bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of the Brown mussel Perna perna at a Rocky beach near Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Krampah Eric A. , Yankson Kobina , Blay John
Published: October 2019

The brown mussel, Perna perna, is an ecologically important species which has a great potential for aquaculture in Ghana. Though it is harvested from the wild for consumption locally, there is no information on its population parameters to guide its management and subsequent culturing. The species inhabiting Iture rocky beach near Cape Coast (Ghana) was therefore investigated to elucidate its growth and other population parameters. Specimens had shell length ranging from 5.00 to 78.0 mm, a modal shell length class of 35.0–39.9 mm, and exhibited negative allometric growth. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K), and growth performance index (Φ') were 80.10 mm, 0.49 per year, and 3.49, respectively. The recruitment pattern showed that P. perna has year‐round recruitment with a single peak between April and July. Total mortality (Z) was estimated at 2.79 per year, while natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 0.87 and 1.92 per year, respectively. The calculated exploitation level of the population (E = 0.69) suggests possible overfishing of the mussels at Iture rocky beach. These results could serve as baseline information for management of the mussel population in Ghana.
An amphibian species pushed out of Britain by a moving hybrid zone
Authors: Arntzen Jan W.
Published: October 2019

Classical theory states that hybrid zones will be stable in troughs of low population density where dispersal is hampered. Yet, evidence for moving hybrid zones is mounting. One possible reason that moving zones have been underappreciated is that they may drive themselves into oblivion and with just the superseding species remaining, morphological and genetic signals of past species replacement may be difficult to appreciate. Using genetic data (32 diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms) from a clinal hybrid zone of the common toad (Bufo bufo) and the spined toad (Bufo spinosus) in France for comparison, alleles of the latter species were documented in common toads in the south of Great Britain, at frequencies in excess of 10%. Because long distance dispersal across the Channel is unlikely, the conclusion reached was that the continental toad hybrid zone which previously extended into Britain, moved southwards and extirpatedB. spinosus. Species distribution models for the mid‐Holocene and the present support that climate has locally changed in favour ofB. bufo. The system bears resemblance with the demise ofHomo neanderthalensisand the rise ofHomo sapiensand provides an example that some paleoanthropologists demanded in support of a hominin “leaky replacement” scenario. The toad example is informative just because surviving pureB. spinosusand an extant slowly moving interspecific hybrid zone are available for comparison.
Distribution, habitat use, and abundance of the endangered franciscana in southeastern and southern Brazil
Authors: Sucunza Federico , Danilewicz Daniel , Andriolo Artur , Azevedo Alexandre F. , Secchi Eduardo R. , Zerbini Alexandre N.
Published: October 2019

The franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) is endemic to coastal waters from Brazil to Argentina. The species is regarded as one of the most threatened cetaceans in South America due to high bycatch levels. Four management units (FMAs) were defined throughout the species’ range. FMA II includes states along southeastern and southern Brazil, and represents one of the least known units. Recently, genetic analysis proposed that FMA II comprises two distinct populations and its range should be divided into FMA IIa and IIb. In December 2008 and January 2009 aerial surveys were conducted to assess the distribution and to estimate abundance of franciscanas off FMA II. A total of 54 groups were seen (average group size = 2.76,SE= 0.17) in shallow (mean depth = 7.15 m,SE= 7.08) coastal habitats (average distance from the shore = 6.48 km,SE= 6.28). Abundance corrected for perception and availability bias was estimated at 6,827 (CV= 0.26) franciscanas in FMA II, and at 1,915 (CV= 0.32) and 4,353 (CV= 0.24) franciscanas in FMA IIa and FMA IIb, respectively. This study indicates that, at least during the summer, franciscanas aggregate in shallow coastal habitats. Current estimates of incidental mortality in FMA II correspond to 4.4%–7.3% of the estimated stock size, suggesting high, likely unsustainable bycatch.
Oral immune‐related adverse events associated with PD‐1 inhibitor therapy: A case series
Authors: Shazib Muhammad Ali , Woo Sook‐Bin , Sroussi Hervé , Carvo Ingrid , Treister Nathaniel , Farag Arwa , Schoenfeld Jonathan , Haddad Robert , LeBoeuf Nicole , Villa Alessandro
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize clinical and histopathological features, and management outcomes of patients with oral immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) secondary to programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitors.

Methods

This was a case series of cancer patients receiving PD‐1 inhibitor therapy who were referred to oral medicine for the development of oral irAEs. Demographic, clinical, and histopathological data were collected from electronic medical records.

Results

There were 13 patients (7 males) with a median age of 68 years (range: 39–82) who were treated with nivolumab (n = 7) or pembrolizumab (n = 6). Oral irAEs included lichenoid lesions (n = 10), erythema multiforme (EM) (n = 2), and acute graft‐versus‐host disease reactivation (n = 1), with or without ulcerations (n = 8). Four patients (31%) presented with only oral irAEs. Oral biopsies showed lichenoid mucositis (n = 4). Management with topical and systemic steroids led to complete symptomatic response in most patients (n = 12). PD‐1 inhibitor therapy was temporarily discontinued (n = 3) and discontinued indefinitely (n = 2) due to severe oral irAEs.

