression steepens in the retina and overall expression levels change dynamically, especially in temporal retina, supporting the hypothesis. This change in receptor expression occurs after the change in ephrin‐A ligand expression. We propose that changes in the retinal EphA5 gradient guide recovery of the retinocollicular projection from early injury. This could occur directly through the change in EphA5 expression instructing retino‐SC map compression, or through ephrin‐A ligand signaling instructing a change in EphA5 receptor expression that in turn signals the retinocollicular map to compress. Understanding what molecular signals direct compensation for injury is essential to developing rehabilitative strategies and maximizing the potential for recovery.
The effects of pulsed fertilization and chronic herbivory by periodical cicadas on tree growth
Authors: Yang Louie H. , Karban Richard
Published: March 2019

Although many studies have investigated plant growth in the context of episodic herbivory and pressed resource availability, relatively few have examined how plant growth is affected by pulsed resources and chronic herbivory. Periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.) adults represent a pulsed detrital subsidy that fertilizes plants, and live cicada nymphs are long‐lived root‐feeding herbivores. Previous studies of cicada herbivory effects have been inconclusive, and previous studies of cicada‐mediated fertilization did not examine effects on trees, or on a multiyear timescale. Here, we describe the results of a 3‐yr experiment that factorially manipulated the presence and absence of cicada fertilization and herbivory in a population of 100 American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) trees. We found that cicada fertilization strongly increased tree growth in the year of emergence, creating differences in tree size that persisted at least 2 yr later. By comparison, we did not detect reductions in tree growth associated with cicada herbivory in any year of this experiment. However, cicada herbivory reduced the densities of, and damage from, other aboveground herbivores. These results suggest that cicadas affect the size structure of forests over multiple years, and raise questions about how cicada‐mediated fertilization and herbivory will affect tree growth over longer timescales.
Statistical modeling of patterns in annual reproductive rates
Authors: Brooks Mollie E. , Kristensen Kasper , Darrigo Maria Rosa , Rubim Paulo , Uriarte María , Bruna Emilio , Bolker Benjamin M.
Published: March 2019

Reproduction by individuals is typically recorded as count data (e.g., number of fledglings from a nest or inflorescences on a plant) and commonly modeled using Poisson or negative binomial distributions, which assume that variance is greater than or equal to the mean. However, distributions of reproductive effort are often underdispersed (i.e., variance < mean). When used in hypothesis tests, models that ignore underdispersion will be overly conservative and may fail to detect significant patterns. Here we show that generalized Poisson (GP) and Conway‐Maxwell‐Poisson (CMP) distributions are better choices for modeling reproductive effort because they can handle both overdispersion and underdispersion; we provide examples of how ecologists can use GP and CMP distributions in generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to quantify patterns in reproduction. Using a new R package, glmmTMB, we construct GLMMs to investigate how rainfall and population density influence the number of fledglings in the warbler Oreothlypis celata and how flowering rate of Heliconia acuminata differs between fragmented and continuous forest. We also demonstrate how to deal with zero‐inflation, which occurs when there are more zeros than expected in the distribution, e.g., due to complete reproductive failure by some individuals.
Low‐voltage efficient electroosmotic pumps with ultrathin silica nanoporous membrane
Authors: Yang Qian , Su Bin , Wang Yafeng , Wu Wanhao
Published: March 2019

In this work, an efficient electroosmotic pump (EOP) based on the ultrathin silica nanoporous membrane (u‐SNM), which can drive the motion of fluid under the operating voltage as low as 0.2 V, has been fabricated. Thanks to the ultrathin thickness of u‐SNM (∼75 nm), the effective electric field strength across u‐SNM could be as high as 8.27 × 105 V m−1 in 0.4 M KCl when 1.0 V of voltage was applied. The maximum normalized electroosmotic flow (EOF) rate was as high as 172.90 mL/min/cm2/V, which was larger than most of other nanoporous membrane based EOPs. In addition to the ultrathin thickness, the high porosity of this membrane (with a pore density of 4 × 1012 cm−2, corresponding to a porosity of 16.7%) also contribute to such a high EOF rate. Moreover, the EOF rate was found to be proportional to both the applied voltage and the electrolyte concentration. Because of small electrokinetic radius of u‐SNM arising from its ultrasmall pore size (ca. 2.3 nm in diameter), the EOF rate increased with increasing the electrolyte concentration and reached the maximum at a concentration of 0.4 M. This dependence was rationalized by the variations of both zeta potential and electrokinetic radius with the electrolyte concentration.
To block or not to block: The adaptive manipulation of plague transmission
Authors: Gandon Sylvain , Heitzmann Louise , Sebbane Florent
Published: March 2019

