bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dialog Between Parasitic Plants and Their Hosts
Authors: Clarke Christopher R. , Timko Michael P. , Yoder John I. , Axtell Michael J. , Westwood James H.
Published: June 2019

Parasitic plants steal sugars, water, and other nutrients from host plants through a haustorial connection. Several species of parasitic plants such as witchweeds ( Striga spp.) and broomrapes ( Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are major biotic constraints to agricultural production. Parasitic plants are understudied compared with other major classes of plant pathogens, but the recent availability of genomic and transcriptomic data has accelerated the rate of discovery of the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant parasitism. Here, we review the current body of knowledge of how parasitic plants sense host plants, germinate, form parasitic haustorial connections, and suppress host plant immune responses. Additionally, we assess whether parasitic plants fit within the current paradigms used to understand the molecular mechanisms of microbial plant–pathogen interactions. Finally, we discuss challenges facing parasitic plant research and propose the most urgent questions that need to be answered to advance our understanding of plant parasitism.
Real Options and Environmental Policies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Authors: Wesseler Justus , Zhao Jinhua
Published: June 2019

The literature on real options shows that irreversibilities, uncertainties about future benefits and costs, and the flexibility in decision making generate benefits and costs of delaying immediate action. When applied to government policy making, real option models can lead to efficient policies that take full account of these trade-offs, but they can also cause strategic behavior that tries to delay policies through influencing important elements such as downside risks. This contribution reviews the latest developments in real option–based policy research by looking at what we know about the benefits from waiting (the good), the costs from waiting (the bad), and how strategic behavior can influence policies (the ugly). Much has been said in the literature about the good and the bad, but more work is needed to study the ugly aspects of real option–driven policies.
Scene Perception in the Human Brain
Authors: Epstein Russell A. , Baker Chris I.
Published: June 2019

Humans are remarkably adept at perceiving and understanding complex real-world scenes. Uncovering the neural basis of this ability is an important goal of vision science. Neuroimaging studies have identified three cortical regions that respond selectively to scenes: parahippocampal place area, retrosplenial complex/medial place area, and occipital place area. Here, we review what is known about the visual and functional properties of these brain areas. Scene-selective regions exhibit retinotopic properties and sensitivity to low-level visual features that are characteristic of scenes. They also mediate higher-level representations of layout, objects, and surface properties that allow individual scenes to be recognized and their spatial structure ascertained. Challenges for the future include developing computational models of information processing in scene regions, investigating how these regions support scene perception under ecologically realistic conditions, and understanding how they operate in the context of larger brain networks.
STAT4 silencing underlies a novel inhibitory role of microRNA-141-3p in inflammation response of mice with experimental autoimmune myocarditis
Authors: Pan Aiqun , Tan Yuying , Wang Zhihao , Xu Guoliang
Published: June 2019

As an inflammatory disease afflicting the heart muscle, autoimmune myocarditis (AM) represents one of the foremost causes of heart failure. Accumulating evidence has implicated microRNAs (miRNAs) in the process of inflammation and autoimmunity. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which miR-141-3p influences experimental AM (EAM). An EAM mouse model was established using 6-wk old male BALB/c mice, after which the expression of miR-141-3p and STAT4 was measured. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function investigations were performed to identify the functional role of miR-141-3p and STAT4 in EAM. Heart weight-to-body weight ratio, cardiac function, and degree of inflammation, as well as the levels of inflammation factors (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17) in the serum were detected. STAT4 was subsequently verified to be upregulated, and miR-141-3p was downregulated in the EAM mice. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-141-3p or silencing of STAT4 was observed to reduce the heart weight-to-body weight ratio of EAM mice and improve cardiac function, while alleviating the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardial tissue. Meanwhile, the overexpression of miR-141-3p was identified to diminish serum inflammatory factor levels by downregulating STAT4. Additionally, miR-141-3p could bind to STAT4 to downregulate its expression, ultimately mitigating inflammation and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect in EAM mice. Taken together, upregulation of miR-141-3p alleviates the inflammatory response in EAM mice by inhibiting STAT4, providing a promising intervention target for the molecular treatment of AM.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY miR-141-3p is poorly expressed, and STAT4 is upregulated in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) mice. Overexpressing miR-141-3p inhibits EAM. miR-141-3p binds to and suppresses STAT4 expression. miR-141-3p overexpression inhibits inflammatory factors by downregulating STAT4. This study provides new insights into the treatment of autoimmune myocarditis.
Integrative Copy Number Analysis of Uveal Melanoma Reveals Novel Candidate Genes Involved in Tumorigenesis Including a Tumor Suppressor Role for PHF10/BAF45a
Authors: Anbunathan Hima , Verstraten Ruth , Singh Arun D. , Harbour J. William , Bowcock Anne M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

Uveal melanoma is a primary malignancy of the eye with oncogenic mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, or CYSLTR2, and additional mutations in BAP1 (usually associated with LOH of Chr 3), SF3B1, or EIF1AX. There are other characteristic chromosomal alterations, but their significance is not clear.

