bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane‐initiated estrogen signaling in prostate cancer: A route to epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Gadkar Sushama , Nair Shardool , Patil Smita , Kalamani Shilpa , Bandivdekar Atmaram , Patel Vainav , Chaudhari Uddhav , Sachdeva Geetanjali
Published: August 2019

The plasma membrane (PM) is considered as a major druggable site. More than 50% of the existing drugs target PM proteins. In the wake of emerging data indicating a key role of estrogens in prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis, the study was undertaken to explore whether the estrogen binding sites exist on the PM and if such sites are functionally relevant in PCa. Estradiol (E2) binding to the PM was detected in androgen‐dependent (LNCaP), androgen‐independent (PC3, DU145) PCa cell lines, nontumorigenic (RWPE1) prostate epithelial cell line, and rat prostate cells. Conventional estrogen receptors (nuclear estrogen receptors), known for their nuclear localization, were detected in the PM enriched extracts. This was indirectly confirmed by reduced localization of ERs on the PM of cells, silenced for the expression of their cognate genes. Further, unlike cell‐permeable E2, stimulation with cell‐impermeable estradiol (E2‐BSA) did not induce proliferation in LNCaP cells. However, stimulation with E2‐BSA led to alterations in the phosphorylation status of several kinases including GSK3 and AKT, along with the hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins such as β‐actin and cytokeratin 8 in LNCaP. This was accompanied by epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal (EMT) features such as increased migration and invasion; higher vimentin expression, and a concomitant decrease in the E‐cadherin expression. These effects were not observed in RWPE1 cells. Interestingly, cell‐permeable E2 failed to induce EMT in PCa cells. This in vitro study is the first to suggest that the PM‐initiated estrogen signaling contributes to higher invasiveness in PCa cells. Plasma membrane ERs may act as novel targets for PCa therapeutics.
An integrated AHP‐TOPSIS framework for foreign direct investment in Turkey
Authors: Çalık Ahmet , Çizmecioğlu Sinan , Akpınar Ayhan
Published: August 2019

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is seen as an essential part of development due to the contribution of the host country. Profits of FDI such as technology transfers, spillover benefits, and increasing competition have encouraged both of domestic firms and policymakers to attracting FDI. In the course of making investment decisions, foreign investors prefer countries that follow stable economic policies, achieve a certain level of development of financial structure, and have legal regulations that favour foreign capital. Turkey, one of the emerging market economies, met the challenges including but not limited to high inflation, diminishing growth rates, and currency depreciation. Even with its ongoing currency crisis, Turkey continues to remain a top pick for investors. From this point of view, this paper investigates the selection of the most suitable sector by taking into consideration the economic, political, and country factors for foreign investors. The proposed methodology for sector selection contains three stages. The criteria for FDI are defined from the current literature, and we narrow it down according to the opinions of the decision‐making group. After that, the analytic hierarchy process method used to obtain the priority order of the criteria. Finally, we use the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method to rank the sectors in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Additionally, we perform a sensitivity analysis to observe the effects of possible changes in the weights of the criteria. We designate three prime criteria, which are political, economic, and country. The results indicate that political criterion have the highest weight and based on the results of stages, manufacturing sector is obtained as primer election industry.
Update of the MDS research criteria for prodromal Parkinson's disease
Authors: Heinzel Sebastian , Berg Daniela , Gasser Thomas , Chen Honglei , Yao Chun , Postuma Ronald B. ,   the MDS Task Force on the Definition of Parkinson's Disease
Published: August 2019

The MDS Research Criteria for Prodromal PD allow the diagnosis of prodromal Parkinson's disease using an evidence‐based conceptual framework, which was designed to be updated as new evidence becomes available. New prospective evidence of predictive values of risk and prodromal markers published since 2015 was reviewed and integrated into the criteria. Many of the predictive values (likelihood ratios, LR) remain unchanged. The positive likelihood ratio notably increase for olfactory loss and decreased for substantia nigra hyperechogenicity. Negative likelihood ratio remained largely unchanged for all markers. New levels of diagnostic certainty for neurogenic and symptomatic orthostatic hypotension have been added, which substantially differ in positive likelihood ratio from the original publication. For intermediate strength genetic variants, their age‐related penetrance is now incorporated in the calculation of the positive likelihood ratio. Moreover, apart from prospective studies, evidence from cross‐sectional case‐control genome‐wide association studies is also considered (given their likely lack of confounding and reverse causation), and to account for the effect of multiple low‐penetrance genetic variants polygenic risk scores are added to the model. Diabetes, global cognitive deficit, physical inactivity, and low plasma urate levels in men enter the criteria as new markers. A web‐based prodromal PD risk calculator allows the calculation of probabilities of prodromal PD for individuals. Several promising candidate markers may improve the diagnostic accuracy of prodromal PD in the future. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Focused ultrasound in Parkinson's disease: A twofold path toward disease modification
Authors: Foffani Guglielmo , Trigo‐Damas Inés , Pineda‐Pardo José A. , Blesa Javier , Rodríguez‐Rojas Rafael , Martínez‐Fernández Raul , Obeso José A.
Published: August 2019

