bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Standard Form of Cardiac Rehabilitation Can Improve Self-Reported Positive Behavior Changes in the Short- to Medium-Term
Authors: Tang Clarice Y. , Blackstock Felicity C. , O'Halloran Paul D. , Aldcroft Sheryl A. , Taylor Nicholas F.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Little is known about the impact of standard cardiac rehabilitation (CR), consisting of health education and exercise, on self-reported behavior change among people who have completed rehabilitation. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of participants' behaviors toward exercise and diet in the short- to medium-term after CR program completion.

Methods:

Using a phenomenological framework, we interviewed participants who had completed a 4-wk CR program and then 6 mo later. The program included education and exercise in a private outpatient facility. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore changes in self-reported behavior. These themes were triangulated with Bandura's self-efficacy scales and Stages of Readiness for Change questionnaires to identify any convergence of themes.

Results:

A total of 21 participants were recruited to the study. One main theme and 4 subthemes emerged from analysis of the data. Most participants reported that they had either maintained or initiated positive lifestyle changes in both exercise and diet in the short- and medium-term. Fear of having another myocardial infarction, seeing the benefits of adhering with recommendations, and family involvements were motivating factors along with the involvement of the multidisciplinary staff in the program. The themes converged with the results from the questionnaires.

Conclusions:

A standard form of CR can result in positive self-reported behavior change in the short- to medium-term. Further trials are needed to determine whether a standard form of rehabilitation is sufficient to change health behaviors at sufficient levels to result in long-term health benefits.
Effects of Pursed Lip Breathing on Exercise Capacity and Dyspnea in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Parisien-La Salle Stéfanie , Abel Rivest Ellie , Boucher Vincent Gosselin , Lalande-Gauthier Mélina , Morisset Julie , Manganas Hélène , Poirier Claude , Comtois Alain-Steve , Dubé Bruno-Pierre
Published: January 2019

Background:

Although mainly described in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pursed lip breathing (PLB) could prove useful in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) by improving exertional tachypnea and respiratory control. This prospective, randomized, crossover trial aimed at evaluating the impact of PLB on dyspnea and walking distance in ILD patients.

Methods:

ILD patients with total lung capacity of <80% predicted were randomized to 6-min walk tests using either PLB or usual breathing. Patients were crossed over for the second 6-min walk tests and served as their own controls. Ventilatory and metabolic variables were recorded using a portable metabolic cart and were compared at 1-min intervals.

Results:

Thirty-five patients were included (mean forced vital capacity of 64 ± 10% predicted). Use of PLB resulted in lower mean respiratory rates and larger tidal volumes (both P < .001), worsened dyspnea ratings (post-6-min walk test Borg score: 5.2 ± 2.6 vs 4.2 ± 2.3, P < .001), and walking distance (403 ± 102 m vs 429 ± 93 m, P < .001). Twenty-nine patients (83%) described PLB as less comfortable than usual breathing. Both groups had similar total ventilation and oxygen saturation (all P > .05), but PLB resulted in higher mean oxygen uptake (13.9 ± 3.6 vs 12.9 ± 3.2 mL/kg/min, P = .02), even when corrected for walking distance (P < .001).

Conclusion:

In ILD patients, acute exposure to PLB did not improve exertional dyspnea, walking distance, or gas exchange, and was associated with higher metabolic demands than usual breathing. These results cast doubt on the usefulness of this technique in ILD patients and should be taken into account when tailoring pulmonary rehabilitation programs to this population.
Left Ventricular Function Before and After Aerobic Exercise Training in Women With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Woolstenhulme Joshua G. , Guccione Andrew A. , Herrick Jeffrey E. , Collins John P. , Nathan Steven D. , Chan Leighton , Keyser Randall E.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic debilitating illness. The effects of vigorous aerobic exercise training (AET) on heart function in PAH are poorly understood.

Methods:

Eighteen women with PAH (aged 56.2 ± 8.8 yr, body mass index: 28.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2) underwent 10 wk of vigorous AET. Cardiac function was observed at rest and peak exercise using bioelectrical impedance cardiography before and after the AET. Cardiac function was observed in a small PAH subset (n = 7) for 10 wk before beginning the AET. A cohort of sedentary women (n = 19) served as healthy controls.

Results:

Left ventricular ejection fraction (48 ± 9.2 vs 61.5 ± 13.3%, P = .034) and the systemic vascular resistance index (2258 ± 419.1 vs 2939 ± 962.4 dyn·sec/cm5·m2, P = .008) were lower at supine rest in the baseline PAH group versus the healthy group, as were peak exercise heart rate (140 ± 13.3 vs 170 ± 13.8 beats/min, P < .001) and systemic vascular resistance index (828 ± 141.1 vs 824 ± 300.9 dyn·sec/cm5·m2, P = .050) after controlling for age and heart rate. Systemic vascular resistance index measured at peak exercise decreased in the PAH group after AET (828 ± 141.1 vs 766 ± 139.6 dyn·sec/cm5·m2, P = .020). Left ventricular early diastolic filling ratio worsened in the PAH subset prior to AET (95.9 ± 19.4 vs 76.2 ± 18.9%, P = .043) and remained unchanged after AET.

