bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular physiology drives functional brain networks
Authors: Bright Molly G. , Whittaker Joseph R. , Driver Ian D. , Murphy Kevin
Published: December 2018

We present the first evidence for vascular regulation driving fMRI signals in specific functional brain networks. Using concurrent neuronal and vascular stimuli, we collected 30 BOLD fMRI datasets in 10 healthy individuals: a working memory task, flashing checkerboard stimulus, and CO2 inhalation challenge were delivered in concurrent but orthogonal paradigms. The resulting imaging data were averaged together and decomposed using independent component analysis, and three “neuronal networks” were identified as demonstrating maximum temporal correlation with the neuronal stimulus paradigms: Default Mode Network, Task Positive Network, and Visual Network. For each of these, we observed a second network component with high spatial overlap. Using dual regression in the original 30 datasets, we extracted the time-series associated with these network pairs and calculated the percent of variance explained by the neuronal or vascular stimuli using a normalized R2 parameter. In each pairing, one network was dominated by the appropriate neuronal stimulus, and the other was dominated by the vascular stimulus as represented by the end-tidal CO2 time-series recorded in each scan. We acquired a second dataset in 8 of the original participants, where no CO2 challenge was delivered and CO2 levels fluctuated naturally with breathing variations. Although splitting of functional networks was not robust in these data, performing dual regression with the network maps from the original analysis in this new dataset successfully replicated our observations. Thus, in addition to responding to localized metabolic changes, the brain’s vasculature may be regulated in a coordinated manner that mimics (and potentially supports) specific functional brain networks. Multi-modal imaging and advances in fMRI acquisition and analysis could facilitate further study of the dual nature of functional brain networks. It will be critical to understand network-specific vascular function, and the behavior of a coupled vascular-neural network, in future studies of brain pathology.
Identifying task-relevant spectral signatures of perceptual categorization in the human cortex
Authors: Kuzovkin Ilya , Vidal Juan R. , Perrone-Bertlotti Marcela , Kahane Philippe , Rheims Sylvain , Aru Jaan , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Vicente Raul
Published: December 2018

Human brain has developed mechanisms to efficiently decode sensory information according to perceptual categories of high prevalence in the environment, such as faces, symbols, objects. Neural activity produced within localized brain networks has been associated with the process that integrates both sensory bottom-up and cognitive top-down information processing. Yet, how specifically the different types and components of neural responses reflect the local networks' selectivity for categorical information processing is still unknown. By mimicking the decoding of the sensory information with machine learning we can obtain accurate artificial decoding models. Having the artificial system functionally on par with the biological one we can analyze the mechanics of the artificial system to gain insights into the inner workings of its biological counterpart. In this work we train a Random Forest classification model to decode eight perceptual categories from visual stimuli given a broad spectrum of human intracranial signals 4-150 Hz obtained during a visual perception task, and analyze which of the spectral features the algorithm deemed relevant to the perceptual decoding. We show that network selectivity for a single or multiple categories in sensory and non-sensory cortices is related to specific patterns of power increases and decreases in both low 4-50 Hz and high 50-150 Hz frequency bands. We demonstrate that the locations and patterns of activity that are identified by the algorithm not only coincide with the known spectro-spatial signatures, but extend our knowledge by uncovering additional spectral signatures describing neural mechanisms of visual category perception in human brain.
Novel cytokine interactions identified during perturbed hematopoiesis
Authors: Krieger Madison S. , Moreau Joshua M , Zhang Haiyu , Chien May , Zehnder James L , Nowak Martin A , Craig Morgan
Published: December 2018

Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process involving the up- and down-regulation of genes, as well as feed-back loops that stimulate or suppress circulating cytokine concentrations. More complete pictures of the gene regulatory networks that control the production of the blood system have emerged with the advent of single-cell sequencing techniques and refinements to the capabilities of immunoassays. However, information about the regulatory networks of cytokines is still lacking. A novel mathematical technique (convergent cross-mapping, or CCM) allows for the extraction of causal relationships from data, which is of crucial importance for understanding these networks. To reconstruct the cytokine networks within the hematopoietic system we measured the concentrations of 62 cytokines, platelets, and thrombopoietin from an individual with cyclic thrombocytopenia (regular oscillations in the megakaryocytes and platelets) over 84 days. Using CCM, we identified 61 previously unreported cytokine relationships. Our approach is the first broad-scale investigation into causal relationships between cytokines in the blood and suggests a new paradigm for understanding how dynamic regulation occurs during hematopoiesis.
Effects of male age and female presence on male associations in a large, polygynous mammal in southern India
Authors: Keerthipriya P. , Nandini S. , Vidya T.N.C.
Published: December 2018

