bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total pleural coverage followed by lung transplantation in patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Kim Do Hyung , Ahn Hyo Yeong , Son Bong Soo , Son Joohyung
Published: October 2019

Tuberous sclerosis complex lymphangioleiomyomatosis (TSC-LAM) is a rare disease, which may develop an intractable pneumothorax. Chemical or mechanical pleurodesis is a general management to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax, rendering it difficult to later dissect the pleura and control intraoperative bleeding. Since total pleural coverage (TPC) alternative to pleurodesis has been firstly reported by Kurihara et al. (Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 54:274, 2006), TPC was performed in case of a 46-year-old female with a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax caused by TSC-LAM and followed by lung transplantation. Final pathological report showed the reinforced visceral pleura in the absence of dense adhesions.
Detection performance and inversion processing of logging-while-drilling extra-deep azimuthal resistivity measurements
Authors: Wang Lei , Deng Shao-Gui , Zhang Pan , Cao Ying-Chang , Fan Yi-Ren , Yuan Xi-Yong
Published: October 2019

We present systematic investigations on the physics, detection performance and inversion of logging-while-drilling extra-deep azimuthal resistivity measurements (EDARM). First, the definitions of EDRAM measurements are discussed, followed by the derivation of the attenuation and phase-shift geometrical factors to illustrate the relative contributions of formation units to the observed signals. Then, a new definition of detection depth, which considers the uncertainty of inversion results caused by the data noise, is proposed to quantify the detection capability of EDARM. Finally, the Bayesian theory associated with Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling is introduced for fast processing of EDARM data. Numerical results show that EDARM is capable of detecting the azimuth and distance of remote bed boundaries, and the detection capability increases with increasing spacing and resistivity contrast. The EDARM tool can accommodate a large range of formation resistivity and is able to provide the resistivity anisotropy at arbitrary relative dipping angles. In addition, multiple bed boundaries and reservoir images near the borehole are readily obtained by using the Bayesian inversion.
Geophysical characterization and hydraulic properties of unconsolidated floodplain aquifer system in Wamako area, Sokoto State, north-western Nigeria
Authors: Akinbiyi O. A. , Oladunjoye M. A. , Sanuade O. A. , Oyedeji O.
Published: October 2019

The subsurface internal geometry of Rima River floodplain located in north-western area of Nigeria was investigated using 2D resistivity imaging, vertical electrical sounding (VES) and laboratory analyses. Four profiles were acquired using Wenner array. The apparent resistivity computed was used to produce 2D electrical resistivity pseudosections using RES2DINV software. A total of nine VESs were acquired along the four profiles in the study area with AB/2 of 1 to 100 m. Quantitative interpretation of VES curves was done by partial curve matching and computer-assisted 1D forward modelling with the WinResist version 1.0 software. Five pits were dug along the profiles to confirm the interpreted results from the geophysical surveys. Soil samples were collected from the pits at various depths, and hydraulic conductivity (K) was estimated in the laboratory using the constant head permeability test following standard procedure. Interpretations of electrical resistivity technique show three to four subsurface layers including topsoil, sandy material and clay/saturated clayey materials. The sandy material is believed to be saturated with water with appreciable amount of porosity and permeability. This layer was further confirmed by pitting around the study area. From the laboratory and empirical estimation of K, it was discovered that the K value ranges from 10−2 to 10−6 m/s, which shows that the sample is clean sand which is moderately to highly permeable. The grain size analysis revealed from the cumulative plot that the sample falls predominantly within medium-sized sand, which makes the study area a good aquifer system.
Zirconia nanoparticle-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for effective photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol in water
Authors: Zarei Mohanna , Bahrami Jamil , Zarei Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Zirconia (ZrO2)-modified graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposite was used for effective photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in water. The ZrO2 nanoparticles, g-C3N4 nanosheets, and ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were well characterized by including N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements, and photoluminescence spectroscopy methods. ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites were formed at room temperature using sonication and used for effective for photodegradation of 4-NP under irradiation with visible light. The nanocomposite samples resulted in a significant increase in photocatalytic activity compared with single-component samples of g-C3N4. In particular, the ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite exhibited the significant increase in the photocatalytic activity. The ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed an excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-NP in aqueous medium. Further, ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite can be reused several times for photocatalytic degradation as well as for 4-NP adsorption.
Electrical behavior of graphene under temperature effect and survey of I–T curve
Authors: Haditale M. , Dariani R. S. , Ghasemian Lemraski E.
Published: October 2019

Graphene flakes were made from electrochemical exfoliation. To study graphene planes, different volumes of graphene solutions (1, 2, 4, and 7 ml) were sprayed on glass lamellae to get different graphene planes.I–Vcurve of all samples shows ohmic behavior with resistance in the order of kΩ which increases the slope of theI–Vcurve with increasing graphene planes (spray volume). The effect of temperature on all samples shows a clear jump inI–Tcurves. It is found that up to 150 °C current is almost constant, but after that current increases highly in the range of 1.8–10 times and resistance reduces sharply. Also, samples with lower graphene planes affected highly with temperature effect.
Major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in midlife and extreme longevity
Authors: Urtamo Annele , Jyväkorpi Satu K. , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkälä Kaisu H. , Strandberg Timo E.
Published: October 2019

Background

The studies on the association of various midlife risk factors with reaching 90 years or more are scarce. We studied this association in a socioeconomically homogenous cohort of businessmen.

