bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Class II functional appliance treatment and dynamic three‐dimensional mimic muscle evaluation
Authors: Antonarakis Gregory S. , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: May 2019

Background

Functional appliances have skeletal and dentoalveolar treatment effects, but knowledge on their effect on facial expressions is limited.

Objective

To analyse changes in facial expressions, using three‐dimensional (3D) mimic muscle evaluation, in growing children with Class II malocclusion and large overjet, undergoing functional appliance treatment.

Methods

Fifteen growing children with Class II division 1 malocclusion, selected prospectively, had dynamic 3D recordings of facial expressions prior to and 12 months after commencing functional appliance treatment. Facial expressions recorded were smile and lip pucker, and the movements of the oral commissures were analysed, as well as mouth width and its symmetry. A control group of fifteen age‐ and sex‐matched growing children without immediate need for orthodontic treatment had similar recordings prior to and after a 12‐month observation period.

Results

In the treatment group, the Class II malocclusion in all children improved after 12 months of functional appliance wear. With regard to movements of the oral commissures, the initial recordings of the treatment group did not show any significant differences to the control group for neither smile nor lip pucker. Differences were noted however when looking at mouth width asymmetry, where this tended to become more symmetrical in the functional appliance treatment group, during rest and during smiling, while it became more asymmetrical in the untreated control group.

Conclusion

The use of removable functional appliances in children with Class II division 1 malocclusion may have a positive effect on mouth width symmetry when smiling, making it more symmetrical.
An Empirical Analysis of Market Reactions to the First Solvency and Financial Condition Reports in the European Insurance Industry
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Heidinger Dinah
Published: May 2019

In 2017, insurers in the European Union disclosed their Solvency and Financial Condition Reports (SFCRs) according to the third pillar of Solvency II for the first time. The aim of this article is to empirically analyze market reactions to the first SFCRs for all publicly listed insurers in the European Union that published an English report based on an event study. We thereby investigate which key figures and textual attributes matter most to investors, using regression analyses and text mining approaches. We also discuss potential areas for improvement concerning SFCR disclosure, such as a central public disclosure platform and further standardization of disclosure requirements, which could further enhance the goals of transparency and market discipline in relation to Solvency II's Pillar 3. Our results show that SFCR key figures matter more than textual features. Specifically, we find a significantly positive market impact of the solvency ratio calculated without transitionals or adjustments and a significantly negative one for the solvency capital requirement (SCR).
The CM carbonaceous chondrite regolith Diepenveen
Authors: Langbroek Marco , Jenniskens Peter , Kriegsman Leo M. , Nieuwenhuis Henk , De Kort Niek , Kuiper Jacob , Van Westrenen Wim , Zolensky Michael E. , Ziegler Karen , Yin Qing‐Zhu , Sanborn Matthew E. , Wimpenny Josh , Yamakawa Akane , De Vet Sebastiaan J. , Meier Matthias M. M. , Welten Kees C. , Nishiizumi Kunihiko , Caffee Marc W. , Burton Aaron S. , Dworkin Jason P. , Glavin Daniel P. , Wu Qinghao , Zare Richard N. , Ruf Alexander , Harir Mourad , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe ,   The Diepenveen Meteorite Consortium
Published: May 2019

A carbonaceous chondrite was recovered immediately after the fall near the village of Diepenveen in the Netherlands on October 27, 1873, but came to light only in 2012. Analysis of sodium and poly‐aromatic hydrocarbon content suggests little contamination from handling. Diepenveen is a regolith breccia with an overall petrology consistent with a CM classification. Unlike most other CM chondrites, the bulk oxygen isotopes are extremely16O rich, apparently dominated by the signature of anhydrous minerals, distributed on a steep slope pointing to the domain of intrinsic CM water. A small subset plots closer to the normal CM regime, on a parallel line 2 ‰ lower in δ17O. Different lithologies in Diepenveen experienced varying levels of aqueous alteration processing, being less aqueously altered at places rather than more heated. The presence of an agglutinate grain and the properties of methanol‐soluble organic compounds point to active impact processing of some of the clasts. Diepenveen belongs to a CM clan with ~5 Ma CRE age, longer than most other CM chondrites, and has a relatively young K‐Ar resetting age of ~1.5 Ga. As a CM chondrite, Diepenveen may be representative of samples soon to be returned from the surface of asteroid (162173) Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft.
Effect of severe diarrhoea on kidney transplant outcomes
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Ha Jongwon , Kim Yon Su , Han Seung Seok
Published: May 2019

Aim

In addition to immunological complications, non‐immunological events should be considered following kidney transplantation. Among them, diarrhoea is the most common gastrointestinal complication, but its effect on transplant outcomes remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent kidney transplantation between May 1993 and December 2017. Patients with diarrhoea as the chief complaint at admission were defined as the diarrhoea group. Transplant outcomes were compared between the diarrhoea and non‐diarrhoea groups.