We present a detailed study of male associations in a roving species, the Asian elephant, using six years of data on identified, nonmusth males. Adult males spent greater proportions of their time solitarily than in mixed-sex or in all-male groups. Old (over 30 years) males were sighted more frequently with their age-peers and less frequently with young (15-30 years) males than expected at random in all-male groups. Young males were not sighted more frequently with old males than with young males, and did not disproportionately initiate associations with old males. These results suggest that male associations, in the absence of females, primarily allow for old nonmusth males to test strengths against age-peers. Social learning from older individuals did not seem to be important in male associations, unlike that observed in African savannah elephants. We also found a constraint on the sizes of all-male groups, similar to that seen in female groups in our study population, and with male group sizes being smaller than that of African savannah elephants. However, most males had a significant top associate in female absence. In mixed-sex groups, male associations occurred at random, suggesting that males were tracking female groups independently. Thus, we find some differences in male social organisation compared to the phylogenetically related African savannah elephant that occupies a similar niche, and suggest that ecological factors might have shaped the differences in these male societies.
A universal set of primers to study animal associated microeukaryotic communities
Authors: Campo Javier del , Pons Maria J. , Herranz Maria , Wakeman Kevin C. , Valle Juana del , Vermeij Mark J. A. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: December 2018

Background

Unlike the study of bacterial microbiomes, the study of the microeukaryotes associated with animals has largely been restricted to visual identification or molecular targeting of particular groups. The application of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) approaches, such as those used to look at bacteria, has been restricted because the barcoding gene traditionally used to study microeukaryotic ecology and distribution in the environment, the Small Subunit of the Ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA), is also present in the animal host. As a result, when host-associated microbial eukaryotes are analyzed by HTS, the obtained reads tend to be dominated by host sequences.

Results

We have done an in-silico validation against the SILVA 18S rRNA reference database of contrametazoan primers that cover the V4 region of the 18S rRNA, and compared these with universal V4 18S rRNA primers that are widely used by the microbial ecology community. We observe that the contrametazoan primers recover only 2.6% of all the metazoan sequences present in SILVA, while the universal primers recover up to 20%. Among metazoans, the contrametazoan primers are predicted to amplify 74% of Porifera sequences and 4% and 15% of ctenophore and Cnidaria, respectively, while amplifying almost no sequences within Bilateria.

We tested these predictions in-vivo, and observed that contrametazoan primers amplify the 18SrRNA from two ctenophore species, but reduce significantly the metazoan signal from material derived from coral and from human samples. When compared in-vivo against universal primers, contrametazoan primers worked in 8 out of 9 samples, providing at worst a 2-fold decrease in the number of metazoan reads, and at best a 2800-fold decrease.

Conclusions

We have validated an easy, inexpensive, and near-universal method for the study of microeukaryotes associated with animal hosts using 18S rRNA Illumina metabarcoding. This method will contribute to a better understanding of microbial communities, as they related to the wellbeing of animals and humans.
FtsZ assembles the bacterial cell division machinery by a diffusion-and-capture mechanism
Authors: Baranova Natalia , Radler Philipp , Hernández-Rocamora Víctor M. , Alfonso Carlos , López-Pelegrín Mar , Rivas German , Vollmer Waldemar , Loose Martin
Published: December 2018

The mechanism of bacterial cell division is largely unknown. The protein machinery performing cell division is organized by FtsZ, a tubulin-homolog that forms treadmilling filaments at the cell division site. Treadmilling is thought to actively move proteins around the cell thereby distributing peptidoglycan synthesis to make two new cell poles. To understand this process, we reconstituted part of the bacterial cell division machinery using the purified components FtsZ, FtsA and truncated transmembrane proteins essential for cell division. We found that membrane-bound cytosolic peptides of FtsN and FtsQ co-migrated with treadmilling FtsZ-FtsA filaments. Remarkably, rather than moving in a directed fashion, individual peptides followed FtsZ filaments by a diffusion-and-capture mechanism. Our work provides a mechanism for how the Z-ring dynamically recruits divisome proteins and highlights the importance of transient interactions for the self-organization of complex biological structures. We propose that this mechanism is used more widely to organize and transmit spatiotemporal information in living cells.

One Sentence Summary

FtsZ treadmilling assembles bacterial division machinery by diffusion-and-capture mechanism.
Volumetric reconstruction of main Caenorhabditis elegans neuropil at two different time points
Authors: Brittin Christopher A , Cook Steven J , Hall David H , Emmons Scott W , Cohen Netta
Published: December 2018