Conclusion

Patients receiving PD‐1 inhibitors may develop oral irAEs characterized by lichenoid lesions, ulcers, or EM. Topical and systemic steroids appear to be effective in managing oral lesions although the severity of irAEs may necessitate PD‐1 inhibitor therapy dose modification.
The possible role of BnaA10.SOI.a in seed fatty acid biosynthesis of rapeseed
Authors: Gong Jingyun , Li Dong , Li Xinye , Yu Xuchen , Guo Yuan , Chen Mingxun
Published: October 2019

In Arabidopsis thaliana, AtMYB76 is an MYB transcription factor that has been shown to play multiple roles in the biosynthesis of aliphatic glucosinolates and fatty acids. However, in Brassica napus, the role of BnaA10.SOI.a, an AtMYB76 orthologue, in the accumulation of seed lipids remains unclear. In the present study, we obtained the BnaA10.SOI.a coding domain sequence from the Brassica napus cultivar 'Zhongshuang 11' and analysed its conserved protein domain. A subcellular localization experiment in tobacco leaf cells indicated that BnaA10.SOI.a functioned as a transcription factor. Our results demonstrated that the introduction of BnaA10.SOI.a into an Arabidopsis thaliana myb76‐2 mutant could restore wild‐type levels of seed fatty acid content. Moreover, the expression levels of six oil biosynthetic genes in developing seeds of myb76‐2 were restored to wild‐type levels by ectopic expression of BnaA10.SOI.a. These results improve our understanding of the function of BnaA10.SOI.a and provide a potential target for genetic manipulations of B. napus to improve oil quantity in seeds.
Novel dermoscopic features of pityriasis versicolor–like macules in epidermodysplasia verruciformis
Authors: Afra T. P. , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Razmi T Muhammed , Khader Aysha , Hafi N. A. Bishurul
Published: October 2019

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) manifests early in childhood as pityriasis versicolor (PV)–like macules on sun‐exposed sites such as the face. These hypopigmented lesions closely resemble commoner pediatric dermatoses such as PV or pityriasis alba. In this report of two cases, we describe the distinguishing dermoscopic features of PV‐like macules in EV. Unfocused dotted vessels in a hypopigmented or erythematous background with whitish scales and pigment diluted vellus hairs on dermoscopy should raise the suspicion of EV in children presenting with PV‐like lesions.
Decompounding discrete distributions: A nonparametric Bayesian approach
Authors: Gugushvili Shota , Mariucci Ester , van der Meulen Frank
Published: October 2019

Suppose that a compound Poisson process is observed discretely in time and assume that its jump distribution is supported on the set of natural numbers. In this paper we propose a nonparametric Bayesian approach to estimate the intensity of the underlying Poisson process and the distribution of the jumps. We provide a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme for obtaining samples from the posterior. We apply our method on both simulated and real data examples, and compare its performance with the frequentist plug‐in estimator proposed by Buchmann and Grübel. On a theoretical side, we study the posterior from the frequentist point of view and prove that as the sample size n→∞, it contracts around the “true,” data‐generating parameters at rate , up to a factor.
Maximum likelihood drift estimation for a threshold diffusion
Authors: Lejay Antoine , Pigato Paolo
Published: October 2019

We study the maximum likelihood estimator of the drift parameters of a stochastic differential equation, with both drift and diffusion coefficients constant on the positive and negative axis, yet discontinuous at zero. This threshold diffusion is called drifted oscillating Brownian motion. For this continuously observed diffusion, the maximum likelihood estimator coincides with a quasi‐likelihood estimator with constant diffusion term. We show that this estimator is the limit, as observations become dense in time, of the (quasi)‐maximum likelihood estimator based on discrete observations. In long time, the asymptotic behaviors of the positive and negative occupation times rule the ones of the estimators. Differently from most known results of the literature, we do not restrict ourselves to the ergodic framework: indeed, depending on the signs of the drift, the process may be ergodic, transient, or null recurrent. For each regime, we establish whether or not the estimators are consistent; if they are, we prove the convergence in long time of the properly rescaled difference of the estimators towards a normal or mixed normal distribution. These theoretical results are backed by numerical simulations.
Local Whittle likelihood approach for generalized divergence
Authors: Xue Yujie , Taniguchi Masanobu
Published: October 2019

There are many approaches in the estimation of spectral density. With regard to parametric approaches, different divergences are proposed in fitting a certain parametric family of spectral densities. Moreover, nonparametric approaches are also quite common considering the situation when we cannot specify the model of process. In this paper, we develop a local Whittle likelihood approach based on a general score function, with some special cases of which, the approach applies to more applications. This paper highlights the effective asymptotics of our general local Whittle estimator, and presents a comparison with other estimators. Additionally, for a special case, we construct the one‐step ahead predictor based on the form of the score function. Subsequently, we show that it has a smaller prediction error than the classical exponentially weighted linear predictor. The provided numerical studies show some interesting features of our local Whittle estimator.
Stochastic functional estimates in longitudinal models with interval‐censored anchoring events
Authors: Chu Chenghao , Zhang Ying , Tu Wanzhu
Published: October 2019

