bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Fabrication of rGO-embedded Ag-TiO2 Nanoring/Nanotube Arrays for Plasmonic Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Sang Lixia , Lei Lei , Burda Clemens
Published: November 2019

Effective utilization of hot electrons generated from the decay of surface plasmon resonance in metal nanoparticles is conductive to improve solar water splitting efficiency. Herein, Ag nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) co-decorated hierarchical TiO2 nanoring/nanotube arrays (TiO2 R/T) were facilely fabricated by using two-step electrochemical anodization, electrodeposition, and photoreduction methods. Comparative studies were conducted to elucidate the effects of rGO and Ag on the morphology, photoresponse, charge transfer, and photoelectric properties of TiO2. Firstly, scanning electron microscope images confirm that the Ag nanoparticles adhered on TiO2 R/T and TiO2 R/T-rGO have similar diameter of 20 nm except for TiO2 R-rGO/T. Then, the UV–Vis DRS and scatter spectra reveal that the optical property of the Ag-TiO2 R/T-rGO ternary composite is enhanced, ascribing to the visible light absorption of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles and the weakening effect of rGO on light scattering. Meanwhile, intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra demonstrate that rGO can promote the hot electrons transfer from Ag nanoparticles to Ti substrate, reducing the photogenerated electron–hole recombination. Finally, Ag-TiO2 R/T-rGO photoanode exhibits high photocurrent density (0.98 mA cm−2) and photovoltage (0.90 V), and the stable H2 evolution rate of 413 μL h−1 cm−2 within 1.5 h under AM 1.5 which exceeds by 1.30 times than that of pristine TiO2 R/T. In line with the above results, this work provides a reliable route synergizing rGO with plasmonic metal nanoparticles for photocatalysis, in which, rGO presents a broad absorption spectrum and effective photogenerated electrons transfer.
Decrease in p3‐Alcβ37 and p3‐Alcβ40, products of Alcadein β generated by γ‐secretase cleavages, in aged monkeys and patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hata Saori , Omori Chiori , Kimura Ayano , Saito Haruka , Kimura Nobuyuki , Gupta Veer , Pedrini Steve , Hone Eugene , Chatterjee Pratishtha , Taddei Kevin , Kasuga Kensaku , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Waragai Masaaki , Nishimura Masaki , Hu Anqi , Nakaya Tadashi , Meijer Laurent , Maeda Masahiro , Yamamoto Tohru , Masters Colin L. , Rowe Chris C. , Ames David , Yamamoto Kazuo , Martins Ralph N. , Gandy Sam , Suzuki Toshiharu
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Neuronal p3‐Alcβ peptides are generated from the precursor protein Alcadein β (Alcβ) through cleavage by α‐ and γ‐secretases of the amyloid β (Aβ) protein precursor (APP). To reveal whether p3‐Alcβ is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) contributes for the development of novel therapy and/or drug targets.

Methods

We developed new sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) systems to quantitate levels of p3‐Alcβ in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results

In monkeys, CSF p3‐Alcβ decreases with age, and the aging is also accompanied by decreased brain expression of Alcβ. In humans, CSF p3‐Alcβ levels decrease to a greater extent in those with AD than in age‐matched controls. Subjects carrying presenilin gene mutations show a significantly lower CSF p3‐Alcβ level. A cell study with an inverse modulator of γ‐secretase remarkably reduces the generation of p3‐Alcβ37 while increasing the production of Aβ42.

Discussion

Aging decreases the generation of p3‐Alcβ, and further significant decrease of p3‐Alcβ caused by aberrant γ‐secretase activity may accelerate pathogenesis in AD.
Optimal education policy and human capital accumulation in the context of brain drain
Authors: Djajić Slobodan , Docquier Frédéric , Michael Michael S.
Published: November 2019

This paper revisits the question of how brain drain affects the optimal education policy of a developing economy. Our framework of analysis highlights the complementarity between public spending on education and students' efforts to acquire human capital in response to career opportunities at home and abroad. Given this complementarity, we find that brain drain has conflicting effects on the optimal provision of public education. A positive response is called for when the international earning differential with destination countries is large, and when the emigration rate is relatively low. In contrast with the findings in the existing literature, our numerical experiments show that these required conditions are in fact present in a large number of developing countries; they are equivalent to those under which an increase in emigration induces a net brain gain. As a further contribution, we study the interaction between the optimal immigration policy of the host country and education policy of the source country in a game-theoretic framework.
Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of three disinfection protocols for reducing bacterial contamination of stethoscopes
Authors: Sebastian Marcos Patricia , Hermes Darren , Sharman Mellora
Published: November 2019

In a crossover study, 30 stethoscopes were assessed and disinfected using 3 protocols: isopropyl alcohol, a quaternary ammonia or biguanide disinfectant, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). All protocols effectively reduced bacterial loads, but UVGI was less effective at higher contamination levels (P= .0004). The effectiveness of each intervention was short in duration.
LONDON’S WATERFRONT 1100–1666: SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS FROM FOUR EXCAVATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE FROM 1974 TO 1984
Authors: Schofield John
Published: November 2019