Detailed knowledge of both synaptic connectivity and the spatial proximity of neurons is crucial for understanding wiring specificity in the nervous system. Here, we volumetrically reconstructed the C. Elegans nerve ring from legacy serial-sectioned electron micrographs at two distinct time points: the L4 and young adult. The new volumetric reconstructions provide detailed spatial and morphological information of neural processes in the nerve ring. Our analysis suggests that the nerve ring exhibits three levels of wiring specificity: spatial, synaptic and subcellular. Neuron classes innervate well defined neighborhoods and aggregate functionally similar synapses to support distinct computational pathways. Connectivity fractions vary based on neuron class and synapse type. We find that the variability in process placement accounts for less than 20% of the variability in synaptic connectivity and models based only on spatial information cannot account for the reproducibility of synaptic connections among homologous neurons. This suggests that additional, non-spatial factors also contribute to synaptic and subcellular specificity. With this in mind, we conjecture that a spatially constrained, genetic model could provide sufficient synaptic specificity. Using a model of cell-specific combinatorial genetic expression, we show that additional specificity, such as sub-cellular domains or alternative splicing, would be required to reproduce the wiring specificity in the nerve ring.
Norepinephrine improves attentional orienting in a predictive context
Authors: Reynaud Amelie , Froesel Mathilda , Guedj Carole , Ben Hadj Hassen Sameh , Clery Justine , Meunier Martine , Ben Hamed Suliann , Hadj-Bouziane Fadila
Published: December 2018

The role of norepinephrine (NE) in visuo-spatial attention remains poorly understood. Our goal was to identify the attentional processes under the influence of NE and to characterize these influences. We tested the effects of atomoxetine injections (ATX), a NE-reuptake inhibitor that boosts the level of NE in the brain, on seven monkeys performing a saccadic cued task in which cues and distractors were used to manipulate spatial attention. We found that when the cue accurately predicted the location of the upcoming cue in 80% of the trials, ATX consistently improved attentional orienting, as measured from reaction times (RTs). These effects were best accounted for by a faster accumulation rate in the valid trials, rather than by a change in the decision threshold. By contrast, the effect of ATX on alerting and distractor interference was more mitigated. Finally, we also found that, under ATX, RTs to non-cued targets were longer when these were presented separately from cued targets. This suggests that the impact of NE on visuo-spatial attention depends on the context, such that the adaptive changes elicited by the highly informative value of the cues in the most frequent trials were accompanied by a cost in the less frequent trials.
3D Chromatin Architecture Remodeling during Human Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Reveals A Role Of HERV-H In Demarcating Chromatin Domains
Authors: Zhang Yanxiao , Li Ting , Preissl Sebastian , Grinstein Jonathan , Farah Elie N. , Destici Eugin , Lee Ah Young , Chee Sora , Qiu Yunjiang , Ma Kaiyue , Ye Zhen , Hu Rong , Zhu Quan , Huang Hui , Fang Rongxin , Yu Leqian , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Wu Jun , Evans Sylvia M. , Chi Neil C. , Ren Bing
Published: December 2018

Dynamic restructuring of chromatin architecture has been implicated in cell-type specific gene regulatory programs; yet, how chromatin remodels during lineage specification remains to be elucidated. Through interrogating chromatin reorganization during human cardiomyocyte differentiation, we uncover dynamic chromatin interactions between genes and distal regulatory elements harboring noncoding variants associated with adult and congenital heart diseases. Unexpectedly, we also discover a new class of human pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-specific topologically associating domains (TAD) that are created by the actively transcribed endogenous retrotransposon HERV-H. Deletion or silencing of specific HERV-H elements eliminates corresponding TAD boundaries, while de novo insertion of HERV-H can introduce new chromatin domain boundaries in human PSCs. Furthermore, comparative analysis of chromatin architecture in other species that lack HERV-H sequences supports a role for actively transcribed HERV-H in demarcating human PSC-specific TADs. The biological role of HERV-H is further underscored by the observation that deletion of a specific HERV-H reduces transcription of genes upstream and facilitates cell differentiation. Overall, our results highlight a previously unrecognized role for retrotransposons in restructuring genome architecture in the human genome and delineate dynamic gene regulatory networks during cardiomyocyte development that inform how non-coding genetic variants contribute to human heart diseases.
Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Among Gram Negative Bacterial Isolates from Patients in Khartoum State Hospitals
Authors: Elbadawi Hana Salaheldin , Elhag Kamal Mustafa , Mahgoub Elsheikh , Altayb Hisham N , Abdel Hamid Muzamil Mahdi
Published: December 2018

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram-negative bacilli is a global health problem. Surveillance of AMR is required to advise on empirical antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed at evaluating the frequency and the AMR patterns of Gram-negative isolates from patients treated in eight hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Methods

A cross-sectional laboratory based study was conducted over six months period at the microbiology department, Soba University Hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan. All Gram-negative isolates from blood, urine, wound, and sputum during the period of study were included.