Timelines of longitudinal studies are often anchored by specific events. In the absence of the fully observed anchoring event times, the study timeline becomes undefined, and the traditional longitudinal analysis loses its temporal reference. In this paper, we considered an analytical situation where the anchoring events are interval censored. We demonstrated that by expressing the regression parameter estimators as stochastic functionals of a plug‐in estimate of the unknown anchoring event time distribution, the standard longitudinal models could be extended to accommodate the situation of less well‐defined timelines. We showed that for a broad class of longitudinal models, the functional parameter estimates are consistent and asymptotically normally distributed with a convergence rate under mild regularity conditions. Applying the developed theory to linear mixed‐effects models, we further proposed a hybrid computational procedure that combines the strengths of the Fisher's scoring method and the expectation‐expectation (EM) algorithm for model parameter estimation. We conducted a simulation study to validate the asymptotic properties and to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method. A real data example was used to illustrate the proposed method. The method fills in a gap in the existing longitudinal analysis methodology for data with less well‐defined timelines.
Successful surgical management of an Escherichia coli epidural–subdural abscess secondary to sino‐rhinotomy
Authors: Simlett‐Moss Angharad B. , Freeman Alistair , McConnell Fraser J. , Coe Richard , Sanchez‐Masian Daniel
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe a case of successful management of epidural–subdural abscess and severe meningitis with secondary brain herniation in a dog.

Case Summary

A rhino‐sinusotomy was performed in a 3‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog for management of refractory sinonasal aspergillosis. Initial recovery was good, but the dog became acutely stuporous 36 hours after surgery. Evidence of increased intracranial pressure with brain herniation and midline shift secondary to an epidural abscess was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Decompressive craniectomy and drainage of the abscess was performed. Intensive nursing care and physiologic support was performed with consciousness returning 7 days after initial stupor. The dog was discharged 14 days after craniectomy and was ambulatory with support.

New/Unique Information Provided

Intracranial abscesses are rarely described in dogs and few had a successful outcome reported. All previous reports have been of brain abscesses or empyema, rather than a combination of epidural and subdural abscessation. Additionally, the process of sino‐rhinotomy for management of aspergillosis has not been previously linked to intracranial abscess formation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful management of an epidural–subdural abscess and suggests that even with cases with low modified Glasgow Coma Scale scores outcome may be positive.
Representaciones sobre prácticas letradas de estudiantes universitarios en situaciones vulnerables
Authors: Castro-Azuara María Cristina , Domínguez-Ángel Rosalina , Nava-Nava Refugio
Published: October 2019

El trabajo presenta los resultados de un estudio empírico sobre las percepciones que de la lectura y la escritura tienen estudiantes provenientes de sectores vulnerables y con bajo rendimiento escolar en una universidad pública en México. Nuestro objetivo es identificar el impacto que estas representaciones tienen en su desempeño escolar y en los procesos de inclusión educativa propios del nivel superior. Los resultados muestran que las dificultades académicas asociadas a la comprensión y comunicación de saberes, si bien no son un factor exclusivo, sí contribuyen de manera dominante al fracaso y la deserción escolar de jóvenes en situación vulnerable.
Undergraduate Students in Ecuador: A Data Analysis
Authors: Bonilla-Marchán Andrés Marcelo , Valdiviezo-Ortiz Javier Alfredo , Orosz Agnes , Stefos Efstathios
Published: October 2019

The aim of the present study was to identify the social characteristics of undergraduate students in Ecuador. Several analyses were carried out for this purpose; namely descriptive and multidimensional analyses. The descriptive analysis reveals the frequencies and percentages of the variables used in the study. The multidimensional analysis of multiple correspondences shows the differentiation criteria, and the hierarchical analysis classifies respondents based on their common characteristics. The results of this study reveal the characteristics of current undergraduate students in Ecuador and as such can help government and other higher educational authorities to develop future policies regarding undergraduate study in Ecuador.
Range of motion in the avian wing is strongly associated with flight behavior and body mass
Authors: Baliga V. B. , Szabo I. , Altshuler D. L.
Published: October 2019

An emergent property of wing morphology bears signature of adaptation to flight ecology more strongly than morphology itself.
Building sensory axons: Delivery and distribution of Na
V
1.7 channels and effects of inflammatory mediators
Authors: Akin Elizabeth J. , Higerd-Rusli Grant P. , Mis Malgorzata A. , Tanaka Brian S. , Adi Talia , Liu Shujun , Dib-Hajj Fadia B. , Waxman Stephen G. , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D.
Published: October 2019

Sodium channel Na
V
1.7 controls firing of nociceptors, and its role in human pain has been validated by genetic and functional studies. However, little is known about Na
V
1.7 trafficking or membrane distribution along sensory axons, which can be a meter or more in length. We show here with single-molecule resolution the first live visualization of Na
V
1.7 channels in dorsal root ganglia neurons, including long-distance microtubule-dependent vesicular transport in Rab6A-containing vesicles. We demonstrate nanoclusters that contain a median of 12.5 channels at the plasma membrane on axon termini. We also demonstrate that inflammatory mediators trigger an increase in the number of Na
V
1.7-carrying vesicles per axon, a threefold increase in the median number of Na
V
1.7 channels per vesicle and a ~50% increase in forward velocity. This remarkable enhancement of Na
V
1.7 vesicular trafficking and surface delivery under conditions that mimic a disease state provides new insights into the contribution of Na
V
1.7 to inflammatory pain.
Zika virus degrades the ω-3 fatty acid transporter Mfsd2a in brain microvascular endothelial cells and impairs lipid homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chi Xiaojing , Cheng Min , Huang Xingyao , Liu Xiuying , Fan Jingjing , Xu Hua , Lin Tianli , Shi Lei , Qin Chengfeng , Yang Wei
Published: October 2019