Conclusion:

Vigorous AET was not associated with significant declines in left ventricular systolic or diastolic function in women with PAH. Aerobic exercise training may be beneficial for reducing afterload and may preserve left ventricular diastolic function.
Effect of Sex on Biomarker Response in a Mouse Model of the Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome
Authors: Jones Jace W. , Alloush Jenna , Sellamuthu Rajendran , Chua Hui Lin , MacVittie Thomas J. , Orschell Christie M. , Kane Maureen A.
Published: January 2019

Sex is an important confounding variable in biomarker development that must be incorporated into biomarker discovery and validation. Additionally, understanding of sex as a biological variable is essential for effective translation of biomarkers in animal models to human populations. Toward these ends, we conducted high-throughput targeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and multiplexed immunoassay analyses using a Luminex-based system in both male and female mice in a model of total-body irradiation at a radiation dose consistent with the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. Metabolomic and immunoassay analyses identified metabolites and cytokines that were significantly different in plasma from naive and irradiated C57BL/6 mice consisting of equal numbers of female and male mice at 3 d after 8.0 or 8.72 Gy, an approximate LD60–70/30 dose of total-body irradiation. An additional number of metabolites and cytokines had sex-specific responses after radiation. Analyses of sham-irradiated mice illustrate the presence of stress-related changes in several cytokines due simply to undergoing the irradiation procedure, absent actual radiation exposure. Basal differences in metabolite levels between female and male were also identified as well as time-dependent changes in cytokines up to 9 d postexposure. These studies provide data toward defining the influence of sex on plasma-based biomarker candidates in a well-defined mouse model of acute radiation syndrome.
Acute Pump Thrombosis in the Early Postoperative Period After HeartMate 3 Implantation
Authors: Bunge Jeroen J. H. , den Uil Corstiaan A. , Constantinescu Alina C. , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Maat Alexander P. W. M. , Caliskan Kadir
Published: January 2019

There are no reports of acute pump thrombosis in the latest, continuous flow left ventricular assist devices type HeartMate 3, other than thrombus ingestion. We present a case of early thrombosis of the pump and outflow graft, necessitating acute pump and outflow graft replacement. A combination of low-flow episodes and subtherapeutic levels of anticoagulation was the most likely cause.
The Meaning of Self-efficacy for Symptom Management in the Acute Phase of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: White Lynn L. , Cohen Marlene Z. , Berger Ann M. , Kupzyk Kevin A. , Bierman Philip J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an intensive treatment that offers the potential for longer life or cure for some types of cancer. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is associated with decreased quality of life and functional status and distressing symptoms. Self-efficacy for symptom management (SESM) is a person's belief in his/her ability to implement behaviors to manage these symptoms. Presence of SESM can affect symptom distress, healthcare utilization, and posttransplantation outcomes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of SESM in adults during the acute phase of HSCT.

Methods

Interviews were conducted before and at 30 days after transplantation. Descriptive thematic analysis was performed on verbatim interview transcripts.

Results

Themes of confidence, being responsible, and caring for mind, body, and spirit were identified, with subthemes of self-confidence, confidence in others, confidence and symptom level, vigilance, self-advocacy, and normalcy. Participants reported having high SESM before transplantation and having much less or no SESM when symptom distress was the most severe.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the patient's perspective of self-efficacy in the acute phase of HSCT. This contributes to existing literature on the concept of symptom management and expands nursing knowledge of SESM in patients undergoing HSCT.

Implications for Practice

Nurses can assess SESM before transplantation and implement interventions to enhance SESM when symptoms are at their most distressing after HSCT. The findings from this study can provide the basis for creating behavioral interventions to enhance self-efficacy for symptom management in HSCT patients.
Mindfulness Training and Physical Health: Mechanisms and Outcomes
Authors: Creswell J. David , Lindsay Emily K. , Villalba Daniella K. , Chin Brian
Published: January 2019

Objective

There has been substantial research and public interest in mindfulness interventions, biological pathways, and health for the past two decades. This article reviews recent developments in understanding relationships between mindfulness interventions and physical health.

Methods

A selective review was conducted with the goal of synthesizing conceptual and empirical relationships between mindfulness interventions and physical health outcomes.

Results

Initial randomized controlled trials in this area suggest that mindfulness interventions can improve pain management outcomes among chronic pain populations, and there is preliminary evidence for mindfulness interventions improving specific stress-related disease outcomes in some patient populations (i.e., clinical colds, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes, HIV). We offer a stress-buffering framework for the observed beneficial effects of mindfulness interventions and summarize supporting biobehavioral and neuroimaging studies that provide plausible mechanistic pathways linking mindfulness interventions with positive physical health outcomes.

