bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stealth adhesion factor contributes toVibrio vulnificuspathogenicity: Flp pili play roles in host invasion, survival in the blood stream and resistance to complement activation
Authors: Duong–Nu Tra–My , Jeong Kwangjoon , Kim Soo Young , Tan Wenzhi , Puth Sao , Lee Kwang Ho , Lee Shee Eun , Rhee Joon Haeng
Published: April 2019

The tad operons encode the machinery required for adhesive Flp (fimbrial low-molecular-weight protein) pili biogenesis.Vibrio vulnificus, an opportunistic pathogen, harbors three distincttadloci. Among them, onlytad1locus was highly upregulated inin vivogrowing bacteria compared toin vitroculture condition. To understand the pathogenic roles of the threetadloci during infection, we constructed single, double and triple tad loci deletion mutants. Interestingly, only theΔtad123triple mutant cells exhibited significantly decreased lethality in mice. Ultrastructural observations revealed short, thin filamentous projections disappeared on theΔtad123mutant cells. Since the pilin was paradoxically non-immunogenic, a V5 tag was fused to Flp to visualize the pilin protein by using immunogold EM and immunofluorescence microscopy. TheΔtad123mutant cells showed attenuated host cell adhesion, delayed RtxA1 exotoxin secretion and subsequently impaired translocation across the intestinal epithelium compared to wild type, which could be partially complemented with each wild type operon. TheΔtad123mutant was susceptible to complement-mediated bacteriolysis, predominantly via the alternative pathway, suggesting stealth hiding role of the Tad pili. Taken together, all threetadloci cooperate to confer successful invasion ofV. vulnificusinto deeper tissue and evasion from host defense mechanisms, ultimately resulting in septicemia.

Author Summary

To understand the roles of the three Tad operons in the pathogenesis ofV. vulnificusinfection, we constructed mutant strain with single, double and triple Tad loci deletions. Employing a variety of mouse infection models coupled with molecular genetic analyses, we demonstrate here that all three Tad operons are required forV. vulnificuspathogenicity as the cryptic pili contribute to host cell and tissue invasion, survival in the blood, and resistance to complement activation.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)-6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-one
Authors: El Kali Fouad , Kansiz Sevgi , Daoui Said , Saddik Rafik , Dege Necmi , Karrouchi Khalid , Benchat Noureddine
Published: April 2019

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C17H12Cl2N2O, contains one independent molecule. The molecule is not planar, the phenyl and pyridazine rings are twisted with respect to each other, making a dihedral angle of 29.96 (2)° and the dichlorophenyl ring is nearly perpendicular to the pyridazine ring, with a dihedral angle of 82.38 (11)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules to form inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—H...O interactions, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. The intermolecular interactions were investigated using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, and the molecular electrostatic potential surface was also analysed. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the title compound suggests that the most significant contributions to the crystal packing are by H...H (31.4%), Cl...H/H...Cl (19.9%) and C...H/H...C (19%) contacts.
Identifying dynamics in strategic groups
Authors: Penagos-Londoño Gabriel Ignacio , Ruiz-Moreno Felipe
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the situation in the Spanish banking industry through the identification of strategic groups based on a set of variables.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the authors use a 13-year data set and a time inhomogeneous hidden Markov model (HMM) in which the time variable transition matrix captures institutions’ group switching behavior to identify these strategic groups. In fact, the authors consider a mixture model is the data generation process.

Findings

Two groups are identified. These groups are primarily characterized by size and other strategic variables. The probability of remaining in a group is generally high: 87.28 per cent for SG1 and 61.84 per cent for SG2. The probability of switching groups is low: 12.72 per cent probability of switching from SG1 to SG2 and 38.16 per cent probability of switching from SG2 to SG1. Banks in SG1 seem more stable over time; they have low levels of switching behavior and well-defined long-term behavior. Banks in SG2 seem to evolve in terms of group membership.

Originality/value

Using an inhomogeneous HMM with time-variable transition matrix, this paper allows for time-varying parameters in the distributions to analyze the evolution of strategic group membership in this industry to detect changes in group strategy, changes in membership and the stability of groups over time.
Pattern‐guided dip estimation with plane‐wave destruction filters
Authors: Xue Zhiguang , Zhang Houzhu , Zhao Yang , Fomel Sergey
Published: April 2019

We propose to use pattern‐guided dip estimation to mitigate aliasing problem that possibly exists in structure‐oriented data processing. A straightforward and effective approach of generating pattern‐guided dip is presented, which generally involves three rounds of standard dip estimation with plane‐wave destruction filters. The first use of plane‐wave destruction filter is for generating a mask operator distinguishing aliased and non‐aliased data, based on measuring the uncertainty of the first dip estimation. The second plane‐wave destruction filter uses the aliasing‐free portions of the input data, and the dip in the aliasing‐affected area is automatically padded with the ‘pattern’ dip by smoothing regularization. The result of the second plane‐wave destruction filter is used as the initial dip for the inversion of the last‐pass plane‐wave destruction filter, which produces a pattern‐guided dip. For some specific applications, the mask operator can be easily generated through other methods, and we can skip the first dip estimation. Two numerical examples, related to picking information using predictive painting and structure‐oriented interpolation, respectively, demonstrate that our pattern‐guided dip can effectively mitigate the aliasing problem in structure‐oriented data processing.
Gaming National Emergency Access Target performance using Emergency Treatment Performance definitions and emergency department short stay units
Authors: Hession Michael , Forero Roberto , Man Nicola W , Penza Luke , McDonald Wade
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate potential gaming of the 4 h ED length of stay metric known as the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) in Australia and Emergency Treatment Performance (ETP) in New South Wales (NSW).