Both the endothelial transporter Mfsd2a and docosahexaenoic acid uptake are disrupted in Zika virus–induced microcephaly models.
Complete Genome Sequence of Raoultella electrica 1GB (DSM 102253
T
), Isolated from Anodic Biofilms of a Glucose-Fed Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Thiel Simone , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Overmann Jörg , Jahn Dieter , Biedendieck Rebekka
Published: October 2019

The type strain
Raoultella electrica
1GB (DSM 102253
T
) was isolated from anodic biofilms of glucose-fed microbial fuel cells. The fully assembled, closed, circular 5.27-Mb genome and corresponding 0.52-Mb plasmid DNA sequences were elucidated. Potential electron transfer and pathogenicity mechanisms were deduced.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mn(II)-Oxidizing Bacterium
Oxalobacteraceae
sp. Strain AB_14
Authors: Bushman Timothy J. , Akob Denise M. , Bohu Tsing , Beyer Andrea , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Lapidus Alla , Klenk Hans-Peter , Küsel Kirsten
Published: October 2019

Biological Mn(II) oxidation produces reactive manganese oxides that help to mitigate metal contamination in the environment. Here, we present the genome of
Oxalobacteraceae
sp. strain AB_14, a species of Mn(II)-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) that is notable for its ability to catalyze Mn oxidation at low pH (5.5).
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of a metatarsal bone in an adult female
Authors: Vaish Abhishek , Vaishya Raju , Singh Lokesh Kumar , Kashyap Vikas
Published: October 2019

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) commonly occurs in children. It mimics infection and many benign and malignant tumours. This disease mainly involves the spine, skull and long bones, and its incidence is sporadic in the small bones of the foot and hand. We could not find any case reports with the involvement of a metatarsal bone, and hence, awareness about its possibility is essential to suspect it as a differential diagnosis of lytic lesions in the foot bones and therefore treat it judiciously. We have reported a case of a 35-year-old woman with spontaneous onset of pain over her right foot for the last year. An extensive curettage was performed, where the histology confirmed the features of LCH. Awareness about this entity and its differential diagnosis may help to clinch and early diagnosis and to treat effectively.
Sparse scalp hair and vision loss: think hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy
Authors: Narayan Akshay , Moosajee Mariya
Published: October 2019

Here, we report the diagnostic challenge of a female patient of Russian descent with autosomal recessive hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy (HJMD). She presented to dermatology age one and a half years with sparse hair growth on her scalp, her parents were reassured this would grow, but it never manifested. She was found to be hypermetropic and prescribed glasses from age 2 but no retinal findings were noted. At age 23 years, the patient undertook an internet search and discovered the association of symptoms pointing towards HJMD. She sought genetic testing, revealing a homozygous missense mutation in Cadherin-3 (CDH3) gene. The patient presented to our Genetic Eye Disease Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital age 27 years, with reduced colour, central distance and near vision. Fundus examination and imaging confirmed atrophic macular changes. Currently, HJMD has no treatment, she wears a wig, UV-protected sunglasses in sunlight and maintains a healthy balanced diet.
Early increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers is associated with the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in severely injured trauma patients
Authors: Kleinveld Derek JB , Tuip-de Boer Anita M , Hollmann Markus W , Juffermans Nicole P
Published: October 2019

Background

As a result of improvements in the early resuscitation phase of trauma, mortality is largely driven by later mortality due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which may be mediated by an early overdrive in the host immune response. If patients at risk for MODS could be identified early, preventive treatment measures could be taken. The aim of this study is to investigate whether specific biomarkers are associated with MODS.

Methods

Multiple trauma patients presenting to the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, between 2012 and 2018 with an Injury Severity Score of 16 or higher were sampled on arrival at the emergency department. A wide variety of inflammatory cytokines, endothelial and lung-specific markers were determined. Comparisons were made between patients with and without MODS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations between specific biomarkers and MODS. A p value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In total, 147 multiple trauma patients were included. Of these, 32 patients developed MODS (21.7%). Patients who developed MODS were more severely injured, had more traumatic brain injury and showed more deranged markers of coagulation when compared with patients without MODS. Overall, both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were higher in patients with MODS, indicative of a host immune reaction. In the multivariate analysis, the combination of anti-inflammatory proteins interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) (OR 1.27 (1.07–1.51), p=0.002) and Clara cell protein 16 (CC-16) (1.06 (1.01–1.05), p=0.031) was most strongly associated with the development MODS.

Conclusions

In trauma, anti-inflammatory proteins IL-1RA and CC-16 have the potential to early identify patients at risk for development of MODS. Further research is warranted to prospectively validate these results.