Experimental Design:

To investigate genes driving chromosomal alterations, we integrated copy number, transcriptome, and mutation data from three cohorts and followed up key findings.

Results:

We observed significant enrichment of transcripts on chromosomes 1p, 3, 6, 8, and 16q and identified seven shared focal copy number alterations (FCNAs) on Chr 1p36, 2q37, 3, 6q25, 6q27, and 8q24. Integrated analyses revealed clusters of genes in focal copy number regions whose expression was associated with metastasis and worse overall survival. This included genes from Chr 1p36, 3p21, and 8q24.3. At Chr 6q27, we identified two tumors with homozygous deletion of PHF10/BAF45a and one with a frameshift mutation with concomitant loss of the wild-type allele. Downregulation of PHF10 in uveal melanoma cell lines and tumors altered a number of biological pathways including development and adhesion. These findings provide support for a role for PHF10 as a novel tumor suppressor at Chr 6q27.

Conclusions:

Integration of copy number, transcriptome, and mutation data revealed novel candidate genes playing a role in uveal melanoma pathogenesis and a potential tumor suppressor role for PHF10.
Targeting Topoisomerase I in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Thomas Anish , Pommier Yves
Published: June 2019

Irinotecan and topotecan have been widely used as anticancer drugs for the past 20 years. Because of their selectivity as topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors that trap TOP1 cleavage complexes, camptothecins are also widely used to elucidate the DNA repair pathways associated with DNA–protein cross-links and replication stress. This review summarizes the basic molecular mechanisms of action of TOP1 inhibitors, their current use, and limitations as anticancer agents. We introduce new therapeutic strategies based on novel TOP1 inhibitor chemical scaffolds including the indenoisoquinolines LMP400 (indotecan), LMP776 (indimitecan), and LMP744, and on tumor-targeted delivery TOP1 inhibitors using liposome, PEGylation, and antibody–drug conjugates. We also address how tumor-specific determinants such as homologous recombination defects (HRD and BRCAness) and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) expression can be used to guide clinical application of TOP1 inhibitors in combination with DNA damage response inhibitors including PARP, ATR, CHEK1, and ATM inhibitors.
Exercise as a Candidate Antitumor Strategy: A Window into the Future
Authors: Koelwyn Graeme J. , Jones Lee W.
Published: June 2019

Observational findings suggest exercise is associated with improved outcomes in early-stage breast cancer. However, whether exercise has biological activity in patients with breast cancer has not been investigated. Preoperative window of opportunity studies provide a setting in which to test the short-term effects of novel treatment strategies on validated surrogates.

See related article by Ligibel et al., p. 5398
Maternal Care in Free-Ranging Arboreal Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena johnstoni) in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Arlet Małgorzata , Veromann-Jürgenson Linda-Liisa , Isbell Lynne , Mänd Raivo , Lemasson Alban
Published: June 2019

Maternal styles have been intensively studied in a variety of terrestrial species of primates, but far less in arboreal species. However, to have a balanced view of the evolution of maternal care, it is necessary to investigate this behaviour in the context of habitat. Here, we investigate whether the mother’s parity, age and dominance rank, as well as the infant’s age and sex, influence maternal care and mother-infant proximity in arboreal grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena). We observed 13 mother-infant dyads in four free-ranging groups for 6 months. Our main finding is that maternal care is a dynamic process affected by a mix of mothers’ and infants’ characteristics. We found that first-time mothers spent more time watching their infants than multiparous mothers, who carried, groomed and protected their infants more often. We also found that low-ranking mothers prevented their infants from leaving them more often than did high-ranking mothers. Moreover, mothers adjusted their care as infants became older. They groomed and protected female infants more than male infants, behaviours common in female-bonded species. Our study shows the ever-changing dynamics of maternal care related to infant age and highlights the role of the mother’s parity and rank in this process.
Enteroscopy in the Elderly: Review of Procedural Aspects, Indications, Yield, and Safety
Authors: Ribeiro Gomes Ana Catarina , Pinho Rolando , Rodrigues Adélia , Ponte Ana , Carvalho João
Published: June 2019

Background: As human longevity continues to increase, age-related diseases are more common, which leads to a higher use of gastroenterology services. Endoscopic procedures are generally considered to be of higher risk in the elderly with multiple comorbidities. However, some endoscopic techniques have already been proved to be well tolerated in the elderly. Summary:Enteroscopy enables the nonsurgical diagnosis and therapeutic management of a wide variety of small bowel diseases. Although it has been shown to be safe and effective, with high diagnostic yield and therapeutic success rate in the general population, its safety and efficacy in the elderly is largely unknown, and there are still some concerns about its use in these patients. Key Messages: This review will focus on enteroscopy in elderly people, taking into account patient and procedure characteristics, indications, findings, yield, and complication rate.
Men Have a Stronger Monocyte-Derived Cytokine Production Response upon Stimulation with the Gram-Negative Stimulus Lipopolysaccharide than Women: A Pooled Analysis Including 15 Study Populations
Authors: Beenakker Karel G.M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , de Craen Anton J.M. , Chen Sijia , Raz Yotam , Ballieux Bart E.P.B. , Nelissen Rob G.H.H. , Later Alexander F.L. , Huizinga Tom W. , Slagboom Pieternella E. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: June 2019