The ability of the agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, to form a biofilm blocking the gut of the flea has been considered to be a key evolutionary step in maintaining flea-borne transmission. However, blockage decreases dramatically the life expectancy of fleas, challenging the adaptive nature of blockage. Here, we develop an epidemiological model of plague that accounts for its different transmission routes, as well as the within-host competition taking place between bacteria within the flea vector. We use this theoretical framework to identify the environmental conditions promoting the evolution of blockage. We also show that blockage is favored at the onset of an epidemic, and that the frequencies of bacterial strains exhibiting different strategies of blockage can fluctuate in seasonal environments. This analysis quantifies the contribution of different transmission routes in plague and makes testable predictions on the adaptive nature of blockage.
Deformation of amphibolites from the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe Group, Liaodong Peninsula, China: Implications to the crustal structure of the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji mobile belt in the eastern block, North China Craton
Authors: Wang Kai , Liu Junlai , Yang Hongxiang , Liang Sixi
Published: March 2019

Structural evolution of the Paleoproterozoic Jiao‐Liao‐Ji orogenic belt in eastern North China Craton has been a subject of extensive study in the past decades. Studies of the characteristics of the crustal structure during orogenesis are essential to the understanding of the formation and evolution of the orogenic belt. In this paper, we present detailed studies of deformed amphibolites in the southern part of the orogenic belt to illustrate the changes of deformation conditions and variation of deformation mechanisms during the orogenic processes. Based on differences in structural characteristics of foliations, amphibolites from the Paleoproterozoic South Liaohe Group at Caohekou–Jiguanshan area are subdivided into four types (massive, weak‐gneissic, moderate‐gneissic, and strong‐gneissic). Our study shows that the different characteristics in microstructures, rock fabrics, and deformation mechanisms of the amphibolites were resulted from varying temperatures and pressures in relation to the tectonic deformation. The widely distributed massive amphibolites (P = 0.39 GPa, T = 639°C) display no or weak deformation, which is inferred to represent steady‐state crystallization. Weak‐gneissic amphibolites (P = 0.52 GPa, T = 753°C) were resulted from stress‐controlled grain growth. Amphiboles in such rocks show obvious (100) LPOs but minor evidence for crystal plastic deformation. Evidences for crystal plastic deformation of amphibole grains are common in moderate‐gneissic amphibolites (P = 0.61 GPa, T = 771°C). The amphibole grains have strong (100) and (001) LPOs. Dislocation slip is considered as the main deformation mechanism of the amphibole grains in the rocks. Both subgrains and mechanical twins of amphiboles from strong‐gneissic amphibolites (P = 0.77 GPa, T = 686°C) are long‐columnar shaped and show the same orientation as their host crystals. They are resulted from reactivation of (100)(001) slip system controlled by dynamic recrystallization, twinning, and twinning nucleation recrystallization. The evident pressure difference from 0.39 to 0.77 GPa during the formation of the various types of amphibolites may be related to the tectonic thickening during contractional orogenesis.
Cardiovascular mortality among patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: Differences according to lymphoma subtype
Authors: Abuamsha Hasan , Kadri Amer N. , Hernandez Adrian V.
Published: March 2019