Conclusions

We conclude with new opportunities for research and clinical implementations to consider in the next two decades.
Lower Bowel Dysfunction Following Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Aadal Lena , Mortensen Jesper , Kellenberger Simone , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk
Published: January 2019

The aim of this prospective, descriptive cohort study is to describe the prevalence of lower bowel dysfunction, possible relationship to diagnosis and severity, use of laxatives, and defecation patterns in patients with acquired brain injury during inpatient rehabilitation. Enrollment consisted of all patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital (n = 98) within a 3-month period and assessments of fecal incontinence and fecal constipation at admission were performed. Documentation of used laxatives, number of defecations, and the macroscopic form during 4 weeks was conducted. Analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were conducted using the statistical software package STATA v 12/IC. At admission 75% of the patients suffered from lower bowel dysfunction, which was related to the severity of injury and age but not major diagnosis or gender. Of these, 68% suffered from fecal incontinence and 32% from fecal constipation. Ninety percent of the patients received laxatives during the initial 28 days. After 28 days, 20% continued to receive laxative treatment. There was no difference between weekly defecations in patients who had functional constipation and patients who had no bowel dysfunction. There was a strong relationship between bowel dysfunction status and prescribed laxative treatment. These findings indicate that lower gastrointestinal dysfunction is a long-lasting, profound complication following an acquired brain injury.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient Leaders' Responsibility for Disseminating Health Information Online
Authors: Frohlich Dennis Owen
Published: January 2019

Medical professionals have long been concerned about the lack of accurate information in some online spaces. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a great need for health information, and with the rise of social media platforms, patients are going online to share and receive health information from other patients. This study aimed to uncover how patient leaders of online IBD communities share health information, and how they conceive their responsibility to provide accurate information. To answer these questions, a digital ethnography of 14 online IBD communities was conducted. Analysis showed that online community leaders take their responsibility for providing accurate health information seriously and often supplement the information they provide with caveats, disclaimers, and appeals to their audience to consult with their doctors. Audience members appreciate this information and often consider patient communities to be credible sources of information. Community leaders expressed that they desired not to usurp medical professionals' authority but rather to supplement the health information professionals provide with patient stories. These findings may help bridge the gulf that often exists between patients and medical professionals regarding who has authority over health information in online environments.
Intraoperative Near-infrared Imaging Can Identify Neoplasms and Aid in Real-time Margin Assessment During Pancreatic Resection
Authors: Newton Andrew D. , Predina Jarrod D. , Shin Michael H. , Frenzel-Sulyok Lydia G. , Vollmer Charles M. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Singhal Sunil , Lee Major K.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To determine if intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) imaging carries benefit in resection of pancreatic neoplasms.

Background:

Resection of pancreatic malignancies is hindered by high rates of local and distant recurrence from positive margins and unrecognized metastases. Improved tumor visualization could improve outcomes. We hypothesized that intraoperative NIR imaging with a clinically approved optical contrast agent could serve as a useful adjunct in assessing margins and extent of disease during pancreatic resections.

Methods:

Twenty patients were enrolled in an open-label clinical trial from July 2016 to May 2018. Subjects received second window indocyanine green (ICG) (2.5–5 mg/kg) 24 hours prior to pancreatic resection. NIR imaging was performed during staging laparoscopy and after pancreas mobilization in situ and following resection ex vivo. Tumor fluorescence was quantified using tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). Fluorescence at the specimen margin was compared to pathology evaluation.

Results:

Procedures included 9 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 10 distal pancreatectomies, and 1 total pancreatectomy; 21 total specimens were obtained. Three out of 8 noninvasive tumors were fluorescent (mean TBR 2.59 ± 2.57). Twelve out of 13 invasive malignancies (n = 12 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, n = 1 cholangiocarcinoma) were fluorescent (mean TBR 4.42 ± 2.91). Fluorescence at the transection margin correlated with final pathologic assessment in 12 of 13 patients. Following neoadjuvant therapy, 4 of 5 tumors were fluorescent; these 4 tumors showed no treatment response on pathology assessment. One tumor had a significant treatment response and showed no fluorescence.

Conclusions:

Second window ICG reliably accumulates in invasive pancreatic malignancies and provides real-time feedback during pancreatectomy. NIR imaging may help to assess the response to neoadjuvant therapy.
Variation in defence strategies in the metal hyperaccumulator plant
Noccaea caerulescens
is indicative of synergies and trade-offs between forms of defence
Authors: Fones Helen N. , Preston Gail M. , Smith J. Andrew C.
Published: January 2019

In the metal hyperaccumulator plant
Noccaea caerulescens,
zinc may provide a defence against pathogens. However, zinc accumulation is a variable trait in this species. We hypothesize that this variability affects the outcome of interactions between metal accumulation and the various constitutive and inducible defences that
N. caerulescens
shares with non-accumulator plants. We compare zinc concentrations, glucosinolate concentrations and inducible stress responses, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death, in four
N. caerulescens
populations, and relate these to the growth of the plant pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
, its zinc tolerance mutants and
Pseudomonas
pathogens isolated from a natural population of
N. caerulescens.
The populations display strikingly different combinations of defences. Where defences are successful, pathogens are limited primarily by metals, cell death or organic defences; there is evidence of population-dependent trade-offs or synergies between these. In addition, we find evidence that
Pseudomonas
pathogens have the capacity to overcome any of these defences, indicating that the arms race continues. These data indicate that defensive enhancement, joint effects and trade-offs between different forms of defence are all plausible explanations for the variation we observe between populations, with factors including metal availability and metal-tolerant pathogen load probably shaping the response of each population to infection.
Structural modification of isomorphous SO
4
2−
-doped K
2
FeO
4
for remediating the stability and enhancing the discharge of super-iron battery
Authors: Yan Chao , Zhu Lingyue , Dong Jing , Gu Di , Jiang Hong , Wang Baohui
Published: January 2019