The incidence of bacterial infections and sepsis, as well as the mortality risk from sepsis, is sex specific. These clinical findings have been attributed to sex differences in immune responsiveness. The aim of the present study was to investigate sex differences in monocyte-derived cytokine production response upon stimulation with the gram-negative stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using cytokine data from 15 study populations. Individual data on ex vivo cytokine production response upon stimulation with LPS in whole blood were available for 4,020 subjects originating from these 15 study populations, either from the general population or from patient populations with specific diseases. Men had a stronger cytokine production response than women to LPS for tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, IL-1β, IL-1RA, and IL-10, but not for interferon-γ. The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor production response was lower in men than in women. These sex differences were independent of chronological age. As men had higher monocyte concentrations, we normalized the cytokine production responses for monocyte concentration. After normalization, the sex differences in cytokine production response to LPS disappeared, except for IL-10, for which the production response was lower in men than in women. A sex-based approach to interpreting immune responsiveness is crucial.
Genomic Alterations in Undifferentiated Malignant Tumors with Rhabdoid Phenotype and Loss of BRG1 Immunoexpression Identified by Fine Needle Aspirates
Authors: Mei Lily , Alikhan Mir , Mujacic Ibro , Parilla Megan , Antic Tatjana
Published: June 2019

Objective: Evidence shows that the switch/sucrose nonfermenting chromatin remodeling complex plays a critical role in DNA repair, cancer progression and dedifferentiation. BRG1 is one of its key catalytic subunits. While the loss of BRG1 expression by immunocytochemistry has been identified in a subset of malignancies arising in various sites with undifferentiated/rhabdoid morphology and poor prognosis, the underlying basis for its loss is unclear. Methods: A retrospective search was conducted in our cytopathology archive for undifferentiated malignant tumors with rhabdoid phenotype and BRG1 loss. Clinical information was obtained from electronic medical records. Next-generation sequencing was performed following macro-dissection of paraffin-embedded cellblock tissue. Results: Three cases were identified; all presented with widely metastatic disease with no previously diagnosed primary malignancy, and subsequently died within 6 months of initial presentation. Cytologically, the aspirates showed dyshesive and undifferentiated cells with rhabdoid features. Extensive immunocytochemical workup demonstrated immunoreactivity with vimentin only and could not establish a specific lineage. BRG1 expression was absent, while INI1 expression was retained. Two cases harbored deleterious mutations in BRG1/SMARCA4. Pathogenic mutations in TP53 were identified in all tumors. Conclusions: BRG1 deficiency reflects underlying mutation in SMARCA4 gene in some but not all cases, suggesting that additional mechanisms may be causing BRG1 silencing. Pathogenic mutations in TP53 in all tumors are consistent with their highly aggressive nature. Recognizing the cytomorphology of this group of neoplasms and confirming their BRG1-deficient status by immunocytochemistry not only has prognostic implications, but may also impart potentially therapeutic value in the near future.
Systemic and Local Corticosteroid Use Is Associated with Reduced Executive Cognition, and Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Savas Mesut , Vinkers Christiaan H. , Rosmalen Judith G.M. , Hartman Catharina A. , Wester Vincent L. , van den Akker Erica L.T. , Iyer Anand M. , McEwen Bruce S. , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C.
Published: June 2019

Background: Use of local corticosteroids, especially the inhaled types, has increasingly been associated with systemic uptake and consequent adverse effects. In this study, we assessed the associations between the use of different corticosteroid types with cognitive and neuropsychiatric adverse effects related to high glucocorticoid exposure. Methods: In 83,592 adults (mean age 44 years, 59% women) of the general population (Lifelines Cohort Study), we analyzed the relationship between corticosteroid use with executive cognitive functioning (Ruff Figural Fluency Test), and presence of mood and anxiety disorders (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview survey). We performed additional exploration for effects of physical quality of life (QoL; RAND-36), and inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [CRP]). Results: Cognitive scores were lower among corticosteroid users, in particular of systemic and inhaled types, when compared to nonusers. Users of inhaled types showed lower cognitive scores irrespective of physical QoL, psychiatric disorders, and high-sensitive CRP. Overall corticosteroid use was also associated with higher likelihood for mood and anxiety disorders. Users of inhaled corticosteroids were more likely to have mood disorders (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.19–1.65], p < 0.001) and anxiety disorders (OR 1.19 [95% CI 1.06–1.33], p = 0.002). These findings were independent of physical QoL. A higher likelihood for mood disorders was also found for systemic users whereas nasal and dermal corticosteroid users were more likely to have anxiety disorders. Conclusions: Commonly used local corticosteroids, in particular inhaled types, and systemic corticosteroids are associated with reduced executive cognitive functioning and a higher likelihood of mood and anxiety disorders in the general adult population.
A DESCOLONIZAÇÃO DA ÁFRICA: NACIONALISMO E SOCIALISMO
Authors: Mendonça Marina Gusmão de
Published: June 2019

