bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Different Prerace Warm-Up Strategies on 1-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance
Authors: Vangsoe Mathias T. , Nielsen Jonas K. , Paton Carl D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and postactivation potentiation (PAP) are warm-up strategies proposed to improve high-intensity sporting performance. However, only few studies have investigated the benefits of these strategies compared with an appropriate control (CON) or an athlete-selected (SELF) warm-up protocol. Therefore, this study examined the effects of 4 different warm-up routines on 1-km time-trial (TT) performance with competitive cyclists. Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 12 well-trained cyclists (age 32 [10] y, mass 77.7 [4.6] kg, peak power output 1141 [61] W) performed 4 different warm-up strategies—(CON) 17 minutes CON only, (SELF) a self-determined warm-up, (IPC) IPC + CON, or (PAP) CON + PAP—prior to completing a maximal-effort 1-km TT. Performance time and power, quadriceps electromyograms, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), and blood lactate were measured to determine differences between trials. Results: There were no significant differences (P > .05) in 1-km performance time between CON (76.9 [5.2] s), SELF (77.3 [6.0] s), IPC (77.0 [5.5] s), or PAP (77.3 [5.9] s) protocols. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in mean or peak power output between trials. Finally, electromyogram activity, SmO2, and recovery blood lactate concentration were not different between conditions. Conclusions: Adding IPC or PAP protocols to a short CON warm-up appears to provide no additional benefit to 1-km TT performance with well-trained cyclists and is therefore not recommended. Furthermore, additional IPC and PAP protocols had no effect on electromyograms and SmO2 values during the TT or peak lactate concentration during recovery.
Cryo-EM structure of the human heteromeric amino acid transporter b
0,+
AT-rBAT
Authors: Yan Renhong , Li Yaning , Shi Yi , Zhou Jiayao , Lei Jianlin , Huang Jing , Zhou Qiang
Published: April 2020

Cryo-EM structures of the b
0,+
AT-rBAT complex are revealed, providing clues for the substrate recognition and transport mechanism.
PHF20L1 as a H3K27me2 reader coordinates with transcriptional repressors to promote breast tumorigenesis
Authors: Hou Yongqiang , Liu Wei , Yi Xianfu , Yang Yang , Su Dongxue , Huang Wei , Yu Hefen , Teng Xu , Yang Ying , Feng Wei , Zhang Tao , Gao Jie , Zhang Kai , Qiu Rongfang , Wang Yan
Published: April 2020

PHF20L1, a H3K27me2 reader, promotes breast tumorigenesis by cooperating with the PRC2/NuRD complex.
Revealing in real-time a multistep assembly mechanism for SV40 virus-like particles
Authors: van Rosmalen Mariska G. M. , Kamsma Douwe , Biebricher Andreas S. , Li Chenglei , Zlotnick Adam , Roos Wouter H. , Wuite Gijs J.L.
Published: April 2020

Acoustic force spectroscopy and optical tweezer experiments show a multistep assembly process for SV40 virus–like particles.
Aβ deposition is associated with increases in soluble and phosphorylated tau that precede a positive Tau PET in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Andersson Emelie , Janelidze Shorena , Ossenkoppele Rik , Insel Philip , Strandberg Olof , Zetterberg Henrik , Rosen Howard J. , Rabinovici Gil , Chai Xiyun , Blennow Kaj , Dage Jeffrey L. , Stomrud Erik , Smith Ruben , Palmqvist Sebastian , Hansson Oskar
Published: April 2020

Aβ pathology may induce changes in soluble tau release and phosphorylation, which is later followed by tau aggregation.
O
-GlcNAc transferase promotes influenza A virus–induced cytokine storm by targeting interferon regulatory factor–5
Authors: Wang Qiming , Fang Peining , He Rui , Li Mengqi , Yu Haisheng , Zhou Li , Yi Yu , Wang Fubing , Rong Yuan , Zhang Yi , Chen Aidong , Peng Nanfang , Lin Yong , Lu Mengji , Zhu Ying , Peng Guoping , Rao Liqun , Liu Shi
Published: April 2020

IAV regulates inflammatory signaling via glucose metabolism.
Actuation of untethered pneumatic artificial muscles and soft robots using magnetically induced liquid-to-gas phase transitions
Authors: Mirvakili Seyed M. , Sim Douglas , Hunter Ian W. , Langer Robert
Published: April 2020

Controlled volumetric expansion using magnetic induction enables actuation of pneumatic artificial muscles without valves or pumps.
Ladybird beetle–inspired compliant origami
Authors: Baek Sang-Min , Yim Sojung , Chae Soo-Hwan , Lee Dae-Young , Cho Kyu-Jin
Published: April 2020