A major unmet need in Parkinson's disease (PD) is to slow the inexorable progression of neurodegeneration. Clinical trials that evaluated promising pharmacological strategies have repeatedly failed. Nonetheless, the advent of focused ultrasound provides new opportunities toward the goal of developing a safe and effective disease‐modifying therapy for PD. Here we discuss the rationale, possible avenues, and challenges along this path, exploiting the potential of focused ultrasound for (1) performing focal thermal lesions to restore the basic basal ganglia abnormalities associated with dopamine depletion, and (2) transiently opening the blood–brain barrier for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. First, the classic idea of excitotoxicity mediated by hyperactivity of the subthalamic nucleus suggests that focused ultrasound subthalamotomy may offer a clinically viable disease‐modifying therapy in very‐early PD. Second, the concept of retrograde nigrostriatal neurodegeneration, supported by our recent cortical pathogenic theory of PD, points toward the putamen as a principal site for focused ultrasound blood–brain barrier opening and targeted drug delivery. In principle, both therapeutic strategies—subthalamotomy and putaminal blood–brain barrier opening—could eventually be applied in the same patient. Clinical application is still a long road ahead; nevertheless, focused ultrasound may open a twofold path toward disease modification in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Probabilistic long‐term hydrological drought forecast using Bayesian networks and drought propagation
Authors: Shin Ji Yae , Kwon Hyun‐Han , Lee Joo‐Heon , Kim Tae‐Woong
Published: August 2019

Effective drought mitigation plans that can handle severe drought conditions require reliable drought forecasts. A probabilistic hydrological drought forecasting method was developed using Bayesian networks that incorporate dynamic model predictions and a drought propagation relationship. The resulting model, Bayesian networks based drought forecasting with drought propagation (BNDF_DP), was designed using current and forecast lead time drought conditions of a multi‐model ensemble. Hydrological drought conditions were represented by the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index. The ranked probability score (RPS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to measure forecast proficiency. The BNDF_DP model showed good performance, with an RPS 4–50% higher than a climatological model. ROC analysis indicated that the BNDF_DP offered superior forecasting skills for long‐term drought, with a 2 and 3 month lead time, compared with a model that does not consider drought propagation. The overall results indicated that the BNDF_DP model was a promising tool for probabilistic drought forecasting that can provide water managers and decision‐makers with the flexibility to respond to undesirable drought risks, prepare drought mitigation action plans and regulate policies based on future uncertainties.
Total probability of two‐parameter generalized transition function
Authors: Yuquan Xie
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we research some properties of the total probability of a two‐parameter generalized transition function and obtain some important and interesting results.
BRCA1 regulates HMGA2 levels in the Swan71 trophoblast cell line
Authors: West Rachel C. , Russ Jennifer E. , Bouma Gerrit J. , Winger Quinton A.
Published: August 2019

During early placental development, tumor suppressors and oncogenes work synergistically to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in a restrained manner compared with the uncontrollable growth in cancer. One example of this partnership is the regulation of the oncofetal protein HMGA2 by BRCA1. BRCA1 forms a repressor complex with ZNF350 and CtIP to bind to the promoter of HMGA2, preventing transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation determined BRCA1 forms this repressor complex in human trophoblast cells, suggesting a role in the placenta. Furthermore, miR‐182 has been shown to target BRCA1 mRNA in ovarian cancer cells, blocking the formation of the BRCA1 repressor complex and allowing increased transcription of HMGA2. miR‐182 was one of the first miRNAs described as elevated in the serum and placentas of preeclamptic women. Therefore, we hypothesized that BRCA1 is essential for normal trophoblast cell development. We used CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing and miR‐182 overexpression to decrease BRCA1 protein in the Swan71 cell line. HMGA2 was significantly increased in the BRCA1 KO and miR‐182 overexpressing cells compared to controls. We also determined that BRCA1 repressor complex binding to HMGA2 was significantly reduced in BRCA1 KO and miR‐182 overexpressing cells compared with controls, leading us to conclude that increased HMGA2 was because of decreased binding of the BRCA1 repressor complex. Finally, we found that the caspase activity was significantly higher in BRCA1 KO and miR‐182 overexpressing cells suggesting an increased amount of apoptosis. These data suggest that BRCA1 is an important regulator of the oncofetal protein HMGA2 and promotes cell survival in human placental cells.
Psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery Scale in a nurse population
Authors: Min Ari , Min Haeyoung , Hong Hye C.
Published: August 2019