Os impérios coloniais africanos duraram apenas até a década de 1960. Para compreender o processo de desagregação desses impérios, bem como a própria rapidez com que o fenômeno se deu, é necessário considerar dois aspectos fundamentais: primeiramente, as transformações ocorridas nas metrópoles durante o século XX, e que, de certa forma, levaram a uma situação de impossibilidade de manter o colonialismo. Em segundo lugar, é preciso reconhecer que, em grande medida, a independência foi resultado de uma ampla articulação de movimentos de caráter nacionalista, representados pelas correntes ligadas à negritude, ao pan-africanismo e ao pan-islamismo. Nesta articulação, as ideias socialistas exerceram importante papel, e a União Soviética (URSS) forneceu grande apoio aos movimentos de libertação. O auxílio soviético se prolongou após a independência, até pelo menos o fim da década de 1970. E, depois de dois decênios de grave crise econômica e social, a ajuda externa tem vindo da China.
Associations Between Measures of Sarcopenic Obesity and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: A Cohort Study and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Using the UK Biobank
Authors: Farmer Ruth E. , Mathur Rohini , Schmidt A. Floriaan , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Fatemifar Ghazaleh , Eastwood Sophie V. , Finan Chris , Denaxas Spiros , Smeeth Liam , Chaturvedi Nish
Published: June 2019

Background

The “healthy obese” hypothesis suggests the risks associated with excess adiposity are reduced in those with higher muscle quality (mass/strength). Alternative possibilities include loss of muscle quality as people become unwell (reverse causality) or unmeasured confounding.

Methods and Results

We conducted a cohort study using the
UK
Biobank (n=452 931). Baseline body mass index (
BMI)
was used to quantify adiposity and handgrip strength (
HGS
) used for muscle quality. Outcomes were fatal and non‐fatal cardiovascular disease, and mortality. As a secondary analysis we used waist‐hip‐ratio or fat mass percentage instead of
BMI
, and skeletal muscle mass index instead of
HGS
. In a subsample, we used gene scores for
BMI
, waist‐hip‐ratio and
HGS
in a Mendelian randomization (
MR
).
BMI
defined obesity was associated with an increased risk of all outcomes (hazard ratio [
HR
] range 1.10–1.82). Low
HGS
was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality (
HR
range 1.39–1.72).
HR
s for the association between low
HGS
and cardiovascular disease events were smaller (
HR
range 1.05–1.09). There was no suggestion of an interaction between
HGS
and
BMI
to support the healthy obese hypothesis. Results using other adiposity metrics were similar. There was no evidence of an association between skeletal muscle mass index and any outcome. Factorial Mendelian randomization confirmed no evidence for an interaction. Low genetically predicted
HGS
was associated with an increased risk of mortality (
HR
range 1.08–1.19).

Conclusions

Our analyses do not support the healthy obese concept, with no evidence that the adverse effect of obesity on outcomes was reduced by improved muscle quality. Lower
HGS
was associated with increased risks of mortality in both observational and
MR
analyses, suggesting reverse causality may not be the sole explanation.
A new species of Prionococcus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Coccidae) from Mexico, with a discussion of its affinities
Authors: PELLIZZARI GIUSEPPINA , HODGSON CHRIS
Published: June 2019

The adult female, 1st-instar nymph, 2nd-instar female, 2nd-instar male, male puparium, prepupa, pupa, and adult male of a new species of Prionococcus Williams, Hodgson & Danzig, P. fontanai Pellizzari & Hodgson, are described and illustrated. Keys are given for the separation of the 3 species now in the genus Prionococcus and for separating the instars. The relationships of this genus within the family Coccidae are discussed.
Resurrection and review of the genus Knowltonia Fisher, with description of a new subspecies of Chrysobothris Eschscholtz and new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz from North America (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: WESTCOTT RICHARD L. , BARR WILLIAM F.
Published: June 2019

The chrysobothrine genus Knowltonia Fisher is resurrected and discussed in connection with the closely related genera Chrysobothris Eschscholtz and Sphaerobothris Semenov-Tian-Shanskij & Richter. Knowltonia is reviewed, with K. calida (Knull) being elevated to a full species and a key to described species is given. Chrysobothris socialis Waterhouse is recognized as polytypic, with C. socialis apache Westcott and Barr, new subspecies, described from Arizona and northern Mexico. Acmaeodera audreyae Westcott and Barr, new species, is described from southern California and is related to A. inopinata Barr.
An enigmatic new species of Glassfrog (Amphibia: Anura: Centrolenidae) from the Amazonian Andean slopes of Ecuador
Authors: CISNEROS-HEREDIA DIEGO F. , MEZA-RAMOS PAcL
Published: June 2019