Ladybird beetle–inspired origami uses the deformation and geometry of its facet to enable unique energy storage and self-locking.
Differential Regulation ofl-Arginine Metabolism through Arginase 1 during Infection with Leishmania mexicana Isolates Obtained from Patients with Localized and Diffuse Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Wilkins-Rodríguez Arturo A. , Pérez-Torres Armando , Escalona-Montaño Alma R. , Gutiérrez-Kobeh Laila
Published: April 2020

l-Arginine metabolism through arginase 1 (Arg-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) constitutes a fundamental axis for the resolution or progression of leishmaniasis. Infection withLeishmania mexicanacan cause two distinct clinical manifestations: localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). In this work, we analyzed in anin vivomodel the capacity of twoL. mexicanaisolates, one obtained from a patient with LCL and the other from a patient with DCL, to regulate the metabolism ofl-arginine through Arg-1 and NOS2.
Complete Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas vesicatoria Bacteriophage ΦXaF18, a Contribution to the Biocontrol of Bacterial Spot of Pepper in Mexico
Authors: Ríos-Sandoval Marcela , Quiñones-Aguilar Evangelina Esmeralda , Solís-Sánchez Guillermo Alejandro , Enríquez-Vara Jhony Navat , Rincón-Enríquez Gabriel
Published: April 2020

Bacteriophage ΦXaF18 infects
Xanthomonas vesicatoria
, which is the causal agent of bacterial spot in tomato (
Solanum lycopersicum
L.) and pepper (
Capsicum annuum
L.). In this announcement, we present the complete genome of
X. vesicatoria
bacteriophage ΦXaF18, a 47,407-bp genome with 67 protein-coding genes.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequences of Two Deltaproteobacterial Endosymbionts, Delta1a and Delta1b, from the Uncultured Sva0081 Clade, Assembled from Metagenomes of the Gutless Marine Worm Olavius algarvensis
Authors: Sato Yui , Wippler Juliane , Wentrup Cecilia , Dubilier Nicole , Kleiner Manuel
Published: April 2020

Here, we present high-quality metagenome-assembled genome sequences of two closely related deltaproteobacterial endosymbionts from the gutless marine worm
Olavius algarvensis
(Annelida). The first is an improved draft genome sequence of the previously described sulfate-reducing symbiont Delta1. The second is from a closely related, recently discovered symbiont of
O. algarvensis
.
Genome Sequences of Seven Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Isolates Reveal Diversity in the O/ME-SA/Ind2001 Lineage in India between 1997 and 2009
Authors: Bertram Miranda R. , Palinski Rachel M. , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Biswal Jitendra K. , Ranjan Rajeev , Subramaniam Saravanan , Mohapatra Jajati K. , Das Biswajit , Fish Ian H. , Pattnaik Bramhadev , Rodriguez Luis L. , Arzt Jonathan
Published: April 2020

We report the genome sequences of seven foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) isolates collected in India between 1997 and 2009. The strains represented four sublineages within the O/ME-SA/Ind2001 lineage. These viruses provide insights into FMDV diversity and evolution in India and may influence future control measures, including vaccine selections.
Complete Genome Sequence of Athalassotoga saccharophila Strain NAS-01, a Deep-Branching Thermophilic Lineage in the Phylum
Thermotogae
Authors: Kato Shingo , Itoh Takashi , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: April 2020

Athalassotoga saccharophila
strain NAS-01 (=JCM 19762
T
) is an anaerobic thermoacidophilic bacterium which is one of the deepest branching lineages of the phylum
Thermotogae
. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (1.96 Mbp) and two plasmid sequences (43.7 kbp and 43.5 kbp) of this strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus
Isolated from Cotton in Texas, USA
Authors: Ali Akhtar , Mokhtari Samira
Published: April 2020

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus
(CLRDV; genus,
Polerovirus
; family,
Luteoviridae
) was first described in Alabama. In this study, we present the complete genome (5,865 nucleotides) sequence of a CLRDV isolate (CS4) that was collected from cotton during the 2019 growing season in Texas.
Mobile technology intervention for weight loss in rural men: protocol for a pilot pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Eisenhauer Christine M , Brito Fabiana Almeida , Yoder Aaron M , Kupzyk Kevin A , Pullen Carol H , Salinas Katherine E , Miller Jessica , Hageman Patricia A
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Men who are overweight or obese in the rural Midwestern USA are an unrepresented, at-risk group exhibiting rising rates of cardiovascular disease, poor access to preventive care and poor lifestyle behaviours that contribute to sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Self-monitoring of eating and activity has demonstrated efficacy for weight loss. Use of mobile technologies for self-monitoring eating and activity may address rural men’s access disparities to preventive health resources and support weight loss. Our pilot trial will assess the feasibility and acceptability of two mobile applications for weight loss in rural men to inform a future, full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

A 6-month randomised controlled trial with contextual evaluation will randomise 80 men using a 1:1 ratio to either a Mobile Technology Plus (MT+) intervention or a basic Mobile Technology (MT) intervention in rural, midlife men (aged 40–69 years). The MT+ intervention consists of a smartphone self-monitoring application enhanced with discussion group (Lose-It premium), short message service text-based support and Wi-Fi scale. The MT group will receive only a self-monitoring application (Lose-It basic). Feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated using number of men recruited and retained, and evaluative focus group feedback. We seek to determine point estimates and variability of outcome measures of weight loss (kg and % body weight) and improved dietary and physical activity behaviours (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption surveys, data from Lose-It! application (kcal/day, steps/day)). Community capacity will be assessed using standard best practice methods. Descriptive content analysis will evaluate intervention acceptability and contextual sensitivity.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the University of Nebraska Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB# 594–17-EP). Dissemination of findings will occur through ClinicalTrials.gov and publish pilot data to inform the design of a larger clinical trial.