Most nurses in Korea work rotating shifts, an important contributor to fatigue. The Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery (OFER) Scale assesses work‐related fatigue among nurses. In this study, we aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Korean version of this scale (OFER‐K) with nurses working rotating shifts in Korea. Instrument adaptation was performed using committee‐based translation, cognitive interviewing, and expert panel interviewing. Criterion validity, convergent validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were examined as psychometric properties of the OFER‐K. An online survey was completed by 331 nurses; 107 of these nurses completed a second survey after 1 month to assess test–retest reliability. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. The correlation between participants’ initial and retest responses for the total scale was 0.64 (p < .001). The chronic fatigue subscale was stable over time, t(106) = −1.76, p = .08. Criterion and convergent validity were supported by correlations between the OFER‐K scale and the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit using a three‐factor model. The findings of this study showed that the OFER‐K scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing chronic fatigue, acute fatigue, and inter‐shift recovery in Korean nurses. Future research using this scale may lead to a better understanding of the antecedents and consequences of nurse fatigue and could provide important information to nurse researchers, administrators, and policymakers for developing interventions to reduce nurse fatigue.
Epidemiology of Overweight and Obesity in Adults Living in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nansseu Jobert Richie , Noubiap Jean Jacques , Bigna Jean Joel
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study aimed to summarize current data on overweight and obesity among adults living in Cameroon.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online, and local databases were searched for population‐based cross‐sectional studies conducted in the general population from January 2000 to December 2017. A random‐effects model was used to pool data.

Results

Overall, 26 studies (55,155 participants) were included. The prevalence of overweight was 26.0% (95% CI: 17.6%‐35.3%) based on BMI. Furthermore, the overall prevalence of obesity was 15.1% (95% CI: 9.3%‐22.1%) based on BMI, 16.4% (95% CI: 10.8%‐22.8%) based on waist circumference ≥ 102 cm for males and ≥ 88 cm for females, 36.7% (95% CI: 26.8%‐47.2%) based on waist circumference ≥ 94 cm for males and ≥ 80 cm for females, 32.6% (95% CI: 26.9%‐38.7%) based on waist to hip ratio ≥ 0.90 for males and ≥ 0.85 for females, and 31.9% (95% CI: 27.8%‐36.2%) based on percent body fat ≥ 25% for males and ≥ 35% for females. Overall, the burden was higher in females compared with males; there was no difference between urban and rural settings or between studies conducted in 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2016.

Conclusions

The burden of overweight and obesity is high among adults in Cameroon, putting many at increased risk for developing associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
Brown Adipocytes Secrete GDF15 in Response to Thermogenic Activation
Authors: Campderrós Laura , Moure Ricardo , Cairó Montserrat , Gavaldà‐Navarro Aleix , Quesada‐López Tania , Cereijo Rubén , Giralt Marta , Villarroya Joan , Villarroya Francesc
Published: August 2019

Objective

Transcriptomic analysis of gene expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT) from mice in response to cold revealed strong induction of growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). This study aimed to characterize GDF15 as a brown adipokine released in response to thermogenic activation and to determine its target functions.

Methods

GDF15 expression was measured in adipose tissues from mice in response to physiological and pharmacological modulators of thermogenesis. Brown and beige cell cultures were used to dissect the mechanisms regulating GDF15 expression. Brown adipocyte cellular models of fibroblast growth factor 21 and β‐klotho invalidation were employed to identify the autocrine regulators of GDF15. RAW 264.7 macrophages were used to explore the targeting of GDF15 released by brown adipocytes.

Results

Cold exposure of mice strongly induced GDF15 expression in BAT. Norepinephrine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate induced GDF15 expression and release by cells through protein kinase A‐mediated mechanisms. Noradrenergic regulation of GDF15 required the active fibroblast growth factor 21 pathway in brown adipocytes. GDF15 released by brown adipocytes targeted macrophages and downregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes.

Conclusions

GDF15 is a brown adipokine released by brown and beige cells in response to thermogenic activity. GDF15 released by BAT targets macrophages and may mediate downregulation of local inflammatory pathways.
Thermomechanical postbuckling of pressure‐loaded CNT‐reinforced composite cylindrical shells under tangential edge constraints and various temperature conditions
Authors: Hieu Pham Thanh , Van Tung Hoang
Published: August 2019

Buckling and postbuckling behavior of carbon nanotube‐reinforced composite (CNTRC) cylindrical shells with tangentially restrained edges exposed to preexisting temperature conditions and subjected to uniform external pressure are presented in this analytical study. Three temperature conditions considered are that uniform temperature rise, through‐the‐thickness temperature gradient, and in‐plane linear temperature distribution. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reinforced into matrix phase through uniform or functionally graded distributions. The properties of CNTs and matrix are assumed to be temperature‐dependent and effective moduli of CNTRC are determined according to extended rule of mixture. Governing equations are based on the classical shell theory taking into account Von Karman‐Donnell nonlinearity and elasticity of tangential constraints of edges. Multi‐term solutions of deflection and stress function are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions and Galerkin method is applied to derive closed‐form expression of nonlinear pressure‐deflection relation from which critical buckling pressures and postbuckling paths are determined. A variety of numerical examples are given and interesting remarks are achieved. Due to practical situations of boundary edges and various temperature conditions, this paper aims to analyze separate and combined influences of tangential edge constraints and preexisting temperatures on thermomechanical postbuckling behavior of pressure‐loaded nanocomposite cylindrical shells.
Analyzing patient‐reported outcome data when completion differs between arms in open‐label trials: an application of principal stratification
Authors: Roydhouse Jessica K. , Gutman Roee , Bhatnagar Vishal , Kluetz Paul G. , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Mishra‐Kalyani Pallavi S.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Cancer trials are often open‐label and include patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Previous work has demonstrated that patients may complete PRO assessments less frequently in the control arm compared with the experimental arm in open‐label trials. Such differential completion may affect PRO results. This paper sought to explore principal stratification methodology to address potential bias caused by the posttreatment intermediate variable of questionnaire completion.