Methods

The study consists of men (n = 970) from the Helsinki Businessmen Study cohort (born 1919–1928). Five major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (smoking, BMI, blood pressure, serum lipids, fasting glucose), consumption of alcohol and coffee, self-rated health and self-rated fitness, were assessed in 1974, at an average age of 50 years. The number of major risk factors was tested as a risk burden. The Charlson Comorbidity Index and the RAND-36 (SF-36) Physical and Mental health summary scores were calculated from surveys in year 2000, at age of 73 years. Mortality dates were retrieved through 31 March 2018 from the Population Information System of Finland.

Results

244 men survived to the age of 90 representing 25.2% of the study cohort. The survivors had less risk factor burden in midlife, and less morbidity and higher physical health summary score in 2000. Of those with five major risk factors only 7% survived up to 90 years, whereas 51% of those without any risk factors reached that age. Single risk factors reducing odds of reaching 90 years were smoking (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.67), glucose (0.66, 0.49–0.88), BMI (0.63, 0.46–0.86), and cholesterol (0.71, 0.53–0.96).

Conclusion

Lack of five major CVD risk factors in midlife strongly increased odds of reaching 90 years of age and also predicted factors related to successful ageing in late life.
Question of ethnic group formulation in the Chinese census
Authors: Zhou Yun
Published: October 2019

In conjunction with official government information and existing research literature, this article discusses ethnic group formulation in the censuses of China since 1953. Followed by an examination of concept of “ethnicity”, the research explores the purpose of the question included in the census, ways to answer the census question, and changes in number of official ethnic groups finalized until 1980s in China. To make a good study on ethnicity by census statistics, we have to understand the system of census taking on ethnicity in different countries. As a country with different minority groups, China is undergoing a social transformation and improving its census-taking. Ethnicity-related information collected in the census will play a more important role in the development of Chinese society.
The Impact of Corporate Liability on Corruption in Latin America
Authors: Jorge Guillermo
Published: October 2019

Most Latin American countries are in the process of implementing international anticorruption standards, including standards for combating corporate corruption. Primarily based on the U.S. experience with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), these international standards for combating corporate corruption are coalescing into a standardized paradigm, which requires states to establish corporate liability regimes that incentivize companies to prevent, self-police, and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in exchange for more lenient sanctions.
Recharacterizing Corruption to Encompass Illicit Financial Flows
Authors: Gathii James Thuo
Published: October 2019

Anticorruption treaties generally define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. As such, global anticorruption efforts primarily target transactions involving the bribery of governmental officials. The definition excludes transactions in which multinational corporations deprive developing states of revenue by failing to pay taxes and other monies due. Yet such transactions are equally injurious to the development agenda of poor states. This essay argues that corruption should be redefined to encompass illicit financial flows, a term used by a growing network of tax and economic justice groups to refer to money that is “illegally earned, transferred or used.” Transactions such as trade misinvoicing, base-erosion, and abusive transfer pricing to illegally earn additional income undermine the ability of poor states to raise revenue for development. Expanding the definition of corruption would create a more realistic picture of the role of corporate actors and their involvement in corrupt and illicit dealings. It would also bring equivalency to the treatment of corporate actors and public officials. By focusing on illicit dealings involving corporate actors, this essay challenges the partial definition of corruption adopted in the heyday of the Washington Consensus, when skepticism about the role of the state, rather than of private actors, prevailed.
Coeval brittle and ductile deformation beneath the late Wisconsinan Puget Lobe, Washington State, USA
Authors: Knight Jasper
Published: October 2019

Late Wisconsinan glacial sediments, exposed on Whidbey Island and Camano Island, Puget Sound (Washington State, USA), were deposited in a proglacial shallow marine/outwash environment during northward retreat of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran ice sheet. Sediments mainly comprise massive and cross-bedded sand and gravels, and rhythmically-bedded clay and silt/fine sand couplets, interbedded with diamictons that were deposited by a range of mass flows of different viscosities. Although sediment stratigraphy and ice advance–retreat patterns are well established for the Puget Lobe, brittle and ductile deformation structures within, and separating, these sediment units are less well understood. These structures record the nature of ice–bed interactions taking place in subglacial and proglacial environments. This study examines evidence for these processes and environments. Key deformation structures identified include open to overturned folds, normal and reverse faults, clastic dikes and hydrofractures and passive-loading structures. Evidence for coeval development of ductile and brittle deformation structures shows the close relationship between porewater changes, sediment rheology and sediment system responses to changes in strain caused by ice–bed interactions.
Towards global business engagement with development goals? Multilateral institutions and the SDGs in a changing global capitalism
Authors: Bull Benedicte , Miklian Jason
Published: October 2019