Results

Among a total of 1704 kidney recipients, severe diarrhoea that required hospitalization was identified in 84 (4.9%) patients. Patients with diarrhoea showed higher risks of graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.77 (2.98–7.64)) and all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.17 (4.09–12.58)) than did patients without diarrhoea. The risk of de novo donor‐specific antibody was also elevated in the diarrhoea group, although there was no change in the risk of biopsy‐proven rejection. In subgroup analysis, the aetiology of diarrhoea, as well as a change in immunosuppressant following diarrhoea, showed no significant differences in graft survival. However, incomplete recovery from concurrent acute kidney injury was significantly associated with graft loss.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea is related to poor graft and patients’ outcomes in kidney recipients. An effort to recover from concurrent acute kidney injury is important for improved graft survival.
Frequency and outcomes of kidney donation from intensive care patients with acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy
Authors: Sanders Jo M , Opdam Helen I , Furniss Hayley , Hughes Peter D , Kanellis John , Jones Daryl
Published: May 2019

Background

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end‐stage renal failure. Unfortunately, donor organ shortages prevent many individuals receiving a renal transplant and there is a need to increase the pool of appropriate donors. The presence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in deceased donors has traditionally been a relative contraindication to renal transplantation, even though renal recovery may be favorable in the absence of chronic renal disease.

Methods

We undertook an 8 years retrospective observational study of potential deceased organ donors with AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). We evaluated the rate of successful transplantation as well as short term and outcomes at a median of 19.5 (13.0–52.7) months after donation.

Results

Amongst 1058 consented potential organ donors, 39 patients had AKI requiring RRT, of which 19 became donors (13 not medically suitable, 7 did not proceed to donation). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) donor age was 41 (34–50) years and norepinephrine, epinephrine and vasopressin were given to 18, 14 and 9 donors, respectively. From the 38 donated kidneys 34 were transplanted. The median (IQR) age of recipients was 53 (42.8–58.5) years and they were dialysis free in a median (IQR) of 5.5 (2.3–10.8) days. Only minor abnormalities were found at 3 and 6 months renal biopsies, and two patients experienced graft failure in the first 12 months.

Conclusion

Amongst deceased donors with AKI receiving RRT and vasoactive medications outcomes of renal transplantation seems acceptable in the absence of pre‐existing renal failure and other donor co‐morbidity. Such patients may be an important additional source of kidney donation.
Corticular photosynthesis drives bark water uptake to refill embolized vessels in dehydrated branches of Salix matsudana
Authors: Liu Junxiang , Gu Lin , Yu Yongchang , Huang Ping , Wu Zhigang , Zhang Qian , Qian Yongqiang , Wan Xianchong , Sun Zhenyuan
Published: May 2019

It is well known that xylem embolism can be repaired by bark water uptake and that the sugar required for embolism refilling can be provided by corticular photosynthesis. However, the relationship between corticular photosynthesis and embolism repair by bark water uptake is still poorly understood. In this study, the role of corticular photosynthesis in embolism repair was assessed using Salix matsudana branch segments dehydrated to −1.9 MPa (P50, water potential at 50% loss of conductivity). The results indicated that corticular photosynthesis significantly promoted water uptake and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation in the bark and xylem during soaking, thereby effectively enhancing the refilling of the embolized vessels and the recovery of hydraulic conductivity. Furthermore, the influence of the extent of dehydration on the embolism refilling enhanced by corticular photosynthesis was investigated. The enhanced refilling effects were much higher in the mildly dehydrated (−1.5 MPa) and moderately dehydrated (−1.9 MPa) branch segments than in the severely dehydrated (−2.2 MPa) branch segments. This study provides evidence that corticular photosynthesis plays a crucial role in xylem embolism repair by bark water uptake for mildly and moderately dehydrated branches.
Successful treatment of BCG‐related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome following ex vivo T‐cell–depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Erbey Fatih , Dur Ayse Humeyra , Atay Didem , Akçay Arzu , Tecimer Tülay , Öztürk Gülyüz
Published: May 2019

IRIS is a phenomenon describing localized inflammatory reactions at BCG vaccination site and development of lymphadenopathy as immune system recovers. It is a rare entity in children following haploidentical HSCT. We represent the successful treatment of a case with fluctuating lymphadenopathy due to BCG vaccine during immune reconstitution period following ex vivo T‐cell–depleted haploidentical HSCT.
Pediatric vascularized composite allotransplantation: What is the landscape for obtaining appropriate donors in the United States?
Authors: Mendenhall Shaun D. , Sawyer Justin D. , West Bradford L. , Neumeister Michael W. , Shaked Abraham , Levin Lawrence S.
Published: May 2019

Listing the world's first pediatric bilateral hand transplant patient for a donor posed many challenges including matching the appropriate donor age, bone size, skin tone, and growth potential in an already limited donor population. This study describes the prevalence and distribution of potential pediatric VCA donors in the United States. We assessed the UNOS database from 2008 to 2015 to identify the prevalence of potential pediatric VCA donors. Standard VCA inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the dataset for all pediatric solid organ donors. Frequency analyses were performed of characteristics important for VCA matching. The dataset began with 57 300 brain‐dead donors and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria including age <18, decreased to 4663 (8.1%). The number of pediatric potential VCA donors per UNOS region ranged from 11 to 112/year. The majority of pediatric potential VCA donors were blood type O Whites, with the least common profile being blood type AB of “other” ethnicity. The present study confirmed that pediatric VCA donors are rare and may require longer travel times for procurement and listing at multiple centers in order to find a suitable donor. This will be a limiting factor for the expansion of pediatric VCA.
Social Control Meets New Public Management: Examining the Diffusion of State Prison Privatization, 1979‐2010
Authors: Mitchell Joshua L. , Butz Adam M.
Published: May 2019