Methods

We evaluated six randomized trials (five open‐label and one double‐blind) of anticancer therapies with varying levels of PRO completion submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We applied complete case analysis (CCA), multiple imputation (MI), and principal stratification to evaluate PRO results for quality of life (QOL) and the domains of physical, role, and emotional function (PF, RF, and EF). Assignment to potential principal strata was by the expectation maximization algorithm using patient baseline characteristics.

Results

Completion rates in the experimental arm ranged from 66% to 94% and 51% to 95% in the control arm. Four trials had negligible completion differences between arms (1%‐2%), and two had large differences favoring the experimental arm (15%‐17%). For trials with negligible completion differences, principal stratification results were similar to CCA and MI results for all domains. Notable differences in point estimates may be observed in trials with large differences in completion rates. However, in the examined trials, the confidence intervals for the principal stratification estimates overlapped with the ones obtained using CCA.

Conclusions

The principal stratification estimand may be a useful additional analysis, especially if PRO completion differs between arms.
Mechanical and antibacterial properties of oriented poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Li Zhengqiu , Liu Lei , Rao Yu , Ran Longchang , Wu Ting , Nie Rong , Anna De Schutter , Li Yalin , Che Zhenming
Published: August 2019

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a kind of biodegradable polymer that has applications in a wide range of biomedical fields and food‐contact packaging. However, the mechanical disadvantage limits the application of PLA‐based material. The present study modified the pure PLA by orientation and investigated its mechanical and antibacterial properties. The crystallinity and the tensile strength were both drawing ratio dependent. They increased along with the draw ratio to a maximum value of 600% and then decreased. The antibacterial effect of PLA against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio paraemolyicus both first increased and then decreased along with the drawing ratio, reaching their highest effect at the drawing ratio of 600%. The inhibition effect of PLA reduced generally with the aging days. According to SEM images, the grape‐like clusters structure of S. aureus was hardly observed and the cell structure damaged on the surface of PLA‐600%, while significant changes of the morphology of V. paraemolyicus were not observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2121–2127, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Half a century of discontinuous permafrost persistence and degradation in western Canada
Authors: Holloway Jean E. , Lewkowicz Antoni G.
Published: August 2019

Long‐term field studies of permafrost change are needed to validate predictive models but few are possible because of a paucity of direct observations prior to the late 1970s. To help fill this knowledge gap, we resurveyed a transect of 68 sites, originally investigated in 1962, to evaluate change in the isolated patches and sporadic discontinuous permafrost zones between Keg River, Alberta (57.8°N) and Hay River, Northwest Territories (60.8°N). The goal was to establish the degree of permafrost degradation due to approximately 2°C of regional climate warming over the intervening 55 years, compounded at some sites by forest fire. By 2017–2018, permafrost had degraded at 36% of the 44 sites which exhibited it in 1962, but had persisted at a minimum of 50% with a further 14% potentially retaining permafrost. This is much less degradation than reported for a 1988–1989 survey of the same transect. Permafrost was maintained under thicker organic layers (86% > 40 cm) and at the majority of sites with fine‐grained substrates, while degradation occurred preferentially at sites with coarse soils and thinner organic layers. Forest fire did not enhance the degree of permafrost loss, but greater frost table depths were observed at some burned locations. This study demonstrates that while the trajectory of change is towards permafrost loss, thin permafrost in the discontinuous zone can be persistent, even when disturbed. It also underlines the importance of considering the range of landscape types when projecting the rate of future permafrost thaw.
Neurofibromatosis type‐1‐associated diffuse lung disease in children
Authors: Spinnato Paolo , Facchini Giancarlo , Tetta Cecilia , Lotrecchiano Ludovica , Colangeli Marco , Bazzocchi Alberto , Albisinni Ugo , Cutrera Renato , Tomà Paolo , Bartoloni Alessandra
Published: August 2019

Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of diffuse lung disease associated with neurofibromatosis type‐1 in the pediatric population. We also aimed at evaluating computed tomography (CT) findings of the disease.

Introduction: Diffuse lung disease associated with neurofibromatosis type‐1 has been described mainly in the adult population; causes and connections between lung disease and the genetic disorder are still not completely understood. The occurrence of the disease in non‐smokers, the presence of blebs, bullae or cysts distinct from smoking‐related emphysema on CT and the histopathological pattern characterized by lymphoplasmocytic inflammation and fibrosis, are all factors that support the association of diffuse lung disease as a distinct manifestation of neurofibromatosis.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed, with “lung window,” all the spinal CTs performed in two institutions from 2004 to 2018 for scoliosis assessment in pediatric patients affected by neurofibromatosis type‐1 (group 1). Moreover, we retrospectively analyzed a control group of pediatric patients, affected by severe scoliosis without neurofibromatosis (group 2). Differences between the two groups were analyzed to ascertain whether the disease can be related to neurofibromatosis type‐1 rather than to scoliosis.