Over the last decades, encouragement of business engagement with environmental and socio-economic development has gained prominence due to the perceived weakening of states and multilateral institutions against the forces of global capitalism. Different ways of encouraging changes in business behavior have been promoted, such as the formation of public/private partnerships, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and other forms of non-binding organizational arrangements. However, there is no real consensus on the desired role of business in development, what the best policies for global development are, or what “development” itself is and should be defined as. Indeed, precisely as a formal consensus has been reached on the broad agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a narrower agenda focusing on industrialization, modernization, and economic growth is promoted by new actors, many originating in the Global South. This special issue asks how the emergence of new actors and the adaptation by global institutions affect the ways in which business engages with development. This introductory article positions the issue's contributions into three discussions: exploring issues of global coherence and division on key debates; understanding how new actors are reshaping the public-private divide; and assessing how disconnects within discourse on business and development can amplify negative societal consequences in fragile settings of weak governance.
Why do I contribute to organizational learning when I am ostracized? A moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Imran Muhammad Kashif , Iqbal Jawad , Fatima Tehreem , Iqbal Syed Muhammad Javed , Jamal Warda Najeeb , Nawaz Muhammad Shahid
Published: October 2019

Drawing on social exchange and emotional regulation perspectives, this study investigates the role of emotional suppression in reducing the detrimental effects of workplace ostracism on organizational learning. Based on the responses of 162 participants from the financial industry, and with the application of moderated mediation analysis, the findings demonstrate that workplace ostracism is mediated by employee silence, which has a negative effect on organizational learning. Interestingly, however, the results exhibit that emotional suppression operates as a buffer between workplace ostracism, employee silence and organizational learning, which leads to the achievement of organizational learning motives. Therefore, the silent employees, who experience workplace ostracism, may still be contributing toward organizational learning, if they are proficient in suppressing their emotions. Given that, the study implies that emotional suppression is fundamentally important to reduce the injurious outcomes of workplace ostracism, in the contemporary organizational settings, particularly with regard to organizational learning.
Trade and redistribution: trade politics and the origins of progressive taxation
Authors: Barnes Lucy
Published: October 2019

What explains variation in tax progressivity before World War I? I argue that trade politics shaped the emergence of progressive taxation. If labor could provide a useful ally, trade policy coalitions meant compromise on redistributive demands: progressive taxes, especially where inequality was lower. In time-series cross-sectional analysis, I find that trade interest proximity between labor and elites was associated with more progressive taxation in ten European countries between 1870 and 1913 under conditions of low inequality. The coalition and compromise mechanism is evident in sub-national evidence from Britain. Where constituency interests favored free trade, Liberal–Labour electoral alliance was more likely in 1906, and the local MP was more likely to support the 1909 “People's Budget” for progressive taxation.
Voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV in Zambia: expectations and observations
Authors: Garenne Michel , Matthews Alan
Published: October 2019

The study analysed the HIV/AIDS situation in Zambia six years after the onset of mass campaigns of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). The analysis was based on data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 2001, 2007 and 2013. Results show that HIV prevalence among men aged 15–29 (the target group for VMMC) did not decrease over the period, despite a decline in HIV prevalence among women of the same age group (most of their partners). Correlations between male circumcision and HIV prevalence were positive for a variety of socioeconomic groups (urban residence, province of residence, level of education, ethnicity). In a multivariate analysis, based on the 2013 DHS survey, circumcised men were found to have the same level of infection as uncircumcised men, after controlling for age, sexual behaviour and socioeconomic status. Lastly, circumcised men tended to have somewhat riskier sexual behaviour than uncircumcised men. This study, based on large representative samples of the Zambian population, questions the current strategy of mass circumcision campaigns in southern and eastern Africa.
Blunt neck trauma at a level I trauma centre: six-year retrospective case note review
Authors: Zakaria B A , Muzaffar J , Orr L E , Coulson C J , Sharma N
Published: October 2019

Background

Blunt neck trauma can cause serious morbidity and mortality rates of up to 40 per cent, but there is a paucity of literature on the topic.

Method

A retrospective case note review was performed for all blunt neck trauma cases managed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2017.

Results

Seventeen cases were managed, with no mortality and limited morbidity. Most patients were male (70.6 per cent) and road traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury (41.2 per cent). The median age of patients was 40.6 years (range, 21.5–70.3 years). Multidetector computed tomography angiography of the neck was performed in 9 patients (52.9 per cent) with ‘hot’ reports made by on-duty radiology staff matching consultant reports in all but 1 case. Six patients underwent operative exploration yielding a negative exploration rate of 33.3 per cent. Imaging reports matched operative findings in 3 cases (60 per cent).

Conclusion

Blunt neck trauma is uncommon but usually presents in polytrauma. Imaging has inaccuracies when compared with operative findings, regardless of radiological experience.
‘I want to make myself useful’: the value of nature-based adult day services in urban areas for people with dementia and their family carers
Authors: de Bruin Simone R. , Buist Yvette , Hassink Jan , Vaandrager Lenneke
Published: October 2019

