bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling native and alien plant diversity in coastal sand dune ecosystems worldwide
Authors: Tordoni Enrico , Bacaro Giovanni , Weigelt Patrick , Cameletti Michela , Janssen John A.M. , Acosta Alicia T.R. , Bagella Simonetta , Filigheddu Rossella , Bergmeier Erwin , Buckley Hannah L. , Ciccarelli Daniela , Forey Estelle , Hennekens Stephan M. , Lubke Roy A. , Mahdavi Parastoo , Peet Robert K. , Peinado Manuel , Sciandrello Saverio , Kreft Holger
Published: October 2020

Aims

(a) To disentangle the global patterns of native and alien plant diversity on coastal sand dune ecosystems across habitats and floristic kingdoms; (b) to determine the main drivers of variation in species richness in native and alien species in these endangered ecosystems; and (c) to test for an interaction between spatial scale and native–alien richness patterns, as predicted by the invasion paradox.

Location

Global.

Methods

We collated a dataset of 14,841 vegetation plots in coastal sand dune ecosystems from around the world. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to assess the patterns and main ecological determinants underlying native and alien species richness. Variation partitioning revealed the relative importance of environmental and anthropogenic variables.

Results

GLMs revealed strong differences among both habitats and floristic kingdoms in the number of native and alien species. Specifically, native species richness increased along the sea–inland gradient and was higher in the Cape and Paleotropical kingdoms. In contrast, alien species richness was relatively similar across habitats and kingdoms, though some differences were detected. There were strong differences between the drivers of native and alien richness; anthropogenic factors such as gross domestic product were positively associated with alien richness whereas native richness was more strongly related to environmental factors. Furthermore, we found a weak support for an invasion paradox effect.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the complexity of causal processes underpinning coastal sand dune plant biodiversity and highlight the importance of considering native and alien species separately. Recognizing these differences while researching variation in biodiversity patterns and processes at multiple spatial scales will lead to a better mechanistic understanding of the causes of invasion worldwide, and in coastal ecosystems in particular, allowing the development of more focused control and management measures.
Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir combination is safe and effective in treating chronic hepatitis C in end‐stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Taneja Sunil , Duseja Ajay , Mehta Manu , De Arka , Verma Nipun , Premkumar Madhumita , Dhiman Radha K. , Singh Virendra , Singh Mini P. , Ratho Radha K. , Ramachandran Raja , Kumar Vivek , Kohli Harbir S.
Published: October 2020

Background & Aims

There is emerging data on the use of Sofosbuvir‐based directly acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Sofosbuvir plus Velpatasvir fixed‐dose combination in CHC patients with ESRD on MHD.

Methods

Fifty‐one CHC patients with ESRD on MHD were included in a real‐life prospective study. All patients irrespective of genotype; presence of cirrhosis; treatment naive or experienced status were treated with full‐dose Sofosbuvir (400 mg) plus Velpatasvir (100 mg) fixed‐dosed combination given daily for 12 weeks. The efficacy was assessed by the sustained virological response (SVR12) with negative HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment (ETR). Side effects if any were recorded in all patients.

Results

The median HCV RNA level in 51 CHC patients [Males 41 (80.4%), mean age 42.8 ± 14.6 years] was 2.0 × 106 IU/mL. HCV genotype was available in 19 patients with predominant genotype 1 in 15 (79%) patients. Ten (19.6%) patients had evidence of cirrhosis (defined as LSM ≥ 12.5 kPa on Transient Elastography), and 8 (15.6%) patients were treatment experienced. Testing for ETR was done in 36 patients and all 36 (100%) patients achieved ETR, and 49 patients (96%) achieved SVR 12. All 51 patients tolerated the Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir combination, with none of the patients reporting any serious adverse event.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir plus Velpatasvir fixed‐dose combination is safe and effective in treating CHC in patients with ESRD on MHD.
Risk of human‐to‐wildlife transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Gryseels Sophie , De Bruyn Luc , Gyselings Ralf , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian H. , Leirs Herwig
Published: October 2020