Results: Six out of thirty one subjects from group 1 (19.4%) showed a condition of diffuse lung disease while none (0 of 31) in group 2. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P = .01). All six patients showed subpleural blebs, bullae, or cysts without basilar fibrosis.

Conclusion: Our research consolidates the hypothesis that diffuse lung disease is a direct manifestation of neurofibromatosis type‐1 and that early onset is possible, even in pediatric patients.
Effects of Crystal Quality and Morphology on the Mechanical Performance of LLM‐105 Based PBXs
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Lin Congmei , Gong Feiyan , Zeng Chengcheng , Zhang Jianhu , Huang Fenglei
Published: August 2019

Mechanical performance is significant for the application of pressed polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) materials. In this research, several types of 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105) were selected to study the effects of crystal quality and morphology on the mechanical performance of LLM‐105 based PBXs. The surface bonding status of the LLM‐105 crystal and molding powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle analysis, and the moldability was evaluated by determining the relative density of pressed cylinders of corresponding PBXs. Besides, static and dynamic mechanical properties were studied and compared, presenting the compressive, tensile and creep curves. For LLM‐105 based PBXs, spherical morphology and rough surface could result improved mechanical strength and creep resistance, facilitating the structural and dimensional stability of charges. In this case, it can bring benefits for their reliability and safety performances during application.
Synthesis and Energetic Properties of 1,3,7,9‐Tetranitrobenzo[c]Cinnoline‐5‐Oxide (TNBCO)
Authors: Gutowski Łukasz , Gołofit Tomasz , Trzciński Waldemar , Szala Mateusz
Published: August 2019

New and efficient method for synthesis of 1,3,7,9‐tetranitrobenzo[c]cinnoline‐5‐oxide (TNBCO) via direct nitration of benzo[c]cinnoline‐5‐oxide was described. TNBCO and precursor were fully characterized by using spectroscopic (IR, NMR) and thermal analysis methods (DTA/TG). Activation energy of decomposition process was calculated by using Kissinger's equation. Standard enthalpy of formation was calculated by using experimentally determined heat of combustion. Detonation parameters were calculated with CHEETAH code and are comparable or higher than those known for E‐2,2’,4,4’,6,6’‐hexanitrostilbene (HNS) and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT).
Cementum protein 1‐derived peptide (CEMP 1‐p1) modulates hydroxyapatite crystal formation in vitro
Authors: Montoya Gonzalo , Correa Rodrigo , Arenas Jesús , Hoz Lía , Romo Enrique , Arroyo Rita , Zeichner‐David Margarita , Arzate Higinio
Published: August 2019

A cementum protein 1‐derived peptide (CEMP1‐p1) consisting of 20 amino acids from the CEMP1's N‐terminus region: MGTSSTDSQQAGHRRCSTSN, and its role on the mineralization process in a cell‐free system, was characterized. CEMP1‐p1's physicochemical properties, crystal formation, and hydroxyapatite (HA) nucleation assays were performed. Crystals induced by CEMP1‐p1 were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopy. The results indicate that CEMP1‐p1 lacks secondary structure, forms nanospheres that organize into three‐dimensional structures, possesses affinity to HA, and induces its nucleation. CEMP1‐p1 promotes the formation of spherical structures composed by densely packed prism‐like crystals, which revealed a Ca/P ratio of 1.56, corresponding to HA. FTIR‐ATR showed predominant spectrum peaks that correspond and are characteristic of HA and octacalcium phosphate (OCP). Analysis by XRD indicates that the crystals show planes with a preferential crystalline orientation for HA and for OCP. HRTEM showed interplanar distances that correspond to crystalline planes of HA and OCP. Crystals are composed by superimposed lamellae, which exhibit epitaxial growth, and each layer of the crystals is structured by nanocrystals. This study reveals that CEMP1‐p1 regulates HA crystal formation, somehow mimicking the in vivo process of mineralized tissues bioformation.
Long‐duration fully autonomous operation of rotorcraft unmanned aerial systems for remote‐sensing data acquisition
Authors: Malyuta Danylo , Brommer Christian , Hentzen Daniel , Stastny Thomas , Siegwart Roland , Brockers Roland
Published: August 2019