Trial registration number

NCT03329079; preresults. Protocol V.10, study completion date 31 August 2020. Roles and responsibilities funder: NIH/NINR Health Disparities Section 1R15NR017522-01.
Live birth after in vitro maturation versus standard in vitro fertilisation for women with polycystic ovary syndrome: protocol for a non-inferiority randomised clinical trial
Authors: Zheng Xiaoying , Guo Wei , Zeng Lin , Zheng Danni , Yang Shuo , Wang Lina , Wang Rui , Mol Ben W , Li Rong , Qiao Jie
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the first common cause of anovulatory infertility. Currently, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is recommended when conventional attempts have failed. In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an emerging treatment option in infertile women with PCOS. It is a patient-friendly intervention, avoiding the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which is a serious complication of controlled ovarian stimulation in the standard IVF procedure. We plan a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate whether IVM is non-inferior to the standard IVF for live birth in women with PCOS.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, open-label, non-inferiority RCT performed in a large reproductive medicine centre in China. Infertile women with PCOS will be randomised to receive either IVM or standard IVF in a 1:1 treatment ratio after informed consent. IVF procedures used in our study are all standard treatments and other standard-assisted reproductive technologies will be similar between the two groups. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth within 6 months of the first oocyte retrieval cycle after randomisation. Pregnancy outcome, maternal safety and obstetric and perinatal complications will be secondary outcomes. The planned sample size is 350 (175 per group).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical permission was acquired from the Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital. The results will be issued to publications through scientific journals and conference reports.

Trial registration number

NCT03463772.
Effects of cultured dairy and nondairy products added to breakfast cereals on blood glucose control, satiation, satiety, and short-term food intake in young women
Authors: Mather Kathleen , Boachie Ruth , Anini Younes , Panahi Shirin , Anderson G. Harvey , Luhovyy Bohdan L.
Published: April 2020

Breakfast cereals are often consumed with dairy products or nondairy alternatives; however, the effect of the combination on blood glucose and food intake control is not well investigated. In a randomized, crossover study, 24 healthy women (age: 22.7 ± 2.5 years; body mass index: 22.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2) consumed, to satiation, 1 of 3 treatments: Greek yogurt with granola (150 kcal, 9.2 g protein, 2.6 g fat, 2.0 g dietary fibre, and 21.5 g available carbohydrate/100 g); cultured coconut product with granola (146 kcal, 3.2 g protein, 3.2 g fat, 5.6 g dietary fibre, and 21.9 g available carbohydrate/100 g); or water control. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. The 2 h blood glucose iAUC was 52% lower after the dairy compared with nondairy treatment (P < 0.0001). While there were no differences in food intake between the caloric treatments consumed to satiation, protein intake was 3 times higher and fibre intake was 4 times lower after the dairy compared with nondairy treatment. Both caloric treatments resulted in similar suppression of ad libitum food intake at 2 h (P < 0.003) and subjective appetite over 2 h (P < 0.0001) compared with water. The cumulative food intake over 2 h was lower after water (P < 0.05). The 1.8-fold increase in postprandial insulin after dairy compared with nondairy treatment may explain the reduction in blood glucose without an increase in subsequent energy intake.

Novelty Blood glucose in young females is lower after a breakfast with granola in a high-protein cultured dairy than when in a high-fibre nondairy cultured product. Subjective appetite over 2 h and food intake 2 h later was similarly lower after both breakfasts but cumulative intake was higher compared with breakfast skipping.
Effect of various monochromatic light-emitting diode colours on the behaviour and welfare of broiler chickens
Authors: Sultana Shabiha , Hassan Md. Rakibul , Kim Byung Soo , Ryu Kyeong Seon
Published: April 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different monochromatic light-emitting diode colours on the behaviour and welfare of broiler chicks. A total of 750 one-day-old chicks were used and lighting was set up as follows: pure blue (PB, 440–450 nm), bright blue (460–470 nm), sky blue (480–490 nm), greenish blue (500–510 nm), and green (530–540), while fluorescent white (400–700 nm) was used as a control. Birds were placed into 30 independent light proof pens and each light treatment was replicated five times with 25 birds in each pen. Video was recorded and behaviour was evaluated twice per day and observed five consecutive days in a week. Broiler welfare was evaluated using the characteristics of gait score, tibia dyschondroplasia, tonic immobility duration, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. In results, sitting, walking, and ground pecking behaviour were influenced by the light colour from 0 to 7 d. Extending the rearing period from 8 to 21 d resulted in increased sitting behaviour and decreased walking and pecking behaviour in chicks in the PB treatment (P < 0.05). When the growth period was extended further (22–42 d), sitting behaviour increased when chicks were exposed to PB light (P < 0.05). The effect of light colour did not significantly influence welfare of broiler chicks. Thus, the present results suggest that PB light colour decreased broiler chickens movement and thus increased duration of sitting behaviour. These results would be helpful to choose light colour for broiler producers.
Preferred-frame effects, the $$H_0$$ tension, and probes of Hořava–Lifshitz gravity
Authors: Nilsson Nils A.
Published: April 2020