While the merits and perils of privatization have remained a contentious and often polarizing debate, privatization of public services remains commonplace throughout the world. For instance, over the last several decades, U.S. governments at all levels have routinely pursued contracting arrangements for corrections management, known popularly as prison privatization. In this article, state prison privatization (SPP) is examined in three ways. First, we use an externally focused policy diffusion framework to help explain the adoption of SPP‐enabling legislation across U.S. states. Second, we explore the extent to which the American Legislative Exchange Council has influenced the adoption of prison privatization legislation. Third, we explore the role of state wealth inequality in determining a state's propensity to adopt prison privatization policies. Examining state‐level data from 1979 to 2010, this article finds empirical support for each of these key theoretical assertions. Furthermore, we find evidence that the external diffusion effect may vary depending on the political orientation of the state.

Related Articles

Butz, Adam M., Michael P. Fix, and Joshua L. Mitchell. 2005. “Policy Learning and the Diffusion of Stand‐Your‐Ground Laws.”Politics & Policy43 (3): 347‐377.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12116

Gerlach, John David, Laron K. Williams, and Colleen E. Forcina. 2013. “The Science‐Natural Resource Policy Relationship: How Aspects of Diffusion Theory Explain Data Selection for Making Biodiversity Management Decisions.”Politics & Policy41 (3): 326‐354.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12017

Morris, John C. 2007. “Government and Market Pathologies of Privatization: The Case of Prison Privatization.”Politics & Policy35 (2): 318‐341.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00062.x

Related Media

American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio. 2015. “Prisons for Profit: 18 Months in the Life of the Nation's First Prison Sold for Profit.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQcZzS7eqfY

Now on PBS. 2008. “Prisons for Profit.”https://www.pbs.org/now/shows/419/video.html

Sullivan, Eileen. 2016. “PBS News Hour: Obama Administration Set to End Use of Private Prisons.”https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/obama-administration-end-use-private-prisons
Sociopsychological characteristics of late nonagenarians in Japan: the protocol of the Arakawa 95+ study
Authors: Niimura Hidehito , Eguchi Yoko , Kida Hisashi , Suzuki Kouta , Takayama Midori , Mimura Masaru
Published: May 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine sociopsychological characteristics of the oldest old in Japan. We conducted a baseline survey of a community‐based cohort of persons aged 95 or older.

Methods

Participants were aged 95+ years and resided in Arakawa Ward in Tokyo on 1 January 2016. We mailed a questionnaire to these individuals to assess their physical, mental, and social status. Subsequently, if respondents agreed, we conducted in‐home interviews and examined their physical and cognitive function. Also, we mailed non‐respondents a simplified version of full questionnaire. Additionally, we examined the basic registered data of the study population and the status of their Long‐term Care Insurance. Data at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up were compared.

Results

With regard to Long‐term Care Insurance, 423 residents aged 95+ years (78.0%) were on long‐term care level, 35 (6.5%) were on support level, and 84 (15.5%) did not require support. At the 1‐year follow‐up, 275 (50.7%) had the same care level, 107 (19.7%) required a greater level of care, and 131 had died (annual death rate: 24.2%). Compared to the simplified questionnaire group (n = 128) and the full questionnaire‐only group (n = 14), a higher proportion of respondents who had completed the full questionnaire and had in‐home interviews (n = 26) were men, lived only with a spouse, had higher activities of daily living, and reported more positive feelings and well‐being.

Conclusions

In the late nonagenarian population, the annual death rate was high, and care needs increased rapidly. However, some persons maintained the same care level or even showed improvement and successful ageing.
Forest cover and climate as potential drivers for dengue fever in Sumatra and Kalimantan 2006–2016: a spatiotemporal analysis
Authors: Husnina Zida , Clements Archie C. A. , Wangdi Kinley
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To describe and quantify spatiotemporal trends of dengue fever at district level in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia in relation to forest cover and climatic factors.

Methods

A spatial ecological study design was used to analyse monthly surveillance data of notified dengue fever cases from January 2006 to December 2016 in the 154 districts of Sumatra and 56 districts of Kalimantan. A multivariate, zero‐inflated Poisson regression model was developed with a conditional autoregressive prior structure with posterior parameters estimated using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampling.

Results

There were 230 745 cases in Sumatra and 132 186 cases in Kalimantan during the study period. In Sumatra, the risk of dengue fever decreased by 9% (95% credible interval [CrI] 8.5–9.5%) for a 1% increase in forest cover and by 12.2% (95% CrI 11.9–12.6%) for a 1% increase in relative humidity. In Kalimantan, dengue fever risk fell by 17.6% (95% CrI 17.1–18.1%) for a 1% increase in relative humidity and rose by 7.6% (95% CrI 6.9–8.4%) for a 1 °C increase in minimum temperature. There was no significant residual spatial clustering in Sumatra after accounting for climate and demographic variables. In Kalimantan, high residual risk areas were primarily centred in North and East of the island.