Results

A total of 734 Gram-negative bacilli were isolated. Klebsiella spp. 249 (34%) was the most frequently encountered one, followed by Pseudomonas spp. 153(21%), E.coli 123(17%), Acinetobacter spp. 75 (10%), Burkholderia cepacia 42(6%), Proteus spp. 28(4%) Enterobacter spp. 28(4%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 21(2.8%), and others gram-negative bacilli 15(2.2%) The analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns showed that 134 (22.3%) isolates were multidrug resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics including cephalosporins, β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor group, quinolones, aminoglycosides and carbapenems.

Conclusion

This high level of resistance among Gram-negative bacilli in Khartoum state hospitals is alarming. The local health authorities are prompted to step up infection control program and introduce the concept of antimicrobial stewardship in Khartoum State hospitals.
Differential responses of antioxidants and dehydrin expression in two switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) cultivars contrasting in drought tolerance
Authors: Liu Yiming , Hu Guofu , Wu Guoqiang , Liu Guodao , Huan Hengfu , Ding Xipeng , Yan Linling , Li Xinyong , Zhao Bingyu , Zhang Xunzhong
Published: December 2018

Drought stress is a major limiting factor for plant growth and development in many regions of the world. This study was designed to investigate antioxidant metabolism and dehydrin expression responses to drought stress in two switchgrass cultivars (drought tolerant Alamo, and drought sensitive Dacotah) contrasting in drought tolerance. The plants were subjected to well-watered [100% evapotranspiration (ET)] or drought stress (30%-50% ET) conditions for up to 24 d in growth chambers. Drought stress decreased leaf relative water content (RWC), increased leaf electrolyte leakage (EL), leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content in two cultivars, but Alamo exhibited higher leaf RWC level, lower leaf EL and MDA when compared to Dacotah at 24 d of drought treatment. Drought stress also increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in two cultivars, Alamo had relatively higher SOD, CAT and APX activities and greater abundance of SOD and APX isozymes than Dacotah at 24 d of drought treatment. Alamo had higher abundance of 55 KDa and 18 KDa dehydrin accumulation than Dacotah under drought treatment. Relative genes expression level of PvCAT1, PvAPX2, PvERD and PvPIP1;5 in Alamo were significantly higher than Dacotah at 24 d of drought treatment. These results suggest that increase in antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of dehydrin were highly related with switchgrass drought tolerance. Antioxidant enzyme activity, isozyme expression and dehydrin abundance could provide a useful screening tool to identify relative drought tolerance in switchgrass cultivars.
Identification of new transmembrane proteins concentrated at the nuclear envelope using organellar proteomics of mesenchymal cells
Authors: Cheng Li-Chun , Baboo Sabyasachi , Lindsay Cory , Brusman Liza , Martinez-Bartolomé Salvador , Tapia Olga , Zhang Xi , Yates John R. , Gerace Larry
Published: December 2018

The nuclear envelope (NE) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) subdomain that contains characteristic components dedicated to nuclear functions. These include nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) – the channels for nucleocytoplasmic transport, and the nuclear lamina (NL) – a scaffold for NE and chromatin organization at the nuclear periphery. Since numerous human diseases associated with NE/NL proteins occur in mesenchyme-derived cells, a more comprehensive characterization of proteins concentrated at the NE in these cell types is warranted. Accordingly, we used proteomics to analyze NE and other subcellular fractions isolated from mesenchymal stem cells and from differentiated adipocytes and myocytes. We evaluated the proteomics datasets to calculate relative protein enrichment in the NE fraction, using a spectral abundance-based scoring system that accurately described most benchmark proteins. We then examined five high-scoring transmembrane proteins expressed in all three cell types that were not previously known to be enriched at the NE. Using quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy to track ectopically expressed proteins, we validated that all five of these components are substantially concentrated at the NE of multiple cell types. One (Itprip) is exposed to the outer nuclear membrane, a second (Smpd4) is enriched at the NPC, and the three others (Mfsd10, Tmx4, and Arl6ip6) are suggested to reside in the inner nuclear membrane. Considering their sequences and other features, these proteins provide new focal points for studying the functions and membrane dynamics of the NE. Our datasets should be useful for identifying additional NE-concentrated proteins, and for evaluating candidates that are identified in screening.
Myeloid cell and transcriptome signatures associated with inflammation resolution in a model of self-limiting acute brain inflammation
Authors: Davies Claire L , Patir Anirudh , McColl Barry W
Published: December 2018

Inflammation contributes to tissue repair and restoration of function after infection or injury. However, some forms of inflammation can cause tissue damage and disease, particularly if inappropriately activated, excessive, or not resolved adequately. The mechanisms that prevent excessive or chronic inflammation are therefore important to understand. This is particularly important in the central nervous system where some effects of inflammation can have particularly harmful consequences, including irreversible damage. An increasing number of neurological disorders, both acute and chronic, and their complications are associated with aberrant neuroinflammatory activity.