Methods

Descriptive statistical analysis was used to recalculate and compare the scores for NEAT and the NSW ETP using variations in the definitions of their measurement on 32 184 presentations during 2016. A computer simulation using a discrete event model illustrated the effect of the use of ED short stay beds on the ETP scores.

Results

Using the timestamp of the intent to discharge a patient, called, ‘ready for departure’ instead of the time of a patient physically leaving the department, resulted in an apparent 6% performance improvement. A local interpretation of the NSW state definition of the ‘transferred’ patient resulted in the ETP for ‘admitted’ patients improving by 16%. The discrete event model demonstrated that without changing patient length of stay, ETP scores can be improved by optimising the time of the admit decision or increasing the number of ED short stay beds.

Conclusions

The opportunity of NEAT may be squandered unless gaming of the definitions and use of ED short stay beds is addressed. We argue that the longstanding issue of ‘departure time’ should be defined as ‘physically leaving’ the department, in accordance with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) definition. Patient occupancy is a real measure of ED resource use and NSW and national recommendations should be adjusted. ACEM accreditation of EDs should include review of their application of NEAT definitions to ensure they truly reflect patient flow processes.
Feasibility and surgical outcomes of video‐assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection in patients with advanced‐stage lung cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Suh Jee Won , Park Seong Yong , Lee Chang Young , Lee Jin Gu , Kim Dae Joon , Paik Hyo Chae , Chung Kyoung Young
Published: April 2019

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is regarded as the standard treatment for lung cancer. However, the feasibility and safety of VATS for lung cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is unclear. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of VATS in patients who had received neoadjuvant CRT.

Methods

Between January 2008 and December 2017, 85 patients who were administered neoadjuvant CRT and underwent anatomic lung resection were enrolled. Fifty‐nine patients underwent open thoracotomy and 26 patients underwent VATS. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes were reviewed.

Results

In six of the initial 32 patients who underwent VATS, the procedure was converted to thoracotomy. Adjacent structural invasion (33.9% vs. 11.5%; P = 0.037) and combined resection (16.9% vs. 0%; P = 0.025) were higher in the open group than in the VATS group. Surgical duration was higher in the open group than in the VATS group (203.86 ± 65.97 vs. 173.27 ± 59.87 minutes; P = 0.046). With regard to postoperative outcomes, the length of the hospital stay was longer in the open group compared to the VATS group (14.46 ± 16.94 vs. 8.62 ± 4.72 days; P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the three‐year disease‐free survival (69.3% vs. 67.9%; P = 0.879) or overall survival rates (76.6% vs. 61.9%; P = 0.516).

Conclusion

In selected patients, VATS pulmonary resection after neoadjuvant CRT showed results comparable to that of thoracotomy in terms of postoperative outcomes, operative morbidities, and survival rate.
Whose Global, Which Health? Unsettling Collaboration with Careful Equivocation
Authors: Yates‐Doerr Emily
Published: April 2019

The recent push for multidisciplinary collaboration confronts anthropologists with a long‐standing ethnographic problem. The terms we have to talk about what we do are very often the same as the terms used by those with whom we work, and yet we are often doing very different things with these terms. I draw on over a decade of “awkward collaboration” with scientists working in highland Guatemala to explore how challenges of equivocation play out in research focused on improving maternal/child nutrition. In the interactions I describe, epidemiologists undertake ethnography, anthropologists study scientists, and a Mam–Spanish translator works for projects organized around English‐language funding structures and aspirations. I detail situations in which methods, interests, and goals coalesce and diverge to argue for the importance ofcareful equivocation, a research technique attuned to unsettling binaries that does not result in sameness or unity. I offer suggestions for how this technique might productively reshape the emerging global health imperative to work together. [global health, controlled equivocation, co‐laboring, material‐semiotics, Guatemala]
Grandparents, kinship ties, and belonging after migration: the perspective of second‐generation grandchildren
Authors: SOURALOVÁ ADÉLA
Published: April 2019