Conclusions

Dengue fever in Sumatra and Kalimantan was highly seasonal and associated with climate factors and deforestation. Incorporation of climate indicators into risk‐based surveillance might be warranted for dengue fever in Indonesia.
eHealth interventions to facilitate work participation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Øyeflaten Irene , Johansen Thomas , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Johnsen Tone Langjordet , Tveito Torill Helene , Momsen Anne-Mette Hedeager
Published: May 2019

Review question:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and synthesize existing literature on the different types of eHealth interventions used in workplaces and healthcare settings to facilitate work participation. The following questions will be examined: For which user groups, in which settings and by which stakeholders are eHealth interventions provided? Are eHealth interventions that are aimed at work participation theory-driven or based on empirical evidence?
Physical assessment skills in nursing curricula: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Morrell Sherry , Ralph Jody , Giannotti Natalie , Dayus Debbie , Dennison Susan , Bornais Judy
Published: May 2019

Review objective:

This review seeks to establish the current state of knowledge regarding physical assessment skills taught in nursing programs globally. It aims to explore the literature on physical assessment skills taught in nursing curricula globally, skills used by nurses in practice, skills used by students, and core physical assessment skills that are important to teach nursing students.
Optical properties of MoO3/Ag/MoO3 multilayer structures determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Jung Dae Ho , So Hyeon Seob , Lee Hosun , Park Jin-Yeong , Kim Han-Ki
Published: May 2019

The authors investigated the optical and electrical properties of MoO3/Ag/MoO3 multilayer structures grown using thermal evaporation on glass. For the top and bottom MoO3 layers, they found that thicknesses of 35 and 20 nm, respectively, gave the highest transmittance in the visible spectral range. Thicknesses of 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 nm were used for the Ag layer. The MoO3 and Ag layers were amorphous and crystalline, respectively, according to transmission electron microscopy (TEM). An ultrathin, 12-nm-thick Ag layer enhances the transmittance in the visible range relative to that of a 55-nm-thick MoO3 layer (i.e., no Ag layer). The structural and morphological properties of all samples were studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The optical constants were obtained from the measured ellipsometric angles, Ψ and Δ, using a parametric optical constant model. The optical properties (dielectric functions and bandgap energies) of amorphous MoO3 layers were compared to literature values. The authors estimated the optical gap energy values of amorphous MoO3 layers using both the Tauc extrapolation method (Eg = 3.380 eV) and the standard critical point model (Eg = 4.044 eV). The refractive indexes (n, k) and sheet resistances of Ag ultrathin films were significantly different for layer thicknesses of 5 and 7 nm from those of thicker films. This is explained by the percolation effect, based on TEM cross-sectional images.
Evolution and Genetic Diversity of thek13Gene Associated with Artemisinin Delayed Parasite Clearance in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Pacheco M. Andreína , Kadakia Esha R. , Chaudhary Zainab , Perkins Douglas J. , Kelley Julia , Ravishankar Shashidhar , Cranfield Michael , Talundzic Eldin , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Escalante Ananias A.
Published: May 2019

Mutations in thePlasmodium falciparumk13(Pfk13) gene are linked to delayed parasite clearance in response to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Southeast Asia. To explore the evolutionary rate and constraints acting on this gene,k13orthologs from species sharing a recent common ancestor withP. falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxwere analyzed.
Soil Aggregate Microbial Communities: Towards Understanding Microbiome Interactions at Biologically Relevant Scales
Authors: Wilpiszeski Regina L. , Aufrecht Jayde A. , Retterer Scott T. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Graham David E. , Pierce Eric M. , Zablocki Olivier D. , Palumbo Anthony V. , Elias Dwayne A.
Published: May 2019

Soils contain a tangle of minerals, water, nutrients, gases, plant roots, decaying organic matter, and microorganisms which work together to cycle nutrients and support terrestrial plant growth. Most soil microorganisms live in periodically interconnected communities closely associated with soil aggregates, i.e., small (<2 mm), strongly bound clusters of minerals and organic carbon that persist through mechanical disruptions and wetting events.
Environmental Evidence for and Genomic Insight into the Preference of Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria for More-Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel at Higher Salinities
Authors: Garrison Cody E. , Price Kyra A. , Field Erin K.
Published: May 2019

Colonization of FeOB on corrosion-resistant stainless steel types (304SS and 316SS) has been quantified from environmental deployments along salinity gradients in estuarine environments. Greater FeOB abundance at higher salinities and on the more-corrosion-resistant 316SS suggests that there may be a higher risk of biocorrosion at higher salinities and there may be a selective advantage from certain stainless steel alloy metals, such as molybdenum, for FeOB colonization. A novel species of FeOB described here was isolated from our stainless steel coupon deployments, and its genome sequence supports our environmental data, as genes involved in the potential selectiveness toward surface colonization of stainless steel might lead to higher rates of biocorrosion of manmade aquatic infrastructure. These combined results provide environmental constraints for FeOB colonization on anthropogenic iron sources and build on previous frameworks for biocorrosion prevention strategies.
Direct Cell Mass Measurements Expand the Role of Small Microorganisms in Nature
Authors: Khachikyan Alexander , Milucka Jana , Littmann Sten , Ahmerkamp Soeren , Meador Travis , Könneke Martin , Burg Thomas , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: May 2019