Here we describe a model of self-limiting acute brain inflammation optimised to study mechanisms underlying inflammation resolution. Inflammation was induced by intracerebral injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the temporal profile of key cellular and molecular changes were defined during the progression of the inflammatory response. The kinetics of accumulation and loss of neutrophils in the brain enabled well demarcated phases of inflammation to be operatively defined, including induction and resolution phases. Microglial reactivity and accumulation of monocyte-derived macrophages were maximal at the onset of and during the resolution phase. We profiled the transcriptome-wide gene expression changes at representative induction and resolution timepoints and used gene coexpression network analysis to identify gene clusters. This revealed a distinct cluster of genes associated with inflammation resolution that were induced selectively or maximally during this phase and indicated an active programming of gene expression that may drive resolution as has been described in other tissues. Induction of gene networks involved in lysosomal function, lipid metabolism and a comparative switch to MHC-II antigen presentation (relative to MHC-I during induction) were prominent during the resolution phase. The restoration and/or further induction of microglial homeostatic signature genes was notable during the resolution phase.

We propose the current model as a tractable reductionist system to complement more complex models for further understanding how inflammation resolution in the brain is regulated and as a platform for in vivo testing/screening of candidate resolution-modifying interventions. Our data highlight how resolution involves active cellular and transcriptome reprogramming and identify candidate gene networks associated with resolution-phase adaptations that warrant further study.
A refutation to 'A new A-P compartment boundary and organizer in holometabolous insect wings.'
Authors: Lawrence Peter A. , Casal Jose , de Celis Jose F. , Morata Gines
Published: December 2018

We respond to a recent report by Abbasi and Marcus who present two main findings: first they argue that there is an organiser and a compartment boundary within the posterior compartment of the butterfly wing. Second, they present evidence for a previously undiscovered lineage boundary near wing vein 5 in Drosophila, a boundary that delineates a "far posterior" compartment. Clones of cells were marked with the yellow mutation and they reported that these clones always fail to cross a line close to vein 5 on the Drosophila wing. In our hands yellow proved an unusable marker for clones in the wing blade and therefore we reexamined the matter. We marked clones of cells with multiple wing hairs or forked and found a substantial proportion of these clones cross the proposed lineage boundary near vein 5, in conflict with their findings and conclusion. As internal controls we showed that these same clones respect the other two well established compartment boundaries: the anteroposterior compartment boundary is always respected. The dorsoventral boundary is mostly respected, and is crossed only by clones that are induced early in development, consistent with many reports. We question the validity of Abbasi and Marcus' conclusions regarding the butterfly wing but present no new data.
Arising from: R. Abbasi and J. M. Marcus Sci. Rep. 7, 16337 (2017); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16553-5 .
Ultra-deep, long-read nanopore sequencing of mock microbial community standards
Authors: Nicholls Samuel M , Quick Joshua C , Tang Shuiquan , Loman Nicholas J
Published: December 2018

Background: Long sequencing reads are information-rich: aiding de novo assembly and reference mapping, and consequently have great potential for the study of microbial communities. However, the best approaches for analysis of long-read metagenomic data are unknown. Additionally, rigorous evaluation of bioinformatics tools is hindered by a lack of long-read data from validated samples with known composition.
Methods: We sequenced two commercially-available mock communities containing ten microbial species (ZymoBIOMICS Microbial Community Standards) with Oxford Nanopore GridION and PromethION. Isolates from the same mock community were sequenced individually with Illumina HiSeq.
Data: We generated 14 and 16 Gbp from GridION flowcells and 146 and 148 Gbp from PromethION flowcells for the even and odd communities respectively. Read length N50 was 5.3 Kbp and 5.2 Kbp for the even and log community, respectively. Basecalls and corresponding signal data are made available (4.2 TB in total).
Results: Alignment to Illumina-sequenced isolates demonstrated the expected microbial species at anticipated abundances, with the limit of detection for the lowest abundance species below 50 cells (GridION). De novo assembly of metagenomes recovered long contiguous sequences without the need for pre-processing techniques such as binning.
Conclusions: We present ultra-deep, long-read nanopore datasets from a well-defined mock community. These datasets will be useful for those developing bioinformatics methods for long-read metagenomics and for the validation and comparison of current laboratory and software pipelines.
Thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America
Authors: de Morais Fernandes Fábia Cheyenne Gomes , de Souza Dyego Leandro Bezerra , Curado Maria Paula , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: December 2018