Recent applications of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to precision agriculture have shown increased ease and efficiency in data collection at precise remote locations. However, further enhancement of the field requires operation over long periods of time, for example, days or weeks. This has so far been impractical due to the limited flight times of such platforms and the requirement of humans in the loop for operation. To overcome these limitations, we propose a fully autonomous rotorcraft UAS that is capable of performing repeated flights for long‐term observation missions without any human intervention. We address two key technologies that are critical for such a system: full platform autonomy to enable mission execution independently from human operators and the ability of vision‐based precision landing on a recharging station for automated energy replenishment. High‐level autonomous decision making is implemented as a hierarchy of master and slave state machines. Vision‐based precision landing is enabled by estimating the landing pad's pose using a bundle of AprilTag fiducials configured for detection from a wide range of altitudes. We provide an extensive evaluation of the landing pad pose estimation accuracy as a function of the bundle's geometry. The functionality of the complete system is demonstrated through two indoor experiments with duration of 11 and 10.6 hr, and one outdoor experiment with a duration of 4 hr. The UAS executed 16, 48, and 22 flights, respectively, during these experiments. In the outdoor experiment, the ratio between flying to collect data and charging was 1–10, which is similar to past work in this domain. All flights were fully autonomous with no human in the loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first research publication about the long‐term outdoor operation of a quadrotor system with no human interaction.
Multi‐AUV motion planning for archeological site mapping and photogrammetric reconstruction
Authors: Wu Jane , Bingham Russell C. , Ting Samantha , Yager Kolton , Wood Zoë J. , Gambin Timmy , Clark Christopher M.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents coupled and decoupled multi‐autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) motion planning approaches for maximizing information gain. The work is motivated by applications in which multiple AUVs are tasked with obtaining video footage for the photogrammetric reconstruction of underwater archeological sites. Each AUV is equipped with a video camera and side‐scan sonar. The side‐scan sonar is used to initially collect low‐resolution data to construct an information map of the site. Coupled and decoupled motion planning approaches with respect to this map are presented. Both planning methods seek to generate multi‐AUV trajectories that capture close‐up video footage of a site from a variety of different viewpoints, building on prior work in single‐AUV rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) motion planning. The coupled and decoupled planners are compared in simulation. In addition, the multiple AUV trajectories constructed by each planner were executed at archeological sites located off the coast of Malta, albeit by a single‐AUV due to limited resources. Specifically, each AUV trajectory for a plan was executed in sequence instead of simultaneously. Modifications are also made by both planners to a baseline RRT algorithm. The results of the paper present a number of trade‐offs between the two planning approaches and demonstrate a large improvement in map coverage efficiency and runtime.
Water reclamation and reuse
Authors: Sun Huijuan , Zhang Huixin , Zou Xin , Li Ran , Liu Yang
Published: August 2019

Literature published in 2018 pertinent to water reclamation and reuse has been classified into five topics: safe reuse, treatment technologies, management, assessment, and case studies. Researches have been conducted to develop new technologies and improve conventional treatments for achieving sustainable wastewater reclamation, and increasing efforts have been made to facilitate safe water reuse.

Practitioner Points

The way of publicity greatly influences people's acceptance of water reuse and willingness to purchase produce irrigated with recycled water.

Integrated process is the most commonly used treatment technology to reclaim water.

There is a lack of local or regional regulatory and policy for sustainable water management.
Mitigation techniques to reduce avian electrocution rates
Authors: Dixon Andrew , Rahman MD Lutfor , Galtbalt Batbayar , Bold Batbayar , Davaasuren Batmunkh , Batbayar Nyambayar , Sugarsaikhan Batkhuu
Published: August 2019

From August 2013, we undertook a 1‐year trial of mitigation techniques at an electricity power line in the Mongolian steppe with a high avian electrocution rate. We examined 2 mitigation methods at phase‐1 conductors on the top of power poles (i.e., reconfiguration of the insulator mount and insulation covers on the conductor wire) and 3 mitigation methods at phase‐2 and 3 conductors on pole cross‐arms (i.e., perch deflector brushes, rotating‐mirror perch deterrents, and insulation covers on the conductor wires). The perch management techniques selected for the trial are currently widely adopted by power line managers in Mongolia. In comparison with the control, with no mitigation, electrocution rates were reduced both by the reconfiguration of insulator mounts and insulation of conductor wires at phase‐1, though the reduction was greater for the former—73% mean reduction for reconfigured mounts and 59% for insulation covers. Electrocution rates were reduced by the placement of rotating‐mirrors and insulation of conductor wires at phases 2 and 3, with the reduction being greater for the former—91% mean reduction for mirrors and 66% for insulation covers. Deployment of metal perch deflector brushes at phases 2 and 3 had no effect on electrocution rates and should not be used as mitigation. Most electrocutions occurred at phase 1 on the top of the pole, indicating that mitigation should be prioritized at this phase. In terms of cost and efficacy, reconfigured mounts represented the best option as a permanent fix at phase 1. At phases on cross‐arms, the relative merits of mirrors and insulation covers need to be assessed over a longer period, and these temporary mitigation measures should be compared with alternative permanent fixes. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Spinning operators and defects in conformal field theory
Authors: Lauria Edoardo , Meineri Marco , Trevisani Emilio
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We study the kinematics of correlation functions of local and extended operators in a conformal field theory. We present a new method for constructing the tensor structures associated to primary operators in an arbitrary bosonic representation of the Lorentz group. The recipe yields the explicit structures in embedding space, and can be applied to any correlator of local operators, with or without a defect. We then focus on the two-point function of traceless symmetric primaries in the presence of a conformal defect, and explain how to compute the conformal blocks. In particular, we illustrate various techniques to generate the bulk channel blocks either from a radial expansion or by acting with differential operators on simpler seed blocks. For the defect channel, we detail a method to compute the blocks in closed form, in terms of projectors into mixed symmetry representations of the orthogonal group.
The impact of obesity and smoking on young individuals suffering from lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective analysis of 97 cases
Authors: Lener Sara , Wipplinger Christoph , Hartmann Sebastian , Thomé Claudius , Tschugg Anja
Published: August 2019