Nature-based adult day services (ADSs) in urban areas are relatively new services in the Netherlands. Since knowledge about these services is still scarce, this study aimed to elucidate their value for people with dementia and their family carers in terms of health and wellbeing. We interviewed 39 people with dementia attending nature-based ADSs in urban areas and their family carers, and 17 providers of these services. Respondents indicated that nature-based ADSs in urban areas positively affected the health and wellbeing of people with dementia. According to them, these services support contact with nature and animals, activity engagement, physical activity, structure, social interactions, healthy eating, a sense of meaning in life and a focus on normal daily life. Respondents further indicated that these services stimulate respite, reassurance and maintenance of family carers’ own activities and social contacts. We conclude that nature-based ADSs in urban areas have a wide range of benefits that might affect the health and wellbeing of people with dementia and their family carers. Worldwide, demand is growing for innovative practices in dementia care. It is therefore worthwhile monitoring the development of dementia care innovations, such as nature-based ADSs, and for countries to exchange lessons learned from these services.
Topological twists in the Syrian conflict: Re-thinking space through bread
Authors: Martínez José Ciro
Published: October 2019

This article seeks to question the epistemological monopoly of territory and scale in analyses of the Syrian conflict. It does so to both challenge static conceptualisations of space in the study of politics and analyse how seemingly remote actors influence wartime outcomes. Since 2011, NGOs, government bodies, and merchants have worked to connect Damascus to Tehran, Idlib to Istanbul, London to Dara‘a. These connections have proven crucial to the reliable supply of food, funds, and firepower. Yet rather than reveal the importance of foreign patrons or proxies on the ground, such dynamics speak to a world in which relationships matter more than distance, practices more than geopolitical position ora prioriforms of alliance. Drawing on the work of John Allen, I suggest why thinking topologically about these dynamics better equips us to understand the political outcomes they help engender. To demonstrate the promise of this approach, I hone in on the partnerships, intermediaries, and connections that shape performances of political authority in Syria by examining one object crucial to its enactment: bread.
About a cavitation model including bubbles in thin film lubrication: A first mathematical analysis
Authors: JARAMILLO ALFREDO , BAYADA GUY , CIUPERCA IONEL , JAI MOHAMMED
Published: October 2019

In lubrication problems, which concern thin film flow, cavitation has been considered as a fundamental element to correctly describe the characteristics of lubricated mechanisms. Here, the well-posedness of a cavitation model that can explain the interaction between viscous effects and micro-bubbles of gas is studied. This cavitation model consists of a coupled problem between the compressible Reynolds partial differential equation (PDE) (that describes the flow) and the Rayleigh–Plesset ordinary differential equation (that describes micro-bubbles evolution). A simplified form without bubbles convection is studied here. This coupled model seems never to be studied before from its mathematical aspects. Local times existence results are proved and stability theorems are obtained based on the continuity of the spectrum for bounded linear operators. Numerical results are presented to illustrate these theoretical results.
The Infinite limit of random permutations avoiding patterns of length three
Authors: Pinsky Ross G.
Published: October 2019

For $$\tau \in {S_3}$$, let $$\mu _n^\tau $$ denote the uniformly random probability measure on the set of $$\tau $$-avoiding permutations in $${S_n}$$. Let $${\mathbb {N}^*} = {\mathbb {N}} \cup \{ \infty \} $$ with an appropriate metric and denote by $$S({\mathbb{N}},{\mathbb{N}^*})$$ the compact metric space consisting of functions $$\sigma {\rm{ = }}\{ {\sigma _i}\} _{i = 1}^\infty {\rm{ }}$$ from $$\mathbb {N}$$ to $${\mathbb {N}^ * }$$ which are injections when restricted to $${\sigma ^{ - 1}}(\mathbb {N})$$; that is, if $${\sigma _i}{\rm{ = }}{\sigma _j}$$, $$i \ne j$$, then $${\sigma _i} = \infty $$. Extending permutations $$\sigma \in {S_n}$$ by defining $${\sigma _j} = j$$, for $$j \gt n$$, we have $${S_n} \subset S({\mathbb{N}},{{\mathbb{N}}^*})$$. For each $$\tau \in {S_3}$$, we study the limiting behaviour of the measures $$\{ \mu _n^\tau \} _{n = 1}^\infty $$ on $$S({\mathbb{N}},{\mathbb{N}^*})$$. We obtain partial results for the permutation $$\tau = 321$$ and complete results for the other five permutations $$\tau \in {S_3}$$.
Grit bei Adoleszenten: eine „neue“ leistungsthematisch-motivationale Eigenschaft?
Authors: Feng Xiaoli , Rost Detlef H.
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Untersucht wurde das „neue“ Persönlichkeitskonstrukt „Grit“, das die zwei korrelierten Primärfaktoren „beharrliche Anstrengungsbereitschaft“ („Perseverance of Effort“, PE) und „konsistentes Interesse“ („Constistency of Interest“, CI) in einem Wert zusammenfasst. Grit soll nach Duckworth (2016) Erfolg in Schule, Hochschule, Beruf und Leben besser als Intelligenz und klassische Persönlichkeitsvariablen vorhersagen. Credé, Tynan und Harms (2017) bezweifelten als Resultat ihrer Metaanalyse die hierarchische Grit-Struktur, die behauptete starke Vorhersagekraft für akademische Leistungen konnten sie nicht bestätigen. Weiterhin wurde eine sehr hohe Korrelation von PE mit Gewissenhaftigkeit ermittelt. Bisherige Studien stammen hauptsächlich aus individualistisch orientierten Gesellschaften. Deshalb wurde Grit in einer kollektivistisch orientierten Kultur (China) untersucht ( N = 533, Alter: M = 15.16 Jahre, SD = 0.64). Zusätzlich erhoben wir Gewissenhaftigkeit, schulische Selbstwirksamkeit und schulisches Selbstkonzept. Das Mittel der schulischen Fachleistungspunkte wurde berechnet. Die Gesamtstichprobe wurde in zwei randomisierte Substichproben geteilt. Explorative Hauptkomponentenanalysen (Substichprobe 1: n 1 = 200) und konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen (Substichprobe 2: n 2 = 333) der Grit-Items erbrachten zwei unkorrelierte Dimensionen, PE und CI. PE korrelierte sehr hoch mit Gewissenhaftigkeit ( r = .73, doppelt schrumpfungskorrigiert: r ∞, ∞ = .90). Die Beziehungen von PE zu Selbstwirksamkeit und Selbstkonzept waren hoch ( r = .55 bzw. r = .58), zur Schulleistung sehr niedrig ( r = .08). CI hing nur mit Selbstwirksamkeit bzw. Selbstkonzept schwach zusammen ( r = –.13 bzw. r = –.15), nicht mit Gewissenhaftigkeit ( r = .01) und dem Durchschnitt der Schulleistungspunkte ( r = –.02). Alles zusammen begründet Zweifel an Grit als „neues“ und valides leistungsbezogen-motivationales Persönlichkeitsmerkmal – zumindest bei chinesischen Adoleszenten.
Survey of Saturn's Magnetopause and Bow Shock Positions Over the Entire Cassini Mission: Boundary Statistical Properties and Exploration of Associated Upstream Conditions
Authors: Jackman C. M. , Thomsen M. F. , Dougherty M. K.
Published: October 2019