In the paper, the isomorphous

S

O

4

2
−

doped K
2
FeO
4
, aimed at the remediation of the discharge and stability of the super-iron battery, was first synthesized for doping and reforming the K
2
FeO
4
crystalline structure via a facile co-precipitation and mechanochemistry. Afterwards, the compared cathodes were assembled by the undoped and doped K
2
FeO
4
for an evaluation of the discharge and stability in the AAA super-iron battery system. The results show that the small amounts of K
2
SO
4
were doped into the K
2
FeO
4
in the calculated form of K
2
Fe
1−x
S
x
O
4
by the isomorphous substitution. The doped K
2
FeO
4
cathodes/batteries exhibited an excellent discharge with a normal discharge profile. The cathodes doped by two techniques had significantly enhanced the discharge capacity of the super-iron battery with an increase of 10–30% compared to the undoped K
2
FeO
4
. Moreover, the stability of the K
2
FeO
4
cathodes was obviously remediated by the isomorphous

S

O

4

2
−

doping. The shelf time of the doped K
2
FeO
4
cathodes was prolonged by an increase of about 10% in comparison of the undoped K
2
FeO
4
cathode. The desirable enhancements could be attributed to doping and reforming the similar building block and isomorphous

S

O

4

2
−

into the

Fe

O

4

2
−

tetrahedral and crystalline in the form of the isomorphous substitution and filling vacancies.
The effect of uncertain bottom friction on estimates of tidal current power
Authors: Kreitmair M. J. , Draper S. , Borthwick A. G. L. , van den Bremer T. S.
Published: January 2019

Uncertainty affects estimates of the power potential of tidal currents, resulting in large ranges in values reported for a given site, such as the Pentland Firth, UK. We examine the role of bottom friction, one of the most important sources of uncertainty. We do so by using perturbation methods to find the leading-order effect of bottom friction uncertainty in theoretical models by Garrett & Cummins (2005
Proc. R. Soc. A
461
, 2563–2572. (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2005.1494
); 2013
J. Fluid Mech.
714
, 634–643. (
doi:10.1017/jfm.2012.515
)) and Vennell (2010
J. Fluid Mech.
671
, 587–604. (
doi:10.1017/S0022112010006191
)), which consider quasi-steady flow in a channel completely spanned by tidal turbines, a similar channel but retaining the inertial term, and a circular turbine farm in laterally unconfined flow. We find that bottom friction uncertainty acts to increase estimates of expected power in a fully spanned channel, but generally has the reverse effect in laterally unconfined farms. The optimal number of turbines, accounting for bottom friction uncertainty, is lower for a fully spanned channel and higher in laterally unconfined farms. We estimate the typical magnitude of bottom friction uncertainty, which suggests that the effect on estimates of expected power lies in the range −5 to +30%, but is probably small for deep channels such as the Pentland Firth (5–10%). In such a channel, the uncertainty in power estimates due to bottom friction uncertainty remains considerable, and we estimate a relative standard deviation of 30%, increasing to 50% for small channels.
Theoretical conditions for the coexistence of viral strains with differences in phenotypic traits: a bifurcation analysis
Authors: Nurtay Anel , Hennessy Matthew G. , Sardanyés Josep , Alsedà Lluís , Elena Santiago F.
Published: January 2019

We investigate the dynamics of a wild-type viral strain which generates mutant strains differing in phenotypic properties for infectivity, virulence and mutation rates. We study, by means of a mathematical model and bifurcation analysis, conditions under which the wild-type and mutant viruses, which compete for the same host cells, can coexist. The coexistence conditions are formulated in terms of the basic reproductive numbers of the strains, a maximum value of the mutation rate and the virulence of the pathogens. The analysis reveals that parameter space can be divided into five regions, each with distinct dynamics, that are organized around degenerate Bogdanov–Takens and zero-Hopf bifurcations, the latter of which gives rise to a curve of transcritical bifurcations of periodic orbits. These results provide new insights into the conditions by which viral populations may contain multiple coexisting strains in a stable manner.
Behavioural and transcriptional changes in post-mating females of an egg parasitoid wasp species
Authors: Liu Peng-Cheng , Hao De-Jun
Published: January 2019