In this article, I investigate the roles of grandparents for second‐generation immigrants who live with their parents in a different country from their grandparents. I draw on in‐depth interviews with second‐generation Vietnamese immigrants living in the Czech Republic, where they are very often raised by Czech caregivers. The carers and the children are joined through the process of caregiving and become grandmothers and grandchildren to each other. The analysis focuses on how the interviewees make sense of, interpret, and understand their roles as grandchildren vis‐à‐vis their Czech and Vietnamese grandmothers. It shows how, after migration, the kinship ties are performed, negotiated, and reproduced on a micro level of everyday life, with tasks of caring, homeland visits, and a transnational/face‐to‐face maintenance of intimacy. The article concludes that grandparents play an important role in the grandchildren's sense of belonging both to their family kin and to the homeland.
Research on reaction mechanism of colorimetric sensor array with lead and its application for determination of lead content of fish
Authors: Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Dai Chunxia , Tian Xiaoyu
Published: April 2019

In this article, quantum chemistry method was applied to study the reaction mechanism of colorimetric sensor array (CSA) and lead during lead content analysis of large yellow croaker. The molecular structure, bingding energy, and charge of pyridine azo compounds and porphyrin compounds before and after reaction with lead was selected as the evaluation index to investigate the ability of CSA sensor to bind with lead. The results showed that PA4 of pyridine azo compounds and P2 of porphyrin compounds were sensitive to lead. After theoretical analysis, a colorimetric sensor array was fabricated for lead detection in large yellow croaker with the selected pyridine azo compounds and porphyrin compounds. For comparison, the lead content in large yellow croaker was also detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) method. A quantitative model based on support vector regression (SVR) for lead content in large yellow croaker was established. The correlation coefficient of 0.62374 for testing set was obtained. From the result obtained, there is the need to perform further research by selecting other sensitive chromogenic materials so as to achieve higher prediction accuracy.

Practical Applications

Lead exposure can cause physiological and neurological damage to humans. In this study, quantum chemistry method was applied to study the reaction mechanism of colorimetric sensor array and lead. Then a novel colorimetric sensor array was developed for the determination of lead in fish flesh. This method simplified the screening process of chromogenic sensitive materials. The method has potential to be applied to simplify the detection of lead in aquatic products by researchers and relevant detection departments.
Income Hedging, Dynamic Style Preferences, and Return Predictability
Authors: ADDOUM JAWAD M. , DELIKOURAS STEFANOS , KORNIOTIS GEORGE M. , KUMAR ALOK
Published: April 2019

We propose a theoretical measure of income hedging demand and show that it affects asset prices. We focus on the value factor and first demonstrate that our demand estimates are correlated with the actual demands of retail and mutual fund investors. We then show that the aggregate high‐minus‐low (HML) demand predicts HML returns. Exploiting the state‐level variation in income risk, we demonstrate that state‐level hedging demands predict state‐level HML returns. A long‐short portfolio that exploits this hedging‐induced predictability earns an annualized risk‐adjusted return of 6%.
The Globalization Risk Premium
Authors: BARROT JEAN‐NOËL , LOUALICHE ERIK , SAUVAGNAT JULIEN
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate how globalization is reflected in asset prices. We use shipping costs to measure firms' exposure to globalization. Firms in low shipping cost industries carry a 7% risk premium, suggesting that their cash flows covary negatively with investors' marginal utility. We find that the premium emanates from the risk of displacement of least efficient firms triggered by import competition. These findings suggest that foreign productivity shocks are associated with times when consumption is dear for investors. We discuss conditions under which a standard model of trade with asset prices can rationalize this puzzle.
Comparison of diagnostic techniques for detection of Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats
Authors: Saleh Meriam N. , Heptinstall Jack R. , Johnson Eileen M. , Ballweber Lora R. , Lindsay David S. , Werre Stephen , Herbein Joel F. , Zajac Anne M.
Published: April 2019

Background

An evaluation of currently available in‐clinic diagnostic tests for Giardia duodenalis infection of dogs and cats has not been performed. In addition, there is discordance among published diagnostic comparisons. The absence of a true gold standard for detecting Giardia duodenalis also complicates diagnostic evaluations.

Objectives

To evaluate diagnostic tests commercially available in the United States for detecting Giardia duodenalis in dogs and cats, in comparison to a widely used reference test, the direct immunofluorescent assay (IFA), and also to compare the results of 2 methods of analysis: comparison of diagnostic tests to a reference test (IFA) and Bayesian analysis.

Animals

Fecal samples from a convenience sample of 388 cats and dogs located in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

Methods

Fecal samples were tested for Giardia duodenalis by zinc sulfate centrifugal fecal flotation and 4 different commercial diagnostic immunoassays. Results were analyzed via Bayesian analysis and by comparison to the IFA as the reference test.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity by comparison to IFA was ≥82% and ≥90%, respectively, for all diagnostic tests in dogs and cats. When analyzed via Bayesian analysis, sensitivity and specificity were ≥83% and ≥95%, respectively. When ZnSO4 centrifugal fecal flotation results were combined with immunoassay results, there was no longer a significant difference between the sensitivities of the commercial in‐clinic immunoassays.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The Bayesian analysis validates using IFA as the reference test. Differences in commercial in‐clinic immunoassay sensitivities can be mitigated when the results are combined with ZnSO4 centrifugal fecal flotation results.
Why Do States Adopt Truth Commissions After Transition?
Authors: Kim Hun Joon
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Why do states create a truth commission after political transition? This article answers this question by testing three key theories after surveying the existing literature: transnational advocacy networks, the balance of power between old and new elites, and diffusion theory.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards models were used to explain the adoption of a truth commission. I used the Transitional Justice Database Project database on truth commissions in 71 countries that became democracies between 1980 and 2006.