We discuss implications on the $$H_0$$H0 tension due to preferred-frame effects in the context of Hořava–Lifshitz gravity. By using a combination of low-redshift data (Sne1a, elliptical and lenticular galaxies, GRB’s, and quasars) we discuss the $$H_0$$H0 tension and its appearance as a preferred-frame effect, as well as present new constraints on the model parameter $$\lambda $$λ; moreover, from the structure of the Friedmann equations, we argue that up to 36% of the Hubble tension can be explained by Lorentz-violating effects in a Hořava–Lifshitz scenario, and we briefly discuss the cosmographic behaviour of this model.
Initial boosting phenomenon of a fractional-order hyperchaotic system based on dual memristors
Authors: Ding Dawei , Shan Xiangyu , Jun Luo , Hu Yongbin , Yang Zongli , Ding Lianghui
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a fractional-order hyperchaotic system based on dual memristors is represented to analyze the nonlinear dynamic behaviors via replacing two coupled resistors with dual memristors. It is worthy to note that the fractional-order hyperchaotic system has two zero eigenvalues and three nonzero eigenvalues, therefore the equilibrium plane can be separated into diverse areas which indicates the hyperchaotic system is stable or chaotic. The simulation results illustrate that the initial states have a significant impact on the dynamic behaviors, which can be mirrored by the phase portraits, the bifurcation diagrams, the power spectrum and the time-domain waveform. In particular, the memristor initial boosting phenomenon is investigated in the proposed hyperchaotic system, which implies the memristor initial states determine the attractor offset boosting behaviors under various initial controllers. Clearly, it differs from the variable offset boosting behavior totally due to its multi-dimension and nonlinearity. Finally, numerical results under different initial controllers are exhibited to demonstrate the memristor initial boosting phenomenon. Moreover, a hardware circuit based on PSPICE software is fabricated and its experimental simulations is given to verify the dynamic behaviors effectively.
Measuring Algorithmic Complexity in Chaotic Lasers
Authors: Kovalsky Marcelo G. , Agüero Mónica B. , Bonazzola Carlos R. , Hnilo Alejandro A.
Published: April 2020

Thanks to the simplicity and robustness of its calculation methods, algorithmic (or Kolmogorov) complexity appears as a useful tool to reveal chaotic dynamics when experimental time series are too short and noisy to apply Takens’ reconstruction theorem. We measure the complexity in chaotic regimes, with and without extreme events (sometimes called optical rogue waves), of three different all-solid-state lasers: Kerr lens mode locking femtosecond Ti:Sapphire (“fast” saturable absorber), Nd:YVO4 [Formula: see text] Cr:YAG (“slow” saturable absorber) and Nd:YVO4 with modulated losses. We discuss how complexity characterizes the dynamics in an understandable way in all cases, and how it provides a correction factor of predictability given by Lyapunov exponents. This approach may be especially convenient to implement schemes of chaos control in real time.
Van Gogh Museum: A Digitally Engaging Museum
Authors: Natassia Diane , Ramadhan Ahmad Seiichi
Published: April 2020

Van Gogh Museum (VGM) wants to reach out to as many visitors and non-visitors as possible, enriching and inspiring people through their collection and knowledge on the famous painter, Vincent van Gogh. One of their strategies is through digital marketing approaches. However, VGM decides to reinstate its photography ban at roughly the same time the ‘selfie’ trend is booming all over the world, which might hinder the museum’s mission. This case study explores issues in a museum business that slightly differ, yet still holds high relevance to any regular business in terms of digital communication strategy. The aims of this case study are to exercise a decision-making process in which the visitors and the non-visitors of the VGM play a major role, and to initiate creativity in discovering ways to communicate and creating relationship with the public or targeted audience.
Marching Towards Creating Shared Value: The Case of YES Bank
Authors: Pandey Ashish , Guha Reeju , Malkar Navjyoti , Pandey Nisha
Published: April 2020

The case highlights YES Bank’s responsible banking approach through its journey of 12 years characterized by agile response to business opportunity and societal needs, innovative product design, organic and steady business growth and healthy shareholder returns. Responsible banking has evolved with an inclusive approach wherein it is aimed at sustainable development by creating social and natural capital along with creating stakeholder value. The three pillars of responsible banking in YES Bank are; Triple Bottom Line accounting and reporting, climate finance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The case raises the question about the ways of measuring the effectiveness of the responsible banking initiatives.
White Print: The Dotted Word
Authors: Bhajni Sameer , Khandker Varsha , Patil Sourabh , Makati Upasana
Published: April 2020

This case describes the efforts put in and challenges faced by a young female social entrepreneur, Upasana Makati, in an attempt to make a difference in the lives of people who are visually impaired or with poor vision in India. The idea of White Print was to provide interesting reading material for the visually impaired population, including Braille Tactile alphabet books in English and Hindi. Upasana had been handling all the functions on her own with occasional help from interns which has been working out well so far. However, going ahead, the business is bound to face issues related to revenue generation, scaling up, and impact. This can be a good case to introduce the concept of Social Entrepreneurship, Dual Bottom-line, and Hybrid organizations to students.
63 Moons-NSEL Merger: A Boon or a Bane for the Stakeholders
Authors: Bodhanwala Shernaz
Published: April 2020