The negative impact on spinal diseases may apply not only to obesity but also to smoking. To investigate the influence of obesity and smoking on the development and recovery of lumbar disc herniation in young adults. Retrospective analysis of 97 patients who presented with lumbar disc herniation at the authors’ department between 2010 and 2017. Data were collected using the patients’ digital health records including demographics, clinical and neurological characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes. Ninety-seven patients between 17 and 25 years were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their body mass index: obese (O, ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (NO, < 30 kg/m2). The proportion of obese patients in our cohort vs. in the overall population differed significantly (19.4% vs. 3.8–7.1%, RR 3.17; p < 0.01). Group NO showed a trend toward faster recovery of motor deficits (p = 0.067) and pain (p = 0.074). Also, the proportion of regular smokers differed significantly from the numbers of known smokers of the same age (62.4% vs. 30.2%, RR 2.0; p = 0.01). Obesity plus smoking showed a significantly negative impact on motor deficits postoperatively (p = 0.015) and at discharge (p = 0.025), as well as on pain values (p = 0.037) and on analgesic consumption (p = 0.034) at 6 weeks follow-up. The negative impact of obesity and smoking on the occurrence of lumbar disc herniation could be demonstrated for individuals aged 25 or younger. Furthermore, a trend to earlier recovery of motor deficits and significantly lower pain scales for non-obese and non-smoking patients could be shown.
A Multi-grained Log Auditing Scheme for Cloud Data Confidentiality
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wang Wenyu , Huang Yongfeng , Li Xing
Published: August 2019

With increasing number of cloud data leakage accidents exposed, outsourced data control becomes a more and more serious concern of their owner. To relieve the concern of these cloud users, reliable logging schemes are widely used to generate proof for data confidentiality auditing. However, high frequency operation and fine operation granularity on cloud data both result in a considerably large volume of operation logs, which burdens communication and computation in log auditing. This paper proposes a multi-grained log auditing scheme to make logs volume smaller and log auditing more efficient. We design a logging mechanism to support multi-grained data access with Merkle Hash Tree structure. Based on multi-grained log, we present a log auditing approach to achieve data confidentiality auditing and leakage investigation by making an Access List. Experiments results indicate that our scheme obtains about 54% log volume and 60% auditing time of fine-grained log auditing scheme in our scenario.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: August 2019

The humble password has long been a problem. Used on its own, it is a crude form of security – a simple ‘something you know’ that can be compromised in so many ways. And yet we seem to have trouble finding anything better.
Improving employees' cyber security awareness
Authors: Kemper Grayson
Published: August 2019

In 2019, employees still aren't convinced about their company's vulnerability to cybercrimes. While immensely frustrating for employers, employees’ disposition on this matter aligns with the general public's unawareness or failure to address data security.

Employees still aren't convinced about their company's vulnerability to cybercrime, and this aligns with the general public's unawareness or failure to address data security.

Employees are the primary vulnerability at a company, regardless of the size or scale. To reduce the risk they pose to your company's security, consider creative ways to engage and encourage employees to proactively contribute to your cyber security. Starting from the top of your organisation, design a cyber security policy and compliance plan that educates and incentivises employees to learn and follow security best practices, says Grayson Kemper of Clutch.
A Review on the Comparison of Different Treatments for Carotid In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: He Chizhong , Wang Shuo , Zhou Xiaohong , Yang Zhexian
Published: August 2019

Different treatment options for carotid in-stent restenosis (ISR) have been reported with good outcome, including carotid endarterectomy (CEA), repeated carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with drug-coated balloons (DCBs). However, the optimal treatment option for ISR has not yet been determined. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases of Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, and unpublished data from clinicaltrials.gov from 1990 to March 1, 2019. Studies were enrolled if they reported treatment strategies for carotid ISR treatment and met the inclusion criteria. After study inclusions, data were extracted and summarized. Totally 25 cross-sectional studies were included, containing 5 comparative studies, 16 studies using repeated PTA, and 4 studies adopting CEA treatment. Our study summarized the current available data, showing that all the studies could effectively relieve the carotid ISR by significantly improving the angiographic stenosis and decreasing the peak systolic velocity values. Meanwhile, CEA treatment had the best long-term effects in relieving restenosis, while re-PTA with stenting/balloon angioplasty had a certain rate of restenosis, ranging from 33% to 83%. Furthermore, re-PTA/stenting and balloon angioplasty treatment had less complications compared with CEA. Also, we analyzed the risk factors that might affect the long-term prognosis of carotid ISR patients. The therapeutic measures for carotid ISR had their own features, with CEA had the highest efficacy while re-PTA/stenting and balloon angioplasty were with less complications. More large-scale comparative clinical studies are needed to further ascertain the best strategies.
Plummeting and blinking eigenvalues of the Robin Laplacian in a cuspidal domain
Authors: Nazarov Sergei A. , Popoff Nicolas , Taskinen Jari
Published: August 2019