We describe a new species of frog of the family Centrolenidae, Cochranella amelie n. sp., from the central Amazonian Andean slopes, collected at the Oglan River, Province of Pastaza, Ecuador. This new species shows a very unusual combination of characters (lavender dorsum in preservative, absence of a humeral spine in adult males, transparent parietal peritoneum, white visceral peritonea, and bulbous liver). The relationships of this new species of Glassfrog are uncertain, and its assignment to Cochranella is preliminary.
Rediscovery of Phrynopus peruanus Peters 1874 (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: LEHR EDGAR
Published: June 2019

Phrynopus peruanus, the type species of the genus, was described by Peters in 1874 based on three specimens from “Maraynioc in Peru”. In 1975, Lynch redescribed the species based on two preserved females, but skin texture, male characters, coloration in life, and precise information on the type locality and natural history remained unknown or uncertain. In December 2005, four specimens of P. peruanus were found at the Puna of Maraynioc at 3825 m a.s.l. in the Vitoc Valley (Departamento de Junín). Males were calling from inside the bunched Peruvian Feather Grass (Stipa icchu). Coloration in life and morphology of males and females are described along with observations on their habitat and ecology.
Chrysopidae of Canada and Alaska (Insecta, Neuroptera) : revised checklist, new and noteworthy records, and geo-referenced localities
Authors: GARLAND J. A. , KEVAN D. K. MCE.
Published: June 2019

The Chrysopidae of Canada and Alaska, the subject of a study since 1980, including more than 6,000 adults representing 24 species in two subfamilies, are here revised and the localities georeferenced. The number of specimens, earliest authenticated specimen, new records, flight period, and the localities supported by museum specimens are provided for each species for each province or territory of Canada, as well as the State of Alaska, USA. Localities in literature for which no specimen exists are queried. A directory of collectors is provided. Biological attributes, such as attraction to light, and plants or habitat where specimens were collected, are based on label data. Chrysopa quadripunctata Burmeister and Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) are reported for the first time from the Province of Manitoba, Canada; and, Meleoma emuncta (Fitch), for the first time from the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. Nomenclatural changes include: Mallada slossonae Garland, 1996, as a new objective synonym of Dichochrysa macleodi (Adams and Garland, 1983; Mallada) syn. nov., and Dichochrysa perfecta (Banks, 1895), an emendation.
Tropical and Subtropical Velvet Ants of the Genus Dasymutilla Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) with Descriptions of 45 New Species
Authors: MANLEY DONALD G. , PITTS JAMES P.
Published: June 2019

This study nearly doubles the number of recognized species and subspecies of Neotropical Dasymutilla (from 76 to 139). We include descriptions of 45 new species (21 from the female only, 23 from the male only, and one from both sexes), descriptions of the previously unknown males of D. pulchra (Smith 1855) and D. scaber (Fox 1894), and six new synonymies. New species are: D. argentea, D. atrata, D. baleygi, D. batui, D. bellatrix, D. bimaculata, D. boharti, D. brazilia, D. buenavista, D. campogrande, D. chalcocephala, D. chamela, D. chilcotti, D. chionothrix, D. cirrhomeris, D. citromaculosa, D. concordia, D. fimbriata, D. griswoldi, D. guanacaste, D. impressa, D. ionothorax, D. leve, D. loreto, D. mazatlanorum, D. mirabilis, D. mirapenis, D. modgudi, D. monstrosa, D. naranjo, D. niphopilis, D. nocticaro, D. parkerorum, D. rufipilis, D. sinaloa, D. sleipniri, D. spilota, D. spiniscapula, D. tomasi, D. truxali, D. twegeni, D. veracruz, D. wasbaueri, D. whartoni, and D. zoster. New synonymies are: D. fulgida Mickel 1928 and D. pallida Mickel 1937 under D. erythrina (Say 1836); D. atrifulva Mickel 1928 under D. nogalensis Mickel 1928; D. gaumeri Mickel 1937 under D. ocyrae (Cameron 1895); D. cobira (Cameron 1895) under D. proclea (Cameron 1895); D. ariadne (Blake 1871) and D. solola (Blake 1871) under D. toluca (Blake 1871); and D. bosquensis Rohwer 1912, D. columbiana Mickel 1928, D. errans (Blake 1871), D. sappho (Fox 1899) and D. texensis Rohwer 1912 under D. vesta (Cresson 1865). We also provide the first taxonomic key for the species of Neotropical Dasymutilla.
Sea Level at the Coast from Video-Sensed Waves: Comparison to Tidal Gauges and Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Ondoa G. Abessolo , Almar R. , Castelle B. , Testut L. , Léger F. , Sohou Z. , Bonou F. , Bergsma E. W. J. , Meyssignac B. , Larson M.
Published: June 2019