In many animals, mating is essential for the production of offspring by females; however, mating seems to not be necessary in Hymenoptera insects. Virgin females can produce offspring, although the sex of the offspring is all male. Usually, behavioural and physiological changes are induced by mating in female insects, including parasitoid wasps. However, very little is known about the resulting changes in gene expression that contribute to the post-mating response in females; thus, we studied this aspect in the egg parasitoid wasp speciesAnastatus disparis(Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) by transcriptional analysis. A total of 55 differentially expressed genes were identified in post-mating females, and most of the genes (90.9%) were downregulated. Upregulated genes encoded products that were mainly involved in fatty acid synthesis and pyrimidine metabolism, while the downregulated genes were mainly involved in substance transport and metabolism. In addition, post-matingA. disparisfemales exhibited a tendency to accelerate egg maturation and became unreceptive to further mating. Based on the transcriptional data, we discuss how specific genes mediate these behavioural and physiological changes. Overall, our study provided new and comprehensive insights into post-mating changes in females and provided a basis for future mechanistic studies.
Role of the growth step on the structural, optical and surface features of TiO
2
/SnO
2
composites
Authors: Rimoldi Luca , Meroni Daniela , Pargoletti Eleonora , Biraghi Iolanda , Cappelletti Giuseppe , Ardizzone Silvia
Published: January 2019

TiO
2
/SnO
2
composites have attracted considerable attention for their application in photocatalysis, fuel cells and sensors. Structural, morphological, optical and surface features play a pivotal role in photoelectrochemical applications and are critically related to the synthetic route. Most of the reported synthetic procedures require high-temperature treatments in order to tailor the sample crystallinity, usually at the expense of surface hydroxylation and morphology. In this work, we investigate the role of a treatment in an autoclave at a low temperature (100°C) on the sample properties and photocatalytic performance. With respect to samples calcined at 400°C, the milder crystallization treatment promotes anatase phase, mesoporosity and water chemi/physisorption, while reducing the incorporation of heteroatoms within the TiO
2
lattice. The role of Sn content was also investigated, showing a marked influence, especially on the structural properties. Notably, at a high content, Sn favours the formation of rutile TiO
2
at very low reaction temperatures (100°C), thanks to the structural compatibility with cassiterite SnO
2
. Selected samples were tested towards the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline in water under UV light. Overall, the low-temperature treatment enables to tune the TiO
2
phase composition while maintaining its surface hydrophilicity and gives rise to well-dispersed SnO
2
at the TiO
2
surface.
Fabrication and characterization of capric acid/reduced graphene oxide decorated diatomite composite phase change materials for solar energy storage
Authors: Li Min , Mu Boyuan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, diatomite-based composite phase change materials (DI-based CPCMs) were fabricated by the vacuum impregnation of capric acid (CA) into reduced graphene oxide decorated diatomite (rGO-DI). In the DI-based CPCMs, DI was used as the supporting material, which was first purified by thermal treatment and alkali treatment, to improve the adsorption capacity of the PCM, rGO was used to decorate the DI to improve the thermal conductivity of CPCMs. The rGO-DI could retain CA at the weight fraction of 60% without leakage. The maximum melting and freezing enthalpy of CA/rGO-DI-2 reached 106.2 J g
−1
and 108.6 J g
−1
, respectively, and its thermal conductivity was up to 0.5226 W m
−1
· K, 260.4% and 81.3% higher than pure CA and CA/DI, respectively. The CPCMs have good thermal reliability and thermal stability, and there was no chemical reaction between CA and rGO-DI. The CPCMs maintained thermal properties after 200 melting–freezing cycles. Finally, the CPCMs have potential for application in solar energy storage systems.
Acute biotoxicity assessment of heavy metals in sewage sludge based on the glucose consumption ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Mi Yazhu , Tao Xiangyun , Zhang Xu , Si Youbin
Published: January 2019

As a simple and feasible method for acute biotoxicity assessment, personal glucose meter (PGM) can be successfully applied in the early warning of environmental pollutants in sewage. In this paper, the acute biotoxicity of single and joint heavy metals in sewage and real sludge samples was systematically described based on the glucose metabolism ofEscherichia coli(E. coli). Results indicated that the biotoxicity order of five single heavy metals in sewage was Hg2+> As3+> Cu2+> Zn2+> Cd2+. The joint heavy metals of Cu2++ Zn2+, Cu2++ Cd2+, and Cu2++ Hg2+produced synergistic effects, while Cu2++ As3+and Cd2++ Zn2+possessed antagonistic effects for the combined biotoxicity. In spiked sludge, Cd2+and Zn2+owned higher biotoxicity than Cu2+and As3+. Notably, the electroplate factory and housing estate sludge respectively showed the highest and lowest inhibition rates as 57.4% and 17.7% under the real sludge biotoxicity assessment. These results demonstrated that PGM was a sensitive and portable method, which could be widely used for acute biotoxicity assessment of heavy metals in sewage sludge.
Resting-state fMRI Signals of Intelligent People Wander in a Larger Space
Authors: Dizaji Aslan S , Khodaei Mohammad-Reza , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid
Published: January 2019