Survival rates of patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have improved over the last decade. However, cardiotoxicities remain important adverse consequences of treatment with chemotherapy and radiation, although the burden of cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in such patients remains unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients greater than or equal to 20 years of age diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) between 2000 and 2013 using data extracted from the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Our primary endpoint was CVM. The association between NHL and CVM was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis after adjusting for other patient characteristics. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for CVM, comparing NHL patients with the general population. We identified 153 983 patients who met the inclusion criteria (69 329 with DLBCL, 48 650 with CLL/SLL, and 36 004 with FL). The median follow‐up was 37 months (interquartile range, 10‐78 months); the mean patient age was 66.24 (±14.69) years; 84 924 (55.2%) were men; 134 720 (87.5%) were White, and 131 912 (85.7%) did not receive radiation therapy. Overall, 9017 patients (5.8%) died from cardiovascular disease, and we found that NHL patients had a higher risk of CVM than the general population, after adjusting for age (SMR 15.2, 95% confidence interval: 14.89‐15.52). The rates of CVM were 5.1%, 8%, and 4.4% in patients with DLBCL, CLL/SLL, and FL, respectively. Furthermore, across all NHL subtypes, older age, higher stage at the time of diagnosis (particularly stage 4), male sex, and living in the south were associated with higher risks of CVM. Our data suggest that risk assessment and careful cardiac monitoring are recommended for NHL patients, particularly those with the CLL/SLL subtypes.
Comprehensive analysis of a ceRNA network reveals potential prognostic cytoplasmic lncRNAs involved in HCC progression
Authors: Bai Yi , Long Junyu , Liu Zhisong , Lin Jianzhen , Huang Hanchan , Wang Dongxu , Yang Xu , Miao Fei , Mao Yilei , Sang Xinting , Zhao Haitao
Published: March 2019

The aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has drawn increasing attention in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biology. In the present study, we obtained the expression profiles of lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in 371 HCC tissues and 50 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified hepatocarcinogenesis‐specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs, log fold change ≥ 2, FDR < 0.01), including 753 lncRNAs, 97 miRNAs, and 1,535 mRNAs. Because the specific functions of lncRNAs are closely related to their intracellular localizations and because the cytoplasm is the main location for competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) action, we analyzed not only the interactions among these DEGs but also the distributions of lncRNAs (cytoplasmic, nuclear or both). Then, an HCC‐associated deregulated ceRNA network consisting of 37 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 26 mRNAs was constructed after excluding those lncRNAs located only in the nucleus. Survival analysis of this network demonstrated that 15 lncRNAs, 3 miRNAs, and 16 mRNAs were significantly correlated with the overall survival of HCC patients (p < 0.01). Through multivariate Cox regression and lasso analysis, a risk score system based on 13 lncRNAs was constructed, which showed good discrimination and predictive ability for HCC patient survival time. This ceRNA network‐construction approach, based on lncRNA distribution, not only narrowed the scope of target lncRNAs but also provided specific candidate molecular biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis of HCC, which will help expand our understanding of the ceRNA mechanisms involved in the early development of HCC.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA during proliferative phase of rat liver regeneration
Authors: Bai Haijing , Guo Jianlin , Chang Cuifang , Guo Xueqiang , Xu Cunshuan , Jin Wei
Published: March 2019