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, had ordered the mandatory merger of 63 Moons Technologies Limited (63 Moons) with its crisis struck subsidiary company, National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL), the electronic commodity spot exchange of India. However, 63 Moons’ board and promoters did not agree with the forced merger order as they believed that they were not at major fault behind the NSEL payment crisis. The case provides an opportunity to participate in the real-world complex decision-making process which involves the forced merger of two entities that may affect the interest of various stakeholders. The case allows examination of the issues such as related party transactions, internal monitoring and control processes, organizational structure and the regulatory framework which led to the payment crisis.
Onlymobiles.com: Redefine the Pricing Strategy
Authors: Kapoor Anuj Pal , Vij Madhu
Published: April 2020

Mr. Shrutam Desai, the 38-year-old founder of Onlymobiles.com, was always ahead of the market trend. His love for travelling exposed him to various geographies, demographics and cultures and as a result, he was always ahead of the market curve in predicting the market dynamics. Onlymobiles. com was competing with hundreds of online as well offline retailers in the mobile phones and accessories market. Onlymobiles.com, were selling mobile and smart phones of smaller ticket size and most of the orders were purchased with CoD (cash on delivery) option. While, CoD was essential for sustainable and profitable growth, it posed challenges for the business.

In order to compete with the established players and, at the same time, be profitable, Desai examined the options that would help Onlymobiles.com create its niche in the market. He weighed between a change in the retail strategy or a change in the service strategy for Onlymobiles.com.
GVK–MIAL: Partner Selection for Public-Private Partnership
Authors: Ganguly Sanjeev , Das Satyasiba
Published: April 2020

The unprecedented growth of air traffic during the early years of industrial and economic reform in India led to the government’s decision to open Indian airspace to private and international operators. During this period, inadequate infrastructure and management’s inability to expand had created congestion in most of the airports. The urgent requirements for modernization and expansion with limited funds left the government in the dilemma of selecting the right kind of inter-organizational collaboration. After much deliberation and consideration, the government considered adopting the public-private partnership model. Without any prior experience and executional history, selection of partners was the key challenge before the government. The case summarizes one of the most significant public-private partnership projects in India and provides managerial insights into partner selection and execution challenges of large infrastructural projects typical to many developing countries.
100 myr cycles of oceanic lithosphere generation in peri-Gondwana: Neoproterozoic–Devonian ophiolites from the NW African–Iberian margin of Gondwana and the Variscan Orogen
Authors: Arenas Ricardo , Sánchez Martínez Sonia , Albert Richard , Haissen Faouziya , Fernández-Suárez Javier , Pujol-Solà Núria , Andonaegui Pilar , Díez Fernández Rubén , Proenza Joaquín A. , Garcia-Casco Antonio , Gerdes Axel
Published: April 2020

The Variscan Orogen in Iberia and the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco contains a set of ophiolites formed between Neoproterozoic and Devonian times, during the complex evolution of the NW African–Iberian margin of Gondwana. During this time interval, the margin evolved from an active margin (
c.
750–500 Ma: the Reguibat–Avalonian–Cadomian arc) to the final collision with Laurussia in Devonian times to form Pangaea. In this context, one of the oldest recognized ophiolites is the Bou Azzer Ophiolite from the Anti-Atlas Mountains, dated at
c.
697 Ma and containing two types of mafic rocks, the youngest of which has a boninitic composition. To the north, in the SW Iberian Massif, the Calzadilla Ophiolite contains mafic rocks also of boninitic composition dated at
c.
598 Ma. Farther north, in the NW Iberian Massif, the Vila de Cruces Ophiolite is formed by a thick sequence of mafic rocks with an arc tholeiitic composition and minor alternations of tonalitic orthogneisses dated at
c.
497 Ma. In the same region, the Bazar Ophiolite has a similar age of
c.
495 Ma. Also in NW Iberia, there is a group of ophiolites with varied lithologies and dominant mafic rocks with arc tholeiitic composition (Careón, Purrido and Moeche ophiolites) dated at
c.
395 Ma. The composition of all these peri-Gondwanan ophiolites is of supra-subduction zone type, showing no evidence of preserved mid-ocean ridge basalt type oceanic lithosphere. Consequently, these ophiolites were generated in the peri-Gondwanan realm during the opening of forearc or back-arc basins. Forearc oceanic lithosphere was promptly obducted or accreted to the volcanic arc, but the oceanic or transitional lithosphere generated in back-arc settings was preserved until the assembly of Pangaea. Based on the ages of the described ophiolites, the peri-Gondwanan realm has been a domain where the generation of oceanic or transitional lithosphere seems to have occurred at intervals of
c.
100 myr. These regularly spaced time intervals may indicate cyclic events of mantle upwelling in the peri-Gondwanan mid-ocean ridges, with associated higher subduction rates at the peri-Gondwanan trenches and concomitant higher rates of partial melting in the mantle wedges involved. The origin of the apparent cyclicity for mantle upwelling in the peri-Gondwanan ocean ridges is unclear, but it could have possibly been related to episodic deep mantle convection. Cycles of more active deep mantle convection can explain episodic mantle upwelling, the transition from low- to fast-spreading type mid-ocean ridges and, finally, the dynamic context for the episodic generation of new supra-subduction zone type oceanic peri-Gondwanan lithosphere.
TRPV1 activation mitigates hypoxic injury in mouse cardiomyocytes by inducing autophagy through the AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Jinyu , Lin Jiezhi , Zhang Junhui , Tang Di , Xiang Fei , Cui Lin , Zhang Qiong , Yuan Hongping , Song Huapei , Lv Yanling , Jia Jiezhi , Zhang Dongxia , Huang Yuesheng
Published: April 2020