Natural intelligence is one of the vastly explored research areas in cognitive science. Its evolution and manifestation through behavioral patterns in animal kingdom have been extensively investigated. Since early days of cognitive sciences, there have been considerable efforts to simulate intelligent behaviors through high-level cognitive models. In the framework of the computational theory of mind, production systems are top-down models which simulate intelligent behaviors by invoking their behavioral manifestations. These models describe an intelligent behavior as structured mental programming which decomposes a complex task into simpler independent parts, each one represented by a cognitive enclosure where attention is sequentially devoted, and finally the information obtained from all cognitive enclosures is integrated to accomplish the task. In this article, we investigate the relations between these models of intelligence and resting-state fMRI signals. Based on these models, we hypothesize that the capacity of distinct mental representations is the core feature of intelligent behaviors. Therefore, we reason that resting-state fMRI signals of intelligent individuals wander in a larger space and can be divided to more well-separated independent components. This may be interpreted as the functional equivalence of one of the most celebrated structural correlates of intelligence, its positive association with the total brain volume. In the general framework of topological data analysis, using a well-established non-linear dimensionality reduction method, we show that indeed resting-state fMRI signals of intelligent individuals occupy a larger space and can be divided to more well-separated components with less connections in the reduced two-dimensional space. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to relate the functional space of resting-state fMRI signals with the behavioral signatures of the human intelligence.
Systems Analysis of Subjects Acutely Infected with Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Soares-Schanoski Alessandra , Cruz Natália Baptista , Castro-Jorge Luíza Antunes de , de Carvalho Renan Villanova Homem , dos Santos Cliomar Alves , Rós Nancy da , Oliveira Úrsula , Costa Danuza Duarte , dos Santos Cecília Luíza Simões , Passos Cunha Marielton dos , Sarno Oliveira Maria Leonor , Alves Juliana Cardoso , Lucena Couto Océa Regina Adalva de , Ribeiro Danielle Rodrigues , Aquime Gonçalves André Nicolau , Gonzalez Patricia , Suhrbier Andreas , Andrade Zanotto Paolo Marinho de , de Azevedo Inácio Junqueira , Zamboni Dario S. , Almeida Roque Pacheco , Ho Paulo Lee , Kalil Jorge , Nishiyama Milton Yutaka , Nakaya Helder I
Published: January 2019

The largest ever recorded epidemic of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) began in 2004 and affected four continents. Acute symptomatic infections are typically associated with the onset of fever and often debilitating polyarthralgia/polyarthritis. In this study, a systems biology approach was used to analyze the blood transcriptomes of adults acutely infected with CHIKV. Gene signatures that were associated with viral RNA amounts and to the onset of symptoms were identified. Among those genes, the putative role of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor (eIF) family genes and apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC3A) in the CHIKV replication process were displayed. We further compared these signatures with those induced by dengue virus infection and rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, we demonstrated that CHIKV infection in mice induced IL-1 beta production in a mechanism highly dependent on the inflammasome NLRP3 activation. The findings provided valuable insights into the virus–host interactions during the acute phase and could be useful in the investigation of new and effective therapeutic interventions.
Environmental selection and spatiotemporal structure of a major group of soil protists (Rhizaria: Cercozoa) in a temperate grassland
Authors: Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Richter-Heitmann Tim , Degrune Florine , Dumack Kenneth , Regan Kathleen M. , Mahran Sven , Boeddinghaus Runa S. , Rillig Matthias C. , Friedrich Michael W. , Kandeler Ellen , Bonkowski Michael
Published: January 2019

Soil protists are increasingly appreciated as essential components of soil foodwebs; however, there is a dearth of information on the factors structuring their communities. Here we investigate the importance of different biotic and abiotic factors as key drivers of spatial and seasonal distribution of protistan communities. We conducted an intensive survey of a 10m2 grassland plot in Germany, focusing on a major group of protists, the Cercozoa. From 177 soil samples, collected from April to November, we obtained 694 Operational Taxonomy Units representing >6 million Illumina reads. All major cercozoan groups were present, dominated by the small flagellates of the Glissomonadida. We found evidence of environmental filtering structuring the cercozoan communities both spatially and seasonally. Spatial analyses indicated that communities were correlated within a range of four meters. Seasonal variations of bactevirores and bacteria, and that of omnivores after a time-lapse, suggested a dynamic prey-predator succession. The most influential edaphic properties were moisture and clay content, which differentially affected each functional group. Our study is based on an intense sampling of protists at a small scale, thus providing a detailed description of the niches occupied by different taxa/functional groups and the ecological processes involved.
Divergent mutational processes distinguish hypoxic and normoxic tumours
Authors: Bhandari Vinayak , Li Constance H. , Bristow Robert G. , Boutros Paul C. ,   on behalf of the PCAWG Network
Published: January 2019

Many primary tumours have low levels of molecular oxygen (hypoxia). Hypoxic tumours are more likely to metastasize to distant sites and respond poorly to multiple therapies. Surprisingly, then, the pan-cancer molecular hallmarks of tumour hypoxia remain poorly understood, with limited understanding of its associations with specific mutational processes, non-coding driver genes and evolutionary features. To fill this gap, we quantified hypoxia in 1,188 tumours spanning 27 cancer types. We show that elevated hypoxia is associated with increased mutational load across cancers, irrespective of the underlying mutational class. The proportion of mutations attributed to several mutational signatures of unknown aetiology are directly associated with the level of hypoxia, suggesting underlying mutational processes for these signatures. At the gene level, driver mutations in TP53, MYC and PTEN are enriched in tumours with high hypoxia, and mutations in PTEN interact with hypoxia to direct the evolutionary trajectory of tumours. Overall, this work demonstrates that hypoxia plays a critical role in shaping the genomic landscape of cancer.
GUN1 regulates tetrapyrrole biosynthesis
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Mochizuki Nobuyoshi , Nagatani Akira , Watanabe Satoru , Shimada Tomohiro , Tanaka Kan , Hayashi Yuuki , Arai Munehito , Kacprzak Sylwia M. , Leister Dario , Okamoto Haruko , Terry Matthew J. , Masuda Tatsuru
Published: January 2019