This study analyzed trends in thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in countries of Latin America. Ecological study of time series, with incidence data extracted from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in the 1990-2012 period and mortality data obtained from 16 countries of the World Health Organization (WHO), in the 1995-2013 period. The trend of incidence rate was analyzed by the Joinpoint regression. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) were calculated for incidence and mortality. The average rate of thyroid cancer incidence was higher in Quito (Ecuador) between the ages of 40 to 59 years old, 42.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as well as mortality 4.8 deaths per 100,000 women inhabitants above 60 years old. There was an increase in thyroid cancer incidence trends in women, for all age groups, in Cali, Costa Rica and Quito and men in Costa Rica; there was stability above the age of 60 years old in Cali, Goiania, Quito and Valdivia in men, as well as women in Goiania and Valdivia. There was a trend of increasing mortality for females in three countries: Ecuador (AAPC= 3,28 CI 95% 1,36;5,24), Guatemala (AAPC= 6,14 CI 95% 2,81;9,58) and Mexico (AAPC= 0,67 CI 95% 0,16;1,18). Thyroid cancer in Latin America showed a high incidence, with increased incidence in women. Stability in mortality was observed for most countries of Latin America.
Nifedipine Modulated Renal Lipogenesis via AMPK-SREBP Transcriptional Pathways
Authors: Lin Yen-Chung , Wu Mai-Szu , Chen Chang-Rong , Chen Chang-Yu , Chen Chang-Jui , Chen Kuan-Chou , Peng Chiung-Chi
Published: December 2018

The hypothesis being tested

Lipid accumulation in renal cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related kidney disease, and lipotoxicity occurring in kidney can be considered to be a surrogate marker for renal failure or renal fibrosis. Nifedipine-induced lipotoxicity in kidney has never been cited, although a few literature had shown that Nifedipine inhibited lipogenesis via activation of the LKB1-AMPK pathway. Previously, we had recognized in our laboratory some events that seemingly were associated with lipogenesis affected by administration of Nifedipine.
Hyaluronidase: the spreading factor of Tityus serrulatus venom
Authors: Oliveira-Mendes Bárbara Bruna Ribeiro de , Miranda Sued Eustáquio Mendes , Sales-Medina Douglas Ferreira , Magalhães Bárbara de Freitas , Kalapothakis Yan , Souza Renan Pedra de , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , de Barros André Luís Branco , Guerra-Duarte Clara , Kalapothakis Evanguedes , Horta Carolina Campolina Rebello
Published: December 2018

Background:
The hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need.
Methods and principal findings:
We used technetium-99m radiolabeled Tityus serrulatus venom (99mTc-TsV) to evaluate the venom distribution kinetics in mice. To understand the hyaluronidase’s role in the venom’s biodistribution, 99mTc-TsV was immunoneutralized with specific anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum. Venom biodistribution was monitored by scintigraphic images of treated animals and by measuring radioactivity levels in tissues as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, thyroid, and kidneys. In general, results revealed that hyaluronidase inhibition delays venom components distribution, when compared to the non-neutralized 99mTc-TsV control group. Scintigraphic images showed that the majority of the immunoneutralized venom is retained at the injection site, whereas non-treated venom is quickly biodistributed throughout the animal’s body. At the first 30 minutes, concentration peaks are observed in the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, which gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV takes 240 minutes to reach high concentrations in the organs. A higher concentration of immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was observed in the kidneys in comparison with the non-treated venom. Further, in situ neutralization of 99mTc-TsV by anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum at zero, ten, and 30 minutes post venom injection showed that late inhibition of hyaluronidase can still affect venom biodistribution. In this assay, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was accumulated in the bloodstream until 120 or 240 minutes after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration time. Altogether, our data show that immunoneutralization of hyaluronidase prevents venom spreading from the injection site.
Conclusions:
The results obtained in the present work show that hyaluronidase has a key role not only in the venom spreading from the inoculation point to the bloodstream, but also in venom biodistribution from the bloodstream to target organs. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronidase is indeed an important spreading factor of TsV, and its inhibition can be used as a novel first-aid strategy in envenoming.
Corrosion behavior and adhesion strength of PEO/Epoxy duplex coating applied on aluminum alloy
Authors: Hosseini Rad Reza , Toorani Mansoor , Zarei HamidReza
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to increase protection behavior of epoxy coating on aluminum alloys with plasma electrolitic oxidation (PEO) process as pretreatment and to investigate the corrosion properties of duplex coating system on aluminum alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used micro structure study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) investigation, water uptake investigation and pull-off test.

Findings

This study was done to investigate the effect of urea as an additive, which alters the current density and time of process parameters in the protective performance of epoxy coating on the aluminum substrate. The protective behavior of double-layer coatings was examined using EIS in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution. In addition, the adhesion strength of double-layer coatings was evaluated using pull-off test, and the results demonstrated that the adhesion strength of sample with higher content of urea and current density is about two times that of sample without PEO preparation.

