bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant formula and toddler milk marketing and caregiver's provision to young children
Authors: Romo‐Palafox Maria J. , Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Harris Jennifer L.
Published: March 2020

The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes prohibits claims and other marketing that may confuse caregivers about benefits of formula and other milk‐based drinks for infants and toddlers, but such marketing is common in the United States. This study assessed caregivers' provision of milk‐based products to their infants and toddlers and potential confusion about product benefits and appropriate use. Online survey of 1,645 U.S. caregivers of infants (6–11 months) and toddlers (12–36 months). Respondents identified infant formula and toddler milk products they served their child (ren) and provided relative agreement with common marketing claims. Logistic regression assessed relationships between agreement and serving these products, controlling for individual characteristics. Over one‐half of caregivers of infants (52%) agreed that infant formula can be better for babies' digestion and brain development than breastmilk, and 62% agreed it can provide nutrition not present in breastmilk. Most caregivers of toddlers (60%) agreed that toddler milks provide nutrition toddlers do not get from other foods. Some caregivers of infants (11%) reported serving toddler milk to their child most often. Agreement with marketing claims increased the odds of serving infant formula and/or toddler milks. For caregivers of toddlers, odds were higher for college‐educated and lower for non‐Hispanic White caregivers. Common marketing messages promoting infant formula and toddler milks may mislead caregivers about benefits and appropriateness of serving to young children. These findings support calls for public health policies and increased regulation of infant formula and toddler milks.
DNA methylation in plants: mechanisms and tools for targeted manipulation
Authors: Gallego‐Bartolomé Javier
Published: March 2020

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that regulates multiple processes, such as gene expression and genome stability. Mutants and pharmacological treatments have been instrumental in the study of this mark in plants, although their genome‐wide effect complicates the direct association between changes in methylation and a particular phenotype. A variety of tools that allow locus‐specific manipulation of DNA methylation can be used to assess its direct role in specific processes, as well as to create novel epialleles. Recently, new tools that recruit the methylation machinery directly to target loci through programmable DNA‐binding proteins have expanded the tool kit available to researchers. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation in plants and discusses the tools that have recently been developed for its manipulation.
Modified conservative management of mandibular ameloblastoma: a 13‐year experience in a Malaysian tertiary care centre
Authors: Yew C. C. , Ismail R. B. , Md Zin M. N. B. , Yap H. F. , Chan H. K.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Although surgical resection is routinely used to treat mandibular ameloblastoma, it associates with aesthetic and functional complications, hence a modified conservative management (MCM) comprising surgical enucleation, peripheral ostectomy and chemical cauterisation was practiced in a tertiary care centre in northern Malaysia. This study aims to access the treatment outcome and potential use of MCM.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study assessed the demographic and clinical profiles of mandibular ameloblastomas managed with MCM and their outcomes from year 2006 to 2019.

Results

A total of 13 cases of mandibular ameloblastoma were identified between 2006 and 2019 with MCM, which consisted of nine cases of solid/ multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA) (84.6%), and two cases of unicystic ameloblastoma (UA). Over mean review duration of 57 month, three recurrences (23.2%) were reported for SMA group and no recurrence was found for UA cases.

Conclusions

The relatively low recurrence rates suggest that MCM has potential to be used as an alternative treatment for mandibular ameloblastoma. Further well‐designed prospective study is recommended to understand the effectiveness of MCM, which hopefully can evolve towards a minimally invasive surgical approach in treating mandibular ameloblastoma.
Possible association of sialolithiasis with HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy: A case report
Authors: Brooks John K. , Jones Joyce L. , Price Jeffery B.
Published: March 2020

Although there appears to be an overall trend of diminishing oral manifestations of HIV infection, evidence is emerging on the increased incidence of concomitant parotid gland enlargement and xerostomia. Furthermore, several case narrations and a limited series have suggested a possible association of sialolithiasis with highly active antiretroviral therapy, mostly involving the parotid gland. The aim of this report is to present a patient with a giant sialolith of the submandibular gland following a 27‐year intake of various antiretrovirals for HIV infection and review the relevant literature.
Evaluating new fault‐controlled hydrothermal dolomitization models: Insights from the Cambrian Dolomite, Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Koeshidayatullah Ardiansyah , Corlett Hilary , Stacey Jack , Swart Peter K. , Boyce Adrian , Robertson Hamish , Whitaker Fiona , Hollis Cathy
Published: March 2020