The area around the north end of the medieval London Bridge in the City of London has attracted much archaeological attention. This article summarises the main findings for the period 1100–1666 from four excavations, recently published. In doing so, it explores a number of key issues: the main characteristics of this waterfront area in the medieval and Tudor periods; the sources of the pottery and artefacts incorporated into reclamation units, and any significance in their locations behind waterfront revetments or on the foreshore; what the medieval and post-medieval artefacts say about culture, fashion and religious beliefs; the functions of the buildings and open areas, and to what extent these can be linked to owners or occupiers specified in the documentary record; and how the port of London fits within its European trading network. The article also examines if and to what extent the area south of Thames Street was an industrial suburb of the medieval City. Here also lay the parish church of St Botolph Billingsgate, destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and not rebuilt, many details of which can be reconstructed from archaeology and rich documentary evidence. Sixty-nine human burials in the church include one of a man in his sixties who may be John Reynewell, mayor of London in 1426–7. The several thousand artefacts and several hundred kilos of English and foreign pottery (the latter now analysed into over 100 separate wares) from the four sites in the study deserve further research by scholars, who can use this article as a stepping stone into the archive held at the Museum of London.
Characteristics of men who engage in cross-generational sexual behaviour in Nigeria
Authors: Alex-Ojei Christiana A. , de Wet Nicole , Ntoimo Lorretta F. C.
Published: November 2019

Cross-generational sexual relationships are a major route of transmitting HIV and STI between older and younger generations. However, previous research has focused mainly on the young women in these relationships. This study examined the characteristics of men engaging in non-marital sexual relationships with girls aged 15–19 in Nigeria. The data were drawn from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, and the analysis was restricted to a sub-sample of 7557 men aged 30–49 who were sexually active in the 12 months prior to the survey. Data analysis was carried out using frequency distributions, chi-squared tests of association and binary logistic regression. It was found that 9.5% of men aged 30–49 reported engaging in cross-generational sexual relationships. Also, being older (OR = 0.35), married (OR = 0.37), having secondary or higher education (OR = 0.70; 0.59) and having sexual debut between ages 18 and 30 (OR = 0.73) were associated with a lower likelihood of having cross-generational sexual relationships. However, Muslim men (OR = 2.10), men from Igbo (OR = 1.90), Hausa/Fulani (OR = 8.47) and Northern and Southern minority tribes (OR = 4.73; 2.49), men living in rural areas (OR = 1.34), men who were over the age of 30 at sexual debut (OR = 2.67) and those with 2–4 and 5 or more lifetime sexual partners (OR = 1.43; 1.58) were significantly more likely to engage in cross-generational sexual relationships. Addressing the challenges of cross-generational sexual relationships can be an effective strategy to reduce the menace of HIV and STI transmission. Men who have low education, those aged 30–34 years, those who initiated sex at an older age, rural dwellers and those who have had several lifetime sexual partners need to be targeted while designing and implementing programmes and policies to reduce cross-generational sexual relationships in Nigeria. These interventions must also take into account the religious and cultural attitudes towards cross-generational sexual relationships, and further investigations should identify men’s motives for engaging in the practice.
Early Pleistocene divergence ofPelagia noctilucapopulations (Cnidaria, Medusozoa) between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ale Ezequiel , Ramšak Andreja , Stanković David , Morandini André Carrara , Meyer Diogo , Marques Antonio C.
Published: November 2019

A previous study detected mixing of two deeply split mtDNA clades (Clade I and Clade II) for Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of the medusozoanPelagia noctiluca. The north hemisphere glaciations and the Messinian salinity crisis have been proposed as the two main biogeographic events related to the isolation between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. We tested if the splitting time between Clade I and Clade II ofP. noctilucawas associated with one of these geological events. Our study was based on DNA sequence data of mitochondrial (COI and 16S ribosomal RNA) and nuclear (18S ribosomal RNA, internal transcribed spacer 1 and 5.8S ribosomal RNA) genes from populations of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The rise of the Isthmus of Panama was used to calibrate substitution rates for COI. This calibration was based on the detection of a shallow but significant genetic structure betweenP. noctilucapopulations from the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. Considering our calibration for COI, we refute a possible origin of Clades I and II during the Messinian salinity crisis. Our estimates suggest the origin for a putative common ancestor of Clades I and II around 2.57 Ma (with 95% 2.91–2.22 HPD), roughly corresponding to the Gelasian stage of the early Pleistocene. These alterations include changes in the sea level and oceanic currents at the Strait of Gibraltar and other regions of the Mediterranean basin, and could explain the origin of the twoP. noctilucaclades.
Monochromatic trees in random tournaments
Authors: Bucić Matija , Heberle Sven , Letzter Shoham , Sudakov Benny
Published: November 2019

We prove that, with high probability, in every 2-edge-colouring of the random tournament on n vertices there is a monochromatic copy of every oriented tree of order $O(n{\rm{/}}\sqrt {{\rm{log}} \ n} )$. This generalizes a result of the first, third and fourth authors, who proved the same statement for paths, and is tight up to a constant factor.
Homelessness Prevention Policy in an International Context: The Housing Act (Wales) 2014
Authors: Ahmed Anya , Madoc-Jones Iolo
Published: November 2019