Autophagy is a highly conserved self-protection mechanism that plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiomyocyte hypoxic injury promotes oxidative stress and pathological alterations in the heart, although the interplay between these effects remains elusive. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is a nonselective cation channel that is activated in response to a variety of exogenous and endogenous physical and chemical stimuli. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of TRPV1 on autophagy in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. In this study, primary cardiomyocytes isolated from C57 mice were subjected to hypoxic stress, and their expression of TRPV1 and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was regulated. The autophagy flux was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, and the cell viability was determined through Cell counting kit-8 assay and Lactate dehydrogenase assays. In addition, the calcium influx after the upregulation of TRPV1 expression in cardiomyocytes was examined. The results showed that the number of autophagosomes in cardiomyocytes was higher under hypoxic stress and that the blockade of autophagy flux aggravated hypoxic damage to cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the expression of TRPV1 was induced under hypoxic stress, and its upregulation by capsaicin improved the autophagy flux and protected cardiomyocytes from hypoxic damage, whereas the silencing of TRPV1 significantly attenuated autophagy. Our observations also revealed that AMPK signaling was activated and involved in TRPV1-induced autophagy in cardiomyocytes under hypoxic stress. Overall, this study demonstrates that TRPV1 activation mitigates hypoxic injury in cardiomyocytes by improving autophagy flux through the AMPK signaling pathway and highlights TRPV1 as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hypoxic cardiac disease.
Searching for object pointers in the visual cortex
Authors: Zhu Shude D. , Zhang Li Alex , von der Heydt Rüdiger
Published: April 2020

The way we perceive objects as permanent contrasts with the short-lived responses of visual cortical neurons. A theory postulates pointers that give objects continuity, predicting a class of neurons that respond not only to visual objects but also when an occluded object moves into their receptive field. Here, we tested this theory with a novel paradigm in which a monkey freely scans an array of objects while some of them are transiently occluded.
Parental Care, Destabilizing Selection, and the Evolution of Tetrapod Endothermy
Authors: Farmer C. G.
Published: April 2020

Parental care has evolved convergently an extraordinary number of times among tetrapods that reproduce terrestrially, suggesting strong positive selection for this behavior in the terrestrial environment. This review speculates that destabilizing selection on parental care, and especially embryo incubation, drove the convergent evolution of many tetrapod traits, including endothermy.
Evaluation of Visual Field and Balance Function Alterations in Patients Who Underwent Dermatochalasis Surgery
Authors: Akidan Melih , Turgut Coban Deniz , Erol Muhammet Kazım , Balci Uğur
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To compare perioperative visual field (VF), balance functions (BF), and changes in the other ocular parameters in patients undergoing upper eyelid dermatochalasis (DC) surgery. Methods. One hundred and fifty-eight eyes of 79 patients who underwent DC surgery were included in the study. The VF, BF, intraocular pressure (IOP), pachymetry (PM), macular, and optic nerve measurements were recorded. Measurements were repeated at postoperative month 1. The preoperative and postoperative ocular measurements and the balance data were compared. Results. Nineteen of 79 (24.05%) patients were male and 60 of 79 (75.95%) were female, while the mean age of the patients was 58.65 ± 7.38 years. There were statistically significant differences in terms of VF and macular thickness between the preoperative and postoperative values. The improvements in mean defect, standard loss variance, and mean sensitivity values of global VF parameters in both eyes were statistically significant after surgery. Central macular thickness, mean macular thickness, and macular volume decreased significantly in all eyes after surgery (p<0.05). Conclusions. Although a marked improvement was observed in VF and peripheral vision after surgery, no significant change was found in BF parameters including primarily falling risk. The significant change in the macular parameters was only remarkable, and we think that the decrease was due to subtle vasospasm. There is a need for further comprehensive studies including especially patients older than 65 with a view to understanding the effect of DC surgery on BF.
Epidemiologic and Molecular Investigation of a MRSA Outbreak Caused by a Contaminated Bathtub for Carbon Dioxide Hydrotherapy and Review of the Literature
Authors: Baier Claas , Ebadi Ella , Mett Tobias R. , Stoll Matthias , Küther Gerald , Vogt Peter Maria , Bange Franz-Christoph
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for infections in patients both inside and outside of the hospital and causes outbreaks. Here, we demonstrate the characteristics and control of a MRSA outbreak related to a carbon dioxide hydrotherapy bathtub. Methods. We conducted an outbreak investigation and performed a molecular typing of the outbreak strains with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, we reviewed PubMed and the Outbreak Database for MRSA outbreaks related to hydrotherapy or other bathing activities. Results. Four patients acquired nosocomial MRSA during the 4-week outbreak period. Environmental sampling revealed the presence of MRSA in the bathtub used for hydrotherapy. The environmental and the patients’ isolates showed an indistinguishable restriction pattern in the PFGE. Subsequent discontinuation of bathing stopped the outbreak. The literature search found 9 MRSA outbreak reports related to bathing activities or hydrotherapy. Conclusion. The epidemiologic outbreak investigation together with the molecular findings suggests monoclonal spread of MRSA due to surface contamination of the bathtub. After enhancing the disinfection and cleaning process accompanied by staff training with respect to hand hygiene, no further cases occurred. Standardized and best practice cleaning and disinfection protocols are crucial, especially in critical facilities such as hydrotherapy units. Regular environmental sampling is helpful to monitor these processes and to detect potential contamination.
Unicyclic Graphs with the Fourth Extremal Wiener Indices
Authors: Wang Guangfu , Yang Yujun , Cao Yuliang , Xu Shoujun
Published: April 2020