Result

Strong evidence supports transnational advocacy networks and diffusion explanations. First, active domestic and international advocacy is a key factor. Second, diffusion theory is supported, as establishing a truth commission in neighboring countries is a relevant factor. Transitional countries are most sensitive to truth commissions adopted in culturally similar countries.

Conclusion

I found empirical evidence supporting the relevance of diffusion, domestic advocacy groups, and international actors.
The Effect of Distraction Cards on Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Intramuscular Injection in Children
Authors: Canbulat Şahiner Nejla , Türkmen Ayşe Sonay
Published: April 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of distraction cards in reducing pain and anxiety during intramuscular (IM) injection in children aged between 6 and 11 years.

Methods

Sixty children were randomized into two groups, the distraction group and controls. The children in the distraction group viewed distraction cards during the procedure. The children in the control group were allowed to have their family nearby when the routine injection procedure was performed, but no distraction techniques were employed. Children's Fear Scale was used to assess children's anxiety levels. Pain levels were assessed using the Wong‐Baker FACES pain rating scale via self‐reports, which were completed by the children and also by the parents and observer.

Results

There were significant differences in the self‐, parent‐, and observer‐reported pain and parent‐ and observer‐reported anxiety levels between the distraction and control groups.

Linking Evidence to Action

Distraction methods, such as distraction cards, should be used as a nursing intervention to reduce pain and anxiety during IM injection in children. This study contributes to the literature on nonpharmacologic pain relief methods during IM injection in children.
Phytoseiidae (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) from the Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: Mendonça Adriano Luis , Lofego Antonio Carlos , Pott Anildo , Daud Rodrigo Damasco , Demite Peterson Rodrigo
Published: April 2019

Phytoseiidae is the most extensively studied family of predatory mites, some of which are effectively used as biological control agents. Nevertheless, studies of these mites in some Brazilian biomes such as the Pantanal are still scarce. The objective this publication was to assess the diversity of this family in Pantanal vegetation from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, verifying the importance of the native plants as reservoirs for these mites. Samplings were carried out in five phytophysiognomies of the Pantanal: Cambarazal, Capão (forest islet), Carandazal, Riparian Forest and Paratudal. Thirty-five phytoseiid species were recorded on 40 plant species of 28 families. The most common species were Amblyseius chiapensis De Leon and Euseius concordis De Leon, recorded on 21 and 18 plant species, respectively. Inga vera Willd. (Fabaceae) and Paullinia pinnata L. (Sapindaceae) were the host plants harboring the greatest richness of phytoseiids, 15 and 14 species, respectively. Our results suggest a high diversity of phytoseiid mites in the Pantanal biome. However, as only a small proportion of the total biome area was considered, only a fraction of the mite diversity was probably recovered. Thus, new studies on this biome are needed, especially in other well-preserved native vegetation remnants.
Role of
Caulobacter
Cell Surface Structures in Colonization of the Air-Liquid Interface
Authors: Fiebig Aretha
Published: April 2019

In aquatic environments, the boundary at the air interface is often highly enriched with nutrients and oxygen. Colonization of this niche likely confers a significant fitness advantage in many cases. This study provides evidence that the cell surface adhesin known as a holdfast enables
Caulobacter crescentus
to partition to and colonize the air-liquid interface. Additional surface structures, including the flagellum and type IV pili, are important determinants of colonization and biofilm formation at this boundary. Considering that holdfast-like adhesins are broadly conserved in
Caulobacter
spp. and other members of the diverse class
Alphaproteobacteria
, these surface structures may function broadly to facilitate colonization of air-liquid boundaries in a range of ecological contexts, including freshwater, marine, and soil ecosystems.
Mesozoic-Cenozoic evolution of the Eastern Kunlun Range, central Tibet, and implications for basin evolution during the Indo-Asian collision
Authors: Wu Chen , Zuza Andrew V. , Zhou Zhiguang , Yin An , McRivette Michael W. , Chen Xuanhua , Ding Lin , Geng Jianzhen
Published: April 2019