Fault‐controlled hydrothermal dolomitization in tectonically complex basins can occur at any depth and from different fluid compositions, including ‘deep‐seated’, ‘crustal’ or ‘basinal’ brines. Nevertheless, many studies have failed to identify the actual source of these fluids, resulting in a gap in our knowledge on the likely source of magnesium of hydrothermal dolomitization. With development of new concepts in hydrothermal dolomitization, the study aims in particular to test the hypothesis that dolomitizing fluids were sourced from either seawater, ultramafic carbonation or a mixture between the two by utilizing the Cambrian Mount Whyte Formation as an example. Here, the large‐scale dolostone bodies are fabric‐destructive with a range of crystal fabrics, including euhedral replacement (RD1) and anhedral replacement (RD2). Since dolomite is cross‐cut by low amplitude stylolites, dolomitization is interpreted to have occurred shortly after deposition, at a very shallow depth (<1 km). At this time, there would have been sufficient porosity in the mudstones for extensive dolomitization to occur, and the necessary high heat flows and faulting associated with Cambrian rifting to transfer hot brines into the near surface. While the δ18Owater and 87Sr/86Sr ratios values of RD1 are comparable with Cambrian seawater, RD2 shows higher values in both parameters. Therefore, although aspects of the fluid geochemistry are consistent with dolomitization from seawater, very high fluid temperature and salinity could be suggestive of mixing with another, hydrothermal fluid. The very hot temperature, positive Eu anomaly, enriched metal concentrations, and cogenetic relation with quartz could indicate that hot brines were at least partially sourced from ultramafic rocks, potentially as a result of interaction between the underlying Proterozoic serpentinites and CO2‐rich fluids. This study highlights that large‐scale hydrothermal dolostone bodies can form at shallow burial depths via mixing during fluid pulses, providing a potential explanation for the mass balance problem often associated with their genesis.
Affective and Cognitive Theory of Mind in Children With Intellectual Disabilities: How to Train Them to Foster Social Adjustment and Emotion Regulation?
Authors: Jacobs Emilie , Nader-Grosbois Nathalie
Published: March 2020

Affective and cognitive Theory of Mind (ToM) is known to be deficit or delayed in children with intellectual disabilities (IDs), when compared with typically developing children matched for developmental age. Yet, little is known about causal contribution of affective and cognitive ToM on emotion regulation or social adjustment in these children. Studies that aimed to answer this problematic, implemented training focusing on the nine mental states – mainly on beliefs and emotions – and in toddlers and adolescents’ samples, rarely compared to control group. The present study aims at testing whether training ToM abilities notably affective and cognitive mental states in children with IDs could foster ToM, but also their emotion regulation and social adjustment. 30 children with mild or moderate IDs functioning at preschool developmental age, took part in a pre-test session involving measures on cognition and ToM. Teachers and/or parents completed questionnaires evaluating children’s emotion regulation and social adjustment. Secondly, children were allocated to control or experimental group which benefits from the specific “ToM program for children”. It was delivered in eight sessions, by an experimented searcher to sub-groups of three children. Finally, all children took part in a post-test session. Results showed significant improvement of affective and cognitive ToM abilities in children with IDs in experimental groups. After ToM training, they displayed a better understanding of cognitive mental states and of consequences of emotions. In post-tests, they are perceived as more socially adjusted by teachers.
A First-Principles Study of MBene as Anode Material for Mg-Ion Battery
Authors: Li Runqing , Liu Yufei , Deng Huiqiu , Yu Chuying , Liu Zhixiao
Published: March 2020

Developing novel nanostructured anode materials for Mg storage plays an important role in improving the performance of magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries. Two-dimensional (2D) metal borides (MBenes) are evaluated as potential anode materials in the present study. Simulation results demonstrate that Cr2B2 is a competitive anode material, which can deliver a maximum theoretical capacity of 853.4 mAh/g with an average open-circuit potential of 0.53 eV versus Mg2+/Mg. In addition, Cr2B2 as anode also can exhibit superior diffusion kinetics due to a low energy barrier of 0.38 eV. Comparing with Cr2B2, Mo2B2 exhibits less but still high Mg storage capacity, with a maximum capacity of 502.1 mAh/g. In addition, Mg diffusion barrier on Mo2B2 is 0.84 eV and the average open-circuit potential is 0.67 V versus Mg2+/Mg, both of which are still comparable to the reported anode materials for Mg-ion batteries.
Investigation of Liquid Breakup Process Solid Rocket Motor Part B: Vertical C-D Nozzle
Authors: Chen Wei-Lin , Abbas Ahmad I. , Ott Ryan N. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: March 2020

Aluminized propellants are frequently used in solid rocket motors (SRMs) to increase specific impulse. However, as the propellant combusts, the aluminum is oxidized into aluminum oxide (Al2O3), it agglomerates into molten droplets that attach to the outside wall of the rocket nozzle. This phenomenon negatively impacts ballistics performance because the droplets remain attached to the inner wall of propulsion chambers. This buildup of particles tends to erode the wall, decreasing the performance and sustainability of the rocket. This study presents both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the relationship between gas velocity and molten particle size for the vertically arrayed combustion chamber. Also, the Weber number and the Froude number are monitored to explain the breakup phenomenon and the condition of alumina flow in the whole testing channel. This study focused mainly on the vertical arrangement of the propulsion chamber with the cold experimental and simulation investigating the role of the liquid water in addition to a comparison with the horizontal chamber case. Unlike the horizontal setup, a greater number of droplets with smaller average droplet diameter present in the vertical setup; however, Froude number follows the same trend as for the horizontal C-D nozzle setup.
Large-Deformation Analysis of Elastomeric Structures by Carrera Unified Formulation
Authors: Carrera E. , Pagani A. , Wu B. , Filippi M.
Published: March 2020

Based on the well-known nonlinear hyperelasticity theory and by using the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) as well as a total Lagrangian approach, the unified theory of slightly compressible elastomeric structures including geometrical and physical nonlinearities is developed in this work. By exploiting CUF, the principle of virtual work and a finite element approximation, nonlinear governing equations corresponding to the slightly compressible elastomeric structures are straightforwardly formulated in terms of the fundamental nuclei, which are independent of the theory approximation order. Accordingly, the explicit forms of the secant and tangent stiffness matrices of the unified 1D beam and 2D plate elements are derived by using the three-dimensional Cauchy-Green deformation tensor and the nonlinear constitutive equation for slightly incompressible hyperelastic materials. Several numerical assessments are conducted, including uniaxial tension nonlinear response of rectangular elastomeric beams. Our numerical findings demonstrate the capabilities of the CUF model to calculate the large-deformation equilibrium curves as well as the stress distributions with high accuracy.
First-principles study of the electronic properties of graphene nanostructures for high current density cathodes
Authors: Zhao Nan , Xu Liangliang , Hsu Hua-Yi , Leung Tsan-Chuen , Lin Ming-Chieh
Published: March 2020

Graphene is a crystalline allotrope of carbon with 2D properties. Its carbon atoms are densely packed in a nanoscale hexagonal pattern. Graphene has many unusual properties. In this study, the authors study the electronic properties of graphene nanostructures using first-principles or ab initio calculations based on density functional theory as implemented in the Vienna ab initio simulation package in order to explore its applications in field-emission devices. The density of states and work function of graphene nanoribbons are calculated. The work function value is a key parameter in determining the field emission from a cathode surface according to the Fowler–Nordheim theory. For practical applications, the work functions of graphene nanoribbons with different widths and terminating edges, with and without passivation, have been investigated. Specifically, with the decoration of different alkali and alkaline earth metal species, the reduction of the work function has been systematically studied and determined for achieving higher current density emission.
Protein modification with ISG15 blocks coxsackievirus pathology by antiviral and metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Kespohl Meike , Bredow Clara , Klingel Karin , Voß Martin , Paeschke Anna , Zickler Martin , Poller Wolfgang , Kaya Ziya , Eckstein Johannes , Fechner Henry , Spranger Joachim , Fähling Michael , Wirth Eva Katrin , Radoshevich Lilliana , Thery Fabien , Impens Francis , Berndt Nikolaus , Knobeloch Klaus-Peter , Beling Antje
Published: March 2020

Protein modification with ISG15 acts cooperatively with IFIT proteins and preserves glucose homeostasis.
The genome of jojoba (
Simmondsia chinensis
): A taxonomically isolated species that directs wax ester accumulation in its seeds
Authors: Sturtevant Drew , Lu Shaoping , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Shen Yin , Wang Shuo , Song Jia-Ming , Zhong Jinshun , Burks David J. , Yang Zhi-Quan , Yang Qing-Yong , Cannon Ashley E. , Herrfurth Cornelia , Feussner Ivo , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Munz Eberhard , Verbeck Guido F. , Wang Xuexia , Azad Rajeev K. , Singleton Brenda , Dyer John M. , Chen Ling-Ling , Chapman Kent D. , Guo Liang
Published: March 2020

New genomic resources for jojoba reveal insights into its phylogeny and the spatial differences of lipid synthesis and storage.
Retinol-binding protein 2 (RBP2) binds monoacylglycerols and modulates gut endocrine signaling and body weight
Authors: Lee Seung-Ah , Yang Kryscilla Jian Zhang , Brun Pierre-Jacques , Silvaroli Josie A. , Yuen Jason J. , Shmarakov Igor , Jiang Hongfeng , Feranil Jun B. , Li Xueting , Lackey Atreju I. , Krężel Wojciech , Leibel Rudolph L. , Libien Jenny , Storch Judith , Golczak Marcin , Blaner William S.
Published: March 2020

Retinol-binding protein 2 (RBP2) binds 2-monoacylglycerols affecting their intestinal levels and enteroendocrine responses.
Temporal circuit of macroscale dynamic brain activity supports human consciousness
Authors: Huang Zirui , Zhang Jun , Wu Jinsong , Mashour George A. , Hudetz Anthony G.
Published: March 2020

Neuroimaging suggests that human consciousness relies on frequent access to default mode and dorsal attention brain networks.
Platelet P-selectin initiates cross-presentation and dendritic cell differentiation in blood monocytes
Authors: Han Patrick , Hanlon Douglas , Arshad Najla , Lee Jung Seok , Tatsuno Kazuki , Yurter Alp , Robinson Eve , Filler Renata , Sobolev Olga , Cote Christine , Rivera-Molina Felix , Toomre Derek , Fahmy Tarek , Edelson Richard
Published: March 2020

Platelet-monocyte “adhesion synapse” initiates physiologic biogenesis of cross-presenting dendritic cells.
Extracellular vesicle tetraspanin-8 level predicts distant metastasis in non–small cell lung cancer after concurrent chemoradiation
Authors: Liu Yang , Fan Jia , Xu Ting , Ahmadinejad Navid , Hess Kenneth , Lin Steven H. , Zhang Jianjun , Liu Xi , Liu Li , Ning Bo , Liao Zhongxing , Hu Tony Y.
Published: March 2020

Extracellular vesicle Tspan8 levels in pretreatment serum from patients with NSCLC predict distant metastasis–free survival.
Combined nucleus pulposus augmentation and annulus fibrosus repair prevents acute intervertebral disc degeneration after discectomy
Authors: Sloan Stephen R. , Wipplinger Christoph , Kirnaz Sertaç , Navarro-Ramirez Rodrigo , Schmidt Franziska , McCloskey Duncan , Pannellini Tania , Schiavinato Antonella , Härtl Roger , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: March 2020

Tissue-engineered therapies targeting the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus prevent intervertebral disc degeneration after discectomy in sheep.
Hematopoietic maladaptation facilitates septic screening
Authors: Aguilar Carlos A.
Published: March 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood cells from patients with bacterial infections reveals a monocyte subset that can distinguish those at risk of sepsis.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice
Authors: Sak Bohumil , Brdíčková Klára , Holubová Nikola , Květoňová Dana , Hlásková Lenka , Kváč Martin
Published: March 2020

Of four genotypes of
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
,
E. cuniculi
genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas
E. cuniculi
genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of
Encephalitozoon
species, its failure in control of
E. cuniculi
genotype III infection has been reported.
Antibacterial Monoclonal Antibodies Do Not Disrupt the Intestinal Microbiome or Its Function
Authors: Jones-Nelson Omari , Tovchigrechko Andrey , Glover Matthew S. , Fernandes Fiona , Rangaswamy Udaya , Liu Hui , Tabor David E. , Boyd Jonathan , Warrener Paul , Martinez Jose , Hilliard Jamese J. , Stover C. Ken , Yu Wen , DAngelo Gina , Hess Sonja , Cohen Taylor S. , Sellman Bret R.
Published: March 2020

Antibiotics revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases; however, it is now clear that broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the composition and function of the host’s microbiome. The microbiome plays a key role in human health, and its perturbation is increasingly recognized as contributing to many human diseases. Widespread broad-spectrum antibiotic use has also resulted in the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, spurring the development of pathogen-specific strategies such as monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to combat bacterial infection.
Novel Endochin-Like Quinolones Exhibit Potent
In Vitro
Activity against Plasmodium knowlesi but Do Not Synergize with Proguanil
Authors: van Schalkwyk Donelly A. , Riscoe Michael K. , Pou Sovitj , Winter Rolf W. , Nilsen Aaron , Duffey Maëlle , Moon Robert W. , Sutherland Colin J.
Published: March 2020

Quinolones, such as the antimalarial atovaquone, are inhibitors of the malarial mitochondrial cytochrome
bc
1
complex, a target critical to the survival of both liver- and blood-stage parasites, making these drugs useful as both prophylaxis and treatment. Recently, several derivatives of endochin have been optimized to produce novel quinolones that are active
in vitro
and in animal models. While these quinolones exhibit potent
ex vivo
activity against
Plasmodium falciparum
and
Plasmodium vivax
, their activity against the zoonotic agent
Plasmodium knowlesi
is unknown.
Loss of IKK Subunits Limits NF-κB Signaling in Reovirus-Infected Cells
Authors: McNamara Andrew J. , Danthi Pranav
Published: March 2020

Host cells mount a response to curb virus replication in infected cells and prevent spread of virus to neighboring, as yet uninfected, cells. The NF-κB family of proteins is important for the cell to mediate this response. In this study, we show that in cells infected with mammalian reovirus, NF-κB is inactive. Further, we demonstrate that NF-κB is rendered inactive because virus infection results in reduced levels of upstream intermediaries (called IKKs) that are needed for NF-κB function. Based on previous evidence that active NF-κB limits reovirus infection, we conclude that inactivating NF-κB is a viral strategy to produce a cellular environment that is favorable for virus replication.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Gordonia
sp. Strain JH63, Isolated from Human Skin
Authors: Lee Kyoung , Badaya Sachin Kumar , Singh Rajni , Lim Jae Yun
Published: March 2020

We isolated
Gordonia
sp. strain JH63, which has steroid-degrading abilities, from human skin. The complete genome sequence showed that this strain possesses a 5,175,911-bp chromosome and a 162,832-bp plasmid with 4,525 and 159 coding sequences, respectively.
Pseudohyphal Growth of the Emerging Pathogen Candida auris Is Triggered by Genotoxic Stress through the S Phase Checkpoint
Authors: Bravo Ruiz Gustavo , Ross Zoe K. , Gow Neil A. R. , Lorenz Alexander
Published: March 2020

Candida auris
is a newly emerged fungal pathogen of humans. This species was first reported in 2009 when it was identified in an ear infection of a patient in Japan. However, despite intense interest in this organism as an often multidrug-resistant fungus, there is little knowledge about its cellular biology. During infection of human patients, fungi are able to change cell shape from ellipsoidal yeast cells to elongated filaments to adapt to various conditions within the host organism. There are different types of filaments, which are triggered by reactions to different cues.
Candida auris
fails to form filaments when exposed to triggers that stimulate yeast filament morphogenesis in other fungi. Here, we show that it does form filaments when its DNA is damaged. These conditions might arise when
Candida auris
cells interact with host immune cells or during growth in certain host tissues (kidney or bladder) or during treatment with antifungal drugs.
Fine-needle aspiration washout in the diagnosis of cystic parathyroid adenoma
Authors: Aliyev Anar , Ismayilov Rashad , Musayev Jamal , Yusifov Sabuhi
Published: March 2020

Cystic parathyroid adenomas are one of the rare causes of neck masses. Due to its rarity, it causes misdiagnosis and wrong treatments and has undesirable consequences. The measurement of parathyroid hormone in fine-needle aspiration washout fluid is a minimally invasive, safe method for the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts and seems to be more useful than Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) parathyroid single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT.
Prediction of prognosis in patients with tetralogy of Fallot based on deep learning imaging analysis
Authors: Diller Gerhard Paul , Orwat Stefan , Vahle Julius , Bauer Ulrike M M , Urban Aleksandra , Sarikouch Samir , Berger Felix , Beerbaum Philipp , Baumgartner Helmut
Published: March 2020

Objective

To assess the utility of machine learning algorithms for automatically estimating prognosis in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

We included 372 patients with ToF who had undergone CMR imaging as part of a nationwide prospective study. Cine loops were retrieved and subjected to automatic deep learning (DL)-based image analysis, trained on independent, local CMR data, to derive measures of cardiac dimensions and function. This information was combined with established clinical parameters and ECG markers of prognosis.

Results

Over a median follow-up period of 10 years, 23 patients experienced an endpoint of death/aborted cardiac arrest or documented ventricular tachycardia (defined as >3 documented consecutive ventricular beats). On univariate Cox analysis, various DL parameters, including right atrial median area (HR 1.11/cm², p=0.003) and right ventricular long-axis strain (HR 0.80/%, p=0.009) emerged as significant predictors of outcome. DL parameters were related to adverse outcome independently of left and right ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen uptake (p<0.05 for all). A composite score of enlarged right atrial area and depressed right ventricular longitudinal function identified a ToF subgroup at significantly increased risk of adverse outcome (HR 2.1/unit, p=0.007).

Conclusions

We present data on the utility of machine learning algorithms trained on external imaging datasets to automatically estimate prognosis in patients with ToF. Due to the automated analysis process these two-dimensional-based algorithms may serve as surrogates for labour-intensive manually attained imaging parameters in patients with ToF.
Investigation on the stability of copper modification of SAPO-34 catalysts in NH3-SCR reaction after hydrothermal aging
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Peng Jiaxi , Yang Shaoming , Xu Wenyuan
Published: March 2020

The influence of hydrothermal aging on the structural stability of Cu-modified SAPO-34 prepared by ion-exchange and impregnation methods was studied. XRD, Ar adsorption at −196 °C, solid-state NMR, UV–vis, H2-TPR, and EPR were used to probe the structural properties of the catalysts. It was found that the precipitation of crystalline AlPO4 and SiO2, the appearance of mesopores, the migration of silicon to form siliceous islands, and the formation of copper oxide crystallites occurred in aged catalysts. Furthermore, more siliceous islands and copper oxide crystallites were present in the aged samples prepared by the impregnation method than in those prepared by the ion-exchange method. Therefore, the impregnated catalysts show a much poorer structural stability than the ion-exchanged catalysts, which leads to more serious deterioration in the NH3-SCR reaction after hydrothermal aging.
Spider assemblage structure and functional diversity patterns in clear-cut, logged, and undisturbed areas in a large Atlantic Forest remnant
Authors: Baldissera Ronei , de Quadros Suiane Oliveira , Galeti Gabriela , Rodrigues Everton Nei Lopes , Lazzarotto Luan M.V. , de Oliveira Adriano D.
Published: March 2020

Habitat loss is one of the main consequences of landscape transformation by humans. Monitoring biodiversity changes in areas under different management strategies is fundamental for species conservation. Our study is the first to assess the role of forest disturbance history on spider (Araneae) biodiversity in the westernmost portion of the Atlantic Forest. We analyzed taxonomic and functional aspects of spider assemblages in understories in a large forest fragment in southwestern Brazil. Spiders were sampled in five 30 m × 5 m plots over three seasons in three areas with different management histories: clear-cutting, selective logging, or native plots. We also characterized tree basal area, tree density, and canopy openness. The clear-cut plots showed more canopy openness and low habitat heterogeneity due to the high density of one pioneer native tree species. Forest structure in selective logging and native plots was similar. Spider richness, abundance, and functional richness were affected only by the season. Species composition also differed among the areas depending on the season. The abundance of web-building species was mainly associated with clear-cut areas in winter and spring. These results highlight the importance of natural regeneration in the Atlantic Forest after disturbance for the conservation of regional spider biodiversity.
Astragaloside IV relieves gestational diabetes mellitus in genetic mice through reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Zhang Ruixue , Xing Baoheng , Zhao Jianyong , Zhang Xuelei , Zhou Ling , Yang Shuangyan , Wang Yong , Yang Fengzhen
Published: March 2020

The glucose intolerance developed during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM has become a severe risk for the health of both mother and baby. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the dominant active component in Astragalus membranaceus and has been reported to have anti-inflammation and immune-regulation function. We aimed to demonstrate the function of AS-IV in the therapy of GDM and the molecular mechanism in this process. C57BL/KsJ-Lepdb/+female mice were used as the GDM model. The mRNA levels of relative genes in this research were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of relative genes were analyzed by Western blot. Serum lipid level was measured with an ILab Chemistry Analyzer 300 PLUS. Glucose, insulin, and lipid profile levels in the GDM mice model were decreased by AS-IV treatment. AS-IV downregulated the expression of inflammatory genes and upregulated the expressions of anti-oxidant genes in the GDM mice model. AS-IV treatment reduced cAMP accumulation in liver and reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis in GDM mice. This study demonstrated that AS-IV treatment has an effective therapeutic function of GDM in a mice model through the regulation of cAMP accumulation and hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Are the XYZ states unconventional states or conventional states with unconventional properties?
Authors: Hanhart Christoph , Klempt Eberhard
Published: March 2020

We discuss three possible scenarios for the interpretation of mesons containing a heavy quark and its antiquark near and above the first threshold for a decay into a pair of heavy mesons in a relative [Formula: see text]-wave. View I assumes that these thresholds force the quark potential to flatten which implies that while in these energy ranges molecular states may be formed, there should not be any quark–antiquark states above these thresholds. View II assumes that the main part of the interaction between two mesons is due to the poles which originate from the [Formula: see text] interaction. The properties of the [Formula: see text] mesons are strongly influenced by opening thresholds but the number of states is given by the quark model. In View III, both types of mesons are admitted also near and above the open flavor thresholds: [Formula: see text] mesons and dynamically generated mesons. Experimental consequences of these different views are discussed.
The fate of the axial anomaly in a finite field theory
Authors: Grangé Pierre , Mathiot Jean-François , Werner Ernst
Published: March 2020

The conservation of the vector current and the axial anomaly responsible for the [Formula: see text] decay amplitude are obtained in leading order within the Taylor–Lagrange formulation of fields considered as operator-valued distributions. As for gauge theories, where this formulation eliminates all divergences and preserves gauge symmetry, it is shown that the different contributions can be evaluated directly in four-dimensional space–time, with no restrictions whatsoever on the four-momentum of the internal loop, and without the need to introduce any additional nonphysical degrees of freedom like Pauli–Villars fields. We comment on the similar contributions responsible for the decay of the Higgs boson into two photons.
Construction of soliton solutions for modified Kawahara equation arising in shallow water waves using novel techniques
Authors: Nasreen Naila , Seadawy Aly R. , Lu Dianchen
Published: March 2020

The modified Kawahara equation also called Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation of fifth-order arises in shallow water wave and capillary gravity water waves. This study is based on the generalized Riccati equation mapping and modified the F-expansion methods. Several types of solitons such as Bright soliton, Dark-lump soliton, combined bright dark solitary waves, have been derived for the modified Kawahara equation. The obtained solutions have significant applications in applied physics and engineering. Moreover, stability of the problem is presented after being examined through linear stability analysis that justify that all solutions are stable. We also present some solution graphically in 3D and 2D that gives easy understanding about physical explanation of the modified Kawahara equation. The calculated work and achieved outcomes depict the power of the present methods. Furthermore, we can solve various other nonlinear problems with the help of simple and effective techniques.
Electronic state analysis of Li2RuO3 positive electrode for lithium ion secondary battery
Authors: Oishi Masatsugu , Imura Ryoshi , Ueki Tomoyuki , Shimoda Keiji , Yamagishi Hirona , Watanabe Iwao
Published: March 2020

An investigation was made on the electronic structure of 4d transition metal layered oxide material of Li2RuO3 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The intensity of O [Formula: see text] pre-edge peak increased for Li ion extracted samples, suggesting increased ligand holes. The Ru 3d XPS spectrum suggested the variation of local structure around Ru ions by extraction of Li ions. We conclude that the delithiation from Li2RuO3 is charge compensated by O anions, and that the creation of the ligand holes reorganizes electronic structures composed of highly hybridized Ru 4d and O 2p orbitals.
Accounting Regulations and IFRS Adoption in Francophone North African Countries: The Experience of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Ahmed Kamran , Alam Manzurul
Published: March 2020

This paper traces the historical developments of accounting regulations in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia and uses institutional theory to identify factors affecting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption as the national accounting standards in these countries. We find that the extent of convergence with IFRS in Algeria is higher compared to Morocco and Tunisia. This has been mostly due to greater foreign investor flows from Western countries in Algeria during the last decade, the dominant position of international Big-4 audit firms, and strong trade relationship of Algeria with the European Union (EU) compared with Morocco and Tunisia. We discuss the main challenges faced by these three countries in converging toward IFRS. These are underdeveloped equity markets, switching from French fiscal-oriented accounting systems to Anglo-Saxon accounting systems, and are characterized by lack of knowledge of principles-based IFRS by local professional accountants. Moreover, the convergence with IFRS in these countries is confronted by the prevailing small and medium-sized firms in the economic environment, difficulty in fair-value measurement in these settings, and the cost of convergence for companies. Our study has policy implications for those countries sharing similarities with these settings and have undertaken steps to implement IFRS.
Context-Aware Sensing via Dynamic Programming for Edge-Assisted Wearable Systems
Authors: Amiri Delaram , Anzanpour Arman , Azimi Iman , Levorato Marco , Liljeberg Pasi , Dutt Nikil , Rahmani Amir M.
Published: March 2020

Healthcare applications supported by the Internet of Things enable personalized monitoring of a patient in everyday settings. Such applications often consist of battery-powered sensors coupled to smart gateways at the edge layer. Smart gateways offer several local computing and storage services (e.g., data aggregation, compression, local decision making), and also provide an opportunity for implementing local closed-loop optimization of different parameters of the sensor layer, particularly energy consumption. To implement efficient optimization methods, information regarding the context and state of patients need to be considered to find opportunities to adjust energy to demanded accuracy. Edge-assisted optimization can manage energy consumption of the sensor layer but may also adversely affect the quality of sensed data, which could compromise the reliable detection of health deterioration risk factors. In this article, we propose two approaches:
myopic
and Markov decision processes (MDPs)—to consider both energy constraints and risk factor requirements for achieving a twofold goal: energy savings while satisfying accuracy requirements of abnormality detection in a patient’s vital signs. Vital signs, including heart rate, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation, are extracted from a photoplethysmogram signal and errors of extracted features are compared to a ground truth that is modeled as a Gaussian distribution. We control the sensor’s sensing energy to minimize the power consumption while meeting a desired level of satisfactory detection performance. We present experimental results on realistic case studies using a reconfigurable photoplethysmogram sensor in an IoT system, and show that compared to nonadaptive methods,
myopic
reduces an average of 16.9% in sensing energy consumption with the maximum probability of abnormality misdetection on the order of 0.17 in a 24-hour health monitoring system. In addition, over 4 weeks of monitoring, we demonstrate that our MDP policy can extend the battery life on average of more than 2x while fulfilling the same average probability of misdetection compared to the
myopic
method. We illustrate results comparing
myopic
, MDP, and nonadaptive methods to monitor 14 subjects over 1 month.
Approximately Efficient Two-Sided Combinatorial Auctions
Authors: Colini-Baldeschi Riccardo , Goldberg Paul W. , Keijzer Bart de , Leonardi Stefano , Roughgarden Tim , Turchetta Stefano
Published: March 2020

We develop and extend a line of recent work on the design of mechanisms for two-sided markets. The markets we consider consist of buyers and sellers of a number of items, and the aim of a mechanism is to improve the social welfare by arranging purchases and sales of the items. A mechanism is given prior distributions on the agents’ valuations of the items, but not the actual valuations; thus, the aim is to maximise the expected social welfare over these distributions. As in previous work, we are interested in the worst-case ratio between the social welfare achieved by a truthful mechanism and the best social welfare possible.

Our main result is an incentive compatible and budget balanced constant-factor approximation mechanism in a setting where buyers have XOS valuations and sellers’ valuations are additive. This is the first such approximation mechanism for a two-sided market setting where the agents have combinatorial valuation functions. To achieve this result, we introduce a more general kind of demand query that seems to be needed in this situation. In the simpler case that sellers have unit supply (each having just one item to sell), we give a new mechanism whose welfare guarantee improves on a recent one in the literature. We also introduce a more demanding version of the
strong budget balance
(SBB) criterion, aimed at ruling out certain “unnatural” transactions satisfied by SBB. We show that the stronger version is satisfied by our mechanisms.
Acid exposure disrupts mucus secretion and impairs mucociliary transport in neonatal piglet airways
Authors: Liao Yan Shin J. , Kuan Shin Ping , Guevara Maria V. , Collins Emily N. , Atanasova Kalina R. , Dadural Joshua S. , Vogt Kevin , Schurmann Veronica , Bravo Laura , Eken Eda , Sponchiado Mariana , Reznikov Leah R.
Published: March 2020

Tenacious mucus produced by tracheal and bronchial submucosal glands is a defining feature of several airway diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Airway acidification as a driving force of CF airway pathology has been controversial. Here we tested the hypothesis that transient airway acidification produces pathologic mucus and impairs mucociliary transport. We studied pigs challenged with intra-airway acid. Acid had a minimal effect on mucus properties under basal conditions. However, cholinergic stimulation in acid-challenged pigs revealed retention of mucin 5B (MUC5B) in the submucosal glands, decreased concentrations of MUC5B in the lung lavage fluid, and airway obstruction. To more closely mimic a CF-like environment, we also examined mucus secretion and transport following cholinergic stimulation under diminished bicarbonate and chloride transport conditions ex vivo. Under these conditions, airways from acid-challenged pigs displayed extensive mucus films and decreased mucociliary transport. Pretreatment with diminazene aceturate, a small molecule with ability to inhibit acid detection through blockade of the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) at the doses provided, did not prevent acid-induced pathologic mucus or transport defects but did mitigate airway obstruction. These findings suggest that transient airway acidification early in life has significant impacts on mucus secretion and transport properties. Furthermore, they highlight diminazene aceturate as an agent that might be beneficial in alleviating airway obstruction.
TBK1 regulates YAP/TAZ and fibrogenic fibroblast activation
Authors: Aravamudhan Aja , Haak Andrew J. , Choi Kyoung Moo , Meridew Jeffrey A. , Caporarello Nunzia , Jones Dakota L. , Tan Qi , Ligresti Giovanni , Tschumperlin Daniel J.
Published: March 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) results in scarring of the lungs by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Resident fibroblasts are the major cell type involved in ECM deposition. The biochemical pathways that facilitate pathological fibroblast activation leading to aberrant ECM deposition are not fully understood. Tank binding protein kinase-1 (TBK1) is a kinase that regulates multiple signaling pathways and was recently identified as a candidate regulator of fibroblast activation in a large-scale small-interfering RNA (siRNA) screen. To determine the effect of TBK1 on fibroblast activation, TBK1 was inhibited pharmacologically (MRT-68601) and genetically (siRNA) in normal and IPF human lung fibroblasts. Reducing the activity or expression of TBK1 led to reduction in α-smooth muscle actin stress fiber levels by 40–60% and deposition of ECM components collagen I and fibronectin by 50% in TGF-β-stimulated normal and IPF fibroblasts. YAP and TAZ are homologous mechanoregulatory profibrotic transcription cofactors known to regulate fibroblast activation. TBK1 knockdown or inhibition decreased the total and nuclear protein levels of YAP/TAZ. Additionally, low cell-cell contact and increased ECM substrate stiffness augmented the phosphorylation and activation of TBK1, consistent with cues that regulate YAP/TAZ. The action of TBK1 toward YAP/TAZ activation was independent of LATS1/2 and canonical downstream TBK1 signaling mediator IRF3 but dependent on proteasomal machinery of the cell. This study identifies TBK1 as a fibrogenic activator of human pulmonary fibroblasts, suggesting TBK1 may be a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis.
Comparison of exercise training and estrogen supplementation on mast cell-mediated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Phungphong Sukanya , Kijtawornrat Anusak , Kampaengsri Theerachat , Wattanapermpool Jonggonnee , Bupha-Intr Tepmanas
Published: March 2020

Cardiac inflammation has been proposed as one of the primary mechanisms of anthracycline-induced acute cardiotoxicity. A reduction in cardiac inflammation might also reduce cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of estrogen therapy and regular exercise on attenuating cardiac inflammation in the context of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Ovariectomized rats were randomly allocated into estrogen supplementation, exercise training, and mast cell stabilizer treatment groups. Eight weeks after ovariectomy, rats received six cumulative doses of doxorubicin for two weeks. Echocardiography demonstrated a progressive decrease in ejection fraction in doxorubicin-treated rats without hypertrophic effect. This systolic defect was completely prevented by either estrogen supplementation or mast cell stabilizer treatment but not by regular exercise. As a heart disease indicator, increased β-myosin heavy chain expression induced by doxorubicin could only be prevented by estrogen supplementation. Decrease in shortening and intracellular Ca2+ transients of cardiomyocytes were due to absence of female sex hormones without further effects of doxorubicin. Again, estrogen supplementation and mast cell stabilizer treatment prevented these changes but exercise training did not. Histological analysis indicated that the hyperactivation of cardiac mast cells in ovariectomized rats was augmented by doxorubicin. Estrogen supplementation and mast cell stabilizer treatment completely prevented both increases in mast cell density and degranulation, whereas exercise training partially attenuated the hyperactivation. Our results, therefore, suggest that estrogen supplementation acts similarly to mast cell stabilizers in attenuating the effects of doxorubicin. Ineffectiveness of regular exercise in preventing the acute cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin might be due to a lesser effect on preventing cardiac inflammation.
Effects of intraduodenal coadministration of lauric acid and leucine on gut motility, plasma cholecystokinin, and energy intake in healthy men
Authors: McVeay Christina , Steinert Robert E. , Fitzgerald Penelope C. E. , Ullrich Sina S. , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: March 2020

The fatty acid, lauric acid (C12), and the amino acid, leucine (Leu) stimulate gut hormones, including CCK, associated with suppression of energy intake. In our recent study, intraduodenal infusion of a combination of C12 and l-tryptophan, at loads that individually did not affect energy intake, reduced energy intake substantially, associated with much greater stimulation of CCK. We have now investigated whether combined administration of C12 and Leu would enhance the intake-suppressant effects of each nutrient, when given at loads that each suppress energy intake individually. Sixteen healthy, lean males (age: 23 ± 2 yr) received, in randomized, double-blind fashion, 90-min intraduodenal infusions of control (saline), C12 (0.4 kcal/min), Leu (0.45 kcal/min), or C12+Leu (0.85 kcal/min). Antropyloroduodenal pressures were measured continuously and plasma CCK at 15-min intervals, and energy intake from a standardized buffet-meal, consumed immediately postinfusion, was quantified. All nutrient infusions stimulated plasma CCK compared with control ( P < 0.05). Moreover, C12 and C12+Leu stimulated CCK compared with Leu ( P < 0.05) (mean concentration, pmol/L; control: 2.3 ± 0.3, C12: 3.8 ± 0.3, Leu: 2.7 ± 0.3, and C12+Leu: 4.0 ± 0.4). C12+Leu, but not C12 or Leu, stimulated pyloric pressures ( P < 0.05). C12+Leu and C12 reduced energy intake ( P < 0.05), and there was a trend for Leu to reduce ( P = 0.06) energy intake compared with control, with no differences between the three nutrient treatments (kcal; control: 1398 ± 84, C12: 1226 ± 80, Leu: 1260 ± 92, and C12+Leu: 1208 ± 83). In conclusion, combination of C12 and Leu, at the loads given, did not reduce energy intake beyond their individual effects, possibly because maximal effects had been evoked.