Nearshore complex and energetic hydrodynamic conditions make observing evolving processes during extreme and short-term events difficult. In particular, total sea levels at the coast are hard to measure with current techniques. Sea level is commonly measured with tidal gauges and spaceborne altimetry, which lack essential details of spatial and wave-related sea level variability along the coast. Hence, novel techniques, adapted to nearshore areas, are required. This paper presents the first-time use of video cameras to derive the total sea level at the coast. This novel approach consists of estimating time-varying total water levels by applying a celerity-based depth inversion method, which is conventionally used to estimate bathymetry from video. The video-derived total sea levels are compared to sea levels derived from an in situ acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), the nearest tide gauge, and altimetry. A tidal harmonic analysis is performed on the video-derived water levels, yielding an accurate determination of the dominant tidal harmonics. However, it remains difficult to separate bathymetric changes due to the waves on beaches when rapid morphological changes occur under energetic conditions. Nonetheless, video-derived water-level anomalies are in good agreement with state-of-the-art altimetry products. Although there is still work to be done, the results show the potential to measure total sea level at the coast using video camera systems.
Unknown input fractional-order functional observer design for one-side Lipschitz time-delay fractional-order systems
Authors: Thuan Mai Viet , Huong Dinh Cong , Sau Nguyen Huu , Ha Quan Thai
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the problem of unknown input fractional-order functional state observer design for a class of fractional-order time-delay nonlinear systems. The nonlinearities consist of two parts where one part is assumed to satisfy both the one-sided Lipschitz condition and the quadratically inner-bounded condition and the other is not necessary to be Lipschitz and can be regarded as an unknown input, making the wider class of considered nonlinear systems. By taking the advantages of recent results on Caputo fractional derivative of a quadratic function, we derive new sufficient conditions with the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the systems. Four examples are also provided to show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
Political Partisanship Alters the Causality Implicit in Verb Meaning
Authors: Niemi Laura , Roussos Gina , Young Liane
Published: June 2019

This research adapted the implicit causality task from psycholinguistics to investigate the politics of attribution during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Results showed that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters judged their preferred candidate as causal for positive events and their nonpreferred candidate as causal for negative events, indicating an important role for political candidate support in causal attribution, alongside lexical semantics. The findings demonstrate the social psychological utility of the implicit causality task and contribute to our understanding of broadly shared and largely untracked extralinguistic influences on causal attribution.
Narcissism and perceived power in romantic relationships
Authors: Vrabel Jennifer K. , Zeigler-Hill Virgil , Lehtman Mark , Hernandez Karen
Published: June 2019

The purpose of the present research was to examine the connections that narcissistic admiration (an agentic form of narcissism characterized by assertive self-enhancement and self-promotion) and narcissistic rivalry (an antagonistic form of narcissism characterized by self-protection and self-defense) had with perceived power in the context of romantic relationships. The results of Study 1 ( N = 375) revealed that narcissistic admiration had a positive association with perceived power, whereas narcissistic rivalry was not associated with perceived power. In Study 2 ( N = 352), we extended the findings from Study 1 by examining whether perceived power moderated the associations that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry had with romantic relationship functioning. The results revealed that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry had unique and divergent associations with romantic relationship functioning. Further, the results showed that perceived power moderated the association that narcissistic rivalry had with romantic relationship functioning. Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for understanding the connection between narcissism and perceived power in romantic relationships.
Concentration, distribution, and influence of aging on the 18 kDa translocator protein in human brain: Implications for brain imaging studies
Authors: Tong Junchao , Williams Belinda , Rusjan Pablo M. , Mizrahi Romina , Lacapère Jean-Jacques , McCluskey Tina , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Guttman Mark , Ang Lee-Cyn , Boileau Isabelle , Meyer Jeffrey H , Kish Stephen J
Published: June 2019

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the translocator protein (TSPO) is widely used as a biomarker of microglial activation. However, TSPO protein concentration in human brain has not been optimally quantified nor has its regional distribution been compared to TSPO binding. We determined TSPO protein concentration, change with age, and regional distribution by quantitative immunoblotting in autopsied human brain. Brain TSPO protein concentration (>0.1 ng/µg protein) was higher than those reported by in vitro binding assays by at least 2 to 70 fold. TSPO protein distributed widely in both gray and white matter regions, with distribution in major gray matter areas ranked generally similar to that of PET binding in second-generation radiotracer studies. TSPO protein concentration in frontal cortex was high at birth, declined precipitously during the first three months, and increased modestly during adulthood/senescence (10%/decade; vs. 30% for comparison astrocytic marker GFAP). As expected, TSPO protein levels were significantly increased (+114%) in degenerating putamen in multiple system atrophy, providing further circumstantial support for TSPO as a gliosis marker. Overall, findings show some similarities between TSPO protein and PET binding characteristics in the human brain but also suggest that part of the TSPO protein pool might be less available for radioligand binding.
Sustained release of strontium (Sr2+) from polycaprolactone/poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-polyvinyl alcohol coaxial nanofibers enhances osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Chen Liang , Mazeh Hanan , Guardia Angelica , Song Wei , Begeman Paul , Markel David C , Ren Weiping
Published: June 2019