The present-day Tibetan plateau, which is the largest highland on Earth, formed primarily due to the India-Asia collision since 50–60 Ma. The development of the plateau has been associated with the Cenozoic development of two large intra-plateau sedimentary basins in north-central Tibet: the Qaidam and Hoh Xil basins to the north and south of the Eastern Kunlun Range, respectively. We conducted an integrated study of these two basins and the Eastern Kunlun Range that separates them to understand the timing and mechanisms of their development in order to decipher the growth and uplift history of the plateau. Crustal shortening in the Fenghuoshan-Nangqian and Qilian Shan-Nan Shan thrust belts initiated no later than the early Eocene, which formed the northern and southern boundaries of the combined Hoh Xil and Qaidam basins in central Tibet. The distinct two-stage development of the Hoh Xil basin suggests emergence of a topographic barrier between the Hoh Xil basin in the south and Qaidam basin in the north in the early Neogene, which is supported by the existing and new apatite fission-track data from the Eastern Kunlun Range that suggest rapid cooling after ca. 20 Ma. Previous and newly collected geochronological, petrological, and thermochronological data are best interpreted in the context of the Paleogene Paleo-Qaidam hypothesis, which requires Hoh Xil and Qaidam basins to have been parts of a single integrated basin during the early stage of the Cenozoic Tibetan plateau development.
Effect of β-alanine supplementation on carnosine and histidine content in the hippocampus of 14-month-old rats
Authors: Hoffman Jay R. , Rathmacher John A. , Robinson Jennifer , Gepner Yftach , Cohen Hagit
Published: April 2019

Carnosine and histidine content in the hippocampus of 14-month-old male rats was examined following 30 days of β-alanine supplementation. All animals were provided identical diets; however, 100 mg of β-alanine was mixed with glucomannan (80:20 blend) in the water of β-alanine supplemented animals. Hippocampal carnosine content was significantly greater (p = 0.005) for β-alanine compared with control, while no differences (p = 0.438) were noted in histidine content between groups. Results provide initial evidence that β-alanine supplementation increases carnosine content in the hippocampus of middle-aged rats, without compromising histidine content. β-Alanine supplementation increases hippocampal carnosine content without compromising histidine content in middle-aged rats.
Wound reactions in stems of Leonurus cardiaca: a morphological, anatomical, and biomechanical study
Authors: Speck Olga , Schmauder Katharina , Speck Thomas , Paul-Victor Cloé
Published: April 2019

During biological evolution, plants evolved various types of wound reactions. This study focuses on the self-healing of plant fibers in the model plant Leonurus cardiaca L. In one of the square-shaped internodes of each plant, all four prominent strands of the collenchyma were damaged by a razor blade with a central incision in a longitudinal direction. After 20 to 24 days, the morphology, anatomy, and biomechanics of the healed internodes were compared with undamaged controls. Stem height increased highly significantly in the healed and control plants, although the healed internodes were significantly shorter than the respective control internodes. Light microscopy examination of the wounded region revealed permanent gaping of the wound and the formation of a distinct boundary layer. Four-point-bending tests showed a significantly lower flexural rigidity (self-healing efficiency = 44%) and a highly significantly lower bending elastic modulus (self-healing efficiency = 66%) for the healed internodes compared with the controls, although the axial second moments of area did not differ significantly (self-healing efficiency = 82%). After a healing period of three weeks, recovery of the morphological–anatomical characteristics and mechanical properties of the healed internodes was incomplete compared with the undamaged control samples. Nevertheless, the self-healing efficiency seemed to be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the stem during the entire growth period.
Adapting forest ecosystems to climate change by identifying the range of acceptable human interventions in western Canada
Authors: Moshofsky Molly , Gilani Haris R. , Kozak Robert A.
Published: April 2019

Forest management is presently undergoing major changes to adapt to climate change. This research examines the variation in perceived acceptability of potential forest management interventions that can mitigate the risks of climate change among rural forest-based communities in British Columbia and Alberta. In each of the four study communities, three focus groups composed of foresters, environmentalists, and local citizens were consulted. A Q-sort exercise was utilized to measure the perceived acceptance of a set of nine forest adaptation management scenarios that represented a spectrum of human interventions in forested ecosystems. The theory of Cultural Cognition of Risk was applied as a theoretical framework to analyze the way in which participants perceived adaptation strategies. Results indicate that foresters perceived the strategies based on assisted migration as being relatively less acceptable compared with the other social groups, while environmentalists prioritized adaptation strategies that featured mixed species, and local citizens perceived all of the adaptation strategies more neutrally. Cultural Cognition of Risk theory was determined to play a role in shaping perceptions of the adaptation strategies in that individualists tended to accept the local-based strategies while opposing the assisted migration based strategies. Conversely, hierarchists perceived assisted migration based strategies more favourably than the other cultural groups.
A comparative study on the mechanical behaviors of surface-strengthened Nitinol 60 alloy and steel
Authors: Zeng Qunfeng
Published: April 2019