In this article – a review article preceding a series of articles in this themed section considering specific aspects of the impacts and implementation processes of the Welsh legislation – we contextualise the introduction of the prevention agenda in Wales by defining homelessness and highlighting the shift towards prevention policy in an international context. We consider the nature of prevention, and examine related theoretical debates, critiques and the cost/benefits of prevention. We conclude by offering some reflections on the progress of homelessness prevention since the Act’s implementation drawing on data from the longitudinal post-implementation evaluation of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014.
Investigation of Spatiotemporal Morphology of Plasma Bubbles Based on EAR Observations
Authors: Joshi L.M. , Tsai L.‐C. , Su S.‐Y. , Otsuka Y. , Yokoyama T. , Yamamoto M. , Sarkhel S. , Hozumi K. , Lu C.‐H.
Published: November 2019

Spatiotemporal characteristics of equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) have been studied based on Equatorial Atmosphere Radar (EAR) fan sector observations from Kototabang. EPBs were characterized as either locally generated (whose genesis and subsequent evolution was observed in the fan sector maps) or drifted type (which drifted into fan sector scans from west). Investigation of the radar echo spectral width indicated that the drifted EPB could be less evolving type. Height of the F layer in the postsunset period over Kototabang and Chumphon were examined in the two types. Average peak h′F was higher in locally generated EPB cases than in drifted EPB cases (by ~25 km), which is also found to be statistically significant. This scenario has been visualized in terms of a standing large‐scale wave structure (LSWS) whose phase determine whether EPB will be seen evolving over EAR or drifted from a western longitude. Furthermore, low‐latitude sporadic E (Es) variabilities in the two cases were also examined. Es indicated an inverse relation with the peak h′F (which depends on crest/trough of LSWS). These results have been discussed in the light of earlier works on spatial morphology of EPB clusters, particularly in context to the possible generation mechanism of LSWS by the spatial inhomogeneity in the low‐latitude E region conductivity. Lesser occurrence of low‐latitude Es in locally generated EPB cases also signifies the vital role of E region conductivity on Rayleigh‐Taylor instability. These results highlight a need for networked spatial observation of low‐latitude Es.
Cusp and Nightside Auroral Sources of O+ in the Plasma Sheet
Authors: Kistler L. M. , Mouikis C. G. , Asamura K. , Yokota S. , Kasahara S. , Miyoshi Y. , Keika K. , Matsuoka A. , Shinohara I. , Hori T. , Kitamura N. , Petrinec S. M. , Cohen I. J. , Delcourt D. C.
Published: November 2019

Energetic O+ outflow is observed from both the dayside cusp and the nightside aurora, but the relative importance of these regions in populating the plasma sheet and ring current is not known. During a storm on 16 July 2017, the Arase and MMS satellites were located in the near‐earth and midtail plasma sheet boundary layers (PSBL). During the storm main phase, Arase and MMS both observe O+ in the lobe entering the PSBL, followed by a time period with energy‐dispersed bursts of tailward‐streaming O+. The ions at MMS are at higher energies than at Arase. Trajectory modeling shows that the ions coming in from the lobe are cusp origin, while the more energetic bursty ions are from the nightside aurora. The observed and simulated energies and temporal dispersion are consistent with these sources. Thus, both regions directly contribute O+ to the plasma sheet during this storm main phase.
How Sudden, Intense Energetic Electron Enhancements Correlate With the Innermost Plasmapause Locations Under Various Solar Wind Drivers and Geomagnetic Conditions
Authors: Khoo L.‐Y. , Li X. , Zhao H. , Chu X. , Xiang Z. , Zhang K.
Published: November 2019

In this report, the relationship between innermost plasmapause locations (Lpp) and initial electron enhancements during both storm and nonstorm (Dst > −30 nT) periods are examined using data from the Van Allen Probes. The geomagnetic storms are classified into coronal mass ejection (CME)‐driven and corotating interaction region (CIR)‐driven storms to explore their influences on the initial electron enhancements, respectively. We also study nonstorm time electron enhancements and observe frequent, sudden (within two consecutive orbital passes) <400‐keV electron enhancements during quiet periods. Our analysis reveals an incredibly cohesive observation that holds regardless of electron energies (~30 keV–2.5 MeV) or geomagnetic conditions: the innermost Lpp is the innermost boundary of the initial energetic electron enhancements. Interestingly, the quantified energy‐dependent relationship of the sudden, intense energetic electron enhancements, with respect to the innermost Lpp, also exhibit a very similar trend during both storm and nonstorm periods. In summary, the goal of this report is to provide a comprehensive quantification of this consistent relationship under various geomagnetic conditions, which will also enable better forecast and specification of energetic electrons in the inner magnetosphere.
Nonlinear Interaction of High‐Frequency Seismic Waves With Sliding Fault Planes
Authors: Sleep Norman H.
Published: November 2019