The Cassini spacecraft orbited the planet Saturn from July 2004 to September 2017, and its varied orbital trajectory took it across the magnetopause and bow shock boundaries multiple times, at varying radial distances, local times, latitudes, and phases of the solar cycle. Here we present a comprehensive list of these boundary crossings, derived primarily using data from the Cassini magnetometer instrument, with cross‐validation against the electron spectrometer data where available. There are a multitude of scientific avenues for exploitation of this list. In this work, we examine the variability in boundary location and use the crossing times in concert with models of the bow shock and magnetopause to infer the upstream solar wind dynamic pressure at the times of crossings. This analysis allows us to understand the limitations of the Cassini trajectory for studying boundary physics under a range of solar wind driving conditions. In addition, rapid traversals of the magnetosheath are used to estimate the range of speeds of boundary motion.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in ice-age relict forests of Pinus pumila on nine mountains correspond to summer temperature
Authors: Koizumi Takahiko , Nara Kazuhide
Published: October 2019

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are critical symbionts of major forest trees, and their communities are affected by various environmental factors including temperature. However, previous knowledge concerning temperature effects does not exclude the effects of host species and coexisting plants, which usually change with temperature, and should be rigorously tested under the same vegetation type. Herein we examined ECM fungal communities in ice-age relict forests dominated by a single host species (Pinus pumila) distributed on nine mountains across >1000 km in Japan. Direct sequencing of rDNA ITS regions identified 154 ECM fungal species from 4134 ECM root-tip samples. Gradient analyses revealed a large contribution of temperature, especially summer temperature, to ECM fungal communities. Additionally, we explored global sequence records of each fungal species to infer its potential temperature niche, and used it to estimate the temperature of the observed communities. The estimated temperature was significantly correlated with the actual temperature of the research sites, especially in summer seasons, indicating inherent temperature niches of the fungal components could determine their distribution among the sites. These results indicate that temperature is still a significant determinant in structuring ECM fungal communities after excluding the effects of host species and coexisting plants. The results also imply that the rising temperature under global warming may have been affecting soil microbes unnoticeably, while such microbial community change may have been contributing to the resilience of the same vegetation.
SIRPα expression delineates subsets of intratumoral monocyte/macrophages with different functional and prognostic impact in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Chen Ya-Ping , Kim Hyo Jin , Wu Hongyan , Price-Troska Tammy , Villasboas Jose C. , Jalali Shahrzad , Feldman Andrew L. , Novak Anne J. , Yang Zhi-Zhang , Ansell Stephen M.
Published: October 2019

Signal regulatory protein-α (SIRPα) is a key member of the “do-not-eat-me” signaling pathway, but its biological role and clinical relevance in B-cell NHL is relatively unknown. Using biopsy specimens from follicular lymphoma (FL), we identified three subsets (CD14+SIRPαhi, CD14−SIRPαlow, and CD14−SIRPαneg) of monocyte/macrophages (Mo/MΦ) based on CD14 and SIRPα expression. CD14+SIRPαhi cells expressed common Mo/MΦ markers; exhibited characteristic differentiation, migration, and phagocytosis; and suppressed T-cell function. CD14−SIRPαlow cells expressed fewer typical Mo/MΦ markers; migrated less and phagocytosed tumor cells less efficiently; and stimulated rather than suppressed T-cell function. Interestingly, the CD14−SIRPαneg subset expressed distinct Mo/MΦ markers compared to the other two subsets; had limited ability to migrate and phagocytose; but stimulated T-cell function. When using SIRPα-Fc to block the interaction between SIRPα and CD47, alone or in combination with rituximab, phagocytosis of tumor cells was differentially increased in the three Mo/MΦ subsets. Clinically, increased numbers of CD14+SIRPαhi cells were associated with an inferior survival in FL. In contrast, increased numbers of the CD14−SIRPαlow subset appeared to correlate with a better survival. Taken together, our results show that SIRPα expression delineates unique subsets of intratumoral Mo/MΦs with differing prognostic importance.
Targeting the COX2/MET/TOPK signaling axis induces apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells
Authors: Xiao Juanjuan , Wang Fei , Lu Hui , Xu Sanpeng , Zou Ling , Tian Qin , Fu Yang , Lin Xuan , Liu Lin , Yuan Ping , Ni Xiaofang , Ma Tengfei , Zeng Fanfan , Xue Peipei , Xiu Ruijuan , Zhang Jianmin , Ji Xinying , Hu Hongbo , Lu Shangyun , Dai Hongtian , Li Yuan , Chu Qian , Zhao Xia , Duan Qiuhong , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2019