This study aims to reveal the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs–miRNAs–mRNAs network during the proliferative phase of liver regeneration (LR). High‐throughput sequencing technology was performed, and a total of 1,738 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs), 167 known differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs), and 2,727 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Then, the target DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs regulated by the same miRNAs were screened and a ceRNA regulatory network containing 32 miRNAs, 107 lncRNAs, and 270 mRNAs was constructed. Insulin signaling pathway, pyrimidine metabolism, axon guidance, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and pyruvate metabolism were significantly enriched in the network. Through literature review and the regulatory relationship between lncRNAs and miRNAs, nine core lncRNAs were identified, which might play important roles during the proliferative phase of rat LR. This study analyzed lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network for the first time during the proliferative phase of rat LR, providing clues for exploring the mechanism of LR and the treatment of liver diseases.
Aberrant expression of miR‐29a/29b and methylation level of mouse embryos after in vitro fertilization and vitrification at two‐cell stage
Authors: Movahed Elham , Soleimani Mansooreh , Hosseini Sara , Akbari Sene Azade , Salehi Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Proper epigenetic modifications during preimplantation embryo development are important for a successful pregnancy. We aim to investigate the putative influence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vitrification on DNA methylation in mouse preimplantation embryos. The study groups consisted of blastocyst‐derived vitrified two‐cell embryos, nonvitrified embryos, and a control group of in vivo derived blastocysts. We assessed developmental competence, global DNA methylation, relative expression levels of miR‐29a/29b, and their target genes, Dnmt3a/3b. Vitrified embryos had a lower developmental rate as compared with nonvitrified embryos. There was no significant decrease in blastocyst cell numbers among studied groups, whereas there was a steady decline in DNA methylation after IVF and vitrification. The levels of miR‐29a/29b upregulated in the experimental groups as compared with the control group. IVF and vitrification caused Dnmt3a/3b downregulations in blastocysts. The results of this study have suggested that a relationship exists between IVF and embryo vitrification with methylation interruptions in the blastocysts.
Evaluation and entomopathogenicity of gut bacteria associated with dauer juveniles of Oscheius chongmingensis (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)
Authors: Fu Jun‐rui , Liu Qi‐zhi
Published: March 2019

The nematodes of genus Oscheius are insect parasites with a potential role as biological control agents. The composition of gut microbiota and its potential assistant role in the complex pathogenic mechanism of nematodes have been poorly illustrated. In this study, the intestinal bacteria associated with dauer juveniles of the nematode Oscheius chongmingensis Tumian were classified by 16S rDNA high‐throughput sequencing. The raw reads were assigned to 845 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) after quality filtering. The results showed that the genus Ochrobactrum, with a proportion of 59.82%, was the most abundant genus, followed by 7.13% Bacillus, 4.7% Albidiferax, 4.26% Acinetobacter, and 3.09% Rhodococcus. The two dominant bacteria, Ochrobactrum and Bacillus, were further isolated by culturing on NBTA and LB medium respectively, and then identified as Ochrobactrum tritici and Bacillus cereus by morphological and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, the entomopathogenicity of these two bacterial species was studied. The results showed that O. tritici caused 93.33% mortality within 144 hr in the 4th‐instar larvae of Galleria mellonella treated with 2 × 109 CFU/ml, whereas B. cereus showed 100% mortality at a concentration of 3.3 × 107 CFU/ml within 48 hr. These findings, especially the presence of O. tritici, which had not been found in other nematode species in the genus Oscheius, indicate that the associated nematode O. chongmingensis may have particular utility as a biocontrol agent.
A novel ABCA12 pathologic variant identified in an Ecuadorian harlequin ichthyosis patient: A step forward in genotype‐phenotype correlations
Authors: Montalván‐Suárez Martha , Esperón‐Moldes Uxia Saraiva , Rodríguez‐Pazos Laura , Ordóñez‐Ugalde Andrés , Moscoso Fernanda , Ugalde‐Noritz Nora , Santomé Luis , Fachal Laura , Tettamanti‐Miranda Daniel , Ruiz Juan Carlos , Ginarte Manuel , Vega Ana
Published: March 2019

Background

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCI) have been associated with different phenotypes including: harlequin ichthyosis (HI), congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE), and lamellar ichthyosis (LI). While pathogenic variants in all ARCI genes are associated with LI and CIE phenotypes, the unique gene associated with HI is ABCA12. In HI, the most severe ARCI form, pathogenic variants in both ABCA12 gene alleles usually have a severe impact on protein function. The presence of at least one non‐truncating variant frequently causes a less severe congenital ichthyosis phenotype (LI and CIE).

Methods

We report the case of a 4‐year‐old Ecuadorian boy with a severe skin disease. Genetic diagnosis was performed by NGS. In silico predictions were performed using Alamut software v2.11. A review of the literature was carried out to identify all patients carrying ABCA12 splice‐site and missense variants, and to explore their genotype‐phenotype correlations.