Nitinol 60 alloy and steel were treated using supersonic fine-particle bombardment (SFPB) to improve their mechanical properties. The formation of the strengthened layer and the mechanical properties including surface roughness, hardness, and tribological properties of the untreated and treated samples were systematically investigated using surface profiler, micro-Vickers hardness, and ball-on-disk tribometer, respectively. The influences of SFPB treatment on the mechanical properties of samples are discussed. The results show that a hardened layer is formed on samples after SFPB treatment and that the treated samples exhibit high hardness and good wear resistance. It is also found that the coefficient of friction (CoF) of Nitinol 60 alloy is lowest among all the samples before and after surface treatment. The wear mechanism of the untreated sample is adhesive wear; however, the wear mechanism of the treated sample is adhesive and abrasive wear. This study will provide clear guidelines for the engineering application of Nitinol 60 alloy.
Asymptotic distribution of negative eigenvalues for three-body systems in two dimensions: Efimov effect in the antisymmetric space
Authors: Tamura Hideo
Published: April 2019

The [Formula: see text]-wave resonances induce an infinite number of negative eigenvalues accumulating at the origin for the system of three identical particles in two dimensions, provided that the energy operator is restricted on the subspace of wave functions which are antisymmetric with respect to the permutations. This quantum phenomenon is called the super Efimov effect and corresponds to the Efimov effect in three dimensions. It has been predicted in physics literature [ 10 ] and a mathematical proof has been given by Gridnev [ 5 ]. In this paper, we prove this effect for a wider class of pair interactions and improve the results obtained by [ 5 ]. We do not necessarily assume that the interactions are radially symmetric, have a definite signature and fall off exponentially at infinity. The essence of the proof is put in the asymptotic analysis of the singular behavior at low energy for resolvents of the Schrödinger operators with [Formula: see text]-wave resonances at zero energy.
MULTI-CURRENCY CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS
Authors: BRIGO DAMIANO , PEDE NICOLA , PETRELLI ANDREA
Published: April 2019

Credit default swaps (CDS) on a reference entity may be traded in multiple currencies, in that, protection upon default may be offered either in the currency where the entity resides, or in a more liquid and global foreign currency. In this situation, currency fluctuations clearly introduce a source of risk on CDS spreads. For emerging markets, but in some cases even in well-developed markets, the risk of dramatic foreign exchange (FX)-rate devaluation in conjunction with default events is relevant. We address this issue by proposing and implementing a model that considers the risk of foreign currency devaluation that is synchronous with default of the reference entity. As a fundamental case, we consider the sovereign CDSs on Italy, quoted both in EUR and USD. Preliminary results indicate that perceived risks of devaluation can induce a significant basis across domestic and foreign CDS quotes. For the Republic of Italy, a USD CDS spread quote of 440 bps can translate into an EUR quote of 350[Formula: see text]bps in the middle of the Euro-debt crisis in the first week of May 2012. More recently, from June 2013, the basis spreads between the EUR quotes and the USD quotes are in the range around 40[Formula: see text]bps. We explain in detail the sources for such discrepancies. Our modeling approach is based on the reduced form framework for credit risk, where the default time is modeled in a Cox process setting with explicit diffusion dynamics for default intensity/hazard rate and exponential jump to default. For the FX part, we include an explicit default-driven jump in the FX dynamics. As our results show, such a mechanism provides a further and more effective way to model credit/FX dependency than the instantaneous correlation that can be imposed among the driving Brownian motions of default intensity and FX rates, as it is not possible to explain the observed basis spreads during the Euro-debt crisis by using the latter mechanism alone.
Effect of graphene additions on polishing of silicon carbide wafer with functional PU/silica particles in CMP slurry
Authors: Liu Hsien-Kuang , Chen Chao-Chang A. , Chen Chun-Jen
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a functional ternary slurry consisting of polyurethane (PU) microspheres, graphene oxide (GO) nano platelets and silicon oxide (SiO2) abrasives was used to carry out the polishing process on Si face of 4H-SiC wafers. The processing parameters of the slurry include graphene weight fraction in slurry GO1–GO7 (0.1–0.7[Formula: see text]wt.%), pH value (3–5), and sonication time T5–T15 (5–15[Formula: see text]min). Polishing process is conducted with two kinds of polishing pads A and B, PU and PC (polycarbonate). Results show that material removal rate (MRR) increases with increasing GO weight fraction up to GO5; besides, MRR also increases with increasing sonication time up to T10, and with increasing pH value. Using PU pad, the GO5-T10-pH5-A slurry leads to highest MRR 102.220[Formula: see text]nm/h of the polished SiC wafer. On the other hand, surface roughness improvement rate (SRIR) increases with increasing GO weight fraction up to GO5, and increases with increasing sonication time up to T15. But SRIR is not affected by pH value. Regarding effect of pad type, on average the PU pad results in higher MRR and better SRIR compared with the PC pad. Using PC pad, GO5-T10-pH5-B leads to lower MRR of 87.627[Formula: see text]nm/h. The addition of GO as the ternary slurry demonstrates its better effect on polishing SiC wafers by comparing with the counterpart binary slurry without GO. For example, MRR by the counterpart slurry SiO212-pH5-A is 58.411[Formula: see text]nm/h, which is lower than 102.220[Formula: see text]nm/h by the ternary slurry GO5-T10-pH5-A. Both XPS and Raman spectra demonstrate that the wafer polished by the functional ternary slurry can effectively produce the softer SiO2 reactant layer on SiC wafer, and result in better polishing performance.
Application of pulsed electric fields for the valorization of platelets with no therapeutic value for transfusion medicine
Authors: Rego Duarte , Redondo Luis , Casaleiro Sandro , Sousa Ana Paula , Abreu Sofia , Serra Margarida , Santo Vitor Espirito
Published: April 2019