MET overactivation is one of the crucial reasons for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance, but the mechanisms are not wholly clear. Here, COX2, TOPK, and MET expression were examined inEGFR-activating mutated NSCLC by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. The relationship between COX2, TOPK, and MET was explored in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, the inhibition of HCC827GR cell growth by combining COX2 inhibitor (celecoxib), TOPK inhibitor (pantoprazole), and gefitinib was verified ex vivo and in vivo. We found that COX2 and TOPK were highly expressed inEGFR-activating mutated NSCLC and the progression-free survival (PFS) of triple-positive (COX2, MET, and TOPK) patients was shorter than that of triple-negative patients. Then, we observed that the COX2-TXA2signaling pathway modulated MET through AP-1, resulting in an inhibition of apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that MET could phosphorylate TOPK at Tyr74 and then prevent apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant cells. In line with these findings, the combination of celecoxib, pantoprazole, and gefitinib could induce apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant cells and inhibit tumor growth ex vivo and in vivo. Our work reveals a novel COX2/MET/TOPK signaling axis that can prevent apoptosis in gefitinib-resistant cells and suggests that a triple combination of FDA-approved drugs would provide a low-cost and practical strategy to overcome gefitinib resistance.
MicroRNA-3163 targets ADAM-17 and enhances the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to molecular targeted agents
Authors: Yang Bin , Wang Chunping , Xie Hui , Wang Yiwu , Huang Jiagan , Rong Yihui , Zhang Huixin , Kong Huifang , Yang Yongping , Lu Yinying
Published: October 2019

Molecular targeted agents, such as sorafenib, remain the only choice of an antitumor drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Notch signaling pathway plays central roles in regulating the cellular injury/stress response, anti-apoptosis, or epithelial–mesenchymal transition process in HCC cells, and is a promising target for enhancing the sensitivity of HCC cells to antitumor agents. The ADAM metalloprotease domain-17 (ADAM-17) mediates the cleavage and activation of Notch protein. In the present study, microRNA-3163 (miR-3163), which binds to the 3′-untranslated region of ADAM-17, was screened using online methods. miRDB and pre-miR-3163 sequences were prepared into lentivirus particles to infect HCC cells. miR-3163 targeted ADAM-17 and inhibited the activation of the Notch signaling pathway. Infection of HCC cells with miR-3163 enhanced their sensitivity to molecular targeted agents, such as sorafenib. Therefore, miR-3163 may contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the treatment of advanced HCC.
Genetic dissection of complex behaviour traits in German Shepherd dogs
Authors: Friedrich Juliane , Strandberg Erling , Arvelius Per , Sánchez-Molano E. , Pong-Wong Ricardo , Hickey John M. , Haskell Marie J. , Wiener Pamela
Published: October 2019

A favourable genetic structure and diversity of behavioural features highlights the potential of dogs for studying the genetic architecture of behaviour traits. However, behaviours are complex traits, which have been shown to be influenced by numerous genetic and non-genetic factors, complicating their analysis. In this study, the genetic contribution to behaviour variation in German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) was analysed using genomic approaches. GSDs were phenotyped for behaviour traits using the established Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and regional heritability mapping (RHM) approaches were employed to identify associations between behaviour traits and genetic variants, while accounting for relevant non-genetic factors. By combining these complementary methods we endeavoured to increase the power to detect loci with small effects. Several behavioural traits exhibited moderate heritabilities, with the highest identified for Human-directed playfulness, a trait characterised by positive interactions with humans. We identified several genomic regions associated with one or more of the analysed behaviour traits. Some candidate genes located in these regions were previously linked to behavioural disorders in humans, suggesting a new context for their influence on behaviour characteristics. Overall, the results support dogs as a valuable resource to dissect the genetic architecture of behaviour traits and also highlight the value of focusing on a single breed in order to control for background genetic effects and thus avoid limitations of between-breed analyses.
A high-quality Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) genome
Authors: Wu Haolin , Ma Tao , Kang Minghui , Ai Fandi , Zhang Junlin , Dong Guanyong , Liu Jianquan
Published: October 2019

Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) is a perennial horticultural crop species of the Actinidiaceae family with high nutritional and economic value. Two versions of the A. chinensis genomes have been previously assembled, based mainly on relatively short reads. Here, we report an improved chromosome-level reference genome of A. chinensis (v3.0), based mainly on PacBio long reads and Hi-C data. The high-quality assembled genome is 653 Mb long, with 0.76% heterozygosity. At least 43% of the genome consists of repetitive sequences, and the most abundant long terminal repeats were further identified and account for 23.38% of our novel genome. It has clear improvements in contiguity, accuracy, and gene annotation over the two previous versions and contains 40,464 annotated protein-coding genes, of which 94.41% are functionally annotated. Moreover, further analyses of genetic collinearity revealed that the kiwifruit genome has undergone two whole-genome duplications: one affecting all Ericales families near the K-T extinction event and a recent genus-specific duplication. The reference genome presented here will be highly useful for further molecular elucidation of diverse traits and for the breeding of this horticultural crop, as well as evolutionary studies with related taxa.
Evaluation of integrin αvβ6 cystine knot PET tracers to detect cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kimura Richard H. , Wang Ling , Shen Bin , Huo Li , Tummers Willemieke , Filipp Fabian V. , Guo Haiwei Henry , Haywood Thomas , Abou-Elkacem Lotfi , Baratto Lucia , Habte Frezghi , Devulapally Rammohan , Witney Timothy H. , Cheng Yan , Tikole Suhas , Chakraborti Subhendu , Nix Jay , Bonagura Christopher A. , Hatami Negin , Mooney Joshua J. , Desai Tushar , Turner Scott , Gaster Richard S. , Otte Andrea , Visser Brendan C. , Poultsides George A. , Norton Jeffrey , Park Walter , Stolowitz Mark , Lau Kenneth , Yang Eric , Natarajan Arutselvan , Ilovich Ohad , Srinivas Shyam , Srinivasan Ananth , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Willmann Juergen , Chin Frederick T. , Cheng Zhen , Iagaru Andrei , Li Fang , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: October 2019

Advances in precision molecular imaging promise to transform our ability to detect, diagnose and treat disease. Here, we describe the engineering and validation of a new cystine knot peptide (knottin) that selectively recognizes human integrin αvβ6 with single-digit nanomolar affinity. We solve its 3D structure by NMR and x-ray crystallography and validate leads with 3 different radiolabels in pre-clinical models of cancer. We evaluate the lead tracer’s safety, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics in healthy human volunteers, and show its ability to detect multiple cancers (pancreatic, cervical and lung) in patients at two study locations. Additionally, we demonstrate that the knottin PET tracers can also detect fibrotic lung disease in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Our results indicate that these cystine knot PET tracers may have potential utility in multiple disease states that are associated with upregulation of integrin αvβ6.
Origin of two-band chorus in the radiation belt of Earth
Authors: Li Jinxing , Bortnik Jacob , An Xin , Li Wen , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Thorne Richard M. , Russell Christopher T. , Ni Binbin , Shen Xiaochen , Kurth William S. , Hospodarsky George B. , Hartley David P. , Funsten Herbert O. , Spence Harlan E. , Baker Daniel N.
Published: October 2019

Naturally occurring chorus emissions are a class of electromagnetic waves found in the space environments of the Earth and other magnetized planets. They play an essential role in accelerating high-energy electrons forming the hazardous radiation belt environment. Chorus typically occurs in two distinct frequency bands separated by a gap. The origin of this two-band structure remains a 50-year old question. Here we report, using NASA’s Van Allen Probe measurements, that banded chorus waves are commonly accompanied by two separate anisotropic electron components. Using numerical simulations, we show that the initially excited single-band chorus waves alter the electron distribution immediately via Landau resonance, and suppress the electron anisotropy at medium energies. This naturally divides the electron anisotropy into a low and a high energy components which excite the upper-band and lower-band chorus waves, respectively. This mechanism may also apply to the generation of chorus waves in other magnetized planetary magnetospheres.
Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin (KNDy) cells as integrators of diverse internal and external cues: evidence from viral-based monosynaptic tract-tracing in mice
Authors: Moore Aleisha M. , Coolen Lique M. , Lehman Michael N.
Published: October 2019

Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that co-express kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin (KNDy cells) are essential for mammalian reproduction as key regulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Although multiple endogenous and exogenous signals act indirectly via KNDy neurons to regulate GnRH, the identity of upstream neurons that provide synaptic input to this subpopulation is unclear. We used rabies-mediated tract-tracing in transgenic Kiss1-Cre mice combined with whole-brain optical clearing and multiple-label immunofluorescence to create a comprehensive and quantitative brain-wide map of neurons providing monosynaptic input to KNDy cells, as well as identify the estrogen receptor content and peptidergic phenotype of afferents. Over 90% of monosynaptic input to KNDy neurons originated from hypothalamic nuclei in both male and female mice. The greatest input arose from non-KNDy ARC neurons, including proopiomelanocortin-expressing cells. Significant female-dominant sex differences in afferent input were detected from estrogen-sensitive hypothalamic nuclei critical for reproductive endocrine function and sexual behavior in mice, indicating KNDy cells may provide a unique site for the coordination of sex-specific behavior and gonadotropin release. These data provide key insight into the structural framework underlying the ability of KNDy neurons to integrate endogenous and environmental signals important for the regulation of reproductive function.
The freezing Rènyi quantum discord
Authors: Li Xiao-Yu , Zhu Qin-Sheng , Zhu Ming-Zheng , Wu Hao , Wu Shao-Yi , Zhu Min-Chuan
Published: October 2019

As a universal quantum character of quantum correlation, the freezing phenomenon is researched by geometry and quantum discord methods, respectively. In this paper, the properties of Rènyi discord is studied for two independent Dimer System coupled to two correlated Fermi-spin environments under the non-Markovian condition. We further demonstrate that the freezing behaviors still exist for Rènyi discord and study the effects of different parameters on this behaviors.
Sperm function in vitro and fertility after antibiotic-free, hypothermic storage of liquid preserved boar semen
Authors: Waberski Dagmar , Luther Anne-Marie , Grünther Benita , Jäkel Helen , Henning Heiko , Vogel Charlotte , Peralta Wolfgang , Weitze Karl Fritz
Published: October 2019

The role of antibiotics (AB) in semen extenders as a potential contribution to the global antimicrobial resistance threat is emerging. Here, we establish an AB-free hypothermic preservation strategy for boar semen and investigate its impact on sperm function, microbial load and fertility after artificial insemination (AI). Spermatozoa (12 boars) preserved in AB-free AndroStar Premium extender at 5 °C maintained high motility, membrane integrity, and a low DNA-fragmentation index throughout 72 h storage and results did not significantly differ from controls stored at 17 °C in extender containing AB (p = 0.072). Likewise, kinetic response of spermatoza to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate during 180 min incubation in Tyrode’s medium did not differ from 17 °C-controls. In a competitive sperm oviduct binding assay, binding indices did not differ between semen stored for 72 h AB-free at 5 °C and 17 °C-controls (n = 6 boars). Bacterial load < 103 CFU/ml after 72 h was measured in 88.9% of samples stored at 5 °C AB-free compared to 97.2% in 17 °C-controls (n = 36 semen pools, 23 boars). Fertility traits of 817 females did not differ significantly between the two semen groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a hypothermic semen preservation strategy is presented which offers antibiotic-free storage of boar semen doses.
Isolation, characterization and identification of antigenotoxic and anticancerous indigenous probiotics and their prophylactic potential in experimental colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Chandel Deepika , Sharma Mridul , Chawla Vibhindika , Sachdeva Naresh , Shukla Geeta
Published: October 2019

Colorectal cancer, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, is a lifestyle disease where diet and gut microbiome contribute intricately in its initiation and progression. Prophylactic bio-interventions mainly probiotics offer an alternate approach towards reducing or delaying its progression. Therefore, the present study was designed wherein a robust protocol for the isolation, characterization, and identification of indigenous probiotics having antigenotoxic and anticancerous activity was followed along with their prophylactic potential assessment in early experimental colorectal carcinogenesis. Among forty-six isolated lactic acid bacterial strains, only three were selected on the basis of antigenotoxicity against N,N-Dimethyl dihydrazine dihydrochloride and 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide and probiotic attributes. All three selected probiotic strains exhibited anticancerous potential as is evident by the reduced Aberrant Crypt Foci, reduced fecal pH, enhanced fecal lactic acid bacteria and altered fecal enzymes (β-glucuronidase, nitroreductase, β-glucosidase) that modulated gut microbiota and microenvironment resulting into restored histoarchitecture of the colon. The results are a clear indicator of the prophylactic potential of selected indigenous probiotics which may be used as an alternative prophylactic biological therapy against colon carcinogenesis particularly in highly susceptible individuals.
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 among people who used illicit drugs in the state of Pará, northern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira-Filho Aldemir B. , Araújo Ana Paula S. , Souza Andreia Polliana C. , Gomes Camila M. , Silva-Oliveira Gláucia C. , Martins Luísa C. , Fischer Benedikt , Machado Luiz Fernando A. , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos R. , Ishak Ricardo , Lemos José Alexandre R. , Kupek Emil
Published: October 2019

People who used illicit drugs (PWUDs) represent an important population group for acquisition and viral dispersion. In Brazil, high rates of the human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and 2 (HTLV-2) have been reported in epidemiological studies. However, the epidemiological scenario of HTLV-1/2 infections in PWUDs is still poorly understood. Thus, this cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, frequency of subtypes and factors associated with HTLV-1/2 infections among PWUDs in the Brazilian state of Pará, an area considered endemic for this virus and with poor health services. Among 826 PWUDs, 53 (6.4%) presented anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies by EIA and 44 (5.3%) presented proviral DNA by PCR. HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were detected in 25 (3.0%) and 19 (2.3%) PWUDs, respectively. Subtypes 1a (25/44), transcontinental (23/44) and Japanese subgroups (2/44), 2b (6/44) and 2c (13/44) were identified. Involvement in illicit/criminal activity, daily use of illicit drugs, illicit drug use over 12 years, unprotected sex with other PWUDs, changes in genitalia (including ulcers and wounds), and more than 12 sexual partners were associated with HTLV-1/2 in PWUDs. This high prevalence and intense circulation of subtypes and subgroups of HTLV-1/2 is very worrying, and indicate the need for urgent actions for its control, prevention and treatment.