Results

Genetic testing revealed a nonsense substitution, p.(Arg2204*), and a new missense variant, p.(Val1927Leu), in the ABCA12 gene. After performing in silico analysis and a comprehensive review of the literature, we conclude that p.(Val1927Leu) affects a well conserved residue which could either disturb the protein function or alter the splicing process, both alternatives could explain the severe phenotype of our patient.

Conclusion

This case expands the spectrum of ABCA12 reported disease‐causing variants which is important to unravel genotype‐phenotype correlations and highlights the importance of missense variants in the development of HI.
Apprenticeship learning in cognitive jamming
Authors: Zhuansun Shaoshuai , Yang Jun‐an , Liu Hui
Published: March 2019

In an electronic warfare–type scenario with a partially known environment, the advantages of trial and error in the reinforcement learning algorithm adopted by a cognitive jammer can disrupt communications between transmitter‐receiver pairs adaptively and optimally. However, complete information regarding the Markov decision process and its thousands of interactions seem to be unreliable, especially in applications that require timeliness, such as cognitive jamming. Faced with uncooperative or hostile transmitter‐receiver pairs, it is a challenging control problem for the jammer to select the proper actions to realize communication denials. This paper addresses apprenticeship learning in cognitive jamming, where inverse reinforcement learning is used by the jammer to acquire skilled behaviors from expert demonstrations. Without a known prior reward function, the jammer can obtain high jamming performance under the guidance of the given expert strategy. More specifically, the number of iterations needed in apprenticeship learning is much less than that needed in Q learning, which is a vital advantage in a fast‐changing environment. Numerous results demonstrate that it is feasible and realistic to use apprenticeship learning to learn the jamming strategy since its performance meets or exceeds those of existing methods.
Effects of climatically shifting species distributions on biocultural relationships
Authors: Bond Matthew O. , Anderson Barbara J. , Henare Te Hemo Ata , Wehi Priscilla M.
Published: March 2019

Local and Indigenous Peoples play critical roles in safeguarding global biological and cultural diversity. However, species distribution modelling has yet to incorporate perspectives that assess threats to the linked biological and cultural systems of local and Indigenous Peoples.

Here, we provide the first example of integrating species distribution modelling with benefit‐relevant indicators. This novel approach assesses how human access to culturally important species may change over time.

Focusing on two culturally significant species used by the Indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, we first identified predictor variables relevant to the habitat of each species. We used species distribution models (SDMs) to estimate the recent (1961–1990) potential distribution for each species based on occurrence records and predictor variables, then generated future climate suitability maps.

Our models show that future suitability for one species shifts to the south, in line with changes in temperature and precipitation, while the second species range expands into higher latitudes, driven primarily by increased temperature. When we combined these models with knowledge of tribal boundaries and cultural practices, results indicated that these distributions might decrease access to culturally important plants. Future suitability for one species shifted substantially from where it is most valued for weaving, while the second species range expanded to include more of its primary medicinal users.

Climate change‐mediated shifts in the ranges of these species are likely to affect intergenerational human–environment relationships, sense of place, cultural identity and knowledge on a regional scale, as well as cultural identity and social cohesion on a national scale.

By interpretingSDMs within a socioecological framework, this research illustrates a new approach to assessment of vulnerabilities to climate change and identifies strategies for adaptation.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Reading and (Re)writing Science Comics: A Study of Informational Texts
Authors: Dallacqua Ashley K. , Peralta Lydia R.
Published: March 2019

The authors document work in a fifth‐grade classroom investigating informational texts. Students investigated a range of informational texts and their potential forms. In the spirit of challenging a given curriculum and conventional understandings of informational texts, texts in the Science Comics series were invited into this learning space. Along with other texts, the science comics were positioned as exemplar informational texts and graphic nonfiction. Additionally, these comics supported students in questioning what nonfiction is and can be. Fifth graders went on to draw from these comics as mentor texts, composing their own nonfiction comics. Students were positioned as investigators and creators, becoming creative experts on informational texts. Working with and creating multiple forms of informational texts supported students in being critical consumers and producers of information.
Partial Deconfinement
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Ishiki Goro , Watanabe Hiromasa
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We argue that the confined and deconfined phases in gauge theories are connected by a partially deconfined phase (i.e. SU(M) in SU(N), where M < N, is deconfined), which can be stable or unstable depending on the details of the theory. When this phase is unstable, it is the gauge theory counterpart of the small black hole phase in the dual string theory. Partial deconfinement is closely related to the Gross-Witten-Wadia transition, and is likely to be relevant to the QCD phase transition.