Level of evidence

Prognostic study, level III.
Healthy lifestyle moderates the relationship between cardiovascular disease with blood pressure, body composition, carotid intima-media thickness, and glycated hemoglobin among adults
Authors: Lima Tiago Rodrigues de , González-Chica David Alejandro , Moreno Yara Maria Franco , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: October 2019

We investigate whether the adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations (regular physical activity, healthy diet, reduced alcohol consumption, nonsmoking) moderates the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension) with clinical variables among adults. This cross-sectional population-based study comprised 862 adults (39.3 ± 11.4 years, 46.4% men) from Florianópolis, Brazil. Clinical variables were systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, muscular strength, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), high sensitive C-reactive protein, and lipid and glucose metabolism markers. Multiple linear regression adjusted for confounding factors was used. Reduced IMT and HbA1c were observed in males with CVD or its risk factors who adopted healthy lifestyle recommendations (p < 0.001), and lower SBP levels were observed in females without CVD or its risk factors (p = 0.034). Females with CVD or its risk factors who followed healthy lifestyle recommendations showed higher BMI (p = 0.035). Adherence to number of healthy lifestyle recommendations moderated cardiovascular health in adults with CVD and without CVD.

Novelty The adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations moderated the relationship between IMT and HbA1c with CVD or its risk factors among males. The lower values of SBP among females without CVD or its risk factors were moderated by the adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations.
Generation intervals in Canadian dairy cattle herds
Authors: Hagan Bernard Ato , Cue Roger
Published: October 2019

Genetic evaluation records for the Canadian Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, and Brown Swiss bulls and cows born from 1950 and 1960, respectively, were used to study the generation intervals (L) along the four-path selection model. The objectives of the study were to determine the L in the four dairy cattle breeds and the effects of some environmental factors and variations among herds or artificial insemination (AI) studs on the L achieved. Total L of the four selection paths was reduced by 55% from 29.2 yr in 1980 to 13.2 yr in 2016 in the Holstein breed. Substantial reductions in total L were also observed in the Ayrshire, Jersey, and Brown Swiss populations between 1980 and 2016. Unlike progeny year of birth, housing system, agricultural region in Québec (region) — as well as their interaction — were not important on realised L of sires and dams used on Canadian dairy farms. There were significant variations among herds and AI studs on the age of sires and dams used for breeding. The considerable variations in realised L among herds and AI studs offer opportunities to increase the annual rate of genetic progress in the four Canadian dairy cattle populations.
Tetraneutron condensation in neutron rich matter
Authors: Ivanytskyi O. , Ángeles Pérez-García M. , Albertus C.
Published: October 2019

In this work we investigate the possible condensation of tetraneutron resonant states in the lower density neutron rich gas regions inside Neutron Stars (NSs). Using a relativistic density functional approach we characterize the system containing different hadronic species including, besides tetraneutrons, nucleons and a set of light clusters (3He, $ \alpha$α particles, deuterium and tritium). $ \sigma$σ, $ \omega$ω and $ \rho$ρ mesonic fields provide the interaction in the nuclear system. We study how the tetraneutron presence could significantly impact the nucleon pairing fractions and the distribution of baryonic charge among species. For this we assume that they can be thermodynamically produced in an equilibrated medium and scan a range of coupling strengths to the mesonic fields from prescriptions based on isospin symmetry arguments. We find that tetraneutrons may appear over a range of densities belonging to the outer NS crust carrying a sizable amount of baryonic charge thus depleting the nucleon pairing fractions.
Salient features of dressed elliptic string solutions on $$\mathbb {R}\times \hbox {S}^2$$
Authors: Katsinis Dimitrios , Mitsoulas Ioannis , Pastras Georgios
Published: October 2019

We study several physical aspects of the dressed elliptic strings propagating on $$\mathbb {R} \times \mathrm {S}^2$$R×S2 and of their counterparts in the Pohlmeyer reduced theory, i.e. the sine-Gordon equation. The solutions are divided into two wide classes; kinks which propagate on top of elliptic backgrounds and non-localised periodic disturbances of the latter. The former class of solutions obey a specific equation of state that is in principle experimentally verifiable in systems which realize the sine-Gordon equation. Among both of these classes, there appears to be a particular class of interest the closed dressed strings. They in turn form four distinct subclasses of solutions. One of those realizes instabilities of the seed elliptic solutions. The existence of such solutions depends on whether a superluminal kink with a specific velocity can propagate on the corresponding elliptic sine-Gordon solution. Unlike the elliptic strings, the dressed ones exhibit interactions among their spikes. These interactions preserve an appropriately defined turning number, which can be associated to the topological charge of the sine-Gordon counterpart. Finally, the dispersion relations of the dressed strings are studied. A qualitative difference between the two wide classes of dressed strings is discovered.
Uncommon Futures
Authors: Valentine David , Hassoun Amelia
Published: October 2019