Microorganisms are a major component of Earth’s biosphere, and their activity significantly affects the biogeochemical cycling of bioavailable elements. To correctly determine the flux of carbon and energy in the environment, reliable estimates of microbial abundances and cellular carbon content are necessary. However, accurate assessments of cellular carbon content and dry weight are not trivial to obtain. Here we report direct measurements of cell dry and carbon mass of environmentally relevant prokaryotic microorganisms using a microfluidic mass sensor. We show a significant nonlinear relationship between carbon mass and cell volume and discuss this relationship in the light of currently used cellular mass models.
A Strongly Fluorescing Anaerobic Reporter and Protein-Tagging System for
Clostridium
Organisms Based on the Fluorescence-Activating and Absorption-Shifting Tag Protein (FAST)
Authors: Streett Hannah E. , Kalis Katie M. , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: May 2019

FAST in association with the fluorogenic ligand HMBR is characterized as a successful, highly fluorescent reporter system in
C. acetobutylicum
. FAST can be used to distinguish between promoters in live cells using flow cytometry or a fluorescence microplate reader and can be used to tag and examine protein localization in live, anaerobically grown cells. Given that FAST is highly fluorescent under anaerobic conditions, it can be used in several applications of this and likely many
Clostridium
organisms and other strict anaerobes, including studies involving cell sorting, sporulation dynamics, and population characterization in pure as well as mixed cultures, such as those in various native or synthetic microbiomes and syntrophic cultures.
Differential Requirements for gE, gI, and UL16 among Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Syncytial Variants Suggest Unique Modes of Dysregulating the Mechanism of Cell-to-Cell Spread
Authors: Carmichael Jillian C. , Wills John W.
Published: May 2019

Approximately 2/3 of adults worldwide are latently infected with herpes simplex virus 1. Upon reactivation, the virus has the ability to evade neutralizing antibodies by moving through cell junctions, but the mechanism of direct cell-to-cell spread is poorly understood. The machinery that assembles between cells includes the viral fusion proteins and various accessory proteins that prevent cells from fusing. Alterations in four proteins will dysregulate the machinery, allowing neighboring cells to fuse to make syncytia, but this can be prevented by removing various individual accessory proteins to further disable the machinery. Previously, the accessory protein UL21 was found to be important for the activity of some syncytial variants but not others. In this study, we discovered that UL16, gE, and gI all act differently in how they control the fusion machinery. A better understanding of the mechanism of cell-to-cell spread may enable the development of drugs that block it.
A Novel Cadherin-like Protein Mediates Adherence to and Killing of Host Cells by the Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Chen Yi-Pei , Riestra Angelica M. , Rai Anand Kumar , Johnson Patricia J.
Published: May 2019

The adherence of pathogens to host cells is critical for colonization of the host and establishing infection. Here we identify a protein with no known function that is more abundant on the surface of parasites that are better at binding host cells. To interrogate a predicted function of this protein, we utilized bioinformatic protein prediction programs which allowed us to uncover the first cadherin-like protein (CLP) found in a parasite. Cadherin proteins are conserved metazoan proteins with central roles in cell-cell adhesion, development, and tissue structure maintenance. Functional characterization of this CLP from the unicellular parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis
demonstrated that the protein mediates both parasite-parasite and parasite-host adherence, which leads to an enhanced killing of host cells by
T. vaginalis
. Our findings demonstrate the presence of CLPs in unicellular pathogens and identify a new host cell binding protein family in a human-infective parasite.
Age- and Sex-Dependent Patterns of Gut Microbial Diversity in Human Adults
Authors: de la Cuesta-Zuluaga Jacobo , Kelley Scott T. , Chen Yingfeng , Escobar Juan S. , Mueller Noel T. , Ley Ruth E. , McDonald Daniel , Huang Shi , Swafford Austin D. , Knight Rob , Thackray Varykina G.
Published: May 2019

Microorganisms in the human gut play a role in health and disease, and in adults higher gut biodiversity has been linked to better health. Since gut microorganisms may be pivotal in the development of microbial therapies, understanding the factors that shape gut biodiversity is of utmost interest. We performed large-scale analyses of the relationship of age and sex to gut bacterial diversity in adult cohorts from four geographic regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, Colombia, and China. In the U.S., U.K., and Colombian cohorts, bacterial biodiversity correlated positively with age in young adults but plateaued at about age 40 years, with no positive association being found in middle-aged adults. Young, but not middle-aged, adult women had higher gut bacterial diversity than men, a pattern confirmed via supervised machine learning. Interestingly, in the Chinese cohort, minimal associations were observed between gut biodiversity and age or sex. Our results highlight the patterns of adult gut biodiversity and provide a framework for future research.
Cerebral oxygenation and blood flow in term infants during postnatal transition: BabyLux project
Authors: De Carli Agnese , Andresen Björn , Giovannella Martina , Durduran Turgut , Contini Davide , Spinelli Lorenzo , Weigel Udo Michael , Passera Sofia , Pesenti Nicola , Mosca Fabio , Torricelli Alessandro , Fumagalli Monica , Greisen Gorm
Published: May 2019

Objectives

A new device that combines, for the first time, two photonic technologies (time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy) was provided and tested within the BabyLux project. Aim was to validate the expected changes in cerebral oxygenation and blood flow.