Originality/value

The protective properties and adhesion strength of epoxy coating can be increased with PEO pretreatment.
Precipitation condition and effect of volume fraction on corrosion properties of secondary phase on casted super-duplex stainless steel UNS S32750
Authors: Shin Byung-Hyun , Kim Dohyung , Park Sanghyup , Hwang Myungwon , Park Junghyun , Chung Wonsub
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The secondary phase decreased the corrosion resistance because of the segregation of Cr and Mo. Therefore, this paper aims to study the precipitation condition and the effect of secondary phase with volume fraction on corrosion behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary phase precipitated approximately from 375°C to 975°C because of saturated Cr and Mo at grain boundary by growth of austenite. Therefore, heat treatment from 800°C to 1,300°C was applied to start the precipitation of the secondary phase.

Findings

The secondary phase is precipitated at 1,020°C because of segregation by heterogeneous austenite. The growth of austenite at 1,000°C needs the time to saturate the Cr and Mo at grain boundary. When the volume fraction of austenite is 56 per cent (14 min at 1,000°C), the secondary phase is precipitated with grain boundary of austenite. The secondary phase increased the current density (corrosion rate) and decreased the passivation. That is checked to the critical pitting temperature (CPT) curves. The 1 per cent volume fraction of secondary phase decreased CPT to 60°C from 71°C.

Research limitations/implications

The precipitation of secondary phase not wants anyone. Casted super-duplex stainless steel (SDSS) of big size precipitates the secondary phase. This study worked the precipitation condition and the suppression conditions of secondary phase.

Social implications

Manufacturers need precipitation condition to make high-performance SDSS.

Originality/value

The corrosion resistance of SDSS is hard the optimization because SDSS is dual-phase stainless steel. The precipitation of the secondary phase must be controlled to optimize of the corrosion resistance of SDSS. Anyone not studied the precipitation condition of secondary phase and the effect of secondary phase with volume fraction on corrosion behavior of SDSS.
A turning point in Sino–Canadian relations: 1968 and the favourable political climate
Authors: Li Simon K.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the key domestic conundrums which led to the possibility of rapprochement between Canada and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a “low politics” approach which emphasizes on individual actors and domestic issues that led to Sino–Canadian rapprochement, this paper draws from both primary and secondary sources which include archives and various historical documents to examine domestic socio-political and economic factors that led to the improved relations between the two states.

Findings

Sino–Canadian rapprochement was, on the one hand, the result of an increase in liberal activism and intensive socio-political change during the Quiet Revolution in Quebec (where public opinions mattered for federal party leaders) as a consequence of the collapse of ultra-conservative and anti-communist policies under the Duplessis era. Meanwhile, the PRC’s worsening economic situation as a result of the Cultural Revolution and Sino-Soviet tensions of 1968 placed China in a desperate situation to seek foreign aid. With the emergence of Pierre Trudeau’s era and Zhou Enlai’s diplomatic expertise, a further dialogue emerged which subsequently led to the normalization of relations in 1970.

Originality/value

Usually Canadian scholars studying China regarded 1970 as the watershed in Sino–Canadian relations, but this paper is going to illustrate that even two years before the diplomatic rapprochement, a turning point had already occurred which is 1968.
Supply Chain Resilience: A Case of Balancing the Supply Chain for Long-term Sustainability
Authors: Pettit Timothy J.
Published: December 2018

The i-AM Tablet is an evolving gadget in a world of fast-paced technological change. Facing a new partnership with a major customer, the market for the i-AM is about to explode! This case explores the innovative concept of Supply Chain Resilience as the CEO of i-AM, Inc, develops a strategic plan for expansion. This case is based on theory and practices evolved at the Dow Chemical Company.
Reflections on the L’Aquila trial and the social dimensions of disaster risk
Authors: Imperiale Angelo Jonas , Vanclay Frank
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on what can be learned about disaster risk reduction (DRR) from the L’Aquila trial of scientists. The court case was initiated because of a controversial meeting on 31 March 2009 of the Major Risks Committee (MRC), held under the auspices of the Italian Department of Civil Protection. The purpose of the meeting was to consider (prior to the fatal earthquake of 6 April 2009) disaster risk in the L’Aquila area, which was being affected by an earthquake swarm since October 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a document analysis of trial materials, and a review of academic and media commentary about the trial.

Findings

The legal process revealed that disaster governance was inadequate and not informed by the DRR paradigm or international guidelines. Risk assessment was carried out only in a techno-scientific manner, with little acknowledgement of the social issues influencing risks at the local community level. There was no inclusion of local knowledge or engagement of local people in transformative DRR strategies.

Originality/value

Most previous commentary is inadequate in terms of not considering the institutional, scientific and social responsibilities for DRR as exposed by the trial. This paper is unique in that it considers the contents of the MRC meeting as well as all trial documents. It provides a comprehensive reflection on the implications of this case for DRR and the resilience of peoples and places at risk. It highlights that a switch from civil protection to community empowerment is needed to achieve sustainable outcomes at the local level.
Grey literature archiving pattern in open access (OA) repositories with special emphasis on Indian OA repositories
Authors: Shivaram B.S. , Biradar B.S.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the grey literature archiving pattern at open-access repositories with special reference to Indian open-access repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

The Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) was used to collect data from different document types archived by open-access repositories across the world. Data were collected by advanced search and browse features available at the BASE on document types, the number of repositories by country wise and Indian academic and research repositories. Data were tabulated using MS Excel for further analysis.