A graph is called unicyclic if the graph contains exactly one cycle. Unicyclic graphs with the fourth extremal Wiener indices are characterized. It is shown that, among all unicyclic graphs with n≥8 vertices, C5Sn−4 and C2u1,u2S3,Sn−4 attain the fourth minimum Wiener index, whereas C3u1,u2P3,Pn−4 attains the fourth maximum Wiener index.
Equivalent Conditions of a Hilbert-Type Multiple Integral Inequality Holding
Authors: Liao Jianquan , Hong Yong , Yang Bicheng
Published: April 2020

Let ∑i=1n1/pi=1pi>1, in this paper, by using the method of weight functions and technique of real analysis; it is proved that the equivalent parameter condition for the validity of multiple integral Hilbert-type inequality ∫R+nKx1,⋯,xn∏i=1nfixi dx1⋯dxn≤M∏i=1nfipi,αi with homogeneous kernel Kx1,⋯,xn of order λ is ∑i=1nαi/pi=λ+n−1, and the calculation formula of its optimal constant factor is obtained. The basic theory and method of constructing a Hilbert-type multiple integral inequality with the homogeneous kernel and optimal constant factor are solved.
Cerebral Mitochondrial Function and Cognitive Performance during Aging: A Longitudinal Study in NMRI Mice
Authors: Reutzel Martina , Grewal Rekha , Dilberger Benjamin , Silaidos Carmina , Joppe Aljoscha , Eckert Gunter P.
Published: April 2020

Brain aging is one of the major risk factors for the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in processes of both, brain aging and neurodegeneration. Aged mice including NMRI mice are established model organisms to study physiological and molecular mechanisms of brain aging. However, longitudinal data evaluated in one cohort are rare but are important to understand the aging process of the brain throughout life, especially since pathological changes early in life might pave the way to neurodegeneration in advanced age. To assess the longitudinal course of brain aging, we used a cohort of female NMRI mice and measured brain mitochondrial function, cognitive performance, and molecular markers every 6 months until mice reached the age of 24 months. Furthermore, we measured citrate synthase activity and respiration of isolated brain mitochondria. Mice at the age of three months served as young controls. At six months of age, mitochondria-related genes (complex IV, creb-1, β-AMPK, and Tfam) were significantly elevated. Brain ATP levels were significantly reduced at an age of 18 months while mitochondria respiration was already reduced in middle-aged mice which is in accordance with the monitored impairments in cognitive tests. mRNA expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (creb-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1-α), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (Nrf-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), and synaptophysin 1 (SYP1)) and the antioxidative defense system (catalase (Cat) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2)) was measured and showed significantly decreased expression patterns in the brain starting at an age of 18 months. BDNF expression reached, a maximum after 6 months. On the basis of longitudinal data, our results demonstrate a close connection between the age-related decline of cognitive performance, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis during the physiological brain aging process.
Synthesis of TiO2/Pd and TiO2/PdO Hollow Spheres and Their Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Yan Jing , Li Xiaojuan , Jin Bo , Zeng Min , Peng Rufang
Published: April 2020

A series of TiO2, TiO2/Pd, and TiO2/PdO hollow sphere photocatalysts was successfully prepared via a combination of hydrothermal, sol-immobilization, and calcination methods. The structure and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Telleranalysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda measurement, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalysis efficiencies of all samples were evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Results indicated that TiO2/PdO demonstrated a higher photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency could reach up to 100% within 40 min) than the other samples and could maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least four cycles. Finally, after using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species for the effectiveness of the TiO2/PdO photocatalyst.
Association of WISP1/CCN4 with Risk of Overweight and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women
Authors: Liu Lei , Hu Jiajin , Yang Liu , Wang Ningning , Liu Yang , Wei Xiaotong , Gao Ming , Wang Yinuo , Ma Yanan , Wen Deliang
Published: April 2020