Slip during large crustal earthquakes continues for extended periods of time on spatially extensive fault planes. High‐frequency body waves from other parts of the fault system thus impinge on patches of the fault that are still actively sliding. Intuitively, the material within sliding fault planes does not rheologically distinguish between the low‐frequency stresses driving the gross earthquake and high‐frequency dynamic stresses from impinging body waves. Nonlinear interaction occurs, interrogating the rheology of the fault plane. High‐frequency S waves nonlinearly produce additional inelastic slip ΔS on the sliding fault. The ratio of this slip to the elastic displacement (ΔS/ΔSE), where ΔSE is the elastic displacement, depends on the slip‐reflection number, (∂V/∂τ)ρβ, where ∂V/∂τ is the derivative of sliding velocity with respect to shear traction, ρ is density, and β is S‐wave velocity. The sliding fault transmits and weakly reflects S waves for small values ≪2 of the parameter; it weakly transmits and strongly reflects for high values ≫2. It is relevant to evaluate ∂V/∂τ at the long‐period slip velocity V0 and shear traction τ0 of the gross earthquake. The ratio is then ΔS/ΔSE = ρβV0Φ/τ0, where Φ ≡ (∂V/∂τ)(τ0/V0) is measure of the nonlinearity the fault rheology. For example, the parameter Φ at high‐frequency impinging S waves is the ratio μ0/a of the coefficient of friction to the rate parameter a ≈ 0.01 for rate and state friction. Weak sliding faults (low τ0 and high V0) strongly reflect impinging S waves. During waning slip, dynamic stresses from S waves antithetical to the gross slip direction and compressional P waves may heterogeneously lock the fault.
Precollisional Latitude of the Northern Tethyan Himalaya From the Paleocene Redbeds and Its Implication for Greater India and the India‐Asia collision
Authors: Yang Tianshui , Jin Jingjie , Bian Weiwei , Ma Yiming , Gao Feng , Peng Wenxiao , Ding Jikai , Wang Suo , Zhang Shihong , Wu Huaichun , Li Haiyan , Yang Zhenyu
Published: November 2019

The precollisional paleolatitude of the Tethyan Himalaya is essential to constrain the India‐Asia collision, the size of Greater India, and the Neotethyan paleogeography. However, reliable Late Cretaceous‐Paleocene paleomagnetic datasets are still scarce because of serious remagnetization. Here we report the first redbed‐based paleomagnetic results from the Paleocene (60‐58 Ma) redbeds in the Saga area of the northern Tethyan Himalaya. The tilt‐corrected site‐mean direction obtained from 36 paleomagnetic sites is D=178.7°, I=9.5° with ɑ95=5.4°, corresponding to a paleopole at 55.9°N, 267.6°E with dp/dm=2.8°/5.5° and a paleolatitude of 4.8°±2.8°S for the study area (29.3°N, 85.3°E). The site‐mean inclination increased from 9.5 to 14.9° after the anisotropy‐based inclination shallowing correction, leading to corresponding paleolatitudes increasing from 4.8 to 7.6°S. This reliable paleomagnetic dataset passes positive fold tests and supports that the northern Tethyan Himalaya was located at 6.3±4.3°S during 60‐58 Ma. Comparison with the coeval paleolatitudes expected from the Indian craton indicates that a north‐south crustal shortening of 3.1±5.5° (340±610 km) occurred between the Indian craton and the northern Tethyan Himalaya after 59 Ma, and no wide ocean extended between them after the Latest Jurassic. Our new Paleocene results together with reliable Cretaceous paleomagnetic results from the Lhasa terrane show that the India‐Asia collision occurred at 47.1±4.5 Ma.
Vertically Extensive Magma Reservoir Revealed From Joint Inversion and Quantitative Interpretation of Seismic and Gravity Data
Authors: Paulatto Michele , Moorkamp Max , Hautmann Stefanie , Hooft Emilie , Morgan Joanna V. , Sparks R. Stephen J.
Published: November 2019

Recent advances in our understanding of arc magmatic systems indicate that melt is stored for long periods in low‐melt fraction crystal mushes and that eruptible magma reservoirs are short‐lived and are assembled rapidly by buoyancy‐induced instabilities and draining of the crystal mush. Many aspects of their architecture remain unclear, particularly in relation to their geometry and shallow melt distribution. We investigate the storage of melt below the active Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat, using joint geophysical inversion combined with a quantitative interpretation approach based on rock physics. We jointly inverted active‐source P‐wave traveltimes and gravity anomalies to derive coincident 3‐D models of P‐wave velocity and density to a depth of 8 km. Comparative analysis of the active SHV and extinct Centre Hills volcano and effective elastic medium computations allow us to constrain temperature, melt fraction, and melt geometry. A continuous column of partial melt is inferred beneath SHV, at 4–8 km depth. Melt fraction is ~6% (ranging from 3 to 13% depending on melt geometry) and is maximum at 5–6 km depth. When under‐recovery of the low‐vP volume is taken into account, the melt fraction is revised to ~17% (ranging from 11 to 28%). Analysis of vP/density cross plots indicates that the melt distribution is best represented by low‐aspect ratio geometries. These likely span a multiscale spectrum ranging from grain‐scale inclusions and fractures to 100‐m‐scale dykes and sills. Our results confirm the concept of vertically extensive crystal mush including one or multiple more melt‐rich layers.
Barriers to Adherence to Medical Recommendations Following Adolescent Injury
Authors: Donlon Katharine , Meadows Amy L. , Marsac Meghan L.
Published: November 2019

Objective: Adherence to treatment recommendations following medical care for pediatric conditions is important for promoting optimal physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the potential barriers to adherence following injuries in adolescents. Method: Ten adolescents aged 14–17 (9 male) and their parents participated in semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for analysis of themes related to adherence and barriers to adherence. Results: Results indicated that adolescents may encounter a number of barriers to adherence, including concern about pain medication addiction, competing activities in conflict with medical recommendations, desire for autonomy, and emotional responses to their injury and associated treatment. Conclusions: Thus, although more research is needed to better understand how these factors affect later outcomes, medical teams may want to consider facilitating discussion about potential barriers to adherence while working with adolescents and their parents to support optimal recovery.