Findings

Findings indicated that open-access repositories across the world are primarily archiving reviewed literature. Grey literature is archived more at European and North American repositories compared to rest of the world. Reports, theses, dissertations and data sets are the major grey document types archived. In India, a significant contributor to the BASE index with 146 open-access sources, reviewed literature is the largest archived document types, and grey literature is above world average due to the presence of theses and dissertations at repositories of academic institutions.

Originality/value

Grey literature is considered as valuable sources of information for research and development. The study enables to get insights about the amount of grey content archived at open-access repositories. These findings can further be used to investigate the reasons/technology limitations for the lesser volume of grey content in repositories. Furthermore, this study helps to better understand the grey literature archiving pattern and need for corrective measures based on the success stories of repositories of Europe and North America.
Modelling the subjective experience of fun at work
Authors: Clancy Maeve , Linehan Carol
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain some divergent findings on experiences of fun at work. It explains conflicting findings by moving from a focus on classifying the activity (as, e.g. task/managed/organic) to foregrounding the dynamics of the experience, adding to the growing conceptualisation of fun at work as a multi-dimensional construct.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on empirical data obtained through case study and interviews with 13 participants from two organisations. These interviews were subjected to intense thematic analysis.

Findings

It was found that an individual’s underlying beliefs about the organisation; the perceived drivers of the fun practice; and the level of control exerted over a fun practice significantly shape the experience. The paper draws on the concept of the psychological contract to frame the relationship between these three key interacting elements.

Practical implications

This paper provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of fun experiences, enabling management to better recognise and contextualise the impact of fun practices.

Originality/value

Given conflicting findings on both the experience and outcomes of fun at work, this study elucidates the dynamics underpinning the experience of fun at work. It is novel to consider experiences of fun through the lens of psychological contracts, which offers fresh insight into the understanding of individual experiences of fun.
Effect of wall-mounted V-baffle position in a turbulent flow through a channel
Authors: Menni Younes , Azzi Ahmed , Chamkha Ali J. , Harmand Souad
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a numerical study on the dynamic and thermal behavior of a fluid with a constant property and flowing turbulently through a two-dimensional horizontal rectangular channel. The upper surface was put in a constant temperature condition, while the lower one was thermally insulated. Two transverse, solid-type obstacles, having different shapes, i.e. flat rectangular and V-shaped, were inserted into the channel and fixed to the top and bottom walls of the channel, in a periodically staggered manner to force vortices to improve the mixing, and consequently the heat transfer. The flat rectangular obstacle was put in the first position and was placed on the hot top wall of the channel. However, the second V-shaped obstacle was placed on the insulated bottom wall, at an attack angle of 45°; its position was varied to find the optimum configuration for optimal heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid is considered Newtonian, incompressible with constant properties. The Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations, along with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model and the energy equation, are used to control the channel flow model. The finite volume method is used to integrate all the equations in two-dimensions; the commercial CFD software FLUENT along with the SIMPLE-algorithm is used for pressure-velocity coupling. Various values of the Reynolds number and obstacle spacing were selected to perform the numerical runs, using air as the working medium.

Findings

The channel containing the flat fin and the 45° V-shaped baffle with a large Reynolds number gave higher heat transfer and friction loss than the one with a smaller Reynolds number. Also, short separation distances between obstacles provided higher values of the ratios Nu/Nu0 and f/f0 and a larger thermal enhancement factor (TEF) than do larger distances.

Originality/value

This is an original work, as it uses a novel method for the improvement of heat transfer in completely new flow geometry.
A comprehensive review on natural convection flow and heat transfer
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Dehghan Saee Ali , Kasaeipoor Abbas , Hasani Malekshah Emad
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a comprehensive review of some latest studies devoted to natural convection phenomenon in the enclosures because of its significant industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Geometries of the enclosures have considerable influences on the heat transfer which will be important in energy consumption. The most useful geometries in engineering fields are treated in this literature, and their effects on the fluid flow and heat transfer are presented.

Findings

A great variety of geometries included with different physical and thermal boundary conditions, heat sources and fluid/nanofluid media are analyzed. Moreover, the results of different types of methods including experimental, analytical and numerical are obtained. Different natures of natural convection phenomenon including laminar, steady-state and transient, turbulent are covered. Overall, the present review enhances the insight of researchers into choosing the best geometry for thermal process.

Originality/value

A comprehensive review on the most practical geometries in the industrial application is performed.