We consider the Robin Laplacian in the domains Ω and Ωε, ε > 0, with sharp and blunted cusps, respectively. Assuming that the Robin coefficient a is large enough, the spectrum of the problem in Ω is known to be residual and to cover the whole complex plane, but on the contrary, the spectrum in the Lipschitz domain Ωε is discrete. However, our results reveal the strange behaviour of the discrete spectrum as the blunting parameter ε tends to 0: we construct asymptotic forms of the eigenvalues and detect families of ‘hardly movable’ and ‘plummeting’ ones. The first type of the eigenvalues do not leave a small neighbourhood of a point for any small ε > 0 while the second ones move at a high rate O(| ln ε|) downwards along the real axis ℝ to −∞. At the same time, any point λ ∈ ℝ is a ‘blinking eigenvalue’, i.e., it belongs to the spectrum of the problem in Ωε almost periodically in the | ln ε|-scale. Besides standard spectral theory, we use the techniques of dimension reduction and self-adjoint extensions to obtain these results.
Functional differences betweenl- andd-carnitine in metabolic regulation evaluated using a low-carnitine Nile tilapia model
Authors: Li Jia-Min , Li Ling-Yu , Zhang Yu-Xue , Jiang Zhe-Yue , Limbu Samwel M. , Qiao Fang , Degrace Pascal , Chen Li-Qiao , Zhang Mei-Ling , Du Zhen-Yu
Published: August 2019

l-Carnitine is essential for mitochondrialβ-oxidation and has been used as a lipid-lowering feed additive in humans and farmed animals.d-Carnitine is an optical isomer ofl-carnitine anddl-carnitine has been widely used in animal feeds. However, the functional differences betweenl- andd-carnitine are difficult to study because of the endogenousl-carnitine background. In the present study, we developed a low-carnitine Nile tilapia model by treating fish with a carnitine synthesis inhibitor, and used this model to investigate the functional differences betweenl- andd-carnitine in nutrient metabolism in fish.l- ord-carnitine (0·4 g/kg diet) was fed to the low-carnitine tilapia for 6 weeks.l-Carnitine feeding increased the acyl-carnitine concentration from 3522 to 10 822 ng/g and alleviated the lipid deposition from 15·89 to 11·97 % in the liver of low-carnitine tilapia. However, as compared withl-carnitine group,d-carnitine feeding reduced the acyl-carnitine concentration from 10 822 to 5482 ng/g, and increased lipid deposition from 11·97 to 20·21 % and the mRNA expression of the genes involved inβ-oxidation and detoxification in the liver.d-Carnitine feeding also induced hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. A metabolomic investigation further showed thatd-carnitine feeding increased glycolysis, protein metabolism and activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Thus,l-carnitine can be physiologically utilised in fish, whereasd-carnitine is metabolised as a xenobiotic and induces lipotoxicity.d-Carnitine-fed fish demonstrates increases in peroxisomalβ-oxidation, glycolysis and amino acid degradation to maintain energy homeostasis. Therefore,d-carnitine is not recommended for use in farmed animals.
Endogenous production ofn-3 long-chain PUFA from first feeding and the influence of dietary linoleic acid and theα-linolenic:linoleic ratio in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Sprague Matthew , Xu Gong , Betancor Monica B. , Olsen Rolf E. , Torrissen Ole , Glencross Brett D. , Tocher Douglas R.
Published: August 2019

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) possess enzymes required for the endogenous biosynthesis ofn-3 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA), EPA and DHA, fromα-linolenic acid (ALA). Linoleic acid (LA) competes with ALA for LC-PUFA biosynthesis enzymes leading to the production ofn-6 LC-PUFA, including arachidonic acid (ARA). We aimed to quantify the endogenous production of EPA and DHA from ALA in salmon fed from first feeding on diets that contain no EPA and DHA and to determine the influence of dietary LA and ALA:LA ratio on LC-PUFA production. Salmon were fed from first feeding for 22 weeks with three diets formulated with linseed and sunflower oils to provide ALA:LA ratios of approximately 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3. Endogenous production ofn-3 LC-PUFA was 5·9, 4·4 and 2·8 mg per g fish and that ofn-6 LC-PUFA was 0·2, 0·5 and 1·4 mg per g fish in salmon fed diets with ALA:LA ratios of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3, respectively. The ratio ofn-3:n-6 LC-PUFA production decreased from 27·4 to 2·0, and DHA:EPA ratio increased and EPA:ARA and DHA:ARA ratios decreased, as dietary ALA:LA ratio decreased. In conclusion, with a dietary ALA:LA ratio of 1, salmon fry/parr produced about 28 μgn-3 LC-PUFA per g fish per d, with a DHA:EPA ratio of 3·4. Production ofn-3 LC-PUFA exceeded that ofn-6 LC-PUFA by almost 9-fold. Reducing the dietary ALA:LA ratio reducedn-3 LC-PUFA production and EPA:ARA and DHA:ARA ratios but increasedn-6 LC-PUFA production and DHA:EPA ratio.