The biogenesis of the photosynthetic apparatus in developing chloroplasts requires the assembly of proteins encoded on both nuclear and chloroplast genomes1. To co-ordinate this process there needs to be communication between these organelles, and while we have a good understanding of how the nucleus controls chloroplast development, how the chloroplast communicates with the nucleus at this time is still essentially unknown2. What we do know comes from pioneering work in which a series of genomes uncoupled (gun) mutants were identified that show elevated nuclear gene expression after chloroplast damage3. Of the six reported gun mutations, five are in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis proteins4-6 and this has led to the development of a model for chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signaling in which ferrochelatase 1 (FC1)-dependent heme synthesis generates a positive signal promoting expression of photosynthesis-related genes6. However, the molecular consequences of the strongest of the gun mutants, gun17, is unknown, preventing the development of a unifying hypothesis for chloroplast-to-nucleus signaling. Here, we show that GUN1 directly binds to heme and other metal-porphyrins, affects flux through the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis pathway and can increase the chelatase activity of FC1. These results raise the possibility that the signaling role of GUN1 may be manifested through changes in tetrapyrrole metabolism and supports a role for tetrapyrroles as mediators of a single biogenic chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signaling pathway.
Accurate prediction of bacterial two-component signaling with a deep recurrent neural network ORAKLE
Authors: Balewski Jan , Hallberg Zachary F.
Published: January 2019

Two-component systems (2CS) are a primary method that bacteria use to detect and respond to environmental stimuli. Receptor histidine kinases (HK) detect an environmental signal, activating the appropriate response regulator (RR). Genes for such cognate HK-RR pairs are often located proximally on the chromosome, allowing easier identification of the target for a particular signal. However, almost half of all HK and RR proteins are orphans, with no nearby partner, complicating identification of the proteins that respond to a particular signal. To address this problem, we trained a neural network on the amino acid sequences of known 2CS pairs. Next, we developed a recommender algorithm that ranks a set of HKs for an arbitrary fixed RR and arbitrary species whose amino acid sequences are known. The recommender strongly favors known 2CS pairs, and correctly selects orphan pairs in Escherichia coli. We expect that use of these results will permit rapid discovery of orphan HK-RR pairs.
A ZNRF3-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling gradient is required for adrenal homeostasis
Authors: Basham Kaitlin J. , Rodriguez Stéphanie , Turcu Adina F. , Lerario Antonio M. , Logan Catriona Y. , Rysztak Madeline R. , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Breault David T. , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Clevers Hans , Nusse Roeland , Val Pierre , Hammer Gary D.
Published: January 2019

Spatiotemporal control of Wnt signaling is essential for the development and homeostasis of many tissues. The transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligases ZNRF3 (zinc and ring finger 3) and RNF43 (ring finger protein 43) antagonize Wnt signaling by promoting degradation of frizzled receptors. ZNRF3 and RNF43 are frequently inactivated in human cancer, but the molecular and therapeutic implications remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that adrenocortical-specific loss of ZNRF3, but not RNF43, results in adrenal hyperplasia that depends on Porcupine-mediated Wnt ligand secretion. Furthermore, we discovered a Wnt/β-catenin signaling gradient in the adrenal cortex that is disrupted upon loss of ZNRF3. Unlike β-catenin gain-of-function models, which induce high Wnt/β-catenin activation and expansion of the peripheral cortex, ZNRF3 loss triggers activation of moderate-level Wnt/β-catenin signaling that drives proliferative expansion of only the histologically and functionally distinct inner cortex. Genetically reducing β-catenin dosage significantly reverses the ZNRF3-deficient phenotype. Thus, homeostatic maintenance of the adrenal cortex is dependent on varying levels of Wnt/β-catenin activation, which is regulated by ZNRF3.
Afadin cooperates with Claudin-2 to promote breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Tabariès Sébastien , McNulty Alexander , Ouellet Véronique , Annis Matthew G. , Dessureault Mireille , Vinette Maude , Hachem Yasmina , Lavoie Brennan , Omeroglu Atilla , Simon Hans-Georg , Walsh Logan A. , Kimbung Siker , Hedenfalk Ingrid , Siegel Peter M.
Published: January 2019