Implications for Impact Statement

The present study suggests that adolescents encounter numerous barriers to adhering to their medical recommendations after sustaining an injury. Given the potential consequences associated with poor adherence, these barriers may contribute to the future development and evaluation of interventions to promote optimal postinjury recovery.
Selected Ethical Issues in Computerized Cognitive Training
Authors: Hague Cole , Holland Alice Ann , Gottlieb Michael
Published: November 2019

Objective: Studies suggesting promising results from computerized cognitive training (CCT) in pediatric populations have resulted in cognitive training being increasingly investigated within the scientific community. However, these seemingly promising results are often limited by methodological problems, suggesting that they may not generalize to real-world applications. These issues are all the more concerning given that CCT products often require an investment of time and finances. Despite the equivocal findings surrounding these interventions and their increasingly wide use, little discussion has taken place pertaining to the ethical issues of psychologists recommending and providing these programs to children. Method: In this article, we review relevant American Psychological Association Ethics Code standards and raise important questions for pediatric psychologists to consider, such as whether psychologists are prematurely supporting CCT as a legitimate intervention. To date, these questions have not been discussed in the literature to date. Results and Conclusions: This article offers a careful analysis of ethical considerations for examining such questions and offers recommendations for best practice.

Implications for Impact Statement

This article briefly reviews the empirical status of computerized cognitive training, with an emphasis on the potential benefits and risks associated with this form of intervention. The focus of this article is to discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in endorsing or providing computerized cognitive training as a service for children, which, to date, has yet to be discussed.
The Australian Marriage Equality Debate: A Qualitative Analysis of the Self-Reported Lived Experience of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ) People
Authors: Ecker Saan , Rostosky Sharon S. , Riggle Ellen D. B. , Riley Elizabeth Anne , Byrnes Joanne M.
Published: November 2019

This study explored the lived experiences of a sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people during the Australian Government postal survey on legal recognition of same-sex marriage (August to November 2017). Negative impacts of public voting and debates on marriage equality for LGBTIQ people have been previously documented in United States, but less so in other national contexts. Thematic analysis was conducted using written responses of LGBTIQ participants ( N = 5,313) to open-ended questions on a larger survey. Findings revealed that LGBTIQ participants experienced the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey debate as a pervasive and predominantly negative event. Participants reported experiences of prejudice and discrimination and increased fear, anxiety, anger, and depression. They also described the harm and hurt caused by widespread negative images of and messages about LGBTIQ people. Some participants felt their lives were under threat and reported psychological distress, including thoughts of suicide. Although a few participants noted positive support that helped them cope, most participants perceived the debate and vote as a highly stressful, socially fracturing process that threatened interpersonal relationships with family members, workmates, and communities. Many participants described feeling betrayed by the government, country, and Church. These findings extend previous studies that document the public health impacts of political processes that publicly debate the human rights of LGBTIQ individuals.
A Qualitative Construction of Sufficiency Living Wage in Thailand Based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy
Authors: Yoelao Dusadee , Mohan Kanu Priya , Sombatwattana Piyada
Published: November 2019

In our world where economic disparities are slowing down progress, the call for adopting living wage policies for workers seems to be essential for sustainable human development. This research endeavored to identify the meaning of a “living wage” in concurrence with the sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP), by developing a new concept of “sufficiency living wage” (SLW) in the context of Thailand. A qualitative approach was adopted to examine how minimum wage earners interpret SEP and merge it with their perceptions of living wage. Twelve employees, working at a riverside resort in Thailand, were invited to join the research, as they represented workers who had absorbed the concept of SEP at their work. Interviews were used for data collection. From the thematic analysis of the interviews, two main themes emerged to derive meaning of the SLW from the workers’ experiences. The first theme about the “sufficiency of wages” emerged from the understanding of participants about the 3 tenets of the SEP—moderation, reasonableness, and self-immunity, when applied to a living wage. The second theme was the “psychological utility of wages,” which was valued in terms of tangible and intangible components of perceived utility of the SLW. These findings could be of significance to not only the workers but also to employers, as the emerging concept of SLW could support providing affordable and sustainable living wage. From an applied perspective, it might be beneficial to develop the construct of SLW quantitatively and examine its impact on work and life outcomes.
The exosome-mediated autocrine and paracrine actions of plasma gelsolin in ovarian cancer chemoresistance
Authors: Asare-Werehene Meshach , Nakka Kiran , Reunov Arkadiy , Chiu Chen-Tzu , Lee Wei-Ting , Abedini Mohammad R. , Wang Pei-Wen , Shieh Dar-Bin , Dilworth F. Jeffrey , Carmona Euridice , Le Tien , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Burger Dylan , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: November 2019