Methods

A pulse oximeter and the BabyLux device were held in place (right hand/wrist and frontoparietal region, respectively) for 10 min after birth in healthy term infants delivered by elective caesarean section. Pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2), cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and blood flow index (BFI) were measured over time. Tissue oxygen extraction (TOE) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen index (CMRO2I) were calculated.

Results

Thirty infants were enrolled in two centres. After validity check of data, 23% of infants were excluded from TOE and CMRO2I calculation due to missing data. As expected, SpO2 (estimate 3.05 %/min; 95% CI 2.78 to 3.31 %/min) and StO2 (estimate 3.95 %/min; 95% CI 3.63 to 4.27 %/min) increased in the first 10 min after birth, whereas BFI (estimate −2.84×10−9 cm2/s/min; 95% CI −2.50×10−9 to −3.24×10−9 cm2/s/min) and TOE (estimate −0.78 %/min; 95% CI −1.12 to –0.45 %/min) decreased. Surprisingly, CMRO2I decreased (estimate −7.94×10−8/min; 95% CI −6.26×10−8 to −9.62×10−8/min).

Conclusions

Brain oxygenation and BFI during transition were successfully and simultaneously obtained by the BabyLux device; no adverse effects were recorded, and the BabyLux device did not limit the standard care. The preliminary results from clinical application of the BabyLux device are encouraging in terms of safety and feasibility; they are consistent with previous reports on brain oxygenation during transition, although the interpretation of the decreasing CMRO2I remains open.

Trial registration number

NCT02815618.
β-Cell compensation concomitant with adaptive endoplasmic reticulum stress and β-cell neogenesis in a diet-induced type 2 diabetes model
Authors: Huang Hui , Yang Kaiyuan , Wang Rennian , Han Woo Hyun , Kuny Sharee , Zelmanovitz Paula Horn , Sauvé Yves , Chan Catherine B.
Published: May 2019

Insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells adapt to obesity-related insulin resistance via increases in insulin secretion and β-cell mass. Failed β-cell compensation predicts the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the mechanisms of β-cell compensation are not fully understood. Our previous study reported changes in β-cell mass during the progression of T2D in the Nile rat (NR; Arvicanthis niloticus) fed standard chow. In the present study, we measured other β-cell adaptive responses, including glucose metabolism and β-cell insulin secretion in NRs at different ages, thus characterizing NR at 2 months as a model of β-cell compensation followed by decompensation at 6 months. We observed increased proinsulin secretion in the transition from compensation to decompensation, which is indicative of impaired insulin processing. Subsequently, we compared adaptive unfolded protein response in β-cells and demonstrated a positive role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones in insulin secretion. In addition, the incidence of insulin-positive neogenic but not proliferative cells increased during the compensation phase, suggesting nonproliferative β-cell growth as a mechanism of β-cell mass adaptation. In contrast, decreased neogenesis and β-cell dedifferentiation were observed in β-cell dysfunction. Furthermore, the progression of T2D and pathophysiological changes of β-cells were prevented by increasing fibre content of the diet.

Novelty Our study characterized a novel model for β-cell compensation with adaptive responses in cell function and mass. The temporal association of adaptive ER chaperones with blood insulin and glucose suggests upregulated chaperone capacity as an adaptive mechanism. β-Cell neogenesis but not proliferation contributes to β-cell mass adaptation.
Geochemistry, geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of two types of Early Cretaceous granite porphyry dykes in the Sulu orogenic belt, eastern China
Authors: Wang Song-Jie , Schertl Hans-Peter , Pang Yu-Mao
Published: May 2019