In the immediate aftermath of the Cold War, Munn (1992) argued that anthropology had neglected the future as a temporal focus. This concern continues to be echoed by anthropologists, even as a review of post–Cold War anthropology reveals that the future has become a recurrent, dominant temporality in the field. Reviewing texts from the past quarter-century that provide a diagnostic at the intersection of the anthropology of futurity and the future of anthropology, we argue that the urgency for an anthropology of the future—and concern over its neglect—presumes some continuity prior to the challenges of an uncertain “now” under constant transformation and, simultaneously, a desire for a common and open future world. Deriving this insight from the work of Black and Indigenous scholars, we suggest that an anthropology attuned to futures is most fruitful when it foregrounds decolonizing perspectives on commonality, continuity, and openness and problematizes them as the implicit grounds of anthropological futurity.
Becoming an Organizational Scholar
Authors: Rousseau Denise M.
Published: October 2019

This article provides an overview of my career in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology and organizational behavior (OB). I describe critical experiences shaping my development as a scholar, in particular, the contribution learning to think organizationally has made to my scholarship. I map my career experiences onto Boyer's scholarship framework, from an emphasis on basic and applied research, to practice and teaching.
A Novel COL4A5 Splicing Mutation Causes Skipping of Exon 14 in a Chinese Family with Alport Syndrome
Authors: Gao Erzhi , Yang Xi , Si Nuo , Liu Keqiang , Wang Jin-Quan , Liu Zhihong
Published: October 2019

Background: Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited progressive renal disease caused by mutations in COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5. Although mutation screening in the genes responsible for AS is typically performed, only a small proportion of patients receive genetic testing in China, and the functional consequences of multiple splicing variants in AS patients have not been investigated. Methods: A family with X-linked AS was diagnosed based on family history and pathological findings from a kidney biopsy. Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify the causative mutation, and a minigene assay was performed to test the influence of the mutation on splicing. Results: A c.834+2T>G in COL4A5 was identified and shown to co-segregate with AS in the family. The variant is located in the canonical splicing site and is predicted to induce aberrant splicing. Minigene assay using HEK 293T cells indicated the skipping of exon 14 in ­COL4A5. Conclusions: The novel COL4A5 splicing mutation identified in the current study broadened the genetic spectrum of X-linked AS and further deepened our insight of the disease’s molecular mechanism.
Suppurative Lymphadenitis after Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Graves’ Disease: A Rare Complication?
Authors: Wong Shi Hui Junice
Published: October 2019

Background: Radioiodine (RAI) therapy for Graves’ disease is a well-accepted and effective treatment with a good side effect profile. Short-term adverse effects can occasionally include radiation-induced thyroiditis. To my knowledge, cervical lymphadenitis associated with RAI therapy for Graves’ disease has not been reported before. Case Report: A 38-year-old woman initially presented with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves’ disease. She subsequently received RAI therapy for her condition. Within a week, she developed painful bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy that progressed to abscess formation requiring incision and drainage. No other causes (neoplastic or infective) were found. Symptomatic treatment was instituted, and within 2 months the lymphadenitis resolved completely. Discussion: RAI therapy for Graves’ disease can sometimes cause radiation-induced thyroiditis but associated cervical lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis has not been described. This may represent a continuum of the proinflammatory state induced by RAI manifesting as a rare but potentially morbid complication.
Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 1 Polymorphisms and Venous Intimal Hyperplasia in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wu Chih-Cheng , Hsieh Mu-Yang , Lee Chih-Kuo , Chuang Shao-Yuan , Chung Ming-Yi , Lin Chih-Ching
Published: October 2019

Background: After angioplasty, veins are more prone to intimal hyperplasia than arteries. Veins tend to produce less nitric oxide (NO), which could lead to endothelial dysfunction. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase and contributes to cardiovascular disease. In humans, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) is the major enzyme for ADMA degradation. In this study, we aim to determine whether venous intimal hyperplasia in hemodialysis (HD) vascular access is influenced by common polymorphisms in the DDAH1 genes. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study. A total of 473 HD patients referred for the angioplasty of vascular access were enrolled. There were 190 arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and 283 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). The follow-up lasted for 2 years after the interventions. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DDAH1 were genotyped and ADMA were measured at baseline. The primary outcome was restenosis after angioplasty. Results: Among the 7 SNPs, plasma ADMA levels were significantly different in DDAH1 rs233112 (GA + GG vs. AA, 0.86 ± 0.23 vs. 0.82 ± 0.19 μM, p = 0.03) and rs1498373 (CT + TT vs. CC, 0.87 ± 0.23 vs. 0.82 ± 0.20 μM, p = 0.02) genotypes. The AVF group with GG + GA genotype of rs233112 and CT + TT genotype of rs1498373 had higher risks of early restenosis at 3 months. In the AVG group, only GG + GA genotype of rs233112 was associated with early restenosis. A combined analysis of AVG and AVF groups showed that patients with rs233112 GA + GG genotype and rs1498373 CT + TT genotype had higher risks of early restenosis (both p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis results showed that the association of these genotypes with early restenosis is independent of clinical, access, or biochemical factors. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that certain DDAH1 polymorphisms modulate circulating ADMA levels and are associated with venous intimal hyperplasia.
ГЛОБАЛЬНІ ВИКЛИКИ ДЛЯ ЗДОРОВ’Я. ЯК ЗМІНЮВАТИМУТЬСЯ ПІДХОДИ ДО ФОРМУВАННЯ ПОЛІТИКИ ЗДОРОВ’Я ЧЕРЕЗ ПРИЗМУ РЕФОРМИ МЕХАНІЗМУ ОПЛАТИ ПРАЦІ СІМЕЙНИХ ЛІКАРІВ
Authors: Lytvynova O. N. , Yuriiv K. Yu. , Petrashyk Y. M.
Published: October 2019

Мета: показати пряму залежність в підходах до формування політики здоровʼя від фінансової складової на рівні первинної медичної допомоги.

Матеріали і методи. Використовуючи методи системного аналізу проаналізовано механізми реалізації державної політики охорони здоровʼя через призму реформи механізму оплати праці сімейних лікарів.

Результати. У статті на основі критичного вивчення та аналізу законодавчої бази показано особливості фінансування первинної ланки медичної допомоги. Виділено окремі моменти діяльності сімейних лікарів, які потенційно можуть впливати на стан здоровʼя населення і особливо чутливі до фінансових змін системи. Показано конкурентне середовище у відносинах між державними та приватними закладами, що надаватимуть первинну медико-санітарну допомогу (ПМСД) в Україні, впливають на стан громадського здоровʼя та роль фінансів у розвитку цих стосунків. Запропоновано шляхи стимулювання зацікавлення сімейних лікарів у розвитку превентивних заходів у ракурсі громадського здоровʼя.

Висновки. Показано, що ключовою функціональною одиницею ПМСД на сьогодні є сімейний лікар, а гарантом забезпечення охорони здоровʼя та надання медичної допомоги населенню – головний лікар центру ПМСД. Саме на нього покладено налагодження системи надання допомоги, оснащення закладу, забезпечення сервісних умов для пацієнтів та сімейних лікарів.
ПРОБЛЕМНІ АСПЕКТИ ФОРМУВАННЯ СИСТЕМИ ГРОМАДСЬКОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Slobodian N. O.
Published: October 2019

Мета: виявити проблемні аспекти формування системи громадського здоров’я, проаналізувати сучасний стан розвитку та визначити основні пріоритети у сфері громадського здоров’я.

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні використано методи аналізу, синтезу та дедукції для виявлення особливостей системи громадського здоров’я в Україні та встановлення цільових орієнтирів щодо здоров’я населення.

Результати. Розглянуто основні проблеми у сфері громадського здоров’я.  Система громадського здоров’я як основа профілактичної медицини повинна передбачати основні заходи у сфері охорони здоров’я та бути спрямованою на збереження здоров’я населення і зменшення обсягу витрат на медичне обслуговування.

Існуючі в Україні на сьогодні елементи системи громадського здоров’я діють незлагоджено та потребують оптимізації існуючих ресурсів та суттєвого збільшення ефективності управління ними. Заходи щодо реформування системи охорони здоров’я тільки поглибили кризу профілактичної медицини. Причинами ситуації, яка склалася із станом здоров’я населення, є соціально-економічна криза, несприятлива екологічна ситуація, нездорове харчування, недостатні фізичні навантаження, високий рівень поширеності тютюнокуріння, вживання алкоголю та наркотичних засобів.

Концепція громадського здоров’я в Україні передбачає розвиток регіональних систем громадського здоров’я – створення центрів громадського здоров’я в кожній області. Саме ця нова інституція має стати регіональним координатором заходів громадського здоров’я, бути гнучкою та спроможною в боротьбі як з інфекційними, так і неінфекційними захворюваннями, спрямованою на зміцнення, захист та збереження здоров’я населення, забезпечення визначення соціального детермінанта здоров’я та соціальної справедливості для узгодження дій в усіх секторах державного управління.

Висновки. Оскільки наявна система медичної допомоги в Україні фактично не передбачає профілактичної складової частини, то виникає необхідність визначення нових підходів та розроблення програм для розв’язання проблем у сфері громадського здоров’я і забезпечення функціонування Центру громадського здоров’я МОЗ України як координатора цих програм та проектів.
Deficiency of MicroRNA miR‐1954 Promotes Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis
Authors: Chiasson Valorie , Takano Ana Paula Cremasco , Guleria Rakeshwar S. , Gupta Sudhiranjan
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiac fibrosis occurs because of disruption of the extracellular matrix network leading to myocardial dysfunction. Angiotensin
II
(Ang
II
) has been implicated in the development of cardiac fibrosis. Recently, micro
RNA
s have been identified as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in cardiac pathologies; however, the underlying mechanism of micro
RNA
s in cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Next‐generation sequencing analysis identified a novel characterized microRNA, miR‐1954, that was significantly reduced in AngII‐infused mice. The finding led us to hypothesize that deficiency of miR‐1954 triggers cardiac fibrosis.

Methods and Results

A transgenic mouse was created using α‐MHC (α‐myosin heavy chain) promoter and was challenged with
AngII
infusion. AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. The in vivo overexpression of miR‐1954 showed significant reduction in cardiac mass and blood pressure in AngII‐infused mice. Further analysis showed significant reduction in cardiac fibrotic genes, hypertrophy marker genes, and an inflammatory gene and restoration of a calcium‐regulated gene (Atp2a2 [ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 2]; also known as
SERCA
2), but no changes were observed in apoptotic genes.
THBS
1 (thrombospondin 1) is indicated as a target gene for miR‐1954.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence, for the first time, that miR‐1954 plays a critical role in cardiac fibrosis by targeting 
THBS
1. We conclude that promoting the level of miR‐1954 would be a promising strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
The Relationship between Attachment to God, Prosociality, and Image of God
Authors: Bayramoglu Yunus , Harma Mehmet , Yilmaz Onurcan
Published: October 2019

Although religiosity fosters some antisocial behaviors (e.g., support for suicide attacks), it is well-known that it also enhances in-group cooperation and prosociality (e.g., donating to charity). Supernatural punishment hypothesis suggests that the fear of punishment from an invisible, potent, and powerful supernatural agent can keep everyone in line, and encourage prosociality. We first investigated this relationship in a predominantly Muslim country and then tested a model suggesting that attachment to God can lead people to think God as authoritarian, which in turn leads them to report more prosocial intentions. The results demonstrate that (1) there are some findings suggesting that Attachment to God Inventory is a reliable measure in Turkey, (2) seeing God as authoritarian is positively correlated with prosociality, and (3) our above-mentioned model was supported by the data. Results generally support the supernatural punishment hypothesis and additionally show the utility of attachment theory in explaining the religiosity-prosociality link.
Attachment to God Uniquely Predicts Variation in Well-Being Outcomes
Authors: Keefer Lucas A. , Brown Faith L.
Published: October 2019

Prior research shows that one's relationship with God is often patterned on interpersonal attachment style. In other words, the expectations people have about the supportiveness of close others tend to color perceptions of God. Past research also shows that well-being corresponds with a more secure view of others in attachment relationships, both interpersonal and divine. This raises an important theoretical question: Are the associations between attachment to God and well-being due to the unique nature of that bond or are they merely due to the incidental overlap between human and divine attachment style? We predicted that having a more secure (i.e., less anxious and avoidant) attachment toward God would tend to predict better well-being, even after statistically controlling for interpersonal attachments. We found broad support for this prediction in two large samples over a wide range of well-being indicators. These data suggest that attachment to God uniquely fosters well-being.
Burl formation in mango (Mangifera indica): a neglected tumour disorder and the structure of its secondary xylem
Authors: Saran Parmeshwar L. , Patel Ravi S. , Meena Ram P. , Vasara Riddhi P. , Rajput Kishore S.
Published: October 2019

Mango burl is an important disease affecting many mango plantations in India and causes great loss in yield and decrease of vigour. We carried out a diagnostic survey for burl disease (sometimes also referred to as crown gall) in different varieties of mango (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae) throughout India during 2015 and 2016. More than 500 mango genotypes were screened for disease susceptibility and more than twenty-three mango genotypes in different parts of India were found susceptible to this disease. Burls initiate as small tumorous growths and become more pronounced as warty outgrowths with the increasing age of the individual tree. Samples of burl were collected from all popular varieties from different parts of the country and subjected to histological investigations.

The present study confirms that mango burl disease is caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens using evidence from the “carrot assay” and molecular identification of the presumed causal organism. The latter was isolated and inoculated on carrot disks to induce typical symptoms.

The xylem of the burl tissue was deformed and showed no specific orientation of the wood cells. Dimensional details and morphology of xylem cells vary at different positions within the burl. In a 10 cm diameter burl, the marginal portion showed xylem cells in circular arrangement. Vessel elements and fibres were very short while rays were relatively low and biseriate rays were observed rarely. Orientation of the xylem tissue was lost and all three plains (i.e. transverse, tangential and radial view) were observed in the same section. Cells from the middle portion of the burl were isodiametric, oval to circular, thick-walled and lignified, in morphology not dissimilar from callus tissue. Tyloses were common in all the cell types viz. fibres, ray cells, tracheids, axial parenchyma cells, and vessel elements.
Bromeliaceae from Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil

Authors: TOMAZ EDUARDO CALISTO , VERSIEUX LEONARDO M.
Published: October 2019

The Bromeliaceae Flora for the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, is presented, based on extensive fieldwork, morphological analyses using herbarium and freshly collected material, and specialized literature. Twenty-six species of bromeliads were recorded in Rio Grande do Norte, distributed in ten genera and in three subfamilies. Bromelioideae was the richest subfamily (eight genera/14 species), followed by Tillandsioideae (one genus/12 species), and Pitcairnioideae (one genus/one species). Aechmea mertensii, Hohenbergia horrida and Tillandsia tenuifolia are new records for Rio Grande do Norte. Eight species (31%) are restricted to the Eastern portion of the state, in the Atlantic Forest. Caatinga dry woodlands harbor 18 species, with remarkable presence of Bromelia laciniosa, Encholirium spectabile, Tillandsia recurvata and T. streptocarpa, the four most widely distributed taxa. We discuss problems related to unclear taxonomic circumscriptions of species or diverging information between authors, more expressively in Hohenbergia, but also in Aechmea, Cryptanthus and Tillandsia. The data presented here might contribute to better understand the morphological variation of these taxa and suggest additional research on their taxonomy. Morphological descriptions, general comments, a map, photo plates and an identification key for all taxa are provided.