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the most lethal gynecological cancer, due predominantly to late presentation, high recurrence rate and common chemoresistance development. The expression of the actin-associated protein cytosolic gelsolin (GSN) regulates the gynecological cancer cell fate resulting in dysregulation in chemosensitivity. In this study, we report that elevated expression of plasma gelsolin (pGSN), a secreted isoform of GSN and expressed from the same GSN gene, correlates with poorer overall survival and relapse-free survival in patients with OVCA. In addition, it is highly expressed and secreted in chemoresistant OVCA cells than its chemosensitive counterparts. pGSN, secreted and transported via exosomes (Ex-pGSN), upregulates HIF1α–mediated pGSN expression in chemoresistant OVCA cells in an autocrine manner as well as confers cisplatin resistance in otherwise chemosensitive OVCA cells. These findings support our hypothesis that exosomal pGSN promotes OVCA cell survival through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms that transform chemosensitive cells to resistant counterparts. Specifically, pGSN transported via exosomes is a determinant of chemoresistance in OVCA.
Translating clinical findings to the legal norm: the Defendant’s Insanity Assessment Support Scale (DIASS)
Authors: Parmigiani Giovanna , Mandarelli Gabriele , Meynen Gerben , Carabellese Felice , Ferracuti Stefano
Published: November 2019

Insanity definition and the threshold for satisfying its legal criteria tend to vary depending on the jurisdictions. Yet, in Western countries, the legal standards for insanity often rely on the presence of cognitive and/or volitional impairment of the defendant at crime time. Despite some efforts having been made to guide and structure criminal responsibility evaluations, a valid instrument that could be useful to guide forensic psychiatrists’ criminal responsibility assessments in different jurisdictions is lacking. This is a gap that needs to be addressed, considering the significant forensic and procedural implications of psychiatric evaluations. In addition, differences in methodology used in insanity assessments may also have consequences for the principle of equal rights for all citizens before the law, which should be guaranteed in the European Union. We developed an instrument, the Defendant’s Insanity Assessment Support Scale (DIASS), which can be useful to support, structure, and guide the insanity assessment across different jurisdictions, in order to improve reliability and consistency of such evaluations.
miR-223 overexpression inhibits doxorubicin-induced autophagy by targeting FOXO3a and reverses chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhou Yue , Chen Enjiang , Tang Yuexiao , Mao Jiayan , Shen Jian , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Xie Shangzhi , Zhang Shufen , Wu Ying , Liu Hao , Zhi Xiao , Ma Tao , Ni Haibin , Chen Jiabin , Chai Kequn , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

Doxorubicin is conventionally used in chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but acquired resistance developed during long-term therapy limits its benefits. Autophagy, a conserved catabolic process for cellular self-protection and adaptation to the changing environment, is regarded as a potential clinical target to overcome doxorubicin resistance. In this study, the potential role of miR-223 in modulating doxorubicin-induced autophagy and sensitivity were evaluated in four transfected human HCC cell lines, and the in vivo relevance was assessed using a mouse xenograft model of HCC. We found that the well-defined miR-223 is expressed at low levels in doxorubicin treated HCC cells and that miR-223 overexpression inhibits the doxorubicin-induced autophagy that contributes to chemoresistance. Blockade of autophagic flux by chloroquine resulted in the failure of miR-223 inhibitor to suppress doxorubicin sensitivity of HCC cells. We further identified FOXO3a as a direct downstream target of miR-223 and primary mediator of the regulatory effect of miR-223 on doxorubicin-induced autophagy and chemoresistance in HCC cells. Finally, we confirmed the enhancement of doxorubicin sensitivity by agomiR-223 in xenograft models of HCC. These findings establish a novel miRNA-based approach for autophagy interference to reverse doxorubicin resistance in future chemotherapy regimens against human HCC.
Revealing Hi-C subcompartments by imputing inter-chromosomal chromatin interactions
Authors: Xiong Kyle , Ma Jian
Published: November 2019

Higher-order genome organization and its variation in different cellular conditions remain poorly understood. Recent high-coverage genome-wide chromatin interaction mapping using Hi-C has revealed spatial segregation of chromosomes in the human genome into distinct subcompartments. However, subcompartment annotation, which requires Hi-C data with high sequencing coverage, is currently only available in the GM12878 cell line, making it impractical to compare subcompartment patterns across cell types. Here we develop a computational approach, SNIPER (Subcompartment iNference using Imputed Probabilistic ExpRessions), based on denoising autoencoder and multilayer perceptron classifier to infer subcompartments using typical Hi-C datasets with moderate coverage. SNIPER accurately reveals subcompartments using moderate coverage Hi-C datasets and outperforms an existing method that uses epigenomic features in GM12878. We apply SNIPER to eight additional cell lines and find that chromosomal regions with conserved and cell-type specific subcompartment annotations have different patterns of functional genomic features. SNIPER enables the identification of subcompartments without high-coverage Hi-C data and provides insights into the function and mechanisms of spatial genome organization variation across cell types.
Tissue-specific microRNA expression alters cancer
susceptibility conferred by a TP53 noncoding
variant
Authors: Deng Qipan , Hu Hui , Yu Xinfang , Liu Shuanglin , Wang Lei , Chen Weiqun , Zhang Chi , Zeng Zhaoyang , Cao Ya , Xu-Monette Zijun Y. , Li Ling , Zhang Mingzhi , Rosenfeld Steven , Bao Shideng , Hsi Eric , Young Ken H. , Lu Zhongxin , Li Yong
Published: November 2019