Background. Obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of adverse outcomes than women with obesity or GDM alone. Our study is aimed at investigating the discriminatory power of circulatory Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), a novel adipocytokine, on the copresence of prepregnancy overweight/obesity and GDM and at clarifying the relationship between the WISP1 level and clinical cardiometabolic parameters. Methods. A total of 313 participants were screened from a multicenter prospective prebirth cohort: Born in Shenyang Cohort Study (BISCS). Subjects were examined with a 2×2 factorial design for body mass index BMI≥24 and GDM. Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, follow-up individuals underwent an OGTT and blood sampling for cardiometabolic characterization. Results. We observed that the WISP1 levels were elevated in prepregnancy overweight/obesity patients with GDM, compared with nonoverweight subjects with normal blood glucose (3.45±0.89 vs. 2.91±0.75 ng/mL). Multilogistic regression analyses after adjustments for potential confounding factors revealed that WISP1 was a strong and independent risk factor for prepregnancy overweight/obesity with GDM (all ORs>1). In addition, the results of the ROC analysis indicated that WISP1 exhibited the capability to identify individuals with prepregnancy overweight/obesity and GDM (all AUC>0.5). Finally, univariate and multivariate linear regression showed that WISP1 level was positively and independently correlated with fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and aspartate aminotransferase and was negatively correlated with HDL-C and complement C1q. Conclusions. WISP1 may be critical for the prediction, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies against obesity and GDM in pregnant women.
A Novel Method to Evaluate the Effect of Slope Blasting under Impact Loading
Authors: Zhou Wenhai , Li Zhenbao , Wu Xin , Wang Shujiang , Lv Yaru , Lou Xiaoming , Du Chaofei , Liang Rui
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the quantitative evaluation of the explosion effect based on the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is proposed to describe the qualitative evaluation results. The selected state characteristic parameters are expressed by two kinds of membership functions, fuzzy normal and triangular distribution membership functions, and preliminary evaluation results are obtained. The validity index of the maximum membership principle is used to assess the accuracy of the evaluation results of two algorithms, and a relevant approaching degree is chosen to optimize the results. The entire evaluation process selects eleven indicators to form an evaluation set, including the boulder yield, root rate, flying distance of flyrock, explosive consumption, postcracking distance, detonator unit consumption, vibration velocity, loose coefficient, cast distance, throw rate, and blasted volume per meter of hole. Part of the indicator parameters are derived from field test monitoring, and another part of the indicator parameters are derived from numerical simulation. The simulation process uses the user-defined material interface function provided by LS-DYNA. And the numerical model of slope blasting is established by embedding the evolution relationship of tensile and compressive damage into the elastoplastic constitutive material. The evaluation method proposed in this paper is used to evaluate the postexplosion effect of Zijin Mountain gold-copper mine slope cast blasting. The results demonstrate that the fuzzy normal distribution membership function can correlate the state characteristic information and evaluation index effectively, and the working condition after explosion can be reflected accurately. Additionally, the influencing factors can be ranked by the importance degrees according to the calculated value of the evaluation index.
Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) Genotypes among Multidrug-Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates from a Teaching Hospital of Nepal
Authors: Pandit Roshan , Awal Balkrishna , Shrestha Sumesh Shreekhanda , Joshi Govardhan , Rijal Basista Prasad , Parajuli Narayan Prasad
Published: April 2020

Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent the most common bacterial infections among patients visiting outpatient clinics of healthcare centers in Nepal. However, treatment of such infections is compounded by emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant uropathogens associated with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the burden of antimicrobial resistance and occurrence of ESBL genes among clinical isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal. During the study period, we processed a total of 1,626 urinary tract specimens, isolated significant bacterial pathogens, and investigated their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Escherichia coli (n = 154), the predominant pathogen associated with UTI, was further investigated for the existence of ESBL enzymes by using conventional phenotypic as well as molecular approaches. Among suspected cases of UTI, we found that 15.2% were having UTI and female patients of the reproductive age group were more affected (p<0.05). Escherichia coli (154, 62.1%) was the key uropathogen, and majority (∼64.9%) of them were multidrug resistant (MDR). Among MDR E. coli isolates, 40.3% were producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). bla-TEM (83.8%), bla-CTX-M (66.1%), and bla-SHV (4.8%) were common ESBL genotypes. Nitrofurantoin, gentamycin, and imipenem were the most effective antibiotics for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates. It indicates that the high rates of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli are frequent causes of UTI in our hospital. Nitrofurantoin and aminoglycosides are the most useful first-line drugs to be used in the cases of UTI. We recommend the regular investigation of drug resistance among all isolates and develop a useful antibiotic prescription policy in our country.
Soil Fatigue from Induced Seismicity
Authors: Zuzulock Merissa L. , Taylor Oliver-Denzil S. , Maerz. Norbert H.
Published: April 2020

Induced seismicity and the effects on civil engineering systems are not completely understood and infrequently studied. One specific area that is not well known is soil fatigue which includes factors such as understanding the natural conditions of the subsurface as well as operational parameters under short duration impulse loads. With the increase of geoinduced seismic activity, soil fatigue becomes of greater concern to structures in the vicinity of this seismic load. The foundations of these structures can be affected by impulse loads which can ultimately cause failure. The lack of quantitative data puts the reliability of these civil engineering systems at risk as they are not fully evaluated to determine if they are functioning as they are intended in the environments they are designed to support.