Electrospun nanofibers mimic the bone’s extra-cellular matrix and represent an alternative implant coating to enhance implant osseointegration. Approximately 99% of the strontium (Sr2+) in our body deposits in the bone and serves as a stimulator of bone formation. The purpose of this study was to develop an Sr2+-doped coaxial polycaprolactone (PCL)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber coating to enhance the osseointegration. An optimized PCL/PLGA (1:1 v/v) sheath fiber formula was identified to match the nanofibers degradation to the implant osseointegration physiology. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the Sr2+-doped nanofibers had a less dense structure and larger porosity than the nanofibers without Sr2+ doping. A sustained Sr2+ release from the PCL/PLGA-PVA coaxial nanofibers was observed for over two months. The indirect and direct cellular contact studies confirmed the biocompatibility of the Sr2+-doped PCL/PLGA-PVA coaxial nanofibers. The Sr2+-doped nanofibers provided further and significant enhancement of the differentiation of murine pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. These findings indicate that Sr2+-doped PCL/PLGA-PVA coaxial nanofibers have a great potential to be applied as a new implant coating matrices.
Investigations for magnetic properties of PLA-PVC-Fe3O4-wood dust blend for self-assembly applications
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Singh Rupinder , Singh TP , Batish Ajay
Published: June 2019

The use of ferro/ferri/paramagnetic materials for self-assembly is quite common, but the use of superparamagnetic materials has not been explored for such applications. In the present study, polylactic acid (PLA) matrix has been reinforced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood dust, and Fe3O4 particles (as superparamagnetic material) with twin screw extrusion (TSE) for the preparation of fused deposition modeling feedstock filament. The filament was tested for magnetic and mechanical properties whose results were analyzed and optimized for TSE parameters, and the regression model was used to find the effect of input parameters. The results of study suggest that the proportion as PLA 52.5 wt%, Fe3O4 25 wt%, PVC 15 wt%, and wood dust 7.5 wt% with TSE torque of 0.12 Nm, screw temperature of 165°C, and load of 5 kg are the optimized condition for the magnetization property. From vibration sample magnetometer analysis, it has been observed that all the samples having Fe3O4 in the matrix are of superparamagnetic character. Further, the magnetic and mechanical properties are not in correlation with each other for the blended samples which were counter verified by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis.
Characterization of electrospun poly(lactide) composites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ristić Ivan , Miletić Aleksandra , Vukić Nevena , Marinović-Cincović Milena , Smits Krisjanis , Cakić Suzana , Pilić Branka
Published: June 2019

The main aim of this work was to obtain conductive polymer-based materials by incorporation of different amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into poly(lactide)(PLA) using the electrospinning technique. Fiber-based nonwovens with 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 3 wt% of MWCNTs were characterized regarding conductivity, morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties. It was confirmed that an increase of the MWCNTs content does not influence the increase of the material conductivity, since the conductivity was 170 ohm sq−1 for all composites. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that smooth and beadless fibers were obtained, but also average diameters of composite nanofibers decreased with the increase of the MWCNTs content. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the presence of MWCNTs in the PLA matrix had a significant influence on the crystallization behavior of PLA nanofibers, because the decrease in crystallization temperature ( Tc) was detected. Also, the incorporation of MWCNTs into PLA fibers affected the melting process, enabling the generation of α′ form, while had no influence on ordered α crystal. The enthalpy of composite degradation decreased, because MWCNTs are well-known for good heat conductivity, and with that the second step of degradation slowed down, as it was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The addition of MWCNTs improved mechanical properties of composite fibers and caused the increase of both elasticity and tensile strengths of nanofibers.
Synthesis of LDHs using red mud and bittern and its influence on the flame retardant properties of EVA/LDHs composites
Authors: Li Long , Qian Yi , Zhang Haiming , Han Haoyue , Qiao Peng
Published: June 2019

Red mud (RM) is one kind of basic solid waste produced from aluminum industry. RM is usually stored by the method of land stockpiling, which has caused serious environmental and safety issues. Bittern, a by-product of salt manufacture, is abundant in China. But the utilization rate is low, less than 20%. The disposal of waste bittern has become a challenge that attracts much attention in water industry. In this article, Mg/Al/Fe layered double hydroxides (Mg/Al/Fe-LDHs) were synthesized using the above two wastes by a coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD results showed that LDHs were successfully synthesized. Then, the flame-retardant properties and thermal properties of Mg/Al/Fe-LDHs in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/LDHs composites had been tested by cone calorimeter test (CCT), limiting oxygen index (LOI), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR). The CCT results showed that the heat release rate (HRR) of the EVA/LDHs composites significantly decreased in comparison with that of pure EVA, and EVA2 sample showed the lowest peak value of HRR value of 204.59 kW m−2. The LOI results showed that EVA3 had a highest LOI value of 28.3% in all the samples. The SDT test indicated that Mg/Al/Fe-LDHs were beneficial to the smoke suppression performance of EVA composites. TG-IR results showed that EVA/LDHs composites had better thermal stability than EVA.
A Quantitative Exploration of Students’ Mindsets and Behaviors: A Whole Child Academic, Emotional, and Career Development
Authors: Yavuz Olcay
Published: June 2019