A noncoding polymorphism (rs78378222) in TP53, carried by scores of millions of people, was previously
associated with moderate risk of brain tumors and other neoplasms. We find a
positive association between this variant and soft tissue sarcoma. In sharp
contrast, it is protective against breast cancer. We generated a mouse line carrying
this variant and found that it accelerates spontaneous tumorigenesis and glioma
development, but strikingly, delays mammary tumorigenesis. The variant creates a
miR-382-5p targeting site and compromises a miR-325-3p site. Their differential
expression results in p53 downregulation in the brain, but p53 upregulation in the
mammary gland of polymorphic mice compared to that of wild-type littermates. Thus,
this variant is at odds with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome mutants in breast cancer
predisposition yet consistent in glioma predisposition. Our findings elucidate an
underlying mechanism of cancer susceptibility that is conferred by genetic variation
and yet altered by microRNA expression.
All-printed large-scale integrated circuits based on organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Andersson Ersman Peter , Lassnig Roman , Strandberg Jan , Tu Deyu , Keshmiri Vahid , Forchheimer Robert , Fabiano Simone , Gustafsson Göran , Berggren Magnus
Published: November 2019

The communication outposts of the emerging Internet of Things are embodied by ordinary items, which desirably include all-printed flexible sensors, actuators, displays and akin organic electronic interface devices in combination with silicon-based digital signal processing and communication technologies. However, hybrid integration of smart electronic labels is partly hampered due to a lack of technology that (de)multiplex signals between silicon chips and printed electronic devices. Here, we report all-printed 4-to-7 decoders and seven-bit shift registers, including over 100 organic electrochemical transistors each, thus minimizing the number of terminals required to drive monolithically integrated all-printed electrochromic displays. These relatively advanced circuits are enabled by a reduction of the transistor footprint, an effort which includes several further developments of materials and screen printing processes. Our findings demonstrate that digital circuits based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) provide a unique bridge between all-printed organic electronics (OEs) and low-cost silicon chip technology for Internet of Things applications.
Polarisome scaffolder Spa2-mediated macromolecular condensation of Aip5 for actin polymerization
Authors: Xie Ying , Sun Jialin , Han Xiao , Turšić-Wunder Alma , Toh Joel D. W. , Hong Wanjin , Gao Yong-Gui , Miao Yansong
Published: November 2019

A multiprotein complex polarisome nucleates actin cables for polarized cell growth in budding yeast and filamentous fungi. However, the dynamic regulations of polarisome proteins in polymerizing actin under physiological and stress conditions remains unknown. We identify a previously functionally unknown polarisome member, actin-interacting-protein 5 (Aip5), which promotes actin assembly synergistically with formin Bni1. Aip5-C terminus is responsible for its activities by interacting with G-actin and Bni1. Through N-terminal intrinsically disordered region, Aip5 forms high-order oligomers and generate cytoplasmic condensates under the stresses conditions. The molecular dynamics and reversibility of Aip5 condensates are regulated by scaffolding protein Spa2 via liquid-liquid phase separation both in vitro and in vivo. In the absence of Spa2, Aip5 condensates hamper cell growth and actin cable structures under stress treatment. The present study reveals the mechanisms of actin assembly for polarity establishment and the adaptation in stress conditions to protect actin assembly by protein phase separation.
13-Tetradecenyl acetate, a female-produced sex pheromone component of the economically important click beetle Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Williams Livy , Serrano Jacqueline M. , Johnson Paul J. , Millar Jocelyn G.
Published: November 2019

Species-specific behavior-modifying chemicals have been used for more than 50 years for monitoring and management of insect pests of agriculture and human health. Elaterid beetle larvae are among insect pests in soil that are increasingly problematic, in part due to the lack of effective management strategies. However, little is known about the insect-produced chemicals that mediate the reproductive behavior of these pests. We used chemical and behavioral studies to identify, synthesize, and field test the sex attractant pheromone of adults ofMelanotus communis, commonly called the corn wireworm, the larvae of which are economically important pests of U.S. crops. Our results indicated that a single female-produced chemical, 13-tetradecenyl acetate, was strongly attractive to conspecific male beetles, and did not appear to attract other species. In field evaluations, maleM. communisexhibited a dose-dependent response to this compound. In a trial comparing different slow-release dispensers, a small rubber septum impregnated with the chemical was as effective as and easier to use than a plastic bag dispenser. Given that the sex attractant of this insect consists of a single compound that can be readily synthesized, its development for monitoring and management of the corn wireworm may be economically feasible.
Microwaves from mobile phone induce reactive oxygen species but not DNA damage, preleukemic fusion genes and apoptosis in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Durdik Matus , Kosik Pavol , Markova Eva , Somsedikova Alexandra , Gajdosechova Beata , Nikitina Ekaterina , Horvathova Eva , Kozics Katarina , Davis Devra , Belyaev Igor
Published: November 2019