The mechanism of partial deconfinement is related to a generic property of a class of systems. As an instructive example, we demonstrate the similarity between the Yang-Mills theory/string theory and a mathematical model of the collective behavior of ants [Beekman et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001]. By identifying the D-brane, open string and black hole with the ant, pheromone and ant trail, the dynamics of two systems closely resemble with each other, and qualitatively the same phase structures are obtained.
Highly selective hydrogen separation membrane is resistant to both heat and pressure
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: March 2019

Toray Industries Inc – a Japanese manufacturer of membranes for applications that include reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration and membrane bioreactors – reports that it is developing a membrane that has high hydrogen permeability and selectivity separation properties, as this brief technology focus explains.
Predicting probability of perirectal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) at hospital unit admission
Authors: Goodman Katherine E. , Simner Patricia J. , Klein Eili Y. , Kazmi Abida Q. , Gadala Avinash , Toerper Matthew F. , Levin Scott , Tamma Pranita D. , Rock Clare , Cosgrove Sara E. , Maragakis Lisa L. , Milstone Aaron M. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: March 2019

Background:

Targeted screening for carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs), including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs), remains limited; recent data suggest that existing policies miss many carriers.

Objective:

Our objective was to measure the prevalence of CRO and CPO perirectal colonization at hospital unit admission and to use machine learning methods to predict probability of CRO and/or CPO carriage.

Methods:

We performed an observational cohort study of all patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) or solid organ transplant (SOT) unit at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017. Admission perirectal swabs were screened for CROs and CPOs. More than 125 variables capturing preadmission clinical and demographic characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR) system. We developed models to predict colonization probabilities using decision tree learning.

Results:

Evaluating 2,878 admission swabs from 2,165 patients, we found that 7.5% and 1.3% of swabs were CRO and CPO positive, respectively. Organism and carbapenemase diversity among CPO isolates was high. Despite including many characteristics commonly associated with CRO/CPO carriage or infection, overall, decision tree models poorly predicted CRO and CPO colonization (C statistics, 0.57 and 0.58, respectively). In subgroup analyses, however, models did accurately identify patients with recent CRO-positive cultures who use proton-pump inhibitors as having a high likelihood of CRO colonization.

Conclusions:

In this inpatient population, CRO carriage was infrequent but was higher than previously published estimates. Despite including many variables associated with CRO/CPO carriage, models poorly predicted colonization status, likely due to significant host and organism heterogeneity.
Performing Public Credit at the Eighteenth-Century Bank of England
Authors: Murphy Anne L.
Published: March 2019

Much is known about the negotiation of personal credit relationships during the eighteenth century. It has been noted how direct contact and observation allowed individuals to assess the creditworthiness of those with whom they had financial connections and to whom they might lend money. Much less is known about one of the most important credit relationships of the long eighteenth century: that between the state and its creditors. This article shows that investors could experience the performance of public credit at the Bank of England. By 1760 the Bank was the manager of nearly three-quarters of the state's debt and housed the main secondary market in that debt. Thus, it provided a place for public creditors, both current and potential, to attend and scrutinize the performance of the state's promises. The article demonstrates how the Bank acted to embody public credit through its architecture, internal structures, and imagery and through the very visible actions of its clerks and the technologies that they used to record ownership and transfer of the national debt. The Bank of England, by those means, allowed creditors to interrogate the financial stability and reputation of the state in the same ways that they could interrogate the integrity of a private debtor.