Platelets are blood components with high biomedical potential due to their physiological role in wound healing and their rich growth factor content. This paper describes proof-of-concept experiments aimed to produce a new blood-derived product by applying pulsed electric fields (PEF) to platelet concentrates (PC) with no therapeutic value for transfusion medicine. A human platelet concentrate suspension was subjected to a PEF treatment of 1 pulse, 5[Formula: see text]kV/cm, for 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. Release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from the electroporated platelets was measured by ELISA. Furthermore, the biological activity of the obtained blood-derived product was characterized. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were cultured in the presence of the proteins released from the platelets after PEF application and evaluated for their expansion potential.

Results show that platelet concentrates subjected to a single PEF treatment can release PDGF to the supernatant. Protein release from the single and transient PEF cycle was confirmed by the expansion of hMSC cultured with a medium supplemented with the platelet releasate obtained from electroporated platelets. These results demonstrate the potential of a new application of PEF for the valorization of PC into a biomedical product with therapeutic value.
Evaluation of Androgen Receptor in Relation to Estrogen Receptor (AR/ER) and Progesterone Receptor (AR/PgR): A New Must in Breast Cancer?
Authors: Bronte Giuseppe , Rocca Andrea , Ravaioli Sara , Scarpi Emanuela , Bonafè Massimiliano , Puccetti Maurizio , Maltoni Roberta , Andreis Daniele , Martinelli Giovanni , Bravaccini Sara
Published: April 2019

Steroid nuclear receptors are known to be involved in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition process with important roles in invasion and metastasis initiation. Androgen receptor (AR) has been extensively studied, but its role in relation to breast cancer patient prognosis remains to be clarified. AR/ER ratio has been reported to be an unfavorable prognostic marker in early primary breast cancer, but its role in the patients with advanced disease has to be cleared. We retrospectively analyzed ER, PgR, and AR expression on a case series of 159 specimens of primary BC samples by using immunohistochemistry and 89 patients of these had luminal tumors for which AR and ER expression and survival data were available. For twenty-four patients both primary and metastatic tumors were available. A significantly shorter overall survival was observed in primary tumors with AR/PgR ratio ≥ 1.54 (HR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.30-3.97; p = 0.004). Similarly OS was significantly shorter when ER/PgR ratio ≥2 in primary tumors (HR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.10-3.24; p = 0.021). The analysis of the 24 patients who had biomarker determinations both in primary tumors and metastasis showed a better OS when AR/ER ratio in the metastasis was ≥ 0.90 (p = 0.022). Patients with a high AR/ER ratio in primary tumor that remained high in the metastasis had better prognosis in terms of OS (p = 0.011). Despite we suggested that the ratios AR/ER and AR/PgR could be used to identify patients with different prognosis, their real value needs to be better clarified in different BC settings through prospective studies.
Pricing Strategies in Dual‐Channel Supply Chain with a Fair Caring Retailer
Authors: Dai Lufeng , Wang Xifu , Liu Xiaoguang , Wei Lai
Published: April 2019

Manufacturers add online direct channels that inevitably engage in channel competition with offline retail channels. Since price is an important factor in consumers′ choice of purchasing channel, pricing strategy has become a popular topic for research on dual‐channel competition and coordination. In contrast to previous research on pricing strategies based on the full rationality of members, we focus on the impact of retailers′ fairness concerns on pricing strategies. In this study, the hybrid dual‐channel supply chain consists of one manufacturer with a direct channel who acts as the leader and a retailer who acts as the follower. First, we use the Stackelberg game approach to determine the equilibrium pricing strategy for a fair caring retailer. Simultaneously, we consider a centralized dual‐channel supply chain as the benchmark for a comparative analysis of the efficiency of a decentralized supply chain. Furthermore, we study pricing strategies when the retailer has fairness concerns and determine the complete equilibrium solutions for different ranges of the parameters representing cross‐price sensitivity and fairness. Finally, through numerical experiments, the pricing strategies, the profit and utility of the manufacturer and retailer, and the channel efficiency of the supply chain are compared and analysed for two scenarios. We find that fairness concerns reduce the manufacturer′s profits, while for the most part, the retailers’ profit can be improved; however, the supply chain cannot achieve complete coordination.
Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis of Endarterectomy and Endovascular Therapy with Routine or Selective Stenting for Common Femoral Artery Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Changal Khalid Hamid , Syed Mubbasher Ameer , Dar Tawseef , Mangi Muhammad Asif , Sheikh Mujeeb Abdul
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Common femoral endarterectomy (CFE) has been the therapy of choice for common femoral artery atherosclerotic disease (CFA-ASD). In the past, there was inhibition to treat CFA-ASD endovascularly with stents due to fear of stent fracture and compromise of future vascular access site. However, recent advances and new evidence suggest that CFA may no longer be a ‘stent-forbidden zone’. In the light of new evidence, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the use of endovascular treatment for CFA-ASD and compare it with common femoral endarterectomy in the present era.Methods. Using certain MeSH terms we searched multiple databases for studies done on endovascular and surgical treatment of CFA-ASD in the last two decades. Inclusion criteria were randomized control trials, observational, prospective, or retrospective studies evaluating an endovascular treatment or CFE for CFA-ASD. For comparison, studies were grouped based on the treatment strategy used for CFA-ASD: endovascular treatment with selective stenting (EVT-SS), endovascular treatment with routine stenting (EVT-RS), or common femoral endarterectomy (CFE). Primary patency (PP), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and complications were the outcomes studied. We did proportional meta-analysis using a random-effect model due to heterogeneity among the included studies. If confidence intervals of two results do not overlap, then statistical significance is determined.Results. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria (7 for EVT-RS, 8 for EVT-SS, and 13 for CFE). Total limbs involved were 2914 (306 in EVT-RS, 678 in EVT-SS, and 1930 in CFE). The pooled PP at 1 year was 84% (95% CI 75-92%) for EVT-RS, 78% (95% CI 69-85%) for EVT-SS, and 93% (95% CI 90-96%) for CFE. PP at maximum follow-up in EVT-RS was 83.7% (95% CI 74-91%) and in CFE group was 88.3% (95% CI 81-94%). The pooled target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate at one year was 8% (95% CI 4-13%) for EVT-RS, 19% (95% CI 14-23%) for EVT-SS, and 4.5% (95% CI 1-9%) for CFE. The pooled rate of local complications for EVT-RS was 5% (95% CI 2-10%), for EVT-SS was 7% (95% CI 3 to 12%), and CFE was 22% (95% CI 14-32%). Mortality at maximum follow-up in CFE group was 23.1% (95% CI 14-33%) and EVT-RS was 5.3% (95% CI 1-11%).Conclusion. EVT-RS has comparable one-year PP and TLR as CFE. CFE showed an advantage over EVT-SS for one-year PP. The complication rate is lower in EVT RS and EVT SS compared to CFE. At maximum follow-up, CFE and EVT-RS have similar PP but CFE has a higher mortality. These findings support EVT-RS as a management alternative for CFA-ASD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Children Aged 6 to 17 Years Old Living in Girja District, Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Lola Hirbaye Mokona , Belete Habte , Gebeyehu Abebaw , Zerihun Aemro , Yimer Solomon , Leta Kassech
Published: April 2019

Objective. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in childhood with long-term outcomes. Although ADHD is the most studied behavioral disorders of childhood in developed countries, few studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ADHD in rural parts of Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2015 among children aged 6 to 17 years living in rural areas. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 1302 participants. The Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale was used to collect the data. Logistic regression analysis was used to see statistically significant variables. Result. The prevalence rate of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children was 7.3%. Being male (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.81, 95% CI: (1.13, 2.91)); living with a single parent (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: (2.35, 10.65)); child birth order/rank (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI: (1.30, 4.25)); and low family socioeconomic status (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: (1.29, 4.59)) were significantly associated with ADHD. Conclusion. The ADHD prevalence rate was found to be similar with global reports. Prevention and early management of maternal complications is important to reduce the prevalence of ADHD among children.
Evaluating the Potential of Portulaca oleracea L. for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Using a Drosophila Model with dUCH-Knockdown
Authors: Truong Huynh Kim Thoa , Huynh Man Anh , Vuu My Dung , Dang Thi Phuong Thao
Published: April 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is characterized by the decreased motor function and the loss of dopaminergic neurons, is a common neurodegenerative disorder in elders. There have been numerous in vitro and in vivo models developed to study mechanisms of PD and screen potential drug. Recently, dUCH-knockdown Drosophila model has been established and showed potential for screening antioxidants for PD treatment. The dUCH-knockdown Drosophila model of PD mimics most of main PD pathologies such as dopaminergic neurons degeneration, locomotor dysfunction, and shortage of dopamine in the brain. Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a nutritious vegetable containing a variety of antioxidants, levodopa, and dopamine, a neurotransmitter closely related to PD. Purslane has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects against several neurotoxins including rotenone and 6-OHDA in PD models. However, the recent data have not provided sufficient evidence for using purslane to treat PD or decelerate disease progression. Therefore, in this study, we utilized dUCH-knockdown fly to evaluate the capacity of purslane extracts for PD treatment. The results showed that purslane extracts improved locomotor ability in the larval stage and decelerated disease progression in the adult stage. Additionally, purslane extracts also reduced dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Taken together, our data strongly demonstrated that purslane extracts effectively rescued PD-like phenotypes in the fly model. This result contributed a foundation for further study on the application of purslane in PD treatment.