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been associated with the increased risk of childhood leukemia, which arises from mutations induced within hematopoietic stem cells often through preleukemic fusion genes (PFG). In this study we investigated whether exposure to microwaves (MW) emitted by mobile phones could induce various biochemical markers of cellular damage including reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA single and double strand breaks, PFG, and apoptosis in umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells including CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. UCB cells were exposed to MW pulsed signals from GSM900/UMTS test-mobile phone and ROS, apoptosis, DNA damage, and PFG were analyzed using flow cytometry, automated fluorescent microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, comet assay, and RT-qPCR. In general, no persisting difference in DNA damage, PFG and apoptosis between exposed and sham-exposed samples was detected. However, we found increased ROS level after 1 h of UMTS exposure that was not evident 3 h post-exposure. We also found that the level of ROS rise with the higher degree of cellular differentiation. Our data show that UCB cells exposed to pulsed MW developed transient increase in ROS that did not result in sustained DNA damage and apoptosis.
The shape of disposable diaper affects spontaneous movements of lower limbs in young infants
Authors: Gima Hirotaka , Teshima Midori , Tagami Etsuko , Sato Toshihiro , Ohta Hidenobu
Published: November 2019

This study examined the characteristics of young infants’ lower limb spontaneous movements based on differences in shape of diapers. Twenty-seven healthy infants (103 ± 16.3 days old) were enrolled in this study. We measured the spontaneous movements of their lower limbs in four conditions (Naked, wearing Normal type diapers, wearing Type A diapers, and wearing Type B diapers). The Normal diaper has a wider waist belt than the Type A diaper, and the Type B diaper has a narrower crotch area than the Type A diaper. We observed them in seven indices (the velocity of lower limb movements, the trajectory area of knee movement in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane, the distance between both knees and between side of abdomen and knee, and correlation of velocities between side of abdomen and knee and between left and right ankles). The results showed that the velocity of the lower limb movements in the Naked condition was higher than when wearing Normal diapers. The value for the trajectory area of knee movement in sagittal plane, which reflects the range of lower leg lifting movements and closeness of such movements to the trunk, for the Type B diaper condition was higher than that for the Normal diaper condition. This result indicates that the shape of the diaper affects the spontaneous movements of the lower limbs of young infants.
New diphenylphosphane derivatives of ketoconazole are promising antifungal agents
Authors: de Almeida Rodrigo F. M. , Santos Filipa C. , Marycz Krzysztof , Alicka Michalina , Krasowska Anna , Suchodolski Jakub , Panek Jarosław J. , Jezierska Aneta , Starosta Radosław
Published: November 2019

Four new derivatives of ketoconazole (Ke) were synthesized: diphenylphosphane (KeP), and phosphane chalcogenides: oxide (KeOP), sulphide (KeSP) and selenide (KeSeP). These compounds proved to be promising antifungal compounds towards Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, especially in synergy with fluconazole. Simulations of docking to the cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase (azoles’ primary molecular target) proved that the new Ke derivatives are capable of inhibiting this enzyme by binding to the active site. Cytotoxicity towards hACSs (human adipose-derived stromal cells) of the individual compounds was studied and the IC50 values were higher than the MIC50 for C. albicans and S. cerevisiae. KeP and KeOP increased the level of the p21 gene transcript but did not change the level of p53 gene transcript, a major regulator of apoptosis, and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, the results advocate that the new ketoconazole derivatives have a similar mechanism of action and block the lanosterol 14α-demethylase and thus inhibit the production of ergosterol in C. albicans membranes.
A suicide inhibitor of nematode trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatases
Authors: Cross Megan , York Mark , Długosz Ewa , Straub Jan Hendrik , Biberacher Sonja , Herath H. M. P. Dilrukshi , Logan Stephanie A. , Kim Jeong-Sun , Gasser Robin B. , Ryan John H. , Hofmann Andreas
Published: November 2019

Protein-based drug discovery strategies have the distinct advantage of providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of chemical effectors. Currently, there are no known trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) inhibitors that possess reasonable inhibition constants and chemical scaffolds amenable to convenient modification. In the present study, we subjected recombinant TPPs to a two-tiered screening approach to evaluate several diverse compound groups with respect to their potential as TPP inhibitors. From a total of 5452 compounds tested, N-(phenylthio)phthalimide was identified as an inhibitor of nematode TPPs with apparent Ki values of 1.0 μM and 0.56 μM against the enzymes from the zoonotic roundworms Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Toxocara canis, respectively. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that this compound acts as a suicide inhibitor that conjugates a strictly conserved cysteine residue in the vicinity of the active site of nematode TPPs. The anthelmintic properties of N-(phenylthio)phthalimide were assessed in whole nematode assays using larvae of the ascaroids T. canis and T. cati, as well as the barber’s pole worm Haemonchus contortus. The compound was particularly effective against each of the ascaroids with an IC50 value of 9.3 μM in the survival assay of T. cati larvae, whereas no bioactivity was observed against H. contortus.