Late Mesozoic granitic rocks are widely distributed in the Sulu orogenic belt, but the source, tectonic affinity, and associated geodynamic setting that produced the respective magmas remain controversial. To provide insights into these issues, we present field-based petrological, whole-rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope geochemical, zircon U–Pb dating, and Lu–Hf isotope studies on two types of granite porphyry dykes that are newly recognized from the central Sulu belt. U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons from both types yields consistent ages that vary between 124 ± 2 and 118 ± 2 Ma, constraining the timing of intrusion as Early Cretaceous. The granitic rocks have high-K calc-alkaline peraluminous compositions with low Mg# values and are characterized by fractionated rare earth element patterns with strong depletion in high field strength elements. Compared with type I of the granite porphyry dykes, type II exhibits higher SiO2 but slightly lower Na2O and K2O abundances, contains higher Rb/Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and shows more pronounced negative Eu, Sr, and Ba anomalies. Both types I and II have high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.709–0.711 and negative εNd(t) values of −19.8 to −18.4. The magmatic zircons possess negative εHf(t) values of −29.1 to −20.8, with mostly Neoarchean Hf model ages of 3001–2478 Ma. These features, together with the presence of Neoproterozoic inherited zircons, indicate that the two types of granite porphyries successively crystallized from a joint granite magma that derived from partial melting of the continental crust of the Yangtze Craton. Therefore, an interrelationship between the granite porphyry dykes and massive magmatic granitoids from adjacent regions in the Sulu belt may be documented, recording evidence of a joint ancient crustal reworking and recycling in a fossilized continental subduction zone during the Early Cretaceous.
Two applications of Nagata rings and modules
Authors: Wang Fanggui , Qiao Lei
Published: May 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite type hereditary torsion theory on the category of all modules over a commutative ring. The purpose of this paper is to give two applications of Nagata rings and modules in the sense of Jara [Nagata rings, Front. Math. China 10 (2015) 91–110]. First they are used to obtain Chase’s Theorem for [Formula: see text]-coherent rings. In particular, we obtain the [Formula: see text]-version of Chase’s Theorem, where [Formula: see text] is the classical star operation in ideal theory. In the second half, we apply they to characterize [Formula: see text]-flatness in the sense of Van Oystaeyen and Verschoren [Relative Invariants of Rings-The Commutative Theory, Monographs and Textbooks in Pure and Applied Mathematics, Vol. 79 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983)].
Pure derived and pure singularity categories
Authors: Cao Tianya , Ren Wei
Published: May 2019

Firstly, we compare the bounded derived categories with respect to the pure-exact and the usual exact structures, and describe bounded derived category by pure-projective modules, under a fairly strong assumption on the ring. Then, we study Verdier quotient of bounded pure derived category modulo the bounded homotopy category of pure-projective modules, which is called a pure singularity category since we show that it reflects the finiteness of pure-global dimension of rings. Moreover, invariance of pure singularity in a recollement of bounded pure derived categories is studied.
On the combinatorics of commutators of Lie algebras
Authors: Hitomi Eduardo Eizo Aramaki , Yasumura Felipe Yukihide
Published: May 2019

Motivated by the combinatorial properties of products in Lie algebras, we investigate the subset of permutations that naturally appears when we write the long commutator [Formula: see text] as a sum of associative monomials. We characterize this subset and find some useful equivalences. Moreover, we explore properties concerning the action of this subset on sequences of [Formula: see text] elements. In particular, we describe sequences that share some special symmetries which can be useful in the study of combinatorial properties in graded Lie algebras.
Influence Factors and Repair Effects of Seismic Damage to a Box Section Steel Pier
Authors: Fu Zhongqiu , Wu Dongyang , Fang Liang , Chen Donghua , Ji Bohai
Published: May 2019

The seismic performance of a steel pier of box section was studied through low-cycle cyclic testing. The damaged specimens were repaired by filling with concrete and welding steel plates. The low-cycle cyclic test was then repeated. The effects of repairs were investigated by comparison of failure mode, energy dissipation performance, and ductility before and after repair. To supplement the data, the influence of different factors on the seismic bearing capacity and ductility of steel piers were analyzed by finite element method. The repair effects were compared by threshold of the displacement from the experiment. Based on the displacement angle response of the nonlinear dynamic time history analysis, the seismic performance is checked. The results show that repair had favourable effects on the damaged specimens. The horizontal bearing capacity and ductility of the specimens filled with concrete are significantly enhanced. Reinforcement by steel plates can increase the ductility and cumulative energy dissipation of the steel pier. An axial compression ratio of 0.2 and a concrete filling ratio of 30% are suggested. The horizontal bearing capacity can be improved by increasing the steel strength while the concrete strength shows little effect. The angular displacement from nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis was less than the test threshold, so the existing methods used for seismic performance verification are safe.
Effect of Connection Deficiency on Seismic Performance of Precast Concrete Shear Wall-Frame Structures
Authors: Cao Zijian , Li Quanwang
Published: May 2019

The quality of precast concrete (PC) component connections is one of the main factors that affect the seismic reliability of PC structures. China is developing PC structures in high seismic regions, and it is important to assess the effect of connection deficiency on seismic performance of PC structures. This paper presents a comprehensive method to assess the seismic reliability of PC shear wall-frame structure whose wall panels are assembled through grouted sleeve connections which are susceptible to insufficient grouting. Considering the uncertainties associated with the number, locations and loading behavior of defected sleeve connections, the probabilistic behavior of PC shear wall with defected connections is estimated through point estimate method using simulation results of the experiment-validated finite element model. Then, a simple shear wall-frame building, designed for the seismic intensity of 8 according to China’s seismic design code, is modeled on platform of OpenSees. Static pushover analyses and seismic fragility analyses are performed on the structure with different degrees of connection deficiency, to investigate the effect of deficiency occurrence rate on seismic performance. The seismic performance is significantly affected by connection deficiencies; it no longer meets the requirement of seismic design as the deficiency occurrence rate exceeds 25%, so the occurrence rate of defected connections should be controlled carefully in construction site.
Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Cluster-Reinforced Precast Concrete Columns with Grouting-Anchor Connections
Authors: Xu L. H. , Wang Q. L. , Yu M. , Chi Y. , Yang B. , Liu M. , Ye J. Q.
Published: May 2019