Claudin-2 promotes breast cancer liver metastasis by enabling seeding and early cancer cell survival. We now demonstrate that the PDZ-binding motif of Claudin-2 is necessary for anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells and is required for liver metastasis. Several PDZ domain-containing proteins were identified that interact with the PDZ-binding motif of Claudin-2 in liver metastatic breast cancer cells, including Afadin, Arhgap21, Pdlim2, Pdlim7, Rims2, Scrib, and ZO-1. We specifically examined the role of Afadin as a potential Claudin-2-interacting partner that promotes breast cancer liver metastasis. Afadin associates with Claudin-2, an interaction that requires the PDZ-binding motif of Claudin-2. Loss of Afadin also impairs the ability of breast cancer cells to form colonies in soft agar and metastasize to the lungs or liver. Immunohistochemical analysis of Claudin-2 and/or Afadin expression in 206 metastatic breast cancer tumors revealed that high levels of both Claudin-2 and Afadin in primary tumors were associated with poor disease-specific survival, relapse-free survival, lung-specific relapse, and liver-specific relapse. Our findings indicate that signaling downstream from a Claudin-2/Afadin complex enables the efficient formation of breast cancer metastases. Moreover, combining Claudin-2 and Afadin as prognostic markers better predicts the potential of breast cancer to metastasize to soft tissues.
RAD52 and SLX4 act nonepistatically to ensure telomere stability during alternative telomere lengthening
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Dilley Robert L. , Zhang Tianpeng , Gyparaki Melina T. , Li Yiwen , Greenberg Roger A.
Published: January 2019

Approximately 15% of cancers use homologous recombination for alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). How the initiating genomic lesions invoke homology-directed telomere synthesis remains enigmatic. Here, we show that distinct dependencies exist for telomere synthesis in response to replication stress or DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). RAD52 deficiency reduced spontaneous telomeric DNA synthesis and replication stress-associated recombination in G2, concomitant with telomere shortening and damage. However, viability and proliferation remained unaffected, suggesting that alternative telomere recombination mechanisms compensate in the absence of RAD52. In agreement, RAD52 was dispensable for DSB-induced telomere synthesis. Moreover, a targeted CRISPR screen revealed that loss of the structure-specific endonuclease scaffold SLX4 reduced the proliferation of RAD52-null ALT cells. While SLX4 was dispensable for RAD52-mediated ALT telomere synthesis in G2, combined SLX4 and RAD52 loss resulted in elevated telomere loss, unresolved telomere recombination intermediates, and mitotic infidelity. These findings establish that RAD52 and SLX4 mediate distinct postreplicative DNA repair processes that maintain ALT telomere stability and cancer cell viability.
Optimization of inventory policies of food grain distribution stage in public distribution system
Authors: Ambekar Sudhir , Kapoor Rohit
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model the distribution stage of the public distribution system (PDS) and optimize the inventory policy during this stage of the PDS to address some of the inefficiencies present in the system. This study models this supply chain as a multistage supply chain consisting of storage depots, issue centers, fair price shops and card holders.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage modeling approach is used to model the distribution stage in the PDS. In the first stage, the authors developed a simulation model for periodic review-based stock policy with appropriate assumptions. This helped minimize the total supply chain cost (TSCC). The TSCC consists of three cost elements, namely, ordering cost, holding cost and shortage cost. These three cost elements, in turn, depend on inventory policy parameters, such as review periods and base stock levels, at various echelons. In the second stage, a Genetic Algorithm based optimization approach was used.

Findings

A set of optimal policy parameters was identified. It is observed that base stock levels at issue centers are higher as compared to those in the FPS and the TSCC is less in scenario, when backorder cost is equal to the holding cost.

Practical implications

Present study will be useful to policy makers in improving PDS performance. This optimization of inventory policies helps actors in the PDS supply chain to choose appropriate policy parameters in the present inventory policy so as to reduce the overall distribution cost.

Originality/value

Unlike the previous researchers who examined the PDS from the social security perspective and tried to address specific problems to improve functioning of the PDS, this study looked at the problem as a supply chain-related problem and optimized the inventory parameters in one of the subsets of the PDS supply chain.
Lean Six Sigma in the power sector: frog into prince
Authors: Sony Michael
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Lean Six Sigma is a most widely used technique in quality management. In manufacturing and service industries, this technique is used for process excellence. In the power sector, there has been hardly any study on the usage of LSS. Can LSS transform the ailing power sector organization from frog into princes? The purpose of this paper is to explore LSS impact on the power sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach is followed. Five cases, one each from the generation, the transmission and three from distribution companies are studied based on the rationale of theoretical sampling.

Findings

LSS is an important methodology that can be used in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity energy to drive out inefficiency and improve customer satisfaction, profits, etc. In addition, the success stories of all five cases suggest the sustainable economic benefit to the organization due to the implementation of LSS.

Research limitations/implications

This study intends to make an academic contribution to the pertinence of LSS in the power sector. The multiple case study approach is used on a theoretical sample of power utilities in India. This study will provide the theoretical contribution for LSS. In addition, this study will help the practitioner and managers to effectively implement LSS, especially in the power sector.

Practical implications

This study can be used by power sector organizations to implement LSS. A special section on implication for practice is added so that organization can make use of it while implementing LSS in the power sector.

Originality/value

Power is one of the most important infrastructures for the development of a country. In a developing country, the power sector is ailing; the application of LSS can transform the power sector by driving out inefficiency, waste and variation. It will not only prove to be a boon to utilities, but it will also help the customer and society at large. Consequently, it will help in reducing the power tariff, which in turn will make power financially accessible to all categories of consumers. In addition, the private investment in this sector will also improve, if power sectors appeal, to financiers as an efficient organization, compared to loss-making one organization, at present.