It has been a long time since the world has experienced a pandemic with such a rapid devastating impact as the current COVID‐19 pandemic. The causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is unusual in that it appears capable of infecting many different mammal species. As a significant proportion of people worldwide are infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and may spread the infection unknowingly before symptoms occur or without any symptoms ever occurring, there is a non‐negligible risk of humans spreading SARS‐CoV‐2 to wildlife, in particular to wild non‐human mammals. Because of SARS‐CoV‐2’s apparent evolutionary origins in bats and reports of humans transmitting the virus to pets and zoo animals, regulations for the prevention of human‐to‐animal transmission have so far focused mostly on these animal groups. We summarise recent studies and reports that show that a wide range of distantly related mammals are likely to be susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2, and that susceptibility or resistance to the virus is, in general, not predictable, or only predictable to some extent, from phylogenetic proximity to known susceptible or resistant hosts. In the absence of solid evidence on the susceptibility and resistance to SARS‐CoV‐2 for each of the >6500 mammal species, we argue that sanitary precautions should be taken by humans interacting with any other mammal species in the wild. Preventing human‐to‐wildlife SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission is important to protect these animals (some of which are classed as threatened) from disease, but also to avoid establishment of novel SARS‐CoV‐2 reservoirs in wild mammals. The risk of repeated re‐infection of humans from such a wildlife reservoir could severely hamper SARS‐CoV‐2 control efforts. Activities during which direct or indirect interaction with wild mammals may occur include wildlife research, conservation activities, forestry work, pest control, management of feral populations, ecological consultancy work, management of protected areas and natural environments, wildlife tourism and wildlife rehabilitation in animal shelters. During such activities, we recommend sanitary precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing face masks and gloves, and frequent decontamination, which are very similar to regulations currently imposed to prevent transmission among humans. We further recommend active surveillance of domestic and feral animals that could act as SARS‐CoV‐2 intermediate hosts between humans and wild mammals.
Microvascular dysfunction and kidney disease: Challenges and opportunities?
Authors: Krishnan Suraj , Suarez‐Martinez Ariana D. , Bagher Pooneh , Gonzalez Anjelica , Liu Ruisheng , Murfee Walter L. , Mohandas Rajesh
Published: October 2020

Kidneys are highly vascular organs that despite their relatively small size receive 20% of the cardiac output. The highly intricate, delicately organized structure of renal microcirculation is essential to enable renal function and glomerular filtration rate through the local modulation of renal blood flow and intraglomerular pressure. Not surprisingly, the dysregulation of blood flow within the microvessels (abnormal vasoreactivity), fibrosis driven by disordered vascular‐renal cross talk, or the loss of renal microvasculature (rarefaction) is associated with kidney disease. In addition, kidney disease can cause microcirculatory dysfunction in distant organs such as the heart and brain, mediated by mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. The objective of this review is to highlight the role of renal microvasculature in kidney disease. The overview will outline the impetus to study renal microvasculature, the bidirectional relationship between kidney disease and microvascular dysfunction, the key pathways driving microvascular diseases such as vasoreactivity, the cell dynamics coordinating fibrosis, and vessel rarefaction. Finally, we will also briefly highlight new therapies targeting the renal microvasculature to improve renal function.
Standardized microfluidic assessment of red blood cell–mediated microcapillary occlusion: Association with clinical phenotype and hydroxyurea responsiveness in sickle cell disease
Authors: Man Yuncheng , Kucukal Erdem , An Ran , Bode Allison , Little Jane A. , Gurkan Umut A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

We present a standardized in vitro microfluidic assay and Occlusion Index (OI) for the assessment of red blood cell (RBC)–mediated microcapillary occlusion and its clinical associations in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

Red blood cell mediated microcapillary occlusion represented by OI and its clinical associations were assessed for seven subjects with hemoglobin‐SC disease (HbSC), 18 subjects with homozygous SCD (HbSS), and five control individuals (HbAA).

Results

We identified two sub‐populations with HbSS based on the OI distribution. HbSS subjects with relatively higher OIs had significantly lower hemoglobin levels, lower fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, and lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV), but significantly higher serum lactate dehydrogenase levels and absolute reticulocyte counts, compared to subjects with HbSS and lower OIs. HbSS subjects who had relatively higher OIs were more likely to have had a concomitant diagnosis of intrapulmonary shunting (IPS). Further, lower OI associated with hydroxyurea (HU) responsiveness in subjects with HbSS, as evidenced by significantly elevated HbF levels and MCV.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that RBC‐mediated microcapillary occlusion and OI associated with subject clinical phenotype and HU responsiveness in SCD. The presented standardized microfluidic assay may be useful for evaluating clinical phenotype and assessing therapeutic outcomes in SCD, including emerging targeted and curative treatments that aim to improve RBC deformability and microcirculatory health.
A Unified test for the Intercept of a Predictive Regression Model*
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Liu Yuzi , Rao Yao , Lu Fucai
Published: October 2020

Testing the predictability of the predictive regression model is of great interest in economics and finance. Recently, (Zhu et al. (2014) Predictive regressions for macroeconomic data, Vol. 8, pp. 577–594.) proposed a unified test to account for this issue. Their test has a desirable property that its limit distribution is standard regardless of the regressor being stationary, near unit root or unit root. However, this test depends on, a priori, whether there is an intercept in the predictive regression while this is usually unknown in practice. In this paper, using empirical likelihood inference, we develop a unified pretest for the intercept, as a pretest to determine the choice of the predictability test. Simulations studies confirm that the proposed pretest works well. Two real data examples are also provided to illustrate the importance of such pretest. The first revisits the S&P 500 index data and the second investigates stock return predictability and investor sentiment for six countries.
IL‐1 signaling pathway molecules as key markers in childhood asthma
Authors: Wei Wenping , Huang Jiaqi , Ma Yu , Ma Xingjie , Fang Ling , Fang Wei , Hao Chuangli
Published: October 2020

Objective

The prevalence of childhood asthma has been increasing in recent years. This study aims to investigate the involvement of the key molecules of IL‐1 (interleukin‐1) signaling pathways in pediatric patients with asthma.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IL‐1 signaling pathways were identified with RNA‐seq from peripheral blood samples collected from asthmatic or healthy children and were further verified in clinical peripheral blood samples. Cellular models and asthmatic mice were subsequently developed to validate the identified asthmatic markers.

Results

Among the DEGs identified by RNA‐seq, eight signal transducers associated with the IL‐1 signaling network, namely IL‐1RN, IL‐1β, IL‐1RAP, IRAK3, IL‐1R1, MYD88, IRAK2, and PELI1, were found to be substantially upregulated in children with asthma. Interestingly, a significant serially increased expression of four genes (IL‐1RN, IL‐1RAP, IRAK3, and PELI1) was observed in healthy subjects, patients with chronic persistent asthma and patients with acute exacerbation asthma. In particular, these four genes were continuously overexpressed in recurrent patients. A significant induction of the above four genes was then observed in house dust mite (HDM)–stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and ovalbumin (OVA)–induced asthmatic mice. In addition, a time‐dependent induction of IL‐1RAP and PELI1 was also detected in HDM‐treated THP‐1 cells, an acute monocytic leukemia cell line.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that IL‐1RN, IL‐1RAP, IRAK3, and PELI1, which are signal transducers of the IL‐1 signaling pathway, could serve as biomarkers for the pathogenesis of childhood asthma and for potential therapeutic targets of asthma.
Variation in immunosuppression practices among pediatric liver transplant centers—Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation survey results
Authors: Slowik Voytek , Lerret Stacee M. , Lobritto Steven J. , Voulgarelis Stylianos , Vitola Bernadette E.
Published: October 2020

Background

Variation in IS exists among pediatric liver transplant centers. While individual centers may publish their practice paradigms, current data on practices as a whole are lacking. This study sought to ascertain the IS protocols of pediatric liver transplant centers within the SPLIT to better understand variability and similarities among peer institutions.

Methods

A 27‐item questionnaire was developed within the SPLIT Quality Improvement and Clinical Care Committee. The survey collected data regarding center demographics, IS practices, and treatment of acute cellular rejection.

Results

Twenty‐eight (64%) SPLIT centers responded with 22 (79%) centers performing more than 10 transplants per year and 17 (61%) following more than 100 post‐transplant recipients. All centers use a written protocol, and 25 (89%) have a dedicated transplant pharmacist/PharmD. Twenty‐five (89%) centers use steroids for induction alone or in combination with thymoglobulin/interleukin‐2 antibodies. All centers use tacrolimus for initial maintenance therapy. Most centers have specialized protocols for ABO‐incompatible transplants, recipients with renal dysfunction, autoimmune liver diseases, and liver tumors. Treatment of rejection varied but was associated with escalation in IS.

Conclusion

IS practices among pediatric liver transplant centers are similar including the use of written protocols, pharmacy involvement, steroids for induction, tacrolimus as initial IS, tacrolimus reduction/delay for renal dysfunction, and escalation of IS with rejection severity. However, other IS practices show wide variability including treatment for ABO‐incompatible grafts and presumed rejection. This study serves as a foundation to guide prospective research linking IS practice to outcomes to determine best practice.
Modeling the Impact of a Model: The (Non)Relationship between China's Economic Rise and African Democracy
Authors: Davidsson Simon
Published: October 2020

Many scholars have regarded China's emergence as an economic force as a threat to democracy in Africa, presenting China as the exporter of an authoritarian model through its rising economic influence. This article investigates how well founded the contended Chinese economic threat to Africa is by both analyzing the data at a very fundamental level and applying time‐series, cross‐sectional analysis to economic and political data. In particular, the relationship between Chinese economic interactions with African states and democracy is explored. The analysis considers different aspects of an economic interaction with China measured both as share of GDP and of country totals. I do not find a relationship between Chinese economic interaction with African states and democracy in these states. The article thus contributes much important groundwork concerning the existence of patterns in Chinese economic relations and democracy, as well as some specific links between these economic relations and political change.

Related Articles (in this Special Issue)

Åberg, John H. S., and Derick Becker. 2020. “China as Exemplar: Justin Lin, New Structural Economics, and the Unorthodox Orthodoxy of the China Model.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Duggan, Niall. 2020. “China—The Champion of the Developing World: A Study of China's new Development Model and its Role in Changing Global Economic Governance.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Ziso, Edson. 2020. “The Political Economy of the Chinese Model in Ethiopia.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
China—The Champion of the Developing World: A Study of China's new Development Model and its Role in Changing Global Economic Governance
Authors: Duggan Niall
Published: October 2020

One of the key questions in international political economy is how the ascent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) will affect global economic governance. The rise of the PRC, the success of its new development model, and the attempts to replicate that model in regions, such as Africa, have fueled a new round of debates concerning the sustainability of the transatlantic norms, ideas, and institutions that have dominated global economic governance. As several regions are attempting to adopt aspects of the PRC's model, the success of China's development model represents a new force in defining the rules of the game. Using role theory, this study examines the PRC's self‐described role as the “Champion of the Developing World” in global economic governance and uncovers how the PRC's new development model affects the PRC's current position within and outside the architecture of global economic governance.

Related Articles (in this Special Issue)

Åberg, John H. S., and Derick Becker. 2020. “China as Exemplar: Justin Lin, New Structural Economics, and the Unorthodox Orthodoxy of the China Model.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Babones, Salvatore. 2020. “China's Development Model: Can it be Replicated in Sub‐Saharan Africa?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Ziso, Edson. 2020. “The Political Economy of the Chinese Model in Ethiopia.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
Human Judgment in algorithmic loops: Individual justice and automated decision‐making
Authors: Binns Reuben
Published: October 2020

Arguments in favor of tempering algorithmic decision making with human judgment often appeal to concepts and criteria derived from legal philosophy about the nature of law and legal reasoning, arguing that algorithmic systems cannot satisfy them (but humans can). Such arguments often make implicit appeal to the notion that each case needs to be assessed on its own merits, without comparison to or generalization from previous cases. This article argues that this notion of individual justice can only be meaningfully served through human judgment. It distinguishes individual justice and considers how it relates to other dimensions of justice, namely consistency and fairness / nondiscrimination. Finally, it identifies and discussess two challenges: first, how individual justice can be accommodated alongside other dimensions of justice in the socio‐technical contexts of humans‐in‐the‐loop; and second, how inequities in individual justice may result from an uneven application of human judgment in algorithmic contexts.
Geochronology and S–Pb–O–H isotopic constraints on the generation of the Luoyang Fe deposit in southwest Fujian Province, SE China
Authors: Wang Sen , Zhang Da , Yu Tengda , Wu Ganguo , Di Yongjun , Zhang Yaoyao , Yao Jiming
Published: October 2020

The Luoyang Fe polymetallic deposit is a well‐known Makeng‐type ore deposit in a late Paleozoic basin in southwest Fujian, southeast China. To investigate the generation of Makeng‐type Fe deposits, we conducted an integrated study of geochronology and S–Pb–O–H isotope compositions of the Luoyang Fe deposit. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages of the granite and Re–Os ages of the molybdenite suggest that the emplacement of the granite was coeval with the mineralization of the Luoyang deposit at 133–131 Ma. The H–O and S–Pb isotope compositions indicate that the metallogenic material of the Luoyang deposit had a magmatic hydrothermal source, and was derived mainly from the upper crust with a low degree of contamination of mantle material. The Pb isotope analyses of the ore minerals show that the Luoyang Fe deposit formed in an orogenic setting.
Tea With Milk? A Hierarchical Generative Framework of Sequential Event Comprehension
Authors: Kuperberg Gina R.
Published: October 2020

To make sense of the world around us, we must be able to segment a continual stream of sensory inputs into discrete events. In this review, I propose that in order to comprehend events, we engage hierarchical generative models that “reverse engineer” the intentions of other agents as they produce sequential action in real time. By generating probabilistic predictions for upcoming events, generative models ensure that we are able to keep up with the rapid pace at which perceptual inputs unfold. By tracking our certainty about other agents' goals and the magnitude of prediction errors at multiple temporal scales, generative models enable us to detect event boundaries by inferring when a goal has changed. Moreover, by adapting flexibly to the broader dynamics of the environment and our own comprehension goals, generative models allow us to optimally allocate limited resources. Finally, I argue that we use generative models not only to comprehend events but also to produce events (carry out goal‐relevant sequential action) and to continually learn about new events from our surroundings. Taken together, this hierarchical generative framework provides new insights into how the human brain processes events so effortlessly while highlighting the fundamental links between event comprehension, production, and learning.
Predicting likelihood of in vivo chemotherapy response in canine lymphoma using ex vivo drug sensitivity and immunophenotyping data in a machine learning model
Authors: Bohannan Zach , Pudupakam Raghavendra Sumanth , Koo Jamin , Horwitz Harrison , Tsang Josephine , Polley Amanda , Han Enyang James , Fernandez Elmer , Park Stanley , Swartzfager Deanna , Qi Nicholas Seah Xi , Tu Chantal , Rankin Wendi Velando , Thamm Douglas H. , Lee Hye‐Ryeon , Lim Sungwon
Published: October 2020

We report a precision medicine platform that evaluates the probability of chemotherapy drug efficacy for canine lymphoma by combining ex vivo chemosensitivity and immunophenotyping assays with computational modelling. We isolated live cancer cells from fresh fine needle aspirates of affected lymph nodes and collected post‐treatment clinical responses in 261 canine lymphoma patients scheduled to receive at least 1 of 5 common chemotherapy agents (doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, lomustine and rabacfosadine). We used flow cytometry analysis for immunophenotyping and ex vivo chemosensitivity testing. For each drug, 70% of treated patients were randomly selected to train a random forest model to predict the probability of positive Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group (VCOG) clinical response based on input variables including antigen expression profiles and treatment sensitivity readouts for each patient's cancer cells. The remaining 30% of patients were used to test model performance. Most models showed a test set ROC‐AUC > 0.65, and all models had overall ROC‐AUC > 0.95. Predicted response scores significantly distinguished (P < .001) positive responses from negative responses in B‐cell and T‐cell disease and newly diagnosed and relapsed patients. Patient groups with predicted response scores >50% showed a statistically significant reduction (log‐rankP < .05) in time to complete response when compared to the groups with scores <50%. The computational models developed in this study enabled the conversion of ex vivo cell‐based chemosensitivity assay results into a predicted probability of in vivo therapeutic efficacy, which may help improve treatment outcomes of individual canine lymphoma patients by providing predictive estimates of positive treatment response.
Identifying the health care–initiated and self-initiated interventions used by women for the management of rectal emptying difficulty secondary to obstructive defecation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Eustice Sharon , James Alison , Endacott Ruth , Kent Bridie
Published: October 2020

Objective:

This scoping review aims to identify interventions used by women for the management of rectal emptying difficulty secondary to obstructive defecation.

Introduction:

Rectal emptying difficulty is typically a symptom of obstructive defecation syndrome. Even though a range of interventions are already available for this condition, this review is necessary to increase understanding of what interventions women find useful and are acceptable for them. This depth of understanding will facilitate the development of a specific care pathway to support women living with rectal emptying difficulty secondary to obstructive defecation syndrome.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that include adult women (over 18 years of age) living in the community who have experienced difficulty with rectal emptying secondary to obstructive defecation and who have not had surgical intervention. Exclusion criteria include prolapse surgery and surgical techniques, oral laxatives, vaginal pessaries, cognitive impairment, pregnancy, and those residing in care homes.

Methods:

The databases to be searched include MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Emcare, AMED, Web of Science, Scopus, PROSPERO, Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal, UK Clinical Trials Gateway, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Registry, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Library, and gray literature. Studies conducted in English from any time period will be considered for inclusion. The titles and abstracts will then be screened by two independent reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review.
Inhibition of EZH2 attenuates coronary heart disease by interacting with microRNA‐22 to regulate the TXNIP/nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Liu Yong , Dai Chuanzhong , Lei Yuping , Wu Wenzhen , Liu Wen
Published: October 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The relevance of microRNA‐22 (miR‐22) has been indicated in coronary heart disease (CHD). How does it exert a protective role in CHD?

What is the main finding and its importance?

EZH2 inhibited transcription of the miR‐22 promoter, thus modulating cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells to induce CHD.

MicroRNA‐22 (miR‐22) was indicated to modulate cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under exposure to environmental toxicants. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of miR‐22 in the mediation of HUVEC and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function, hence in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). miR‐22 expression was reduced in serum of CHD patients. Restoration of miR‐22 decreased the proliferation, migration and invasion of VSMCs and increased apoptotic cells and inflammatory factors. In contrast, upregulation of miR‐22 led to opposite trends in HUVECs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase assays validated that enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) inhibited transcription of miR‐22 promoter. EZH2, overexpressed in serum from CHD patients, diminished VSMC apoptosis, but facilitated HUVEC apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) was a new direct target of miR‐22. Overexpression of TXNIP blocked the function of miR‐22 in HUVECs and VSMCs. Taken together, these findings will shed light on the role and mechanism of EZH2 in viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis via the miR‐22/TXNIP axis in VSMCs and HUVECs, which might provide new insights into the treatment of CHD.
On the Analytical Determination of the Nominal Stresses in Dovetail Attachments
Authors: Sinclair G. B.
Published: October 2020

Simple physical models are developed for the nominal contact stresses in dovetail attachments. These nominal stresses include the pressure, the shear traction, and the bending stress in the contact region, both during loading up and unloading. The models furnish closed-form expressions for these stresses. For a specific dovetail attachment, model values are compared with verified finite element values. As a result of the simplifications introduced to make the models tractable, model values only approximately equal finite element values. Nonetheless, the models capture the essential elements of the response of nominal stresses in dovetail attachments.
Eddy Resolving Strategies in Turbomachinery and Peripheral Components
Authors: Tucker P. G. , Wang Z. N.
Published: October 2020

The successful application of eddy resolving simulations to most areas of a modern gas turbine aeroengine is considered. A coherent modeling framework is presented to address coupling challenges. A flow classification is also given. The extensive results presented are shown to be promising but many challenges remain. In the short term, the use of eddy resolving simulations should see greater use in Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and lower-order model calibration/development—this is starting to happen already. Ideally, in the near future, RANS, large eddy simulation (LES), and test should work in harmony. It is advocated that currently, certain costly engineering design problems can be avoided or understood using scale resolving simulations.
Spectral distortion level resulting in a just-noticeable difference between an a priori signal-to-noise ratio estimate and its instantaneous case
Authors: Nicolson Aaron , Paliwal Kuldip K.
Published: October 2020

Minimum mean-square error (MMSE) approaches to speech enhancement are widely used in the literature. The quality of enhanced speech produced by an MMSE approach is directly impacted by the accuracy of the employed a priori signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimator. In this paper, the a priori SNR estimate spectral distortion (SD) level that results in a just-noticeable difference (JND) in the perceived quality of MMSE approach enhanced speech is found. The JND SD level is indicative of the accuracy that an a priori SNR estimator must exceed to have no impact on the perceived quality of MMSE approach enhanced speech. To measure the JND SD level, listening tests are conducted across five SNR levels, five noise sources, and two MMSE approaches [the MMSE short-time spectral amplitude (MMSE-STSA) estimator and the Wiener filter]. A statistical analysis of the results indicates that the JND SD level increases with the SNR level, is higher for the MMSE-STSA estimator, and is not impacted by the type of background noise. Following the literature, a significant improvement in a priori SNR estimation accuracy is required to reach the JND SD level.
The responses of nucleus pulposus cells to pressure and ultrasound stimulation
Authors: Chu Ya-Cherng , Lim Jormay , Tseng Mu-Cyun , Wang Jaw-Lin
Published: October 2020

A cellular stimulation device with a pressurized chamber is developed to investigate the effect of ultrasound and pressure fluctuation on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The pressurized chamber is designed to emulate the in vivo environment of intervertebral discs, which are under dynamic pressure, and to emulate impact during sports and exercise. Both hydrostatic pressure and ultrasound stimulation increase phosphorylation of ERK (pERK) in NP cells, and promote its translocation into nucleus. This increase in pERK levels might be activated through calcium signaling pathways as intracellular calcium in NP cells was strongly elevated by pressure changes.
Co-Branding Through an International Double Degree Program: A Single Case Study in Sport Management Education
Authors: Ströbel Tim , Ridpath B. David , Woratschek Herbert , O’Reilly Norm , Buser Markus , Pfahl Michael
Published: October 2020

Scholars forecast that globalization will require sport managers to have competencies in international business. Sport, due to its global nature, has become an international business, leading to sport management programs at postsecondary institutions growing in number and the marketing of such programs becoming a key success factor. In an increasingly competitive educational environment, both effective curriculum offerings and innovative marketing, including branding, are important for a successful sport management program. This article shares a case study of innovative marketing—the co-branding through a double degree program between two long-standing sport management programs, one in North America (Ohio University, United States) and one in Europe (University of Bayreuth, Germany). This program is designed to enhance international education, as well as global internship and job-placement opportunities. The details of the double degree program within the background of co-branding are presented as a pedagogical framework for international education. Data from a survey of industry professionals are analyzed to demonstrate the need for such an international double degree program. Results provide a template for replication by other institutions and identify potential future research.
Designing hierarchical nanoporous membranes for highly efficient gas adsorption and storage
Authors: Mao Haiyan , Tang Jing , Chen Jun , Wan Jiayu , Hou Kaipeng , Peng Yucan , Halat David M. , Xiao Liangang , Zhang Rufan , Lv Xudong , Yang Ankun , Cui Yi , Reimer Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2020

Hierarchical membranes with a “meatball sandwich” structure promise high adsorption capacities for VOC removal and H
2
storage.
Meniscus-controlled printing of single-crystal interfaces showing extremely sharp switching transistor operation
Authors: Kitahara Gyo , Inoue Satoru , Higashino Toshiki , Ikawa Mitsuhiro , Hayashi Taichi , Matsuoka Satoshi , Arai Shunto , Hasegawa Tatsuo
Published: October 2020

A printing technique of organic semiconductor crystal films enables extremely sharp switching transistor operation.
Inhibition of aquaporin-1 prevents myocardial remodeling by blocking the transmembrane transport of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Montiel Virginie , Bella Ramona , Michel Lauriane Y. M. , Esfahani Hrag , De Mulder Delphine , Robinson Emma L. , Deglasse Jean-Philippe , Tiburcy Malte , Chow Pak Hin , Jonas Jean-Christophe , Gilon Patrick , Steinhorn Benjamin , Michel Thomas , Beauloye Christophe , Bertrand Luc , Farah Charlotte , Dei Zotti Flavia , Debaix Huguette , Bouzin Caroline , Brusa Davide , Horman Sandrine , Vanoverschelde Jean-Louis , Bergmann Olaf , Gilis Dimitri , Rooman Marianne , Ghigo Alessandra , Geninatti-Crich Simonetta , Yool Andrea , Zimmermann Wolfram H. , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Devuyst Olivier , Balligand Jean-Luc
Published: October 2020

Pharmacological inhibition of AQP1 prevents H
2
O
2
transport and hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes.
Whole-Genome Assemblies for Two Yersinia pestis Strains Isolated in Mongolia
Authors: Jin Muzi , Byambajav B. , Zheng Hongyuan , Chen Yufei , Natsagdorj B. , Yang Chao , Song Yajun , Wang Jing
Published: October 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two
Yersinia pestis
bv. Antiqua strains, belonging to the 3.ANT phylogroup, that were isolated in Mongolia and were circulating in marmot populations.
Thin crème brûlée rheological structure for the Eastern California Shear Zone
Authors: Liu Shaozhuo , Shen Zheng-Kang , Bürgmann Roland , Jónsson Sigurjón
Published: October 2020

Since the occurrence of the 1992 CE Mw 7.3 Landers and 1999 Mw 7.1 Hector Mine earthquakes in the Mojave Desert (California, USA), postseismic deformation following both earthquakes has been intensively studied, and models with a strong crust overlying a low-viscosity mantle asthenosphere have been favored. However, we recently found that the near-field postseismic transients after the two earthquakes have lasted longer than previously thought, which requires a revision of the postseismic modeling. Our new modeling results based on the revised postseismic transients show that: (1) the effective viscosity of the lower crust beneath the Mojave region at the decadal time scale is ∼2 × 1020 Pa·s (transient viscosity ∼2 × 1019 Pa·s), i.e., only ∼5 times that of the underlying mantle asthenosphere, and (2) the transient viscosity of the upper mantle exhibits a time-dependent increase, providing fresh geodetic evidence for frequency-dependent rheology (e.g., Andrade or extended Burgers rheology). The inferred transient rheology for the first year agrees well with that obtained for the July 2019 Mw 6.4 and Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquakes ∼180 km north of the two Mojave events. Our modeling results support a thin crème brûlée model for the Eastern California Shear Zone (part of the Pacific-North America plate boundary) in which both the lower crust and the upper mantle exhibit ductility at decadal time scales.
Dendritic reidite from the Chesapeake Bay impact horizon, Ocean Drilling Program Site 1073 (offshore northeastern USA): A fingerprint of distal ejecta?
Authors: Cavosie Aaron J. , Biren Marc B. , Hodges Kip V. , Wartho Jo-Anne , Horton J. Wright , Koeberl Christian
Published: October 2020

High-pressure minerals provide records of processes not normally preserved in Earth’s crust. Reidite, a quenchable polymorph of zircon, forms at pressures >20 GPa during shock compression. However, there is no broad consensus among empirical, experimental, and theoretical studies on the nature of the polymorphic transformation. Here we decipher a multistage history of reidite growth recorded in a zircon grain in distal impact ejecta (offshore northeastern United States) from the ca. 35 Ma Chesapeake Bay impact event which, remarkably, experienced near-complete conversion (89%) to reidite. The grain displays two distinctive reidite habits: (1) intersecting sets of planar lamellae that are dark in cathodoluminescence (CL); and (2) dendritic epitaxial overgrowths on the lamellae that are luminescent in CL. While the former is similar to that described in literature, the latter has not been previously reported. A two-stage growth model is proposed for reidite formation at >40 GPa in Chesapeake Bay impact ejecta: formation of lamellar reidite by shearing during shock compression, followed by dendrite growth, also at high pressure, via recrystallization. The dendritic reidite is interpreted to nucleate on lamellae and replace damaged zircon adjacent to lamellae, which may be amorphous ZrSiO4 or possibly an intermediate phase, all before quenching. These results provide new insights on the microstructural evolution of the high-pressure polymorphic transformation over the microseconds-long interval of reidite stability during meteorite impact. Given the formation conditions, dendritic reidite may be a unique indicator of distal ejecta.
Microbial sulfate reduction plays an important role at the initial stage of subseafloor sulfide mineralization
Authors: Nozaki Tatsuo , Nagase Toshiro , Ushikubo Takayuki , Shimizu Kenji , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro ,   and the D/V Chikyu Expedition 909 Scientists
Published: October 2020

Seafloor hydrothermal deposits form when hydrothermal fluid mixes with ambient seawater, and constituent sulfide minerals are usually interpreted to precipitate abiogenically. Recent research drilling at Izena Hole and Iheya North Knoll in the middle Okinawa Trough (East China Sea), combined with secondary ion mass spectrometry determinations of δ34S in pyrite grains, provides compelling evidence that the initial stage of subseafloor sulfide mineralization is closely associated with microbial sulfate reduction. During the sulfide maturation process, pyrite textures progress from framboidal to colloform to euhedral. Pyrite δ34S has highly negative values (as low as –38.9‰) in framboidal pyrite, which systematically increase toward positive values in colloform and euhedral pyrite. Sulfur isotope fractionation between seawater sulfate (+21.2‰) and framboidal pyrite (–38.9‰) is as great as –60‰, which can be attained only by microbial sulfate reduction in an open system. Because framboidal pyrite is commonly replaced by chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite, framboidal pyrite appears to function as the starting material (nucleus) of other sulfide minerals. We conclude that framboidal pyrite, containing microbially reduced sulfur, plays an important role at the initial stage of subseafloor sulfide mineralization.
On the destructive tendencies of cratons
Authors: Cooper C.M. , Farrington R.J. , Miller M.S.
Published: October 2020

We propose that subducting slabs may cause lithospheric removal by directing mantle flow along the craton margin. This process could carve and shape the cratons, leading to conditions that impact the overall (in)stability of the lithosphere. We use three-dimensional geodynamic models to investigate how subduction-driven directed flow interacts with cratonic lithosphere of differing shape, concluding that the margin shape controls both channelization of flow around the craton as well as the potential for destruction. While the simulations show that all craton shapes aid in channelization, the cratons with straight vertical margins are the most resistant to deformation, and the cratons with gradually thickening margins are less resistant to deformation. The dependence on shape could contribute to the progressive removal of cratonic lithosphere along its margin in a runaway process until a more stable vertical margin shape evolves.
Prolonged euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis triggered by a single dose of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor
Authors: Miwa Maki , Nakajima Mikio , Kaszynski Richard H , Goto Hideaki
Published: October 2020

A 45-year-old woman was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Aggressive rehydration and continuous intravenous insulin resulted in improved blood glucose levels; however, metabolic acidosis persisted. One day prior to admission, the patient took a single dose of a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and this likely contributed to the prolonged euglycemic DKA. A single dose of this drug remained effective for over 100 hours as evidenced by massive excretion of urine glucose continuing long after blood glucose normalisation. SGLT2 inhibitor use should be refrained in cases in which DKA has already occurred as they may result in increasing severity or prolonged DKA.
Hybrid dialysis: a promising strategy to reduce hospital access during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Mori Giacomo , Alfano Gaetano , Fontana Francesco , Magistroni Riccardo
Published: October 2020

In March 2020, a 74-year-old man affected by end-stage renal disease and on peritoneal dialysis was referred to an emergency room in Modena, Northern Italy, due to fever and respiratory symptoms. After ruling out COVID-19 infection, a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation was confirmed and he was thus transferred to the nephrology division. Physical examination and blood tests revealed a positive fluid balance and insufficient correction of the uraemic syndrome, although peritoneal dialysis prescription was maximised. After discussion with the patient and his family, the staff decided to start hybrid dialysis, consisting of once-weekly in-hospital haemodialysis and home peritoneal dialysis for the remaining days. He was discharged at the end of the antibiotic course, after an internal jugular vein central venous catheter placement and the first haemodialysis session. This strategy allowed improvement of depuration parameters and avoidance of frequent access to the hospital, which is crucial in limiting exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in an endemic setting.
Closing the gap on institutional delivery in northern India: a case study of how integrated machine learning approaches can enable precision public health
Authors: Huang Vincent S , Morris Kasey , Jain Mokshada , Ramesh Banadakoppa Manjappa , Kemp Hannah , Blanchard James , Isac Shajy , Sarkar Bidyut , Gothalwal Vikas , Namasivayam Vasanthakumar , Kumar Pankaj , Sgaier Sema K
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Meeting ambitious global health goals with limited resources requires a precision public health (PxPH) approach. Here we describe how integrating data collection optimisation, traditional analytics and causal artificial intelligence/machine learning (ML) can be used in a use case for increasing hospital deliveries of newborns in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Methods

Using a systematic behavioural framework we designed a large-scale survey on perceptual, interpersonal and structural drivers of women’s behaviour around childbirth (n=5613). Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with institutional delivery (ID). Causal ML determined the cause-and-effect ordering of these factors. Variance decomposition was used to parse sources of variation in delivery location, and a supervised learning algorithm was used to distinguish population subgroups.

Results

Among the factors found associated with ID, the causal model showed that having a delivery plan (OR=6.1, 95% CI 6.0 to 6.3), believing the hospital is safer than home (OR=5.4, 95% CI 5.1 to 5.6) and awareness of financial incentives were direct causes of ID (OR=3.4, 95% CI 3.3 to 3.5). Distance to the hospital, borrowing delivery money and the primary decision-maker were not causal. Individual-level factors contributed 69% of variance in delivery location. The segmentation analysis showed four distinct subgroups differentiated by ID risk perception, parity and planning.

Conclusion

These findings generate a holistic picture of the drivers and barriers to ID in Uttar Pradesh and suggest distinct intervention points for different women. This demonstrates data optimised to identify key behavioural drivers, coupled with traditional and ML analytics, can help design a PxPH approach that maximise the impact of limited resources.
Protecting essential health services in low-income and middle-income countries and humanitarian settings while responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blanchet Karl , Alwan Ala , Antoine Caroline , Cros Marion Jane , Feroz Ferozuddin , Amsalu Guracha Tseguaneh , Haaland Oystein , Hailu Alemayehu , Hangoma Peter , Jamison Dean , Memirie Solomon Tessema , Miljeteig Ingrid , Jan Naeem Ahmad , Nam Sara L. , Norheim Ole Frithjof , Verguet Stéphane , Watkins David , Johansson Kjell Arne
Published: October 2020

In health outcomes terms, the poorest countries stand to lose the most from these disruptions. In this paper, we make the case for a rational approach to public sector health spending and decision making during and in the early recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on ethics and equity principles, it is crucial to ensure that patients not infected by COVID-19 continue to get access to healthcare and that the services they need continue to be resourced. We present a list of 120 essential non-COVID-19 health interventions that were adapted from the model health benefit packages developed by the Disease Control Priorities project.