The prefabricated residential buildings have become one of the most dominating construction methods in the modern construction industry. The seismic behavior of prefabricated components is crucial in the limit state design of the precast structure. This paper investigates the seismic behavior of a new type precast concrete column that has clustered steel reinforcement with grouting connection. Quasi-static tests are carried out on three cast-in-situ columns and seven precast columns. Axial compression ratio, lap length and lap space are the main variables considered. The failure process, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, stiffness degradation, displacement ductility and energy dissipation are elaborated. The experimental results show that the precast columns with cluster reinforcement have similar seismic behavior to the cast-in-situ columns. Reducing the axial pressure can improve the ductility and energy consumption performance of the cluster-reinforced columns and exert its ductility to improve its seismic performance. During the assembly, a moderate increase in lap length can improve the seismic behavior of precast columns, whereas the lap space has an insignificant effect on the seismic behavior which indicates that the lap space is not an important factor during construction. The research outcome can serve as a reference for further development and application of precast structures.
Outlier detection for multinomial data with a large number of categories
Authors: Yang Xiaona , Wang Zhaojun , Zi Xuemin
Published: May 2019

This paper develops an outlier detection procedure for multinomial data when the number of categories tends to infinity. Most of the outlier detection methods are based on the assumption that the observations follow multivariate normal distribution, while in many modern applications, the observations either are measured on a discrete scale or naturally have some categorical structures. For such multinomial observations, there are rather limited approaches for outlier detection. To overcome the main obstacle, the least trimmed distances estimator for multinomial data and a fast algorithm to identify the clean subset are introduced in this work. Also, a threshold rule is considered through the asymptotic distribution of measure distance to identify outliers. Furthermore, a one-step reweighting scheme is proposed to improve the efficiency of the procedure. Finally, the finite sample performance of our method is evaluated through simulations and is compared with that of available outlier detection methods.
A new occurrence of lazulite from the Main Central Thrust in Kumaun Himalaya, India: fluid inclusion, EPMA and Raman spectroscopy focusing on lazulite in a highly tectonized zone
Authors: Chauhan Dinesh S. , Sharma Rajesh , Rao D. R.
Published: May 2019

The present study reports and investigates ‘lazulite’ occurring in the vicinity of a highly tectonized zone of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) in the Himalaya. The azure blue lazulite, hosted in quartz veins, occurs in fractured Berinag quartzite, which forms the footwall of the MCT near Sobla village in NE Kumaun Himalaya, India. Lazulite was investigated using SEM-EDX, micro Raman spectroscopy, fluid inclusion microthermometry and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Lazulite contains inclusions of rutile and hematite and has Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios of 0.86 to 0.90. The phosphorus in lazulite shows a negative trend with Mg+Al contents. This lazulite is an intermediate solid solution near the lazulite end-member with a cationic composition in the structural formula: Mg
0.81–0.89
Fe
0.10–0.13
Al
1.88–1.98
P
2.00–2.07
. Its composition in the lazulite–scorzalite stability field points to a higher temperature of its formation. Fluids trapped as inclusions in lazulite and the associated quartz are generally C–O–H fluid. The fluid inclusion isochors for lazulite, together with the temperature calculated for metamorphism of the equivalent structural level in the adjacent area suggest 500–600°C and 7.25 to 9.25 kbar, which match the peak metamorphic temperature–pressure derived elsewhere for the Higher Himalayan Crystallines. Moderately enriched
δ
D‰ values and H
2
O–CO
2
–low NaCl fluid suggest that water from a deep reservoir, more likely a metamorphic fluid, participated in lazulite formation. Classic sigmoidal fluid inclusions in lazulite reveal their development during MCT shearing, whereas the overpressured fluid inclusions suggest a post-lazulite uplift. The MCT lazulite is interpreted to have formed during Himalayan shearing and concurrent metamorphism. The present study also implies that this refractory mineral can sustain fluid inclusions within it against intense deformation conditions, such as in the MCT.
Transitional Dynamics in Aggregate Models of Innovative Investment
Authors: Atkeson Andrew , Burstein Ariel T. , Chatzikonstantinou Manolis
Published: May 2019

What quantitative lessons can we learn from models of endogenous technical change through innovative investments by firms for the impact of changes in the economic environment on the dynamics of aggregate productivity in the short, medium, and long run? We present a unifying model that nests several canonical models in the literature and characterize both their positive implications for the transitional dynamics of aggregate productivity and their welfare implications in terms of two sufficient statistics. We review the current state of measurement of these two sufficient statistics and discuss the range of positive and normative quantitative implications of our model for a wide array of counterfactual experiments, including the link between a decline in the entry rate of new firms and a slowdown in the growth of aggregate productivity. We conclude with a summary of the lessons learned from our analysis to help direct future research aimed at building models of endogenous productivity growth that are useful for quantitative analysis.