The demands of the 21st century require a systemic and collaborative perspective to promote the long-term development and success of all children. The purpose of this international comparative study is to investigate students’ mindsets and behaviors for school, college, and career success. The results revealed that there are key factors significantly impact on the students’ perceptions on academic, emotional, and career development. The author hopes this study will add to the limited existent research on educating the whole child. Also, this study should assist in future policies and practices by providing explorative analyses for students’ attitudes or beliefs for achieving their college and career goals.
The Role of the Human Microbiome in Chemical Toxicity
Authors: Koontz Jason M. , Dancy Blair C. R. , Horton Cassandra L. , Stallings Jonathan D. , DiVito Valerie T. , Lewis John A.
Published: June 2019

There is overwhelming evidence that the microbiome must be considered when evaluating the toxicity of chemicals. Disruption of the normal microbial flora is a known effect of toxic exposure, and these disruptions may lead to human health effects. In addition, the biotransformation of numerous compounds has been shown to be dependent on microbial enzymes, with the potential for different host health outcomes resulting from variations in the microbiome. Evidence suggests that such metabolism of environmental chemicals by enzymes from the host's microbiota can affect the toxicity of that chemical to the host. Chemical-microbial interactions can be categorized into two classes: Microbiome Modulation of Toxicity (MMT) and Toxicant Modulation of the Microbiome (TMM). MMT refers to transformation of a chemical by microbial enzymes or metabolites to modify the chemical in a way that makes it more or less toxic. TMM is a change in the microbiota that results from a chemical exposure. These changes span a large magnitude of effects and may vary from microbial gene regulation, to inhibition of a specific enzyme, to the death of the microbes. Certain microbiomes or microbiota may become associated with different health outcomes, such as resistance or susceptibility to exposure to certain toxic chemicals, the ability to recover following a chemical-induced injury, the presence of disease-associated phenotypes, and the effectiveness of immune responses. Future work in toxicology will require an understanding of how the microbiome interacts with toxicants to fully elucidate how a compound will affect a diverse, real-world population.
Integration of Consortia Recommendations for Justification of Animal Use Within Current and Future Drug Development Paradigms
Authors: Prior Helen , Monticello Thomas , Boulifard Virginie , Brennan Frank R. , Kimber Ian
Published: June 2019

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries continually review the requirements for, and relevance of, safety assessment strategies. Various industry consortia are currently discussing and reviewing data on a range of topics with respect to regulatory toxicology programs. These consortia are charged with critical evaluation of data and the identification of opportunities to promote best practice and to introduce improved approaches to safety assessment. Such improvements may include enhanced predictivity, more efficient ways of working, and opportunities for promoting and implementing the 3Rs (replacement, refinement, or reduction). As each consortium is considering a distinct question, individual outputs and recommendations could be perceived to be conflicting. However, a common theme embraced by the consortia represented here is exploration of the most appropriate use of animals for the safety assessment of new medicinal products. This short review summarizes presentations and discussions from a symposium describing the work of four industry consortia and considers whether their recommendations can be aligned into realistic approaches to improve future toxicology testing strategies, highlighting justification for the appropriate use of different animal species and opportunities for reductions in animal use without compromising patient safety.
Effects of Serum Albumin Levels on Antithrombin Supplementation Outcomes Among Patients With Sepsis-Associated Coagulopathy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ebina Masatomo , Fujino Kazunori , Inoue Akira , Ariyoshi Koichi , Eguchi Yutaka
Published: June 2019

Background:

Severe sepsis is commonly associated with mortality among critically ill patients and is known to cause coagulopathy. While antithrombin is an anticoagulant used in this setting, serum albumin levels are known to influence serum antithrombin levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of antithrombin supplementation in patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy, as well as the relationship between serum albumin levels and the effects of antithrombin supplementation.

Methods:

This retrospective study evaluated patients who were >18 years of age and had been admitted to either of two intensive care units for sepsis-associated coagulopathy. The groups that did and did not receive antithrombin supplementation were compared for outcomes up to 1 year after admission. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with serum albumin levels of <2.5 g/dL or ⩾2.5 g/dL.

Results:

Fifty-one patients received antithrombin supplementation and 163 patients did not. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that antithrombin supplementation was independently associated with 28-day survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.374, P = 0.025) but not with 1 year survival (HR: 0.915, P = 0.752). In addition, among patients with serum albumin levels of <2.5 g/dL, antithrombin supplementation was associated with a significantly lower 28-day mortality rate (9.4% vs 36.8%, P = .009).

Conclusion:

Antithrombin supplementation may improve short-term survival, but not long-term survival, among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy.