bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Fe:ZnSe nanopowders via the co‐precipitation method for processing transparent ceramics
Authors: Yu Shengquan , Wu Yiquan
Published: May 2019

Fe:ZnSe nanopowders were synthesized via the co‐precipitation method for fabricating transparent ceramics. FexZn1−xSe (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) powders that were calcined at 400°C yielded a single‐phased cubic ZnSe, but when the calcination temperature was raised to 500‐600°C, ZnO phase was created. Introduction of pressure could avoid appearance of ZnO. XRD Scherrer analysis revealed a monotonic increase in lattice parameter with increasing Fe2+ content. The average powder particle size increased with calcination temperature from several nanometers at 80°C to hundreds of nanometers at 600°C. Attempts to pressurelessly sinter ZnSe powders resulted in the partial decomposition of ZnSe, thus spark plasma sintering was employed to sinter Fe0.01Zn0.99Se transparent ceramics with pure ZnSe phase composition, which could be well sintered at 950°C for 30 minutes under an applied pressure of 60 MPa. SEM observations of the polished and thermally etched microstructure of the ceramic revealed a dense microstructure with average grain size of approximately 35 μm, and a few micropores were observed at the grain boundaries. The transparent ceramic exhibited good transmittance in the mid‐far infrared range, with the highest transmittance 57% at 12 μm. This paper confirmed the scheme of synthesis of Fe:ZnSe nanopowders by liquid‐phase co‐precipitation method for sintering transparent ceramics.
Decomposing the accrual premium: The evidence from two markets
Authors: Chichernea Doina , Holder Anthony , Petkevich Alex
Published: May 2019

We decompose the accrual premium and study its components in the debt and equity markets. We show that the importance of each accrual component depends on the sample and the type of market considered. The short‐term accruals component is primarily observed in equity markets, among small and young companies, which is consistent with mispricing arguments. The long‐term accruals premium is consistently positive and significant in different samples and markets. This component reflects growth in capital expenditures, and it is counter‐cyclical and predictable, which is in line with investment‐based explanations. Finally, the financial accruals component does not generate predictability.
Long term effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy versus enhanced usual care for adolescents with self‐harming and suicidal behavior
Authors: Mehlum Lars , Ramleth Ruth‐Kari , Tørmoen Anita J. , Haga Egil , Diep Lien M. , Stanley Barbara H. , Miller Alec L. , Larsson Bo , Sund Anne M. , Grøholt Berit
Published: May 2019

Background

Knowledge is lacking on the long‐term outcomes of treatment for adolescents with repetitive suicidal and self‐harming behavior. Furthermore, the pathways through which treatment effects may operate are poorly understood. Our aims were to investigate enduring treatment effects of dialectical behavior therapy adapted for adolescents (DBT‐A) compared to enhanced usual care (EUC) through a prospective 3‐year follow‐up and to analyze possible mediators of treatment effects.

Methods

Interview and self‐report data covering the follow‐up interval were collected from 92% of the adolescents who participated in the original randomized trial. Trial registration number: NCT01593202 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

Results

At the 3‐year follow‐up DBT‐A remained superior to EUC in reducing the frequency of self‐harm, whereas for suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depressive and borderline symptoms and global level of functioning there were no inter‐group differences, with no sign of symptom relapse in either of the participant groups. A substantial proportion (70.8%) of the effect of DBT‐A on self‐harm frequency over the long‐term was mediated through a reduction in participants’ experience of hopelessness during the trial treatment phase. Receiving more than 3 months follow‐up treatment after completion of the trial treatment was associated with further enhanced outcomes in patients who had received DBT‐A.

Conclusions

There were on average no between‐group differences at the 3‐year follow‐up in clinical outcomes such as suicidal ideation, hopelessness, depressive and borderline symptoms. The significantly and consistently larger long‐term reduction in self‐harm behavior for adolescents having received DBT‐A compared with enhanced usual care, however, suggests that DBT‐A may be a favorable treatment alternative for adolescents with repetitive self‐harming behavior.
An introduction to the methods of decision‐analytic modelling used in economic evaluations for Dermatologists
Authors: McManus E. , Sach T.H. , Levell N.J.
Published: May 2019

Economic evaluations are used to identify which health treatments or preventions offer the most effective use of resources, or value for money. This is achieved by identifying, measuring and valuing the inputs and outcomes of alternative interventions. These evaluations are often conducted alongside clinical trials; however, these trials may end before the outcomes of economic interest have been observed and measured. An alternative to within trial economic evaluation is to use decision modelling, which can model the cost‐effectiveness of interventions over an extended time period. This paper aims to provide an overview for clinicians of the different modelling techniques used within health economic evaluations and to introduce methods for critical appraisal. The most common modelling approaches, and their associated strengths and weaknesses, were discussed. Alongside this, practical examples specific to dermatology were given. These examples include studies where the model chosen or the methods used may not have been the most appropriate. Methods for critical appraisal were also highlighted. Common modelling approaches include Decision Trees, Markov Cohort, extensions to the Markov model (Monte Carlo Simulation) and Discrete Event Simulation models. Items of the Philips Checklist were discussed in the context of performing critical appraisal. Health economic decision models are multi‐faceted and can often be complex. Full critical appraisal requires clinicians’ unique knowledge, which is complementary to the knowledge of health economists.
Tail colour signals performance in blue tit nestlings
Authors: Class Barbara , Kluen Edward , Brommer Jon E.
Published: May 2019

Indirect sexual selection arises when reproductive individuals choose their mates based on heritable ornaments that are genetically correlated to fitness. Evidence for genetic associations between ornamental colouration and fitness remains scarce. In this study, we investigate the quantitative genetic relationship between different aspects of tail structural colouration (brightness, hue and UV chroma) and performance (cell‐mediated immunity, body mass and wing length) in blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) nestlings. In line with previous studies, we find low heritability for structural colouration and moderate heritability for performance measures. Multivariate animal models show positive genetic correlations between the three measures of performance, indicating quantitative genetic variation for overall performance, and tail brightness and UV chroma, two genetically independent colour measures, are genetically correlated with performance (positively and negatively, respectively). Our results suggest that mate choice based on independent aspects of tail colouration can have fitness payoffs in blue tits and provide support for the indirect benefits hypothesis. However, low heritability of tail structural colouration implies that indirect sexual selection on mate choice for this ornament will be a weak evolutionary force.
Dominance effects strengthen premating hybridization barriers between sympatric species of grasshoppers (Acrididae, Orthoptera)
Authors: Gottsberger Brigitte , Mayer Frieder
Published: May 2019

Sexual selection can lead to the rapid evolution of premating hybridization barriers and allows accelerated diversification and speciation within an evolutionary lineage. Especially during early stages of divergence, hybridization may impede further divergence, which strongly depends on the reproductive success of hybrids. Behavioural sterility of hybrids can limit or even prevent homogenizing gene flow. In this study, we investigated the attractiveness of male courtship songs for females of the grasshopper species Chorthippus biguttulus and C. brunneus and their interspecific F1 and F2 hybrids. Song preferences of females of both species are highly species specific and differ in three parameters: shape of the preference function, preference for syllable pattern and phrase duration. F1 hybrid females of both reciprocal crosses as well as F2 hybrid females resembled closely pure C. biguttulus females in respect of shape of the preference function and preference for syllable pattern, while preference for phrase duration showed an intermediate expression. This resulted in song preferences of hybrid females that closely resembled those of one parental species, that is C. biguttulus females. Such strong dominance effects were rarely reported so far. They represent an effective barrier limiting gene flow between the two species, since hybrid females will backcross to only one parental species and discriminate against hybrid males, which are behaviourally sterile. Such taxon‐specific modes of inheritance may have facilitated the rapid divergence of acoustically communicating grasshoppers of the species group of Chorthippus biguttulus. Our findings have novel implications on the expression of neuronal filters and the evolution of complex courtship signals.
CLE25 peptide regulates phloem initiation in Arabidopsis through a CLERK‐CLV2 receptor complex
Authors: Ren Shi‐Chao , Song Xiu‐Fen , Chen Wen‐Qiang , Lu Ran , Lucas William J. , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: May 2019

The phloem, located within the vascular system, is critical for delivery of nutrients and signaling molecules throughout the plant body. Although the morphological process and several factors regulating phloem differentiation have been reported, the molecular mechanism underlying its initiation remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the small peptide‐coding gene, CLAVATA 3 (CLV3)/EMBEYO SURROUNDING REGION 25 (CLE25), the expression of which begins in provascular initial cells of 64‐cell‐staged embryos, and continues in sieve element‐procambium stem cells and phloem lineage cells, during post‐embryonic root development, facilitates phloem initiation in Arabidopsis. Knockout of CLE25 led to delayed protophloem formation, and in situ expression of an antagonistic CLE25G6T peptide compromised the fate‐determining periclinal division of the sieve element precursor cell and the continuity of the phloem in roots. In stems of CLE25G6T plants the phloem formation was also compromised, and procambial cells were over‐accumulated. Genetic and biochemical analyses indicated that a complex, consisting of the CLE‐RESISTANT RECEPTOR KINASE (CLERK) leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase and the CLV2 LRR receptor‐like protein, is involved in perceiving the CLE25 peptide. Similar to CLE25, CLERK was also expressed during early embryogenesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that CLE25 regulates phloem initiation in Arabidopsis through a CLERK‐CLV2 receptor complex.
The selective oestrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, mimics the neuroprotective effect of 17β‐oestradiol in diabetic ischaemic stroke by modulating oestrogen receptor expression and the MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway
Authors: Burguete María C. , Jover‐Mengual Teresa , López‐Morales Mikahela A. , Aliena‐Valero Alicia , Jorques María , Torregrosa Germán , Alborch Enrique , Castelló‐Ruiz María , Salom Juan B.
Published: May 2019

Because neuroprotection in stroke should be revisited in the era of recanalisation, the present study analysed the potential neuroprotective effect of the selective oestrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene acetate (BZA), in an animal model of diabetic ischaemic stroke that mimics thrombectomy combined with adjuvant administration of a putative neuroprotectant. Four weeks after induction of diabetes (40 mg kg‐1 streptozotocin, i.p.), male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (intraluminal thread technique, 60 minutes) and assigned to one of three groups treated with either: vehicle, BZA (3 mg kg‐1 day‐1, i.p.) or 17β‐oestradiol (E2) (100 μg kg‐1 day‐1, i.p.). At 24 hours post‐ischaemia‐reperfusion, brain damage (neurofunctional score, infarct size and apoptosis), expression of oestrogen receptors (ER)α, ERβ and G protein‐coupled oestrogen receptor), and activity of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK)1/2 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt pathways were analysed. At 24 hours after the ischaemic insult, both BZA‐ and E2‐treated animals showed lower brain damage in terms of improved neurofunctional condition, decreased infarct size and decreased apoptotic cell death. Ischaemia‐reperfusion induced a significant decrease in ERα and ERβ expression without affecting that of G protein‐coupled oestrogen receptor, whereas BZA and E2 reversed such a decrease. The ischaemic insult up‐regulated the activity of both the MAPK/ERK1/2 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt pathways; BZA and E2 attenuated the increased activity of the ERK1/2 pathway, without affecting that of the Akt pathway. The results of the present study lend further support to the consideration of BZA as an effective and safer alternative overcoming the drawbacks of E2 with respect to improving diabetic ischaemic stroke outcome after successful reperfusion.
How to build your team for innovation? A cross‐level mediation model of team personality, team climate for innovation, creativity, and job crafting
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Jiang Lixin , Wang Hai‐Jiang
Published: May 2019

Although multiple theories propose that team proactive personality shapes team climate for innovation, this theoretical proposition is yet to be tested by empirical studies. Drawing upon multiple theories (e.g., sense‐making theory and theories regarding social norms), we hypothesized a cross‐level mediation model of the effects of different operationalizations of team proactive personality on team climate for innovation, as well as individual creative performance and job crafting. We tested our hypothesized model using a 2‐wave longitudinal design collecting data from a sample of 187 employees and their supervisors nested within 38 teams from an Information Technology company. The results of multilevel mediation path analysis indicated that team proactive personality (i.e., mean, minimum, and maximum) was significantly and positively related to team climate for innovation. Further, team proactive personality at Time 1 exerted a cross‐level influence on individual creative performance (rated by supervisors) and job crafting at Time 2, through team climate for innovation. Finally, different operationalizations (mean, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation) of team proactive personality revealed differential relationships with team climate for innovation. These findings suggest that team proactive personality can influence outcomes at different levels of analyses. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Practitioner points

Team proactive personality (i.e., mean, maximum, and minimum) positively related to team climate for innovation.

Team climate for innovation positively related to both individual creativity and job crafting.

Team climate for innovation mediated the top‐down effects of team proactive personality on individual creativity and job crafting.

Employers may consider proactive personality as one criterion at the stages of selecting and staffing of team members for creative jobs and creative team projects.
Effects of ozone treatment on the quality of kiwifruit during postharvest storage affected by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum
Authors: Luo Anwei , Bai Junqing , Li Rui , Fang Yimeng , Li Lin , Wang Dan , Zhang Lu , Liang Jin , Huang Tianzi , Kou Liping
Published: May 2019

The objective was to reveal the effects of ozone treatment on quality maintenance and resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum in kiwifruit during postharvest storage. Kiwifruits were treated with 79.44 ppm gaseous ozone for 1 hr once a day for 7 day at 0°C to determine the effects of ozone treatment on the quality and disease incidence caused by B. cinerea and P. expansum in vivo and the growth of B. cinerea and P. expansum in vitro. Ozone treatment significantly reduced the disease incidence of kiwifruit and inhibited the mycelial development and spore germination of B. cinerea and P. expansum. High levels of fruit firmness and titratable acidity were maintained in the ozone‐treated kiwifruit, and the activities of the defence‐related enzymes were remarkably enhanced. Therefore, ozone treatment may be an effective method to maintain the quality of kiwifruit and control its decay during postharvest storage.
Comparing Lead Users to Emergent‐Nature Consumers as Sources of Innovation at Early Stages of New Product Development
Authors: Hamdi‐Kidar Linda , Keinz Peter , Le Nagard Emmanuelle , Vernette Eric
Published: May 2019

The large potential of lead users (LUs) in developing innovative and radically new product concepts is well established in the literature. However, in a widely acknowledged study, Hoffman et al. introduced the new concept of emergent‐nature consumers (ENCs) and showed the superiority of this group of individuals over LUs in developing new product concepts. Consequently, they postulated ENCs to be “the right consumers” to be integrated in new product development processes. In this article, we critically reflect and build on Hoffman et al.'s study and further investigate the promise of the ENC concept as compared to the LU concept. In a pilot study, we replicated the study by Hoffman and colleagues: We conducted a crowdsourcing competition and asked for concepts for new services; those concepts had been generated collectively by the participants and had been assessed by a consumer crowd. In the main study, the participants of a crowdsourcing competition submitted individually generated concepts for products, which were evaluated by industry experts. Across both studies, using different empirical methods in two different contexts, and in contrast to Hoffman et al.'s work, we find support for LUs outperforming ENCs (as well as average users) in generating the commercially most promising concepts. Thus, our insights reinforce the existing user innovation literature and the notion of LUs being the primary source of new product/service concepts.
Comparative lipidomic studies of Scenedesmus sp. (Chlorophyceae) and Cylindrotheca closterium (Bacillariophyceae) reveal their differences in lipid production under nitrogen starvation
Authors: Wang Song , Sirbu Diana , Thomsen Laurenz , Kuhnert Nikolai , Ullrich Matthias S. , Thomsen Claudia
Published: May 2019

Microalgae are a promising resource for the highly sustainable production of various biomaterials (food and feed), high‐value biochemicals, or biofuels. However, factors influencing the valued lipid production from oleaginous algae require a more detailed investigation. This study elucidates the variations in lipid metabolites between a marine diatom (Cylindrotheca closterium) and a freshwater green alga (Scenedesmus sp.) under nitrogen starvation at the molecular species level, with emphasis on triacylglycerols using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry techniques. A comprehensive analysis was carried out by comparing the changes in total lipids, growth kinetics, fatty acid compositions, and glycerolipid profiles at the molecular species level at different time points of nitrogen starvation. A total of 60 and 72 triacylglycerol molecular species, along with numerous other polar lipids, were identified in Scenedesmus sp. and C. closterium, respectively, providing the most abundant triacylglycerol profiles for these two species. During nitrogen starvation, more triacylglycerol of Scenedesmus sp. was synthesized via the “eukaryotic pathway” in the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas the increase in triacylglycerol in C. closterium was mainly a result of the “prokaryotic pathway” in the chloroplasts after 96 h of nitrogen starvation. The distinct responses of lipid synthesis to nitrogen starvation exhibited by the two species indicate different strategies of lipid accumulation, notably triacylglycerols, in green algae and diatoms. Scenedesmus sp. and Cylindrotheca closterium could serve as excellent candidates for the mass production of biofuels or polyunsaturated fatty acids for nutraceutical purposes.
Evidence for vertical transmission ofMycoplasma haemocanis, but notEhrlichia ewingii, in a dog
Authors: Lashnits Erin , Grant Sandra , Thomas Brittany , Qurollo Barbara , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: May 2019

A 2‐year‐old female intact pregnant Beagle was evaluated after the owner surrendered her to a shelter. Prepartum and 2 months postpartum at the time of routine spay, the dam was whole‐blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive forEhrlichia ewingii. She was also whole‐blood PCR positive forMycoplasma haemocanisprepartum and continuously for 5 months thereafter. The dam delivered 5 healthy puppies, 1 of which was whole‐blood PCR positive forM. haemocanis. All 5 puppies had antibodies againstEhrlichiaspp. at 1 month of age but not thereafter, and all puppies wereEhrlichiaspp. PCR negative for 5 months of follow‐up. Therefore, this study supports a potential role for vertical transmission in the maintenance ofM. haemocanisin dogs as reservoir hosts. In contrast, in this case there was no evidence thatE. ewingiiwas transmitted transplacentally or during the perinatal period.
Iron Matryoshka—Haemochromatosis nested in Ferroportin Disease?
Authors: Viveiros André , Schaefer Benedikt , Tilg Herbert , Zoller Heinz
Published: May 2019

See Article on Page 1120
Amatoxin poisoning: Immediate transfer to intensive care or liver unit of patients at early risk of severe acute liver injury
Authors: Bernuau Jacques R. , Francoz Claire , Durand François
Published: May 2019

See Article on Page 1128
Living the high life: Could gut microbiota matter for adaptation to high altitude?
Authors: Mazel Florent
Published: May 2019

At high altitude, the reduced availability of thermal energy and oxygen poses major challenges to organisms. Different species or populations have evolved similar solutions to these challenges, such as blood flow regulation in animals (Bouverot, 1985). Previous studies investigating such convergent adaptations have primarily looked at changes in host genomes (e.g., see Scheinfeldt & Tishkoff, 2010), but have rarely considered the potential role of the gut microbiome in mediating host adaptation. As gut microbes can indirectly regulate host blood pressure (Pluznick, 2014) and energy intake efficiency, it has been hypothesized that they could help maintain normal energy production and/or optimize nutritional assimilation in high‐altitude hypoxic environments (e.g., Li & Zhao, 2015). However, it has been hard to (a) show that there is a direct effect of altitude on the gut microbiota, because of the many potential confounding effects of altitude (e.g., diet is correlated to altitude, as well as to the microbiome) and to (b) understand the mechanisms by which the microbiota could mediate host hypoxic and thermoregulatory stresses. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Suzuki, Martins, and Nachman (2018) show that, independently of diet, taxonomic composition and functions of mouse gut microbiota converge in independent high‐altitude environments and propose the intriguing hypothesis that some of these functional convergences might be beneficial to their host.
A graph deep learning method for short‐term traffic forecasting on large road networks
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cheng Tao , Ren Yibin
Published: May 2019

Short‐term traffic flow prediction on a large‐scale road network is challenging due to the complex spatial–temporal dependencies, the directed network topology, and the high computational cost. To address the challenges, this article develops a graph deep learning framework to predict large‐scale network traffic flow with high accuracy and efficiency. Specifically, we model the dynamics of the traffic flow on a road network as an irreducible and aperiodic Markov chain on a directed graph. Based on the representation, a novel spatial–temporal graph inception residual network (STGI‐ResNet) is developed for network‐based traffic prediction. This model integrates multiple spatial–temporal graph convolution (STGC) operators, residual learning, and the inception structure. The proposed STGC operators can adaptively extract spatial–temporal features from multiple traffic periodicities while preserving the topology information of the road network. The proposed STGI‐ResNet inherits the advantages of residual learning and inception structure to improve prediction accuracy, accelerate the model training process, and reduce difficult parameter tuning efforts. The computational complexity is linearly related to the number of road links, which enables citywide short‐term traffic prediction. Experiments using a car‐hailing traffic data set at 10‐, 30‐, and 60‐min intervals for a large road network in a Chinese city shows that the proposed model outperformed various state‐of‐the‐art baselines for short‐term network traffic flow prediction.
Natural variations of growth thermo‐responsiveness determined by SAUR26/27/28 proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Zhixue , Yang Leiyun , Liu Zhenhua , Lu Minghui , Wang Minghui , Sun Qi , Lan Yiheng , Shi Tieliu , Wu Dianxing , Hua Jian
Published: May 2019

How diversity in growth thermo‐responsiveness is generated for local adaptation is a long‐standing biological question. We investigated molecular genetic basis of natural variations in thermo‐responsiveness of plant architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We measured the extent of rosette architecture at 22°C and 28°C in a set of 69 natural accessions and determined their thermo‐responsiveness of plant architecture. A genome‐wide association study was performed to identify major loci for variations in thermo‐responsiveness.

The SAUR26 subfamily, a new subfamily of SAUR genes, was identified as a major locus for the thermo‐responsive architecture variations. The expression of SAUR26/27/28 is modulated by temperature and PIF4. Extensive natural polymorphisms in these genes affect their RNA expression levels and protein activities and influence the thermo‐responsiveness of plant architecture. In addition, the SAUR26 subfamily genes exhibit a high variation frequency and their variations are associated with the local temperature climate.

This study reveals that the SAUR26 subfamily is a key variation for thermo‐responsive architecture and suggests a preference for generating diversity for local adaptation through signaling connectors.
Immune‐related gene expression profiles of hypothermia adipocytes: Implications for Bell's palsy
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Xu Lei , Luo Tingting , Zhao Bin , Wu Feng , Li Xianqi
Published: May 2019

Objective

To identify immune‐related gene expression profiles of adipocytes under low temperatures with RNA sequencing as a model for Bell's palsy implications.

Methods

Adipocytes were harvested from the white adipose tissue of male Sprague‐Dawley rats and cultured under different acute‐grade cold exposure conditions of 30, 20, and 10°C, and their genomes were sequenced for RNA sequencing analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In total, 55 (35 upregulated and 20 downregulated), 121 (76 upregulated and 45 downregulated), and 92 (64 upregulated and 28 downregulated) DEGs were identified under 30, 20, and 10°C compared with the control, respectively. KEGG and GO analysis revealed that the DEGs were considerably enriched in immune‐related pathways (leukocyte transendothelial migration and platelet activation) and infection (bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and Salmonella infection). The levels of key inflammatory chemokines (CSF1, CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL7) were enhanced after cold exposure.

Conclusion

These findings broaden our understanding of the immune responses to cold exposure in adipocytes. The molecular profiles of adipocyte immune function will help clarify the potential mechanism impacting myelin, which might contribute to the development of strategies to control Bell's palsy.
Transmural unipolar electrogram change occurs within 7 s at the left atrial posterior wall during pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Tomlinson David R. , Myles Madison , Stevens Kara N. , Streeter Adam J.
Published: May 2019

Background

To assess occurrence of a histologically validated measure of transmural (TM) atrial ablation—pure R unipolar electrogram (UE) morphology change—at first‐ablated left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) sites during contact force (CF)‐guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

Objectively annotated VISITAG™ Module and CARTOREPLAY™ (Biosense Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA) UE morphology data were retrospectively analyzed in 23 consecutive patients undergoing PVI under general anesthesia.

Results

PVI without spontaneous/dormant recovery was achieved in all, employing 16.3 (3.2) min of radiofrequency (RF; 30 W) energy. All first‐ablated LAPW sites demonstrated RS UE morphology preablation, with RF‐induced pure R UE morphology change in 98%. Time to pure R UE morphology was significantly shorter at left‐sided LAPW sites (4.9 [2.1] vs 6.7 [2.5] s; P = .02), with significantly greater impedance drop (median 13.5 vs 9.9 Ω; P = .003). Importantly, neither first‐site RF duration (14.9 vs 15.0 s) nor maximum ablation catheter tip distance moved (during RF) was significantly different, yet the mean CF was significantly higher at right‐sided sites (16.5 vs 11.2 g; P = .002). Concurrent impedance and objectively annotated bipolar electrogram (BE) data demonstrated ∼6‐8 Ω impedance drop and ∼30% BE decrease at the time of first pure R UE morphology change.

Conclusions

Using objective ablation site annotation, UE morphology evidence of TM RF effect was demonstrated far sooner than considered biologically possible according to the “conventional” 20‐40 s RF per‐site approach, with significantly greater ablative effect evident at left‐sided sites. This novel methodology represents a scientifically more rigorous foundation toward future research into the biological effects of RF ablation in vivo.
Retail Credit Scoring using Fine-Grained Payment Data
Authors: Tobback Ellen , Martens David
Published: May 2019

Banks are continuously looking for novel ways to leverage their existing data assets. A major source of data that has not yet been used to the full extent is massive fine-grained payment data on the bank’s customers. In the paper, a design is proposed that builds predictive credit scoring models by using the fine-grained payment data. Using a real life data set of 183 million transactions made by 2.6 million customers, we show that the scalable implementation that is put forward leads to a significant improvement in the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, with only seconds of computation needed. When investigating the 1% riskiest customers, twice as many defaulters are detected when using the payment data. Such an improvement has a big effect on the overall working of the bank, from applicant scoring to minimum capital requirements.
Sediment petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of the Miocene Islam Dağ Section (Eastern Azerbaijan): Implications for the evolution of sediment provenance, palaeo‐environment and (post‐)depositional alteration patterns
Authors: Baldermann Andre , Abdullayev Elshan , Taghiyeva Yelena , Alasgarov Alasgar , Javad‐Zada Zohrab
Published: May 2019

The reconstruction of regional long‐term patterns recorded in marine sedimentary successions of the Eastern Paratethys is important in understanding the role of Cenozoic climate change and orogenic activity on the depositional environment and sedimentation dynamics in Western Asia. In this study, the environmental conditions in the early to middle Miocene (Islam Dağ section) in eastern Azerbaijan are elucidated using petrographic–mineralogical relations, detrital indicators, weathering indices and δ13C and δ18O signatures of organic‐rich (total organic carbon: ca 3 to 6 wt. %) argillites. Sedimentary facies and chemical proxies (Na/K, K/Al, Si/Al, Ti/Al ratios, chemical index of alteration values) indicate arid conditions, reduced weathering rates in the hinterland and sediment deposition in an euhaline and poorly oxygenated deep‐water basin during the early Miocene, followed by a shift to humid conditions, higher weathering rates and an oxygenated water column in the mid‐early Miocene. Long‐term aridification and deposition of gypsiferous and calcareous argillites under generally more oxygenated, euhaline to polyhaline conditions in a lacustrine or restricted shelf setting until the middle Miocene is evidenced by gradual changes in element ratios and the chemical index of alteration. Discriminant function analysis suggests the Russian Platform, drained by the Palaeo‐Volga and Palaeo‐Don river systems, to be the source area for the siliciclastic input throughout the Miocene, although a minor contribution of volcanogenic detritus and mafic components from the Greater Caucasus is possible. The C–S–Fe associations and increasing Fe/Al ratios towards the middle Miocene support the concept of continuous influx of detrital Fe and total organic carbon. The formation of ferruginous smectite from alteration of volcanic ash layers could have affected the preservation of total organic carbon and therefore the sedimentary C and Fe budget in the Eastern Paratethys basins. Palaeo‐climatic reconstructions based on δ13C (−34·5 to +1·7‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite) and δ18O (−34·7 to −4·8‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite) records of authigenic carbonates should be made with great caution, as the pristine marine signatures may be affected by the oxidation of organic matter and meteoric diagenesis.
Comparative “virtual biopsies” of normal skin and skin lesions using vibrational optical coherence tomography
Authors: Silver Frederick H. , Shah Ruchit G. , Richard Michael , Benedetto Dominick
Published: May 2019

Background

Increased tissue stiffness (also termed modulus) has been shown to be a characteristic of potential tumor metastasis. Measured values of the stiffness of tumors and cancer cells are reported in the literature to increase compared to neighboring normal tissues. Yet the relationship between the mechanical properties of cells and the extracellular matrix has yet to be correlated with the histopathology of cancerous lesions.

Materials and Methods

We have developed a technique to do virtual biopsies of skin lesions by combining images made using optical coherence tomography with stiffness measurements made simultaneously using vibrational analysis. The technique is termed vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT).

Results

In this paper, we report that precancerous and cancerous lesions are characterized by changes in both the morphology and stiffness of the cellular components of the skin. The ratio of the peak heights that correspond to the epidermal (40‐60Hz) and dermal (140‐160 Hz) resonant frequencies appear to be different for benign and cancerous or precancerous lesions compared with normal skin and scar.

Conclusions

Cell‐to‐cell and epidermal‐to‐dermal interactions may be very important in evaluating the potential of skin lesions to become malignant. These interactions can be evaluated using VOCT, a new technique for performing “virtual biopsies” of skin lesions.
A potential role of TLR2 in xenograft rejection of porcine iliac endothelial cells: An in vitro study
Authors: Chen Jicheng , Gao Hanchao , Chen LinLin , Wang Xisheng , Song Zongpei , Cooper David K. C. , Qu Zepeng , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha
Published: May 2019

Background

Porcine vascular endothelial cells are a major participant in xenograft rejection. The Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) pathway plays an important role in both innate and adaptive immunity. The specific role of TLR2 in the response to a xenograft has not been reported. Whether the TLR2 pathway in pig vascular endothelial cells is involved in acute rejection needs to be investigated, and the mechanism is explored.

Methods

We used a modified antibody‐dependent complement‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay to conduct in vitro experiments. In porcine iliac artery endothelial cells (PIECs), siRNA was used to knock down the expression of TLR2, CXCL8, and CCL2. The effect of human serum or inactivated human serum on the expression of TLR2 was analyzed by real‐time PCR and Western blotting, and transwell assays were used to assess the chemotactic efficiency of PIECs on human monocyte‐macrophages (THP‐1 cells) and human neutrophils. The downstream signaling pathways activated by human serum were detected by Western blotting, and the regulation of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines by TLR2 signaling was assessed by real‐time PCR and ELISA.

Results

TLR2 was significantly upregulated in PIECs after exposure to human serum, and porcine proinflammatory chemokines, CXCL8 and CCL2, were induced, at least partially, in a TLR2‐dependent pattern; the upregulated chemokines participated in the chemotaxis of human neutrophils and THP‐1 cells across the species barrier.

Conclusions

(i) TLR2 is significantly upregulated in PIECs by human serum, (ii) the elevated TLR2 participates in the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells through the secretion of chemokine CCL2 and CXCL8, and (iii) blockade of TLR2 would be beneficial for xenograft survival.
A phylogeny of Xanthopygina (Insecta, Coleoptera) reveals major lineages and the origin of myrmecophily
Authors: Chatzimanolis Stylianos , Brunke Adam J.
Published: May 2019

Xanthopygina is a group of colourful, neotropical rove beetles (Staphylinidae) comprising 28 genera and more than 350 species. While many genera are found on rotting fruits, carrion, dung and mushrooms, several taxa have evolved associations with social insects. Previous phylogenetic analyses have used only a subset of genera and were based solely on molecular data. In this paper, we performed Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of all known genera, including three potentially new genera, based on molecular (4,797 bp) and morphological (91) characters. Our results reaffirmed the monophyly of the subtribe and divided it into eight major lineages: the Elmas, Gastrisus, Isanopus, Ocyolinus, Plociopterus, Smilax, Trigonopselaphus and Xanthopygus groups. We hypothesized that myrmecophily evolved once in the common ancestor of the Smilax group, and that sphecophily possibly evolved twice, in the Trigonopselaphus and Xanthopygus groups.
Aerobic training and vascular protection: Insight from altered blood flow patterns
Authors: Garten Ryan S. , Darling Ashley , Weggen Jennifer , Decker Kevin , Hogwood Austin C. , Michael Austin , Imthurn Brandon , Mcintyre Andrew
Published: May 2019

New Finding

What is the central question of this study?

This study sought to determine whether prior upper limb aerobic training can attenuate the vascular dysfunction resulting from negative alteration of blood flow patterns.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrated that the microvasculature of young men with prior upper limb aerobic training (rowing) was equally susceptible to negatively altered blood flow patterns when compared with untrained control subjects. This finding reveals that aerobic training does not provide adequate protection against this type of vascular insult, highlighting the importance of reducing known vascular insults regardless of training status.

Acute alteration of blood flow patterns can substantially reduce blood vessel function and, if consistently repeated, may chronically reduce vascular health. Aerobic exercise training is associated with improved vascular health, but it is not well understood whether aerobic training‐induced vascular adaptations provide protection against acute vascular insults. This study sought to determine whether prior upper limb aerobic training can attenuate the vascular dysfunction resulting from an acute vascular insult (increased retrograde/oscillatory shear). Ten young arm‐trained (AT) men (rowers; 22 ± 1 years of age) and 10 untrained (UT) male control subjects (21 ± 3 years of age) were recruited for this study. Subjects completed two brachial artery (BA) flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) tests separated by an acute bout of subdiastolic cuff inflation (SDCI) of the distal forearm. Brachial artery dilatation (normalized for the shear stimulus) and reactive hyperaemia evaluated during the BA FMD test were used to determine conduit artery and microvascular function, respectively. Data were presented as mean values ± SD. The AT group reported significantly greater whole body (peak oxygen uptake; P = 0.01) and forearm aerobic capacity (P < 0.001). The SDCI intervention significantly increased retrograde (P < 0.001) and oscillatory shear (P < 0.001) in both groups. After the SDCI, microvascular function (post‐cuff release hyperaemia), but not conduit artery function (shear‐induced BA dilatation), was significantly reduced from pre‐SDCI values (P = 0.001) independent of group. This study revealed that young men with prior upper limb aerobic training, when compared with untrained control subjects, were equally susceptible to the microvascular dysfunction associated with an acute increase in retrograde/oscillatory shear.
β-Aminopeptidases: Insight into Enzymes without a Known Natural Substrate
Authors: John-White Marietta , Gardiner James , Johanesen Priscilla , Lyras Dena , Dumsday Geoffrey
Published: May 2019

β-Aminopeptidases are unique enzymes found in a diverse range of microorganisms that can utilize synthetic β-peptides as a sole carbon source. Six β-aminopeptidases have been previously characterized with preferences for different β-amino acid substrates and have demonstrated the capability to catalyze not only the degradation of synthetic β-peptides but also the synthesis of short β-peptides. Identification of other β-aminopeptidases adds to this toolbox of enzymes with differing β-amino acid substrate preferences and kinetics. These enzymes have the potential to be utilized in the sustainable manufacture of β-amino acid derivatives and β-peptides for use in biomedical and biomaterial applications. This is important, because β-amino acids and β-peptides confer increased proteolytic resistance to bioactive compounds and form novel structures as well as structures similar to α-peptides. The discovery of new enzymes will also provide insight into the biological importance of these enzymes in nature.
Phycosphere Microbial Succession Patterns and Assembly Mechanisms in a Marine Dinoflagellate Bloom
Authors: Zhou Jin , Chen Guo-Fu , Ying Ke-Zhen , Jin Hui , Song Jun-Ting , Cai Zhong-Hua
Published: May 2019

Disentangling the mechanisms shaping bacterioplankton communities during a marine ecological event is a core concern for ecologists. Harmful algal bloom (HAB) is a typical ecological disaster, and its formation is significantly influenced by alga-bacterium interactions. Microbial community shifts during the HAB process are relatively well known. However, the assembly processes of microbial communities in an HAB are not fully understood, especially the relative influences of deterministic and stochastic processes. We therefore analyzed the relative contributions of deterministic and stochastic processes during an HAB event. Both free-living and attached bacterial groups had a dramatic response to the HAB, and the relative importance of determinism versus stochasticity varied between the two bacterial groups at various bloom stages. Environmental factors and biotic interactions were the main drivers impacting the microbial shift process. Our results strengthen the understanding of the ecological mechanisms controlling microbial community patterns during the HAB process.
Asexual Reproduction Can Account for the High Diversity and Prevalence of Rare Taxa Observed in Microbial Communities
Authors: Herren Cristina M.
Published: May 2019

There have been numerous recent efforts to integrate microbes into broad-scale ecological theories. Microbial communities are often structurally distinct from macrobial communities, but it is unclear whether these differences are real or whether they are due to the different methodologies used to study communities at these two scales. One major difference between macroorganisms and microorganisms is that microbes are much more likely to reproduce asexually. Sexually reproducing taxa have diminished growth rates at low population size, because they must encounter another member of their species before reproducing. This study shows that communities of asexually reproducing taxa are expected to be more diverse, because taxa persist longer. Furthermore, asexually reproducing taxa can exist at much lower densities than sexually reproducing taxa. Thus, asexual reproduction by microbes can account for two major differences between microbial and macrobial communities, namely, greater diversity and greater prevalence of rare taxa for microbes.
Schistosoma mansoni Worm Infection Regulates the Intestinal Microbiota and Susceptibility to Colitis
Authors: Floudas Achilleas , Aviello Gabriella , Schwartz Christian , Jeffery Ian B. , O'Toole Paul W. , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: May 2019

Infection with parasite helminths induces potent modulation of the immune system of the host. Epidemiological and animal studies have shown that helminth infections can suppress or exacerbate unrelated autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. There is growing evidence that helminth infection-mediated suppression of bystander inflammatory responses is influenced by alterations in the intestinal microbiome modulating metabolic and immune functions of the infected host.
Temporal Proteomic Analysis of BK Polyomavirus Infection Reveals Virus-Induced G
2
Arrest and Highly Effective Evasion of Innate Immune Sensing
Authors: Caller Laura G. , Davies Colin T. R. , Antrobus Robin , Lehner Paul J. , Weekes Michael P. , Crump Colin M.
Published: May 2019

BK polyomavirus can cause serious problems in immune-suppressed patients, in particular, kidney transplant recipients who can develop polyomavirus-associated kidney disease. In this work, we have used advanced proteomics techniques to determine the changes to protein expression caused by infection of two independent primary cell types of the human urinary tract (kidney and bladder) throughout the replication cycle of this virus. Our findings have uncovered new details of a specific form of cell cycle arrest caused by this virus, and, importantly, we have identified that this virus has a remarkable ability to evade detection by host cell defense systems. In addition, our data provide an important resource for the future study of kidney epithelial cells and their infection by urinary tract pathogens.